An intraluminal transducer/telemetry system for oviductal motility studies

Abstract

A method for measurement of changes in lumen diameter of the oviduct has been developed. Miniature intraluminal “doughnut-shaped” transducers, 1.0–1.2 mm in diameter, constructed from conductive silicone rubber are implanted in the rabbit isthmus and respond to localized changes--increases or decreases--in lumen diameter. Multiple transducer implants in the same tube permit rate as well as direction of contractions to be determined. A custom-designed, micropower dual-channel telemetry system was fabricated to record motility from unrestrained animals. Typical data collected using this system to determine the effects of induced ovulation on instantaneous changes in lumen diameter are presented.