Three‐Dimensional Architecture of the Ovine Oviductal Mucosa

The objective of this work was to establish for the first time a complete three‐dimensional model of the ovine oviductal mucosa. The oviducts of 15 cyclic ewes were examined combining the direct examination of the mucosa, by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and histology, with the SEM observation of resin moulds of the oviductal lumen. Around the ostium abdominale, all longitudinal primary folds and wide secondary are seen to form cul‐de‐sacs, with their opening pointing in the ovarian direction were observed. At the connection of the ampulla to the isthmus, there is a sharp change in the morphology, from a high folded structure to a smoother one. In the utero‐tubal junction, the primary folds broaden and become more voluminous, the lumen has a slit‐like appearance, and secondary folds form cul‐de‐sacs with their opening oriented towards the uterus. The areas between the folds throughout the lumen of the oviduct show a high degree of complexity. The presence of crypts was observed in all the regions studied, branched in the ampulla and spiniform in the isthmus. Marked variations were observed in the oviductal epithelium depending on the oviductal segment and the basal or apical areas of the folds. The variations found regarding the phase of the oestrous cycle were similar to those described in studies of other species. The anatomy of the oviductal mucosa provides a complex system that seems to be designed to regulate the movement of fluids and the passage of cells within the oviductal canal.     

A scanning electron microscopic study of the peritoneal mesothelium covering the genital tract and its ligaments in the cow

This study was undertaken to describe the surface features of the peritoneal mesothelium covering the genital tract and adjacent ligaments of the cow during the oestrous cycle. The relationship between mesothelial surface and spermatozoa was also evaluated after intra-uterine and intraperitoneal insemination. Surface features of mesothelial cells from 25 cyclic cows were examined by scanning electron microscopy and by image analysis. Presence of spermatozoa was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy in seven additional cows. In the external side of the infundibulum, the oviductal mucosa exceeds the free margin, forming a continuous band measuring 2.5-10 mm in width. This oviductal epithelium shows cyclical variations with a predominance of ciliated cells during the follicular phase. In respect of the mesothelium, no clear morphological differences were observed associated with the side of ovarian bursa (internal versus external), or with the phase of the oestrous cycle. Mesothelial cells covering the uterus and mesometrium have a higher microvilli density and length and a smaller cell surface area than in the oviduct and adjacent structures. The presence of solitary cilia in the mesosalpinx and mesotubarium superius (infundibulo-cornual ligament) of some specimens was also observed. When samples were processed without postfixation in osmium tetroxide, a layer of amorphous material covered all surfaces. After intra-uterine insemination of five cows, no spermatozoa were found on their peritoneal mesothelium. Numerous spermatozoa were found after intraperitoneal insemination being attached throughout mesothelial surfaces. These results indicate that there are morphological differences between regions, but no cyclic changes, in the surface features of mesothelial cells covering the genital tract and adjacent ligaments of the cow, and that spermatozoa can bind to mesothelial surfaces after intraperitoneal insemination.     

Morphological Changes and Proliferative Activity in the Oviductal Epithelium during Hormonally Defined Stages of the Oestrous Cycle in the Bitch

