Abstract
In order to investigate the role of nitric oxide in preterm labor, 10 women presenting with preterm onset of uterine contractions were infused with L-Arginine. In comparison to saline infusion, L-Arginine significantly reduced the number of contractions, together with an increase of both serum growth hormone and nitrates levels. These findings demonstrate that the enhancement of endogenous nitric oxide production through its physiological donor, L-Arginine, is able to transiently reduce preterm uterine spontaneous contractility.
MeSH terms
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Arginine / administration & dosage
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Arginine / pharmacology*
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Arginine / therapeutic use
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Female
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Human Growth Hormone / blood
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Human Growth Hormone / drug effects
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Humans
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Infusions, Intravenous
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Nitrites / blood
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Obstetric Labor, Premature / prevention & control*
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Pilot Projects
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Pregnancy
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Pregnancy Trimester, Third
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Ritodrine / administration & dosage
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Ritodrine / therapeutic use
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Sodium Chloride / administration & dosage
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Sodium Chloride / therapeutic use
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Tocolytic Agents / administration & dosage
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Tocolytic Agents / therapeutic use
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Uterine Contraction / drug effects*
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Uterine Contraction / physiology
Substances
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Nitrites
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Tocolytic Agents
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Human Growth Hormone
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Sodium Chloride
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Arginine
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Ritodrine