Effect of Nicotine on the Motility of the Oviducts in the Rhesus Monkey: A Preliminary Report

Summary. Tubal activity under the influence of nicotine was studied in vivo in six mature rhesus monkeys throughout the various phases of the menstrual cycle, using an open-ended catheter technique. The activity monitoring response during the first half of the menstrual cycle was of two types, an early and a delayed response. The first was of higher tone and amplitude, and the second was followed within 1 to 2 min by complete inhibition of tubal activity which lasted for the next 5 to 30 min. During the second half of the menstrual cycle, intravenous nicotine had no significant effect on tubal tonus and the amplitude was only slightly and occasionally affected. The possible mechanism of action of nicotine, both direct and indirect, on tubal activity is discussed.