Evaluation Of Vaginal Cytology Research Articles

Taxa de prenhez e tamanho da ninhada de cadelas Buldogue Inglês inseminadas com sêmen fresco

The present study aimed to evaluate the estrus cycle of Bulldog bitches using vaginal cytology, and to inseminate these with fresh semen, leading to the determination of pregnancy rate and the size of the litter. Sixteen (16) English Bulldog breed bitches were used, all with good reproductive history and proved fertility, age ranging from 1.5 to 6 years. Associated with the proestrus detection (external signs: vulva edema and a blood-stained discharge) was performed the vaginal cytology in order to determine the estrus moment, as well was observed the female behavior of male acceptance. The artificial inseminations (AI) started when the vaginal cytology showed 90% of superficial cells, then repeated every 48h until the vaginal cytology change to diestrus (increasing the nucleated cell counting) and/or the bitch stop to accept the dog mating. To perform the semen collection were used the digital manipulation, all male breeders undergo to a previous seminal examination being select for use only ejaculates with more than 70% of total motility, vigor 3 and, at least, 200x106 of spermatozoa. The AI was performed using all the collected ejaculate. The gestation confirmation was made by transabdominal ultrasonography between 25 and 30 days after the last AI, the ultrasonographic evaluation after that was carried out periodically in order to determine the best moment to execute the c-section. The vaginal cytology evaluation, associated with the compartmental changes in the bitch was efficient to detect the estrus onset in 100% of the bitches. Get pregnant 14 of the 16 bitches inseminated (87.5%). The litters had a mean number of 5.6 puppies, of those 53.16% (42/79) were male and 46.84% (37/79) were female. The AI with fresh semen associated with vaginal cytology provided good fertility results and size of litters compatible in English Bulldog under these experimental conditions.

Short Term Safety, Immunogenicity, and Reproductive Effects of Combined Vaccination With Anti-GnRH (Gonacon) and Rabies Vaccines in Female Feral Cats.

Overpopulation of free-roaming cats is a major problem leading to negative impacts on animal health and welfare, public nuisance, transmission of zoonotic diseases, and well-documented harm to wildlife. Surgical sterilization had failed to provide a practical solution to free-roaming cats' overpopulation under field conditions; therefore, efficient and safe non-surgical immunocontraception methods are aspired. Rabies is a deadly virus that may infect people and animals. However, the safety and efficacy of combined vaccination with anti-GnRH and rabies vaccines in feral cats, which often suffer from disrupted health conditions and experienced high stress level, has never been studied. Therefore, our objective was to examine the short-term safety and efficacy of anti-GnRH vaccine (Gonacon), in combination with rabies vaccine in female feral cats. Mature feral female cats were captured and divided into the following groups: (I) GonaconX1-Rabies: queens vaccinated with both Gonacon and rabies (n = 5); (II) GonaconX2-Rabies: queens vaccinated twice with Gonacon (3 weeks apart) and with Rabies (n = 4); (III) OVx-Rabies: queens ovariohysterectomized and vaccinated with rabies (n = 4); (IV) Intact-Rabies: queens vaccinated against rabies and remained intact (n = 3). Comprehensive veterinary examinations and blood tests were performed every 2 weeks for 14 weeks. Data were analyzed by Repeated-Measures-ANOVA or Fisher-Exact-Test. There were neither systemic nor local adverse reactions at the vaccination sites. Blood count (PCV, TS, RBC, HGB, HCT, WBC) and chemistry (Total protein, Total globulin, Albumin, Urea, Creatinine, Creatine kinase, Bilirubin, GGT, ALT, AST) analyses revealed no differences among groups. There were no differences in serum rabies antibodies titers among groups, and queens kept a protective titer (>0.5 IU/mL) starting at 2–4 weeks after vaccination. Anti-GnRH antibodies were detected in all Gonacon-vaccinated queens, excluding one queen (GonaconX2-Rabies group). Anti-müllerian hormone serum concentrations reduced significantly after ovariohysterectomy, as well as gradually following vaccination with Gonacon, but it remained high in intact queens. Evaluation of vaginal cytology and ovarian histology suggested that reproductive cyclicity was suppressed in Gonacon-vaccinated queens. Our results support the conclusion that in the short term, the combined vaccination with Gonacon and rabies is safe and effective in female feral cats. However, further long-term studies are warranted to test this immunologic regimen in feral cats.

