An In Vitro Study on the Contractility of Epileptic Myometrium and Effects of Antiepileptic Agents on Oxytocin-Induced Contractions of Myometrium Isolated from Absence Epileptic WAG/Rij Rats

Background/Aims: To determine whether spontaneous and stimulated contractile activity of myometrium in epileptic rats is different from healthy ones and whether anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) have any direct influence on myometrial contractility. Methods: Myometrial strips from nonpregnant and pregnant adult epileptic WAG/Rij and Wistar rats were suspended in organ bath containing physiological salt solution (37 °C and pH 7.4, aerated with 95% oxygen-5% CO2), and isometric contractions were recorded. Effects of cumulative concentrations of selected AEDs including phenytoin, levetiracetam and valproic acid alone and in combination on oxytocin-induced contractions was examined. Contractile parameters assesse d included the area under curve (AUC), amplitude and frequency of contractions, evaluated by 10-minute periods. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD test. Results: Spontaneous myometrial contractility and responses to oxytocin showed species difference. Compared with that of control Wistar rats, spontaneous contractions of myometrium from non-pregnant epileptic WAG/Rij rats was significantly higher and significantly lower in pregnant preparations. Upon stimulation with oxytocin WAG/Rij myometrium showed significantly lower contractile response compared with preparations from h ealthy control Wistars (p
Source: Neuroendocrinology - Category: Endocrinology Source Type: research