A STUDY OF THE POLYSACCHARIDE HISTOCHEMISTRY OF THE OVIDUCT OF THE NEWT, TRITURUS VIRIDESCENS

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Abstract
1. Application of some techniques of polysaccharide histochemistry to the oviduct of the newt showed a histochemical differentiation of the secretory epithelium corresponding to the grossly and histologically demonstrable zonation of the oviduct. All regions responded positively to the PAS technique. No difference was detected in sections previously exposed to glycogen digestion methods. Regions designated A, B, and D were metachromatic with toluidine blue and reacted positively to alcian blue. 2. The most probable explanation of the differences in staining reaction seems to be the presence of an acid polysaccharide, probably a heparin-like compound, in regions A, B, and D, and its absence (or much lower concentration) in regions C and E. 3. The possible significance of the findings relative to the physiology of the oocyte, particularly with regard to meiotic blockage, is discussed.