Oviduct-derived Embryo Growth Promoting Activity: A Comparison of Three Ductal Organs

抄録

To elucidate whether or not the promoting effects on embryo development is derived from the characteristic factors which the oviduct possesses, we cultured mouse embryos in the oviduct, the ureter and the vein, all of which have "ductal structures", and we compared the culture efficacy among 3 organs. Furthermore, we measured oxygen tensions within the 3 organs and performed an ultrastructural analysis of the three ductal organs after the culture. Embryos cultured in the oviduct developed to blastocysts at a significantly higher rate (13.5%) than those in the ureter (1.7%) and the vein (0%). The oxygen tensions of the inner lumen of all the ductal organs were relatively low, 36-45 mmHg, and no remarkable difference was observed among the 3 organs. These results suggest that the oviduct may have embryo growth promoting effect besides low oxygen tension. Furthermore, the ultrastructural results suggest that not only the normality of structural components but the inherent character of the oviduct may play an important role in the promotion of embryo development.