Publications by authors named "Aonghus J O'Loughlin"
Background: The non-thrombotic effects of thrombin in cardiovascular tissues, as mediated via the protease activated receptors (PARs), and particularly PAR-1, have been the focus of much recent research. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of thrombin, a specific PAR-1 activating peptide (PAR1-AP), and a PAR-1 antagonist on human umbilical artery tone in vitro.
Methods: Human umbilical artery samples were obtained from 17 women at term.
Objective: Thrombin enhances uterine contractions in animal models, which is an effect that is mediated through protease-activated receptors. The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of thrombin on spontaneous human uterine contractility in vitro, in tissue obtained in the presence and absence of pregnancy, and to investigate the effects of a specific protease-activated receptor 1-activating peptide on human pregnant myometrial contractility.
Study Design: Isometric recordings were performed under physiologic conditions on myometrial strips that were obtained from elective cesarean delivery and premenopausal hysterectomy specimens.