Contractility of the fallopian tube.

Recordings of intratubal pressure in women reveal a complex pattern of tubal contractions. Overall activity of the fallopian tube is increased during ovulation. During the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, activity is depressed but never suppressed. The fallopian tube remains active during gestation in contrast with the uterus which is quiescent. The early puerperal tube displays a pattern of activity similar to that recorded during the late luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Activation occurs during suckling and in response to exogenous oxytocin, prostaglandins, nor-adrenergic compounds, and ergot derivatives. It is concluded that contractility of the fallopian tube is less influenced by ovarian steroids than that of the uterus.