Understanding how oxytocin affects contractions in engineered human uterine tissue
Official title: Quantitating Oxytocin-induced Contractility in Bioengineered 3D Human Myometrium
Funded at Texas Engineering Experiment Station · NIH-11117725 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different amounts of oxytocin affect the contractions of a special model of human uterine muscle, which could help doctors use this hormone more safely during labor for expecting moms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas Engineering Experiment Station NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $235,803 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD118295-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11117725 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women who are approaching term (over 37 weeks of gestation) and may require oxytocin for labor induction or augmentation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those who are not at term may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of oxytocin on the contractility of bioengineered human myometrium, which is the muscle layer of the uterus. By creating a 3D model of human uterine tissue using cells from patients, the researchers aim to better understand how different doses of oxytocin influence muscle contractions during labor. This could lead to improved dosing strategies for oxytocin, potentially reducing the risks associated with its use during childbirth. The study will utilize advanced bioengineering techniques to create a more accurate representation of human uterine tissue for testing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective use of oxytocin during labor, improving outcomes for mothers and newborns.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using bioengineered tissues is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in understanding uterine contractility, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas Engineering Experiment Station
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Raghavan, Shreya — Texas Engineering Experiment Station
- Study coordinator: Raghavan, Shreya
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.