Reproductive cycle stage assessment using vaginal cytology evaluation in African lions (Panthera leo)

Vaginal cytology evaluation is an economic, non-invasive technique for indirect monitoring of fluctuations in estrogen concentrations, and thus progression of the estrous cycle. This technique is widely used in domestic dogs for determining timing of artificial insemination. There, however, are only a few reports on the vaginal cytology of non-domestic felids, including lions. This study was conducted, therefore, to describe the vaginal epithelial changes throughout the reproductive cycle of African lions, and to investigate the efficacy of vaginal cytology assessments for predicting reproductive stages. During a 12-month period, reproductive behavioral data and vaginal swabs were collected daily from five lionesses. In total, 541 vaginal smears were evaluated for the proportion of mucosal epithelial cells, neutrophils, bacterial cells, and amount of mucous, cellular debris. One single swab with a large proportion of superficial cells, absence of neutrophils, large number of bacteria, without cellular debris was sufficient for detecting lionesses in estrus. Likewise, one cytology sample with a large proportion of parabasal and intermediate cells, few neutrophils, few bacteria, and large amount of mucous, cellular debris enabled detection of females in advanced diestrus or gestation. To distinguish lionesses in early diestrus from those in an inter-estrous period, at least two consecutive swabs were necessary for satisfactory classification. Overall, evaluation of vaginal cytology samples was an effective technique for differentiation among different stages of the reproductive cycle, confirmation of estrus, and pregnancy diagnosis in lionesses. This technique, therefore, has the potential for application in classifying different stages of the reproductive cycle in other feline species.

Evaluation of vaginal cytology through clue cell detection and Nugent’s score in the laboratory diagnosis of Bacterial Vaginosis in women of reproductive age

Evaluation of vaginal cytology through clue cell detection and Nugent’s score in the laboratory diagnosis of Bacterial Vaginosis in women of reproductive age

Effect of methanolic leaf extract of Telfairia occidentalis (Hook f.) on vaginal cytology, serum hormonal levels and ovarian histomorphology of female (Sprague—Dawley) albino rats

Telfairia occidentalis is one of the most commonly consumed leafy vegetable and a component of the Nigerian ethnomedical pharmacopoeia. It is used frequently as a hematinic in the treatment of postmenstrual blood loss. This study evaluated the effect of the oral administration of methanolic leaf extract of T. occidentalis on vaginal cytology, serum hormone (progesterone and estrogen) levels, and histomorphology of the ovaries of female albino rat. Fifteen female albino rats were used for the study. They were randomly assigned to three groups of five rats each. The first group (A) served as the untreated control and received distilled water while the second group (B) and third (C) received 200 and 800 mg/kg body weight of the extract respectively for 21 days. Evaluation of vaginal cytology did not show any effect of the extract on the estrous cycle. The group C rats that received the highest dose (800 mg/kg body weight) had a significantly higher (p < 0.05) serum concentration of progesterone during the prestrus and estrus phases and a significant lower (p < 0.05) serum levels of oestrogen during the metestrus and diestrus. Histological examination of ovarian tissues of the different groups did not show obvious abnormalities.

Vaginal impedometry for detection of optimal breeding time in bitches.

To compare the efficacy of canine vaginal impedometry in identifying the preovulatory luteinizing hormone (LH) peak to that of currently used methods (serum progesterone concentration measurement, vaginal cytologic evaluation, and vaginoscopy). Prospective study. 12 sexually intact female dogs. 12 mature postpubertal Beagle (n = 3), Beagle-cross (2), and hound-cross (7) bitches ranging from 7.5 to 27.5 kg (16.5 to 60.6 lb) were enrolled in the study. After the onset of spontaneous proestrus, determined on the basis of appearance of serosanguineous vaginal discharge, serum progesterone assays, vaginoscopy, vaginal cytologic evaluation, and vaginal impedometry were performed daily until approximately 4 days after peak LH concentration (day 0) as measured by radioimmunoassay. Vaginal impedometry was compared against serum progesterone concentration measurement, vaginal cytologic evaluation, and vaginoscopy as a method for accurately identifying the LH peak and therefore the optimal breeding time. Ten of 12 bitches were bred with subsequent assessment of embryos. Vaginal impedometry accurately predicted the preovulatory LH peak in 5 of 11 bitches. One bitch was removed from the study because data were not collected. Of the remaining 11 bitches, 6 had their LH peak on the day serum progesterone concentration first exceeded 2 ng/mL. Crenulation scores reached 1 (mean, 1.3; 95% confidence interval, 0.8 to 1.7) on day 0 as expected; however, these scores were not significantly different from those on days -1 or 1. Vaginal epithelial cell populations did not change noticeably on day 0. Nine of the 10 bitches that were bred produced viable embryos. Results suggested that daily use of vaginal impedometry in bitches was unreliable as a method for monitoring periovulatory events. All techniques evaluated (ie vaginal impedometry, serum progesterone concentration assays, vaginoscopy and vaginal cytologic evaluation) frequently produced inaccurate results when used individually. Multiple methods should be used to identify optimal breeding time in dogs.

