Comparing the relaxing effects of two anesthetics on hormone-induced uterine muscle contractions in pregnant and nonpregnant rats

Oxytocin significantly increased the amplitude and duration of contractions in isolated myometrium from pregnant rats.

• Oxytocin was shown to enhance contraction strength and length in longitudinal myometrial strips but did not affect how often contractions occurred.
• Desflurane and sevoflurane both reduced the strength, length, and frequency of contractions in a dose-dependent manner, except for the lowest dose in nonpregnant rats.
• The sensitivity to the inhibitory effects of desflurane and sevoflurane was greater in myometrium from pregnant rats compared to nonpregnant rats.
• The inhibitory effects of desflurane and sevoflurane were found to be similar in their potency.

Simplified