Influence of the estrous cycle on the action of oxytocin on rat ovarian contractility in vivo.
This investigation was designed to determine the influence of the estrous cycle on the response of ovarian smooth muscle to oxytocin. Muscular activity in vivo was studied by recording intraovarian pressure. Intra-aortic injections of oxytocin were given to the rats at all stages of the estrous cycle. The effect of oxytocin was evaluated by the number of responding ovaries and the magnitude of the responses. According to these parameters, a greater response was observed during proestrus, compared with the other cycle stages. The significance of these results id discussed.
D000818:Animals; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004971:Estrus; D005260:Female; D008365:Manometry; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000187:drug effects*; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000187:drug effects*; D010053:Ovary / Q000187:drug effects; D010121:Oxytocin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D051381:Rats
D010121:Oxytocin