Simultaneous recording of uterine and tubal motility during utero-tubal insufflation in monkeys.

Abstract

One main cause of female infertility is the tubal factor, and interest in the role and function of the Fallopian tube has increased our knowledge about tubal infertility. In this study in monkeys, Cynomolgus (Macaca fascicularis), the tubal and uterine motility was recorded with a Millar microtransducer. The recordings were made during uterotubal, uterine as well as tubal insufflation with gas. Tubal activity patterns varied with the phase of the menstrual cycle. The kymograms made during gas insufflation did not reflect tubal or uterine activity, as registered by the Millar microtransducer, but rather the resistance to pressure of the intra-uterine part of the tube. An intra-uterine pressure up to 200 mmHg, has previously been regarded as being free from risk of uncontrolled escape of gas outside the uterus and the oviducts. This was not confirmed in the present study.