Structural study of uterine tubes of the rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) at different postnatal periods

This study was designed to investigate the histomorphological changes in the uterine tubes of the local rabbits during three different periods of ages that were kitten, immature and mature stages of life. For such study, twenty-four female rabbits were used. Procedure of routine histological technique was performed to prepare histological sections by using general and special histochemical stains. Gross findings revealed the presence of bilateral uterine tubes which comprised thick short coiled preampulla, thin long ampulla and the isthmus which was shortest and straight region joined to the uterus. Microscopically three regions were identified according to the differences in their histological characteristic features. Data revealed that the wall of uterine tubes in kittens was not fully developed, whereas in immature does, global histological and histochemical changes were identified compared to kittens while mature does indicated critical role of the post weaning period on the development of the animals. Changes were specially recognized by histochemical procedure which showed strong positive reactions especially isthmus which obviously reacted with PAS, Ab, combined PAS-AB. In conclusion, current data showed unique differences of the uterine tubes in the local rabbits compared to other mammals especially those of rodentia species.