Figure 8.

Summary of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and elastase results. Myometrial uterine contractility induced by MMP-1 (n = 13) was prevented by protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR-1) inhibition (n = 4) or inositol trisphosphate receptor (IP₃R) blockade (n = 5; A). Elastase produced a dose-dependent increase in uterine contractility (B, n = 4). Elastase-induced increases in uterine contractility (n = 15) were prevented by inhibition of PAR-1 (n = 10 low dose, n = 3 high dose), IP₃R blockade (n = 7) and nifedipine (n = 6) but not by indomethacin (n = 7; C). ***P < .001 and **P < .01 compared to baseline.