Objective: Dantrolen inhibits calcium-induced calcium release from ryanodine sensitive intracellular stores. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dantrolene on prostaglandin F2α stimulated myometrial contractions in vitro.

Material and method: Myometrial strips were removed from adult non-pregnant Wistar rats following decapitation and suspended in an organ bath containing Krebs’ solution at 37°C and pH 7.4, constantly gassed with 95% oxygen-5% carbon dioxide mixture and isometric contractions were recorded.

Results: Dantrolene dose dependently and reversibly inhibited contractions induced by PGF_2α (1mM) induced contractions.

Conclusion: In conclusion, calcium-induced calcium release from ryanodine sensitive intracellular stores is thought to play important roles in PGF_2α stimulated contractions of isolated rat myometriyum.