Sperm transport and motility in the mouse oviduct: observations in situ

Sperm transport and motility were studied through the transparent walls of the mouse oviduct by direct microscopic observation and videomicrography. Observations were made on excised female tracts 1-2 h post-coitus (pc) and 1-2 h before and after the approximate time of ovulation. Motile sperm were seen at the uterine entrance to the uterotubal junction (UTJ) in all females at 1-2 h pc, but in fewer females at later times. The intramural UTJ was usually constricted and held few sperm. The extramural UTJ and adjacent lower isthmus contained many motile sperm at 1-2 h pc. Apparently, the column of sperm moved upwards because in some females, sperm were found in the upper isthmus and not in the UTJ at the later time points. Few sperm were seen in the ampulla in the periovulatory period, and none at 1-2 h pc. There appeared to be two mechanisms retaining sperm in the lower oviduct: immobilization and adherence to the epithelium. Columns of immotile sperm were seen in the lower isthmus of some females. Motile sperm usually appeared to adhere by their heads to the oviductal epithelium, only occasionally breaking free to move vigorously about the lumen.