Ltype calcium channels expressed in the oviduct of Papio hamadryas baboon during the menstrual cycle

Calcium ionsare fundamental for female fertility and reproduction, because theyare involved in hormone regulation and secretion, oocyte activation, tubal fluid composition and zygot development.In this study, the expression of voltage gated calcium channels in the oviduct of a non-human primate has been evaluated by western blot and immunofluorescence during the menstrual cycle. The results showed that the expression of these channels increases in the luteal phase, underscoring the role of calcium in oocyte activation and its fusion with the spermatozoon, as well as the subsequent zygote segmentation, all steps that occurin the oviduct. The baboon is very close to humans in their reproductive trait, therefore these results could be valuable for translational medicine