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REPRODUCTION IN THE LONG-TONGUED BAT, GLOSSOPHAGA SORICINA

Summary.: The reproductive biology of the neotropical bat, Glossophaga soricina, was investigated histologically using 103 animals removed from an experimental laboratory colony at daily intervals during their cycle, as determined by vaginal smears, or following mating.

The animals were polyoestrous, with 22- to 26-day cycles (mode = 24). Ovulation was spontaneous and was followed by a functional luteal phase, terminated by menstruation. Cyclic changes in the oviducal epithelium were pronounced and included an unusual vacuolation of the secretory cells with material that was PAS-, Alcian blue- and Azure A-(pH 4·5) negative.

One oviduct usually exhibited evidence of preferential stimulation, particularly of the epithelium. Oestrual dilatation of the ampulla was restricted to the side of ovulation. The unilateral oviduct reaction may have resulted from hormones diffusing directly across points of 'fusion' of the ovary with the oviduct and mesosalpinx.

The tubal journey of the single fertilized ovum was prolonged. The blastocyst stage was reached on Days 9 to 10 and loss of the zona pellucida occurred in the oviduct on Days 11 to 12. The ovum entered the uterotubal junction between Days 12 and 14. Degenerating ova and free zonae could not pass the ampullary-isthmic junction. Implantation occurred before Day 15 within the uterotubal junction. The lengthy tubal journey of the ovum is presumably related to the fact that menstruation in this species occurs in close temporal proximity to ovulation.

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