Effects of terbutaline on human myometrial activity and endometrial blood flow.

The selective beta2-receptor stimulator, terbutaline (0.25-0.5 mg), was given intravenously to healthy women at different times in the menstrual cycle. Intrauterine pressure was recorded by means of a microtransducer catheter, and local endometrial blood flow followed by a thermistor technic based on measuring thermodilution. The general response to terbutaline was a decrease in uterine activity and an increase in blood flow. However, the effects varied with the menstrual phase, being maximum around the onset of menstruation and minimum at midcycle. Pretreatment with propranolol (1 mg IV) completely inhibited the effects of terbutaline.