The action of prostacyclin (PGI2) on the contractility of the isolated circular and longitudinal muscle layers of the human oviduct.

Small strips from the circular and longitudinal muscle layers of the ampullary-isthmic portion of the human oviduct were mounted in organ chambers for recording of their spontaneous contractility. Concentrations in the order of 1-300 ng/ml of PGI2 were tested and compared with similar concentrations of PGE2 and PGF2 alpha. It was found that PGI2 contracted the longitudinal muscle layer in the same manner as did PGE2. The spontaneous activity of the circular layer was markedly suppressed by PGE2 but only moderately inhibited by PGI2 even at high concentrations.