Regional and cyclic variations in catecholamine concentration of the human fallopian tube

Catecholamines were measured in various regions of the human Fallopian tube at different cyclic stage with high performance liquid chromatography; these stages were defined from plasma estradiol and progesterone levels. The tube contained minute amounts of epinephrine, low concentration of dopamine, and approximately 250-800 ng/g of norepinephrine. Measurements of norepinephrine in consecutive sections along the organ showed clear regional variations. The highest concentration was found in the isthmus. There was a consistently higher norepinephrine concentration during the luteal compared to the follicular phase. The highest norepinephrine values in the isthmus and in the fimbriated end were found at the time of ovulation.