Morphologic, endocrinologic and natural pregnancy assessment of allogeneic ovarian orthotopic transplantation without a vascular pedicle in rabbits

Abstract

Objective The objective was to assess the natural pregnancy of rabbits subjected to bilateral oophorectomy and orthotopic allogeneic intact and sliced ovarian transplantation without a vascular pedicle, and to determine the morphofunctional aspects of the transplanted ovaries. Study design Thirty-two female rabbits were studied. The ovaries were removed and orthotopically transplanted without vascular anastomoses between the two breeds of rabbits. In Group 1 ( n = 8), only laparotomy and laparorrhaphy were performed, in Group 2A ( n = 8) intact ovaries were transplanted on both sides, in Group 2B ( n = 8) both ovaries were sliced and orthotopically transplanted, and in Group 2C ( n = 8) an intact ovary was transplanted on one side and a sliced ovary on the other side. Three months later, the animals were paired with males for copulation. Estradiol, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone levels were assessed. A histologic study was carried out and the numbers of pregnancies and litters were also determined. Results Pregnancies occurred in seven rabbits in Group 1, 37.5% of rabbits in Group 2A, 50% in Group 2B, and 62.5% in Group 2C. Hormone levels and histology confirmed the vitality and function of all ovaries. Conclusions Intact or sliced orthotopic allogeneic ovarian transplantation without a vascular pedicle is viable in rabbits, and preserves their hormonal and fertile functions.