ULTRASTRUCTURAL AND ULTRACYTOCHEMICAL CYCLIC CHANGES IN BOVINE UTERINE TUBE (OVIDUCT) EPITHELIUM

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 38  (2) , 157-168
Abstract
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. 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 ATPase 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 invovement in the secretory mechanism of the cell.

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