A comparative study between bilateral ligation of the ovarianand the uterine arteries on the structure and function of theovary of adult white rabbit: histological andimmunohistochemical study

IntroductionUterine artery embolization is an effective alternative to surgery in fibroids andpostpartum hemorrhage aiming to preserve the uterus and fertility.Aim of the workTo compare between the effect of bilateral uterine artery ligation and bilateral ovarianartery ligation on the ovarian structure and function in rabbits.Materials and methodsTwenty-eight adult female nonpregnant white New Zealand rabbits were dividedinto four groups (seven rabbits each): group A (control), B (sham), C (subjectedto bilateral ovarian artery ligation), and group D (subjected to bilateral uterineartery ligation). After 2 months, all groups received a single dose of humanchorionic gonadotrophin to induce ovulation and were then sacrificed 2 days later.Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and 17-β-estradiolwere measured. Ovaries were extracted bilaterally, weighed, and processed formicroscopic and immunohistochemical studies.ResultsGroup C showed a significant increase in FSH and LH, whereas 17-β-estradioland ovarian weight were significantly decreased. Moreover, there were only a fewperipherally situated atretic follicles with no primary oocytes. Extensive apoptosisaffecting the entire ovarian structure was detected. However, group D showed asignificant increase in FSH and LH, with a nonsignificant decrease in 17-β-estradioland ovarian weight. Ovaries of group D showed delayed ovarian atresia. Granulosacells showed pyknotic nuclei. Some atretic follicles still contained primary oocytesurrounded by indented zona pellucida. Apoptosis was detected especially ingranulosa cells and corpus luteum.ConclusionUterine artery shares in the blood supply of the ovary. A countercurrent pathwayexists between the ovary and the uterus. Ligation of the uterine artery compared withthe ovarian artery ligation induced a delayed atresia in the follicles with preservation ofthe primary oocytes. Thus, uterine artery embolization could anticipate ovarian failureand early menopause.