Ovarian function after salpingostomy following mechanically produced hydrosalpinx in rabbits

Abstract

The discrepancy between pregnancy and patency rates after salpingostomy is explained largely by the residual functional damage to both the mucosa and smooth muscles of the fallopian tube. The function of the ovary after salpingostomy has not been extensively studied. Hydrosalpinx was mechanically induced by double clip application in thirty adult female New Zealand white rabbits. After varying periods of hydrosalpinx formation, ampullary-isthmic anastomosis and cuff-salpingostomy were carried out using full microsurgical techniques. The animals were mated 1 week after surgery. Ten days after mating, laparotomy was performed. The contralateral oviducts and oviducts from unoperated animals served as controls 1 and 2 respectively. Corpora lutea counts and ovarian venous estradiol 17B (E2) and progesterone (P) levels were measured to assess ovarian function. The mean values (± s.e.) for corpora lutea count on Control 1. Control 2 and operated sides were 6.46 ± 0.43, 5.69 ± 0.44 and 4.03 ± 0.32 respectively. The mean values for E2 and P were 159.0 ± 17.43 and 281.769 ± 13.58; 133.75 ± 18.45 and 265.89 ± 18.12; 128.57 ± 14.66 and 206.103 ± 13.296 respectively. Only the differences between the mean number of corpora lutea and mean progesterone were statistically significant (P < 0.001) (0.02 > P > 0.01) respectively. There was no relationship between the number of corpora lutea and the levels of E2 and P. We conclude from this study that ovarian function is impaired after salpingostomy in the rabbit. The possible mechanism is discussed. We feel that this may have some relevance to humans.