The aim of the present study was to investigate morphological changes and proliferative activities in the epithelium of the canine oviduct with regard to the part of the oviduct – possibly indicating the existence of a locally restricted sperm reservoir – and the stage of the oestrous cycle. Nine healthy adult nulliparous bitches were submitted to ovariohysterectomy at three stages of the cycle: anoestrus (n = 3), late follicular phase (n = 3) and mid‐luteal phase (n = 3). The whole oviduct ranging from the utero‐tubal junction (UTJ) to the infundibulum (IN) was collected, divided into UTJ, IN plus six segments of equal length, i.e. eight oviductal specimens per animal were studied by light microscopy. Morphological characteristics of ovaries and endometrium were recorded macroscopically and verified histologically. The height of oviduct epithelial cells and percentage of ciliated cells (CC) were assessed and the respective data analysed statistically. Proliferative activity was immunohistochemically visualized by means of Ki‐67 antigen detection. Blood was collected and concentrations of oestradiol‐17β and progesterone (P₄) were measured. Within the IN and five of the six tissue samples collected from the ampulla and isthmus in anoestrous bitches, the oviductal surface epithelium consisted of low cuboidal cells demonstrating a uniform dark staining intensity. Only a very few scattered lighter staining CC could be detected. Under the influence of oestrogens during late follicular phase, the oviductal epithelium was highly differentiated. Lighter stained CC with apically located nuclei were easily distinguishable from basophilic secretory cells with apical cytoplasmic protrusions. Cell height and percentage of CC were significantly higher than in anoestrus (p ≤ 0.05). During mid‐luteal phase, high levels of P₄ were associated with differentiated and dedifferentiated cells as well as cells in regression seen in the mucosal folds of all samples. The percentage of CC and cell height were significantly lower than during late follicular phase (p ≤ 0.05). Further signs of dedifferentiation consisted of a loss of cilia, a pinching off of the apical cytoplasm as well as the presence of debris and macrophages within the oviductal lumen. In the oviductal part of UTJ and the caudal isthmus hormone‐dependent variations in cellular morphology were less distinct. Changes in cell height were minimal and did not differ significantly throughout the oestrous cycle. Hypertrophic cells with large nuclei were predominantly present at these sites, but did not consistently demonstrate signs of ciliation or secretion. Sporadic proliferating activity, visualized by means of Ki‐67 antigen, was mainly seen in some cells of the late follicular phase samples. Thus, overall proliferative activity is generally very low or may occur within a relatively short period of time. It therefore cannot be excluded, that periods exhibiting higher mitotic rates are not included in the present study. It should, however, be mentioned that cells demonstrating morphological signs of apoptosis can only be seen very sporadically within a few specimens during mid‐luteal phase, thus, reflecting low proliferative capacities and minimal cellular turnover found during this study. The results of the present study strongly indicate that oestrogens cause hypertrophy and differentiation, whereas P₄ induces gradual dedifferentiation or regression of the oviductal epithelium. Furthermore, they reveal clearly visible changes in the morphology of the tubal epithelium during the oestrous cycle. Depending on the tubal segment, these are, however, variably expressed. Whether the low degree of cellular variation of the UTJ and caudal isthmus is caused by specific hormone concentrations at these sites or specific regulatory mechanisms and may be associated with specific functional properties such as the formation of a locally restricted sperm reservoir needs further investigations.     

Light and Scanning Electron Microscopic Studies of Oviductal Epithelium in Thai Swamp Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) at the Follicular and Luteal Phases

The purpose of this study was to investigate the morphological changes in the epithelium of Thai swamp buffalo oviducts at the follicular and luteal phases by histological technique and scanning electron microscopy. The samples from the infundibulum, ampulla, isthmus and uterotubal junction (UTJ) of the oviduct were taken immediately after slaughter at the local abattoir. Noticeable cyclic changes were observed on the epithelial surface of the infundibulum and ampulla, but few changes were present in the isthmus and UTJ. At the follicular phase, the epithelium of infundibulum and ampulla were densely covered with ciliated cells whose cilia concealed the apical processes of the secretory cells. In contrast, the secretory cells dominated in the epithelium at the luteal phase and most of the ciliated cells were hidden by the bulbous processes of these cells. In the isthmus and UTJ at the follicular and luteal phases, the secretory cells were almost flat or gently rounded and covered with numerous microvilli at their apical surface. In conclusion, the histological and ultrastructural observation of Thai swamp oviduct epithelium revealed marked cyclic changes in the cellular differences associated with the main functions of segmental variations.     

Morphometric and ultrastructural changes in ciliated cells of the oviductal epithelium in prolific Chinese Meishan and Large White pigs during the oestrous cycle.

There are some differences in reproductive features between the Chinese Meishan (CM) pig and Large White (LW) pig. The aim of the present study was to investigate the quantitative changes and ultrastructural features of ciliated cells in the various regions of the CM and LW pig oviduct during the follicular and luteal phases of the oestrous cycle. In the fimbrial and ampullar epithelia at the follicular phase, the ciliated cells were more plentiful than in the isthmic region in both pigs. In the CM pigs, there was a striking decrease in the percentage and cell height of ciliated cells in the luteal phase compared with the follicular phase. Although similar quantitative changes were observed in the LW pig oviduct, these changes were less dramatic than that in the CM pig oviduct. In both pigs, the percentage and cell height of ciliated cells in the isthmus were unchanged between the follicular and luteal phases. The ultrastructure of ciliogenic and ciliated cells was observed. In the fimbrial and ampullar epithelia during the follicular phase, most of the ciliated cells showed normal morphology, having many elongated cilia and mitochondria, but in the CM pig oviduct during the luteal phase many of the ciliated cells possessed immature cilia and swollen mitochondria. Cells undergoing ciliogenesis were frequently observed in the fimbriae and ampulla, and occasionally in the isthmus. Cytoplasmic protrusions containing variable numbers of ciliary axonemal complexes occurred in the fimbrial and ampullar epithelium in the CM pigs at the luteal phase, suggesting that deciliation of cells occurs by membrane-bound cilia packets forming at the apices of cells and pinching off. These results demonstrate that there are regional variations in the cyclic changes associated with the oviductal ciliated cells of the pigs, while there are marked morphometrical and ultrastructural changes in oviductal ciliated cells of the CM pigs compared with that of the LW pigs.     

Macroscopic and microscopic anatomy of the oviduct in the sexually mature rhea (Rhea americana)

The morphological characteristics of the oviduct of 12 sexually mature rheas (Rhea americana) were studied. Only the left oviduct is developed as a long tube with a length of 122 +/- 23.1 cm, and is subdivided into infundibulum (15.2 +/- 4.0 cm), magnum (63.3 +/- 9.4 cm), isthmus (5.6 +/- 3.1 cm), uterus (16.0 +/- 4.2 cm) and vagina (11.5 +/- 1.4 cm). The mucous membrane of the oviduct, as a whole, possesses luminal folds covered by ciliated columnar epithelium with secretory cells. The infundibulum part presents a cranial opening with thin and long fimbriae with few tubular glands in caudal tubular portion. In the magnum, the largest portion of the oviduct, the folds are thicker and are filled with tubular glands. The isthmus is short and presents less bulky folds and a few tubular glands. A bag-shaped uterus in the cranial area shows thin folds, and in the caudal region (shell gland) more ramified folds with few tubular glands. The vagina has long luminal folds and a thick muscular tunic; no glands with sperm-storage characteristics have been observed. In conclusion, the oviduct in sexually mature rhea has morphological similarities with the other species of birds already described; however it presents its own characteristics to produce a big egg.     

Regional and Cyclic Variations in the Ultrastructural Features of Secretory Cells in the Oviductal Epithelium of the Chinese Meishan Pig

The Chinese Meishan pig is prolific breed and it is considered that this pig has a capacity with higher rates of embryonic survival. The oviductal secretory cells may affect the embryonic development and survival. The aim of the present study was to investigate the ultrastructural features of secretory cells in the various regions of the Chinese Meishan pig oviduct during the follicular and luteal phases of the oestrous cycle. In the ampullar secretory cells, numerous secretory granules with moderately electron-dense matrices were present in the supranuclear cytoplasm and exocytosis of secretory granules was observed. The number of secretory granules was dramatically reduced in the ampullar secretory cells in the luteal phase. During the follicular phase in the fimbrial epithelium, the secretory cells contained rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, but most cells had few small granules. In the luteal phase, the secretory cells in the ampullar and fimbrial epithelia extended beyond the luminal border of the ciliated cells. In the isthmus, many granules were present in the cytoplasm of secretory cells throughout the oestrous cycle, but the number of secretory granules was reduced in the luteal phase. The cytomorphometric data revealed that the height of ciliated cells decreased substantially in the fimbriae and ampulla at the luteal phase, while that of non-ciliated cells was less affected. These results suggest that the drastic reduction of cell height of ciliated cells cause the extrusion of most secretory cells beyond the ciliated cells in the fimbriae and ampulla during the luteal phase. In summary, our ultrastructural observations of Chinese Meishan pig oviduct revealed marked cyclic changes in the ultrastructural features of secretory cells. In particular, the ultrastructural features and the numbers of secretory granules were distinctive for each particular segment. These findings should provide insight into the regional and cellular differences in functions of secretory cells of the Chinese Meishan pig oviduct.     

Prenatal development of the bovine oviduct

In this study the development of the bovine Fallopian tube was investigated using light microscopic methods. Formation and differentiation of the Müllerian duct were studied in mesonephroi of 16 embryos and fetuses with a crown-rump lengths (CRL) of 0.9-8.4 cm. The funnel field, the rostral beginning of the Müllerian duct was first observed at a CRL of 0.9 cm. It appears as a thickening of the mesothelium on the craniolateral side of the mesonephros. During later development the Müllerian duct emerges by caudal outgrowth from the funnel field. Formation of a common basal lamina surrounding the caudal tips of Müllerian and Wolffian ducts could be observed at all stages up to CRL of 2.7 cm. The mesothelium and the epithelium of the Wolffian duct adjacent to the Müllerian duct showed a modification of epithelium height in all examined stages. Probably the Wolffian duct influences the growth of Müllerian duct by epithelio-mesenchymal interactions. Fetuses from a CRL of 12.0 to 94.0 cm were used for investigation of the prenatal differentiation of the oviductal mucosa. Folding of the oviductal mucosa started at a CRL of 29.0 cm and continued until birth. Individual primary, secondary and tertiary folds are formed in special proliferation zones and epithelium-folding buds. The cellular differentiation of the oviductal epithelium involves the formation of ciliated and secretory cells during different times of prenatal development. Ciliogenesis was first detected at a CRL of 33.0 cm. Active secretory cells could be observed in the oviductal epithelium from a CRL of 64.0 cm onwards.     

Histological Characteristics of the Equine Oviductal Mucosa at Different Reproductive Stages

The objective of this work was to study cellular changes in the epithelium of the mare’s oviduct. Oviductal samples were taken from mares at different reproductive stages for optical microscopy and Hoechst 33258 staining. Glandular-like structures were observed in 100% of the oviducts. These structures were of the tubular type and were formed by ciliated and nonciliated epithelial cells arranged in a way similar to the epithelial surface. The amount of structures decreased progressively from the ampulla to the isthmus, but did not change through the different reproductive stages. Histological changes in the epithelium of the oviduct were observed associated with the reproductive stages. In the ampulla, the amount of ciliated cells decreased in the anovulatory phase compared with other reproductive stages. Cords of connective tissue lined by epithelium (trabeculae) and dividing completely the lumen of the oviduct were found in 50% of the oviducts. Epithelial cells projected toward the lumen as large vesicles of cytoplasm, sometimes containing a nucleus. The amount of cells presenting nuclear protrusion varied throughout the oviduct, with highest incidence in the ampulla, decreasing progressively toward the isthmus (P < .05). In addition, nuclear protrusions were higher in number during the anovulatory and luteal phases than in the other reproductive stages (P < .05). These nuclear protruding cells appeared to be extruding from the epithelium and showed no signs of apoptosis based on the histological and fluorescent stains used. The existence of these gland-like structures in the oviductal mucosa should be considered when studying the oviductal physiology in mares.     

Laparoscopic techniques for investigating the equine oviduct

Reasons for performing study: The diagnostic and therapeutic options for oviduct disorders in the mare are limited. The current best techniques require exploratory surgery under general anaesthesia or flank laparotomy. Hypothesis: The orthograde flushing of the oviduct for diagnostic or therapeutic options is possible using laparoscopic techniques in the standing sedated mare. Methods: Development of a laparoscopic technique for catheterisation of the infundibulum and flushing of the oviduct (sterile methylene blue solution) in the standing sedated mare was examined in 2 experiments. The first involved a transvaginal laparoscopic approach, the second a laparoscopic flank approach. Passage of fluid into the uterus was assessed by post operative hysteroscopy. Results: In Experiment I, visualisation of the infundibulum was possible (left side 7/8 cases, right side in 6/8 cases). The beginning of the oviductal ampulla could be seen in 3 of 8 cases on the left side. An adequate opening of the infundibulum and visualisation or catheterisation of the abdominal ostium were not possible. In Experiment II, catheterisation of the ampulla was successful in 7 of 11 cases, and in 5 of these 7 cases the injected fluid could be identified in the uterus by post operative hysteroscopy. Conclusion: A transvaginal laparoscopic approach to the oviduct is not appropriate for oviductal flushing in the mare. However, a laparoscopic flank‐approach permits investigation and flushing of the oviduct. Potential relevance: Laparoscopic flushing could become a practical method for diagnosis and therapy of oviduct disorders and a minimally invasive technique for collection of young embryos or the transfer of gametes (GIFT).     

北京鸭输卵管血管分布的形态学研究

采用大体解剖学方法，观察了20羽北京鸭输卵管血管分布。结果表明：北京鸭输卵管动脉有输卵管前、中、后动脉和阴道动脉；输卵管静脉通常与同名动脉伴行，但缺输卵管后静脉，这些血管均位于鸭体左侧。输卵管前动脉一般有1条，起始于左髂外动脉的耻动脉，分布于输卵管漏斗部和膨大部；输卵管中动脉起于左肾后动脉，主要分布于输卵管峡部和子宫前部；输卵管后动脉起始于左髂内动脉或左阴部外动脉，主要供应子宫后部的血液；阴道动脉起于左阴部内动脉，分布于阴道部。     

The Sow Endosalpinx at Different Stages of the Oestrous Cycle and at Anoestrus: Studies on Morphological Changes and Infiltration by Cells of the Immune System

The aim of this study was to investigate the morphological changes of the sow endosalpinx and the distribution of leukocytes throughout the oestrous cycle and at anoestrus. Nineteen crossbred sows (Swedish Landrace x Swedish Yorkshire) at late dioestrus (three), prooestrus (three), oestrus (three), early dioestrus (three), dioestrus (three) and anoestrus (four) were used. Oviductal samples from three different parts (isthmus, ampulla and infundibulum), taken immediately after slaughter, were fixed, embedded in plastic resin and stained with toluidine blue or stored in a freezer at -70 degrees C until analysed by immunohistochemistry (prooestrus and anoestrus) with an avidin-biotin peroxidase method. Quantitative and qualitative examinations of oviductal epithelium and subepithelial connective tissue were performed by light microscopy. During all stages, a lower degree of morphological changes (pseudostratification, mitosis and secretory granules) was found in the isthmus compared with ampulla and infundibulum. In ampulla and infundibulum, pseudostratification, mitotic activity and secretory granules of the epithelium were high at prooestrus/oestrus. Cytoplasmic protrusions of epithelial cells with some extruded nuclei were prominent in ampulla and infundibulum at all stages except for oestrus and early dioestrus. Lymphocytes as well as CD2- and CD3-positive cells were the predominant immune cells in the epithelial layer. The numbers of lymphocytes and CD3-positive cells did not differ among segments and stages. Numbers of CD2-positive cells did not differ between prooestrus and anoestrus while the numbers were significantly higher in the infundibulum than in ampulla and isthmus. Neutrophils were only occasionally found and mainly in the infundibulum. In the subepithelial connective tissue layer, the two most commonly observed immune cell types were lymphocytes and plasma cells. The numbers of lymphocytes as well as CD2- and CD3-positive cells was lower in isthmus than in the other segments (p < or = 0.001). Higher numbers of plasma cells (p < or = 0.001) were found in infundibulum than in ampulla and isthmus. The numbers of lymphocytes and plasma cells were not significantly different between stages of the oestrous cycle. However, the number of neutrophils differed and were highest at prooestrus in ampulla and infundibulum. The numbers of CD2-, CD3- and CD79-positive cells did not differ between prooestrus and anoestrus whereas for CD14- and SWC3-positive cells, the numbers were higher at prooestrus (p < or = 0.05) than at anoestrus. In the oviduct, the morphology differed in ampulla and infundibulum with oestrous cycle stages, which indicates an effect by ovarian steroid hormones. The immune cell infiltration was less influenced by cyclic changes. However, the immune cell infiltration (in the connective tissue) in the upper part, especially infundibulum, differed significantly from the one in the lower part, isthmus, indicating different immune functions within various parts of the oviduct.     

Anatomicohistological characteristics of the tubular genital organs of the female collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu) from North-eastern Amazon

The present study examines anatomical and histological characteristics of tubular genital organs and its relationships with the reproductive state of 24 wild adult collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu) females. The tunica mucosa of the uterine tube presents a pseudostratified, intermittently ciliated columnar epithelium. The epithelial secretory cells of pregnant females and females in the luteal phase of the oestrous cycle became taller than the ciliated cells and showed abundant apical secretory blebs, whereas secretory cells of females in the follicular phase showed abundant mucous secretory activity (periodic acid-Schiff positive cells). The uterus is composed of two narrow and convoluted uterine horns, separated by the velum uteri, a small uterine body and a long and muscular cervix. The endometrial lining of both uterine horns and body is a monostratified, columnar ciliated epithelium. Pregnant females and females in luteal phase showed a more developed hyperplasia of the endometrial simple tubular glands than females in the follicular phase. The cervix presents interdigitated rows of mucosal prominences that project into the lumen, structures similar to pulvini cervicali, occluding the cervical canal. In pregnant females, the endocervical canal was filled by a viscous cervical secretion. Females in follicular phase presented a thicker vaginal epithelium than pregnant females and females in luteal phase. The present study suggests that the collared peccary female showed different histological features of the uterine tubes, uterus and vagina in accordance with the reproductive state of the females.     

Lysophosphatidic Acid Synthesis and its Receptors’ Expression in the Bovine Oviduct During the Oestrous Cycle

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a naturally occurring simple phospholipid which in the bovine reproductive system can be produced in the endometrium, corpus luteum, ovarian follicle and embryo. In this study, we examined the possibility that LPA receptors are expressed, and LPA synthesized, in the bovine oviduct. We found that the concentration of LPA was highest in infundibulum in the follicular phase of the oestrous cycle and was relatively high during the early‐luteal phase in all examined parts of the oviduct. We also documented that LPA synthesis engages both available pathways for LPA production. The autotaxin (ATX) protein expression was significantly higher in the infundibulum compared to the isthmus during the follicular phase of the oestrous cycle. During the early‐luteal phase of the oestrous cycle, ATX and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) protein expression was highest in ampulla, although the expression of LPARs was not as dynamic as LPA concentration in the oviduct tissue, and we presume that in the bovine oviduct, the most abundantly expressed receptor is LPAR2. In conclusion, our results indicate that the bovine oviduct is a site of LPA synthesis and a target for LPA action in the bovine reproductive tract. We documented that LPAR2 is the most abundantly expressed in the bovine oviduct. We hypothesize that in the bovine oviduct, LPA may be involved in the transport of gametes, fertilization and cellular signalling between the oviduct and cumulus–oocyte complex.     

Ultrastructural and ultracytochemical cyclic changes in the bovine uterine tube (oviduct) epithelium.

Ultrastructural and ultracytochemical features of the uterine tube (oviduct) infundibulum were studied in 8 Hereford cows, which were slaughtered in pairs on days 1 (estrus), 3, 9 or 10, and 18 of the estrous cycle. Fibrous granules (60 to 80 nm), which are supposedly related to basal body replication, were observed in the apical cytoplasm of ciliated cells. Close association between basal bodies and fibrous granules was apparent, especially during the follicular phase. Cilia were observed throughout of estrous cycle, although degeneration of cilia was not observed at any phase of the cycle. Prominent, striated rootlets were observed during both the follicular and luteal phases of the cycle. Maximum secretory cell differentiation was apparent during the follicular phase, at which time these cells were characterized by having a well-developed, rough endoplasmic reticulum with dilated cisternae, numerous ribosomes, and secretory granules of varied size and density. A prominent feature of the secretory granules was their membranous structure, consisting of concentric lamellae of equal dimensions. During the luteal phase, cytoplasmic protrusions were prominent, and extruded nuclei along with other cytoplasmic organelles were present in the tubal lumen. The presence of a well-developed, rough endoplasmic reticulum and numerous secretory granules during the follicular phase indicates that secretory activity of the uterine tube infundibulum may be stimulated by estrogen. During estrus, the cytoplasm of the stromal cells displayed abundant, rough endoplasmic reticulum with dilated cisternae. The increased and extensively dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum at the time of estrus probably indicates increased protein synthesis by the stromal cells. The presence of adenosine triphosphatase activity on the membrane of cilia suggests that this enzyme is involved in energy-forming reactions related to the vigorous action of cilia. The presence of acid phosphatase activity on the cell membrane of the epithelium, microvilli, and secretory granules may indicate involvement in the secretory mechanism of the cell.     

