ULTRASTRUCTURAL-STUDY ON THE EPITHELIUM OF LIGATED FALLOPIAN-TUBES INWOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE

The epithelium of normal and ligated Fallopian tubes in nine women of reproductive age was studied by using scanning electron microscopy (SE M). The results were as follows: at a distance of 0.5 cm from the liga ted scar, numerous cilia of the epithelium were twisted and adhered, t he shape of the epithelial cells was irregular, and even many microvil li and cilia lost from the local epithelium. However, the microvilli a nd cilia of the epithelium were normal on the mucosa at 1.0 cm from th e ligated scar. This may account for the continued infertility followi ng re-anatomosis of the ligated Fallopian tubes, due to the ultrastruc tural changes of oviducts and inability to convey the ova. Thus, at th e Fallopian tube re-anastomosis, it is recommended that the removal of the mucosa should be at least 0.5 cm away from the ligated scar so as to increase the success rate of the fertilization. On the epithelium of the hydrosalpinx, Fallopian tube stomata located among the secretor y cells were found for the first time. These stomata are small opening s of lymphatic capillaries with a diameter of 3.25 mu m to 4.25 mu m. They are likely to be connected between the lumen of the Fallopian tub e and subserous lymphatic vessels, and also involved in the drainage o f the hydrosalpinx. Most or all cilia were lost from the ciliated cell surface on the epithelium of the hydrosalpinx, whereas the microvilli were flourishing. Therefore, many ciliated cells turned into secretor y cells. In addition, a new pathogenesis of the hydrosapinx is discuss ed.