Clinical implications of oviductal physiology and biochemistry

Current investigations of the oviduct including methods for studying oviductal physiology, electrophysiology, contractility, roles of the autonomic nervous system and prostaglandins on oviductal motility and egg transport are summarized in this article. In addition, current knowledge of the transport and survival of sperm, egg transport, capacitation, ovum maturation, fertilization, and preimplantation development in the oviduct and the biochemistry and physiology of oviductal secretions are reviewed. An attempt is made to place these investigations in clinical context and to identify promising area for future investigations pertinent to human reproduction.