Effect of prostaglandin F2-alpha on motility and mineral absorption in the uterus and intestine in rabbits

causes contraction of the muscles of both the reproductive and intestinal tracts. Mineral flux across cell membranes is part of the mechanism of muscular activation. PGF. 2α does alter the mineral flux in the reproductive and intestinal tracts. In this research, a study of the effect of PGF. 2α on uterine and intestinal muscular activity and mineral concentration was done.

In Experiment I, six mature female New Zealand rabbits were laparotomized, and pressure balloons placed in the lumena of one uterine horn, the lower jejunum, and the colon. Pressure was recorded for 20 minutes during a continuous saline (.08%, 1 ml/min) iv infusion, then for 40 minutes during a continuous PGF_ (12 ug/kg/min) 2α iv infusion. Frequency and amplitude of contractions were recorded; total work of muscular activity was calculated.

For Experiment II, 16 mature female New Zealand rabbits were divided into two groups. Animals of Group 1 (1l rabbits) and Group 2 (five rabbits) were laparotomized and loops of one uterine horn, lower jejunum, and colon were ligated. The lumena of these organs were injected with 2 cc of a solution containing Mg, Ca, K, and Na, at approximately four times plasma concentration. For two and one-half hours the rabbits were given a continuous iv infusion of pGF. 2α (Group 1) or saline (Group 2, control) at the same infusion rates as in Experiment I. Then the luminal fluid was aspirated and tissue samples taken from each organ. Mineral analysis of the fluid and tissue samples was performed by atomic absorption spectrophotomotry.

In Experiment I, the uterus and lower jejunum responded to PGF 2α by increasing frequency, amplitude and total work of contraction. The colon decreased in frequency, but increased in amplitude to such an extent that total work increased. None of the changes in frequency, amplitude, or total work due to PGF. 2α infusion of any of the organs was statistically significant. In Experiment II, PGF. 2a infusion caused a statistically significant removal of K from the luminal fluid of the colon, increase in Ca and Na concentration in the wall of the lower jejunum, and increase in Mg concentration in the wall of the colon.