Influence of prostaglandins F2alpha and E1 on vaginal contractility

Sixty strips of vaginal wall obtained from 20 nonpregnant women (12 in the proliferative phase and 8 in the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle) were studied in vitro. Described and illustrated are 1) their spontaneous contractility, 2) enhancement of this by prostaglandin F2alpha, epinephrine, and norepinephrine, and 3) de novo induction of contractions by these agents. Contractility was inhibited and suppressed by prostaglandin E1, and after such suppression of norepinephrine-induced contractions they could not thereafter be reestablished by norepinephrine. The physiologic implications of these findings for the processes of reproduction are discussed.