Egg Transport in the Rabbit Oviduct: The Roles of Cilia and Muscle

Abstract

Ciliary ovum transport through the oviductal ampulla was investigated, in vivo, by blocking smooth muscle activity. Isoproterenol eliminated rapid muscle-induced egg movements, yet the egg and its surrounding cells reached the site of fertilization within normal time limits. The role of cilia in ovum transport thus seems more important than that of the smooth muscle.