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Introduction: Despite the traditional use of Cucurbita pepo seed in pregnancy, its effects on female reproduction remain scarce. This study evaluated the impacts of n-hexane, dichloromethane (DCM), and aqueous ethanol extracts of C. pepo seed on the cyclicity and reproductive hormones of female Wistar rats. Methods: Ten groups of four rats received seed extracts or tween 80 orally for 21 days: A (control)= 0.5 mL tween 80 (vehicle); B, C, & D= 142.86, 285.71, and 428.57 mg/kg nHE; E, F, & G= 142.86, 285.71, 428.57 mg/kg of DCM; and H, I, & J= 142.86, 285.71, 428.57 mg/kg of aqueous ethanol extracts, respectively. Vaginal cytology monitored the estrous cycle daily, and blood samples were obtained for follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen, and progesterone at various oestrus cycle phases. Results: Compared to the control, the estrous cycle phases did not change significantly (P>0.05). FSH levels significantly increased (P

A number of methods are currently used to predict the optimal date of insemination of the breeding bitch, particularly with the use of frozen–thawed canine semen which has a far shorter lifespan than fresh semen. Aside from confirming cytological oestrus, vaginal cytology is of no assistance in predicting the most fertile day(s) in a bitch; however, a neglected avenue of research suggests that vaginal cytology may be of great importance in confirming the days of optimal fertility retrospectively. Similarly, vaginoscopy provides clues as to the stage of a bitch's cycle but is inadequate as a sole determinant of her most fertile days. Nevertheless, vaginoscopy is useful to identify very late oestrus and the onset of dioestrus, as well as Stage I of labour (cervical dilatation). Due to variations in the rate at which circulating progesterone concentrations rise in individual bitches, the reliability of circulating progesterone concentrations for determining the optimal day(s) of insemination with frozen–thawed semen decreases as values rise. Moreover, progesterone assay results can vary widely due to extrinsic factors such as the time of blood sampling, sample storage conditions and the assay employed. Finally, this review investigates evidence surrounding various insemination routes and suggests that well‐performed vaginal insemination, even with frozen–thawed semen, may be an acceptable approach for cases where transcervical insemination is impractical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present study was to investigate the association among the largest follicle (LF), preovulatory estradiol (E2), and predominant vaginal epithelial cell at the completion of hormonal ovarian stimulation for fixed‐time artificial insemination (FTAI) in goats. Thirty‐seven crossbred Boer does received gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) and intravaginal progesterone (P4)‐releasing devices (day 0). On day 5, P4 devices were removed and does received prostaglandin F2α and equine chorionic gonadotrophin. On day 7, does received GnRH, and FTAI was undertaken. On day 7, does were divided into three groups, i.e. small‐sized (3–3.9 mm; n = 5), medium‐sized (4–4.9 mm; n = 8), and large‐sized (≥5 mm; n = 24) according to the diameter of the ovarian LF; follicular characteristics (number and diameter) were identified, and blood samples and vaginal smears were collected. The average diameters of total antral follicles and LF and the percentage of superficial cell were greatest in large‐sized LF does (p <.01). The average diameters of total antral follicle (r =.68) and LF (r =.71), number of preovulatory follicle (r =.58), and plasma E2 concentrations (r =.61) were positively correlated with the percentage of superficial cells (p <.01). The likelihood of a pregnancy outcome after the FTAI increased by 13.71 times in does with a greater average diameter of antral follicle, 14.18 times with emergence of a large preovulatory follicle, and 36.83 times with a higher percentage of vaginal superficial cells (p <.01). It was concluded that there is a relationship between the cell types of the vaginal epithelium, the diameters of the largest ovarian follicles, and the concentration of E2 in goats subjected to FTAI protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precise pregnancy detection is critical for optimizing reproductive efficiency in animals. In mice, the conventional copulation plug method for pregnancy confirmation lacks reliability, particularly in inbred strains, with false-pregnancy rates exceeding 50 %. Here, to improve pregnancy detection efficiency in mice, we examined vaginal cell population changes using vaginal smear technique and analyzed MMP-9 expression in vaginal tract from day 0.5 to 6.5 of pregnancy. A total of forty-four female mice in the estrus stage were paired with sexually mature male mice for natural mating. The morning after mating was considered as embryonic day 0.5 (E0.5). Vaginal cytology was used to determine the vaginal cells of pregnant and non-pregnant mice from day 0.5 to 6.5. Furthermore, the protein and gene expression of MMP-9 were assessed through the utilization of immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR. Our findings reveal that pregnant mice display the higher number of leukocytes but the low number of nucleated/cornified epithelial cells in vagina compared to the non-pregnant counterparts. Furthermore, MMP-9 protein consistently presents in vaginal epithelial cells throughout the experimental period, with increased protein expression on day 4.5 of pregnancy followed by a decline on day 6.5 of pregnancy. This result is similar to MMP-9 gene expression, reaching the peak on day 5.5 of pregnancy. In conclusion, vaginal cytology proves effective for mouse pregnancy determination, while MMP-9 can serve as a potential biomarker for detecting pregnancy in mice.

The accurate detection of the ovulation day is considered as one of the most critical points to determine the proper time for bitch mating. So, the objective of the current study was detecting the optimal time of mating the bitches based on using either vaginal cytology or assaying the plasma progesterone levels with subsequent determination of the pregnancy rates. One hundred and twenty adult bitches were used in this study and classified into three groups; each group consists of 40 bitches. Group 1 in which bitches were optimized for mating based on the vaginal cytology, group 2 and group 3 in which bitches were allowed for mating whenever the plasma progesterone levels were 3-4 ng ̸ml and 4-5 ng ̸ml, respectively. The results showed that, there is no significant difference in the percentages of pregnancy rates between both group 1 and group 3 (87.5% and 92.5%, respectively) but both groups were significantly p˂0.05 higher than that of group 2 (77.5%). In conclusion, higher pregnancy rates will be obtained if the bitches were mated based on either presence of 80% or more cornified epithelial cells in the vaginal smear or the plasma progesterone level was between 4 to 5 ng ̸ ml. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypoestrogenic animal model can be create through bilateral ovariectomy. The hypoestrogenic condition of animals can be determine through vaginal cytology and blood estradiol levels. The aim of this study was to determine the cytological features of vaginal smears and the value of estradiol on the ovariectomy rabbit animal model. As much as 8 female rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) New Zealand White breed, 1 year old with a body weight of 3.0 – 3.5 kg were used in this experiment. All rabbits were under went bilateral ovariectomy. Vaginal cytology and blood sampling were conducted in six times, namely on day 0 (before ovariectomy surgery), as well as days 7, 14, 30, 60, 90 after ovariectomy to observe small nucleated epithelium cells, large nucleated epithelial cells and cornificate cells and measuring blood estradiol levels. The colected data were analyzed using ANOVA and continued with the Duncan test (R-Studio software). The results showed that the rabbit animal model develop to be hypoestrogenic condition starting on the 30th day after ovariectomy, marked by a decrease in estradiol levels above 50% of the estradiol levels before ovariectomy. Vaginal cytology on day 30 showed an increase in small nucleated epithelial cells, and no cornified cells were found, indicating that the estrous cycle was not occurring. Based on the research results, it shows that bilateral ovariectomy produces a hypostrogenic animal model characterized by a decrease in estradiol levels of more than 50% and no cornified epithelial cells were found in vaginal cytology.

The presence of HSPs in female reproductive and their relationship with the steroid hormone fluctuation have been reported in several mammals but not in non-human primates. The present research dealt with the oviductal expression and localization of the more studied HSPs (60, 70, and 90) as well as the morphological changes in the Hamadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas) during the follicular, preovulatory, and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. Therefore, western blots, histomorphological, and immunohistochemical analyses were carried out. The results of western blot analysis displayed the lowest HSP expression in the luteal phase. The histomorphology showed that the mucosal epithelium consisted of undifferentiated cuboidal cells in follicular and luteal phases and well-distinguishable columnar ciliated and non-ciliated cells during the preovulatory phase. Immunohistochemistry evidenced that the mucosal epithelium contained cytoplasmic and nuclear HSP60, 70, and 90 immunostaining in the follicular and luteal phases. During the preovulatory phase, the non-ciliated cells showed: (i) cytoplasmic HSP60; (ii) nuclear and cytoplasmic HSP90. Ciliated cells showed cytoplasmic and ciliary HSP70 and ciliary HSP90. The stromal cells and myocytes of muscular layer displayed a decreased cytoplasmic HSP60 in the preovulatory phase and nuclear and low cytoplasmic HSP70 throughout the menstrual cycle. Nuclear HSP90 decreased in ampulla stromal cells and the follicular phase myocytes. These findings indicate that the expression pattern of HSP60,70, and 90 is related to the morphofunctional features of the baboon oviductal ampulla during the menstrual cycle and could represent a referent point for further studies in the oviduct of Primates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Vet Indones. The Indonesian Veterinary Journal / Jurnal Acta Veterinaria Indonesiana is the property of IPB University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The low reproductive rate of many mammal species is detrimental to their survival as it can lead to a decline in population size. The European mink (Mustela lutreola), the most endangered mammal in Europe, has difficulty reproducing in captivity due to sensitivity to maintenance and handling conditions. To improve captive breeding success, ex situ conservation programmes use vaginal cytology to determine the optimal time for mating. We investigated whether frequent vaginal cytology induced an increase in physiological stress response in European mink and affected the level of sex hormones metabolites. We collected faecal samples from eight females of various ages and quantified levels of faecal cortisol metabolites (FCM), faecal progesterone metabolites (FPM) and faecal oestradiol metabolites (FEM). We found that FCM, FPM and FEM levels varied during the experiment and that there was a positive correlation between the three hormones. Furthermore, FCM levels were influenced by age and individual factors, with older minks showing the highest levels. Based on our study, we conclude that frequent vaginal cytology at this conservation centre appears not to infer any added stress negatively affecting the captive breeding rate, a finding crucial for ex situ conservation programmes. By better understanding this species' physiology, we can help ensure its survival and contribute to the conservation of other threatened mammal species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vaginal cytology (VC) is an essential technique for monitoring the bitch's estrus cycle. Currently, animal‐free teaching methodologies have not been investigated for VC. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate an immersive simulation with a VC model and augmented reality tools. Students (n = 219) from four universities were enrolled, having learning stations with models for practising VC that provided immediate feedback on the technique. Augmented reality tools comprised QR codes that endorsed students to short videos of owners' avatars reporting the clinical reproductive story of the simulated animals and slides with QR codes leading to microscopy slide navigation videos. Proestrus, estrus, diestrus, anestrus and vaginitis were identified in the learning stations. The students' perceptions were evaluated through questionnaires assessing satisfaction, motivation, confidence, impact on learning and diagnostic accuracy. Before the immersive simulation, students had no experience with VC, being afraid of doing a VC with a live dog. Almost all the students considered practicing VC as essential and 94% reported that repeating the procedure (>2 times) was the most important parameter for learning. The simulation activity lasted ≈3 h and significantly improved the confidence of students, being less afraid of doing a VC in a live animal. Slide navigation videos improved the diagnostic accuracy of the estrus cycle stage, and students diagnosed the estrus and vaginitis cases more accurately. The immersive simulation strategy allowed repeated practice in a safe, motivated and standardized environment, being appraised by students as an essential strategy for learning VC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Endometritis is a female reproductive disease characterized by the inflammation of the endometrial glandular and stromal tissues. It is usually occurred due to uterine contamination with infectious causes. Animal models of clinical endometritis are very important to prevent the incidence and treatment of endometritis. Vaginal cytology method is considered as a golden standard for determining the estrous cycle stage in female rats. The aim of this study was to induce endometritis in a rat model and determine the stages of the estrous cycle of this animal using vaginal cytology method in order to successfully induce this condition in this animal model. Conclusion: Inflammation changes the production of endometrial cytokines, which may result in menstrual disorders and decreased endometrial reception by impaired endometrial tissue dysfunction. Increased expression of specific cytokines genes such as IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α can be used to detect the severity and degree of endometritis. Uterine infections are known as a result of damage to the defense mechanisms of the uterine tissue, which are caused by physiological changes in the postpartum period. Another change that occurs in the postpartum period is the increase in the production of reactive oxygen species. The imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species and its clearance leads to the creation of oxidative stress conditions. On the other hand, there is a significant relationship between inflammatory diseases such as endometritis and oxidative stress. On other hand, by accurately determining the estrous cycle of rats by using vaginal cytology, endometritis can be well induced in this species.

Decreased estrogen in the period of menopause causes thinning of the vaginal lining, a rise in vaginal acidity, and a drop in vaginal maturation levels. Menopausal women are seeking treatment for bothersome vaginal symptoms, opting for herbal treatments instead of hormone therapy due to their side effects or contraindications. In 2021–2022, a triple-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial was carried out on 84 postmenopausal women aged 45–60 from Golestan who had the eligibility criteria and sought services from comprehensive health centers. The qualified females were given 5% vaginal cream containing Urtica dioica extract and a placebo for a duration of 8 weeks. Analysis of data was performed with SPSS. Vaginal PH and maturation value were measured before, as well as four and eight weeks following the intervention. Before the intervention, there was no significant difference in the mean (SD) scores of the vaginal pH and VMV between the two groups. During the fourth and eighth weeks post-intervention in the Urtica dioica group, the mean (SD) vaginal pH scores were 4.8 ± 0.7 and 4.3 ± 1.0, and also the mean (SD) VMV scores were 50.8 ± 8.8 and 51.3 ± 8.9, respectively. There was a significant difference between the intervention group and the placebo group (P<0.001). After using Urtica dioica vaginal cream for eight weeks, postmenopausal women displayed higher vaginal maturation value and lower vaginal pH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study was designed to evaluate the changes in vaginal cytology and serum progesterone and estrogen concentration in anestrum bitches treated with a combination of FSH and LH. Seven healthy Mongrel anestrum bitches were treated with daily administration of 75 I.U. FSH plus 75 I.U LH for consecutive nine days and another three bitches were kept as a control without any treatment. Treated and control bitches were examined for the percentages of different vaginal-cytology cells, serum concentration of estrogen and progesterone, and signs of proestrus and estrus in a scheduled timeline. Five of the seven treated bitches (71.4%) showed a gradual decrease in the percentage of parabasal cells, a gradual increase in the percentage of cornified and RBCs, a rapid decrease in the estrogen concentration, and an increase in the progesterone concentration. These five bitches showed signs of proestrus and four of them showed male acceptance and were conceived. These five bitches had high estrogen concentrations before initiation of the treatment. The other two bitches had a low estrogen concentration before the initiation of the treatment and after treatment, they showed a gradual increase in the estrogen concentration, but they did not show characteristic changes in vaginal cytology or progesterone concentration. Control bitches had high estrogen concentrations before treatment, but they did not show characteristic changes in vaginal cytology, estrogen and progesterone concentrations, or signs of proestrus up to one month after the end of the treatment. In conclusion, treating anestrum bitches with a mixture of FSH and LH induced characteristic changes in vaginal cytology and serum estrogen and progesterone concentrations in the majority of bitches. These changes were associated with the induction of fertile estrus in more than half of the treated bitches, and this percentage increased to about 80% in bitches having initial high estrogen concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation was conducted to study the effect of progestin and prostaglandin-based estrous synchronization protocol on estrus parameters, hormonal profile and vaginal cytology in Surti goats. Ten non-pregnant Surti goats were selected and subjected to estrus synchronization with intra-vaginal progesterone sponges (60 mg Medroxyprogesterone acetate, MAP) for 11 days followed by PGF2α injection (125 μg Cloprostenol). Whole blood was collected on day 0 (before treatment), day 5, 11 (after treatment), at proestrus, estrus and diestrus for analyzing progesterone as well as estrogen hormone concentration. The vaginal exfoliative cytology was studied at proestrus, estrus and diestrus. Estrus parameters such as induction rate was 100%, time of onset of estrus from PG injection was 29.70 ± 1.06 h and duration was 30.74 ± 0.19 h. Significantly higher population of parabasal cells and superficial cells were observed during proestrus, intermediate cells in diestrus and cornified cells during estrus. At estrus, level of progesterone was lowest and estrogen was highest. Combination of progestin and prostaglandin-based protocol is successful in synchronization of estrous cycle with 100% estrus induction rate in Surti goats. Further in addition to other signs, vaginal exfoliative cytology can also be used for determining different phases of estrous cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The main differences regarding the follicular dynamics in South American camelids are the distinct phases and their respective durations compared to those in other mammals. There are no reports on the study of vaginal cytology related to sex hormone levels during the specific phases of the follicular wave, such as the follicular recruitment, or even during the follicular deviation in South American camelids. This research was designed to study the follicular dynamics during the follicular deviation process related to vaginal cytological characteristics and endocrine profiles in llamas (Lama glama), being a model for the study of other camelid species. The reproductive physiology in camelid species has its particularities. The present study aimed to characterize the ovarian follicular dynamics and its functional significance in relation to follicular deviation, vaginal cytological characteristics, and sexual hormone profiles in llamas as the first report in South American camelids. Non-pregnant, multiparous llamas (Lama glama; n = 10; age: 48–72 mo.; BCS: 2.5–3.0) were enrolled in the study. The ultrasonographic assessment was carried out transvaginally and follicular ablation was performed (day 0) when follicles were larger than 7 mm. The follicle number and diameter were scored daily throughout the process for a proper evaluation of the deviated follicles and to monitor the presence of new follicle pools (1.5 to 2.5 mm diameter). Vaginal cytological evaluation (parabasal, intermediate, and superficial cells) was performed every other day until day 6. Endocrine profiles (17β estradiol, anti-Mullerian hormone, testosterone, and progesterone) during pre- and post-follicular deviation were determined by using the ELISA assay. Differential follicular dynamics both in the presence of a single dominant follicle (DF) and in codominance during the follicular deviation process were detected in llamas (p < 0.05). The percentage of superficial cells was the most related to the follicular wave phase. However, the percentage of parabasal, intermediate, and superficial cells was not related to the phases of follicular growth, dominance, and regression (p > 0.05). Differential patterns among the different hormone concentration levels regarding the 17β estradiol, anti-Mullerian hormone, progesterone, and testosterone during follicular deviation were observed, with the latter being significantly different along the deviation process (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the use of vaginal cytology assessment would not be sufficient to determine the follicular phases in llamas. Therefore, complementary analyses, such as ultrasonography and endocrine assessment, are strongly recommended to determine follicular dynamics during the follicular deviation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been limited work done on estrus synchronization or induction in the Dasyprocta species. This experiment sought to apply three different methods of estrus synchronization to fifteen agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina) which were placed into three treatments. Treatment 1 received gonadorelin acetate (Fertiline®) injections subcutaneously (40 µg); treatment 2 received two doses of dinoprost tromethamine (Lutalyse®) injections intramuscularly (2.5 mg) nine days apart and; treatment 3 received gonadorelin acetate (Fertiline®) injections subcutaneously (40 µg), followed seven days later by dinoprost tromethamine (Lutalyse®) injections intramuscularly (2.5 mg) and a second gonadorelin acetate (Fertiline®) injection subcutaneously (40 µg) given two days after. Daily vaginal swabbing, followed by cytological analysis was done until estrus was noted in all animals. All animals were successfully synchronized, with estrus being observed 17.40 ± 0.24, 7.25 ± 0.25 and 7.60 ± 0.24 days post treatment for treatments 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Return to estrus in females from treatment 1 was later than the other two treatments (p

Simple Summary: The oviduct or Fallopian tube is the anatomical region where fertilization and early embryonic development take place. The morphology and activity of the epithelial cells are under the control of the sex hormone levels. The non-ciliated cells secrete oviduct-specific estrogen-dependent glycoproteins whose glycan component, despite its key role in the oviductal function, has not yet been studied in baboon species. This study examined the morphology and the glycan composition of the oviductal epithelium of the baboon Papio hamadryas during the menstrual cycle. Different segments of the laparoscopically removed oviducts from healthy adult females during the follicular, preovulatory, and luteal phases were processed. The stage of the menstrual cycle was based on the sex hormone levels and the vaginal cytology features. The morphological and glycopattern analyses revealed that in the epithelium lining, all the oviductal segments were taller, more differentiated, and richer in glycoconjugates during the preovulatory phase than in the follicular and luteal phases. A region-specific glycosylation pattern was also detected. These results provide an insight into the molecular differences occurring in the oviductal regions during the phases of the menstrual cycle of the baboon oviduct, which is a primate phylogenetically close to humans and whose reproductive tract is similar to that of women and influenced by the same hormonal events. The mammalian oviduct is a highly specialized structure where fertilization and early embryonic development occur. Its mucosal epithelium is involved in maintaining and modulating a dynamic intraluminal fluid. The oviductal epithelium consists of ciliated and non-ciliated (secretory) cells whose differentiation and activity are sex hormone-dependent. In this study, we investigated for the first time both the morphology and the glycan composition of baboon oviductal epithelium during the menstrual cycle. Oviducts were laparoscopically removed from 14 healthy adult female Papio hamadryas whose menstrual cycle phase was assessed based on the sex hormone levels and the vaginal cytology features. Histological investigations were carried out on fimbriae, infundibulum, ampulla, and isthmus separately fixed in 4% (v/v) paraformaldehyde, embedded in paraffin wax, and stained with hematoxylin-eosin for morphological analyses and using a panel of nine fluorescent lectins for glycoconjugate characterization. The histomorphological analysis revealed that in the entire oviduct (i) the ciliated and non-ciliated cells were indistinguishable during the follicular and luteal phases, whereas they were highly differentiated during the preovulatory phase when the non-ciliated cells exhibited apical protrusions, (ii) the epithelium height was significantly higher in the preovulatory phase compared to other menstrual phases, and (iii) the number of ciliated cells significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased from the fimbriae to the infundibulum and progressively reduced in the other oviductal segments with the lower presence of ciliated cells in the isthmus. The glycan characterization revealed a complex and region-specific composition during the different phases of the menstrual cycle. It can be summarized as follows: (i) high-mannosylated N-linked glycans (Con A reactivity) were present throughout the oviductal epithelium during the entire menstrual cycle and characteristically in the apical protrusions of non-ciliated cells of the ampulla during the preovulatory phase; (ii) sialoglycans with α2,3-linked sialic acids (MAL II binding) were expressed along the entire oviductal surface only during the preovulatory phase, whereas α2,6-linked ones (SNA affinity) were also detected in the surface of the luteal phase, although during the preovulatory phase they were characteristically found in the glycocalyx of the isthmus cilia, and O-linked sialoglycans with sialic acids linked to Galβl,3GalNAc (T antigen) (KsPNA) and terminal N-acetylgalactosamine (Tn antigen) (KsSBA) were found in the entire oviductal surface during all phases of the menstrual cycle; (iii) GalNAc terminating O-linked glycans (HPA staining) were mainly expressed in the entire oviducts of the luteal and preovulatory phases, and characteristically in the apical protrusions of the isthmus non-ciliated cells of the preovulatory phase; and (iv) fucosylated glycans with α1,2-linked fucose (LTA reactivity) occurred in the apical surface of fimbriae during the luteal phase, whereas α1,3/4-linked fucose (UEA I binders) were present in the apical protrusions of the ampulla non-ciliated cells and in the apical surface of isthmus during the preovulatory phase as well as in the isthmus apical surface of follicular-phase oviducts. These results demonstrate for the first time that morphological and glycan changes occur in the baboon oviductal epithelium during the menstrual cycle. Particularly, the sex hormone fluctuation affects the glycan pattern in a region-specific manner, probably related to the function of the oviductal segments. The findings add new data concerning baboons which, due to their anatomical similarity to humans, make an excellent model for female reproduction studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Vet Indones. The Indonesian Veterinary Journal / Jurnal Acta Veterinaria Indonesiana is the property of IPB University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

For toxicology testing of (agro)chemicals, different study types are being performed with general and/or reproductive toxicity endpoints (see Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development guidelines). In most of these rat studies, vaginal cytology is performed on serial samples (collected by lavage) for evaluation of cycle regularity and evidence of mating, and/or on a single sample collected on the day of necropsy for information on the estrous cycle stage and allowing correlation with histopathology. In the latter case, the utility of vaginal cytology can be argued. In this article, estrous cycle stages based on vaginal cytology of samples taken on the day of necropsy and histopathology of ovaries, uterus, and vagina (gold standard for estrous cycle stage assessment) were compared. The agreement was generally low. Disagreement between the two methods could be explained by time differences between lavage and necropsy, by manipulation of vaginal epithelium during lavage which may impact epithelial morphology on histology, and by misinterpretation of vaginal cytology during or shortly after lactation. Based on the results of estrous staging within different study types, we strongly discourage vaginal cytology from samples collected on the day of necropsy since there is no added value, vaginal manipulation can be stressful and may complicate the histologic diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous plants and plant metabolites have proven to be very potent in treating diseases and modifying physiological processes. This study investigated the effect of aqueous extract of Xylopia aethiopica fruit on the reproductive system of mature virgin female Wistar rats. Aqueous extract of Xylopia aethiopica fruit was obtained by hot water maceration. Fifteen female Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups(A, B, and C) of five animals per group, per cage. Group A served as the standard control group and was administered distilled water. In contrast, groups B and C served as the treatment groups and were administered 150and 300mg/kg body weight of the extract, respectively, for 15days orally. The effect of the plant extract on; reproductive hormonal profile (oestradiol, progesterone, and progesterone-estrogen ratio), reproductive organ and body weights, vaginal cytology, and reproductive histology were assessed. All the rats were at the follicular phase before and after treatment. All the measured parameters except oestradiol levels were statistically insignificant (p >0.05). Serum oestradiol levels increased significantly (p < 0.05)in the 300mg/kg body weight group (68.67 ± 0.20 pg/ml) when compared with the control group (46.13 ± 5.07 pg/ml).The work thus showed that the plant could affect a female’s reproductive cycle by enhancing oestradiol levels at the follicular phase.

ObjectiveVaginal cancer is an uncommon cancer of the lower genital tract, and standardized screening is not recommended. Risk factors for vaginal cancer include a history of other lower genital tract neoplasia or cancer, smoking, immunosuppression, and exposure to diethylstilbestrol in utero. Although cervical cancer screening after total hysterectomy for benign disease is not recommended, many women inappropriately undergo vaginal cytology and/or human papillomavirus (hrHPV) tests, and clinicians are faced with managing their abnormal results. Our objective is to review the literature on vaginal cytology and hrHPV testing and to develop guidance for the management of abnormal vaginal screening tests.MethodsAn electronic search of the PubMed database through 2015 was performed. Articles describing vaginal cytology or vaginal hrHPV testing were reviewed, and diagnostic accuracy of these tests when available was noted.ResultsThe available literature was too limited to develop evidence-based recommendations for managing abnormal vaginal cytology and hrHPV screening tests. However, the data did show that 1) the risk of vaginal cancer in women after hysterectomy is extremely low, justifying the recommendation against routine screening, and 2) in women for whom surveillance is recommended, e.g. women post-treatment for cervical precancer or cancer, hrHPV testing may be useful in identification of vaginal cancer precursors.ConclusionVaginal cancer is rare, and asymptomatic low-risk women should not be screened. An algorithm based on expert opinion is proposed for managing women with abnormal vaginal test results.

ObjectiveVaginal cancer is an uncommon cancer of the lower genital tract, and standardized screening is not recommended. Risk factors for vaginal cancer include a history of other lower genital tract neoplasia or cancer, smoking, immunosuppression, and exposure to diethylstilbestrol in utero. Although cervical cancer screening after total hysterectomy for benign disease is not recommended, many women inappropriately undergo vaginal cytology and/or human papillomavirus (HPV) tests, and clinicians are faced with managing their abnormal results. Our objectives were to review the literature on vaginal cytology and high-risk HPV (hrHPV) testing and to develop guidance for the management of abnormal vaginal screening tests.Materials and methodsAn electronic search of the PubMed database through 2015 was performed. Articles describing vaginal cytology or vaginal hrHPV testing were reviewed, and diagnostic accuracy of these tests when available was noted.ResultsThe available literature was too limited to develop evidence-based recommendations for managing abnormal vaginal cytology and hrHPV screening tests. However, the data did show that (1) the risk of vaginal cancer in women after hysterectomy is extremely low, justifying the recommendation against routine screening, and (2) in women for whom surveillance is recommended, e.g., women posttreatment for cervical precancer or cancer, hrHPV testing may be useful in identification of vaginal cancer precursors.ConclusionsVaginal cancer is rare, and asymptomatic low-risk women should not be screened. An algorithm based on expert opinion is proposed for managing women with abnormal vaginal test results.

