Scanning electron microscopic studies on the changes of the oviduct due to ageing, menstrual cycle, pregnancy and inflammation

Abstract

Specimens used in this study were obtained from the ampulla of the oviducts of 54 human females during the following periods: fetal period, prepuberty, puberty, reproductive, menopausal and postmenopausal periods. The oviducts were excised and rapidly immersed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde solution for 1 h and phosphate buffer solution for 6 h and the tissues were postfixed in 1% OsO₄ solution for 1 h. After dehydration with graded concentrations of alcohol, they were placed in 100% amyl acetate and critical-point dried. They were mounted on the column and coating with carbon and gold, and examined by JSM 35 C electron microscope.