Ferning Patterns Research Articles

Relationships between intravaginal electrical resistance, cervicovaginal mucus characteristics and blood progesterone and LH

Measurements of intravaginal electrical resistance ( Rv) were made on seven Hereford × Friesian heifers throughout a synchronised and a normal oestrous cycle. Measurements were taken at depths of 10, 20 and 25 cm in the vagina, using a hand-held probe with two gold ring electrodes connected to a resistance meter. Mucus samples were obtained at different stages of the oestrous cycle and analysed for Cl, Na, Ca and K. Ferning pattern values were also estimated. Progesterone and LH were determined in blood samples taken at different stages of the cycle. Rv and ferning values were more closely related to either Cl or Na than to either Ca or K. Measurements of Rv taken at a depth of 20 or 25 cm inside the vagina were more closely associated with changes in mucus components than those taken at a depth of 10 cm. Rv fluctuated throughout the dioestrous period but a pronounced fall of about 25% was seen at oestrus. The lowest value occurred early in the second half of the oestrous period and coincided with the time of the LH peak. Smaller variations during dioestrus and a larger drop in Rv at oestrus were obtained when measurements were taken at the anterior rather than posterior part of the vagina. A curvilinear relationship was obtained between serum progesterone and Rv measurements ( r = 0.62).

Mechanism of crystallization of purified human midcycle cervical mucus

The crystallization phenomenon of human midcycle cervical mucus was studied with purified mucin and sodium chloride. The drying of the purified mucin in saline was subjected to stress by the use of an air curtain, and crystallization (fern pattern) was found to follow the stress. Lithium chloride and calcium chloride were not compatible with the mucin for the formation of fernlike crystals. When a dilute solution of mucin dissolved in saline was dried, a radial crystallization pattern was observed to emanate from a single crystal in the center. Upon closer examination, the pattern was observed to emanate from the corners of the crystal.

The reproductive cycle of the crab-eating macaque (Macaca fascicularis)

Characteristic changes in the menstrual cycle of the crab-eating macaque were evaluated. Cyclical changes in type and abundance of exfoliated cells in vaginal smears as well as the ferning pattern of cervical mucus were observed. These indices were useful in predicting approximate ovulation time. The cyclical changes in sexual skin swelling and/or coloration were detected only in adolescent females. Micro-sections from ovaries of autopsied animals revealed large Graafian follicle formations often rupturing by day fourteen of the cycle. Length of the menstrual cycle ranged from 26–38 days with a modal value of 28 days.

Cervical mucus arborization in the Rhesus monkey.

Summary. Cyclic variations in the quality of cervical mucus were evaluated in the monkey. A characteristic pattern was observed. On the day before ovulation maximal fern production was noted, with a dramatic regression in fern pattern in the subsequent day. A consistent correlation with changes in vaginal cytology was not observed. Daily examination of fern pattern provides a reliable index for ovulation timing in the monkey.