The aim of the wok is to assess the efficiency of hormone-regulating synchronization of ovulation in female mice, to increase the number of simultaneously fertilized individuals and obtain their offspring in the planned time frame.Materials and methods. The study was carried out on 180 female mice of three lines – CBA/lac, C57BL/6, BALB/c (n = 60), divided into three subgroups: intact (mating without confirmation of the estrous phase) (n = 20), cytological examination of vaginal secretions before mating with the determination of the estrous phase (n = 20), hormone-regulating synchronization of the estrous cycle with the introduction of progesterone (4.5 mg/100 g) on the 1st and prostaglandin F2α (0.083 mg/100 g) on the 7th day, once from the beginning of the experiment followed by immediate mating (n = 20). The planned date of delivery was considered the 22nd day from the moment of mating. The ovulation synchronization index (OSI) was assessed on the 14th day after mating.Results. On the 14th day from the beginning of the experiment, the ovulation synchronization index in the intact groups of the CBA/lac, C57BL/6, BALB / c lines, was 25%, 25%, 40%, respectively. On the 14th day, the number of pregnant individuals admitted to mating after the established estrus by the method of cytological assessment of vaginal secretions according to OSI, was 65%, 60%, 75%, respectively. In the experimental groups, OSI was 80%, 75%, 100%, respectively. On the 22nd day, the number of delivered females of CBA/lac, C57BL/6, BALB/c lines in the intact group, was 3, 1, 3 individuals; in the control group – 10, 6, 9, and in the experimental group – 16, 15, 17, which is significantly higher than in the control and intact groups (p˂0.05).Conclusion. Hormone-regulating synchronization of ovulation in female mice significantly increases the number of delivered individuals on the 22nd day, relative to those synchronized by estrus by 53%, and to intact groups by 85.5%. It has been revealed that an additional effect of hormonal synchronization of ovulation is an increase in the number of offspring by 120% in comparison with the control groups and by 390% in comparison with the intact groups. This method of timing planning of the offspring birth of the experimental animals reduces the time spent on preclinical studies of drugs for the following types of assessment of toxic effects: reproductive toxicity, embryotoxicity, teratogenicity, effects on fertility.

The present study was conducted in a goat farm for pregnancy diagnosis by using vaginal cytology and B-mode real time ultrasound using 5 MHz probe by transabdominal method. Seventeen pregnant does were used for this study. The objective of the study was to determine the earliest day of pregnancy and describe the chronological characteristics of pregnancy from day 22 to day 40 for vaginal cytology and day 25 to day 60 for ultrasonography of gestation. The differences among the average percentage of cell value in different age of pregnancy were significant (p < 0.05). The average percentage of intermediate cells (81.12%) was also significantly (p < 0.05) higher than superficial (9.41%), keratinized (7.10%) and neutrophil (2.61%) on 22-40th days of pregnancy. In case of real time B-mode ultrasonography, the gestational sac was observed only in three does out of seventeen (17.6 %) at 25-30 days whereas the placentomes and heart beat of the foetus were first detected at 31-35 days in six does (35.3%). The foetal leg buds were first visualized at 36-40 days in four does (23.5%) whereas the foetal vertebral column was first observed at 36-40 days of gestation in only three does (17.6%). In conclusion, vaginal cytology and trans-abdominal ultrasonography can be used for detection of early pregnancy in does.

abstract: Initiating a breeding program using animals sourced from the wild can be challenging due to the time it takes to determine their basic reproductive traits in the ex situ environment. Often, the needs for such a program arise rapidly due to a catastrophic event. After multiple wildfires decimated much of the endangered Mt. Graham red squirrel’s (Tamiasciurus fremonti grahamensis) limited habitat, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Phoenix Zoo (Phoenix, Arizona, USA) initiated a pilot breeding program using wild-sourced individuals, including the five (three males, two females) studied here. To inform the breeding program, we sought to characterize the reproductive biology of the Mt. Graham red squirrel by developing non-invasive and/or or minimally invasive methods. Our specific objectives were to: 1) characterize reproductive biology via fecal hormone metabolite analysis; 2) determine how reproductive hormones vary across the breeding season; 3) determine the relationship between the hormonal analysis and the physiological changes, and 4) identify a non-invasive or minimally invasive method to rapidly assess when females are close to ovulation. Results showed that follicular phases (number of days fecal estrogen metabolites (FEMs) were elevated) lasted ~26 days (range, 14–51 days). The only female to ovulate ovulated three times with fecal progestogen metabolites (FPMs) remaining elevated for ~21 days. Peak vulvar swelling in this female was associated with higher FEM and the peri-ovulatory period, but vaginal cytology results were less useful for predicting ovulation. For males, scrotum enlargement occurred in January and February and fecal androgen metabolites (FAMs) were elevated in March and June, with lowest concentrations in August, October, and December. Although no successful copulation was observed among paired squirrels, this study provides valuable information about Mt. Graham red squirrel reproductive biology and establishes non-invasive methods that can be used to determine reproductive readiness and make ex situ management decisions. Furthermore, this ex situ study is the first to characterize estrogen and progesterone metabolite patterns for an American tree squirrel (Tribe: Sciurini) across the breeding season.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis, trichomoniasis, and associated factors in women who use the cytology service of two hospitals in Apartadó and Rionegro in 2014. Methodology: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Data source: the cytology laboratory database of the School of Microbiology. Study population: 6447 samples from women who attended the cytology service in Apartadó hospital with 3,762 records and Rionegro hospital with 2,685 records. Absolute and relative frequencies with confidence intervals were calculated, the association between the independent variables that showed significant association with the microorganisms studied were explored, and then, entered in a multivariate binary logistic regression model. In all analyzes statistical significance level of 0.05 was accepted and data were stored and analyzed with SPSS 20,1®. Results: The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis was 29.9 %, candidiasis 10.7% and trichomoniasis 3.2 %. No significant differences between municipalities were observed nor statistically significant association with any of the risk factors studied. Conclusions: The behavior of BV, candida and trichomona were very similar to those reported in other researches and no difference was found between the studied municipalities, despite the differences in socioeconomic and cultural contexts.