Evaluation of vaginal cytology in female sex-workers: A study in a tertiary hospital of eastern India.

Background:Papanicolaou (Pap) test is an important and easy diagnostic tool to detect any abnormalities on vaginal cytology. Pap test is routinely done in women of reproductive age group in many countries.Aim:The aim of this study was to detect spectrum of abnormalities in female sex workers (FSWs) on vaginal cytology.Materials and Methods:A total of 60 cases were included over a period of 1 year (July, 2011-June, 2012). The age range of the patients was 14-61 years. Pap stained slides were evaluated by two consultant cytopathologists and reported as normal smear, inflammatory smear, specific infection, low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), atypical squamous cell of undetermined significance (ASCUS), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and atypical glandular cell of undetermined significance (AGUS).Results:Most of the smears were abnormal accounting for 86.7% of total cases (52/60). Incidence of HSIL was very high in FSWs. Out of 60 cases, 8 normal smears (13.3%), 12 inflammatory smears (20%), 3 cases of infections (5%), 9 cases of LSIL (15%), 23 cases of HSIL (38.3%), 2 cases (3.3%) each of ASCUS and SCC and 1 case (1.3%) AGUS were encountered.Conclusions:Close follow-up and histologic examinations are necessary to avoid unnecessary spread of the neoplastic disease and untimely death of the patients. Awareness about diseases in FSWs and diagnostic utility of Pap test are also a must.

Serum 17α-hydroxyprogesterone concentrations during the reproductive cycle in healthy dogs and dogs with hyperadrenocorticism

To determine concentrations of 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) in serum of healthy bitches during various stages of the reproductive cycle and in bitches with hyperadrenocorticism and to compare the dynamics of 17OHP with those of progesterone. Prospective evaluation study. 15 healthy sexually intact bitches and 28 spayed bitches with hyperadrenocorticism. 11 healthy bitches were evaluated during estrus, nonpregnant diestrus, and anestrus (group 1); 4 other healthy bitches were evaluated during pregnancy and after ovariohysterectomy (group 2). Cycle stages were determined via physical examination, vaginal cytologic evaluation, and serum progesterone concentration. Bitches with hyperadrenocorticism were evaluated once at the time of diagnosis (group 3). Serum hormone concentrations were determined with immunoassays. In group 1, the serum 17OHP concentration was significantly higher in diestrus (median, 1.8 ng/mL) than in estrus (median, 1.1 ng/mL) and anestrus (median, 0.2 ng/mL) and higher in estrus than in anestrus. Changes in serum progesterone concentrations accounted for 22% (estrus) or 23% (diestrus) of the variation in serum 17OHP concentrations. In group 2, 17OHP and progesterone concentrations were significantly higher during pregnancy than after ovariohysterectomy. The serum 17OHP concentration in group 3 was significantly lower (median, 0.2 ng/mL) than in group 1 in estrus and diestrus and in group 2 during pregnancy (median, 0.7 ng/mL) but was not different from 17OHP concentrations in anestrus or after ovariohysterectomy (median, 0.2 ng/mL). Serum 17OHP concentrations in healthy bitches increased during estrus, diestrus, and pregnancy and at those times were higher than in spayed bitches with hyperadrenocorticism.

Evaluation of the cytology of uterus, vagina, and clitoris as predictors of uterine condition in the mare

Detection of venereal disease and acute or chronic endometritis can be achieved by cytological examination. The presence of significant numbers of neutrophils in the uterine smear is the best indication for equine endometritis. Uterine function may be evaluated by examining clitoral or vaginal smears. In this study, 20 nonpregnant mares were selected and their reproductive functions were evaluated by rectal palpation. The levels of progesterone were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Cytological smears were prepared from clitoris, vagina, and uterus. A wet swab was applied to the clitoral fossa and the collected material transferred to a microscope slide. Vaginal samples were collected using 30 cm wet swabs. Uterine samples were collected from uterine lavage fluid. There was no significant difference (P≥0.05) between cell densities in the estrus phase (p4 1 ng/ml). Significant differences (P<0.05) were noted in epithelial cell, lymphocyte, and neutrophil densities between diestrus phase (p4≥3.5 ng/ml) and other phases (p4<3.5 ng/ml). Epithelial, neutrophil, and lymphocyte densities were significantly different between clitoral, vaginal and uterine smears (P<0.05). There were significant differences in epithelial cells and neutrophils of vaginal and uterine smears in mares affected by metritis compared with repeat breeder and normal mares. We concluded that the clitoral cytology of mares could not predict uterine physiology but evaluation of vaginal cytology showed more appropriate potential. However, further study is needed to assess vaginal cytology in comparison with other methods for evaluating uterine reproductive physiology.

