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Biology of Reproduction, Vol 22, 887-896, Copyright © 1980 by Society for the Study of Reproduction

The Rabbit Mesotubarium Superius: Anatomical and Physiological Studies

D. L. BLACK 1, D. D. CAREY 1, , and P. J. STRZEMIENSKI 1

1 Laboratory for Reproductive Physiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003


Observations were made on the anatomical relationship between the mesotubarium superius and oviduct that might play a role in ovum transport. The general structure of the mesotubarium reported by others was confirmed. In addition, we found that the "latticelike" appearance previously described was due in part to four distinct arrangements of muscle fibers. The blood vessels to the mesotubarium were observed to originate from branches of ovarian and uterine arteries that supply the oviduct. Fluorescent histochemistry revealed an abundant adrenergic nerve supply to both blood vessels and smooth muscle in the mesotubarium. An occasional nerve cell body was found. Ganglion cells that did not react positively for norepinephrine or acetylcholinesterase were observed between the longitudinal peritoneal muscle and the circular muscle of the oviduct.

Physiological studies indicated that the rate of mesotubarium contractions remains constant during the egg transport period and there is no correlation between contractions of the mesotubarium with intraluminal oviduct pressure. These observations indicate that the oviduct and mesotubarium function independently and that the mesotubarium is not involved in egg transport through the oviduct.

Note:
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This investigation was supported by NIH Research Grant No. 06788.

Submitted on September 27, 1979
Accepted on January 11, 1980






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Copyright © 1980 by the Society for the Study of Reproduction.