Effects of different vasopressors on the contraction of the superior mesenteric artery and uterine artery in rats during late pregnancy

Background Hypotension after neuraxial anaesthesia is one of the most common complications during caesarean section. Vasopressors are the most effective method to improve hypotension, but which of these drugs is best for caesarean section is not clear. We assessed the effects of vasopressors on the contractile response of uterine arteries and superior mesenteric arteries in pregnant rats to identify a drug that increases the blood pressure of the systemic circulation while minimally affecting the uterine and placental circulation. Methods Isolated ring segments from the uterine and superior mesenteric arteries of pregnant rats were mounted in organ baths, and the contractile responses to several vasopressor agents were studied. Concentration-response curves for norepinephrine, phenylephrine, metaraminol and vasopressin were constructed. Results The contractile response of the mesenteric artery to norepinephrine, as measured by the pEC50 of the drug, was stronger than the uterine artery (5.617 ± 0.11 vs. 4.493 ± 1.35, p = 0.009), and the contractile response of the uterine artery to metaraminol was stronger than the mesenteric artery (pEC50: 5.084 ± 0.17 vs. 4.92 ± 0.10, p = 0.007). There was no statistically significant difference in the pEC50 of phenylephrine or vasopressin between the two blood vessels. Conclusions In vitro experiments showed that norepinephrine contracts peripheral blood vessels more strongly and had the least effect on uterine artery contraction. These findings support the use of norepinephrine in mothers between the time of neuraxial anaesthesia and the delivery of the foetus.