Effect of nimesulide and indomethacin on contractility and the Ca²⁺ channel current in myometrial smooth muscle from pregnant women

Nimesulide and indomethacin caused almost complete inhibition of spontaneous myometrial contractions at concentrations of 100 and 300 microM, respectively.

• Both drugs significantly inhibited the voltage-gated Ca2+ channel current in a concentration-dependent manner.
• A 40% reduction of the Ca2+ channel current was observed at 100 microM nimesulide and 300 microM indomethacin.
• Nimesulide accelerated the decay of the Ca2+ channel current.
• The inhibition of the Ca2+ channel current was not affected by the presence of prostaglandins.
• The concentrations needed to suppress spontaneous contractions were much higher than those required to inhibit prostaglandin production.
• Nimesulide and indomethacin may reduce myometrial contractility through mechanisms that do not involve cyclo-oxygenase inhibition.

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