Phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate-induced protein kinase C activation triggers sustained contracture in human myometrium in vitro

Pharmacologic activation of PKC leads to a significant contracture of the myometrium. Together, these data suggest that the up-regulation of PKC plays a physiologic role in the modulation of uterine contracture after delivery. A switch from phasic to strong tonic contractions potentially may facilitate postpartum hemostasis.