Endothelial dysfunction in myometrial arteries of women with gestational diabetes

Aims: This study directly examined endothelial function of myometrial arteries in the uterus of women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), healthy pregnant and non-pregnant women. It also examined whether endothelial function was affected by the changes in glucose concentration (from 2 to 12. mmol/L) that is seen in poorly controlled diabetes. Methods: Ex vivo myometrial arteries from the uterus of women with GDM (N= 16) as well as healthy pregnant (N= 16) and non-pregnant women (N= 15) were mounted on a wire myograph. The effect of changing glucose concentrations from 5. mmol/L to 2, 8 and 12. mmol/L glucose for 30. min was studied. Results: Myometrial arteries from women with GDM had significantly impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation compared to those from both healthy pregnant and non-pregnant women (two-way ANOVA, p<0.001). Changes in glucose concentration had no effect on constriction or endothelium-dependent relaxation in any group studied (two-way ANOVA, p> 0.05). Conclusions: Fluctuations of glucose concentrations between 2 and 12. mmol/L do not affect endothelial function. Endothelial dysfunction is present in the myometrial arteries of women with GDM, an inherent defect which may be responsible for some of the complications of GDM. © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd.