Dialogue between the preimplantation embryo and the oviduct

Abstract

Knowledge about early embryogenesis and the role of the oviduct has gained renewed interest due to increasing awareness of the impact of animal health status and performance on the susceptibility and vulnerability of early developing embryos within their microenvironment. The significance of the oviduct is best illustrated when a glance is cast at structural as well as functional features of the oviduct which regulate the serially orchestrated and well-tuned steps in early embryogenesis. A lot of work has been done in vitro to bypass the oviduct consequently resulting in steadily increasing information about the requirements of early developing embryos. However, relatively little information is available to demonstrate direct tubal effects on gametes and embryos. There is substantial evidence that the bovine oviduct provides a source of high quality embryos, our understanding of this interaction is far from complete. Allen WR, Stewart F, Trounson AO, Tischner M & BielanskiW 1976 Viability of horse embryos after storage and long-distance transport in the rabbit. J Reprod Fertil 47 387-390.