Allogeneic ovarian orthotopic transplantation in rabbits without a vascular pedicle: morphological, endocrinologic, and natural pregnancy assessment.
BACKGROUND
To assess the natural pregnancy of rabbits undergoing bilateral oophorectomy and determine the morphofunctional aspects of orthotopic transplantation of allogeneic intact and sliced ovarian tissue without a vascular pedicle.


METHODS
Thirty-two female rabbits had their ovaries removed and orthotopically transplanted between the two breeds of rabbits without vascular anastomoses: group 1 (n = 8), only laparotomy; group 2A (n = 8) intact ovaries transplanted on both sides; group 2B (n = 8), ovaries sliced and orthotopically transplanted; group 2C (n = 8), an intact ovary transplanted on one side and a sliced ovary on the other side. Three months later, the animals were paired with males for copulation. We assessed estradiol, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone levels. A histological study was performed, and the number of pregnancies and litters determined.


RESULTS
Pregnancies occurred in seven rabbits of group 1; in 37.5% of rabbits in group 2A; 50% in group 2B; and 62.5% in group 2C. Hormone levels and histology confirmed the vitality of all ovaries.


CONCLUSIONS
Intact or sliced orthotopic allogeneic ovarian transplantations without a vascular pedicle are viable in rabbits, preserving hormonal and fertile functions.
Petroianu
A
A
Department of Surgery, Medical School of the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Alberti
L R
LR
Vasconcellos
L S
LS
D000818:Animals; D003307:Copulation; D005260:Female; D006085:Graft Survival; D008297:Male; D023421:Models, Animal; D010053:Ovary / Q000637:transplantation*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011270:Pregnancy, Animal; D011817:Rabbits; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous / Q000379:methods*