Concentrations of energy substrates in oviductal fluid and blood plasma of pigs during the peri-ovulatory period

Abstract

Large White gilts, 9 to 18 months old, that had exhibited at least two natural oestrous cycles were divided into three groups (phases): unmated pre-ovulatory, unmated post-ovulatory and mated post-ovulatory (n= 16, 20 and 18). Oviductal luminal fluid samples were collected under anaesthesia by micropipette from the ampulla and ampullary-isthmic junction and analysed by an ultramicrofluorometric technique. Glucose concentrations (mmol l-1, means combining regions; mean ± SEM) were significantly higher in blood plasma than in oviductal fluid (4.56 ± 0.20 versus 0.59 ± 0.16; P < 0.0001; n = 27), whereas lactate was higher in the oviduct (5.71 ± 0.53 versus 2.48 ± 0.24; P < 0.0001; n = 27). No s..