Sperm Storage in the Female Reproductive Tract

摘要: The capacity for sperm storage within the female reproductive tract occurs widely across all groups of vertebrate species and is exceptionally well developed in some reptiles (maximum duration seven years) fishes >1 year). Although there are many reports on both occurrence diverse its adaptive benefits, few studies have been directed toward explaining mechanisms involved. In this article we review recent findings birds mammals an effort to develop hypotheses that could be translated into research applications animal breeding technologies. There pockets evidence suggest local epithelial cells, sometimes arranged as tubules, can respond spermatozoa by producing heat shock proteins providing environment rich antioxidants. Moreover, immune system seems tolerate arrival spermatozoa, while retaining ability combat infectious microorganisms.