Sperm storage in the reproductive tract of the female Japanese long-fingered bat, Miniopterus schreibersii fuliginosus.

Abstract

In the Japanese long-fingered bat, Miniopterus schreibersii fuliginosus, spermatozoa in contact with the microvilli of non-ciliated cells in folds in the uterotubal junction appeared normal, while spermatozoa remaining in the uterus degenerated and were engulfed by a massive invasion of polymorphonuclear leucocytes. No leucocytes were seen in the uterotubal junction area. It is suggested that the spermatozoa in this area are being stored, probably until ovulation occurs.