THE EFFECTS OF THIMEROSAL, A SULFHYDRYL REAGENT, ON PHASIC MYOMETRIALCONTRACTIONS

Thimerosal inhibits calcium uptake and IP3-induced calcium release fro m IP3-sensitive endoplasmic reticulum; this study sought to evaluate t he effects of thimerosal on agonist-stimulated phasic myometrial contr actions. Thimerosal was found to significantly inhibit phasic contract ions stimulated by oxytocin, aluminum fluoride, potassium chloride, io nomycin, and Bay K 8644. These observations provide support for the hy pothesis that calcium uptake and IP3-induced calcium release are impor tant events during agonist-stimulated phasic myometrial contractions. (C) 1995 Academic Press. Inc.