Sperm reservoir in the oviduct of llama and progress in the study of the proteolytic systems involved

Abstract

In South American camelids, ovulation occurs about 36 hours after mating. By several studies we demonstrate that llama oviduct form sperm reservoir in the utero tubal junction (UTJ) by the adhesion of sperm to the mucosa until at least 28 hours after mating. Contribute to this process the anatomical design of the UTJ, the characteristics of the epithelial cell surface and the recognition of oviductal carbohydrates, galactose and N-acetyl galactosamine, by the sperm, which also is favored by seminal plasma components. After 35 hours elapsed, when ovulation is imminent, no sperm are seen attached to the oviduct, thus proposing a possible involvement of the oviduct in their release. We postulate that the oviduct would secrete enzymes capable of liquefying the seminal plasma to release sperm.