Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Vascular Physiology of the Nonpregnant Uterus

  • Chapter
Biology of the Uterus

Abstract

One would expect that a proper appreciation of uterine vascular responses during pregnancy would be dependent on an understanding of those basic factors that control blood flow to the nonpregnant uterus. This is the logical approach, but that is not how it happened. Prior to 1950, observations of both nonpregnant and pregnant uterine vascular changes consisted of descriptive morphology (Ramsey, 1949) and descriptive physiology. The latter was limited by the primitive technologies then available. In his classic studies, Markee (1932) described cyclic changes in endometrium transplanted into the eyes of rabbits. These correlated with the ovarian cycle. He also described the marked vasodilatation that followed estrogen stimulation. Similarly, MacLeod and Reynolds (1938) observed the “red hyperemia” that occurred in nonpregnant uteri after estrogen injection. Few other vascular responses were reported in nonpregnant animals.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Anderson, S. G., and Hackshaw, B. T., 1974, The effect of estrogen on uterine blood flow and its distribution in nonpregnant ewes, Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 119: 589–595.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Anderson, S. G., Hackshaw, B. T., Still, J. G., and Greiss, F. C., Jr., 1977, Uterine blood flow and its distribution after chronic estrogen and progesterone administration, Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 127: 138–142.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bardrum, B., Ottesen, B., and Fahrenkrug, J., 1986, Peptides PHI and VIP: Comparison between vascular and nonvascular smooth muscle effect in rabbit uterus, Am. J. Physiol. 251: E48–E51.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Barton, M. D., Killam, A. P., and Meschia, G., 1974, Response of ovine uterine blood flow to epinephrine and norepinephrine, Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 145: 996–1003.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bell, C., 1972, Autonomic nervous control of reproduction: Circulatory and other factors, Pharmacol. Rev. 24: 657–736.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Carter, A. M., Einer-Jensen, N., Fahrenkrug, J., and Ottesen, B., 1981, Increased myometrial blood flow evoked by vasoactive intestinal polypeptide in the nonpregnant goat, J. Physiol. ( Lond. ) 310: 471–480.

    Google Scholar 

  • Clark, J. H., Hsueh, A. J. W., and Peck, E. J., Jr., 1977, Regulation of estrogen receptor replenishment by progesterone, Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. 286: 161–179.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Clark, K. E., Van Orden, D. E., Meldrum, D. R., Brody, M. J., and Brinkman, C. R. Ill, 1975, Effect of prostaglandin synthetase inhibitor meclofenamate on estrogen-induced increases in uterine blood flow in sheep, Prostaglandins 5: 25–29.

    Google Scholar 

  • Clark, K. E., Stys, S. J., Austin, J. E., and Goiter, M., 1980a, Prostaglandins: Mediator of estrogen-induced increases in uterine blood flow, Proc. Soc. Gynecol. Invest. 27: 126.

    Google Scholar 

  • Clark, K. E., Stys, S. J., and Mills, E. G., 1980b, Histamine and serotonin: Effects on uterine blood flow, Proc. Soc. Gynecol. Invest. 27: 56.

    Google Scholar 

  • Clark, K. E., Mills, E. G., Otte, T. E., and Stys, S. J., 1980c, Effect of serotonin on uterine blood flow in pregnant and nonpregnant sheep, Life Sci. 27: 2655–2661.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Clark, K. E., Austin, J. E., and Stys, S. J., 1981a, Effect of bisenoic prostaglandins on the uterine vasculature 85

    Google Scholar 

  • of the nonpregnant sheep, Prostaglandins 22:333–348.

    Google Scholar 

  • Clark, K. E., Mills, E. G., Stys, S. J., and Seeds, A. E., 1981b, Effects of vasoactive polypeptides on the uterine vasculature, Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol 139: 182–188.

