Biology of Reproduction, Vol 14, 658-664, Copyright © 1976 by Society for the Study of Reproduction

Utero-Oviductal Motility, Egg Transport and Implantation in Prostaglandin Treated Rabbits

¹ Reproductive Physiology Laboratories, C. S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201

In vivo utero-oviductal motility, egg transport in the oviduct and implantation were studied in rabbits following vaginal administration of silastic suppositories containing 1 mg of PGE₂ or PGF₂. Utero-oviductal motility was also monitored following intraoviductal or intrauterine instillation of PGE₂ or PGF₂. Immediate inhibition or stimulation of oviductal motility followed instillation of microdoses of PGE or PGF₂ in the lumen of the oviduct. Intrauterine instillation of microdoses of prostaglandins was followed by immediate and intensive stimulation of myometrial contractility. The oviduct responded to intrauterine prostaglandins in a few cases. Prolonged responses followed intravaginal administration of prostaglandin in suppositories. When administered at 24 h post coitum, PGF₂ vaginal suppositories were effective in modifying egg transport and implantation. Efficacy of PGF₂ to prevent implantation decreased when the suppositories were administered at 4 days post coitum. Vaginal administration of PGE₂ at 24 h post coitum failed to modify egg transport or implantation. PGE₂ vaginal suppositories were effective in preventing implantation when administered at 4 days post coitum. The regimen may offer an approach for post ovulatory contraception or menstrual induction in women.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This research was supported by Ford Foundation Grant 710-0287A. Thanks are due to Dr. J. Pike, Upjohn Company, Kalamazoo, Michigan, for the generous supply of prostaglandins, and for Dr. H. S. Maia for donating the recording baloons.