Abstract Functioning of the amphibian oviduct is the subject of many studies, but detailed understanding of caecilian reproduction exists for very few species. In this study, a description is made of morphological changes of the oviduct of the caecilian Boulengerula taitana throughout the year, using conventional histology and immunohistochemistry. The reproductive cycle of this little-known species, originating from the Taita Hills in southeast Kenya, is annual. During the reproductive period (November–February), both lamina propria and the epithelium of the oviduct exhibit a maximum degree of development. The epithelial mucosa is more secretory and the cilia cells are abundant. Histological analysis shows the distribution of the different type of cells according to a specific pattern in the pars recta, pars convoluta and pars utera. Evaluation of proliferative (Ki-67 positive cells) and apoptotic cells (TUNEL and Apostain assays) into the different tissues brings out cyclic modifications of the lamina propria and epithelial cells throughout a seasonal cycle. The results demonstrate that the balance between cell proliferation and apoptosis reflects the functionality of the oviduct during the sexual cycle.

中文翻译：

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Boulengerula taitana 输卵管结构的周期性变化，Gymnophiona 的卵生物种：形态变化、增殖和凋亡

摘要 两栖动物输卵管的功能是许多研究的主题，但很少有物种对 caecilian 繁殖有详细的了解。在这项研究中，使用常规组织学和免疫组织化学描述了一年四季长尾石斑鱼输卵管的形态变化。这种鲜为人知的物种起源于肯尼亚东南部的泰塔山，每年进行一次繁殖。在生殖期（11 月至 2 月），固有层和输卵管上皮均表现出最大程度的发育。上皮黏膜分泌较多，纤毛细胞丰富。组织学分析显示不同类型细胞在直肠部、回旋部和子宫部中根据特定模式的分布。对不同组织中增殖（Ki-67 阳性细胞）和凋亡细胞（TUNEL 和 Apostin 测定）的评估显示了整个季节性周期中固有层和上皮细胞的循环修饰。结果表明，细胞增殖和凋亡之间的平衡反映了性周期中输卵管的功能。