Vascular perfusability and capillary macromolecular permeability in the mechanically induced rabbit hydrosalpinx

The mechanically induced rabbit hydrosalpinx, a frequently studied animal model of human hydrosalpinges, was examined to determine the variations, in vascular perfusion and capillary albumin permeability, which occur in hydrosalpinges. At laparotomy, 4 adult female virgin rabbits underwent isthmic and ampullary occlusion with small tantalum clips. 4 weeks later, fluorescein isothiocyanate-labelled bovine serum albumin (FITC BSA: molecular weight 67,000) was injected intravenously 5 min before oviduct excision. Examination of tubal sections by incident light fluorescent microscopy demonstrated poor interplical vascular perfusability and markedly reduced interplical capillary permeability to FITC BSA in both isthmic and ampullary segments of hydrosalpinx. These observations imply that, in the experimental rabbit hydrosalpinx, interplical deciliation is probably vascular in origin; furthermore the marked decrease in capillary macromolecule permeability may explain the serous fluid collection within the hydrosalpinx. Poor fecundity following microsurgical restoration of tubal patency in hydrosalpinges is possibly due to the failure of this decrease in submucosal capillary perfusability and macromolecular permeability to resolve.