Anatomicohistological Characteristics of the Tubular Genital Organs of the Female Red Brocket Deer (Mazama americana) in the Peruvian Amazon

This study examined the anatomical and histological characteristics of tubular genital organs of 51 adult female red brocket deer in the wild in different reproductive stages, collected by rural hunters in the north‐eastern Peruvian Amazon. The infundibulum was characterized by a large diameter and the presence of a highly folded and ciliated epithelium, and the isthmus has a growing secretor epithelium and a thicker muscular layer. Whereas ciliated cells are more frequent in the infundibulum, epithelial secretory cells showing abundant apical secretory blebs are more frequent in the isthmus. In non‐pregnant females in luteal phase, the endometrium transforms from a proliferative to a secretory type, showing a significant proliferation of endometrial uterine glands. The red brocket deer has four large circular folds in the cervix. The epithelium of the cervix is composed primarily of secretory cells. In pregnant females, the lumen of the endocervical canal is occupied by abundant mucous secretion. All pregnant females had one embryo or fetus, with a fetal sex ratio of 54.0% females to 46.0% males. This species has a cotyledonary, syndesmochorial and partially deciduate placenta, with 6–7 dome‐shaped caruncles per female. The red brocket deer does not present a true cornification of the vaginal epithelial cells, and no vaginal epithelial pattern was determined according the reproductive state of the female.     

Reproductive tract vasculature of the female emu (dromaius novaehollandiae)

The arterial supply of the ovary and oviduct is provided by the ovarian artery, cranial oviductal artery, accessory cranial oviductal artery, middle oviductal artery, caudal oviductal artery and the medial and lateral vaginal arteries. These arteries supply various regions of the oviduct and are branches of either the left cranial renal artery, left external iliac artery, left middle renal artery, left lateral caudal artery or the left pudendal artery. The veins that drain the reproductive tract are satellite vessels to each artery that supplied the tract.     

Morphological features of the gastrointestinal tract of Garganey (Anas querquedula,Linnaeus 1758)—Oesophagus to coprodeum

The present work was aimed to study the gastrointestinal tract in Garganey from the oesophagus to coprodeum by the aid of the gross morphology, scanning electron microscopy and histology. At the level of the thoracic inlet, the oesophagus had a thick part which had numerous tortuous longitudinal folds carried transverse folds on them. Histologically, the thick part had thick epithelium and appeared more folded with more and larger glands. The mucosa of the proventriculus had mucosal folds appeared as a leaf-like with rounded tips. The openings of the proventriculus glands were projected with papillae on the epithelial surface. The gizzard lined with horizontal layer of cuticle which sent vertical parts of cuticle. The duodenal villi were pentagonal in shape with sharply pointed tips, while the jejunal villi were triangular with rounded ends, and the ileal villi were wide and pentagonal in shape with pointed tips. The mucosa of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum was thrown into villi lined by simple columnar epithelium with goblet cells with difference in the form, length, density and number. The apical points of the duodenal and ileal villi appeared pointed, while the jejunal villi had rounded ends. The jejunal villi were longer and numerous than the duodenal villi, but the ileal villi appeared with different length and less numerous. The mucosa of the caecum had numerous mucous glands which surrounded by circular crypts. The rectal mucosa had longitudinal folds and semilunar and circular crypts. The mucosa of the coprodeum had longitudinal folds surrounded by crypts.     

