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  • Title: [Tubal physiology: structures and functions].
    Author: Ascher E, Madelenat P, Rose D.
    Journal: J Gynecol Obstet Biol Reprod (Paris); 1986; 15(6):717-29. PubMed ID: 3540086.
    Abstract:
    The three structures of the Fallopian tubes that are involved in the initial steps in reproduction have been studied as well as the influence that the hormone environment has on each one of them. They are, the epithelium, the intra-luminal fluid and the musculature. The so-called cyclical process of "ciliation and deciliation" of ciliated cells has not been clearly shown. Although the number of ciliated cells does play a definite role in fertility, it seems that coordinated ciliary motility is not absolutely indispensable. Anions at the ends of the cilia do have a role. Tubal muscle function is conditioned by several factors, some of which work together: steroids: when the oestrogen phase is dominant, electrical activity of the muscle is better coordinated and it moves more frequently and with synchronous mechanical activity; prostaglandins: PGF2 alpha produces a stimulating action on tubal muscle segments. The results as far as PGE2 and PGI2 are contradictory; tubal innervation is mainly sympathetic and prodominates at the isthmo-ampullary junction. There are still many unknown factors concerning the role of the tubal structures in human female reproduction: active transport of spermatozoa has not been worked out properly; tubal fluid seems to play a role in survival, capacitation and in the acrosome reaction of spermatozoa; the anionic sites that are present at the ends of the cilia could play an important role in oocyte pick-up; the cilia, the flow of fluid in the lumen and muscular peristalsis do influence ampullary transport of the oocyte; tubal fluid is not indispensable for fertilisation; the migration of the oocyte across the isthmus does seem to be under hormonal influence.
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