[Regulatory peptides of the uterine tube in the human]

In the human oviduct the occurrence and distribution of nerves containing substance P(SP), neurotensin (NT) and neuropeptide Y(NPY) immunoreactivity has been analysed previously. In vitro application of synthetic NT and SP resulted in dose-dependent excitatory effects on the different parameters of oviductal motility (resting tension, force and amplitude of spontaneous contractions). While NPY alone was found to exert no effects, it antagonized the action of acetylcholin. Thus, our results indicate that NT and SP may have a neurotransmitter and NPY a neuromodulator function in the regulation of oviductal motility.