Influence of leukotriene C4 and D4 on in vitro and in vivo motility of the oviduct in the domestic hen

In in vitro experiments on the oviduct of the domestic hen LTC₄ and LTD₄, in a dose range from 1.10⁻¹⁰ to 1.10⁻⁶ M/1, significantly stimulated the motility of all oviductal parts. With the lower doses, however, vaginal motility was suppressed (p < 0.05). In vivo experiments on the anesthetized bird i.v. bolus injections of LTC₄, 1, 3, and 10 μg/hem induced transient intrauterine pressure rises of up to 7±1 mm H₂O. In the conscious animal i.v. bolus injections of LTD₄, 10 μg/hem, resulted in a shortlasting increase in uterine myoelectrical activity (p <0.001), whereas vaginal and duodenal myoelectrical activities were inhibited. Intrauterine injections of 10 μg LTD₄, however, had neither a significant effect on myoelectrical activity of the empty uterus nor induced premature oviposition. These experiments demonstrate for the first time that LTs exert pronounced effects on in vitro motility of the hens oviduct. The in vivo responses however, are rather unimportant regarding as well strength as duration.