Abstract
A microminiature (1.6 mm X 0.4 mm overall), externally attached force transducer has been developed which permits chronic measurements of oviduct isthmus motility in unrestrained rabbit does. The design makes use of integrated circuit technology to satisfy the stringent requirements of high sensitivity, long term stability, reproducibility, and noninterference with normal oviduct function. These force transducers achieved an average lifetime of over 60 days, based on 58 irnplants in Phase 1 (40 doubles, 18 triples) and 56 implants in Phase 2 (50 doubles, 6 triples) in 53 New Zealand White rabbits. The experiments were designed to study the effect of hormonal manipulation on oviduct isthmus motility with the aid of paired transducers, one located 1-2 cm from the uterotubal junction (“distal gauge”), the other (“proximal gauge”) 1-1.5 cm toward the ampulla from the first. Contraction patterns and frequency changes seen during a period of several hours postinjection of progesterone (2.5 mg) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) (100 IU) were remarkably similar, peak activity occurring at 3 h after progesterone and 9 h after hCG; however, there were distinct variations between distal and proximal gauge motility patterns despite the close proximity. Characterization of contraction patterns was greatly aided by joint interval histogram and spectral analysis techniques. Long term motility studies following the administration of either hCC alone, or hCG with progesterone pretreatment on the 2 preceding days, showed no increased isthmic motility during the time when ova are presumed to be in the isthmus.
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