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Effect of Prostaglandin F₂, Phenylephrine and Ergonovine on Uterine Contractions in the Ewe

US Department of Agriculture³, Beltsville, MD 20705

Abstract

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of prostaglandin F₂ (PGF₂), phenylephrine and ergonovine on uterine contractions. In the first experiment, ewes were bilaterally ovariectomized, and a strain gauge force transducer was sutured to the serosa of one uterine horn. Each ewe was treated sc with 2 µg of estradiol-17ß daily to prevent regression of the uterus. Beginning at least 5 d after ovariectomy, four dose levels of PGF₂, phenylephrine and methoxamine were given by im injection and ergonovine was given by im or iv injection. Phenylephrine, methoxamine and ergonovine are -adrenoceptor agonists. Uterine activity was recorded by physiograph for 30 min before and 90 min after treatment. Tracings were analyzed for 20-min periods before treatment and 4 to 24 min and 50 to 70 min after treatment. In Exp. 2, transducers were attached to uteri of intact ewes at d 10 to 12 of an estrous cycle. During subsequent estrus, one or two dose levels of PGF₂, phenylephrine and ergonovine were given by im injection and uterine activity recorded. In Exp. 1, PGF₂ and phenylephrine increased (P<.05 or .01) the number and amplitude of contractions at both 4 to 24 and 50 to 70 min. Ergonovine given im increased the number of contractions. In intact estrous ewes, PGF₂ increased the number and amplitude of contractions at 4 to 24 min, phenylephrine increased the number and amplitude at both 4 to 24 and 50 to 70 min, and ergonovine increased the number slightly but significantly at 4 to 24 min. Although ergonovine elicited the weakest contractile response of the compounds tested, ergonovine in other experiments improved sperm transport in the ewe, whereas PGF₂ and phenylephrine did not.

¹ Reproduction Laboratory, Animal Science Institute, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, ARS.

² The authors thank Linda Neuenhahn for typing the manuscript.

³ Mention of a trade name or proprietary product does not constitute a guarantee or warranty by the USDA and does not imply approval to the exclusion of others not mentioned.