Role of Hydrogen Sulfide in Uterine Contractility During Labor
Author Information
Author(s): You Xing-Ji, Xu Chen, Lu Jian-Qiang, Zhu Xiao-Yan, Gao Lu, Cui Xiao-Rui, Li Yuan, Gu Hang, Ni Xin
Primary Institution: Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
Hypothesis
The study investigates the role of endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in regulating uterine contractility during labor.
Conclusion
Endogenous H2S generated by CSE and CBS modulates the contractility of the pregnant myometrium, with its expression down-regulated during labor.
Supporting Evidence
- Cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) and cystathionine-β-synthetase (CBS) are localized to smooth muscle cells of the myometrium.
- Expression of CBS and CSE is down-regulated during labor.
- H2S production rate is significantly decreased in laboring myometrium compared to non-laboring.
- L-cysteine administration affects spontaneous contractions in both laboring and non-laboring myometrium strips.
Takeaway
The body makes a gas called hydrogen sulfide that helps control how the uterus contracts during childbirth, and this gas is less active when a woman is in labor.
Methodology
Human myometrium biopsies were obtained from pregnant women undergoing cesarean section, and various analyses including immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR were performed to assess enzyme expression and H2S production.
Limitations
The study only included women undergoing cesarean sections, which may not represent all pregnant women.
Participant Demographics
Pregnant women undergoing cesarean section at term, with a mean gestational age of 38 weeks.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website