L-Arginine infusion reduces preterm uterine contractions

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.

Effect of supplementation during pregnancy with L-arginine and antioxidant vitamins in medical food on pre-eclampsia in high risk population: randomised controlled trial

“…The existing literature suggests that L-arginine has direct effects on blood pressure in experimental animal models, normal humans, hypertensive patients, women with pre-eclampsia, and healthy pregnant women. [14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22] Consistent with recent research, antioxidant vitamins alone did not show a statistically significant reduction in the incidence of pre-eclampsia/eclampsia in our study. Adding L-arginine to antioxidant vitamins resulted in significant protection against the development of pre-eclampsia/eclampsia.…”

Reorganization of Myofilament Proteins and Decreased cGMP-Dependent Protein Kinase in the Human Uterus during Pregnancy

“…First, we evaluated the expression and distribution of PKG (the downstream target of NO-induced increases in cGMP). Investigations regarding modulation of the NO/cGMP signaling system in uterine smooth muscle are controversial with data in support of (22)(23)(24)(25) and against (3, 26 -28) a role for NO and cGMP in mediating uterine quiescence of pregnancy. Second, we compared the expression and distribution of PKG with those of two thin filament-associated proteins, h-CDM and calponin.…”

“…A major mechanism of cGMP-induced vasorelaxation is activation of PKG, which results in decreased free intracellular Ca 2ϩ (14 -16) and increased myosin phosphatase activity (21) in vascular smooth muscle cells. Although evidence supporting a role for this signaling pathway in the maintenance of uterine quiescence during pregnancy has been reported (22)(23)(24)(25), experimental evidence from other studies conducted both in vivo and in vitro (3, 26 -28) is conflicting. Previously, we reported that high concentrations of NO donors or cGMP analogs are required to elicit relaxation in myometrial tissues from pregnant rats, in part due to progesterone-mediated decreases in PKG (3).…”

Evaluation of Anti-Ischemic Therapy in Coronary Artery Disease: A Review

“…Finally, the authors suggested that the nitrite could be used as a diagnostic test in patients www.intechopen.com with borderline or questionable history of coronary artery disease. The nitrites/nitrates are classified as agents that directly relax vascular smooth muscle, but can also relax other smooth muscles such as bronchial, ureteral, and uterine smooth muscle (Chen et al, 2001;Dong et al, 1998;Facchinetti et al, 1996;Yallampalli et al, 1993).…”