The effects of potassium channel openers on isolated pregnant human myometrium before and after the onset of labor: Potential for tocolysis

Nov 1, 1993American journal of obstetrics and gynecology

Potassium channel openers' effects on pregnant uterine muscle before and after labor: possible use to delay childbirth

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Abstract

Levcromakalim and pinacidil are potent inhibitors of contractions in isolated pregnant human myometrium.

  • Both potassium channel openers effectively reduced spontaneous and induced contractions in myometrial samples from 67 women.
  • The inhibition of contractions occurred with low concentrations of extracellular potassium chloride but not with high concentrations.
  • Glibenclamide acted as a competitive antagonist to the inhibitory effects of levcromakalim and pinacidil.
  • No antagonistic effect was observed with tolbutamide.
  • These findings indicate that activating potassium channels may contribute to muscle relaxation in the pregnant uterus.

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