The effects of intracellular and extracellular alkalinization on contractions of the isolated rat uterus

Extracellular acidification increases uterine contraction in pregnant mouse by increasing intracellular calcium

AIMS

As uterine extracellular pH decreases during the ischemic conditions of labor, but its effects on myometrial contraction are largely unknown, there is a need to elucidate its physiological effects and mechanisms of action. Furthermore, it is not known if any of the effects of extracellular acidification are affected by pregnancy, thus we also determined how gestation affects the response to acidification.

METHODS

Nonpregnant, mid-, and term-pregnant myometrial strips were obtained from humanely killed mice. Contractions were recorded under spontaneous, depolarized, and oxytocin-stimulated conditions. The extracellular pH of the perfusate was changed from 7.4 to 6.9 or 7.9 in HEPES-buffered physiological saline. Intracellular pH was measured using SNARF, and intracellular calcium was measured using Indo-1. Statistical differences were tested using the appropriate t-test.

RESULTS

Extracellular acidification significantly increased the frequency and amplitude of spontaneous contractions in pregnant, but not nonpregnant, myometrium, whereas alkalinization decreased contractions. Intracellular acidification, via Na-butyrate, transiently increased force in pregnant tissue. Intracellular pH was gradually acidified when extracellular pH was acidified, but extracellular acidification increased contractility before any significant change in intracellular pH. If myometrial force was driven by oxytocin or high-K depolarization, then extracellular pH did not further increase force. Intracellular calcium changes mirrored those of force in the spontaneously contracting pregnant myometrium, and if calcium entry was prevented by nifedipine, extracellular acidification could not induce a rise in force.

CONCLUSION

Extracellular acidification increases excitability, calcium entry, and thus force in pregnant mouse myometrium, and this may contribute to increasing contractions during labor when ischemic conditions and acidemia occur.

Myometrium infection decreases TREK1 through NHE1 and increases contraction in pregnant mice

Intrauterine infection during pregnancy can enhance uterine contractions. A two-pore K+ channel TREK1 is crucial for maintaining uterine quiescence and reducing contractility, with its properties regulated by pH changes in cell microenvironment. Meanwhile, the sodium hydrogen exchanger 1 (NHE1) plays a pivotal role in modulating cellular pH homeostasis, and its activation increases smooth muscle tension. By establishing an infected mouse model of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), we used Western blotting, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence to detect changes of TREK1 and NHE1 expression in the myometrium, and isometric recording measured the uterus contraction. The NHE1 inhibitor cariporide was used to explore the effect of NHE1 on TREK1. Finally, cell contraction assay and siRNA transfection were performed to clarify the relationship between NHE1 and TREK1 in vitro. We found that the uterine contraction was notably enhanced in infected mice with E. coli and LPS administration. Meanwhile, TREK1 expression was reduced, whereas NHE1 expression was upregulated in infected mice. Cariporide alleviated the increased uterine contraction and promoted myometrium TREK1 expression in LPS-injected mice. Furthermore, suppression of NHE1 with siRNA transfection inhibited the contractility of uterine smooth muscle cells and activated the TREK1. Altogether, our findings indicate that infection increases the uterine contraction by downregulating myometrium TREK1 in mice, and the inhibition of TREK1 is attributed to the activation of NHE1.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Present work found that infection during pregnancy will increase myometrium contraction. Infection downregulated NHE1 and followed TREK1 expression and activation decrease in myometrium, resulting in increased myometrium contraction.

