Effects of adrenergic drugs administered during ovum transport and chemical sympathectomy of the oviduct on fertility in rabbits

Abstract

Sympathetic function was modified during ovum transport in rabbits. Fertility was not altered significantly by depletion of norepinephrine (reserpine), adrenergic neurone blockade (guanethidine) or by alpha or beta adrenoceptor blockade (phenoxybenzamine and propanolol). Fertility was decreased by chemical denervation induced by local perfusion with 6 hydroxydopamine but this was possibly due to the perfusion technique and the ascorbic acid vehicle. Either the adrenergic system is not a critical factor in processes of ovum transport and conception, or other control systems of the oviduct offset the modification of adrenergic function. Beta adrenoceptor stimulation with ritodrine increased percentage implantations, whereas phenylephrine decreased the mean percentage of implantations. The mechanisms of these effects are uncertain.