Dr. Frolova’s central research goal is to improve obstetric outcomes for moms and babies by understanding and targeting mechanisms of dysfunctional uterine contractility. These clinical complications contribute to the high incidence of cesarean deliveries, postpartum hemorrhage and associated maternal morbidity.

Dr. Frolova and her lab team

Variable uterine contractility and response to oxytocin administration is thought to be a large component of abnormal labor progress. As a result, a major focus in my laboratory is characterizing the mechanisms of oxytocin desensitization and inactivation in the myometrium following prolonged agonist exposure.

Another major focus is determining the role maternal obesity and dyslipidemia play in oxytocin receptor function and myometrial contractility.