Pattern and duration of ovum transport in the baboon (Papio anubis)

The normal pattern and duration of ovum transport was determined in a group of unmated, spontaneously ovulating baboons (Papio anubis) in which the time of ovulation had been determined directly using serial laparoscopy or indirectly using periovulatory estrogen values, perineal sex skin changes, and corpus luteum histology. At laparotomy, the reproductive tract was segmentally flushed at 24, 48, or 72 hours after ovulation and the position of the ova within the tract ascertained. Ova were consistently recovered from the ampulla 24 hours after ovulation, from both the ampulla and isthmus at 48 hours, and from the uterus 72 hours after ovulation. These results suggest that the baboon constitutes a potentially valuable animal model for the investigation and preclinical evaluation of contraceptive technics affecting tubal function.