Hormonal control of anti-sperm immune response in hen oviduct

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The goal of this study was to determine the mechanism by which the immune functions in hen oviduct was controlled. Oviductal immune functions are important to protect the birds from infection and affect the sperm survival in the oviduct. In this study, we found receptors for progesterone and estrogen in the sperm storage tubules, suggesting that suppression of anti-sperm immunoresponse in this tissue may be regulated by sex steroids. Also, we have found immunocompetent cells including macrophages, major histocompatibility complex class II, T and B cells in the oviductal mucosal tissues, and their population was increased during sexual maturation. Disorder of their population occurred during aging thereafter. Sex steroids partially increased their population. We conclude that avian oviductal immune functions which are important in defense system and sperm population are affected by sexual maturation, aging, and sex steroids are involved in this mechanism.