The effect of neurotransmitters, bradikynin, prostaglandins, and follicular fluid on spontaneous contractile characteristics of human fimbriae and tubo-ovarian ligaments isolated during different stages of the sexual cycle
Sterin-Speziale, N.; Gimeno, M.F.; Zapata, C.; Bagnati, P.E.; Gimeno, A.L.
International Journal of Fertility 23(1): 1-11
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0020-725X PMID: 30703 Document Number: 129903
Spontaneous contractile characteristics and the influences of several agents on the motility of isolated human fimbriae and tubo-ovarian ligaments (TOVL) under estrogen or progesterone dominance were explored. Segments of TOVL presented regular phasic contractile cycles; in the preparation of fimbria, frequent variations in rhythm and amplitude were observed. The time course of average activity in terms of isometric developed tension (IDT) and frequency of contractions (FC) was remarkably stable in both structures, even during periods longer than 1 h. Indomethacin significantly diminished the spontaneous IDT and FC, suggesting some kind of involvement of tissue prostaglandins (PG) in these variables. The IDT and the FC of preparations from women in the follicular phase of the sexual cycle were enhanced after adding norepinephrine (NE); PGF2-.alpha. or PGE2; acetylcholine (ACh) and follicular fluid only significantly augmented the IDT. Bradykinin (Bk) stimulated tension and frequency of fimbrial strips, but not of TOVL. PGE1 depressed fimbrial and enhanced ligament contractions. Tissue samples obtained during progesterone dominance reacted to ACh, PGF2-.alpha. or Bk similarly to those isolated in the follicular phase. During the luteal period of the sexual cycle NE failed to modify the motility of fimbrial segments, but depressed the IDT and FC of the TOVL. The inhibitory influence of PGE1 on fimbrial strips was greater under progesterone than estrogen dominance; the stimulating action of PGE2 remained comparable in both conditions. PGE1 augmentation of motility of TOVL observed in the follicular phase was replaced by a complete inhibition under progesterone dominance. A similar finding was seen after adding PGE2. Apparently tissue contractions (more evidently those of TOVL) during estrogen and progesterone dominance are different and even opposite after adding NE, PGE1 or PGE2, but not following PGF2-.alpha., ACh or Bk. Apparently the sexual hormones can modify the contractile responses of fimbrial and TOVL to some specific agents without altering those elicited by others. Fluid contained within ovarian follicles can influence the motility of the tissues studied. A possible physiologic role of these tissues during ovulation as important structures for the capture and introduction of released ova into the oviducts is advanced. Suggestions are made about the possible influences on their functioning by some active compounds. Plausible mechanisms underlying the regulation imposed by estrogen and progesterone levels on tissues' response to specific pharmacologic interventions are discussed.