[Uterine reactivity of alloxan-diabetic rats to oxytocin (author's transl)].

The author studied the uterine reactivity of alloxan-diabetic rats to oxytocin. Using the Magnus method with Ringer-Locke nutrient solution (modified by Garcia de Jalon) low in calcium and varying the bath temperature from 30 degrees C to 36 degrees C, modifications of the organ were observed. The dose-effect relationship was only practicable in uterus of normal rats at 30 degrees C. When the bath temperature reached 35 degrees C, it was only possible to evaluate the uterine reactivity of alloxan rats by fixed periods of rhythmical contractions, that were graphically represented. This modification in the experiment resulted from the absence of reactivity of the alloxanic rat organ at 30 degrees C. Besides describing the methodology applied, the author suggests a hypothesis about the role of Ca++ on the variation of uterine reactivity. A previous administration of diethylstilbestrol (estrogenic hormone) in alloxanic rats, not treated with insulin, was followed by recovery of uterine reactivity, reinforcing the hypothesis of the mobilization of Ca++ in discompensated alloxan-diabetic rats as a factor of variations on the sensibility of the tissues.