[Storage of spermatozoa in the oviducts of birds: morphologic, histologic and functional approach]

This paper reviews the studies devoted to the anatomical, histological and functional aspects of sperm storage in the oviduct of domestic birds (hen, turkey). Despite the presence of substances, such as lipids and mucopolysaccharides, in the cytoplasm of the cells encompassing the utero-vaginal glands (site of residence of spermatozoa in the oviduct after intra-vaginal inseminations), the absence of organelles involved in protein synthesis questions the existence of a secretory cycle in these glands. In the absence of such a cycle, the microvilli bordering the lumen of the utero-vaginal glands could participate in the purification of this micro-environment, thus allowing prolonged survival of spermatozoa in this region. Recent observations indicate that the mechanism controlling the penetration and/or storage of spermatozoa in the utero-vaginal glands is of an immuno-dependent nature and is closely related to the functional integrity of the glycocalyx surrounding the spermatozoon. A quantitative study of the kinetics of the storage of spermatozoa with or without alteration of their glycocalyx might help to explain its role (recognition of spermatozoa by the utero-vaginal glands or agglutination of spermatozoa within these glands). This type of experiment might also contribute to understanding the mechanism underlying the prolonged storage of spermatozoa in the utero-vaginal glands of birds.