Gamete Transport Research Articles

Effect of an intra-uterine device on gamete transport and fertilization in the Rhesus monkey.

<section class="abstract"><h2 class="abstractTitle text-title my-1" id="d955230e2">Summary.</h2> In the naturally cyclic rhesus monkey, the presence of an intra-uterine device (IUD) did not obviously disturb the processes of (a) transport of the ovulated egg through the Fallopian tube; (b) transport of spermatozoa through the female genital tract; (c) fertilization, and (d) early embryonic development within the Fallopian tube. Correlation of observations on egg recovery with those on the morphological age of the corpus luteum suggested that transport of the naturally ovulated egg through the Fallopian tube was completed within 3 to 4 days after ovulation in both the control and IUD monkeys. Eggs could be recovered from the uteri of control monkeys, but usually not from those of IUD monkeys. It was concluded that the presence of an IUD probably induced pre-implantation destruction of embryos within the uterus of the naturally cyclic rhesus monkey. </section>

Transport, survival and union of foreign gametes in the genital tract of the rabbit.

Transport, survival and union of foreign gametes in the genital tract of the rabbit.

THE ORAL CONTRACEPTIVE AN APPRAISAL AND REVIEW

This is a comprehensive review from the literature of all that is known regarding OCs (oral contraceptives) their history of discovery mode of action and side effects. A table presents the various progestogens used in OCs and their endocrine properties. Tables present the studies conducted by various investigators into the different estrogenic and progestogenic components of OCs. Findings regarding every major reported side effect of OCs are summarized. The main mechanism of action of combined OCs is still thought to be ovulation inhibition probably mediated through a relative gonadotropin inhibition. Sequential therapy especially the continuous micro doses of progestogens alters gamete transport and gamete conditioning. Pregnancies are more likely to occur with OCs if 1) tablets are missed in the estrogen phase of sequential therapy; 2) more than 5 tablets are missed in the combination therapy; or 3) there is delay in resuming either regimen. In normal healthy females there are as yet no known contraindications. Women with certain liver dysfunctions should not use OCs.

Tubal Plastic Surgery

44 patients who had tubal surgery during the period 1/62 to 12/64 to cure infertility were evaluated as to type of surgery performed on eahc side of the pelvis. 28 patients exhibited postoperative patency of tubes upon insufflation or hysterosalpingography. Tubal patency however does not ensure adequacy of physiologic activities. The mammalian oviduct plays a significant role in the transport and development of gametes. Adhesions around the tubes interfere with ovum pickup or with tubal peristalsis. Often patients with adhesions do not have intrinsic tubal disease and this accounts for the good results associated with lysis of adhesions for treatment of infertility. In this series 6 of 14 patients who had lysis of adhesions subsequently conceived. In terms of patency and subsequent pregnancy bilateral cornual reimplantation of the tubes did not prove successful in this series. Only 2 term pregnancies occured in patients who had bilateral surgery. The poor results may have been due to endometrial blockage of tubal opening into the uterus. Increased knowledge of tubal function and physiology may significantly improve results of tubal surgery.

Influence of the Oviduct and Ovum on Cyclic Ovarian Activity in the Rat

THE muscular and secretory activity of the female genital tract has been implicated in the processes of gamete transport with emphasis on the role of the uterus and oviduct. It is well known that the physiological activity of these two portions of the female genital tract varies with respect to the hormonal phases of the ovarian cycle1. The ampullary portion of the oviduct plays still another important part as the site of fertilization in most mammals. In spite of the wealth of information concerning mechanisms of tubal transport, there has been a lack of knowledge concerning any additional interactions between the oviduct and ovary. It has been reported by Bishop2 that secretions of the oviduct undergo changes in response to cyclic ovarian activity.

FERTILIZATION AND THE TRANSPORT OF GAMETES IN THE PSEUDOPREGNANT RABBIT

Ovulation in mammals is followed by profound changes in the morphology and physiology of the genital tract, and it is now well established that this transformation is dependent upon a swing in the balance of the follicular and luteal hormones. It may be supposed that the functional and anatomical state of the organs at any time during the cycle is suited to the requirements of the moment, so that the proper transport of gametes, fertilization and implantation, would not be expected at other than the normal times. On the other hand, Pincus & Enzmann [1936] claim to have achieved fertilization of rabbit eggs in vitro by a simple technique. They, and numerous other workers, have succeeded in culturing fertilized eggs to the early blastocyst stage. There have been many reports of naturally occurring ectopic pregnancy in a variety of animals and, on the experimental side, Nicholas [1933, 1934] and others