Effects of Rosiglitazone, a PPAR-γ agonist, on the contractility of bovine uterus in vitro

Rosiglitazone is a drug used in human medicine for treating type II diabetes mellitus. It activates Peroxisome Proliferators-Activated Receptors gamma (PPAR-γ), which regulate energetic metabolism. We aimed to evaluate the effects of rosiglitazone on bovine myometrial contractility in vitro. Myometrial strips were collected from uteri of cows in estrus, diestrus, and pregnancy. Contractions were recorded using an isometric force transducer. After the equilibration period, rosiglitazone (1 × 10-6) was added to the bath. Its effects on the amplitude and frequency of spontaneous contractions were evaluated. Data were analyzed using an ANOVA and Student's t-test and were considered significant at P < 0.05. Rosiglitazone increased the mean amplitude during estrus (P < 0.01), diestrus (P < 0.05), and pregnancy (P < 0.01); the frequency of contractions in both pregnancy (P < 0.05) and diestrus (P < 0.05) increased as well. These effects are likely due, in our opinion, to an increase in intracellular calcium concentrations, as well as enhanced uptake of glucose from the Krebs' solution. The differences observed according in the different phases are ascribable to the different hormonal milieu. Our study indicates that rosiglitazone affects bovine myometrial contractility. It may be considered a starting point for further studies on the application of this drug in veterinary obstetrics.