Detection of thyrotrophin receptor and contractility in human myometrium

It has been recognized for many decades that high thyrotrophin (TSH) levels in
pregnant women are associated with poor obstetric outcome. Also, there is
evidence that high TSH is related to fetal position at term, including breech,
which in turn is associated with obstetric complications.( 10,11)
However, the mechanism behind remains to be elucidated.
It has been shown that high TSH (thyrotrophin) affects relaxation and
contraction of the smooth muscle in large blood vessels in human. In animals,
there is some evidence that TSH interferes with uterine contractility. Although
a TSH receptor has been demonstrated outside the thyroid in bone, brain and
heart, so far no research on a possible TSH receptor in human uterine tissue
has been published.
The current study is a pilot study in which in a limited number of participants
(pregnant women, n=10) during elective Caesarean section a uterine specimen
will be collected for analysis in a (immune-)laboratory .

Immunodetection of Thyrothrophin (TSH) receptor in myometrium tissue.
Furtermore the aim is to test myometrium tissue in vitro for it's relaxation
and contractility and it's conductance of electropotentials.

Observational study.

Isolated human myometrial strips are collected during caesarean section, after
birth of the baby, from the upper lip of the incision in the lower uterine
segment. This biopsy will measure approximately 2x50mm.The specimen will be
divided into 2 specimens and frozen at -80 degrees Celsius. One part (2x10mm)
will be sent to an immunolaboratory where by means of immunodetection the
existence of TSH- receptor will be investigated. The other part (2x40mm) will
be sent to a Technical laboratory for studying it's relaxation and
contractility and conductance of electropotentials.

no risks are involved.