Effect of a beta-adrenoceptor antagonist, pindolol, on human uterine smooth muscle

The effect of a beta-adrenoceptor antagonist, pindolol, on uterine smooth muscle in term pregnant women was studied in vitro and in vivo (in hypertensive women). In most preparations in vitro and in most patients in vivo, the drug induced an inhibitory effect on spontaneous uterine activity. The fetal heart rate was not affected by the drug. These actions of pindolol would make it an appropriate drug in the therapy of hypertension in pregnancy.