Oocyte pickup by the mammalian oviduct.

Abstract

The transportation of mammalian oocytes into the oviduct is governed by ciliary beating and proper adhesion of the OCC matrix to the tips of the infundibular cilia. Ciliary beating alone can transport small particles such as spores but is not sufficient for OCC pickup. Proper adhesion is particularly important for entry of the OCC into the ostium, during which time the OCC matrix is compressed and the oocyte becomes eccentrically positioned. Chemicals in cigarette smoke affect both ciliary beat frequency and adhesion, and the effects on adhesion are not readily reversible.