Endothelial dysfunction in myometrial arteries of women with gestational diabetes

Abstract Aims This study directly examined endothelial function of myometrial arteries in the uterus of women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), healthy pregnant and non-pregnant women. It also examined whether endothelial function was affected by the changes in glucose concentration (from 2 to 12 mmol/L) that is seen in poorly controlled diabetes. Methods Ex vivo myometrial arteries from the uterus of women with GDM ( N = 16) as well as healthy pregnant ( N = 16) and non-pregnant women ( N = 15) were mounted on a wire myograph. The effect of changing glucose concentrations from 5 mmol/L to 2, 8 and 12 mmol/L glucose for 30 min was studied. Results Myometrial arteries from women with GDM had significantly impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation compared to those from both healthy pregnant and non-pregnant women (two-way ANOVA, p < 0.001). Changes in glucose concentration had no effect on constriction or endothelium-dependent relaxation in any group studied (two-way ANOVA, p > 0.05). Conclusions Fluctuations of glucose concentrations between 2 and 12 mmol/L do not affect endothelial function. Endothelial dysfunction is present in the myometrial arteries of women with GDM, an inherent defect which may be responsible for some of the complications of GDM.