Histomorphochemical studies on the sperm host glands in quail

The present work was conducted to study the histological and histochemical aspects of sperm host glands located at uterovaginal junction in Punjab white quail. The tissues from the uterovaginal junction (UVJ) of the oviduct were processed and paraffin sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Masson‘s trichrome, Periodic Acid Schiff for neutral mucopolysaccharides, and Bromphenol blue for basic proteins. The cryostat sections were stained with Sudan Black B for demonstration of lipids. The UVJ was lined by pseudostratified columnar epithelium with ciliated, non ciliated cells, goblet cells and basal cells. The sperm host glands extended into lamina propria of UVJ as oval, rounded and straight tubules. The proximal part of glandular neck was lined by pseudostratified columnar epithelium and distal part with non ciliated columnar cells. Histochemical studies revealed a moderate to strong reaction of acid and neutral mucopolysaccharides and lipids whereas reaction for basic proteins was weak in the supranuclear part of SHG.