Chemical Composition of Uterine Secretions

Secretion and reabsorption of uterine luminal fluid in rats

“…There is no doubt that the horns become distended as a result of oestrogen stimulation ; they become empty after ovariectomy and become distended with a fluid similar to that found at oestrus following oestrogen administration (Shih, Kennedy & Huggins, 1940;Meglioli, 1976). Blandau (1945) showed that the cervical canals of the rat are closed by a sphincter-like action at oestrus, but are open at dioestrus, thus permitting escape of the accumulated fluid.…”

Uterine Fluid and the Duration of Pseudopregnancy Following Transection of the Uterus in the Rat

“…It has been shown that secretion and retention of uterine fluid can be induced by oestrogen administration (Shih et al, 1940;Ringler, 1961) and that progesterone adminis¬ tration causes release of the uterine fluid through the cervix (Armstrong, 1968). Progesterone given in conjunction with oestradiol prevents the accumulation of uterine fluid even in the ligated uterus (Armstrong, 1968), presumably either by depressing secretory activity or stimulating résorption.…”

“…This secretion is released through the cervix towards the end of oestrus (Blandau, 1945) and throughout the remainder of the cycle the volume of fluid in the uterine lumen is very small (Warren, 1938). When the posterior parts of the uterus are ligated (Warren, 1938;Shih, Kennedy & Huggins, 1940;Ringler, 1961;Perrine, 1967) or transected (Bradbury, Brown & Gray, 1950;O'Shea, 1970), fluid accumulates in greater than normal quanti¬ ties, is present throughout all stages of the cycle and shows a progressive increase in volume (Ringler, 1961;Perrine, 1967).…”

Glucose movement into rat uterine fluid

“…Most work has been concerned either with uterine fluids collected by ligation over long periods (several days in some species) or has involved the analysis of flushings of the uterine lumen. Glucose is a characteristic component of uterine secretions in a number of species, and was first reported to be present in the rat uterine lumen by Shih, Kennedy & Huggins (1940). We have therefore examined the appearance of this sugar in saline medium recirculated through the uterine lumen of anaesthetized virgin rats for periods of up to 90 min.…”