Effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors on motility of isolated fallopian tube

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) affect the smooth muscle cells acting on voltage‐dependent channels for Na⁺, K⁺ and Ca²⁺, but their action is tissue and species specific. The aim of our study was to investigate effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors on motility of the isolated fallopian tubes. Isolated preparations of isthmus and ampoule were taken from fallopian tubes of 20 women during hysterectomy due to uterine fibroids and then tested for reactivity on increasing concentrations of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Escitalopram (from 0.9 × 10^?9 M/L to 1.4 × 10^?6 M/L) produced concentration‐dependent increase of spontaneous contractions of the isolated ampulla (EC50 = 1.20 ± 1.06 × 10^?8 M/L, r = 0.580, P < 0.05) (F = 2.980, df₁ = 6, df₂ = 28, P < 0.05). Paroxetine (from 1.2 × 10^?9 M/L to 5.1 × 10^?5 M/L) produced concentration‐dependent increase of spontaneous contractions of the isolated isthmus (EC50 = 7.01 ± 3.50 × 10^?8 M/L, r = 0.500, P < 0.05) (F = 2.350, df₁ = 9, df₂ = 40, P < 0.05). The SSRIs differ among themselves in regard to their potential to affect motility of the fallopian tubes. Escitalopram and paroxetine have clear stimulating effect which may interfere with functioning of the fallopian tubes, and potentially impair fertility if taken by women in reproductive period of life. The other SSRIs tested in the study did not produce significant effect throughout the concentration range used in the experiments.