The influence of substance P on oviductal, duodenal and blood pressure in the anaesthetized domestic hen.

In 13 anaesthetized hens in the peak phase of their first laying year the influence of intravenously injected substance P (SP), 1-10 micrograms/animal, on oviductal pressure, duodenal pressure, blood pressure and heart rate has been studied within 5 h of oviposition. The neuropeptide induced a significant pressure increase in the different segments of the oviduct (infundibulum, magnum, isthmus, uterus and vagina) as well as in the duodenum. Blood pressure revealed a distinct biphasic response: a short period of hypotension accompanied by a tachycardia and a more pronounced and sustained hypertension, inducing a subsequent bradycardia. The complexity of the observed effects demonstrates the overall impact of intravenously administered SP on the anaesthetized hen.