Studies Upon the Mechanism of Reserpine-Induced Arrest in Egg Transport in the Mouse Oviduct

Summary. The position of eggs in the reproductive tract of the mouse was determined following the administration of several drugs with effects on smooth muscle and tissue amines. Of the compounds examined, only chlorpromazine and tetrabenazine were effective in causing a reduction in the rate of egg transport in the oviduct. Both compounds, like reserpine, caused hypothermia in the mouse. Further investigation showed that the arrest of egg transport can be prevented by housing animals at elevated environmental temperatures. The implications of these findings in relation to the physiology of the mouse oviduct are discussed.