Changes in uterine and ovarian blood flow during the oestrous cycle in rats

The rates of uterine and ovarian blood flow during the oestrous cycle in rats were measured using radioactive microspheres. Blood flow was highest in the ovaries and uteri during pro-oestrus and lowest during metoestrus. During pro-oestrus, mean ovarian blood flow was 676-2 +/- 183-6 (S.D.) ml/min/100 g wet tissue and mean uterine blood flow was 249-7 +/- 120-1 ml/min/100 g. During metoestrus mean ovarian blood flow was 117-4 +/- 19-8 ml/min/100 g and mean uterine blood flow was 38-5 +/- 7-4 ml/min/100 g. In ovariectomized rats, uterine blood flow was 28-7 +/- 10-5 ml/min 100 g.