[Histotopic of glycosidases in the oviduct of the quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) (author's transl)].

The activities of 6 glycosidases (n-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase, beta-galactosidase, beta-glucuronidase, alpha-galactosidase, alpha-fucosidase and alpha-mannosidase) in the oviduct of the quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were studied with histochemical methods. Alpha-galactosidase and alpha-fucosidase showed a weak to moderate activity in the surface epithelium and in most of the glands of the oviduct. A Distinct reactivity of beta-glucuronidase was observed in the surface epithelium of the whole oviduct and in the glands of the uterovaginal-region. A moderate to distinct reactivity of n-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase cound be demonstrated in the epithelium and in the glands of all regions of the oviduct. The comparatively highest activity of this enzyme was found in the glands of the magnum and in the surface epithelium of the uterus. The possible functions of the glycosidases in the oviduct are discussed briefly.