NEUROGENIC EFFECTS OF UTERINE DISTENTION ON THE ESTROUS CYCLE OF THE EWE1

Abstract

The role of the uterus and its innervation in the regulation of cyclic reproductive phenomena and in the maintenance of corpora lutea has been little studied. Dickinson and Smith (1913) showed that local distention of the cervical portion of the uterus stimulated the ovaries of women with involuted and infantile uteri. Selye (1934) was able to maintain corpora lutea of pregnancy and prolong “gestation” in rats by substituting paraffin for the products of conception. The paraffin was said to stimulate the anterior pituitary gland causing persistence and function of the luteal tissue. The link between the stimulus arising in the uterus and the adenohypophysis was assumed to be neural. Attempts by Bradbury (1941) and Greene (1941) to confirm these results failed. Apparently the ovaries and uterus can function normally without depending upon their respective nerve supplies. Denervation of the ovaries has no effect upon ovarian function, for transplanted ovaries function in a normal manner.