The distribution and immunolocalization of fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) in the rat oviduct during early pregnancy and the post-partum period

The mammalian oviduct provides a favourable environment for several reproductive processes, including ovum transport, sperm capacitation, fertilization and pre-implantation embryonic development. This environment is regulated by cyclic ovarian steroids, that is oestrogen, and growth factors. Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) regulate the differentiation and growth of various cell types in the female genital tract. This study aimed to determine the localization of FGF1, FGF2, FGF receptor 1 (FGFR1) and 2 (FGFR2) in the rat oviduct, by immunohistochemistry, on day 5 of pregnancy and post-partum days 1, 3 and 5, and to demonstrate the possible functions of these proteins during early pregnancy and the post-partum period. On all examination days, cytoplasmic and nuclear FGF1 immunoreactivity was detected in the epithelium lining the infundibulum, ampulla and isthmus of the oviduct. Immunoreactivity was much stronger in the basal bodies of the cilia on the epithelium lining the infundibulum and ampulla. FGF1 immunoreactivity was also detected in stromal cells, myocytes and endothelial cells. Cytoplasmic FGF2 immunoreactivity was observed in the tunica muscularis, vascular myocytes and endothelial cells. While strong cytoplasmic FGF2 immunoreactions were observed in the stromal cells of the lamina propria, the luminal epithelium, some stromal cells and smooth muscle cells displayed a rather weak FGFR1 and FGFR2 immunoreactivity. Immunoreaction intensity did not differ between the periods examined. This study shows that FGF1, FGF2, FGFR1 and FGFR2 are produced by rat oviduct cells during pregnancy and the post-partum period, and reproductive physiology is regulated not only by hormonal mechanisms, but also by growth factors.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Postpubertal changes in the histomorphometric characteristics of the oviduct of the indigenous West African pig

Both age and liveweight significantly affected the absolute weight of the oviduct. With regard to the different tissues, age influence was significant only in the muscularis and mucosal thickness of the infundibulum, the epithelial height in the ampulla and the mucosal thickness in both the infundibulum and the isthmus. Results suggest that the oviductal tissues do not show a uniform postpubertal response to age and that such responses were least observed in the isthmus .     

Localization of immunoglobulins in the chicken oviduct

Studies were made on the distribution of lymphoid tissues and immunoglobulin (Ig: IgA, IgG and IgM)-containing cells (cIg: cIgA, cIgG and cIgM) and the localization of immunoglobulins (Igs) in the oviducal walls of laying hens. Lymphocyte accumulations were occasionally observed, located mainly in the middle infundibulum and in the regions from the isthmus to the vagina. The number of cIgG significantly predominated over that of cIgA or cIgM in the mucosal connective tissue of the magnum and the isthmus. In contrast, in the regions other than the magnum and the isthmus, these three types of cIg were fewer in number. Igs were localized in some superficial epithelial cells (SECs) and glandular cells (GlCs) of the oviduct. Many IgG-containing SECs were found in the infundibulum, the isthmus, and the cranial and major uterus. IgA- or IgM-containing SECs were rare throughout the oviduct. Three types of Ig-containing GlCs were numerously found in the magnum, though lymphocyte accumulations were scarce there. In the isthmus, many IgG-containing GlCs were found, while IgA- or IgM-containing GlCs were rarely observed. Ig-containing GlCs in the magnum were considerably decreased in number after the egg passage. The results suggest that the maternal Igs are transferred to the egg mainly through GlCs in the magnum of the chicken oviduct, and that the oviducal lymphoid tissues have little relationship to the passive immunity.     

Localisation of MHC class II,lymphocytes and immunoglobulins in the oviduct of laying and moulting hens

1. Our aim was to determine the presence and numbers of immunocompetent cells in the oviduct of laying and moulting hens. Immunocompetent cells were localised by immunocytochemistry throughout the entire length of the oviduct.

