1 The effects of W-7, trifluoperazine, and W-5 on Ca2+-activated K+-channels were investigated with the inside-out patch-clamp method in smooth muscle cells freshly dispersed from pregnant rat myometrium. These drugs are known to have different potencies as calmodulin antagonists.2 In the presence of 1 gm Ca2+ on the cytoplasmic side ([Ca2"]., the fraction of time the channel was open (open probability, P.) was about 0.9 and the calmodulin antagonists (1-30pM) applied to the cytoplasmic face reduced P0 to 0.65-0.55 dose-dependently. In the presence of 0.1-0.161uM Ca2", when P0 was very low (0.02), calmodulin antagonists increased Po. All antagonists used produced almost identical effects at the same concentration. 3 The probability density function of the open time distribution could be described by the sum of two exponentials. W-7 decreased the time constant of the slow component of distribution and at 30/M the slow component disappeared both at 1 and 0.25 gM [Ca2 ], reflecting the appearance of flickering channel activity. The probability density function of the closed time distribution could be fitted with three exponentials. The time constants of these components were not significantly altered by W-7.4 Internally applied calmodulin (1-5 gM) did not produce any significant effect on channel activity.5 The effects of calmodulin antagonists are considered to be due to a direct action of these compounds on the channel, and suggest that channel activation by Ca2 + is not mediated by calmodulin.

2 cases of urinary retention were reported which was caused by retroverted gravid uterus and a large fibroid uterus, respectively. A chain cystourethrography and an endoscopic examination were the most informative to disclose the pathogenesis of urinary retention. Urodynamically, bladder compliance was normal without any pathological contraction. Urethral function was characterized by a shortened functional profile length.

The average intake of dietary folate did not fulfill the Recommended Dietary Allowance of 440 µg. Serum folate concentration significantly increased only among pregnant women who took folic acid supplements. Recommendations to consume balanced diets do not seem effective to decrease the incidence of neural tube defects.

As a whole it could be stated that life styles of pregnant women have been shifting toward the direction the past 10 years where the risk for having a pregnancy afflicted with spina bifida is to be decreased. Medical doctors, nurses, midwives, dietitians and pharmacists are asked to repeatedly supply important information on folic acid and to advise taking folic acid supplements 400 microg a day to women planning to conceive or women in the reproductive age.

The contracture produced by removal of the external Na was studied in the pregnant rat myometrium and this was compared with that of the non-pregnant myometrium.