TRPM4 contribution in mouse uterine contractions

In brief Inappropriate uterine contractions are a matter of concern during pregnancy or menses. We identified the transient receptor potential melastatin 4 (TRPM4) ion channel as a new actor in mouse uterine contractions highlighting this protein as a potential pharmacological target for a better control of myometrial activity. Abstract Control of uterine contractions is of interest in the context of inappropriate myometrial activity during pregnancy and at time of delivery, but it is also a matter for menstrual pain. While several molecular determinants of myometrial contractions have been described, the complete distribution of roles to the various actors is far from understood. A key phenomenon is a variation in cytoplasmic Ca 2+ which leads to the activation of calmodulin in smooth muscle and also in the phosphorylation of myosin allowing contraction. The Ca 2+ – TRPM4 channel which is known to modulate Ca 2+ – fluxes in several cell types was shown to participate in vascular as well as detrusor muscle contraction. We thus designed a study to determine whether it also participates in myometrial contraction. Uterine rings were isolated from Trpm4 +/+ and Trpm4 −/− non-pregnant adult mice and contractions were recorded using an isometric force transducer. In basal conditions, spontaneous contractions were similar in both groups. Application of 9-phenanthrol, a pharmacological TRPM4 inhibitor, dose-dependently reduced contraction parameters in Trpm4 +/+ rings with an IC 50 around 2.10 −6 mol/L. The effect of 9-phenanthrol was significantly reduced in Trpm4 −/− rings. The effect of oxytocin was tested and was found to be stronger in Trpm4 +/+ rings compared to Trpm4 −/− . Under a constant stimulation by oxytocin, 9-phenanthrol still reduced contraction parameters in Trpm4 +/+ rings with a smaller effect on Trpm4 −/− . Altogether it indicates that TRPM4 participates in uterine contractions in mice and may thus be evaluated as a new target to control such contractions.