Myometrial stimulation by a fetal distress signal? Some evidence for an adenosine based mechanism in man

SummaryIn very rapid, induced labours (< 3 h) hypoxanthine concentrations in the amniotic fluid at induction were inversely related to the duration of the subsequent labour. Hypoxanthine is quantitatively important as an extracellular signal of ATP depletion which also transiently releases adenosine. This compound can stimulate human myometrium.