THE INHIBITORY EFFECT OF ETHANOL ON THE RELEASE OF OXYTOCIN DURING PARTURITION IN THE RABBIT

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The effect of ethanol on parturition was studied in conscious unrestrained rabbits fitted with intra-uterine balloons. The onset of labor was predicted by an oxytocin sensitivity test. With blood ethanol concentrations of 0.25-0.35 g/100 ml, the onset of labor was inhibited, typical contractions were absent, delivery was prolonged, abnormal and postponed for about 30 hr. With a blood concentration of 0.2 g/100 ml, labor contractions were less intense than normal and delivery was prolonged. At a lower concentration, 0.14 g/100 ml, parturition was apparently normal. Uterine sensitivity to exogenous oxytocin was unimpaired by ethanol treatment. The interference with parturition by ethanol is attributed to central inhibition of the abrupt reflex release of oxytocin.

This publication has 1 reference indexed in Scilit: