Effect of noradrenaline on circulation in the genital tract of early and late pregnant guinea-pigs

in Reproduction
Authors:
Lena Mårtensson
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and
A. M. Carter
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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1530/jrf.0.0660023
Volume/Issue:
Volume 66: Issue 1
Page Range:
23–29
Article Type:
Research Article
Online Publication Date:
Sep 1982
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Summary. Noradrenaline infusions were given to anaesthetized guinea-pigs in early (19–23 days) and near-term (61–66 days) pregnancy. Radioactive microspheres (15 μm) were used to determine blood flow in various regions of the genital tract. In late gestation, a 10-min intravenous infusion of 1 μg noradrenaline/min/kg elicited moderate increases in vascular resistance that were counteracted by the pressor response. Uterine and placental blood flow remained unchanged, although there was a 27% decrease in perfusion of the uterine cervix and a fall of 19% in vaginal blood flow. In early pregnant guinea-pigs, blood pressure rose but vascular resistance was unaffected, resulting in an augmentation of placental blood flow. During infusion of 10 μg noradrenaline/min/kg, the vasoconstrictor response in late pregnancy was accentuated, and a strong decrease in tissue perfusion was noted in the placenta (—36%), uterine horns (—39%), cervix (—70%) and vagina (—56%). At the higher rate of noradrenaline infusion, vascular resistance also increased in the genital tract of early pregnant animals, although to a lesser extent than in late pregnancy. The results indicate an enhancement of the vasoconstrictor response to circulating catecholamines in near-term pregnancy.

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Print ISSN:
1470-1626
Online ISSN:
1741-7899