Based on a laser light scattering technique and fibre optic probe, we have developed and tested a simple and practical device for real time measurements of ciliary activity in human Fallopian tubes during laparoscopy and laparotomy. A further aim was to investigate the relationship between the ciliary beat frequency (CBF) and the morphology of the ciliary epithelium. The mean +/- SE of CBF in the fimbria and in the ampulla were 5.4 +/- 0.3 Hz and 5.0 +/- 0.1 Hz respectively. Small pieces of fimbria and ampulla epithelium were taken from the same sites at which the CBF was measured, and the percentage of ciliary cells was determined by scanning electron microscopy. A high positive correlation was found between CBF and the percentage of ciliary cells in the fimbria (r = 0.84) and in the ampulla (r = 0.88). The instrument presented in this study provided, for the first time, a quantitative examination of the CBF in intact human Fallopian tubes and may be used for the investigation of ciliary activity in patients with infertility.

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Higher levels of progesterone cause ciliary dysfunction and subsequently may be a possible cause of ectopic pregnancy.