Exploring swine oviduct anatomy through micro-computed tomography: a 3D modeling perspective

• DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1456524
• Publication Date: 2024-09-03T05:11:46Z
• Authors: Ramses Belda-Perez; Costanza Cimini; Luca Valbonetti; Tiziana Orsini; Annunziata D’Elia; Roberto Massari; Carlo Di Carlo; Alessia Paradiso; Seerat Maqsood; Ferdinando Scavizzi; Marcello Raspa; Nicola Bernabò; Barbara Barboni
• Keywords: Oviduct; Lacunarity

The oviduct plays a crucial role in the reproductive process, serving as stage for fertilization and early stages of embryonic development. When environment this organ has been mimicked, it shown to enhance vitro embryo epigenetic reprogramming improve yield system. This study explores anatomical intricacies two regions, uterotubal junction (UTJ) ampullary-isthmic (AIJ) by using micro-computed tomography (MicroCT). In study, we have characterized 3D-reconstructed structure, measuring height width oviduct’s folds, along with assessments fractal dimension, lacunarity shape factor. Results indicate distinct structural features UTJ AIJ, displaying small, uniformly distributed folds high lacunarity, while AIJ shows larger lower lacunarity. Fractal dimension analysis reveals values within 1.189–1.1779, range from 1.559–1.770, indicating differences complexity between these regions. Additionally, blind sacs or crypts are observed, akin those found various species, suggesting potential roles sperm sequestration reservoir formation. These morphological align functional variations essential developing an accurate 3D model. conclusion, research provides information about anatomy, leveraging MicroCT technology detailed reconstructions, which can significantly contribute understanding geometric-morphological characteristics influencing traits, providing foundation biomimetic oviduct-on-a-chip.