Key result
L-arginine relaxes and L-NAME contracts human Fallopian tubes, indicating a nitric oxide-dependent relaxation system.
Why the study?
The existence of a nitric oxide-mediated relaxation system in the human Fallopian tube was investigated to understand its role in tubal contractility.
Does nitric oxide mediate contractile activity in isolated strips of the human Fallopian tube?
Population
Isthmic portion of the Fallopian tube from 23 fertile women undergoing operations for benign non-tubal diseases
Comparison
Addition of L-arginine (NO synthesis substrate) vs N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; NO synthesis inhibitor)
Design
Ex vivo study of isolated human Fallopian tube smooth muscle strips with immunohistochemistry
Authors
Loading...
NO may modulate human tubal contractility in vitro; leaves open any role in fertility or ectopic pregnancy.
Does nitric oxide mediate contractile activity in isolated strips of the human Fallopian tube?
This study demonstrates that a nitric oxide-dependent relaxation system exists in the human Fallopian tube, suggesting NO acts as a mediator of tubal contractility.
Ekerhovd et al. (1997) studied Benign non-tubal diseases (n=23). L-arginine and L-NAME was evaluated on Tubal contractility. Addition of L-NAME increased tubal contractility, while L-arginine caused relaxation, indicating a nitric oxide-dependent relaxation system exists in the human Fallopian tube.
Synapse has enriched 2 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: