The Fallopian Tube of the Sheep III. The Chemical Composition of the Fluid from the Fallopian Tube

Abstract

The chemical composition of fluid from the fallopian tube of the ewe was studied in four cycling ewes and in four groups of four ovariectomized ewes receiving oestrogen and progesterone in factorial combination. Both the major electrolytes and some organic constituents in the fluids were examined. Sodium was found to be the main cation present and chloride the main anion. Smaller amounts of potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphate, and bicarbonate were also present. Fluid from the normal ewes contained less magnesium than that from the spayed ewes. Within the spayed ewes, oestrogen caused an increase in the potassium and bicarbonate and a decrease in magnesium. The concentration of sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate were lowest during metoestrus. The concentration of magnesium, on the other hand, was lowest during oestrus and highest during dioestrus. Total phosphorus, acid-insoluble phosphorous, total orcinol-reactive carbohydrate, protein and lactic acid in the fluids was also assayed. All these constituents showed considerable variation between samples. However, no changes during the oestrous cycle were evident. Glucose could not be detected in any of the fluids. Within the spayed ewes, oestrogen, administered alone, decreased the concentration of protein but when given in combination with progesterone, caused the opposite effect. Carbohydrate and lactate increased during the second cycle of treatment in those spayed ewes receiving oestrogen. Acid-insoluble phosphorus was found to increase in the second cycle of treatment in all animals.