Hydrosalpinx: effect of oviductal dilatation on egg transport

Ligation of the ovarian end of the oviduct was used to induce hydrosalpinges in rabbits and monkeys. This procedure resulted in an accumulation of clear serous fluid within the lumen and distention of the ampullary wall. The ampullary endosalpinx responded with a general flattening of the surface architecture, especially a decrease in the prominence of the longitudinal mucosal folds. However, this flattened epithelial surface showed normal ciliation. Two to five months after ligation, direct observations were made in vivo of luminal transport of cumulus egg masses and surrogates. These observations were followed by study in vitro of ciliary currents on the exposed luminal surface. The results demonstrated conclusively that tubal dilatation had no adverse effect on cilia-mediated ovum transport within the ampulla. The implication of these results in terms of tubal infertility is discussed.