    Google Scholar 

  • Clark, K. E., Mills, E. G., and Harrington, D. J., 1984, Effect of histamine receptor agonists and antagonists on the uterine vasculature, Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 175: 476–482.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Farley, D. B., Ford, S. P., Maclndoe, J. H., and Van Orden, D. E., 1986, Effect of nafoxidine on uterine vasculature in vivo and in vitro, Proc. Soc. Gynecol. Invest. 33: 158.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ford, S. P., 1982, Control of uterine and ovarian blood flow throughout the estrous cycle and pregnancy of ewes, sows, and cows, J. Anim. Sci. 55 (Suppl. 2): 32–42.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ford, S. P., and Christenson, R. K., 1979. Blood flow to uteri of sows during estrous cycle and early pregnancy: Local effect of the conceptus on the uterine blood supply, Biol. Reprod. 21: 617–624.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ford, S. P., and Reynolds, L. P., 1981, Interaction of estradiol-17ß and adrenergic antagonists in controlling uterine arterial flow of cows, J. Anim. Sci. 53 (Suppl. 1): 317.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ford, S. P., Weber, L. J., and Stormshak, F., 1977a, Response of ovine uterine arteries to nerve stimulation after perfusions of prostaglandin F2a, norepinephrine or neurotransmitter antagonists, Endocrinology 101: 659–665.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ford, S. P., Weber, L. J., and Stormshak, F., 1977b, Role of estradiol-17ß and progesterone in regulating constriction of ovine uterine arteries, Biol. Reprod. 17: 480–488.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ford, S. P., Chenault, J. R., and Echternkamp, S. E., 1979, Uterine blood flow of cows during the oestrous cycle and early pregnancy: Effect of conceptus on the uterine blood supply, J. Reprod. Fertil. 56: 53–62.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ford, S. P., Reynolds, L. P., Farley, D. B., Bhatnagar, R. K., and Van Orden, D. E., 1984, Interaction of ovarian steroids and periarterial a r-adrenergic receptors in altering uterine blood flow during the estrous cycle of gilts, Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 150: 480–484.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ford, S. P., Van Orden, D. E., and Farley, D. B., 1986, Effect of cycloheximide on (catechol) estrogen uterine hyperemia, Proc. Soc. Gynecol. Invest. 33: 224.

    Google Scholar 

  • Garris, D. R., McConnaughey, M. M., and Dar, M. S., 1986, Estrogen modulation of uterine adrenergic-cholinergic interaction: Effects on vasoactivity and adrenergic receptors in the guinea pig, J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 239: 270–278.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Greiss, F. C., Jr., 1965, Effect of labor on uterine blood flow: Observations on gravid ewes, Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 93: 917–923.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Greiss, F. C., Jr., 1966, Pressure-flow relationship in the gravid uterine vascular bed, Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 96: 41–47.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Greiss, F. C., Jr., 1971, Differential reactivity of the myoendometrial and placental vasculatures: Vasodilatation, Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 111: 611–625.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Greiss, F. C., Jr., 1972, Differential reactivity of the myoendometrial and placental vasculatures: Adrenergic responses, Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 112: 20–30.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Greiss, F. C., Jr., 1978, Reactivities of the nongravid uterine vasculatures: Effects of norepinephrine, Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 131: 778–779.

    Google Scholar 

  • Greiss, F. C., Jr., and Anderson, S. G., 1969, Uterine vascular changes during the ovarian cycle, Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol: 103–629–640.

    Google Scholar 

  • Greiss, F. C., Jr., and Anderson, S. G., 1970, Effect of ovarian hormones on the uterine vascular bed, Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol 107: 829–836.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Greiss, F. C., Jr., and Anderson, S. G., 1974, Pressure-flow relationship in the nonpregnant uterine vascular bed, Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol.. 118–763–772.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Greiss, F. C., Jr., and Gobble, F. L., Jr., 1967, Effect of sympathetic nerve stimulation on the uterine vascular bed, Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol 97: 962–967.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Greiss, F. C., Jr., and Miller, H., 1971, Unilateral control of uterine blood flow in the ewe, Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol 111: 299–301.

