Cilium movement of human oviduct

Abstract In the present study, the frequency of cilium movement was measured by a photoelectric method at various sites in the human oviduct. The studies were performed to examine a possible difference between right and left oviducts, age-related differences, changes due to the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, and the effects of various drugs such as antibiotics, urokinase and corticosteroid (prednisolone). The results are summarized as follows: The frequency of cilium movement was 435.4 +/- 102.8 at the isthmus, 599.6 +/- 97.2 at the ampulla tubae, and 626.8 +/- 106.7 at the fimbriae, showing significant differences (p less than 0.05). However, no difference between the frequency in the right and left oviducts was detected. Number of cilia and/or ciliary cells changed periodically. The frequency of cilium movement appeared to increase in the late follicular phase as compared to both the early follicular phase and the luteinizing phase. This tendency was marked in the fimbriae. However, statistical analysis revealed no clear significance. No age-related differences were observed in the ciliary movements. Even after menopause, the ciliary movements could be observed. It was found that the ciliary movements decreased in pregnancy. Both PcG and CET inhibited the ciliary movements. Prednisolone at a concentration of 4.62 mg/ml inhibited the movement and even at 25 mg/ml did so at 90 min after the treatment. Urokinase did not inhibit the movements but rather stimulated the ciliary movements.