Journal of Applied Physiology, Vol 40, Issue 1 114-117, Copyright © 1976 by American Physiological Society
In vivo motility of the unobstructed fallopian tube
S. K. Guha and G. P. Talwar
Current methods of recording the fallopian tube motility in vivo
essentially measure the intraluminal pressure. Diametral change is another
parameter which can provide additional useful information related to tubal
function. A method for in vivo monitoring of diametral change without
obstructing the lumen and based on the impedance measurement technique has
been proposed. An in vitro comparison of wall displacement with transtubal
electrical impedance change shows that the impedance changes reflect
diametral changes. Another in vitro experiment in which the autorhythmicity
of contractions was maintained by means of a perfusion bath indicates that
the impedance changes are primarily due to the contraction of the circular
muscles of the fallopian tube. These studies were followed up with
long-term chronic implantations with dual probes on the isthmic and
ampullar regions of the tube in female rabbits. Inpedance changes over
periods as long as 6 mo could be readily obtained. Histological
observations as well as fertility studies support the conclusion that the
tube is minimally affected by the placement of the probes.
