# EICOSANOIDS AND PREGNANT HUMAN MYOMETRIUM

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE · 1993 · $140,125

## Abstract

Eicosanoids play a fundamental role in the regulation of myometrial
contractions.  While some eicosanoids stimulate uterine contractions,
others can inhibit them.  The complex interplay between these two groups of
eicosanoids is a likely determinant of the tone of the uterus.  Receptor
binding is a prerequisite for eicosanoids action, but whether these
receptors are also present in pregnant myometrium and whether they change
during pregnancy and labor has not been investigated.  Eicosanoid action
require not only their receptors but also their production.  Both of these
may very well be regulated by other hormones present during pregnancy.
Finally, the mechanism(s) of eicosanoids action after receptor binding are
unclear.  Using the combination of biochemical, molecular and cell
biological techniques, we will investigate myometrial changes of PGF, PGF2
alpha, PGI2 and LTC4 receptors, cyclooxygenase, 5-lipoxygenase, PGE2, PGI2
isomerases and PGF2 alpha synthase during pregnancy, preterm and term
labor.  In addition, regulation of pregnant human myometrial eicosanoid
synthesizing enzymes, eicosanoids production and eicosanoid receptors by
hormones present during pregnancy and the mechanism(s) of eicosanoids
actions will also be investigated.  Virtually none of the aspects of
eicosanoids productions and binding discussed in this proposal have been
studied in the pregnant human myometrium.  The data is expected to advance
our knowledge of the role and mechanism(s) of eicosanoids actions which
should help to better understand mechanism(s) of initiation of labor at
term and preterm.  Better understanding can suggest more effective methods
of delaying preterm labor and elective induction of labor at term.  The
delay or prevention of preterm labor can potentially save a large segment
of the health care dollars now used for intensive neonatal care.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 2199856
- **Project number:** 5R01HD026173-05
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE
- **SAM.gov UEI:** E1KJM4T54MK6
- **Principal Investigator:** Ch V RAO
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1993
- **Award amount:** $140,125
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1989-09-01 → 1995-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/2199856

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 2199856, EICOSANOIDS AND PREGNANT HUMAN MYOMETRIUM (5R01HD026173-05). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/2199856. Licensed CC0.

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