Studies on the ultrastructure of the human oviduct epithelium in different functional states

Summary The ultrastructure of the ampullar epithelium of the human oviduct was studied in 9 women in different phases of the sexual cycle and in pregnancy.Both kinds of cells (secretory and ciliated) showed morphological signs of micropinocytotic activity during the follicular phase, but no such activity during the luteal phase. Thus cyclic variations were observed in both ciliated and secretory cells. The secretory cells were provided with an extraneous coat, which was most conspicuous during the follicular phase. The Golgi apparatus was large. The mitochondria had transversal cristae. The endoplasmic reticulum consisted of cisternae with partly granular membranes. The ribosomes were partly membranebound and partly free. The appearance of the endoplasmic reticulum and the distribution and frequency of the ribosomes varied with the functional states. The ciliated cells were not provided with an extraneous coat. The Golgi apparatus was small. The mitochondria were numerous and had transversal cristae. Multivesicular bodies and dense bodies occurred in the nuclear region. Cilia as well as centrioles were provided with striated rootlets.This investigation was supported by a grant from the foundation Therèse och Johan Andersson Minne.The skil ful technical assistance of Miss Gunilla Runefeldt is gratefully acknowledged.