The fine structure of the female reproductive tract of adult Loa loa

Abstract

Weber P. 1987. The fine structure of the female reproductive tract of adult Loa loa. International Journal for Parasitology 17: 927–934. The wall of the female reproductive tract of Loa loa was studied by electron microscopy. The wall is composed of a monolayered epithelium covered by a basal lamina. The epithelium of the ovary has a moderately developed basal labyrinth, abundant organelles, and a few secretory granules. In the oviduct, the basal lamina intrudes septa-like into the epithelium. Abundant myofilaments are attached to it. Microvilli cover the luminal cell border. The seminal receptacle contains few muscle cells in its basal lamina. It shows a highly developed spongy zone at its luminal surface. The uterine epithelium contains glycogen deposits and lipid droplets. In its anterior parts it shows a highly developed basal labyrinth and an abundance of secretory granules. The vagina has several layers of muscle cells in the basal lamina. Its epithelium contains few organelles, a small number of secretory granules, and is devoid of storage deposits.