Abstract

PIP: The potentiation of some spasmogens by indomethacin, an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthetase activity, in the isolated rat uterus is reported. Low concentrations of indomethacin were found to potentiate bradykinin-induced contractions in the uterus. Parallel dose-response curves to bradykinin were observed in the presence of increasing amounts of indomethacin. As little as .14 mcM indomethacin potentiated uterine contractions. It is unlikely that the potentiation of spasmogenic activity by low concentrations of indomethacin involved the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. The possibility that this effect of indomethacin may involve the reduction of tissue calcium concentrations is being evaluated.