vaginal cytology: epithelial cells

Question 1

predicting the time of estrus increases the chance of pregnancy conception. how can vaginal cytology be used to predict estrus?

Answer 1

epithelial cells that line the vagina change in response to ovarian hormones

Question 2

describe epithelial cells present during proestrus

Answer 2

• parabasal and intermediate cells are present in early proestrus - hormones haven’t affected them yet
• these are slowly replaced by superficial/cornified cells as hormones are starting to be released and start affecting the cells

Question 3

describe epithelial cells present during estrus

Answer 3

> 90% are going to be superficial cells

Question 4

describe epithelial cells present during diestrus

Answer 4

• increasing #s of parabasal and intermediate cells again - the amount of hormones being released is decreasing
• decreasing #s of superficial cells ^

Question 5

describe epithelial cells present during anestrus

Answer 5

mostly parabasal and intermediate cells - no hormonal effects