Cigarette smoke extract enhances oxytocin-induced rhythmic contractions of rat and human preterm myometrium

Cigarette smoke extract significantly increases contractile sensitivity to oxytocin in preterm myometrium.

• Contractile sensitivity to oxytocin was significantly higher in rat myometrial strips exposed to cigarette smoke extract compared to controls.
• There was no significant difference in contractile activity between cigarette smoke extract and control groups.
• Expression levels of oxytocin receptor mRNA were significantly elevated in rat myometrial strips exposed to cigarette smoke extract.
• Similarly, human preterm myometrial strips showed increased oxytocin receptor mRNA expression when exposed to cigarette smoke extract.
• These findings indicate a potential mechanism by which smoking may increase the risk of preterm delivery.

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