Single-incision, prefemoral bilateral oophorosalpingectomy without coelioscopy in an Indian star tortoise (Geochelone elegans) with follicular stasis.

A female Indian star tortoise (Geochelone elegans) was evaluated for anorexia and suspected coelomic masses. Clinical examination indicated follicular stasis. The tortoise was anesthetized and placed in dorsal left lateral recumbency for a right prefemoral approach. The ovaries and oviducts were exposed through the right prefemoral incision. The ovarian vasculature, the mesovarium, the oviduct, mesosalpinx and associated vasculature were ligated and transected. Bilateral oophorosalpingectomy was performed through the incision, without coelioscopy. Since then, the same procedure has been performed in five other tortoises, and all recovered well. These results suggest that bilateral oophorosalpingectomy, performed through a prefemoral incision, without coelioscopy, is a safe and practical approach for treating follicular stasis in tortoises.

Embryonic survival at day 9, 21 and 35 of pregnancy in intact and unilaterally oviduct ligated multiparous sows.

To investigate the effect of uterine space on timing of embryonic mortality, multiparous sows were left intact (CTR; n=42) or subjected to unilateral oviduct ligation (LIG; n=23), after their first post wean oestrus. Intact sows were killed at day 9 (n=10), day 21 (n=15), or day 35 (n=17), and LIG sows were killed at day 21 (n=11) or day 35 (n=12) of gestation. At day 9, 92% of ovulations were represented by an embryo. At day 21, embryonic mortality was 24% and was not altered by increasing uterine space. At day 35, space per embryo was twice as large in LIG sows (30±3 v. 16±0.8 cm), and implantation length tended to be larger (19.0±1.2 v. 15.5±1.3 cm). Between day 21 and day 35, CTR sows lost another 8% to 14% of their embryos, whereas LIG sows lost none. Embryos tended to be heavier (4.9±0.2 v. 4.3±0.3 g) in LIG sows. In conclusion, embryonic loss in multiparous sows is 24% by day 21 and is not related to space, whereas after day 21 limited space causes additional 8% to 14% embryonic mortality in intact sows only.

Novel reversible permanent contraception: an animal experiment of embedding contraceptive surgery in the fimbriated extremity of the fallopian.

AIM: According to female pelvic anatomical characteristics, we designed a novel reversible permanent contraception: embedding contraceptive surgery in the fimbriated extremity of the fallopian. This study involves embedding the oviduct of New Zealand rabbits into the peritoneum, and assesses contraceptive effect, morphological changes and recoverability. METHODS: Thirty New Zealand rabbits were divided into three groups: embedding in the fimbriated extremity of the fallopian group (A group); polyethylene film in the fimbriated extremity of the fallopian group (B group); and control (C group). Surgery was performed in each group, respectively. Contraceptive efficacy, morphological changes and recoverability were noted. RESULTS: As for contraceptive effect, mating experiences were successful. After 3 months, there were no pregnant rabbits in group A and B, while in group C all samples were pregnant. Regarding recoverability, after belly operation, 10 rabbits in group A showed dropsy in the bilateral oviducts. Tissue adhesion could be found in the fimbriated extremity of the fallopian with a large range of damage. All samples in group B also had dropsy, but only two of them had unilateral slight adhesions in the fimbriated extremity of the fallopian, while others had no pathological changes. After being released from the oviduct embedding, five rabbits in group A became pregnant and nine in group B. CONCLUSION: Embedding contraceptive surgery in the fimbriated extremity of the fallopian after being covered by polyethylene film is reliable and safe. Releasing the embedding may cause minor injury. Although there is a problem of hydrosalpinx, the pregnancy rate is high.

A novel technique for oviduct occlusion to generate live births from cryopreserved rabbit oocytes after in vivo fertilisation.

