Contribution of lactic acid by the ampullary and isthmic parts of rabbit Fallopian tube under altered hormonal conditions.

The capability of the ampullary and isthmic parts of the rabbit Fallopian tube to contribute lactic acid (LA) to the tubal lumen was examined using an in vitro method of study. In addition concomitant study was also made using the uterus. It was found that in the oestrous rabbit, the isthmus contributed LA at a higher rate than that of the ampulla; the uterine contribution was minimal. Ovariectomy reduced while exogenous oestrogen enhanced this ability in all the three tissues. In mated post-ovulatory rabbits the contributory efficiency of either tubal part changed and appeared to exhibit a peak value in the presence of the ovum; the uterus showed no such changes. This is discussed in relation to the ability of the egg to secure its energy source until it attained morula/the pre-blastocyst stage.