The Sodium and Potassium Concentrations in the Uterine Fluid of the Rat at the Time of Implantation

Abstract

Rat uterine fluid Na+ and K+ concentrations were calculated from the ratio of the Na+ and K+ concentrations in uterine washings, on the assumption that the sum of Na+ and K+ (mequiv./l) is the same in blood serum and in uterine fluid. Uterine fluid volumes were likewise calculated from the total quantity of Na+ and K+ washed out of the uterine horn.The mean uterine fluid volume was 7\m=.\6 \ g=m\ lper horn and the mean potassium concentration was 45\m=.\8 mequiv./l on day 6 of normal pregnancy. Both oophorectomy alone on day 2 and oophorectomy followed by daily injections of progesterone, cause a marked reduction of the uterine fluid volume on day 6 of pregnancy. Oophorectomy on day 2 caused a significant reduction in the uterine fluid K+ concentration. Administration of high and low doses of progesterone after oophorectomy on day 2 of pregnancy resulted in uterine fluid potassium concentrations higher and lower, respectively, than the normal day 6 fluid.It is postulated that a high uterine fluid K+ concentration is essential for blastocyst-endometrial contact preceding implantation and that this may be significant with regard to certain types of delayed implantation.

Abnormally up-regulated cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator expression and uterine fluid accumulation contribute to Chlamydia trachomatis-induced female infertility

“…The disappearance of luminal fluid in the preimplantation period, a characteristic feature of many species (20), is considered to be a mechanism leading to the ''closure'' of the lumen, thereby enabling embryos to be held in contact with uterine epithelium before initiation of implantation. The present study has demonstrated that abnormal uterine fluid accumulation during the preimplantation period results in implantation failure, which may be a contributing factor to infertility caused by C. trachomatis infection.…”

The pumps that fuel a sperm's journey

“…All values are from [31], except for uterus ion concentrations, which are from [32], and oviduct pH, which is from [33].…”

Regulation of chloride secretion across porcine endometrial epithelial cells by prostaglandin E2

“…and implantation of the developing embryo (Clemetson et al 1972;Boldt, Casas, Whaley, Creazzo & Lewis, 1991;Fraser, 1992Fraser, , 1995. Other important functions of endometrial epithelial cells include regulation of luminal pH and uterine fluid volume.…”