Laboratory and Basic Science Research Commons^™

Catecholamines And The Regulation Of Uterine Contractions In The Pregnant Rhesus Macaque, Cahleen Mae Mcnutt

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that: 1) maternal and/or amniotic fluid catecholamines or prostaglandins display nocturnal activity rhythms similar to those of the myometrial contractility in the pregnant rhesus macaque and, 2) catecholamines stimulate prostaglandin production by fetal membranes. Paired maternal arterial blood and amniotic fluid samples were collected at 0900 h (AM) and 2100 h (PM) from chronically catheterized rhesus macaques until delivery and analyzed for prostaglandin metabolites (PGFM and PGEM-II) and catecholamines (norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine). Uterine activity data was continuously recorded. A rhythm in uterine contractility was observed, with peak activity between 1900 and …