The effect of transection of the accessory ligaments on reproduction in the rabbit

The mesotubarium superius (MTS) and uterovarian ligament (UOL) contain smooth muscle, are mechanically active, and have been implicated in ovum transport in a number of species. To assess the reproductive importance of these ligaments, they were unilaterally transected in 27 rabbits and the effects on reproduction determined. Reproductive function was characterized in terms of the numbers of corpora lutea, uterine implants, and normal conceptuses resulting from breeding with fertile bucks. Fertility was defined by the proportion of ovulating follicles resulting in implantation and normal conceptuses. Grouped and paired sample analyses of these data showed no differences between the experimental and control sides of the reproductive tracts of animals in which the UOL, MTS, or both were transected. The structural integrity of these ligaments is thus not necessary for normal conception and fertility in the rabbit.