2. In laying birds, MHC class II + cells were observed in the subepithelial and middle part of the stroma of all oviducal segments and the mucosal epithelium of the infundibulum and vagina. CD3 + cells were also localised in subepithelial and middle part of stroma as well as in mucosal epithelium of each oviducal segment. Bu‐lb + and IgG + cells were also observed in the epithelium and subepithelial and middle part of the stroma of all oviducal segments, though stroma of the magnum, isthmus and uterus contained few Bu‐lb + cells. IgA + cells were observed only in the mucosal epithelium of the magnum in small numbers.

3. In moulting hens, there were few numbers of immunocompetent cells in the mucosal epithelium of each oviducal segment, although CD3 + cells were observed in the infundibulum and vagina. In the subepithelial stroma, the populations of MHC class II + cells in the infundibulum, magnum and uterus, CD3 + cells in the infundibulum and vagina, as well as IgG + cells in each oviducal segment except for isthmus were smaller than in laying hens. In contrast, the number of immunocompetent cells in the middle part of stroma of moulting hens were equal to or greater than in laying hens.

4. These results suggest that the oviducal immune function is active in the surface tissues of the mucosa in laying hens, whereas it is reduced in moulting hens.     

Light and electron microscopic studies on mast cells of the bovine oviduct

This study was conducted to determine the staining properties, the light and electron microscopic appearance and numerical distribution of mast cells from different regions of the bovine oviduct during the estrous phase and luteal phase. Ten oviducts from bovines in the estrous phase, and 10 from bovines in the luteal phase were used as study samples. In three regions of the oviduct (infundibulum, ampulla, isthmus), mast cells that showed metachromasia with toluidin blue and Ab(+), SO(-) with the combined Ab/SO stains were encountered. Electron microscopic studies of the mast cells showed them to contain two types of granules; a dense homogeneous type and a tiny particulate type. In all three regions of the oviduct, the luteal phase was observed to have a higher number of mast cells per mm2 area than the estrual phase with the isthmus having the most dense population.     

An Immunohistochemical Study of the Oviduct in the Domestic Fowl (Gallus domesticus)

This study describes the distribution of vimentin, desmin, smooth muscle actin (SMA) and laminin in the oviduct of the laying domestic fowl. Vimentin immunostaining was localised in the luminal epithelium of the infundibulum, magnum, magnum–isthmus junction and isthmus. The luminal epithelium of the shell gland regions displayed weak vimentin immunostaining. Vimentin immunostaining was demonstrated in the glandular grooves of the tubular infundibular region. In contrast, gland cells in the magnum, isthmus and shell gland regions were vimentin immunonegative. Fibroblasts and vascular endothelial cells in the lamina propria of the oviductal regions studied exhibited vimentin immunostaining. Strong desmin and SMA immunostaining were present in the smooth muscle cells of the tunica muscularis and vascular tunica media. In this study, basement membranes underlying the luminal and glandular epithelia were immunopositive for laminin. In addition, basement membranes associated with smooth muscle cells exhibited laminin immunostaining. The results of the study indicate that the immunolocalisation of desmin, SMA and laminin in the oviduct of the domestic fowl is similar to that in the mammalian uterus. The immunolocalisation of vimentin in the domestic fowl varies depending on the oviductal region.     

Cyclic Related and Pathological Changes in the Lectin-binding Sites on the Swine Oviduct

This study was carried out to compare the lectin-binding pattern in the normal and pathological oviduct of sows during the ovarian cycle. Lectin-binding patterns showed differences between segments, phases of ovarian cycle and presence of morphologic lesions. In the infundibulum, it was observed that the cysts, in the follicular phase, reduced Ricinus communis-I (RCA-I) and Ulex europaeus-I (UEA-I) binding. Furthermore, in the pathological oviducts of the luteal-phase group, there is a reduction of Concanavalia ensiformis (Con-A) reactivity in this segment of the tube having wall cysts, adenomyosis and diverticulus. The Arachis hypogaea (PNA) binding in the infundibulum, during the luteal phase, decreased in the tube having adenomyosis. In animals with wall cysts, the Con-A, Triticum vulgaris (WGA) and RCA-I reactivity was minor in the glycocalyx of the isthmus epithelium during follicular phase. Con-A and Dolichos biflorus (DBA) binding pattern was minor in the luteal-phase isthmus of the tube having wall cysts, adenomyosis and diverticulus. In the ampulla, the wall cysts impaired the Con-A reaction only in the basal region of the epithelium, in the follicular phase. Binding with Con-A was decreased in the ampulla of animals in the luteal phase in the tube lesions with cysts and diverticulus. In addition, the diverticulus observed in the ampulla, during the luteal phase, reduced the PNA tubaric binding. The results of this study showed that the morphologic alterations modify the sugar pattern in the oviduct of sows. These modifications in glycoconjugates may be one of the reasons for the failure of fertility in sows.     

