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Rat uterine fluid Na⁺ and K⁺ concentrations were calculated from the ratio of the Na⁺ and K⁺ concentrations in uterine washings, on the assumption that the sum of Na⁺ and K⁺ (mequiv./l) is the same in blood serum and in uterine fluid. Uterine fluid volumes were likewise calculated from the total quantity of Na⁺ and K⁺ washed out of the uterine horn.

The mean uterine fluid volume was 7·6 µl per horn and the mean potassium concentration was 45·8 mequiv./l on day 6 of normal pregnancy. Both oophorectomy alone on day 2 and oophorectomy followed by daily injections of progesterone, cause a marked reduction of the uterine fluid volume on day 6 of pregnancy. Oophorectomy on day 2 caused a significant reduction in the uterine fluid K⁺ concentration. Administration of high and low doses of progesterone after oophorectomy on day 2 of pregnancy resulted in uterine fluid potassium concentrations higher and lower, respectively, than the normal day 6 fluid.

It is postulated that a high uterine fluid K⁺ concentration is essential for blastocyst-endometrial contact preceding implantation and that this may be significant with regard to certain types of delayed implantation.