Relaxant effect of diallyl sulfide on nonpregnant rat uterus: Involvement of voltage‐dependent calcium channels

Aim We aimed to determine the effect and mechanism of action of diallyl sulfide (DAS), an active component of sulfur‐containing foods such as garlic on rat uterine activity. Methods Isometric tension changes in longitudinal uterine strips obtained from 20 female Sprague–Dawley rats (250–300 g) in estrus stage of estrous cycle were studied in isolated organ baths containing Krebs–Henseleit solution. Results Diallyl sulfide (10−8–10−6 M) caused a concentration‐dependent relaxation on KCl (60 mM)‐induced contractions and inhibited spontaneous peristaltic activity of uterine strips (P 0.05): nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L‐NAME (10−4 M), hydrogen sulfide‐producing enzymes cystation β synthase and cystation γ‐lyase inhibitors, aminooxyacetic acid (10−4 M) and propargylglycine (10−3 M) and nonselective cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin (10−4 M). However, in calcium‐free Krebs solution containing high KCl (30 mM), DAS significantly inhibited CaCl2 (10−5–10−2 M)‐induced uterine contractions in a concentration‐dependent manner (P