Oviduct: roles in fertilization and early embryo development. Issue 1 (January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Shuai; Winuthayanon, Wipawee
• Is Part Of: Journal of endocrinology. Volume 232:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: R1
• Page End: R26
• Publication Date: 2017-01
• Subjects: embryo protection -- embryo transport -- estrogen and progesterone -- fallopian tube -- oviductal fluid; Endocrinology -- Periodicals; 616.4005
• DOI: 10.1530/JOE-16-0302
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-0795

Abstract

Abstract : Animal oviducts and human Fallopian tubes are a part of the female reproductive tract that hosts fertilization and pre-implantation development of the embryo. With an increasing understanding of roles of the oviduct at the cellular and molecular levels, current research signifies the importance of the oviduct on naturally conceived fertilization and pre-implantation embryo development. This review highlights the physiological conditions within the oviduct during fertilization, environmental regulation, oviductal fluid composition and its role in protecting embryos and supplying nutrients. Finally, the review compares different aspects of naturally occurring fertilization and assisted reproductive technology (ART)-achieved fertilization and embryo development, giving insight into potential areas for improvement in this technology.