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Uterine Effects of Nitric Oxide

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Nitric Oxide and the Regulation of the Peripheral Circulation

Part of the book series: Nitric Oxide in Biology and Medicine ((NOBM,volume 1))

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Abstract

In contrast to the vasculature of many other organs in the body, the uterine vasculature is very dynamic and is continuously undergoing significant vascular changes and remodeling. The uterus is exposed to a constantly changing hormonal milieu associated with fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels. The observed hemodynamic changes are mediated by alterations in numerous endogenous hormonal substances that are produced locally in the endothelium, vascular smooth muscle, and surrounding uterine tissues. These modulators includeboth vasodilators, such as nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandins, and vasoconstrictors, such as endothe1in-1, throboxane A2, and prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α). In females, this modulation occurs throughout, life including the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and finally during menopause. In the present chapter we will concentrate mainly on NO as a regulator of uterine and uteroplacental hemodynamics in the pregnant and nonpregnant states. Additionally we will discuss the role of NO in regulating umbilical blood flow, myometrial activity of the uterus, and hemo dynamic changes during menopause.

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Authors
  1. Kenneth E. Clark
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  2. Leslie Myatt
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University Medical Center, New Orleans, LA, 70112-2699, USA

    Philip J. Kadowitz Ph.D.  & Dennis B. McNamara Ph.D.  & 

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Clark, K.E., Myatt, L. (2000). Uterine Effects of Nitric Oxide. In: Kadowitz, P.J., McNamara, D.B. (eds) Nitric Oxide and the Regulation of the Peripheral Circulation. Nitric Oxide in Biology and Medicine, vol 1. Birkhäuser, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-1326-0_17

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-1326-0_17

  • Publisher Name: Birkhäuser, Boston, MA

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