Elemental composition of fluid in the human Fallopian tube

Relatively undisturbed samples of human oviduct fluid were obtained by aspiration into a Silastic catheter inserted through the fimbriated end of the oviduct during surgical laparotomy. The concentrations of Na, Cl, K, Ca, Mg, S and P were determined in picolitre aliquots of this fluid using X-ray spectrometry by electron probe excitation. Human tubal fluid has a unique elemental composition characterized by high concentrations of K and Cl, but low concentrations of Ca, relative to the range of normal human serum values. Na and Mg concentrations in oviduct fluid are similar to serum levels.