Abstract

TOCOLYTIC AND POTENTIALLY TERATOGENIC EFFECTS OF ATOSIBAN ACETATE AND CELECOXIB IN PREGNANT RATS

*Amirah Salih Almahilib, Dr. Hazar Yacoub and Prof. Zeinb Hassan

ABSTRACT

Premature spontaneous birth (PSB) remains a significant problem in obstetrics due to its increased incidence linked to perinatal deaths and injuries. Moreover, available medications for PSB treatment are limited in their effectiveness and have strong side effects on both the mother and the neonate. Beta-adrenergic receptor agonists are commonly used to prevent preterm labor contractions but with limited specificity to the tissues involved, causing side effects on the cardiovascular system and metabolism. Thus, there is a need for more effective and targeted medications. Recent developments in understanding the cellular mechanisms, particularly those related to PSB contractions, are necessary to achieve more specialized treatment. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of new medications in delaying PSB and inhibiting uterine contractions. Results showed that oxytocin and prostaglandin E2 with atosiban (an oxytocin antagonist) and celecoxib (a COX2 inhibitor) significantly delayed PSB in pregnant rats compared to ritodrine (a beta-adrenergic receptor agonist). These medications also showed varying degrees of inhibitory effects on isolated rat uterine tissues. The study also showed that pretreatment with these inhibitors 24 hours before PSB induction provides better preventive effects than co-treatment with the inducer. While there were no significant fetal effects, caution is advised when using celecoxib due to its potential impact on maternal water intake.

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