Adrenoceptor function in female genital tract

The function of adrenoceptors in the female genital tract was tested estimating the uptake of 3H-noradrenaline (3H-NA) in vitro in oviductal, uterine arterial and myometrial tissue samples obtained from 74 women. The highest 3H-NA value, 64 +/- 5 ng/g, was in the oviduct (p less than 0.001 vs. uterine artery and myometrium). The uterine isthmus showed some higher uptake capacity for 3H-NA than did the uterine fundus: 24 +/- 2 vs. 20 +/- 1 ng/g, respectively (p less than 0.05). No difference was found between the 3H-NA values for the proliferative and the secretory phase in tissues examined. High concentrations of oestradiol and progesterone effectively inhibited the 3H-NA uptake (p less than 0.05-0.001). Inhibition was greatest in the oviduct and lowest in the uterine fundus and weaker at the lower concentrations of oestradiol and progesterone.