Activity of enzymes of glycogen metabolism in the reproductive tract of the ewe at mating and during early pregnancy

Abstract

The glycogen concentration and the activity of several enzymes of glycogen metabolism have been measured in the mucosal tissues of the oviduct, cervix and vagina, as well as in the endometrium and caruncIes of ewes at days 0, 8, 15, 22, 30 and 44 of pregnancy. Enzyme activities were also determined in uterine and cervical rinsings. Glycogen levels decreased after day 8 in the endometrium, caruncIes, cervix and vagina. Independent glycogen (starch) synthase showed decreased activity in the cervical mucosa following mating and peaks of activity at days 0 and 15 in the oviduct. Following mating both independent and total glycogen (starch) synthase activities increased in caruncular tissue. α-Amylase activity declined from day 0 to day 44 in the oviducal mucosa, but showed a slight peak at day 15 in the endometrium. The levels of total and active glycogen phosphorylase did not change significantly in any tissue but did show a peak of activity in the uterine and cervical rinsings at days 8 and 15 respectively. The results are interpreted as showing increased turnover of glycogen in the oviducal and cervical mucosa at mating, in the intercaruncular endometrium in the period before implantation, and in the caruncIes from the start of implantation. © 1978 ASEG.