Intraoviductal transfer technique in combination with in vivo fertilisation has arisen as an effective technique to assess live births after transfer of slow-frozen oocytes in the rabbit. Nevertheless, the great disadvantage of this method is the accumulation of tubal fluid in a large number of females after clamping the oviducts. In this study, we develop an alternative method to minimise damage to the oviduct and increase the birth rate. The aims of this study were (1) to evaluate the ability of cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive to occlude the oviduct for female sterilisation; (2) to evaluate the effect of oviduct occlusion immediately after transferring fresh oocytes on in vivo fertilisation; and (3) to assess this technique to generate live births from fresh and slow-frozen oocytes. In all the experiments, recipients were artificially inseminated 9h prior to occluding the oviducts. In the first experiment, the left oviduct was blocked with cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive, while the right one was used as a control. Six days later, oviducts and uterine horns were flushed to assess embryo recovery rates. While the embryo recovery rate was 79.2% in the intact oviduct, no embryos were recovered in the blocked one. In the second experiment, fresh oocytes were transferred into both oviducts, which were immediately occluded. Six days later, the in vivo fertilisation success rate was 33.7%. Finally, in the last experiment, slow-frozen oocytes were transferred and the rate of live births was 13.2±4.5%. The study shows that when using this method the generation of live births from slow-frozen oocytes increases significantly. In addition, our results suggest that in vivo environment could help improve the results of oocyte cryopreservation.

Non-suture technique for rabbit oviduct anastomosis with 2-octyl cyanoacrylate: a histopathologic and biomechanical analysis.

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate histological and biomechanical properties of oviduct anastomosis with 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (OCA) in the rabbit. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty female rabbits were randomly divided equally into three groups: A (control), B (traditional catgut suture), and C (non-suture technique using OCA). After suture or OCA anastomosis, gross examination (adhesion formation) and histopathology (hematoxylin-eosin), ultrastructure (transmission electron microscopy), and biomechanics (bursting pressure) on para-anastomotic site were investigated on oviduct taken at 1 (A1, B1, C1) and 4 (A2, B2, C2) weeks, respectively. RESULTS: Adhesion score in group B was more severe than that in groups A and C at 1 and 4 weeks. Histopathology showed that acute endosalpingitis in group B was the most intense at 1 week, followed by significantly more tissue stimulation induced by catgut and foreign-body giant cells in group B than in group C at 4 weeks. Ultrastructural damage of ciliated cells was reversed partly (B2) and completely (C2) at 4 weeks. Bursting pressure in C1 was weaker than that in B1, followed by no significant difference at 4 weeks. CONCLUSION: Non-suture using OCA for oviduct anastomosis can be accepted as a new-perspective technique.

Sperm transport and retention at the fertilization site is orchestrated by a chemical guidance and oviduct movement.

In mammals, only a few spermatozoa arrive at the fertilization site. During the last step in the journey to the egg, apart from their self-propulsion, spermatozoa may be assisted by oviduct movement and/or a guidance mechanism. The proportion of rabbit spermatozoa that arrive at the fertilization site was determined under in vivo conditions, in which either the ovulation products (secreting chemoattractants) and/or the oviduct movement (causing the displacement of the oviductal fluid) was inhibited. When only one of these components was inhibited, sperm transport to the fertilization site was partially reduced. However, when both the ovulation products and the oviduct movement were inhibited, almost no spermatozoa arrived at the fertilization site. The results suggest that spermatozoa are transported to and retained at the fertilization site by the combined action of a chemical guidance and the oviduct movement. A working model is proposed to explain how these two mechanisms may operate to transport spermatozoa to the fertilization site, probably as an evolutionary adaptation to maximize the chance of fertilizing an egg.

Experimental litter size reduction reveals costs of gestation and delayed effects on offspring in a viviparous lizard.