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Copulation calls are mating-associated vocalizations that are common in primates, with females vocalizing after copulation in several Old World monkeys and apes. Baboon females typically produce copulation calls that correlate with fertile phase. Calls are, thus, regarded as an upshot of cycle physiology and sexually selected calls. Here, we describe three captive troops of olive baboons wherein, against expectation, females suppressed vocalizing during copulations. Vaginal cytology, together with sexual swelling observations, confirmed that females experienced full receptive cycles. Ovulation did not affect vocal probability during sex, while copulation calls were predicted by male ejaculation just as in other Old World primate species. Results cast doubt on the existence of physiological triggers for baboon copulation calls. Social factors may instead play a larger role. Alterations in social structure (as typically observed in the wild) may be implemented strategically as captive enrichment in order to reveal how females in highly social primates change sexual strategies and, therefore, the use of their copulation calls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The close link between nutrition management and reproductive efficiency is well known, but there is very little data available concerning this topic in canine species. The present study aimed to compare the effect of two different diets upon the follicular period and gestation in bitches. Eighteen pluriparus medium and large size bitches were recruited and divided into control (CTR) and experimental (EX) groups and fed, respectively, with a commercial kibble diet and a specially formulated diet from two months before the expected onset of proestrus up to the end of the trial. It was possible to observe how the EX group had a better clinical presentation of the estrous phase, a higher number of ovarian follicles (p < 0.05), a lower percentage of fetal resorption (p < 0.05), and lower oxidative status, expressed by d-ROMs (p < 0.01), at the moment of pregnancy diagnosis compared to CTR group. Moreover, the EX group showed a lower fetal resorption rate and higher litter size (p < 0.05). These results highlight how a diet characterized by high protein and fat content and richer in essential fatty acids can improve reproductive performance in dogs.

To explore the incidence of abnormal vaginal cytology after total laparoscopic hysterectomy for the treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 3, we retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients treated at NHO Shikoku Cancer Center (Japan) in 2014-2019. The cases of 99 patients who underwent a laparoscopic (n=36) or open (n=63) hysterectomy and postoperative follow-up were examined. Abnormal vaginal cytology was detected in 13.9% (5/36) of the laparoscopic-surgery (LS) group and 14.3% (9/63) of the open-surgery (OS) group. A vaginal biopsy was performed at the physicians' discretion; one LS patient and six OS patients were diagnosed with vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia. The cumulative incidence of abnormal vaginal cytology at 3 years post-hysterectomy was 21.4% (LS group) and 20.5% (OS group), a nonsignificant difference. A multivariate analysis showed that age > 50 years was the only independent risk factor for abnormal vaginal cytology among the covariates examined including age; body mass index; histories of vaginal delivery, abdominal surgery, and smoking; and surgical approach (hazard ratio 8.11; 95% confidence interval 1.73-37.98; p=0.01). These results suggest that the occurrence of abnormal vaginal cytology after a hysterectomy may not be influenced by the laparoscopic procedure but is associated with older age., Competing Interests: No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Canine overpopulation continues to be a problem with serious public health implications, despite a diversity of programs and strategies that have been implemented for its control. Coumestrol (COU) is an organic compound with estrogenic activity, thus having the potential to alter reproduction in mammals. COU is commonly dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) before administration; however, evidence indicates that DMSO is not inert. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of either a single oral administration of COU diluted in DMSO or of DMSO-alone, on serum progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2), on vaginal cell pattern, and on anestrus and diestrus lengths in bitches. Fifteen anestrus female dogs received either a single commercial dog food biscuit (Control, n=5), a biscuit with 600 µg of COU/kg diluted in 20 µL of DMSO (COU, n=5), or a biscuit with 20 µL of DMSO (DMSO, n=5). Circulating P4, E2, and changes in vaginal cytology, were assessed within the first month after treatment administration. Hormone levels were also measured from months 2-6 post-treatment. Mean differences were analyzed by the GLM procedure for repeated measures. COU enhanced serum E2 levels, and DMSO increased serum P4, number of vaginal anucleated superficial cells, and diestrus length. All dogs were deemed healthy based on all periodical clinical exams, but abnormal mammary gland growth and/or galactorrhea were observed in two COU and one DMSO-treated bitches. The findings of the present study expose the need to reevaluate previous reports of use of COU in bitches, and perhaps in other mammals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents: Reports of the vaginal flora of wild cats such as lions or leopards are scarce. The micro‐organisms most commonly found in the vagina of clinically healthy cats are aerobic bacteria such as coagulase‐negative Staphylococcus, Streptococcus canis, and Escherichia coli. Simonsiella spp are large Gram‐negative bacteria belonging to the Neisseriaceae family, typically found in the oral cavity and upper respiratory tract of many species. To date, there are no reports of the detection of Simonsiella spp in the vaginal flora of any felid. For a period of six months, daily behaviour monitoring was performed on six captive lionesses at a South African conservation centre, in parallel with the collection of vaginal swabs and interpretation of the resultant vaginal cytologies every other day. Oestrus was identified by typical female reproductive behaviours, as well as by enlarged and separated vulvar lips, and a predominant proportion of superficial cornified cells, clearing of the background, and high bacterial presence in the vaginal smear. Simonsiella spp were identified by their characteristic morphology in 58% (60 of 103) of the vaginal samples collected during oestrus. They were also found in oral swabs of three out of three lions tested. Additionally, Simonsiella spp were opportunistically found in a vaginal smear from a zoo housed female Sri Lankan leopard in oestrus, during a routine reproduction assessment. The finding of Simonsiella spp may be more common than previously suspected, transitory, and without detectable clinical relevance. A connection between occurrence of these bacteria and oestrus was apparent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed at comparing the commonly used metachromatic stains viz., Papanicolaou stain, Wright-Giemsa, Toluidine blue and Methylene blue in the assessment of cell types of the oestrous cycle in rats. Eight female Sprague-Dawley rats aged 8-9 weeks were used for this assessment. Cotton Swabs were gently inserted in the animals vagina to obtain cells from which they were then transferred to glass slides for staining and evaluation under microscopy. The different cell types were compared for their morphological features and clarity of cellular detail under all four stains. The application, advantages and limitations of all stains were then discussed. It was concluded that the selection of the most effective stain in the assessment of vaginal cytology depends on their application to clinical or research which was based on the cellular detail of interest, time, cost and availability of each staining procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although analyzing reproductive hormones provides insight into reproduction, reproductive endocrinology remains understudied in most free-ranging organisms due to difficulties obtaining and preserving biological samples. This study examined differences in fecal hormone (progesterone and estradiol) metabolites at different reproductive stages and determined the probability that a female bat (Seba's short-tailed fruit bats, Carollia perspicillata) was in metestrus or pregnancy by relating vaginal cytology with hormone concentrations. We examined fifty-three females collected throughout the reproductive season for the presence of a conceptus, and an additional fifteen that were lactating. In addition, groups of cells (superficial, intermediate, and parabasal cells) in exfoliate vaginal cytology were quantified for each individual to further characterize stage of reproduction. Progesterone and estradiol concentrations increased from estrus through early pregnancy and then decreased into late pregnancy. From late pregnancy to early lactation progesterone levels continued to decrease whereas estradiol levels increased. Superficial cell proportions were higher during metestrus than during pregnancy and were an effective predictor for these two phases of the reproductive cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the estrogenic activity of the hydro-alcoholic extract of Bambusa arundinaceae leaves (HEBA) in female Wistar rats. The dried powdered leaves were extracted with hydroalcoholic mixture (60%), and the resultant extract was subjected for phytochemical analyses to identify different phytoconstituents. HEBA were administered to ovariectomized rats for 7 days at three different doses (viz., 200, 300, 400 mg/kg body weight, p.o.) and their estrogenic activity were compared with each of daily treatment with 0.2 mg/kg body weight, i.p. conjugated equine estrogen as a positive control or olive oil as a negative control. Estrogenic activity was evaluated by doing uterotropic assay, vaginal cytology and measurement of vaginal opening in female Wistar rats. Oral administration of HEBA in ovariectomized immature and mature female Wistar rats in a dose of 400 mg/kg b.w. resulted in significant increase in the uterine wet weight (in mg) (224.82 ± 7.01) and (912.25 ± 27.22) when compared with ovariectomized control rats (111.52 ± 3.17) and (506.67 ± 21.39). HEBA (400 mg/kg b.w., p.o.) treated rats, showing only cornified epithelial cells which was an indication of the presence of the estrogen and also showed 100% vaginal opening. It was observed that HEBA possess significant estrogenic activity at 400 mg/kg b.w., p.o. which was evident by uterotropic assay, measurement of vaginal opening, and histopathological changes.

