Fenamates may antagonize the actions of prostaglandin endoperoxides in human myometrium

Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1979 Nov;8(5):479-82. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.1979.tb01030.x.

Abstract

1 The prostaglandin endoperoxide analogue U-46619 potently contracted human isolated myometrium, suggesting that prostaglandin H2 (PGH2) may be a major stimulant of myometrial contractions. 2 Sodium mefenamate, flufenamate or meclofenamate 2 microgram/ml greatly reduced contractions of the myometrium induced by the PGH2 analogue. 3 Flufenamate, but not the other two drugs, also significantly inhibited contractions to acetylcholine. 4 Sodium meclofenamate 2 microgram/ml did not consistently antagonize contractions to PGF2alpha. 5 The relief of dysmenorrhoea by fenamates may be explained both by inhibition of PG synthesis, and by antagonism of contractions to PGH2 produced by incompletely blocked PG synthesis.

MeSH terms

  • Acetylcholine / pharmacology
  • Female
  • Flufenamic Acid / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Meclofenamic Acid / pharmacology*
  • Mefenamic Acid / pharmacology*
  • Prostaglandin Endoperoxides, Synthetic / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Prostaglandin Endoperoxides, Synthetic / pharmacology
  • Prostaglandins H / pharmacology
  • Uterine Contraction / drug effects*
  • ortho-Aminobenzoates / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Prostaglandin Endoperoxides, Synthetic
  • Prostaglandins H
  • ortho-Aminobenzoates
  • Mefenamic Acid
  • Meclofenamic Acid
  • Flufenamic Acid
  • Acetylcholine