Olive baboon (Papio anubis anubis) as a model for intrauterine research

The Olive baboon is a popular animal model for reproductive and surgical research. The Institute of Primate Research, Nairobi, Kenya, has been using the animal for reproductive research for many years. In the baboon, compared with other smaller non-human primates, it is possible to insert uterine probes such as, catheters, curettes and other linear instruments (to cannulate cervix for uterine procedures like flushing, endometrium biopsy, embryo transfer, etc.).

However we noticed in a few animals this was difficult and problematic, particularly in some stages of the menstrual cycle, in retroverted uteri, in extensive adhesions or in some anatomically unique animals and we have developed a technique called 'Chai technique' for this purpose.

The Chai technique is unique to the baboon and not possible in human. It does not seem to cause injuries as frequently as uterine perforation and, in our experience, has been surprisingly successful.