Authors

James Olcese, Ph.D., Stephen Beesley, Ph.D.

Volume 102, Issue 2, Pages 329-335

Abstract

Objective:

To review and update the research on melatonin receptor expression in the human myometrium, in particular as it pertains to uterine contractility at labor.

Design:

Summary of previous studies with the addition of new data on the transcriptional regulation of melatonin receptor expression in human myometrial cells.

Setting:

Not applicable.

Patient(s):

Late-term pregnant volunteers.

Intervention(s):

Biopsy collection for in vitro analyses provided the original data. More recently, uterine contractions in late-term pregnant volunteers were assessed before, during, and after acute white-light exposure.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Melatonin receptor signaling in myometrial cells and uterine contractions in late-term pregnant volunteers.

Result(s):

Melatonin acts through the MTNR1B melatonin receptor that is expressed in the myometrium at late term to synergistically enhance oxytocin-dependent signaling and contractions. Acute inhibition of endogenous melatonin levels with light reversibly suppresses uterine contractions.

Conclusion(s):

These results point to a significant role for circulating melatonin in the timing and degree of uterine contractions in late-term pregnancy. Understanding the regulation of melatonin receptors remains a future objective.

Read the full text at: http://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(14)00566-4/fulltext