Abstract
Spontaneous uterine activity was studied in three cyclical female camels implanted with balloon-tipped catheters connected to pressure transducers. Another camel was not operated upon. The frequency of contractions in both horns varied from zero to a maximum of 90 h-1, whereas the amplitude of contractions varied from zero to a maximum of 3.5 kPa during the experimental period. Uterine activity was higher in the left horn. Concentrations of oestradiol-17beta increased as the follicle grew in size in the non-operated camel. The pattern of uterine activity was correlated with the circulating levels of oestradiol-17beta (r = 0.83, P < 0.001, n = 3). It was concluded that uterine activity in the camel is dependent on oestrogen level.