Observations of Spontaneous Contractions of the Cat Ovaryin Vitro

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

Cat ovaries were isolated in an organ bath containing physiological solution. Isometric contractions of the ovary were recorded. At least one ovary in 80% of the normal cats showed spontaneous rhythmic contractions. Contractions were also observed in pregnant cat ovaries. In general, low doses of norepinephrine and epinephrine had a stimulatory effect on the frequency of spontaneous contractions, although a reduction in frequency of contractions was observed infrequently in the normal, pregnant and estrogen-treated ovaries. Isoproterenol caused a reduction or complete inhibition of frequency of spontaneous contractions. Phenoxybenzamine blocked the stimulatory effect of norepinephrine. Propranolol blocked the inhibitory effect of isoproterenol. It therefore appears that adrenergic receptors may be present. The physiological significance of the ovarian contractions is unknown. (Endocrinology84: 1336, 1969)