Restoration of endocrine function and ovulation after a heterotopic ovarian transplant in the inguinal region of rabbits using a vascular microsurgical technique.

The aim of this study was to define an experimental model in rabbits for subcutaneous heterotopic ovarian autotransplants and allotransplants in the inguinal region using a microvascular technique to restore endocrine function and ovulation. Forty sexually mature New Zealand white receptor rabbits and 20 donating Californian rabbits were divided into two experimental models: model A; autogenic model-control group 1 (n = 10), right ovariectomy; group II (n = 10), heterotopic ovarian autotransplant with peritoneal pouch plus left ovariectomy; model B: allogenic model-donator group III (n = 10), right ovariectomy with peritoneal tissue; receptor group (n = 10), ovarian heterotopic allotransplant with peritoneal pouch and bilateral ovariectomy, without immunosuppression; group IV donator (n = 10), receptor (n = 10) using the same procedure as in group III, administering cyclosporine 4 mg/kg/d intramuscularly and prednisone 1 mg/kg/d PO for 28 days. Ovarian function was assessed in the transplanted ovary after stimulation with human chorionic gonadotropin (100 IU). Exfoliative vaginal cytology was done, serum estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P(4)) were measure, and a histological study of ovaries and uteri was done. Late vascular permeability was 73.3%. Serum E2 and P4 levels during the poststimulation period were extremely low exclusively in group III (P < .05). In all viable grafts, the histological study showed follicular development and presence of luteal bodies. In the uteri, the endometrium was proliferative and vaginal cytology showed the karyopicnotic index was >20%. Endocrine function and ovulation were restored in the heterotopic transplanted ovary. Allogenic heterotopic ovarian transplants are indicated in women with gonadal dysgenesia or premature surgical menopause.