A study was carried out on 16 indigenous ewes in Bangladesh in order to assess the reproductive physiology, the pattern of vaginal cell exfoliation and progesterone profiles during the estrous cycle period. The mean estrous cycle length and duration of estrus were 15.8±0.12 days and 31.1±0.57 h respectively. The exfoliated epithelial cells were categorized into parabasal, intermediate, superficial and keratinized and their relative occurrences. The percentages of parabasal, intermediate and superficial cell type during proestrus were similar. The percentage of superficial cell type during estrus was 61.7%, which was significantly (p

The present study was designed to observe the oestrus responses in the indigenous ewe induced by cloprostenol sodium manufactured by two different companies (Ovuprost®, BOMAC, Newzealandand Prostenol®, Techno, Bangladesh). Twelve local ewes were divided into 3 groups (n= 8). The ewes in Group I and II were induced by intramuscular injection of 100 μg (0.4 ml) of cloprostenol sodium (Ovuprost® and Prostenol®), respectively. The 2nd injection in each group was given at 9 days apart. The ewes in Group III were kept as control for observing natural oestrus characteristics and comparing the responses with induced oestrus. Hundred and 75% ewes showed oestrus following 2nd injection of Ovuprost® and Prostenol®, respectively. The average time of onset of oestrus following 1st and 2nd injection of Ovuprost® and Prostenol® were 50.5 ± 3.5 vs 48.0 ± 0.0 h and 49.9 ± 1.9 vs 49.5 ± 1.7 h, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two types of cloprostenol sodium group on the onset of oestrus. The average duration of oestrus was 27.5 ± 0.7 vs 27.5 ± 0.0 h and 25.9 ± 3.3 vs 24.2 ± 0.3 h in Ovuprost® and Prostenol® treated ewes, respectively. For natural oestrus, the duration of oestrus was 25.2 ± 3.3 h. There was no significant difference among the cloprostenol sodium produced by two different companies and natural oestrous ewes on the duration of oestrus. The higher percentages of cornified cells were present in induced oestrus (90 and 85%) compared with natural oestrus (80%), although there was no significant difference among them. The pregnancy rates were 75, 66.7 and 100% in Ovuprost®, Prostenol® and natural oestrous ewes, respectively. The above results indicate the suitability of using cloprostenol sodium for synchronization of oestrus in indigenous ewes in Bangladesh.