Electrophysiology of the Rabbit Oviduct Following Tubal Microsurgery

Abstract

The ability of tuboplastic microsurgery to restore electrical continuity across an anastomosis site was investigated in the rabbit. Three to six weeks following transection and end-to-end anastomosis of the tubal ampulla or isthmus, the pattern of electrical activity adjacent to and across the anastomosis site was examined. Recordings were made in vitro using arrays of closely spaced suction electrodes 68 to 72 hours after an ovulating dose of human chorionic gonadotropin. The pattern of electrical activity across anastomosis sites was not significantly different from corresponding portions of unoperated control oviducts. Microsurgical anastomosis restored electrical continuity between anastomosed segments in both the ampulla and isthmus.This study evaluates the efficiency of tubal microsurgery in restoring tubal functional continuity across an anastomosis site. 11 adult virgin female New Zealand white rabbits were divided into 2 groups: one group of 5 rabbits had their oviducts unilaterally transected at the isthmus level and reanastomosed under microscopic control; the other group of 6 rabbits had their oviducts transected at the ampulla level and reanostomosed similarly. Contralateral unoperated oviducts of the animals were used as controls. The pattern of electrical activity adjacent to and across the anastomosis site was evaluated 3 to 6 weeks following transection and end-to-end anastomosis of the tubal ampulla or isthmus. Arrays of closely spaced suction electrodes were recorded in vitro 68 to 72 hours after an ovulating dose of human chorionic gonadotropins was administered. Consistent electrical continuity was observed following anastomosis of the ampulla and isthmus; no significant differences in the overall pattern of electrical activity in anastomosed sites or corresponding areas of unoperated control tubes from within the same animal at any postsurgical interval (P 0.05) were observed. The findings provide support to the usefulness of microsurgery in sterilization reversal attempts.