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.     

北京鸭输卵管壁内血管分布的研究

采用大体和显微解剖学方法,观察了20羽北京鸭输卵管壁内血管分布。结果表明,出入北京鸭输卵管的血管均是从系膜缘进入输卵管壁内、外肌层间,形成肌间血管层;黏膜固有层深层动脉形成弓形吻合动脉,吻合动脉分出分支分布于黏膜层;黏膜上皮下微血管层的厚度和密度在各段存在差异,蛋白分泌部最厚而密集,其次是峡部、子宫部,漏斗部和阴道部仅形成单层毛细血管层。     

Histology of the oviduct epithelium of dairy cows after estrus synchronization with cloprostenol

After fading away of the effect of cloprostenol contained in the Oestrophan inj. Spofa preparation, the qualitative and quantitative changes in the epithelium of oviduct ampulla and isthmus of dairy cows were studied. Three dairy cows in the fourth to fifth day after heat were used as control, three cows with the rectally palpated active corpus luteum were given 0.5 mg cloprostenol i. m. On the eighth day after treatment, samples were taken from ampulla and isthmus by means of necropsy. After histological treatment, the samples were evaluated microscopically. Histological staining with hematoxylin-eosine, PAS reaction and PAS reaction with nucleus staining with Harris hematoxylin were used to describe the occurrence of the so-called pale cells. In accordance with the literary data, these cells are believed to be intraepithelial lymphocytes, the function of which will have to be further researched and determined objectively. On the eighth day after cloprostenol administration or on the fourth to fifth day after ovulation in the ipsilateral ovary, a significant decrease in epithelium thickness close to infundibulum and in the depth of ampulla (P less than 0.001) was observed. The changes in the contralateral left side were not significant. After cloprostenol application, the multiplication of nail-like cells in the right-side oviduct ampulla was statistically significant (P less than 0.05).     

Ultrastructural study of infectious bronchitis virus infection in infundibulum and magnum of commercial laying hens

The infundibulum and magnum of the oviduct were examined in hens in full lay which were infected with two Australian strains of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). The ultramicroscopic changes in the infundibulum and magnum were compared with control hens which had eggs at different positions in the oviduct. The ciliated and granular cells of the surface epithelia and secretory epithelial cells of the tubular glands were the target cells of IBV. No pathological changes were recorded during 2-8 days post-infection (p.i.). Patchy loss of cilia occurred at 10-14 days p.i. Between 16 and 24 days p.i., there was no cilia loss and lymphoid nodules were observed in the muscularis layer of the infundibulum and magnum of some hens from both infected groups. Virus particles were detected mostly in the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and Golgi complex between 10 and 12 days p.i. Cytopathology was noticed in various cell organelles between the 10th and 14th days p.i. There was an increase in RER deposits in infected cells, irrespective of egg position in the oviduct. The magnum was more affected than the infundibulum. Cellular changes were more severe in the infundibulum and magnum of T-infected hens as compared to N1/88-infected hens. Eggs with watery whites which were laid by infected hens could be attributed to cytopathological changes in the granular epithelial cells and tubular gland epithelial cells of the magnum resulting in reduced synthesis of albumen proteins. IBV can cause pathology in parts of the fully functional oviduct which may persist up to the 30th day p.i. However, both the challenge strains of IBV can cause a small number of hens to cease production. Loss of cilia in both the infundibulum and magnum pose a potential threat of secondary bacterial infection and also may affect fertility in breeder hens.     

