A functional analysis of the myogenic control systems of the human Fallopian tube

Electrical and mechanical activity of segments of isolated human Fallopian tubes was recorded with the use of extracellular pore electrodes and a transducer recording tension in the longitudinal axis. Electrical activity was regularly recorded in ampullar segments of tubes from premenopausal women and consisted usually of one spike apparently preceded by prepotentials associated with each contraction. These spikes were propagated at 2 to 9 mm. per second in either direction with equal velocity. The direction or velocity of propagation was not influenced by the hormonal status of the woman from whom the tube was derived. It was concluded that the myogenic system of the human Fallopian tube was organized on a symmetrical principle, any directionality being imposed by hormonal, neuronal, or other modulating systems in vivo. Stretch was able to enhance the excitability of this system.