Modeling and experimental approaches for elucidating multi-scale uterine smooth muscle electro- and mechano-physiology: A review

The uterus provides protection and nourishment (via its blood supply) to a developing fetus, and contracts to deliver the baby at an appropriate time, thereby having a critical contribution to the life of every human. However, despite this vital role, it is an under-investigated organ, and gaps remain in our understanding of how contractions are initiated or coordinated. The uterus is a smooth muscle organ that undergoes variations in its contractile function in response to hormonal fluctuations, the extreme instance of this being during pregnancy and labor. Researchers typically use various approaches to studying this organ, such as experiments on uterine muscle cells, tissue samples, or the intact organ, or the employment of mathematical models to simulate the electrical, mechanical and ionic activity. The complexity exhibited in the coordinated contractions of the uterus remains a challenge to understand, requiring coordinated solutions from different research fields. This review investigates differences in the underlying physiology between human and common animal models utilized in experiments, and the experimental interventions and computational models used to assess uterine function. We look to a future of hybrid experimental interventions and modeling techniques that could be employed to improve the understanding of the mechanisms enabling the healthy function of the uterus.

Contractility Measurements of Human Uterine Smooth Muscle to Aid Drug Development

Discovery and characterization of novel pharmaceutical compounds or biochemical probes rely on robust and physiologically relevant assay systems. We describe methods to measure ex vivo myometrium contractility. This assay can be used to investigate factors and molecules involved in the modulation of myometrial contraction and to determine their excitatory or inhibitory actions, and hence their therapeutic potential in vivo. Biopsies are obtained from women undergoing cesarean section delivery with informed consent. Fine strips of myometrium are dissected, clipped and attached to a force transducer within 1 mL organ baths superfused with physiological saline solution at 37 °C. Strips develop spontaneous contractions within 2-3 h under set tension and remain stable for many hours (>6 h). Strips can also be stimulated to contract such as by the endogenous hormones, oxytocin and vasopressin, which cause concentration-dependent modulation of contraction frequency, force and duration, to more closely resemble contractions in labor. Hence, the effect of known and novel drug leads can be tested on spontaneous and agonist-induced contractions. This protocol specifically details how this assay can be used to determine the potency of known and novel agents by measuring their effects on various parameters of human myometrial contraction. We use the oxytocin- and V1a receptor antagonists, atosiban and SR49059 as examples of known compounds which inhibit oxytocin- and vasopressin-induced contractions, and demonstrate how this method can be used to complement and validate pharmacological data obtained from cell-based assays to aid drug development. The effects of novel agonists in comparison to oxytocin and vasopressin can also be characterized. Whilst we use the example of the oxytocin/ vasopressin system, this method can also be used to study other receptors and ion channels that play a role in uterine contraction and relaxation to advance the understanding of human uterine physiology and pathophysiology.

A randomized controlled trial of a new treatment for labor dystocia

OBJECTIVE

Labor dystocia is an intransigent, high-profile issue in obstetric care. Amniotic fluid lactate (AFL) reflects the uterine metabolic status. High levels associate with subsequent need for operative intervention due to dystocia. In sports medicine, it is known that lactic acid can affect muscular performance and can be decreased by bicarbonate given orally before physical activity.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Two hundred dystocic deliveries were included. At the confirmation of dystocia, the AFL-level was analyzed. Deliveries were randomized to an intake of bicarbonate or not. In the "non-bicarbonate-group", stimulation with oxytocin was started immediately. In the "bicarbonate-group", bicarbonate was given; and oxytocin was started 1 hour after the intake. New sampling of AF was performed after 1 hour in both groups.

OUTCOME MEASURED

if an oral intake of bicarbonate changes the AFL levels and enhances delivery outcome in dystocic deliveries.

RESULTS

Bicarbonate decreases the AFL levels (p < .001). The spontaneous vaginal delivery rate after treatment with bicarbonate was increased (p = .007), without affecting the fetal outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

An increase of spontaneous vaginal deliveries resulted from bicarbonate ingestion by dystocic women. A decreased level of AFL-level was shown. This simple, low cost treatment has the potential to improve maternal morbidity and satisfaction worldwide.

