Effects of Oxytocin on in vitro Ovarian Contractility During the Estrous Cycle of the Rat

Abstract

The effect of oxytocin on in vitro ovarian contractility was studied throughout the estrous cycle of the rat. Oxytocin stimulated ovarian contractility in 29 of 44 animals. Doses of 0.5, 5 and 25 mU/ml were used in all experiments. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences in the sensitivity of the ovaries to oxytocin in the different phases of the estrous cycle. These results suggest that the action of the peptide is not influenced by the hormonal status of the animal.