THE BOVINE AND EQUINE OVIDUCT EPITHELIUM - MORPHOLOGY AND PDGF LOCALIZATION

The oviduct creates the microenvironment for fertilization and early e mbryonic development. However, information concerning segmental variat ions in epithelial morphology as well as growth factor localization in this organ is very limited. Oviducts from superovulated heifers and h CG treated mares were surgically removed during estrus, metestrus or d iestrus and tissue from different segments processed for transmission electron microscopy and/or immunohistochemistry. It is concluded, (1) that at least in cattle the non-ciliated cells varied markedly between the different segments with respect to the localization of secretory granules and (2) in both cattle and horse the ciliated cells contain P DGF.