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Alterations in rat vaginal histology by exogenous gonadotrophins

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 October 1998

T. JOSEPH M. DALY
Affiliation:
Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
BEVERLEY KRAMER
Affiliation:
Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Abstract

Changes in vaginal epithelium are known to occur during the normal oestrous or menstrual cycle and in ovariectomised animals in response to various hormones. However, vaginal changes due to exogenous gonadotrophins superimposed on the normal hormonal milieu as occurs in in vitro fertilisation programmes have not previously been demonstrated. Female rats were hyperstimulated with follicle stimulating hormone and human chorionic gonadotrophin prior to mating. Control mated animals were not injected. Vaginal tissue was collected at 4.5, 5.5 and 6.5 d after mating. Tissue was processed for light microscopy. Hyperstimulation by the exogenous gonadotrophins caused mucification, a decrease in the number of epithelial layers and an increase in the thickness of the epithelium on d 4.5 of pregnancy. The mitotic index of the epithelial cells was depressed in the hyperstimulated rats with respect to control animals. Exposure to high levels of oestradiol and an altered progesterone[ratio ]oestradiol ratio appear to have caused the changes in the vaginal epithelium.

Type
Short Report
Copyright
© Anatomical Society of Great Britain and Ireland 1998

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