CONICET | Buscador de Institutos y Recursos Humanos

-The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of llama seminal 24 plasma in the formation of oviductal sperm reservoirs. Female llamas with follicles in mature phase, were mated with a bulbourethral glands-removed male. Females mated with non bulbourethral glands-removed males were used as control. Oviducts were obtained by surgery 24 h after mating. The uterotubal junction and isthmus were examined by scanning electron microscopy and mucopolysaccharides were identified by Alcian blue staining. In order to know the proteins probably involved in sperm reservoir formation, SDS-PAGE of seminal plasma (8% and 18% resolving gel) was made. Spermatozoa only adhered to the oviductal mucosa surface of uterotubal junction of females mated with non bulbourethral glandsremoved males confirming that seminal plasma and in particular, bulbourethral secretions, are related with the oviductal sperm reservoir formation. Histologicalsections showed sperm in the lumen, immersed in substance, positive for acid mucopolysaccharides. Alcian blue staining of seminal plasma proteins SDS38PAGE showed a band of high molecular weight containing mucopolysaccharides, only present in non bulbourethral gland removed males. Bulbourethral glands would secrete at least eight different proteins that most likely participate in the process of sperm storage in the oviduct.