The Influence of Pre- and Post-ovulatory Insemination and Early Pregnancy on the Infiltration by Cells of the Immune System in the Sow Oviduct

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of pre- and post-ovulatory insemination and early pregnancy on the distribution of immune cells in the oviduct. Eighteen sows were pre-ovulatory and sixteen sows were post-ovulatory inseminated and slaughtered at different times, 5-6 h after insemination, 20-25 h and approximately 70 h after ovulation, day 11 and day 19. Immediately after slaughter, oviductal samples of three different segments (isthmus, ampulla and infundibulum) were fixed, embedded in plastic resin and stained with toluidine blue or cryofixed and stored in a freezer at -70 degrees C until analysed by immunohistochemistry (pre-ovulatory inseminated sows) with an avidin-biotin peroxidase method. Quantitative and qualitative examinations of oviductal epithelium and subepithelial connective tissue were performed by light microscopy. After pre- or post-ovulatory insemination, neutrophils were not observed in the oviductal epithelium from any of the segments or groups. The numbers of intraepithelial lymphocytes of all sows as well as CD2- and CD3-positive cells of the pre-ovulatory inseminated sows were higher in the infundibulum than in the other segments (p < or = 0.001). In the subepithelial connective tissue of the pre-ovulatory inseminated sows, significantly higher numbers of lymphocytes (p < or = 0.001) and plasma cells (p < or = 0.001) were found in infundibulum than in isthmus. Neutrophils were found mainly in infundibulum, the number approximately 40 h after pre-ovulatory insemination was significantly higher (p < or = 0.05) than in the other groups and segments. Significantly higher numbers of CD2 than CD3-positive cells were found for all groups and segments. In the subepithelial connective tissue of post-ovulatory inseminated sows, the numbers of lymphocytes was higher (p < or = 0.001) at day 19 than up to 50 h after insemination and lower (p < or = 0.001) in isthmus than in ampulla and infundibulum. Neutrophils were found in infundibulum in almost all groups and the number was significantly higher (p < or = 0.05) in the infundibulum up to 50 h after insemination than in other segments. In the oviductal epithelium, no influence of insemination was found on the presence of phagocytes, i.e. neutrophils and macrophages, but on lymphocytes. In the infundibular connective tissue, pre-ovulatory insemination had an effect on neutrophil distribution, indicating an active immune response to insemination in the upper segment. Post-ovulatory insemination changed the oviductal immune cell pattern.     

Hypothyroidism Affects Differentially the Cell Size of Epithelial Cells Among Oviductal Regions of Rabbits

Oviductal regions show particular histological characteristics and functions. Tubal pathologies and hypothyroidism are related to primary and secondary infertility. The impact of hypothyroidism on the histological characteristics of oviductal regions has been scarcely studied. Our aim was to analyse the histological characteristics of oviductal regions in control and hypothyroid rabbits. Hypothyroidism was induced by oral administration of methimazole (MMI) for 30 days. For both groups, serum concentrations of thyroid and gonadal hormones were determined. Sections of oviductal regions were stained with the Masson's trichrome technique to analyse both epithelial and smooth muscle layers. The percentage of proliferative epithelial cells (anti‐Ki67) in diverse oviductal regions was also quantified. Data were compared with Student t‐test, Mann–Whitney U‐test, or Fischer's test. In comparison with the control group, the hypothyroid group showed: (i) a low concentration of T3 and T4, but a high level of TSH; (ii) similar values of serum estradiol, progesterone and testosterone; (iii) a large size of ciliated cells in the ampulla (AMP), isthmus (IST) and utero‐tubal junction (UTJ); (iv) a large size of secretory cells in the IST region; (v) a low percentage of proliferative secretory cells in the fimbria‐infundibulum (FIM‐INF) region; and (vi) a similar thickness of the smooth muscle layer and the cross‐sectional area in the AMP and IST regions. Modifications in the size of the oviductal epithelium in hypothyroid rabbits could be related to changes in the cell metabolism that may impact on the reproductive functions achieved by oviduct.