Histomorphology of the oviduct epithelium in the Angora rabbit

WOS: 000279893900001The present study was undertaken to investigate cyclic changes in the structure of oviduct epithelial cells, and the content of oviductal mucus in the Angora rabbit using light and electron microscopy. Ten female Angora rabbits, 5 of which were in the estrual stage and the other 5 were in the luteal stage of the estrous cycle, were used in the study. Tissue samples taken from the fimbria, ampulla and isthmus of the oviduct were examined under light and electron microscope. Ciliated cells were demonstrated to be predominant in the fimbria and ampulla, whereas secretory cells were determined to be most numerous in the isthmus. The estrual stage was characterized with greater cell heights, and increased numbers of ciliated cells and secretion. Both secretion and cilia were determined to decrease evidently in the luteal stage. Neutral and acidic mucosubstances were found to be present in the ampulla and isthmus. In the isthmus, in which secretion was dense, acidic mucosubstance was determined to contain sulphate and carboxyl groups by means of combined Aldehyde fuchsin/Alcian blue (AF/Ab) staining. Electron microscopic examination revealed the presence of electron-dense and electron-light secretion granules in secretory cells. In all cyclic stages, electron-dense foci were observed in the electron-light secretion granules of some secretory cells