The effect of norgestrel and clogestone on the spontaneous motility of the human fallopian tube.

Spontaneous isometric contractions in vitro of both isthmic and ampullary parts of the human fallopian tube were studied. The tubes were obtained during the early luteal phase of the menstrual cycle from patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy and who had ingested clogestone acetate or norgestrel, either 1 or 12 hours prior to the experiment. A dose of 150 microgram dl-norgestrel given orally 12 hours preoperatively caused a significant increase in the frequency of spontaneous isometric contractions together with a significant reduction in the area under the curve for each contraction. The possible effect of this altered pattern of motility is discussed.