ELECTRICAL ACTIVITY IN THE UTERUS OF THE RAT1

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Abstract
Electrical and mechanical activity was studied. Spontaneous electrical and mechanical activity and responsiveness to shocks were absent in the uteri of castrated rats. Estrogens restored the level of excitability in the uteri of such animals to a high level. Spontaneous electrical discharges in the estrogen-primed uterus were of two types, a low broad wave of less than one mv and a high fast spike of 1 to 2 mv. The low magnitude potential was independent in different portions of the uterus and the high spikes were propagated throughout the uterus. During spontaneous activity there was often a slow DC deflection in the electrical baseline. Spontaneous activity may be initiated at any point on the uterus and spread in all directions. The wave form of the propagated action potential in response to a shock is variable from point to point and from time to time within the same uterus. Shape of the action potential also varies from one preparation to another. The velocity of propagation of the action potential in response to a shock has a mean value of 4.2 cm/second. Upon repeated shocks, the velocity of conduction increases. Progesterone had no effect on estrogen-induced excitability. Nicotine in a concentration of 10-3 reversibly blocked spontaneous electrical activity while a concentration of 10-4 had a marked stimulatory action.

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