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