Attempts to programme ovulation with exogenous oestrogens and LH-RH analogue.

An attempt was made to programme ovulation in women on a predetermined day of the menstrual cycle by treatment used to induce ovulation in anovulatory sterility. At laparotomy for elective sterilization the ovaries were observed to assess the occurrence of ruptured follicles and ovulation. Histological analysis of ovaries and endometrium was performed, and ova were recovered from some women. Several regimens were tested but ovulation seldom occurred as planned. Clomiphene citrate, human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG), synthetic luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LH-RH), and ethinyloestradiol were ineffective. Human menopausal gonadotrophin followed by HCG was more effective, but multiple ovulations occurred. When one single injection of a potent long-acting LH-RH analogue was given on day 13 of the cycle to 10 women pretreated with ethinyloestradiol signs of recent ovulation were observed on day 15 in seven and on day 16 in two.

Effect of oxytocin on the contractility of the human oviduct in vivo.

PIP: The effects of oxytocin, administered by either rapid or slow iv injection, on fallopian tube contractility were studies. Single iv doses were shown to consistently induce several contractions with a mean intensity of 10 mm Hg and hypertonia of varying duration. The oxytocin-induced bursts were synchronous in both tubes while normal spontaneous contractions are asynchronous. The tubes showed a high sensitivity to even small doses of oxytocin. The minimum does (threshold dose) of oxytocin eliciting tubal response in the patients was 250 mU. The intensity and duration of oxytocin-induced contractions were dose-dependent with the maximal responses obtained with oxytocin doses of 5 IU or less. The highest sensitivity was during the proliferative stage of the ovarian cycle. Continuous iv infusions of oxytocin ranging from 20 to 40 mU/minute increased tubal activity during administration. It was determined that the sensitivity of the human fallopian tube to oxytocin was higher than that of the nongravid uterus and lower than that of the mammary gland during lactation.^ieng

[Human tubal contractility in vivo. Analysis of the reproducibility and iatrogenics of a method of study]. / Contractilidad tubaria humana in vivo. Análisis de la reproducibilidad y yatrogénia de una metódica de estudio

PIP: Techniques for the study of tubal motility in vivo can provide important basic information, but their safety and the potential risks to which patients are exposed must be considered. 30 patients were studied, of whom 10 left the program. They were in good health and good gynecological conditions for at least 6 months after retrieving the tubal devices. Temporary changes in the ovaric cycle were observed in 3 patients; these changes and possible endocrine alterations induced by surgery must be considered in planning studies. 1 patient became pregnant 4 months after sterilization. The method was used previously by Maia and, Coutinho, and findings are consistent with those of the earlier study. The amplitude of tubal contractions is generally within 0-10 mm Hg and occasionally 0-20. Spontaneous tubal activity is asynchronous, and may be the result of the local release of certain compounds, probably catecholamines. The findings may be limited to patients subjected to tubal ligature, but findings on other patients are similar.^ieng