Changes in the myometrial cell structure during pregnancy and its effect on electrical resistance of the myometrium measured in vitro
Bláha, O.; Unzeitig, V.; Foukal, T.; Grec, Z.
Ceskoslovenska Gynekologie 55(5): 321-326
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0374-6852 PMID: 2397504 Document Number: 355854
The authors investigated ultramicroscopically the intercellular connections in the myometrium of pregnant women. In a small group an increased frequency of these connections was observed in association with labour, but unrelated to the period of pregnancy. By measuring the electric resistance of the myometrium in vitro a lower electric resistance of the uterine musculature was recorded in women where uterine activity was under way. The authors assume that the increased presence of free connections reduces the electric resistance of tissue and makes more rapid spread of information in the myometrium possible. In the long run it is one of the factors which lead to spontaneous uterine activity.