Chemical Found that Primes Uterus to Contract – Prematurity Awareness Month
Friday, November 21, 2008 21:12
Despite our best efforts, doctors and scientists know relatively little about what causes the uterus to contract and a woman to go into labor. However, recent research on uterine muscle tissue samples removed after scheduled c-sections has now brought us a step closer to understanding this complicated process.
When uterine tissue was exposed to certain chemicals that stimulate a protein (IP) on the uterine muscle cell surface, there was an increase in the production of chemicals needed for muscle contraction. This finding leads researchers to believe that the chemical which binds to this protein in the body, prostacyclin, is responsible for priming uterine muscles to contract in labor. This would explain why prostacyclin, which usually relaxes smooth muscle, is produced by the uterus prior to the onset of labor.
If these findings and assumptions are correct, it could lead to a major breakthrough in the prevention and treatment of preterm labor. I’ll definitely be looking for more developments in this area in the future.
Similar Posts:
- Preterm Labor Warning Signs – Blogging for Prematurity Awareness
- Preterm Labor Facts Every Woman Should Know
- Estrogen Levels May Allow Docs to Predict and Prevent Preterm Labor
- Magnesium Sulfate Reduces Cerebral Palsy in Preemies