    Google Scholar 

  • Greiss, F. C., Jr., and Van Wilkes, D., 1964, Effects of sympathomimetic drugs and angiotensin on the uterine vascular bed, Obstet. Gynecol 23: 925–930.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Greiss, F. C., Jr., and Wagner, W. D., 1983, Glycosaminoglycans: Their distribution and potential vasoactive action in the nonpregnant and pregnant ovine uterus, Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol 145: 1041–1048.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Greiss, F. C., Jr., Gobble, F. L., Jr., Anderson, S. G., and McGuirt, W. F., 1967a, Effect of parasympathetic nerve stimulation on the uterine vascular bed, Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol 99: 1067–1072.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Greiss, F. C., Jr., Gobble, F. L., Jr., Anderson, S. G., and McGuirt, W. F., 1967b, Effect of acetylcholine on the uterine vascular bed, Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol 99: 1073–1077.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Greiss, F. C., Jr., Anderson, S. G., and King, L. C., 1972, Uterine vascular bed: Effectives of acute hypoxia, Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol 113: 1057–1064.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Greiss, F. C., Jr., Anderson, S. G., and Still, J. G., 1976, Uterine pressure-flow relationships during early gestation, Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol 126: 799–808.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Greiss, F. C., Jr., Rose, J. C., Kute, T. E., Kelly, R. T., and Winkler, L. S., 1986, Temporal and receptor correlates of the estrogen response in sheep, Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 154: 831–836.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hedqvist, P., 1970, Control by prostaglandin E2 of sympathetic neurotransmission in the spleen, Life Sci. 9: 269–278.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hisaw, F. L., Jr., 1959, Comparative effectiveness of estrogens in fluid imbibition and growth of the rat uterus, Endocrinology 64: 276–289.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Huckabee, W. E., Crenshaw, C., Curet, L. B., Mann, L., and Barron, D. H., 1970, The effect of exogenous oestrogen on the blood flow and oxygen consumption of the uterus of the nonpregnant ewe, Q. J. Exp. Physiol. 55: 16–24.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kadowitz, P. J., Sweet, C. S., and Brody, M. J., 1972, Enhancement of sympathetic neurotransmission by prostaglandin F2ot in the cutaneous vascular bed of the dog, Eur. J. Pharmacol. 18: 189–194.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kalsner, S., 1969, Steroid potentiation of responses to sympathomimetic amines in aortic strips, Br. J. Pharmacol. 36: 582–593.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Killam, A. P., Rosenfeld, C. R., Battaglia, F. C., Makowski, E. L., and Meschia, G., 1973, Effect of estrogens on the uterine blood flow of oophorectomized ewes, Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 115: 1045–1057.

    Google Scholar 

  • Levine, M. G., Miodornik, M., and Clark, K. E., 1984, Uterine vascular effects of estetrol in nonpregnant ewes, Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 148: 735–738.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • MacLeod, J., and Reynolds, S. R. M., 1938, Vascular, metabolic and motility relationships in the uterus after administration of oestrin, Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 37: 666–676.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Magness, R. R., and Rosenfeld, C. R., 1986, Systemic and uterine responses to a-adrenergic stimulation in pregnant and nonpregnant ewes, Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 155: 897–904.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Markee, J. E., 1932, An analysis of the rhythmic vascular changes in the uterus of the rabbit, Am. J. Physiol. 100: 374–382.

    Google Scholar 

  • Marshall, K., and Senior, J., 1986, The effect of mepyramine and ranitidine on the oestrogen and anti-oestrogen stimulated rat uterus, Br. J. Pharmacol. 89: 251–256.

    Google Scholar 

  • McKercher, T. C., Van Orden, L. S. III, Bhatnagar, R. K., and Burke, J. P., 1973, Estrogen-induced biogenic amine reduction in rat uterus, J. Pharmacol Exp. Ther. 185: 514–522.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mueller, G. C., Gorski, J., and Aizawa, Y., 1960, The role of protein synthesis in early estrogen action, Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 47: 164–169.

    Google Scholar 

  • Naden, R. P., and Rosenfeld, C. R., 1985a, Role of a-receptors in estrogen-induced vasodilation in nonpregnant sheep, Am. J. Physiol. 248: H339–H344.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Naden, R. P., and Rosenfeld, C. R., 1985b, Systemic and uterine responsiveness to angiotensin II and norepinephrine in estrogen-treated nonpregnant sheep, Am. J. Physiol 153: 417–425.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Novy, M. J., Thomas, C. L., and Lees, M. H., 1975, Uterine contractility and regional blood flow responses to oxytocin and prostaglandin E2 in pregnant rhesus monkeys, Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol 122: 419–433.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ottesen, B., and Fahrenkrug, J., 1981, Effect of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide ( VIP) upon myometrial blood flow in nonpregnant rabbit, Acta Physiol Scand. 112: 195–201.

    Google Scholar 

  • Parisi, V. M., Rankin, J. H. G., Phernetton, T. M., and Makowski, E. L., 1984, The effect of a leukotriene receptor antagonist, FPL 55712, on estrogen-induced uterine hyperemia in the nonpregnant rabbit, Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol 148: 365–369.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Penney, L. L., Frederick, F. J., and Parker, G. W., 1981, 17(3-Estradio 1 stimulation of uterine blood flow in oophorectomized rabbits with complete inhibition of uterine ribonucleic acid synthesis, Endocrinology 109: 1672–1676.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ramsey, E. M., 1949, The vascular pattern of the endometrium of the pregnant rhesus monkey Macaca mulatta, Carnegie Contrib. Embryol. 33: 113–147.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Resnik, R., and Brink, G. W., 1978, Effects of prostaglandins E1, E2, F2ot on uterine blood flow in nonpregnant sheep, Am. J. Physiol 234: H557–561.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Resnik, R., and Brink, G. W., 1980, Uterine vascular response to prostacyclin in nonpregnant sheep, Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 137: 267–270.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Resnik, R., Killam, A. P., Battaglia, F. C., Makowski, E. L., and Meschia, G., 1974, The stimulation of uterine blood flow by various estrogens, Endocrinology 94: 1192–1196.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Resnik, R., Battaglia, F. C., Makowski, E. L., and Meschia, G., 1975, The effect of actinomycin-D on estrogen-induced uterine blood flow, Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol 122: 273–277.

