[Observations on prostaglandin effects with myometrium strips of human gravid uterus in vitro. Influence of diclofenac on contractions induced by prostaglandin (author's transl)].

The effect of Diclofenac (Voltaren) was studied on PGE2- and PGF2alpha-induced contractions of pregnant human myometrium in vitro. Tests to establish experimental conditions revealed that PGE2 and PGF2alpha affect the myometrium differently from I. and IInd trimenon uteri. PGF2alpha always induced contractions in corpus uteri as well as cervix strips. PGE2 relaxed myometrium strips obtained from superficial muscle layers and from cervix tissue and caused contractions in the myometrium from the central parts of the corpus uteri. Diclofenac (Voltaren) at concentrations of 10(-5) to 10(-4) M inhibited PGE2 and PGF2alpha-induced contractions. The inhibition was demonstrated by planimetric evaluation of the contractions curves. Contraction activity of I. and IInd trimenon myometrium strips was reduced by Diclofenac but not completely inhibited. From uteri at term, three contraction curves showed complete cessation of PGE2-and PGF2alpha-induced contractions by Diclofenac (10(-4) M). The dose-dependent reduction of myometrial contractions induced by exogen prostaglandins indicates that Diclofenac possesses a direct effect on PGE2 and PGF2alpha-induced contractile activity of the uterus.