Oviducts were depleted of endogenous sympathetic neurotransmitter by either surgical denervation, or intraluminal infusion of 6-OH-dopamine or systemic administration of reserpine. Functional denervation was confirmed by histochemical examination of the oviducts. These procedures failed to disrupt normal transport rates of ova as indicated by oviductal ovum recovery rates at 48 and 72 h following HCG injection. However, estrogen-induced ‘tube-locking’ of ova and progesterone-induced acceleration of ovum transport were partially antagonized by depletion of neurotransmitter from the intrinsic adrenergic nerves of the oviduct. These data suggest that the effects of sex steroids on ovum transport are partially mediated through adrenergic processes.

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Previous investigations of the influence of exogenous progesterone on the rate of egg transport through the rabbit oviduct have yielded some conflicting data. This study was designed to measure the effects of exogenous progesterone on tubal ovum passage, and to examine possible interaction between alpha adrenergic receptors and progesterone. Groups of New Zealand does were given progesterone for 3 days prior to ovulation, or on the day of ovulation and the 2 following days. Some groups were treated with phenoxybenzamine in doses sufficient to induce alpha adrenergic blockade. Progesterone given prior to ovulation accelerated ovum transport through the oviduct. When given after ovulation, progesterone did not increase the rate of transport of eggs through the oviduct. Phenoxybenzamine treatment did not alter the changes in rate of egg transport induced by progesterone.