Functional involvement of protein kinase C, Rho-kinase and TRPC3 decreases while PLC increases with advancement of pregnancy in mediating oxytocin-induced myometrial contractions in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

Uterine contractions in pregnant buffaloes are more sensitive to oxytocin than in non-pregnant buffaloes.

• Phasic contractions and contraction frequency significantly increased with advancing pregnancy.
• Tonic contractions non-significantly decreased, while contraction amplitude significantly decreased from six months of pregnancy onward.
• Oxytocin produced concentration-dependent contractions in both pregnant and non-pregnant buffaloes.
• The presence of various inhibitors shifted dose response curves of oxytocin to the right, indicating altered sensitivity.
• Calcium signaling pathways, including L-type calcium channels and transient receptor potential channels, are involved in mediating oxytocin-induced contractions.
• The role of specific signaling pathways varies with the stage of pregnancy, suggesting dynamic changes in uterine responsiveness.

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