Polycationic macromolecules inhibit cilia-mediated ovum transport in the rabbit oviduct.

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Abstract
In in vitro and in vivo experiments, polycationic macromolecules, i.e., poly(L-lysine), inhibited the transport of either surrogate or freshly ovulated cumulus masses across the oviduct epithelial surface without affecting the ciliary beat. Transport across the fimbria in vivo was completely inhibited, but transport down the ampulla was 3-7 times slower than normal. The effects of these polycations suggest that cilia-mediated ovum transport may involve the formation of transient adhesive bonds between the tip of the cilium and elements of the cumulus mass during each beat cycle of the cilium.