Histochemical studies on the oviduct of emu bird (Dromaius novaehollandiae)
Strong reactivity for PAS was observed in the apical portion and ciliary zone of surface epithelial cells and the cells lining the tubular glands of the mucosal folds of infundibulum, magnum, isthmus, uterus, while in vagina it was limited to basal portion of the lining epithelium. The connective tissue around the glandular units of all the regions of the oviduct except vagina showed strong positive reaction for PAS. The alkaline phosphatase activity was strong in the basement membrane and apical part of lining epithelium of all the regions of the oviduct, submucosal connective tissue and tunica muscularis region of infundibulum, uterus, vagina. Strong reaction for ALP was observed in lamina propria and muscular layer of isthmus, while moderate reaction was noticed in submucosa and muscularis region of magnum. The oil red 'O' staining activity was strong in lining epithelium of the mucosal folds in infundibulum and vagina and mild to moderate in the lining epithelium, lamina propria and submucosal regions of isthmus and glandular units of uterus.