Electro-oviductogram: a study of the electromechanical activity of the canine oviduct

The purpose of this communication was to study the electromechanical activity of the oviduct aiming at the characterization of a normal 'electro-oviductogram' (EOG). The oviduct of 14 bitches was exposed and 3 monopolar silver-silver chloride electrodes were sutured to the duct serosa. The oviduct pressure was also measured. Direction of propagation of the electric activity was assessed by duct myotomies. Slow waves or pacesetter potentials (PPs) were recorded from the 3 electrodes of each dog. They were identical from the 3 electrodes, had a regular rhythm and were reproducible. The PPs were followed by bursts of action potentials (APs) which were associated with increased oviduct pressure. PPs and APs were recorded from electrodes proximal but not distal to the oviduct myotomy, indicating that they were propagated from the fimbrial end of the oviduct towards the uterus. A 'pacemaker' initiating these waves might exist at this fimbrial end. The increased oviduct pressure associated with APs might point to a contractile activity that may be responsible for initiating the oviduct peristaltic activity. In conclusion, the current study could characterize an EOG for the normal canine oviduct. It is suggested that, after further studies, the EOG may be included as an investigative tool in the diagnosis of oviduct disorders.