Figure 13. Effect of the prostacyclin analogue iloprost and the β₂-adrenoceptor agonist salbutamol on membrane potential and tension in term human uterine smooth muscle.

The stable prostacyclin analogue iloprost evoked an action potential similar to that observed in response to PGF, but this was followed by weak hyperpolarization. The tension associated with subsequent spontaneous action potentials was markedly suppressed. Salbutamol evoked modest hyperpolarization, without an action potential, and the tension associated with subsequent spontaneous action potentials was much reduced.