INCORPORATION OF [U-14C]GLUCOSE IN VITRO BY THE VARIOUS PARTS OF THE FALLOPIAN TUBE AND UTERUS OF THE RABBIT DURING OVUM TRANSPORT

Abstract

Incorporation of [U-14C]glucose in vitro was determined in ampullary, ampullary–isthmic junction and isthmic segments of the Fallopian tube and uterus of intact (oestrous) rabbits and also at various times after mating. In the oestrous animals, incorporation was slightly higher in the ampullary segment compared with the isthmic and the ampullary–isthmic junction and finally the uterus. The pattern changed significantly in the pregnant animals. At 14 and 24 h post coitum, the pattern of incorporation was similar to that found at oestrus except for an increase in uterine incorporation. However, at 48 and 72 h post coitum, incorporation by the isthmic segment and the uterus was significantly increased compared with corresponding values at oestrus, and 14 and 24 h post coitum. The implication of these changes during egg transport through the Fallopian tube is discussed.