STUDIES ON THE MECHANISM OF ERGOCORNINE (ERGOTOXINE) INTERFERENCE WITH DECIDUALIZATION AND NIDATION: II.

Abstract

ABSTRACT In an attempt to localize the site of the pregnancy-interrupting-action of ergocornine, the drug was applied directly to the ovary, uterus and hypophysis of the pregnant or pseudopregnant rat in which the uterus was undergoing decidualization. Ergocornine was applied in the following vehicles: Carbowax '4000', C. M. C., ascorbic acid, and ethanol, in doses which when administered systemically are not effective. We failed to elicit the usual response to ergocornine by topical application of the drug to these organs. There was no instance of the usual post-ergocornine appearance of oestrus, nor any interference with uterine decidualization in the pregnant or pseudopregnant rat. We have been forced to assume that the ergocornine does not act as such but that a degradation or metabolic transformation is required at a site other than the »target« organs. The liver is suspected as this site and is being examined.