Optoelectronic transducer for in vivo recording of oviductal contractile activity.

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.

Methods for studying oviductal physiology.

In studying oviductal physiology, it is important to sort out the complex interrelationships between muscle, cilia, nerves and secretory processes as they each of themselves, or in concert, effect gamete transport. In this review, a variety of physiological techniques and bioengineering approaches which have been used to monitor contractile and ciliary activity, are described and critically evaluated.