Detergent-induced oviposition is mediated by prostaglandins.
Local administration of small volumes of dilute detergents into the avian uterus (shell gland) induced premature oviposition within a few minutes with a success rate of over 90 percent. Indomethacin and cortisol blocked the action of detergents. Exogenous prostaglandins counteracted the inhibitory effect of indomethacin. It is suggested that detergents promote endogenous prostaglandin production which in turn induces oviposition. The possible significance of these observations in mammalian parturition is discussed.
D000818:Animals; D002645:Chickens; D003370:Coturnix; D003840:Deoxycholic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology; D003902:Detergents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000494:pharmacology; D007213:Indomethacin / Q000494:pharmacology; D010058:Oviposition / Q000187:drug effects*; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000494:pharmacology; D011453:Prostaglandins / Q000502:physiology*
D003902:Detergents; D011453:Prostaglandins; D003840:Deoxycholic Acid; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D006854:Hydrocortisone; D007213:Indomethacin