Abstract
Important functions of the oviduct during reproduction include the provision of an optimal environment for gametes and zygotes and nutrition of the early embryo. These functions are ensured by the secretion of an oviductal fluid which is known to contain organ-specific glycoproteins. Glycoconjugates of the apical glycocalyx are considered to play a major role in cell recognition and interaction processes. In the present investigation, binding patterns of Con A, HPA, LTA, RCA I, UEA I, and WGA were studied in defined segments of the oviduct (infundibulum, ampulla, isthmus) and in the uterus during the oestrous cycle. The carbohydrate distribution showed regional as well as time dependent differences. LTA, HPA and WGA reacted strongly with Golgi regions and secretory granules in the oviduct epithelium during the follicular phase, indicating high secretory activity. LTA, HPA, and UEA I also revealed a varying carbohydrate composition of the glycocalyx during the oestrous cycle. Prominent regional differences in glycoconjugate expression were shown in oviductal segments by LTA and HPA binding: during the follicular phase, LTA binding sites were only present on epithelial cells of the isthmic segment, the ampulla and infundibulum being unreactive. D-N-acetyl-galactosamine residues were demonstrated on ciliated epithelial cells of the ampulla and infundibulum exclusively during oestrus. The glycocalyx of uterine epithelial cells was clearly defined by HPA, WGA, LTA, RCA I and UEA I; LTA binding was restricted to the secretory phase. The observation of regional and time dependent variability in glycoconjugate distribution strongly indicates their specific physiological functions in reproductive processes.