Effects of selective beta-adrenergic agonists on spontaneous contractions, cAMP levels and phosphodiesterase activity in myometrial strips from pregnant women treated with terbutaline.

The beta-adrenergic receptor function in terms of cAMP production and phosphodiesterase activity has been studied in myometrial strips taken from pregnant women at cesarean sections. The material consists of 10 patients treated with terbutaline for threatening premature delivery and an untreated control group of 10 patients. The basal levels of cAmP were lower and the cAMP production after receptor stimulation in vitro less in myometrial strips taken from terbutaline-treated women compared to the untreated control group. The phosphodiesterase activity was higher in myometrial strips taken from terbutaline-treated women, indicating a faster rate of degradation of cAMP in these women.