A Comparative Study of Hydrosalpinx

Hydrosalpinx, a pathological condition which causes infertility in women, is characterized by occlusion of the distal end of the fallopian tube, and a dilation of the tube with fluid. Little is known regarding the development of hydrosalpinx and the accompanying morphological changes. To investigate specifically the effect of chronic tubal distention on structure and function of the oviduct, hydrosalpinges were induced in rabbits and monkeys by ligating the fimbriated end of the oviduct. Subsequent fluid accumulation in the distal half of the tube (ampulla) caused a gradually increasing distention that reached a maximum diameter of about 3 times normal size in 4-6 weeks. The dilated tubes were removed 1 to 5 months following ligation for both morphological and physiological examination. Contralateral tubes were used for controls. Scanning electron microscopy of the luminal surface of the ampulla of both species revealed a striking decrease in the large mucosal folds that normally fill the lumen of the oviduct and run longitudinally in parallel throughout the length of the ampulla. Smaller ridges formed an interlacing network between the much reduced primary mucosal folds (Fig. 1). The epithelial surface of the lumen contained secretory and ciliated cells which were normal in their appearance and distribution (Fig. 2).