Short-term administration of melatonin or ghrelin on diabetic rats: effects on angiotensin II and vasopressin-induced uterine contractility

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of Angiotensin II (Ang II) and Arginin-Vasopressin (AVP) on contractility of non-pregnant uterus in diabetic Wistar rats and to explore whether one-week administration of Melatonin (MLT) or Ghrelin (GHR) will change the response of diabetic uterine muscle to AngII and AVP. Uterine horns, prepared by the method of isolated tissues were investigated as well as glycemic profile, blood pressure and body weight. The research of smooth muscle contractions was made by a new method of analysis, characterizing in detail the various phases of the myometrial activity. Differences in the development of the peptide-mediated smooth muscle contractions depending on the phase of the estrous cycle were observed. Experimental diabetes had a pronounced negative effect on force and time-parameters of AngII and AVP-stimulated uterine contractions. Administration of GHR or MLT had a beneficial effect on the glycemic status of diabetic rats and partially improved the response of uterine preparations to the peptides. The application of MLT increased both force and time-parameters of Ang II-and AVP-stimulated uterine contractions while treatment with GHR increased power characteristics and shortened contraction and relaxation of the smooth muscle process.

Lactate in Amniotic Fluid: Predictor of Labor Outcome in Oxytocin-Augmented Primiparas' Deliveries

BACKGROUND

One of the major complications related to delivery is labor dystocia, or an arrested labor progress. Many dystocic deliveries end vaginally after administration of oxytocin, but a large numbers of women with labor dystocia will undergo a long and unsafe parturition. As a result of the exertion required in labor, the uterus produces lactate. The uterine production of lactate is mirrored by the level of lactate in amniotic fluid (AFL).

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate whether the level of AFL, analysed in a sample of amniotic fluid collected vaginally at arrested labor when oxytocin was needed, could predict labor outcome in nulliparous deliveries.

METHODS

A prospective multicentre study including 3000 healthy primiparous women all with a singleton pregnancy, gestational age 37 to 42 weeks and no maternal /fetal chronic and/or pregnancy-related conditions. A spontaneous onset of labor, regular contractions and cervical dilation ≥ 3 cm were required before the women were invited to take part in the study.

RESULTS

AFL, analysed within 30 minutes before augmentation, provides information about delivery outcome. Sensitivity for an acute cesarean section according to high (≥10.1mmol/l) or low (< 10.1mmol/l) AFL values was 39.0% (95% CI; 27-50), specificity 90.3% (95% CI; 87-93) PPV 37.3% (95% CI; 27-48) and NPV was 91.0% (95% CI; 88-93). The overall percentage of correct predictions of delivery outcome when the AFL level was used was 83.7%. Deliveries with a high AFL-level correlated with delivery time >12h (p = 0.04), post-partum fever (>38°C, p = 0.01) and post-partum haemorrhage >1.5L (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

The AFL is a good predictor of delivery outcome in arrested nulliparous deliveries. Low levels of AFL may support the decision to continue a prolonged vaginal labor by augmentation with oxytocin. A high level of AFL correlates with operative interventions and post-partum complications.

Insights into the uterus

A better understanding of the mechanisms that generate and modulate uterine contractility is needed if progress is to be made in the prevention or treatment of problems in labour. Dysfunctional labour describes the condition when uterine contractility is too poor to dilate the cervix, and it is the leading cause of emergency Caesarean sections. Recently, insight has been gained into a possible causal mechanism for dysfunctional labour. Study of the physiological mechanisms that produce excitation in the uterus, the subsequent Ca(2)(+) signals and biochemical pathway leading to contraction has underpinned this progress. In this review, I give an account of excitation-contraction signalling in the myometrium and explore the implications of recent findings concerning lipid rafts for these processes. I also discuss how changes of pH are fundamentally enmeshed in uterine activity and biochemistry and explore the effect that pH changes will have on human myometrium. Finally, I present the evidence that acidification of the myometrium is correlated with dysfunctional labour and suggest the processes by which it is occurring. It is only by gaining a better understanding of uterine physiology and pathophysiology that progress will be made and research findings translated into clinical benefit for women and their families.

