Electron Microscopic Examination of the Rabbit Oviductal Ampulla Following Microsurgical End-to-End Anastomosis

Abstract

The endosalpinx of both normal and microsurgically reconstructed ampullae in rabbit oviducts was examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy following ovum transport studies. Tall, longitudinal mucusal folds ran continuously throughout the lumina of normal ampullae and were clearly interrupted at the incision site in the reconstructed oviducts. In both normal and surgically repaired tubes the endosalpinx was covered with long, slender cilia and bulbous processes of secretory cells with microvillous surfaces. Intracellular examination of these epithelial cells suggested no abnormal structure or function. These observations indicate that the epithelium on the severed ends of the endosalpinx healed completely within 1 month following ampullary anastomosis. Since no luminal obstruction was observed, the interruption and misalignment of the mucosal folds appear to be the cause of the impaired ciliary transport of cumulus masses observed in these oviducts. When species differences in tubal structure and function are considered, it appears likely that ampullary-ampullary anastomosis could hinder egg transport and fertility in women.