Division of the uterine vein and the function of the adjacent ovary in the ewe

Abstract

The influence of vascular connections between uterine horn and adjacent ovary on the function of the CL was investigated in twenty-four ewes. Normal luteal regression occurred in ten out of ten ewes in which all connections between the uterus and ovarian pedicle were severed except the middle uterine vein. The CL was maintained in four out of ten ewes in which the middle uterine vein alone was ligated and divided. In those ewes which returned to heat, a tubal arcade of veins anastomosing between the uterine and ovarian veins was noted. Division of these anastomotic veins in addition to the middle uterine vein inhibited luteal regression in six out of seven ewes. These results suggest that integrity of the venous connections between the uterus and ovary is essential for normal luteal regression.