Abstract
A technique for dynamic studies of the mechanics of the uterine musculature in vivo is described, based on the registration of pressure responses to sinusoidally imposed changes in volume. The final amplitudes are varied between 1 and 9 ml and the frequency of volume changes is selected between 0.005 and 0.1 Hz. Having defined the frequency of the spontaneous activity of the uterus, end pressure, area of hysteresis and distance between the limbs of the loop are used as parameters to characterize the mechanical properties of the myometrium. The potential of the method includes the study of the effect upon the myometrium of pharmacologic agents with oxytocic and relaxant effects.