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.
Oxytocin - Prostaglandin F
