Effect of alpha-adrenergic blocking agents on uterine activity in the ewe at the end of gestation

The electromyographic activity (EMG) of the uterus was recorded in vivo in 8 unanaesthetized ewes from the 140th day of gestation up to parturition. The effects on uterine activity of treatments with an alpha 1-receptor blocker (prazosin) and an alpha 2-receptor blocker (yohimbine) were studied. During the last days of gestation, EMG activity consisted of periodic active phases (1-2/h). During the last 16-17 hours, uterine activity increased sharply; this period was referred to a labour. Intravenous perfusion of prazosin (0.03 mg/kg/mn over 1 h) or intravenous injections (1 mg/kg) did not modify uterine activity either before or during labour. Intravenous perfusion of yohimbine (0.03 mg/kg/mn during 1h) inhibited uterine activity before and during labour. In all cases, lambing occurred between the 142nd and 145th day of gestation, which corresponds to the normal lambing period. These results suggest that, in the ewe, uterine alpha 2-receptors are important for normal uterine activity at the end of gestation and in. parturition.