    Google Scholar 

  • Resnik, R., Killam, A. P., Barton, M. D., Battaglia, F. C., Makowski, E. L., and Meschia, G., 1976, The effect of various compounds on the uterine vascular bed, Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol 125: 201–206.

    Google Scholar 

  • Resnik, R., Brink, G. W., and Plumer, M. H., 1977, The effect of progesterone on estrogen-induced uterine blood flow, Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol 128: 251–254.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rosenfeld, C. R., and Jackson, G. M., 1982, Induction and inhibition of uterine vasodilatation by catechol 87

    Google Scholar 

  • estrogen in oophorectomized, nonpregnant ewes, Endocrinology 110:1333–1339.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rosenfeld, C. R., Killam, A. P., Battaglia, F. C., Makowski, E. L., and Meschia, G., 1973, Effect of estradiol-17(3 on the magnitude and distribution of uterine blood flow in nonpregnant oophorectomized ewes, Pediatr. Res. 7: 139–148.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shabanah, E. H., Toth, A., and Maughan, G. B., 1964, The role of the autonomic nervous system in uterine contractility and blood flow. n. The role of the parasympathetic neurohormone acetylcholine in uterine motility and blood flow, Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 89: 860–880.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Stice, S. L., Van Orden, D. E., and Ford, S. P., 1985, Role of estrogen and catechol estrogen in reducing arterial tone and 45Ca uptake, Proc. Soc. Gynecol. Invest. 32: 112.

    Google Scholar 

  • Still, J. G., and Greiss, F. C., Jr., 1976, Effect of cis-and ira/w-clomiphene on the uterine blood flow of oophorectomized ewes, Gynecol. Invest. 7: 187–200.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Still, J. G., and Greiss, F. C., Jr., 1978, The effect of prostaglandins and other vasoactive substances on uterine blood flow and myometrial activity, Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 130: 1–8.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Thorbert, G., 1979, Regional changes in structure and function of adrenergic nerves in guinea pig uterus during pregnancy, Acta Obstet. Gynecol. Scand. [Suppl.] 79: 5–32.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van Orden, D. E., Farley, D. B., and Clancey, C. J., 1983, Effect of parasympathetic decentralization and paracervical ganglion excision on reproductive function in the rat, Biol. Reprod. 28: 910–916.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Van Orden, D. E., Matthew, T. S., Farley, D. B., and Markham, A. L., 1987, Catechol estrogen synthesis and uterine vasodilatation: Role of uterine peroxidase, Proc. Soc. Gynecol. Invest. 34: 240.

    Google Scholar 

  • Whelly, S. M., and Barker, K. L., 1974, Early effect of estradiol on the peptide elongation rate by uterine ribosomes, Biochemistry 13: 341–346.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wilhelmsson, L., Lindblom, B., Wikland, M., and Wiqvist, N., 1981, Effects of prostaglandins on the isolated uterine artery of nonpregnant women, Prostaglandins 22: 223–233.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zuspan, F. P., O’Shaughnessy, R., Vinsel, J., and Zuspan, M., 1981, Adrenergic innervation of the uterine vasculature in human term pregnancy, Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 139: 678–680.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bowman Gray School of Medicine of Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27103, USA

    Frank C. Greiss Jr. & James C. Rose

  2. Department of Physiology, Bowman Gray School of Medicine of Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27103, USA

    James C. Rose

Authors
  1. Frank C. Greiss Jr.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. James C. Rose
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA

    Ralph M. Wynn M.D. (Professor) (Professor)

  2. Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA

    Ralph M. Wynn M.D. (Professor) (Professor)

  3. Department of Anatomy, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA

    William P. Jollie Ph.D. (Professor and Chairman) (Professor and Chairman)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1989 Plenum Publishing Corporation

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Greiss, F.C., Rose, J.C. (1989). Vascular Physiology of the Nonpregnant Uterus. In: Wynn, R.M., Jollie, W.P. (eds) Biology of the Uterus. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-5589-2_5

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-5589-2_5

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4684-5591-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4684-5589-2

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation