Inhibitory effects of chlorpheniramine and astemizolum on contraction of isolated rat and rabbit uteri induced by oxytocin and PGF2 alpha.

The contraction of isolated rat and rabbit uteri induced by oxytocin and PGF2 alpha was markedly inhibited by chlorpheniramine (Chl) and astemizolum (Ast), both of which also decreased the resting tension of uteri, and their spontaneous contraction. The inhibitory effects of both drugs were dose-dependent. At high concentrations, Chl 7.4 x 10(-4) mol/L and Ast 10(-4) mol/L could counteract the contraction of the uteri induced by Oxy and PGF2 alpha, and their spontaneous contraction as well. They decreased the resting tension to the lower level. The mechanism of their non-special relaxed action on uteri could not be completely explained only by their H1-receptor blocking action. Whether they act by blocking calcium channel or by inhibiting calmodulin (CaM) remains to be further explored.