Effects of Endometriosis, Fibroids, and Other Pathological Conditions on Muscular Contractions in the Human Fallopian Tube

Background Ectopic pregnancy (EP) and tubal endometriosis (TEM) directly affect the fallopian tube structure and function, while ovarian cysts (OC) and uterine fibroids (UF) may indirectly influence tubal physiology. These conditions are associated with infertility, but their impact on fallopian tube mechanical contractions remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the effects of these pathologies on fallopian tube contractility. Method Ampulla samples were obtained from women undergoing salpingectomy for benign causes. Based on the menstrual phases, samples were divided into two groups: proliferative (NP, TEM, OC, and UF) and secretory (NS and EP). NP considered control for the proliferative group, while NS for the EP. Contractile parameters, maximum contractile force (MCF), basal tone (BT), frequency, and amplitude were measured using an isometric force transducer, while in another set of experiments, the oxytocin (OT) doses (1 μM and 10 μM) response was assessed. Smooth muscle organization and structural changes were analyzed through hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Result Compared to the NP, the TEM and OC groups showed significantly lower MCF, BT, frequency, and amplitude, along with damaged smooth muscle layers, while UF showed decreased frequency and amplitude, with organized muscle structure. EP showed higher MCF and BT than NS, with increased frequency and amplitude and disorganized smooth muscle. OT increased contractility at 1 μM and reduced it at 10 μM in most groups. Conclusion Fallopian tube contractions and tissue structure were differentially affected across groups with increased contractility observed in the EP group and reduced contractility in the UF, OC, and TEM groups.