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Serotonin Localization in the Turkey Vaginal but not Sperm Storage Tubule Epithelia¹

Animal Biosciences and Biotechnology Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Beltsville, MD 20705

² Corresponding author: murray.bakst{at}ars.usda.gov

Elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating sperm selection and transport in the vagina of the hen had been the focus of a limited amount of research over the past decade. New observations indicate the presence of nonneuron endocrine cells in the epithelia lining the lumina of the turkey hen vagina and uterovaginal junction. Although no cells in the vagina or uterovaginal junction surface epithelia exhibited argentaffin staining, typical of cells containing neurosecretory granules, cells restricted to the vaginal and uterovaginal junction but not the sperm storage tubule epithelia were immunoreactive positive to serotonin. We speculate that if released into the vaginal lumen and submucosa, serotonin could augment cilia and sperm tail beat frequencies and facilitate smooth muscle contraction, respectively. If this is the response to sperm at insemination, it would represent the first evidence of a local control mechanism responding to sperm in the turkey vagina.

Key Words: avian • poultry • turkey • oviduct • serotonin

¹ Mention of a trade name, proprietary product, or vendor does not constitute a guarantee or warranty of the product by the USDA or imply its approval to the exclusion of other suitable products or vendors.