Document Type : Original Articles
Authors
1
Department of Animal Surgery and Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Trauquy, Gialam, Hanoi, Vietnam.
2
Department of Animal Surgery and Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Trauquy, Gialam, Hanoi, Vietnam
10.22059/ijvm.2025.401092.1005885
Abstract
Background: The bovine uterine tube (oviduct) is essential for gamete transport, fertilization, and early embryonic development. Its epithelium undergoes dynamic morphological and functional changes across the estrous cycle under the influence of ovarian steroid hormones. However, the extent to which pathological conditions such as cystic ovarian disease (COD) affect oviductal morphology remains poorly understood.
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate and compare morphometric and histochemical characteristics of the bovine oviduct (infundibulum and ampulla) during normal reproductive cycles and in the presence of follicular cysts.
Methods: Oviductal samples were collected from slaughtered cows and classified by ovarian status. Morphometric parameters, including the number, length, and thickness of mucosal folds and epithelial height, were measured histologically. Histochemical assessment of secretory activity was performed using periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining.
Results: In the follicular phase, the infundibulum and ampulla displayed the highest morphometric values, with numerous tall mucosal folds and predominantly ciliated epithelia. During the luteal phase, fold dimensions were reduced, but secretory cells exhibited strong PAS reactivity, indicating enhanced glycoprotein secretion. In contrast, specimens from cows with follicular cysts showed significant regression in mucosal folds and epithelial height across both regions. Secretory cells in these cases demonstrated irregular or diminished PAS staining, suggesting impaired or dysregulated function.
Conclusion: These findings provide the histomorphometric and histochemical characterization of bovine oviductal changes under cystic conditions. The observed structural regression and altered secretory activity in cows with follicular cysts may contribute to impaired fertilization and subfertility, highlighting the broader reproductive consequences of COD.
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