Morphology of human and experimental hydrosalpinges: a comparative study

Abstract

Infection, and possibly raised intra-luminal pressure, may be responsible for the morphological changes and associated infertility that occur with hydrosalpinx formation. Biopsies from human hydrosalpinges were studied by light microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Loss of mucosal folds, atrophied epithelium and varying degrees of deciliation were the main features found. Mechanical hydrosalpinges were produced in rabbits by double clip application (duration of clip application varied from 8 to 52 weeks). Morphological study of animal hydrosalpinges showed partial or complete loss of mucosal folds, atrophied epithelium and varying degrees of deciliation. The severity of morphological changes was related to duration of clip application. It is concluded that raised intra-luminal pressure plays a role in the morphological changes seen in human hydrosalpinges and infertility in women after anatomically successful salpingostomy. The rabbit would appear to provide a suitable model for the study of human hydrosalpinges. The significance of these findings is discussed in relation to the clinical management of hydrosalpinges.