Characterization of receptors involved in serotonin contractions of isolated human umbilical artery in uncomplicated pregnancy

Background Serotonin (5-HT), is a vasoactive substance involved in physiological functioning of fetoplacental blood flow and continuous modulation of smooth muscle tone in umbilical vein and arteries. Since umbilical blood vessels have been shown to be deficient in autonomic innervation, the action of local autocrine vasoactive substances (including serotonin) is of considerable importance. Although seven main groups of 5-HT receptors (5-HT1-7) have been characterized, it has been established that only several 5-HT receptor subtypes may be involved in vascular effects of this biogenic amine. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize receptors involved in serotonin-induced effect on isolated human umbilical artery (HUA) in uncomplicated pregnancy.