Effect of Gestational Hypercholesterolaemia on Prostaglandin-induced Uterine Contractility in Late Pregnant Mouse Uterus

The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of gestational hypercholesterolaemia on the prostaglandin-induced uterine response in late pregnant mouse uterus. Gestational hypercholesterolaemia was developed in Swiss albino mice feeding a diet (HFHC diet) containing 1.25 % cholesterol, 0.5 % sodium cholate and 15 % fat for 6 weeks before mating and continuing up to the 19th day of gestation. Animals were sacrificed on the 19th day to determine the lipid profile in plasma and to estimate the total prostaglandin level in uterine tissue by ELISA. PGF2α receptor (FPR) expression was assessed by Western blot and the PGF2α response which was elicited by tension experiments. Lipid profile in control and HFHC diet fed animals demonstrated a significant increase in total cholesterol, HDL and LDL level in the latter with no alteration in triglycerides level. Total prostaglandin level was less in HFHC diet fed animals compared to the animals fed with the standard diet. FP receptor expression was not influenced by hypercholesterolaemia. Concentration-dependent response to PGF2α in control animals (Emax 302.1±18.51%; pD2 6.58 ± 0.24) was not significantly different from that of HFHC diet fed animals (Emax 227.7± 14.1%; pD2 6.24 ± 0.23). The results of the present study suggested that uterine prostaglandin levels are lowered by gestational hypercholesterolaemia but PGF2α receptor protein expression, as well as its contractile response, is not affected.