Although uterine distension in rats results in an escape reflex, there exists no model of uterine cervical distension (UCD), the pain stimulus during the first stage of labor. The aims of this study were to develop such a model in virgin rats and to test whether peripherally restricted kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonists (ADL 10-0101, ADL 10-0102, ADL 10-0116) inhibit responses to UCD. Under intravenous (i.v.) pentobarbital and alpha-chloralose anesthesia, fine metal rods were inserted in both uterine cervical osses through a small midline laparotomy. UCD was performed by manual separation of the rods (25-100 g). Single-unit afferent responses in hypogastric nerve or reflex rectus abdominis electromyographic (EMG) activity were determined before and after i.v. KOR agonists. UCD resulted in a stimulus-dependent increase in single-unit afferent activity. Units could be characterized as low threshold (mean threshold 6.6+/-2.7 g), or high threshold (mean threshold 55+/-8.8 g); all were C fibers, all responded to topical bradykinin. ADL 10-0116 (10 mg/kg) reduced the afferent response to UCD. Reflex EMG response occurred over a distension force range of 25-100 g, unaffected by i.v. saline. All three KOR agonists produced a dose-dependent, naloxone-reversible inhibition of the EMG response with a potency relationship of ADL 10-0102 (ED50 0.04 mg/kg)>ADL 10-0101 (ED50 0.65 mg/kg)=ADL 10-0116 (ED50 0.60 mg/kg). These data support the use of acute UCD as a noxious stimulus, inducing afferent and reflex activity. Like other visceral stimuli, UCD is sensitive to inhibition by KOR agonists.