Morphologic study of mechanically induced hydrosalpinges in rabbits

Ligation of the proximal and distal ends of the rabbit oviduct was used to induce hydrosalpinges, which shows a remarkable resemblance, both macroscopically and microscopically, to human hydrosalpinges. Isthmic and ampullary biopsies obtained at varying intervals were examined with light microscopy. Progressive deciliation and decrease of epithelial and mucosal fold height were observed in the ampulla, but not in the isthmus. Microstereological study shows progressive reduction of both the number and the relative volume of capillaries in the ampulla. Considering the parallelism of time and localization, it is suggested that epithelial deciliation is caused by vascular disorders.