Effects of oxytocin antiserum and of indomethacin on hCG induced ovulation in the rabbit

• Published in: Biology of reproduction Vol. 19; no. 3; pp. 552 - 557
• Main Authors: Roca, R.A, Garofalo, E.G, Martino, I, Piriz, H, Rieppi, G, Maraffi, M, Ohahian, C, Gadola, L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Society for the Study of Reproduction 01.10.1978
• Subjects: Animals; Chorionic Gonadotropin - pharmacology; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; human chorionic gonadotropin; Immune Sera - pharmacology; Indomethacin - pharmacology; Ovulation - drug effects; Oxytocin - immunology; Rabbits
• ISSN: 0006-3363; 1529-7268
• DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod19.3.552

The main purpose of this investigation was to determine whether oxytocin participates in the process of ovulation in the rabbit. Part of the study was directed to investigate the possibility of a relationship between oxytocin and prostaglandins in connection with ovulation. Ovulation was induced by the administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). A group of rabbits was treated with two different concentrations (1/5 dilution and undiluted) of a specific antiserum to oxytocin injected immediately before the administration of hCG. The number of ruptured follicles was determined 12 h after administration of hCG. The number of ovulation points in control rabbits was 7.7 ± 0.8, while the group treated with the highest concentration of antiserum showed a mean of 3.8 ± 1.1. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.02). Other groups of animals were treated with indomethacin or with the combined administration of indomethacin and oxytocin antiserum. The number of ovulation points observed in the animals treated with indomethacin and antiserum was not significantly different from that of the group of animals in which those agents were administered separately. It is concluded that oxytocin may play a role in ovulation. The possible mechanisms of action are discussed.