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Horm Metab Res 1978; 10(6): 545-547
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1093388
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© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Blockade of the Ferguson Reflex by Lumbar Epidural Anaesthesia in the Parturient Sheep: Effects on Oxytocin Secretion and Uterine Venous Prostaglandin F Levels

A.P.F.  Flint [1] , Mary L. Forsling , M. D. Mitchell
  • Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital Headington, Oxford and Department of Physiology, Middlesex Hospital Medical School, London, United Kingdom
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Publication History

Publication Date:
23 December 2008 (online)

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Abstract

The role of oxytocin in the increase in utero-ovarian venous prostaglandin F (PGF) level caused by vaginal distension was investigated by using lumbar epidural anaesthesia to block the oxytocin secretion reflex. Whereas vaginal distension raised jugular venous oxytocin and utero-ovarian venous PGF levels in untreated sheep, neither response occurred after lumbar anaesthesia. Lumbar anaesthesia had no effect on the rise in utero-ovarian venous PGF level caused by administered oxytocin. These findings support the suggestion that a reflex release of oxytocin is involved in the elevation of utero-ovarian venous PGF observed after vaginal distension in parturient sheep.

Key words

Oxytocin - Prostaglandin F

1 Present address: A.R.C. Institute of Animal Physiology Babraham, Cambridge