Effects of Sympathetic Denervation of the Rabbit Oviduct on Normal Ovum Transport and on Transport Modified by Estrogen and Progesterone

Abstract

Oviducts were depleted of endogenous sympathetic neurotransmitter by either surgical denervation, or intraluminal infusion of 6-OH-dopamine or systemic administration of reserpine. Functional denervation was confirmed by histochemical examination of the oviducts. These procedures failed to disrupt normal transport rates of ova as indicated by oviductal ovum recovery rates at 48 and 72 h following HCG injection. However, estrogen-induced ‘tube-locking’ of ova and progesterone-induced acceleration of ovum transport were partially antagonized by depletion of neurotransmitter from the intrinsic adrenergic nerves of the oviduct. These data suggest that the effects of sex steroids on ovum transport are partially mediated through adrenergic processes.