Three-dimensional architecture of the ovine oviductal mucosa.

The objective of this work was to establish for the first time a complete three-dimensional model of the ovine oviductal mucosa. The oviducts of 15 cyclic ewes were examined combining the direct examination of the mucosa, by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and histology, with the SEM observation of resin moulds of the oviductal lumen. Around the ostium abdominale, all longitudinal primary folds and wide secondary are seen to form cul-de-sacs, with their opening pointing in the ovarian direction were observed. At the connection of the ampulla to the isthmus, there is a sharp change in the morphology, from a high folded structure to a smoother one. In the utero-tubal junction, the primary folds broaden and become more voluminous, the lumen has a slit-like appearance, and secondary folds form cul-de-sacs with their opening oriented towards the uterus. The areas between the folds throughout the lumen of the oviduct show a high degree of complexity. The presence of crypts was observed in all the regions studied, branched in the ampulla and spiniform in the isthmus. Marked variations were observed in the oviductal epithelium depending on the oviductal segment and the basal or apical areas of the folds. The variations found regarding the phase of the oestrous cycle were similar to those described in studies of other species. The anatomy of the oviductal mucosa provides a complex system that seems to be designed to regulate the movement of fluids and the passage of cells within the oviductal canal.

Effects of the relationship between 65Zn and blood cells. A dynamic and morphological study.

We have studied the dynamic pathway of 65Zn and its autoradiographic location in blood cells, even at the ultra-structural level. We have found evidence that tends to confirm the old biochemical postulates about the capacity of this isotope to displace iron in the haemoglobin molecule. Recently, the bibliography has demonstrated that 57Co is also able to perform this displacement, but unlike 65Zn it does not invalidate the Redox function of the molecule. In the case of 65Zn, the mentioned displacement invalidates this function because the radionuclide can only use valence 2. We have also contributed evidence of erythrocytes destruction by the spleen after the incorporation of 65Zn, as well as the clearly marked degradation of haematic pigments inside the spleen.

Location of Zn in the testicle of the rat.

We studied the location of Zn in the testicle of the Wistar rat using the Timm histochemical technique, autoradiography with 65Zn and the dynamic pathway of 65Zn in the organ. Locations of Zn in several cellular components of the spermatogenic chain and in the Leydig cells were observed. This location was proved statistically by a quantitative analysis of the autoradiographs. The presence of Zn in the testicle, prostate and the adrenal gland could be related to the activation of the enzyme beta-hydroxy-steroid dehydrogenase although this fact does not exclude any other function of this metal, as far as we know.