Ammonia response to constant exercise: differences to the lactate response

1. We evaluated the plasma ammonia response to constant exercise at different intensities. Ten healthy male volunteers were asked to perform constant exercise for 15 min at five different intensities: 80, 90, 100, 110 and 120% of their ventilatory threshold (VT). Blood concentrations of lactate, ammonia and hypoxanthine were measured during and after exercise. 2. The concentration of lactate increased continuously during exercise intensities equivalent to 100, 110 and 120% VT. Plasma ammonia began to increase at 6 min exercise and continued increasing during exercise at all five exercise intensities. Plasma hypoxanthine levels also increased continuously during exercise at all exercise intensities; however, they peaked at 5-10 min after exercise. The response of plasma ammonia and hypoxanthine increased with increasing intensities of exercise. 3. While the extent of the increase in lactate levels during exercise at 100, 110 and 120% VT was significantly higher than that at 80% VT, only the increase in ammonia and hypoxanthine levels at 120% VT were significantly higher than those at 80% VT. 4. In conclusion, the plasma ammonia response to constant exercise differed to the lactate and ammonia responses to short-term exhaustive exercise.

Agonist mobilization of sarcoplasmic reticular calcium in smooth muscle: functional coupling to the plasmalemmal Na+/Ca2+ exchanger?

There is a close association of peripheral sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), containing IP3 receptors, and regions of the plasma membrane enriched in the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger in smooth muscle. We have tested the possibility in rat uterine smooth muscle that Ca2+ released from the SR is preferentially removed from the cytosol by the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger. In Ca(2+)-free solution, carbachol stimulation of myometria of non-pregnant rats resulted in transient increases in [Ca2+]i and force due entirely to the release of SR Ca2+. Inhibition of Na+/Ca2+ exchange by removal of extracellular Na+ did not alter the agonist-induced transients suggesting that Na+/Ca2+ exchange was not involved in the removal of SR released Ca2+. However, in myometria of pregnant rats, Na+/Ca2+ exchange inhibition resulted in changes in the agonist-induced [Ca2+]i transient profiles. The peak amplitude, duration and integral of carbachol-induced [Ca+]i transients were enhanced in Ca(2+)-free/Na(+)-free solution without significantly affecting force transients. The lower rate of decay of [Ca2+]i transients in Na(+)-free solution leads us to suggest that up to 35% of the SR released Ca2+ may be extruded by the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger in myometria of pregnant rats. Thus, in uterine smooth muscle, there is a gestational-dependent coupling of SR releasable Ca2+ and plasmalemmal Na+/Ca2+ exchange activity.

External alkalinization decreases intracellular Ca++ and spontaneous contractions in pregnant rat myometrium

OBJECTIVES

As plasma pH rises during pregnancy, the effect of raising external pH on spontaneous contractions in pregnant rat myometrium was investigated to test the hypothesis that elevated external pH depresses contraction.

STUDY DESIGN

Strips of longitudinal myometrium were loaded with SNARF (seminaphthorhodafluor) or Indo-1 for simultaneous intracellular pH or Ca++ and force measurements. Results were obtained from a minimum of five animals in each group, and significant differences were tested for by paired Student t tests.

RESULTS

Raising the external pH significantly reduced spontaneous force and calcium transient in the pregnant uterus. Raising the external pH led to a slow rise in intracellular pH, but this could not account for the functional effect. K+ rubidium 86-labeled efflux rates were unaffected by external pH, suggesting no hyperpolarization. The Ca++ channel agonist Bay K8644 (5 mumol/L) restored contractions abolished by raised external pH.

CONCLUSIONS

Raised external pH reduces spontaneous contractions in the pregnant rat uterus, probably by an external effect on Ca++ entry. This effect may contribute to uterine quiescence before term.

