title: Effects of oviducal cells on the survival and fertilizing ability of fowl spermatozoa.
abstract: Oviducal epithelial cells were cultured and the effects of the cells on the survival and fertilizing ability of fowl spermatozoa were investigated. When spermatozoa were incubated at 41 degrees C with cells from the infundibulum, shell gland or uterovaginal junction, their motility, assessed at room temperature (20-23 degrees C), was maintained for 5 to 6 days. Fertilizing ability was also retained after culture at 41 degrees C for at least 4 days. During incubation at this temperature, the spermatozoa were almost immotile and rested in close proximity to the oviducal cells. At 23 degrees C, the same spermatozoa were highly motile.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002470:Cell Survival; D002645:Chickens / Q000502:physiology*; D004847:Epithelial Cells; D004848:Epithelium / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005306:Fertilization; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D010057:Oviducts / Q000502:physiology*; D012034:Refrigeration; D013081:Sperm Motility; D013696:Temperature