Oviductal damage and the effect of estradiol.

Predictable and reproducible epithelial damage can be created by prolonged splinting of the oviduct. Splinting is associated with the flattening of the mucosal folds, pressure atrophy and deciliation of the epithelium. To overcome this detrimental effect, a silastic splint releasing 3 micrograms/day of estradiol has been compared to an inert splint in rabbits. Scanning electron microscopic observations demonstrated a lesser mucosal damage and reciliation with the steroid-releasing splint.