Lack of effect of circulating prostacyclin on contractility of the non‐pregnant human uterus

Abstract

To study the effect of prostacyclin (PGI2) on the contractility of the non-pregnant human uterus, the intrauterine pressures in the isthmus and fundus of the uterus were recorded before, during and after i.v. PGI2 at different phases of 2 consecutive menstrual cycles in 8 women. Infusions of 1-8 ng of PGI2 min-1 kg-1 for 20 min caused no changes in intrauterine pressure either during menstruation or any other phase of the cycle when compared with the contractility patterns in the same woman during the control infusion. Circulating PGI2 may not be involved in regulating the contractility of the non-pregnant human myometrium.