[Effects of prostaglandins, leukotrienes, VIP, carbachol and isopropylnoradrenaline on uterine and vaginal motility in the chicken]

Abstract

In laying hens the influence of prostaglandins (PG's), leukotrienes (LT's), VIP, carbachol and isoproterenol (IPN) on uterine and vaginal motility has been studied, using the techniques of the isolated organ-bath, of the intraluminal pressure registration in the anesthetized hen and of the electromyography in the conscious, non-sedated animal. The PG's, LT's and carbachol induced an activation and IPN a relaxation of isolated uterine strips. Vaginal strips were stimulated by PGF2 alpha and high concentrations of LT's, and relaxed by PGE2, low concentrations of LT's and carbachol. Intravenous injection of PGF2 alpha and LTC4 resulted in an increase in uterine and vaginal pressure, whereas injection of PGE2 induced a pressure increase or decrease in the uterus and a pressure decrease in the vagina. Intravenous infusion of PGE2 provoked an increase in uterine electrical activity and a decrease in vaginal activity. An increase in frequency of bursts of spike potentials in the uterus together with an inhibition of vaginal electrical activity were observed following intravenous injection of LTD4. VIP-infusion resulted in an inhibition of electrical activity of uterus and vagina. Carbachol-infusion stimulated the electrical activity of both oviduct segments, whereas IPN inhibited this activity.