The effects of thimerosal, a sulfhydryl reagent, on phasic myometrial contractions.

Thimerosal inhibits calcium uptake and IP3-induced calcium release from IP3-sensitive endoplasmic reticulum; this study sought to evaluate the effects of thimerosal on agonist-stimulated phasic myometrial contractions. Thimerosal was found to significantly inhibit phasic contractions stimulated by oxytocin, aluminum fluoride, potassium chloride, ionomycin, and Bay K 8644. These observations provide support for the hypothesis that calcium uptake and IP3-induced calcium release are important events during agonist-stimulated phasic myometrial contractions.