A. A. Tica, E. Dun, V. Tica, V. Cojocaru, O. S. Tica, S. Berceanu
Abstract: Despite the important volume of data regarding the physiology and pharmacology of uterine smooth muscle
innervation, it is unclear the precise role of the nervous supply on myometrial activity. Moreover, although all uterine
myocytes possess specific adrenergic and cholinergic receptors, the autonomic fibers are almost exclusively distributed
to cervix (eventually to isthmus, which becomes the lower uterine segment in the last part of the pregnancy), where
is located less that 10% of the whole myometrium. It seems that neuronal modulation is implicated more on cervical
dynamics and poorly on “effective” uterine contractility. It is important to note that constantly there is a neuronal
co-transmission, either sympathetic or parasympathetic, or even non-adrenergic/non-cholinergic mediation,
the number of discovered compounds, able to modulate the uterine activity, increasing permanently. Must be
mentioned, also, the variability of receptors either as density, sensitivity or intracellular pathways, depending of
hormonal impregnation, especially on gestation. Furthermore, during pregnancy, placenta and amniotic membranes
possess a strong impact on myometrium, connective tissue, but also on neuronal ending characteristics. Keywords: sympathetic, parasympathetic, co-transmission, non-adrenergic non-cholinergic