Mechanically-induced hydrosalpinx: long-term oviductal dilatation does not impair ciliary transport function

Long-term hydrosalpinges were mechanically induced in rabbits by ligation of the fimbriated end of the oviduct. The structure and function of these model hydrosalpinges were studied 28 to 52 weeks following ligation. This procedure caused a nonpurulent, clear serous fluid to accumulate within the lumen of the ampulla, which resulted in dilatation of the ampulla and thinning of the tubal wall. The intraluminal mucosal folds were attenuated in the expanded regions; however, normal ciliation was predominant throughout the endosalpinx. Two rabbits, one with a single distal tubal ligation and the other with double ampullary ligation, showed abnormal epithelium with distinct patches of flattened polygon-shaped, nonciliated cells. In vivo and in vitro observations of luminal transport of surrogate ova in cumulus showed that ciliary transport was not affected by the long-term gross distension of the ampullae. The authors conclude that long-term tubal dilatation by itself does not alter tubal morphology sufficiently to impair ovum transport function in the oviductal ampulla.