Effects of magnesium chloride on the contractile response of uterus to several agonists in Ca-free solution

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Abstract
The effects of MgCl2 on the oestrogen-dominated rat uterus have been examined. Tissues were preincubated in a Ca2+- and Mg2+-free medium containing 3 mM EDTA. Most experiments were subsequently performed in a similar medium containing either no EDTA or EDTA (1 mM). When MgCl2 was added cumulatively (1–32 mM) no contractile responses were obtained in Ca,Mg-free medium or in Ca,Mg-free high K+ solution. When 2 mM CaCl2 as added, a sustained contraction was obtained. Subsequent addition of cumulative concentrations of MgCl2 caused concentration-dependent relaxation. Oxytocin, 2 μM, produced a small and sustained contraction in a Ca,Mg-free medium. Addition of MgCl2, 2 mM, increased this contraction. In a Ca,Mg-free medium vanadate (8 times 10−5 M) did not evoke spasm of uterine smooth muscle. After addition of MgCl2 in cumulative amounts (1–32 mM) in the presence of vanadate, a concentration-dependent contraction was obtained. The present work shows that in Ca-free solution, maintained contractions induced by oxytocin and vanadate are augmented by Mg2+.