Relaxin inhibits myometrial activity in the ovariectomized non-pregnant ewe

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Abstract
Myometrial activity was abolished abruptly but reversibly in 4 out of 5 ewes by i.v. injection of 1 mg porcine relaxin. Recovery began only after about 90 min and was not complete until 3-4 h after the injection. During the relaxin-induced inhibition the myometrium responded to oxytocin administered i.v. [250 mU]. One ewe received intrauterine infusions of 2.5 and 5.0 .mu.g prostaglandin F-2.alpha. per min during the period of relaxin inhibition: the former dose evoked a slight, and the latter a marked response from the myometrium. The rate of rise of intrauterine pressure and the mean amplitude of pressure cycles were significantly depressed at 1, 1.5 and 2 h after the relaxin injection.