Histochemical demonstration of the presence of serotonin in the hen (Gallus domesticus) reproductive tract

The purpose of the present study was to demonstrate visually and localize the presence of serotonin (5-HT) in the ovary and oviduct of the domestic hen using a histochemical Falck-Hillarp method. Experiments were carried out on White Leghorn laying hens with no egg in the shell gland. The specific yellow fluorescence, indicating the presence of 5-HT, was found both in the ovary and all examined oviductal parts. The strongest fluorescence was present in the ovarian stroma containing small follicles with a diameter under 4 mm. In the wall of the largest preovulatory follicle a very strong fluorescence was located mainly in the theca layer. In the oviductal parts, the intensity of 5-HT fluorescence in the infundibulum and magnum was fairly strong, whereas in the isthmus and shell gland it was weak. Fluorescence seen in the infundibulum, magnum, and isthmus was primarily localized along the luminal borders of the fold surface epithelium. In the shell gland 5-HT fluorescence was found within the uterine folds, especially in the tubular glands. Moreover, the presence of an egg in the definite oviductal segment (infundibulum or isthmus) increased the intensity of yellow fluorescence in this part.