UTEROCERVICAL REFLEX - DESCRIPTION OF THE REFLEX AND ITS CLINICAL-SIGNIFICANCE

The effect of uterine distension on the cervix was studied in 16 women (mean age 38.4 years). Carbon dioxide was infused, in increments up t o 50 ml, into a condom-ended catheter introduced into the uterus. The response of uterine and cervical pressures to uterine distension was d etermined before and after anesthetizing the uterine body and the cerv ix, respectively. Upon slow uterine distension, the cervical. pressure increased (p < 0.01), while the uterine pressure showed insignificant changes (p > 0.05). Rapid distension led to cervical pressure decreas e (p < 0.01) and increase of uterine pressure (p < 0.01). The cervical pressure did not respond to slow or rapid inflation of the anesthetiz ed uterus, neither did the anesthetized cervix respond to uterine infl ation. A reflex relationship seems to exist between the uterine body w hen distended and the cervix, which we call 'uterocervical reflex'. Th e study demonstrates that the uterus behaves differently under physiol ogic and pathologic conditions. Upon slow uterine distension as in pre gnancy, the uterus adapts by uterine dilatation and cervical tightenin g. In pathologic conditions which distend the uterus rapidly, the latt er reacts with uterine contraction and cervical dilatation, dischargin g the uterine contents. Dysfunction of the uterocervical reflex may re sult in uterine and cervical disorders. The reflex may thus be include d as a diagnostic tool in such disorders.