OBJETIVO: To verify the fertility of rabbits submitted to allogenic ovarian transplantation without vascular pedicle and immunosupressed by cyclosporine. METHODS: Ten New Zealand White and California female rabbits were submitted to ovaries exchanging between pairs of animals. In one side the ovary was intact and in the other side the ovary was sliced. Cyclosporine was administered through a 12 Fr orogastric tube, every day during six months. Three months later, the animals were daily paired with sexually mature New Zealand White males during other six months. At the end of the follow-up period, blood samples were withdrawn for estradiol, progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone assessment. Then, all animals were killed. Hystological studies of uterus, ovaries and tubes were carried out. RESULTS: Pregnancy occurred in five rabbits, and four of them had live litters. Hormones levels were normal in all animals. Transplanted ovaries were surrounded by connective tissue, they were well vascularized and contained follicles in different stages of development. CONCLUSIONS: Rabbits submitted to allogeneic ovarian transplantation without vascular pedicle and immunosupressed by cyclosporine maintain fertility and female hormone function.
Ovary; Transplantation; Ovariectomy; Pregnancy; Rabbits; Cyclosporine; Fertilization
