Alterations in uterine contractility during the oviposition cycle in domestic hens

1. The potencies of several neurohypophysial hormones were examined at different times during the oviposition cycle in an in vitro fowl oxytocic assay. 2. Uterine tissues were removed 2 h before (-2h-OP), immediately after (0h-OP) and 5 h after (+5h-OP) spontaneous oviposition. In addition, uterine tissue was removed immediately after oviposition was induced, by administering prostaglandin E2 2 h before an expected oviposition (Induced-OP). 3. The rank order of oxytocic potencies for the peptides was arginine vasotocin = vasopressin greater than oxytocin greater than mesotocin. The sensitivity of the uterus to the hormones was 0h-OP = Induced-OP greater than -2h-OP = +5-OP. 4. These results suggest that uterine sensitivity to neurohypophysial hormones changes during the oviposition cycle in domestic fowls.