Inhibitory effects of desflurane and sevoflurane on oxytocin-induced contractions of isolated pregnant human myometrium

Background: In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of desflurane and sevoflurane on oxytocin‐induced contractions of isolated human myometrium. Methods: Following delivery of the infant and placenta, a small segment of myometrium was excised from the upper incisional surface of the lower uterine segment and 20 strips, randomly assigned into two groups (n = 10), were obtained from 20 non‐laboring term parturients. The study protocol consisted of a 60‐min period of spontaneous contractions, control recording with oxytocin 2 × 109 m (10‐min period), washout interval of 10 min, volatile administration (three times per 15‐min period) of 0.5, 1 and 2 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC), response to oxytocin (10‐min period), a further washout interval (10‐min period) and subsequent control recording with oxytocin without anesthetics. Results: After oxytocin administration, the frequency and amplitude of contractions increased (P