AUTONOMIC NERVOUS MODULATION AND EFFECTS OF A PROSTAGLANDIN SYNTHASE INHIBITOR ON HUMAN CERVICAL SECRETION

Modulation of cervical secretion at ovulation time was studied in 10 w omen with regular menstruations. In an in-vivo model with repeated col lection of mucus samples during three 90-min periods, the amounts of m ucus in a control cycle and in three experimental cycles were compared . Drugs interacting with the autonomic nervous system and a prostaglan din synthase inhibitor were administered at time of ovulation. The cho linomimetic drug carbacholine significantly increased cervical secreti on, while the anticholinergic drug butylscopolamine markedly inhibited this secretion. A long-lasting decrease in secretion was seen after a dministration of the prostaglandin synthase inhibitor diclofenac. Besi de regulation of cervical secretion by the ovarian hormones, these res ults suggest an autonomic nervous modulation of cervical secretion, an d in addition an impact on cervical secretion by a prostaglandin synth ase inhibitor. The effects on fertility regulation in the female are d iscussed.