Structure of the oviducal epithelium of the brush-tailed possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)

in Reproduction
Authors:
R. Arnold
Search for other papers by R. Arnold in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
and
C. D. Shorey
Search for other papers by C. D. Shorey in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1530/jrf.0.0730009
Volume/Issue:
Volume 73: Issue 1
Page Range:
9–19
Article Type:
Research Article
Online Publication Date:
Jan 1985
Free access

Sign up for journal news

Summary. Observations were made using scanning and transmission electron microscopy and were correlated with measurements of the mean surface area and the percentage area occupied by secretory cells to provide precise interpretation of the morphological data.

In cyclic and anoestrous possums the oviducts were lined with elaborate folds of mucosa except in the portion of the isthmus adjacent to the uterus where the pattern was much simplified. The folds decreased in height and number after ovariectomy. Secretion was maximal between oestrus and Day 2 of the cycle when most ovulations take place. Extrusion of vesicles was observed in the ampulla and isthmus at this stage although the process was localized to some extent because groups of cells with actively extruding vesicles were interspersed with others which contained vesicles but otherwise appeared inactive. This is interpreted as a device whereby a constant supply of secretion can be maintained over several days. Secretory activity declined between Days 3 and 8 and the epithelium in mid-cycle (Days 8–18) appeared relatively quiescent. By Day 24 there was morphological and morphometric evidence of a return to oestrous conditions, although vesicles had not yet reappeared in secretory cells. Ciliogenesis was prevalent at this time and is probably related to the ovum transport that will occur several days later.

Reproduction is committed to supporting researchers in demonstrating the impact of their articles published in the journal.

The two types of article metrics we measure are (i) more traditional full-text views and pdf downloads, and (ii) Altmetric data, which shows the wider impact of articles in a range of non-traditional sources, such as social media.

More information is on the Reasons to publish page.

Sept 2018 onwards Past Year Past 30 Days
Full Text Views 127 35 0
PDF Downloads 78 39 1

 

  • Collapse
  • Expand
Print ISSN:
1470-1626
Online ISSN:
1741-7899