The Myometrium: From Excitation to Contractions and Labour.

Wray, S ORCID: 0000-0002-0086-1359 and Prendergast, clodagh ORCID: 0000-0002-7678-7693 (2019) The Myometrium: From Excitation to Contractions and Labour. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 1124. pp. 233-263.

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Abstract

We start by describing the functions of the uterus, its structure, both gross and fine, innervation and blood supply. It is interesting to note the diversity of the female's reproductive tract between species and to remember it when working with different animal models. Myocytes are the overwhelming cell type of the uterus (>95%) and our focus. Their function is to contract, and they have an intrinsic pacemaker and rhythmicity, which is modified by hormones, stretch, paracrine factors and the extracellular environment. We discuss evidence or not for pacemaker cells in the uterus. We also describe the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in some detail, as it is relevant to calcium signalling and excitability. Ion channels, including store-operated ones, their contributions to excitability and action potentials, are covered. The main pathway to excitation is from depolarisation opening voltage-gated Ca channels. Much of what happens downstream of excitability is common to other smooth muscles, with force depending upon the balance of myosin light kinase and phosphatase. Mechanisms of maintaining Ca balance within the myocytes are discussed. Metabolism, and how it is intertwined with activity, blood flow and pH, is covered. Growth of the myometrium and changes in contractile proteins with pregnancy and parturition are also detailed. We finish with a description of uterine activity and why it is important, covering progression to labour as well as preterm and dysfunctional labours. We conclude by highlighting progress made and where further efforts are required.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Uterus, Electrophysiology, Pace-making, Calcium signalling, Sarcoplasmic reticulum, Parturition
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	13 Jun 2019 13:35
Last Modified:	19 Jan 2023 00:40
DOI:	10.1007/978-981-13-5895-1_10
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3045673