Uterine tube microvascular architecture after oophorectomy in the rabbit

4 adult female virgin rabbits underwent bilateral oophorectomy. 4 weeks later methylmethacrylate corrosion vascular casts of their uterine tubes were prepared. Scanning electron microscopy of the acrylic casts revealed a decrease in the size and number of the large ampullary plical and fimbrial veins which are normally characteristic of these regions. This observation suggests that the reported tubal dysfunction which follows oophorectomy may have a vascular component.