Development, Cellular Growth, and Function of the Avian Oviduct

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Abstract
The biochemical composition and histological patterns of the magnum portion of the domestic fowl (Gallus domesticus) oviduct during the developing, laying, and molting (regressing) stages of a reproductive cycle were compared. Growth and development of the magnum are primarily associated with hyperplasia (increase in total DNA) and to a lesser extent with cellular hypertrophy (increase in ratios of dry matter/DNA). A continuous hyperplasia occurs in the magnum during the laying stage; changes in cellular hypertrophy, however, are not observed. The pattern during regression of the magnum in the molting stage is essentially a reversal of that of the developing oviduct. Histological observations identify the characteristic changes as being differentiation and formation, secretion, and involution of tubular gland cells, respectively, for the developing, laying, and regressing oviducts. The ratios of RNA/DNA, protein/DNA, and soluble protein/DNA increase, reach maximum, and decrease during the developing, laying, and molting stages, respectively. The ratios of insoluble protein/DNA and lipids/DNA remain relatively constant throughout the whole reproductive cycle. The secretory egg white proteins (ovalbumin and conalbumin) increase very rapidly during the developing stage and decrease in a similar manner during molt. Conalbumin is present in the magnum and in the blood of the female chicken at all stages of the reproductive cycle. Ovalbumin, in contrast, is not located in the very small oviduct. It appears shortly after tubular gland formation. There is a quantitative shift of A2- to A1-ovalbumin during the developing stage which is reversed during regression of the oviduct.

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