Abstract
The ultrastructure of the surface epithelium and tubular glands of the uterus in the immature ostrich is described. In ostriches with inactive ovaries the uterus is lined by a non-ciliated simple columnar epithelium, with basally located heterochromatic nuclei. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that these non-ciliated cells have a dense microvillous cover. A simple columnar to pseudostratified columnar epithelium, comprised of non-ciliated and ciliated cells, lines the uterus in birds with active ovaries. The ciliated cells possess a wide luminal region, which contains a nucleus and various organelles. An accumulation of secretory granules was observed in the apical regions of the non-ciliated cells, as well as in a few ciliated cells. In addition to non-ciliated and ciliated cells, a cell type with rarefied cytoplasm was also identified. These cells appear to correspond to calcium secreting cells identified in other avian species. The results of this study indicate that, although uterine differentiation is present in immature ostriches with active ovaries, the production of secretory product appears to occur mainly in non-ciliated epithelial cells.
Highlights
A low latitude inhabitant, the mature ostrich (Struthio camelus) is a seasonal breeder, with reproductive activity being influenced by photoperiod and probably feed availability (Sauer 1972; Degen, Weil, Rosenstrauch, Kam & Dawson 1994; Hicks-Alldredge 1998)
The results of this study indicate that, uterine differentiation is present in immature ostriches with active ovaries, the production of secretory product appears to occur mainly in non-ciliated epithelial cells
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the presence of a series of uniform undulating primary mucosal folds, which were separated by deep crypts
Summary
A low latitude inhabitant, the mature ostrich (Struthio camelus) is a seasonal breeder, with reproductive activity being influenced by photoperiod and probably feed availability (Sauer 1972; Degen, Weil, Rosenstrauch, Kam & Dawson 1994; Hicks-Alldredge 1998). Studies on the immature ostrich have revealed a seasonality in the differentiation of the reproductive systems of both male and female birds Features of uterus in sexually immature ostrich (Struthio camelus) during ovarian inactivity and activity. In light of the paucity of ultrastructural information on the uterus of immature birds, and of the immature ostrich in particular, the present study was undertaken. The ultrastructural changes occurring in the surface epithelium and tubular glands of the uterus in the immature ostrich during ovarian inactivity and activity are described
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