Prostaglandins (PGs) exert their effects via binding to specific cell surface receptors and influencing second messenger systems through G-proteins. PGE2 may interact with at least four receptor subtypes (EP1, EP2, EP3, EP4), each showing different pharmacological profiles. The second messengers calcium, inositol phosphates (InsPs) and cyclic nucleotides play decisive roles in uterine contractility. The question in this investigation was, which EP receptors, G-proteins and second messenger systems transmit PGE2 induced signals in human myometrium. We have measured changes in InsPs and cAMP formation and also in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) induced by PGE2 and receptor subtype selective analogues in cultured human myometrial cells. PGE2 increased cAMP level and this effect was shared by the EP2 receptor subtype selective agonist Butaprost and by Misoprostol (EP3 > EP2 > EP1). Sulprostone (EP3 > EP1) did not stimulate adenylyl cyclase activity per se, but inhibited forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase in a pertussis toxin (PT) sensitive way. PGE2, GR63799X (EP3 selective), Sulprostone and Misoprostol activated phospholipase-C (PLC), this effect was resistant to PT treatment. PGE2 also elevated [Ca2+]i from the resting level of 60-90 nM up to 350 nM. Low concentrations (1-300 nM) of PGE2 increased [Ca2+]i without PLC activation. The selective EP1 inhibitor AH6809, Nifedipine, Verapamil and PT treatment inhibited this effect of PGE2. In cultured human myometrial cells PGE2 interacts with EP1 receptors, which elevate [Ca2+]i independently from PLC, but involving a Gi protein and plasmamembrane calcium channels; EP2 receptors which stimulate adenylyl cyclase; EP3A receptors, which inhibit adenylyl cyclase activity through Gi activation and EP3D receptors which activate PLC through a PT-insensitive pathway and also elevate [Ca2+]i.