Experimental studies have often been employed to study costs of reproduction, but rarely to study costs of gestation. Disentangling the relative importance of each stage of the reproductive cycle should help to assess the costs and benefits of different reproductive strategies. To that end, we experimentally reduced litter size during gestation in a viviparous lizard. We measured physiological and behavioural parameters during gestation and shortly after parturition, as well as survival and growth of females and their offspring. This study showed four major results. First, the experimental litter size reduction did not significantly affect the cellular immune response, the metabolism and the survival of adult females. Second, females with reduced litter size decreased their basking time. Third, these females also had an increased postpartum body condition. As postpartum body condition is positively related to future reproduction, this result indicates a gestation cost. Fourth, even though offspring from experimentally reduced litters had similar weight and size at birth as other offspring, their growth rate after birth was significantly increased. This shows the existence of a maternal effect during gestation with delayed consequences. This experimental study demonstrates that there are some costs to gestation, but it also suggests that some classical trade-offs associated with reproduction may not be explained by gestation costs.

Reversible contraceptive effect of the oviduct plug with nickel-titanium shape memory alloy and silicone rubber in rabbits.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to observe the contraceptive effectiveness and reversibility of the oviduct plug with nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) shape memory alloy and silicone rubber in rabbits. STUDY DESIGN: The oviduct plugs with Ni-Ti shape memory alloy and silicone rubber were made as contraceptive devices. The frame of the oviduct plug is made of silicone rubber and Ni-Ti shape memory alloy wire. The central part of the frame resembles a circular cylinder and the amphi-terminal of the frame is like a spigot which is formed with three mounting rings. Thirty-five New Zealand adult female rabbits were randomly divided into three groups. Thirty rabbits in Group 1 were used to test the contraceptive effect of the oviduct plug. Ten rabbits in Group 2 were used to assess the reproductive reversibility of the rabbits; 3 months after the operation, the oviduct plugs were removed from the junction of the uterus and tubes by incision of the abdomen. Another five rabbits (Group 3) served as the control group. In 30 female rabbits (Group 1), the plugs were inserted into the oviducts via a 0.5-cm incision of the uterus by using an inserter that contained the plug, then the female rabbits copulated with male rabbits once a week after the operation for 1 month. The plugs were then taken out from 10 rabbits (Group 2) 3 months after the operation. RESULTS: Out of 30 cases (Group 1), only one rabbit from Group 1 was pregnant 2 months after the insertion of the plugs due to improper insertion. However, five rabbits in the control group were all pregnant. All 10 rabbits from Group 2 were pregnant 1 month after the plug was removed. CONCLUSION: The oviduct plug with Ni-Ti shape memory alloy and silicone rubber is a new, effective and reversible contraceptive tool.

Reconstruction of oviduct and demonstration of epithelial fate determination in mice.

The mouse oviductal epithelium is a simple monolayer until Postnatal Day 7 and subsequently consists of differentiated secretory cells and ciliated cells. In adult oviduct, the two types of epithelial cells are unevenly distributed; ciliated cells are dominant in the ampulla and secretory cells are dominant in the isthmus. Recombinants of enzymatically separated epithelial and mesenchymal tissues of oviducts were grafted under kidney capsule for 4 wk. The recombinants developed structures with a lumen covered with a monolayer of ciliated cells and secretory cells, demonstrating that the recombinant tissues reconstructed oviductal structure. Geographically (ampulla versus isthmus) heterotypic recombinants were prepared from neonatal oviducts at Day 3. The epithelia in reconstructed oviducts took the patterns of cell distribution depending on the origin of the mesenchymal tissues. The results indicate that the mesenchyme geographically has distinct abilities to determine undifferentiated epithelial cells to ciliated cells or secretory cells in the mouse oviduct.

Egg binding in a cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus).

A 6-year-old cockatiel was diagnosed with egg binding based on clinical signs, physical examination findings, radiographs, and lack of oviposition. Medical management failed to induce oviposition, and surgical salpingotomy was used to remove the egg from the oviduct. Sterile egg yolk peritonitis was diagnosed based on histology. Postoperative management with leuprolide acetate and husbandary changes successfully prevented egg production for at least 2.5 months after the event.

[Evaluation of long-time resorption surgical sutures in tubal anastomoses with use of microsurgical techniques. An experimental study]. / Ocena nici chirurgicznych o dlugim okresie resorpcji w zespoleniach jajowodowych z zastosowaniem technik mikrochirurgicznych. Badania eksperymentalne.

