Mucins in cervix uteri of the Indian goat, Capra hircus (Linn.).

Cervical epithelium of the goat, Capra hircus shows the presence of two types of cells-ciliated and non ciliated mucus secreting the latter cell type being more predominant. In the non-pregnant specimen, the columnar mucus secreting cells of the cervical epithelium and gland show stored mucin in the supranuclear cytoplasm. During early part of gestation some cells show mucin concentrated in the supranuclear cytoplasm while in others it is localized towards the luminal surface only. Scanty mucous secretion is observed in the lumen of cervix but more mucus is observed in the lumen of the glands. During mid-and late pregnancy most of the stored mucin of the mucous cells is released and appears as a copious secretion in the lumen, during lactation most of the mucous cells show no stored mucin and the lumen is devoid secretion. The mucins present in the cervical epithelium, lumina of the glands and cervix show the presence of neutral, sulfo- and sialomucins. The amount of mucus secreted is higher during pregnancy than during the non-pregnant stage.

Mucosubstances in the cervix uteri of the Indian langur monkey, Presbytis entellus entellus (Dufrense).

Mucosubstances in the cervix uteri of the Indian langur monkey, Presbytis entellus entellus was studied during non-pregnancy, pregnancy and lactation. Cells of the cervical epithelium and glands elaborated neutral, sialo- and sulfomucins during non-pregnancy. The concentration of these mucins was low during early pregnancy but increased during late pregnancy. The concentration of mucins was higher during later part of pregnancy than during non-pregnant stage which decline during lactation. Significance of mucins in cervix uteri and probable hormonal control over their elaboration is discussed.

Mucins of the fallopian tube of the Indian goat Capra hircus (Linn.).

Glycogen in the ciliated cells of the epithelium of the Fallopian tube of Capra hircus, undergoes no variation during the different phases of the reproductive cycle. The nonciliated secretory cells show glycogen, neutral, sialo- and sulfomucins during the estrous period, the intensity of reaction being less in the isthmus region. During early pregnancy there is an overall decrease in the mucins content. Sulfomucins are absent from the infundibular region and acid mucins are not observed in the isthmus during early pregnancy.

Histochemical observations on the female reproductive tract of bats. IV. Mucopolysaccharides in the uterus of three species of bats.

The three species of bats studied show glycogen, neutral, sialo- and sulfomucins in the cells of the uterine epithelium and glands. Elaboration of these mucins occurs during anestrus in Pteropus giganteus and during proestrus in Taphozous longimanus. In Megaderma lyra lyra only glycogen is observed during anestrus and proestrus. Neutral, and sialomucins in addition to glycogen are observed during estrus. The concentration of these mucins increases progressively and is maximum at the time of implantation, decreasing thereafter in all the three species of bats. The elaboration and increase of mucins is probably under the influence of hormones of the ipsilateral ovary.

The cytological study of the hypophysis pars anterior in the Indian grey mongoose, Herpestes edwardsi (Geoffroy).

The pituitary gland of the Herpestes edwardsi has been studies with special reference to the cytology of the pars anterior. In addition to the agranular chromophobic cells, six morphologically distinct chromophilic cell types have been observed in the pars anterior on the basis of selective histochemical and cytochemical staining techniques which can be classified into various groups such as STH, LTH, TSH, FSH, LH/ICSH and ACTH. The mucoid cells TSH, FSH and LH are much more concentrated in the centro-median region of the pars anterior. Highly concentrated colloid material appears in the acini or follicles which are scattered throughout the pars anterior. A relationship between the distribution of colloid material and any particular type of cell could not be established. The double intermedia layer surrounds almost completely the entire pars nervosa.

Histochemical observations on the ovaries of some Indian bats.

Ovarian follicles of the three species of bats, Pteropus giganteus giganteus, Taphozous longimanus and Megaderma lyra lyra were studied with regard to the distribution and nature of mucopolysaccharides. Oocyte contained only glycogen. Zona pellucida showed the presence of glycogen, neutral mucosubstances, sialo- and sulfomucins. Follicle cells showed the presence of glycogen and sialic acid except in megaderma lyra lyra where the follicle cells of the Graafian follicle showed the presence of sulfomucins in addition to these mucosubstances Cumulus cells contained glycogen., sulfomucin, sialomucins and hyaluronic acid. Liquor follicular showed the presence of sulfomucins, sialomucins and hyaluronic acid. Theca cells contained glycogen and sialic acid. The luteal cells contained glycogen only.

Histochemical observations on the female reproductive tract of bats. III. Mucosubstances in the Fallopian tube of three species of bats.

The epithelium of the three species of bats studied shows the presence of ciliated and nonciliated cells both in the ovarian and uterine segments of the Fallopian tube of the functional uterine horn. The cytoplasm of these two cells types shows small amount of glycogen during anestrus, the amount increasing during proestrus and estrus. At estrus, the nonciliated cells show the presence of neutral and sialomucins in addition to glycogen in Pteropus giganteus giganteus and Megaderma lyra lyra. The concentration of these mucins was found to decline during pregnancy and parturition. In Taphozous longimanus, the mucins which are located in cytoplasmic projections or domes of the nonciliated cells show the presence of neutral, sialomucins, sulfomucins and glycogen. These mucins which are first seen in the proestrus period increase during estrus. However, during pregnancy, these domes regress concomitant with decline in the mucin content. Glycogen content of the ciliated cells increases during estrus and decreases during pregnancy. Since in all the three species of bats the mucin content is at its maximum at oestrus and shows a decline during pregnancy, it appears that its elaboration and increase is under the influence of estrogen, instead progesterone blocks its generation and brings about its release.