Light and scanning electron microscopic studies of oviductal epithelium in Thai swamp buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) at the follicular and luteal phases.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the morphological changes in the epithelium of Thai swamp buffalo oviducts at the follicular and luteal phases by histological technique and scanning electron microscopy. The samples from the infundibulum, ampulla, isthmus and uterotubal junction (UTJ) of the oviduct were taken immediately after slaughter at the local abattoir. Noticeable cyclic changes were observed on the epithelial surface of the infundibulum and ampulla, but few changes were present in the isthmus and UTJ. At the follicular phase, the epithelium of infundibulum and ampulla were densely covered with ciliated cells whose cilia concealed the apical processes of the secretory cells. In contrast, the secretory cells dominated in the epithelium at the luteal phase and most of the ciliated cells were hidden by the bulbous processes of these cells. In the isthmus and UTJ at the follicular and luteal phases, the secretory cells were almost flat or gently rounded and covered with numerous microvilli at their apical surface. In conclusion, the histological and ultrastructural observation of Thai swamp oviduct epithelium revealed marked cyclic changes in the cellular differences associated with the main functions of segmental variations.