Immunohistochemical Expression of Nitric Oxide Synthase Enzymes (iNOS,eNOS, nNOS) in the Estrual and Luteal Phases of the Sexual Cycle in the Cow Oviduct

This study was aimed to determine staining intensity, cellular localization and distribution of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzymes during the sexual cycle in the cow oviduct. Oviduct samples belonging to 20 cows, 10 of which were in the estrual phase and 10 in the luteal phase of the sexual cycle, were examined by an immunohistochemical procedure to determine the presence of the NOS enzymes. In the epithelial cells of the isthmus, endothelial NOS (eNOS) expression showed a strong positive reaction during the estrual phase and a weak positive reaction during the luteal phase in the endothelium and smooth muscle of the blood vessels found in the serosa and lamina propria. eNOS expression was not observed in the epithelium of either the ampulla or the fimbria in the two particular phases of the sexual cycle. The eNOS reactions observed in the blood vessel wall in these regions were stronger during the estrual phase. eNOS activity was not observed in the tunica muscularis in any of the regions of the oviduct. During the estrual phase, it was observed that inducible NOS expression showed a stronger positive reaction in the epithelium and muscle layer of the isthmus and ampulla and in the epithelium of the fimbria, compared to the luteal phase. Neuronal NOS immunoreactivity was observed in the epithelial cells of all oviduct regions and in the muscle layer of the isthmus and ampulla and did not display any significant difference between the estrual and luteal phases.     

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.     

Oestrus Synchronization Treatment Induces Histomorphological Changes on the Uterine Tube Epithelium of the Gilt

The aim of this study was to determine the histomorphological changes that occurred in response to two treatments for oestrus synchronization in three different regions of the gilt's uterine tubes epithelium: the ampulla (AMP), ampulla–isthmic junction (AIJ) and isthmus (IST). Nine prepuberal gilts were divided into three groups (n = 3): (1) eCG 400 IU and hCG 200 IU (eCG/hCG), (2) progesterone agonist (P4) and (3) control group. The number of secretory cells (stained with periodic acid–Schiff reaction or PAS‐positive cells) decreased in the AMP in the P4 treated group when compared to the control group, whereas, no difference was observed in the number of PAS‐negative cells in the AMP of the three groups. A significant decrease in the number of PAS‐positive cells was observed in the AIJ and IST of the P4 treated group when compared to the eCG/hCG and control groups. An increase in the number of PAS‐negative cells was observed in the AIJ and IST in the P4 treated group. The epithelium height in the AMP and AIJ was increased in the eCG/hCG group when compared to the control and P4 groups. In this last group, we observed a reduced height compared with the other two groups for the AIJ. In the IST, there were no significant changes in the epithelium height of the control or the other two groups (eCG/hCG and P4). The epithelial cells of the P4 treated group had the least amount of cytoplasmic granules and the lowest intensity of PAS staining in the AMP, AIJ and IST. Animals treated with eCG/hCG showed an intermediate number of cytoplasmic granules and intensity in all regions evaluated. These data show that P4 treatment for synchronization induces a significant (P < 0.001) decrease of PAS‐positive cells and staining intensity of cytoplasmic granules in the different regions studied and an increased number of PAS‐negative cells in the AIJ and IST epithelium. Moreover, eCG/hCG treatment increased the height of the epithelium in the AMP and AIJ, while in this last region, the P4 treatment decreased the epithelium height. These results show that synchronization treatments with P4 and in a smaller proportion with eCG/hCG can modify the amount of PAS‐positive and PAS‐negative cells, and the epithelium height. This has influence in the secretory activity of the epithelium and possibly alters the fluid microenvironment of the gilt's uterine tube. The biological impact of regional variations in the epithelial cells of the gilt′s uterine tube needs further investigation to understand the implications that the reproductive processes can have in the uterine tube.