oviductal factors in fertilisation Flashcards
What is meant by polarisation of oviduct cells?
in a polarised state, specific organelles are found at distinct ends of the cell - providing the appropriate state for sperm storage
What on the epithelial cell surface in oviduct cell allows sperm binding?
carbohydrates
What is found on the sperm surface that mediates bindin gwith the oviduct?
Lectin like proteins
what is the cyclical physiology of oviduct cells mediated by?
steroid hormone cyclicity
What is the role of oviductin?
secreted by oviduct, seen to assist in sperm zona pellucida binding and increase fertilsation efficiency in pigs.
Has also been suggested that it creates a protective coat in tube to protect against ectopic pregnancy
what do c3b, PCIIP and heavy chain variable region of IGA all have in common?
All secretory proteins released from oviduct cell in a steroid dependent manner.
What roles are C3b, PCIIP and heavy chain variable region of IGA thought to have?
Thought to play roles in support of luminal environment of the tube, participate in extracellular matrix modelling and support of gamete interactions
What is PAF?
Platelet activating factor
Where is PAF found?
PAF is secreted by the early embryo
What is the autocrine function of PAF?
The autocrine function of PAF is prevention of fragmentation
Where are PAF receptors expressed?
Expressed in oviduct epithelium, in associated with PAF acetylhydrolase
What is the suggested role of PAF/PAF-R interaction in oviduct?
Potentially increase ciliary movement, to assist with embryo transport.
PAF can increase intracellular calcium concentrations, so potentially involved in altering electrophysiology of oviduct cells.
What is the myosalpinx?
A smooth muscle shaft found in the isthmus region of the fallopian tube
What is the function of the myosalpinx?
Contraction and relaxation of the myosalpinx allow movement of the embryo.
What is different about the muscular network at the ampulla region of the fallopian tube?
The muscular network is more complex, with different muscular fibres pointing in different direction (nb = this is thought to cause a stirring effect of the oviductal fluid to create maximal supportive environment for the embryo)
