SPERM DISTRIBUTION IN FEMALE RABBITS: THE EFFECT OF OVARIAN STEROIDS

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Abstract
Oestradiol benzoate, progesterone and 20α-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (20α-OH) were injected into ovariectomized rabbits and after either 4 or 5 days the rabbits were inseminated with a standardized inseminate, killed at 2 and 10 h after insemination and the number of spermatozoa in the vagina, cervix, uterus and oviducts was evaluated. The oestrogen increased the number of spermatozoa recovered from the cervix, uterus and oviduct compared with the control ovariectomized group receiving no hormonal treatment. The progestagens, on the other hand, tended to inhibit sperm transport through the cervix depending on the amount given. Injection of both oestrogen and progesterone simultaneously, illustrated their antagonistic actions. The effect of circulating progestagens on sperm transport during oestrus and pseudopregnancy is discussed, as well as their effects on the formation of the cervical reservoir.

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