Histo-biochemical correlation in the oviduct of Bufo arenarum (Hensel)

A histo-biochemical correlation was carried out in oviducts of Bufo arenarum (Hensel), in trophic animals in the preovulatory period. Histochemical techniques were used to detect acidic mucoproteins, whereas complex mucopolysaccharides were biochemically assayed, thus simplifying the histologic methodology. The existence of acetylhexosamines, hexoses, phosphate and sialic acid in the oviduct was put in evidence through histochemical and biochemical methods. Results show a high content in sialic aicd, total phosphate and acetylhexosamines in the middle and terminal portions of the preconvoluted zone. Sialomucins, acetylhexosamines and hexosamines show a maximum in the last loops of the convoluted zone, coincident with clearly determined histologic areas. All components detected exhibit minimal values in the proximal and distal intermediate zones. Results found for phosphate show it is combined, and determines the reactivity to the stains used. This type of mucin has not been found in other species.