IS THE TRANSMISSION OF THE NERVE IMPULSES TO THE CAT'S UTERUS ELECTRICAL OR CHEMICAL?

Abstract

The responses of the non-pregnant and pregnant uterus of the cat to adrenalin are decreased by 933F; responses to the stimulation of the hypogastric nerves are relatively unaffected. These results are discussed in relation to the theories of transmission of nerve impulse to smooth muscle. An initial contraction preceding relaxation was observed in the non-pregnant uterus in several cats as a result of nerve stimulation, although adrenalin caused relaxation alone. One or more small corpora lutea were found in the ovaries of these animals, although there was no evidence of pregnancy in the uterine endo-metria. A possible explanation of this observation is offered.