Changes in phospholipids, cholesterol and protein content of oviduct fluid of cows during the oestrous cycle

Abstract

Summary. The oviducts of 4 cows were cannulated and oviduct fluid was collected daily from the exteriorized cannulas for a total of 5 oestrous cycles. Daily serum samples were assayed for oestradiol-17\g=b\ and progesterone to monitor the oestrous cycle. Data for each cycle were compared for oviduct fluid collected during the non-luteal phase (serum progesterone \ m=l e\ 1\m=.\5 ng/ml) and the luteal phase (serum progesterone > 1\m=.\5 ng/ml). During the non-luteal phase oviduct fluid volume was higher and the osmolality was lower than during the luteal phase. Total protein, cholesterol and phospholipid secreted daily was greater during the non-luteal phase. Cholesterol and protein concentrations were generally lower during the non-luteal phase, but phospholipid concentrations were generally higher. About 40% of the phospholipid in oviduct fluid was phosphatidylcholine and lysophosphatidylcholine, while phosphatidylinositol and lysophosphatidylinositol accounted for 20%. The ratio of 1-acyl-phospholipid to diacylphospholipid increased during the non-luteal phase. An increased cholesterol to phospholipid ratio, and a decreased cholesterol to protein ratio in oviduct fluid also were associated with the non-luteal phase. Changes in the lipid composition of oviduct fluid during the oestrous cycle may play a role in the preparation of gametes for fertilization.

Effects of acetoacetate and d-β-hydroxybutyrate on bovine in vitro embryo development in serum-free medium

“…In particular, in ruminants, the metabolic role of D-b-hydroxybutyrate seems to be generally less than that of the reduced derivative butyrate, possibly due to its association with other quantitatively important short-chain fatty acids such as acetate and propionate [24]. Interestingly, sodium butyrate was demonstrated to improve the ability of murine embryos to hatch in culture after incubation in a solution at 4 8C [25].…”

Origin of oestrus-associated glycoproteins in bovine oviductal fluid

“…Because it was not possible to observe cows for standing oestrus without putting the catheters at risk of evulsion, the stage of the oestrous cycle was determined by radioimmunoassay of progesterone concentration in serum (Killian et al, 1989). Samples of oviductal fluid collected on days when the progesterone concentration was^1-5 ng ml ' were considered luteal-stage samples, whereas those recovered on days when the progesterone concentration was < 1 -5 ng ml ' were considered non-luteal samples.…”

Surfactant-like Materials(SF-phospholipids) in Fallopian Tubal Secretions and Their Physiologic Role in Reproduction.

“…Lippes reports lower levels of phosphorus in tubal fluids than in blood serum [18]. Zhu has reported on the effects of human cervical mucus, oviductal fluids and follicular fluids on sperm function [19] but, to date, we have found only Killian reporting on cattle and referring to the phospholipids in response to menstrual cyclicity, nor have any investigators identified the phosphorus containing compounds in the tubal fluids as being similar to pulmonary surfactants [20]. The functions ascribed to pulmonary surfactants include: the reduction of alveolar surface tension, the maintenance of alveolar form (configuration), reduction of the viscosity of bronchial fluids, and antimicrobial activity, by the activation of macrophages, stimulation of IgA synthesis, and enhancement of bacterial autolysis [21].…”