Assessment of Changes in the Function of Interstitial Cells of Cajal and Fecundity During Chronic Salpingitis: An Experimental Study

Abstract

Background and Aim: Chlamydial infection is a sexually transmitted disease which is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. Experimentally clarifying the functional and morphological changes of oviduct by chlamydial infection which is the cause of infertility will contribute to establish a new treatment way for diagnosing and treating infertility. We conducted this study to clarify the changes of the function of interstitial cells of Cajal and fecundity in chronic salpingitis white rat models which are made by infecting its vaginal cavity with Chlamydia. Methodology: We developed chronic salpingitis model by injecting 1×107 /50 μL Chlamydia into vaginal cavity of each rat. Pregnancy was induced, 4 weeks after infection. The 8th, 13th, 18th day we assessed the function of interstitial cells of Cajal by amplifying and measuring bioelectric potential with microelectrode on oviduct and assessed fecundity by counting the number of fetuses in uterus and judging life or deaths of fetuses. Results: The function of interstitial cells of Cajal and fecundity in chronic salpingitis white rat models were significantly destroyed compared with those in normal. Conclusion: The function of interstitial cells of Cajal and fecundity in chronic salpingitis white rat models which are made by infecting its vaginal cavity with Chlamydia are significantly destroyed compared with normal rats.