[Action of galanin on smooth muscle strips isolated from rat and human uterus].

OBJECTIVE

Galanin (Gal), a 29 amino-acid, peptide was isolated from porcine intestine extracts. Gal and its receptors are widely distributed in central and peripheral nervous systems, urogenital and gastrointestinal tracts of several mammalian species including the human. The study was undertaken to characterise the effects of Gal on uterus smooth muscle.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Smooth muscle strips were isolated from human uterus excised in perimenopausal age because of fibroids and prolapse. Another strips were taken from the uterus of a pregnant female rat a week before delivery. Muscle strips were suspended in the organ bath. Their spontaneous contractions and responses to Gal and oxytocin were recorded isometricaly. The changes in frequency and amplitude of smooth muscle contraction were analysed.

RESULTS

Characteristics of smooth muscle stripes isolated from human uterus did not changed in the presence of Gal in concentration of 300 nM. Spontaneous contractions of smooth muscle stripes from the uterus of pregnant female rat were not affected in the presence of Gal in the concentration showed above, furthermore Gal did not alter contractions provoked by oxytocin.

CONCLUSIONS

Gal has no influence on uterus smooth muscle function within perimenopausal age and the second half of pregnancy. The study does not exclude possibilities of Gal influence in other sex hormones profiles e.g. in young women or during labour.