AJP - Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, Vol 239, Issue 3 326-R331, Copyright © 1980 by American Physiological Society
Optoelectronic transducer for in vivo recording of oviductal contractile activity
S. A. Halbert, R. J. Bourdage, J. L. Boling, J. A. Ringo and R. J. Blandau
An optoelectronic instrument to record oviductal muscular activity in
chronically instrumented animals was evaluated in in vitro and in vivo
experiments. The intensity of red light transmitted through the oviduct was
modulated by contractions of the oviductal wall producing an optical analog
of the mechanical events. Accuracy of the analog was tested by Fourier
analysis of signals from mechanical and optoelectronic transducers placed
at the same site on the oviduct; the results validated the use of the
optical device as a contraction event sensor. Contractions of the tubal
mesenteries had less effect on the optical signal than on signals from
extraluminal mechanical transducers. Optical and photographic recordings of
luminal transport in exposed oviducts showed a correspondence of
intraluminal movements to events in the optical contraction signal. This
instrument does not alter tubal function, and thus it is an especially
useful experimental tool to investigate the role of oviductal muscular
activity in fertility.