Stimulus-dependent modulation of smooth muscle intracellular calcium and force by altered intracellular pH

Measurements of simultaneous force and intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in rat uterine smooth muscle have been made to elucidate the mechanisms involved when force produced spontaneously, by high-K+ depolarization or carbachol is altered by a change of intracellular pH (pHi). Rises in force and [Ca2+]i were closely correlated for all forms of contraction, with the Ca2+ transient peaking before force. In spontaneously active preparations, alkalinization significantly increased, and acidification decreased, force and [Ca2+]i. Inhibition of the sarcoplasmic reticulum ATPase (cyclopiazonic acid) did not affect these changes, whereas removal of external Ca2+ abolished both responses, suggesting that the effect of pHi is on Ca2+ entry. Alkalinization caused a prolongation of the action potential complex, associated with a potentiation of contractile activity. Acidification produced hyperpolarization and abolition of action potentials and spontaneous activity, but did not prevent brief applications of carbachol or high-K+ from producing depolarization and increasing force, suggesting no impairment of the mechanism of generation of the action potential. For depolarized preparations, acidification increased tonic force and [Ca2+]i; the increase in the calcium signal persisted in zero-external calcium. In the presence of carbachol, acidification transiently increased force and [Ca2+]i, followed by a reduction in both. It is concluded that changes in pHi act at more than one step in excitation-contraction coupling and that changes in [Ca2+]i can account for most of the changes in uterine force.

Intracellular alkalinization by NH4Cl increases cytosolic Ca2+ level and tension in the rat aortic smooth muscle

Intracellular pH (pHi) is elucidated to be an important regulator of various cell functions, but the role of pHi in smooth muscle contraction remains to be clarified. The purpose of the present study is to examine the effects of cell alkalinization by exposure to NH4Cl on cytosolic Ca2+ level ([Ca2+]i) and on muscle tone. We attempted simultaneous measurements of both [Ca2+]i and contractile force in rat isolated thoracic aorta from which the endothelium was removed. NH4Cl (10-80 mM) increased both [Ca2+]i and muscle tone in the presence of external Ca2+. These responses were reproducible. The removal of Ca2+ from the nutrient solution partially inhibited the rise in [Ca2+]i and the smooth muscle contraction induced by NH4Cl. In addition, the Ca2+ channel blocker verapamil also partially attenuated the responses to NH4Cl. The NH4Cl-induced responses were gradually reduced as NH4Cl was repeatedly added in a Ca(2+)-free solution. Norepinephrine (NE, 1 microM) induced a transient increase in [Ca2+]i and sustained contraction in the absence of external Ca2+, and the subsequent application of NE had little effect on [Ca2+]i. After internal Ca2+ stores were depleted by exposure to NE, the subsequent application of NH4Cl induced increases in [Ca2+]i and tension of the aorta in a Ca(2+)-free solution. These results suggest that NH4Cl mainly evokes Ca2+ release from the internal Ca2+ stores that are not linked with adrenergic alpha-receptor and causes Ca2+ influx through voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels in the vascular smooth muscle.

Extracellular H+ modulates acetylcholine-activated nonselective cation channels in guinea pig ileum

The effects of external H+ on the acetylcholine-induced inward current (nonselective cationic current; InsACh) in guinea pig ileal smooth muscle were investigated using the conventional whole cell patch-clamp technique. When the external pH (pHo) was lowered, the amplitude of InsACh was increased, with no significant change in the reversal potential or no detectable induction of other ionic permeabilities. The dose-response curve for this effect was best described by a Hill-type equation with an apparent pKa value of 7.4 and a Hill coefficient of approximately 1. The effect of pHo was associated with a shift of the steady-state activation curve for InsACh; the half-maximum activation potential became more negative on lowering pHo. Similar results were obtained when InsACh was activated by intracellularly applied guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate). These results indicate that the external H+ activity is an efficient regulator of InsACh channel, and this may have a physiological importance for controlling the muscarinic receptor-mediated contractions in this muscle.

Photodynamic destruction of endometrial tissue with topical 5-aminolevulinic acid in rats and rabbits

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to determine the optimal parameters for photodynamic endometrial destruction with topically applied 5-aminolevulinic acid, a precursor for the endogenous synthesis of the fluorescent photosensitizer protoporphyrin IX.

