The effect of exogenous progesterone on the rate of blood flow of the uterus of ovariectomized sheep.

Abstract

Progesterone was administered to fifteen ovariectomized non‐pregnant sheep in order to observe its effect on the rate of uterine blood flow (ml./kg/min), and on the relationship between these rates of flow and metabolism, as reflected in estimates of the arteriovenous oxygen difference and the uterine cavity‐aortic blood temperature difference. No effects were observed when only progesterone was administered, but when progesterone was given to ewes already receiving oestrogens, the rate of uterine blood flow fell and coefficient of oxygen utilization and temperature difference increased. The possible significance of these observations to cyclical changes observed during the oestrous cycle is discussed.