Wellbeing of Women

2007 Grants

Research Training Fellowships

The Gardner Research Training Fellowship - A study to investigate the response of the muscle cells of the womb to the hormones controlling labour. Dr Claire Higgins, University of Glasgow, £76,025 over 24 months

Characterisation of oxytocin receptor activation – a pathway and functional analysis in human myometrium

Oxytocin is a naturally occurring hormone which stimulates contractions of the uterus (womb), and hence plays an important role in human labour. If this process is activated earlier than normal, it can lead to the problems of premature labour and preterm birth. Conversely, if the system is ineffective, the contractions may not be effective enough for a normal labour, therefore increasing the chance of delivery by emergency caesarean section. Additionally, if the womb is not able to contract effectively after the placenta is delivered, excessive blood loss can occur (post partum haemorrhage).

Despite extensive use of oxytocin in clinical practice, the cellular response of the myometrium (muscle of the womb) to oxytocin is not completely understood. The purpose of this study is to determine which genes are involved in the control of labour. Specifically, we are interested in genes which are switched on or off in response to oxytocin (a hormone which stimulates contractions). The results of this study will provide information about how the myometrial cells respond to oxytocin, and will help facilitate the development of new and effective strategies to reduce the incidence of preterm birth, optimise the safe induction of labour and minimise post-partum haemorrhage.

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