STUDY DESIGN

5-Aminolevulinic acid pharmacokinetics were measured in rat and rabbit models by analyzing tissue frozen sections 3 to 12 hours after topical administration. Dose-response studies were conducted for 100 to 400 mg/ml 5-aminolevulinic acid. Photodynamic therapy was performed intraluminally, and tissue morphologic features were evaluated 3 and 7 days after treatment.

RESULTS

Peak fluorescence was observed 3 hours after topical administration. Glandular fluorescence significantly exceeded stromal and myometrial in all studies, particularly for 200 mg/ml 5-aminolevulinic acid. Histologic studies revealed persistent epithelial destruction with minimal regeneration.

CONCLUSION

Topical 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy can be used for highly effective, long-lasting destruction of endometrial epithelium. However, optical dosimetry can vary, particularly in the rabbit model, and this appears to have an impact on long-term reepithelialization.

A comparison of the effects of intracellular and extracellular pH on contraction in isolated rat portal vein

1. The effects of changes in extracellular and intracellular pH on spontaneous contractile activity in isolated rat portal vein have been investigated. 2. Small strips of portal vein were loaded with the pH-sensitive fluorophore carboxy-SNARF and intracellular pH (pHi) and contraction were measured simultaneously at 37 degrees C. The tissue was superfused with oxygenated, Hepes-buffered solutions at pH 7.4. Intracellular pH was altered by isosmotic substitution of weak acids or bases. External pH (pHo) was altered by addition of strong acid or base to the solution. 3. The mean resting value of pHi was 7.06 +/- 0.03 (n = 28). Alteration of pHi led to changes in spontaneous activity. Addition of butyrate (20 mM) reduced pHi by 0.18 +/- 0.01 pH units (n = 8). Decreasing pHi produced an early, brief increase in contractile activity followed by a longer lasting decrease or even abolition of contraction. 4. Addition of 20 mM trimethylamine or NH4Cl increased pHi by around 0.2 pH units and produced an early transient decrease in contractile activity followed by a later maintained increase, both in frequency and magnitude. Removal of base produced a rapid rebound decrease in pHi which was associated with a further transient increase in contractile activity followed by decreased activity. The effects of base on both pHi and contraction were concentration dependent over the range investigated (2.5-30 mM). 5. Alteration of pHo produced a change in pHi in the portal vein. The pHi change was rapid compared to other non-vascular cells (about 1 min to half-maximal response).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Simultaneous measurement of intracellular pH and contraction in uterine smooth muscle

Changes in intracellular pH (pHi) are thought to produce large changes in force production in the uterus. There have however, been no simultaneous measurements of pHi and force in the uterus and therefore no direct information is available about the relation between the two. We have used carboxy-SNARF (a pH-sensitive fluorophore) in small strips of longitudinal myometrium and obtained simultaneous measurements of pHi and force. SNARF did not alter contractile function, and continuous measurements of pHi could be made for 2 hours. The mean resting pHi (7.16) was similar to that reported previously. Application of weak bases rapidly raised pHi, in a concentration-dependent manner, followed by a gradual restoration of pHi to resting levels. Alkalinization greatly increased the frequency of contractions, often accompanied by a small increase in their amplitude. Removal of base produced a rebound acidification which transiently abolished contractions. Direct acidification of the cytoplasm, by application of weak acid, also abolished contractions. However the alkalinization which accompanied removal of acid, produced variable effects on force.

