Understanding how oxytocin affects uterine contractions after childbirth
Official title: Oxytocin-mediated calcium signaling in physiologic uterine contractility and uterine atony
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10949817 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a hormone called oxytocin helps the uterus contract after childbirth to prevent heavy bleeding, and it's for women who may have trouble with these contractions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $165,672 |
| NIH project number | 1K23HD115837-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10949817 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include women who have recently given birth and are experiencing normal or compromised uterine contractility.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not recent mothers or those who have not experienced uterine atony may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of oxytocin in promoting uterine contractions, particularly after childbirth, to prevent postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). The study aims to uncover the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind how oxytocin works and why some women experience insufficient contractions, known as uterine atony. By using uterine tissue and smooth muscle cell cultures from women with normal and compromised contractility, the research seeks to identify potential new treatments that could enhance uterine function. The findings could lead to improved management strategies for PPH, a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that effectively prevent or manage postpartum hemorrhage, improving maternal health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding uterine contractility mechanisms, but this specific approach focusing on TRPV4 activation is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ansari, Jessica — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Ansari, Jessica
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.