Effects of melatonin on uterine contractions in pregnant women
Testing Effects of Melatonin on Uterine Contractions in Women
This study is looking at how melatonin, a hormone that helps with sleep, might influence contractions in pregnant women, especially when they are exposed to light at night, to see if it could help improve labor.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11058365 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep, affects uterine contractions in pregnant women. The study will explore whether administering melatonin can enhance contractions, particularly in the context of light exposure at night, which typically lowers melatonin levels. By conducting controlled experiments with pregnant women, the researchers aim to establish a clear relationship between melatonin levels and uterine activity, which could inform future obstetric treatments. The research will involve monitoring melatonin levels and uterine contractions under different light conditions to gather comprehensive data.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are late-term pregnant women who are experiencing or are at risk of delayed labor.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those in early stages of pregnancy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance uterine contractions, potentially improving labor outcomes for pregnant women.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results regarding melatonin's effects on uterine contractions in vitro, but this research is novel in its approach to testing these effects in humans.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Klerman, Elizabeth B. — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Klerman, Elizabeth B.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.