Deposition, Fertilization, Placentation, Gestation and Parturition

When the female reproductive tract is under the influence of estradiol during estrus, neutrophils
(powerful phagocytic white blood cells) sequester in the mucosa of the tract, especially in the
vagina and uterus.

 These neutrophils are poised to attack foreign materials that are introduced into the female
reproductive tract at insemination.

 From an immunologic perspective, spermatozoa are foreign to the female.

 Leukocyte infiltration is an important contributor to post-insemination spermatozoal losses,

this infiltration is important for the prevention of reproductive tract infection.

 Transport of spermatozoa following copulation may be divided into two phases: rapid
transport phase and sustained transport phase.

 The rapid phase of transport delivered the spermatozoa within a few minutes after copulation,
where they postured themselves for the arrival of oocytes.

 The more important component of transport is the sustained phase in which spermatozoa are
transported to the oviducts in a trickle-like effect from so called reservoirs in the cervix and the
uterotubal junction.

 The sustained sperm transport phase delivers spermatozoa to the ampulla of the oviduct in a
more uniform manner over a sustained period of time.

 The cervix is a major barrier to spermatozoal transport and it can also serves as a reservoir for
spermatozoa.

 During estrus, the cervix produces mucus consists of two types; sialomucin and sulfomucin.

 Sialomucin is a mucus of low viscosity and it is produced by cells in the basal areas of the
cervical crypts.

 Sulfomucin is produced in the apical portions of the cervical epithelium covering the tips of
the cervical folds and this mucus is quite viscous.

 Spermatozoa encountering the viscous sulfomucin are washed out of the tract and those that
encounter the low viscosity sialomucin swim into the crypts of the cervix where it creates
privileged pathways where they can move.
Following insemination, viable spermatozoa that are retained in the female reproductive tract
must: 1)transverse the cervix, 2) be transported through the uterus to the oviduct, 3) undergo
capacitation, 4) bind to the oocyte, 5) undergo the acrosome reaction and 6) penetrate the zona
pellucida and fuse with the oocyte plasma membrane.

• After fusion with the plasma membrane, the fertilizing spermatozoon enters the oocyte
cytoplasm and its nucleus decondenses.

• The male pronucleus is formed. This signifies successful fertilization.

The final prepartum steps of reproduction are:

 Formation of a placenta

 Acquisition of endocrine function of the placenta

 Initiation of parturition

 Implantation – attachment of placental membranes to the endometrium.

 Placenta – transient organ of metabolic interchange between the conceptus and the dam.

 Parturition – (giving birth) step in the reproductive process that immediately precedes
lactation, uterine involution and return to cyclicity.

 In addition to serving as a metabolic exchange organ, the placenta serves as a transitory

endocrine organ.

 Hormones gains access to both the fetal and maternal circulation.

 Stimulate ovarian function

 Maintain pregnancy

 Influence fetal growth

 Stimulate mammary function

 Assist in parturition

 Hormones gains access to both the fetal and maternal circulation.

 Stimulate ovarian function  (P4, hCG, eCG, PMS)

 Maintain pregnancy

 (P4, hCG, eCG, PMS, Relaxin)

 Influence fetal growth

 (P4, hCG, eCG, Placental lactogen-somatotrophic)

 Stimulate mammary function

 (Placental lactogen-lactogenic)

 Assist in parturition

 (Fetal cortisol-ACTH, Oxytocin, Relaxin)

Parturition is accompanied by three different stages:

Stage I – initiation of myometrial contractions (removal of progesterone block)

 The fetus initiates this stage

Stage II – expulsion of fetus

 Requires strong myometrial and abdominal muscle contractions

Stage III – expulsion of the fetal membranes

 SPERMATOZOA IN THE FEMALE TRACT

Following insemination, viable spermatozoa that are retained in the female reproductive tract
must: 1)transverse the cervix, 2) be transported through the uterus to the oviduct, 3) undergo
capacitation, 4) bind to the oocyte, 5) undergo the acrosome reaction and 6) penetrate the zona
pellucida and fuse with the oocyte plasma membrane.

 After fusion with the plasma membrane, the fertilizing spermatozoon enters the oocyte
cytoplasm and its nucleus decondenses.

 The male pronucleus is formed. This signifies successful fertilization.

When the female reproductive tract is under the influence of estradiol during estrus, neutrophils
(powerful phagocytic white blood cells) sequester in the mucosa of the tract, especially in the
vagina and uterus.

 These neutrophils are poised to attack foreign materials that are introduced into the female
reproductive tract at insemination.

 From an immunologic perspective, spermatozoa are foreign to the female.

 Leukocyte infiltration is an important contributor to post-insemination spermatozoal losses,

this infiltration is important for the prevention of reproductive tract infection.

Transport of spermatozoa following copulation may be divided into two phases: rapid transport
phase and sustained transport phase.

 The rapid phase of transport delivered the spermatozoa within a few minutes after copulation,
where they postured themselves for the arrival of oocytes.
 The more important component of transport is the sustained phase in which spermatozoa are
transported to the oviducts in a trickle-like effect from so called reservoirs in the cervix and the
uterotubal junction.

 The sustained sperm transport phase delivers spermatozoa to the ampulla of the oviduct in a
more uniform manner over a sustained period of time.

The cervix is a major barrier to spermatozoal transport and it can also serves as a reservoir for
spermatozoa.

 During estrus, the cervix produces mucus consists of two types; sialomucin and sulfomucin.

 Sialomucin is a mucus of low viscosity and it is produced by cells in the basal areas of the
cervical crypts.

 Sulfomucin is produced in the apical portions of the cervical epithelium covering the tips of
the cervical folds and this mucus is quite viscous.

 Spermatozoa encountering the viscous sulfomucin are washed out of the tract and those that
encounter the low viscosity sialomucin swim into the crypts of the cervix where it creates
privileged pathways where they can move.