Correlation between catecholamine content of the human Fallopian tube and the uterus and plasma levels of estradiol and progesterone

The content of catecholamines in the Fallopian tube and the uterus and the plasma levels of estradiol and progesterone were studied in cycling women. During the follicular phase norepinephrine levels were 33.4 ± 7.1, 50.5 ± 8.0, and 145.7 ± 43.6 ng. per gram of wet tissue in the external, middle, and internal segments of the Fallopian tube, respectively. During the luteal phase norepinephrine content increased significantly in the external and middle portions (219.3 ± 57.0 and 206.2 ± 34.3 ng. per gram) whereas it remained unchanged in the internal one (185.2 ± 53.6 ng. per gram). The NE content of the external and middle segments correlated significantly with plasma progesterone levels (r = 0.76 and 0.82, respectively, whereas oviductal epinephrine levels did not show significant changes as a function of the stage of the menstrual cycle. Uterine epinephrine content decreased by 67 per cent during the luteal phase whereas norepinephrine remained unchanged.