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Intraovarian pressure changes during ovulation in rabbits
Fertility and Sterility
|February 1, 1976
Summary
Ovarian contractions, measured by intraovarian pressure, increase significantly after ovulation stimuli like hCG or mating in rabbits. This suggests ovarian contractility plays a role in ovulation and egg release.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Ovarian contractile elements are present in many species.
- The role of ovarian contractions in ovulation remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of ovarian contractions in ovulation.
- To measure intraovarian pressure changes in vivo in unanesthetized rabbits.
Main Methods:
- Continuous in vivo recording of intraovarian pressure using latex balloons and catheters in rabbits.
- Simultaneous recording of intratubal pressure.
- Administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or natural copulation as ovulatory stimuli.
Main Results:
- Ovarian contractile activity was observed in all rabbits studied.
- Intraovarian pressure patterns differed from intratubal pressure, indicating independent contractions.
- Ovarian contractile activity significantly increased 6-8 hours post-stimulus (hCG or mating) and persisted for several hours.
Conclusions:
- Increased ovarian contractile activity around the time of ovulation suggests a role in follicular rupture and ovum extrusion.
- Prostaglandin F2alpha, norepinephrine, and oxytocin induced ovarian contractions.