Effects of metabolic inhibition and changes of intracellular pH on potassium permeability and contraction of rat uterus

1. We have investigated the role of changes of potassium efflux in the inhibition of uterine force produced by cyanide. K+ efflux (86Rb) was measured from pregnant and non-pregnant rat myometrial strips during metabolic inhibition with cyanide and following manoeuvres to displace intracellular pH (pHi). 2. Cyanide greatly reduced or abolished spontaneous contractions. If the membrane was depolarized directly at this stage (by elevating external K+) then contraction redeveloped. This suggests that the initial depression of force is due to a failure of membrane excitation. 3. Cyanide reversibly increased 86Rb efflux (30-35%) in both pregnant and nonpregnant uteri and contraction was reduced. The increase in 86Rb efflux with cyanide was not secondary to changes of membrane potential as it also occurred in both high-K+ and Ca(2+)-free solutions. 4. Glibenclamide (20 microM), an antagonist of K+ATP channels, reduced the cyanide-evoked increase of 86Rb efflux by about 50%. The glibenclamide-insensitive component of efflux persisted in a Ca(2+)-free solution. Despite its action on 86Rb efflux, glibenclamide did not restore contraction. 5. Intracellular pH falls during metabolic inhibition. We therefore investigated whether reducing pHi (in the absence of cyanide) had an effect on 86Rb efflux. Application of the weak acid butyrate (60 mM, at constant external pH, 7.4) had no significant effect on 86Rb efflux. Thus it is unlikely that the acidification in hypoxia contributes to the increased K+ efflux. 6. Intracellular alkalinization produced by the weak base trimethylamine (60 mM) increased the frequency of uterine contraction and the 86Rb efflux. However, there was no effect on the 86Rb efflux in a Ca(2+)-free solution. The increased efflux is therefore presumably a consequence of the increased frequency. 7. It is concluded that metabolic inhibition produced by cyanide, produces an increase in K+ efflux from the myometrium. Part of this efflux is glibenclamide sensitive. This increased K+ efflux will lead to hyperpolarization of the myometrial membrane and thus decrease excitation. Thus reduced surface membrane excitability will contribute to the fall of force in hypoxia; specifically it may cause the initial loss of spontaneous contractions in the uterus.

Effects of pH and inorganic phosphate on force production in alpha-toxin-permeabilized isolated rat uterine smooth muscle

1. Strips of longitudinal smooth muscle isolated from rat uterus were permeabilized using crude alpha-toxin from the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. This treatment rendered the surface membrane permeable to small molecular weight substances. Simultaneous measurements of tension and calcium concentration ([Ca2+]) (using indo-1 fluorescence) were used to investigate the effects of pH and inorganic phosphate concentration ([Pi]) on Ca(2+)-activated force generated by the contractile proteins. 2. Raising the [Pi] from 1 to 11 mM at a pH of 7.2 depressed both maximal and submaximal Ca(2+)-activated force. This effect of Pi was concentration dependent having the majority of its effect by 6 mM. 3. Further experiments at a submaximal [Ca2+] showed that Ca(2+)-activated force was enhanced by raising [Pi] from 6 to 11 mM suggesting that Pi increased the Ca2+ sensitivity of tension production. Based on these results, calculations indicate that the apparent affinity constant of Ca2+ for the contractile proteins increased from 4 x 10(6) M-1 to 6 x 10(6) M-1 on raising [Pi] from 1 to 11 mM. 4. Lowering pH from 7.2 to 6.7 at a [Pi] of 1 mM potentiated Ca(2+)-activated force with a small depression in the apparent Ca2+ sensitivity of tension production. This effect of pH on maximum (100 microM Ca2+) and submaximum (0.3 microM Ca2+) Ca(2+)-activated force was observed over a range of acidic pHs (7.0-6.7). 5. Increasing pH from 7.2 to 7.7 at a [Pi] of 1 mM depressed Ca(2+)-activated force with no effect on Ca2+ sensitivity of tension production. 6. Spontaneous contractions in intact rat myometrium are abolished under hypoxic conditions. Under these same conditions intracellular [Pi] rises and pH falls. The results of this study suggest that taken individually neither the effect of a rise in [Pi] nor a fall in pH on Ca(2+)-activated force generated by the contractile proteins can account for the effect of hypoxia on spontaneous contractions.