In the paper there have been evaluated synthetic absorbable surgical sutures--MAXON, of long time of their resorption in an organism. The valuation concerned their usefulness to carrying out the operations of oviducts with use of microsurgical technique. It consisted in determination of biocompatibility degree of analyzed sutures within tubal tissues and also their technical utility to this kind of procedures. The valuation of the surgical sutures was performed on the ground of experimental studies with use of laboratory animals--New Zealand white female rabbits, in which "end to end" microsurgical tubal anastomoses were made, with use of analyzed sutures. In further stage, pathomorphological investigations of the animals were performed (in various time after the operation), during which there were conducted microscopic observations of histologic slides derived from tubal anastomoses regions. The purpose of the work was trying to appoint the most adequate suture material for carrying out the operations of oviducts with use of microsurgical technique. It was also an assistance for an operator to take a decission of choice of the proper surgical sutures for surgical treatment of female mechanical infertility and other kind of microsurgical operations which are performed in gynaecology. Generally good technical utility in microsurgical practice of surgical sutures MAXON--absorbable of long period of their resorption in tissues was stated. They cause the formation of only single peritoneal adhesions, mainly in the regions of tubal anastomoses previously made and produce relatively small tubal tissue reaction, which testifies to high biocompatibility of the sutures, as the implantation material. The analyzed surgical sutures characterize themselves of very good usefulness to microsurgical operations of oviducts and they seem to be the most adventageous for performing this type of operations. They give a greater certainty of formation of durable accretion of tubal wall in the place of created anastomosis, with simultaneous complete elimination of the implantation material from the organism.

The effect of ovarian steroid deficiency on regeneration of oviductal mucosa following reconstructive surgery.

In patients with distal tubal occlusion a microsurgical oviductal reconstruction is, apart from the in vitro fertilization, the only treatment option. Unfortunately, the results of reconstructive surgery are often unsatisfactory. The effects of sex steroids on the regeneration process after reconstructive surgery have not been well investigated. This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of decreased concentrations of ovarian sex steroids (castration) on regeneration of the oviduct mucosa after the reconstructive surgery of distally occluded oviducts. The study was performed on 32 female rabbits that underwent unilateral oviduct ligature and resection of fimbriae. The occlusion lasted six (group I) or twelve weeks (group II). After this time the animals were re-operated, and allocated into 4 groups: castration with reconstructive surgery (IA, IIA), reconstructive surgery only (IB, IIB). After next six or twelve weeks the fallopian tubes were examined under light, scanning and transmission electron microscopes. An immunohistochemical reaction for Ki-67 proliferative antigen was also performed. Ovarian steroid levels were evaluated by radioimmunoassays. The castrated animals had significantly lower levels of estradiol, progesterone and 17-hydroxyprogesterone than the control groups. Long lasting tubal occlusion caused pronounced histological changes of tubal mucous membrane (group II). In the rabbits with preserved ovaries and twelve-week long oviductal occlusion (group IIB), the regeneration of the distal end and restoration of fimbria were not complete twelve weeks after microsurgical reconstruction. In castrated animals with long-lasting occlusion (group IIA) the destructive changes, found in the mucosa of tubal ampullas of occluded oviducts before reconstruction, were still present and even intensified twelve weeks following reconstructive surgery. The castration hampered proliferation of the mucosa cells, thus no fimbriae were restored. Low levels of ovarian steroids were found to have adverse effect on fallopian tube regeneration following reconstructive surgery. The effect was noted even in cases with minor preoperative fallopian tube damage. Therefore, the treatment of concomitant endometriosis or uterine fibroids with GnRH analogues should not be recommended simultaneously with microsurgical tubal reconstruction.

Effective generation of transgenic pigs and mice by linker based sperm-mediated gene transfer.

