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Department of Zoology, Electron Microscopy Unit, University of Kuwait

ABSTRACT

The ultrastructure of the ampullar epithelium of the sow oviduct was studied with special reference to cyclic changes in the ciliated and the secretory cells. Tissue from the ampulla region of the oviduct was taken from 20 pigs in different phases of the sexual cycle. Numerous cilia were observed throughout the oestrous cycle and evidence was not found for periodic loss of cilia in the sow. Both the ciliated and secretory cells showed morphological signs of activity during the follicular phase. Thus cyclic variations were observed in the ciliated and secretory cells. The ciliated cells were provided with fibrous granules and larger electron-dense ciliary precursor bodies, which were most conspicuous during the follicular phase. The presence of ciliary precursor bodies during the follicular phase suggests that ciliogenesis in the sow oviduct is stimulated by high levels of endogenous oestrogen. Glycogen granules were not found either in the ciliated or secretory cells. Maximum secretory cell differentiation was apparent during the follicular phase. The cytoplasm of these cells consisted of well developed granular endoplasmic reticulum, numerous ribosomes, and secretory granules of varied size, shape and density. Prominent apical cytoplasmic projections and extruded nuclei along with other cytoplasmic organelles were found in the tuba1 lumen during the luteal phase. The presence of a well developed endoplasmic reticulum and the production of numerous secretory granules during the follicular phase suggest that secretory activity in the sow oviduct is presumably under the control of circulating high plasma levels of oestrogens.