Development, Cellular Growth, and Function of the Avian Oviduct. II. A Comparative Study on the Changes of Cellular Components in each Region of the Domestic Fow1 (Gallus domesticus) Oviduct during a Reproductive Cycle

Abstract

The levels of cellular components in each region of the domestic fowl (Gallus domesticus) oviduct at various stages of a reproductive cycle (developing, laying, and regressing) were compared. There were differential growth patterns in each region of the oviduct (infundibulum, magnum, isthmus, uterus, and vagina) during a reproductive cycle. The magnum weight, relative to other regions of the oviduct, increased most rapidly during development and growth, and decreased in a similar manner during regression of the oviduct. Development and growth of the oviduct were primarily associated with hyperplasia (increase in total DNA), and to a lesser extent with cellular hypertrophy (dry matter/DNA). Regression of the oviduct was essentially a reversal of the developing oviduct: both total DNA and ratios of dry matter/DNA decreased.The highest ratios of RNA/DNA and protein/DNA were found in the laying-hen oviduct, particularly in the magnum and isthmus. The magnum and isthmus of the laying hen, being actively involved with the formation of secretory soluble and insoluble proteins, respectively, also had the highest respective ratios of soluble protein/DNA and insoluble protein/DNA. The infundibulum, uterus, and vagina, consisting mainly of connective tissue and musculature, are not actively involved in the formation of secretory proteins. These regions of the laying-hen oviduct had low ratios of RNA/DNA and protein/DNA. All regions of the functionally quiescent developing and regressing oviducts had similar and low ratios of RNA/DNA and protein/DNA.The levels of soluble nonprotein nitrogen, when expressed on a cell unit basis, also tended to parallel those of protein while lipid levels remained relatively constant for all regions of the oviduct throughout the various stages of the reproductive cycle.

The effects of estradiol and progesterone on the growth and differentiation of the quail oviduct

“…Summary of the Variations in the Content and Concentrations of Tissue Constituents in the Oviduct at Different Stages of Treatment.Control oviducts also increased in these components during the treatment period, although to a very slight extent. This may be due to very slight, initial estrogen-induced changes, or it may be the result of the general growth of the animal.These results are comparable to those reported for the effect of estrogen on chick oviduct (41,45, 46,48,51,52). Estrogen treatment for 10 days caused an increase in all parameters in chick oviduct also, but there is a slight difference between the.chick oviduct work and the data presented here…”

Transcriptome analyses to reveal the dynamic change mechanism of pigeon magnum during one egg‐laying cycle

“…The ratios of RNA/DNA, protein/DNA, and soluble protein/DNA increase, reach maximum, and decrease during the developing, laying, and regressing stages, respectively. The secretory egg white proteins increased very rapidly during the development stage and decreased in a similar manner during the regressing stage (J. Y. Yu et al, 1972).…”

“…The secretory egg white proteins increased very rapidly during the development stage and decreased in a similar manner during the regressing stage (J. Y. Yu et al, 1972).…”

“…In the regressing stage, the albumen secreted is rapidly reduced, and the magnum size is diminished (J. Y. Yu et al, 1972). Weight, cell number, and magnum dry mass per cell increased most rapidly during the laying stage and decreased in a similar manner during oviduct regression (J. Y.…”

“…In the developing magnum, the mucosal folds and the tubular glands are smaller, and only a small amount of albumen is secreted. In the regressing stage, the albumen secreted is rapidly reduced, and the magnum size is diminished (J. Y. Yu et al, 1972). Weight, cell number, and magnum dry mass per cell increased most rapidly during the laying stage and decreased in a similar manner during oviduct regression (J. Y. Yu & Marquardt, 1974).…”