Histological and histochemical studies on the oviduct of the buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) at different reproductive stages

The tunica mucosa of infundibulum of the buffalo was highly branched with primary, secondary and tertiary folds occupying greater part of lumen in follicular phase. During luteal phase, cytoplasmic protrusion and nuclear extrusion were distinct in ampulla. The lymphocytic infiltration was more in ampulla during luteal phase. In pregnancy the mucosal folds were less prominent. The muscle layer gradually increased in size towards uterotubal junction. No cyclic variation was observed in epithelial cells of isthmus. The histological features of pregnant oviduct resembled features observed during luteal phase. The PAS -positive material revealed metachromasia and protein, suggesting carbohydrate-protein complex nature of secretion from epithelial cells of the oviduct.