Adrenergic activity of the oviduct of the domestic fowl

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Abstract
Administration of noradrenaline [epinephrine] to laying hens at dose levels of 3.5, 7.0 and 14.0 .mu.g/kg produced an increase in the magnal pressure and a simultaneous decrease in the uterine pressure. Similar doses given to ovariectomized hens caused an inhibition of activity in both segments. Strips of tissues from the vagina and the uterovaginal junction of laying hens were exposed in vitro to noradrenaline at concentrations of 1.5 .times. 10-6 and 2.9 .times. 10-6 M. The vaginal strips reacted with a sharp increase in tension, while the uterovaginal preparations showed a more gradual and prolonged response. The .beta. inhibitory activity of the uterus and the .alpha. excitatory activity of the rest of the oviduct apparently are involved in the regulation of ovum transport.