Development of zygotes in cultured mouse oviducts. I. The effect of varying oviductal conditions

Abstract Mouse zygotes developed to the blastocyst stage within the explanted ampullar region of the oviduct maintained on a chemically defined medium. No differences were found in the ability of the explanted ampullae to maintain development of native or transferred ova. Ampullae explanted from either mated or unmated mice, 20–24 hours after the injection of HCG, were equally successful in maintaining development of zygotes. The removal of the cumulus cells did not affect the subsequent development of the zygote within the explanted ampulla. No differeces were found between the development of zygotes with and without the zona pellucida. Only the explanted ampullar region of the oviduct was able to support development. Zygotes degenerated when cultured within the explanted isthmus or anterior portion of the uterine horn.