The Role of the Oviduct in Gameto-Maternal Interaction and Embryonic Development

The oviduct is a key player for successful establishment of pregnancy. It is pivotal for oocyte and sperm transport, formation of the sperm reservoir, fertilization, and early embryonic development and orchestrates a comprehensive set of gameto-maternal interactions. These include the communication between the cumulus-oocyte complex and tubal epithelium, as well as the binding of the sperm to the oviductal ciliated cells and the formation of the sperm reservoir, which maintains sperm fertilizing capacity for days, weeks, or even months. After fertilization, the oviduct regulates the proper transport and nutrition of the early embryo during cleavage and migration toward the uterus. Most importantly, the fallopian tube is the site where the first embryo-maternal communication occurs ensuring the survival and continuous development of the early embryo. This article provides an overview of the findings to date highlighting the morphological, functional, and molecular changes induced by gameto-maternal interactions and early embryo-maternal communication using cutting-edge molecular and imaging technologies.