The effects of lipoxygenase metabolites of arachidonic acid on human myometrial contractility

Phillip R. Bennett, Murdoch G. Elder, Leslie Myatt

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

76 Scopus citations

Abstract

The effects of the lipoxygenase products of arachidonic acid, 5- and 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5- and 12-HETE) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4), on the spontaneous contractility of lower uterine segment human myometrial strips obtained prior to labour have been studied in vitro. 5-HETE gave a dose- dependent (10-500ng) increase in both the rate of contractions and overall contractility of myometrial strips while 12-HETE and LTB4 had no effect at the same concentrations. Prostaglandin F2{A figure is presented} (50ng) contracted all myometrial strips in a similar pattern to 5-HETE but was approximately 10 times more potent. The effect of 5-HETE may be direct or perhaps indirect via interaction with the cyclo-oxygenase pathway. The findings do not disprove the contention that the onset of parturition may be characterized by a switch in arachidonic acid metabolism in intra-uterine tissues from lipoxygenase to cyclo-oxygenase products.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)837-844
Number of pages8
JournalProstaglandins
Volume33
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1987
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry
  • Endocrinology

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