Shortening of Uterine Muscle at Different Temperatures

Abstract

In agreement with the observations of others on skeletal muscle, strips of uterine muscle from rabbits in estrus undergo changes in the extent of shortening in relation to temp. The amplitude of contraction, which is minimal below 5[degree]C, is maximum between 35[degree] and 401. The speed of contraction and relaxation also varies with temp. These effects occur equally whether the contractions are spontaneous or electrically stimulated. The findings are relevant to the current discussion about applicability of thermodynamics to the theory of muscle contraction.