The Characterisation and Distribution of Acidic Mucopolysaccharides in the Oviduct of the Domestic Fowl

Acidic mucopolysaccharides were identified in the infundibulum and magnum of the domestic fowl, using fluorescence techniques. Further investigation revealed the presence of 2 types of acidic mucopolysaccharide differing in their degrees of sulphation. In the mucous region of the magnum only the ‘most’ highly sulphated mucosubstance could he identified in the mucous secreting surface epithelial cells. The aglandular zone, which succeeds the dense mucous region, contained both types of sulphated acidic mucopolysaccharide. The isthmus and shell gland contained no acidic mucopolysaccharides.