Autofluorescence lifetime imaging of oxytocin-induced myometrial smooth muscle cells

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) affects 1%–5% of U.S. births annually, with higher risk linked to prolonged oxytocin exposure, obesity, and diabetes, suggesting metabolic factors may impair oxytocin-driven myometrial contractility. This study explores the metabolic response of human myometrial smooth muscle cells (MSMCs) to oxytocin using fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) of the metabolic coenzymes nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD). Each dish was imaged during a time-course of oxytocin stimulation and recovery. Between the oxytocin doses, the media was replaced, and cells were imaged after ten minutes to allow them to recuperate. FLIM features were extracted from the images, showing prominent changes among FAD lifetime features (α1, τ1, τm). The outcome from this study can be used to provide better insight into the link between metabolism and oxytocin dosing.