Effects of bisphenol AF and bisphenol S on the contractility of the porcine uterus

Bisphenols (BPs) are widely used in the manufacturing of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Many recent studies indicate that bisphenols (BPs) can cause adverse side effects in human, including alterations to the reproductive system, such as hindering conception, polycystic ovarian syndrome, premature puberty or reduced sperm quality. They may raise the risk of breast and ovarian cancers and endometriosis. Since there have been no data in the available literature on the effect of BP analogues, BPAF and BPS on the contractile activity of the uterus, the aim of this research was to determine the effect of these two bisphenols on the porcine myometrium (n=6) collected from immature, cyclic and early pregnant animals. Strips of the myometrium were stimulated with increasing concentrations (10-13 to 10-1) of BPAF or BPS, and smooth muscle contractility (tension, amplitude and frequency of contractions) was determined with equipment for measuring isometric contractions. BPAF caused a significant decrease (P<0.05-P<0.001) in all examined parameters in all groups of animals, but the highest changes were observed in the myometrium of the immature pigs. BPS caused the highest decrease in the tension and amplitude (P<0.05-P<0.001) of contractions in the myometrium of early pregnant animals and the frequency of contractions (P<0.05-P<0.001) in the myometrium of immature animals. In conclusion, the results indicate that both BPAF and BPS relax the porcine myometrium, but these changes depend on the physiological status of the animals.