A rabbit model for the evaluation of minimal access treatment of ectopic pregnancy in humans, using intrachorionic injection and local hyperthermia.

Rabbits at mid pregnancy were used as experimental models for investigating the feasibility of intrachorionic injection therapy in human ectopic pregnancy. Also, exposure of rabbit pregnancy to hyperthermia of 45 degrees C was studied. The experiments were followed by serial serum progesterone levels and by light as well as electron microscopy. Intrachorionic injection of different drugs led to demise in 92% of gestations. Application of hyperthermia to the pregnant rabbit uterus led in 94% to demise of gestations. Impairment of the reproductive functions after exposure did not occur. Injection was more effective up to day 15 of pregnancy, while hyperthermia had better results in older gestations. Morphological reactions to injection of different drugs and to hyperthermia were similar. Irreversible damage to the uterine wall was not observed. Intrachorionic injection of drugs may be a suitable treatment of human ectopic pregnancy. Application of hyperthermia may be a promising future therapy.