Development, cellular growth and function of the avian oviduct—III. Electrophoretic and immunological patterns of soluble proteins from each region of domestic fowl ( Gallus domesticus) oviduct during a reproductive cycle

Abstract

1. 1. The soluble proteins, obtained from each region of the domestic fowl ( Gallus domesticus) oviduct in the developing, laying and regressing stages, were analyzed. 2. 2. The electrophoretic pattern of the soluble proteins in the laying-hen magnum is similar to that of egg white protein. The other four regions of the laying-hen oviduct and all regions of developing and regressing oviducts have patterns that are similar to each other but are different to that of egg white protein. 3. 3. Immunological techniques revealed the presence of ovoconalbumin in all regions of the oviduct throughout the entire reproductive cycle. It is also found in the blood of immature chicks and mature hens. Ovomucoid is only found in the magnum and isthmus of the laying hen. Ovalbumin, in contrast, is only found in the magnum. 4. 4. The major portion of ovalbumin is the A1-form (60–70 per cent) while the A3-form is the least. A shift in the proportion of A1-, A2- and A3- ovalbumins may occur during the laying period.