Fig. 2.

Effect of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors on oxytocin-induced contraction. Uterine strips of virgin (A), mid-Preg (B), and late-Preg rats (C) were precontracted with oxytocin 10⁻⁷ M. Once oxytocin contraction reached steady state the tissues were treated with SB-3CT (MMP-2/MMP-9 inhibitor IV), BB-94, or Ro-28–2653 (10⁻⁶ M) or the vehicle (DMSO), and the effect on oxytocin contraction was observed. Data represent means ± SE, n = 4 to 6. *Significantly different (P < 0.05).