Fertility following microsurgical removal of the ampullary-isthmic junction in rabbits.

The role of the ampullary-isthmic junction (AIJ) in fertility was investigated in the rabbit by using microsurgical tuboplastic techniques. Microsurgical transection or resection of the AIJ failed to alter fertility significantly. Nine of ten rabbits which underwent unilateral transection of the AIJ became pregnant on the operated side and eight of the ten became pregnant on the unoperated control side. Of the ten rabbits which underwent unilateral AIJ resection, all became pregnant bilaterally. The results of this study indicate that the AIJ is not necessary for normal fertility in the rabbit.