BACKGROUND: Transgenic animals have become valuable tools for both research and applied purposes. The current method of gene transfer, microinjection, which is widely used in transgenic mouse production, has only had limited success in producing transgenic animals of larger or higher species. Here, we report a linker based sperm-mediated gene transfer method (LB-SMGT) that greatly improves the production efficiency of large transgenic animals. RESULTS: The linker protein, a monoclonal antibody (mAb C), is reactive to a surface antigen on sperm of all tested species including pig, mouse, chicken, cow, goat, sheep, and human. mAb C is a basic protein that binds to DNA through ionic interaction allowing exogenous DNA to be linked specifically to sperm. After fertilization of the egg, the DNA is shown to be successfully integrated into the genome of viable pig and mouse offspring with germ-line transfer to the F1 generation at a highly efficient rate: 37.5% of pigs and 33% of mice. The integration is demonstrated again by FISH analysis and F2 transmission in pigs. Furthermore, expression of the transgene is demonstrated in 61% (35/57) of transgenic pigs (F0 generation). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggests that LB-SMGT could be used to generate transgenic animals efficiently in many different species.

Function of bilateral oviducts in double oviduct hens following surgery.

A double oviduct line of Rhode Island Red chickens has been maintained as a closed flock at the Wisconsin Experiment Station since 1970. Sixty-four percent of the stock reared during the 3-yr study period had complete left and right oviducts. Experiments were designed to determine whether the right oviduct of double oviduct hens was functional. Two surgical procedures were chosen in which either a piece of the left ovary was transplanted to the right side, or the abdominal-midline tunica serosa was opened and the left ovary was pulled to the right side. In one experiment the left oviduct was also made nonfunctional. Laparotomized hens served as controls. Insemination with semen from dominant barred males as a genetic marker, followed by physical examination, confirmed right oviduct function. Hens that formed the egg in the normal left oviduct laid significantly more eggs of much greater weight and had higher percentage fertility than hens with functional right oviducts.

[Dysfunction of the oviducts and salpingectomy in a boa (C. constrictor). Description of a case]. / Dysfunctie van de eileider en salpingectomie bij een boa (C. constrictor). Beschrijving van een geval.

When a boa was producing lumps of proteinaceous material during labour, and administration of calcium and oxytocin failed to be effective, and lumps continued to be palpable, it was decided to perform (partial) salpingectomy. Premedication consisted in administration of metomidate, anaesthesia being produced by halothane, oxygen and nitrous oxide given by intubation with a cuffed tube. The incision was made in the median line; the fat corpuscles were separated along the abdominal veins to gain access to the coelomic cavity; those portions of the two oviducts which showed changes were resected. The abdominal wall was sutured using intradermal sutures. Dressing of the wound.

Egg-oviduct interaction initiates reproductive behavior.

The experiments reported in this paper provide evidence that eggs must pass through the oviducts in order for receptivity to occur after ovulation in the female frog, Rana pipiens. In one experiment, oviductectomized frogs remained unreceptive after ovulation was induced by administration of exogenous pituitary glands, while sham-operates became receptive within 48 hr. Another experiment had four groups of subjects: ovariectomized females, females with oviducts ligated at the ostial end, females with openings in the uteri that prevented eggs from accumulating there, and sham-operated females. Only the last two groups, groups in which eggs could pass through the oviducts, became receptive. In these experiments, receptivity was indicated by absence of the release call during manual clasping of the trunk. Earlier experiments have shown that eggs have to pass through the oviducts in order to become fertilizable. Thus, the passage of eggs through the oviducts provides a mechanism which links the onset of reproductive behavior to the availability of fertilizable gametes.

Birth of calves after in vitro fertilisation using laparoscopy and rabbit oviduct incubation of zygotes.

The infertility of many cows could be treated by in vitro fertilisation. In the present study laparoscopy was utilised to recover the in vivo matured oocytes from the ovary of a standing donor. After the capacitation of fresh semen with high ionic strength medium and in vitro fertilisation, a rabbit oviduct was employed as an incubator for four to five days, in order to obtain sufficiently aged embryos to be transferred to the uterus of a recipient. Using surgical or non-surgical transfer six calves were obtained.