41 STUDY ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SOMATIC CELL NUCLEAR TRANSFER USING IN VIVO-MATURED OOCYTES IN DOGS

The present study was performed to collect in vivo matured canine oocytes for somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) and to investigate the developmental competence of canine parthenogenetic and SCNT embryos as the preliminary research for producing cloned dog. The day of ovulation as described by Hase et al. (2000 J. Vet. Med. Sci. 62, 243-248) was determined by serum progesterone levels and at that time vaginal cytology was performed to assess the cornified index. In vivo-matured oocytes were recovered by retrograde flushing of the oviducts at around 48 h (n = 20) or 72 h (n = 25) after the estimated time of ovulation. Overall size of each oocyte, as well as ooplasmic diameter, zona pellucida thickness, and perivitelline space width, was determined after removing the cumulus cells by pipetting (Exp. 1). To determine activation protocols, two treatments, (1) chemical activation (10 �M Ca ionophore for 4 min, followed by incubation for 4 h with 1.9 mM 6-dimethylaminopurine) and (2) electrical stimulation (3.1?3.4 kV/cm in 0.25M mannitol solution), were evaluated to induce parthenogenetic activation of oocytes (Exp. 2). Donor cells were obtained from the primary cell culture of a canine ear skin biopsy, and SCNT was performed according to our laboratory procedures (Jang et al. 2004 Theriogenology 62, 512-521). Three voltages (1.7?2.0 kV/cm, 2.1-2.4 kV/cm, and 3.1-3.4 kV/cm) were tested for fusion. The fused couplets were subjected to chemical or electrical stimulation as in parthenogenetic activation and in vitro developmental competence was monitored (Exp. 3). As a result, more in vivo-matured canine oocytes were obtained at 72 h (92%) than at 48 h (15%) after ovulation; the 72-h occytes had progesterone concentrations of 4-8 ng/mL and a cornified index (vaginal cytology) of 83.34. The average number of oocytes recovered was 12 and sizes of ooplasmic diameter, cytoplasm, zona pellucida, and perivitelline space in in vivo canine-matured oocytes (n = 120) were 178.8 � 9.3 �m, 125.0 � 8.2 �m, 21.7 � 3.7 �m, and 12.7 � 3.5 �m, respectively. Parthenogenetically activated oocytes developed to the 16-cell and morula stages, but failed to develop to the blastocyst stage. Among the three voltages, in the highest voltage (75.2%) the number of fused couplets was increased compared to either of the other voltages (33.3% and 44.0%). Cleavage rates (60.9% vs. 58.0%) of cloned embryos were not significantly affected by method of activation. In terms of in vitro developmental competence, cloned embryos developed to the 16-cell or morula stage in vitro after electrical or chemical activation, respectively. In conclusion, in the present study we demonstrated that measurement of progesterone levels, in combination with evaluation of vaginal cytology, can be used to determine the estimated time of ovulation in bitches. In addition, we determined fusion/activation protocols that resulted in in vitro development of a portion of parthenogenetically activated and cloned embryos to the 16-cell and morula stages. This study was supported by grants from the Biogreen 21-1000520030100000.

Akkaraman ırkı koyunlarda ve Ankara keçilerinde servikal mukus kaynatma testi ile gebelik tanısı

Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate practicability of cervical mucus test, which is used for diagnosis of pregnancy, in field conditions and accuracy rate in ewes and goats. This study was performed in 50 Akkaraman ewes and 50 Angora goats. In ewes, % 80 accuracy rate, % 73.3 sensitivity, % 82.9 specificity, % 64.7 predictive value of positive and % 87.9 predictive value of negative were found with cervical mucus test and these rates were % 70, % 60, % 72.5, % 35.3 and % 87.9 respectively in goats. In addition, correlation was investigated between the size of corpus luteum and progesterone levels. Correlation was found important only in non-pregnant ewes of all pregnant and non-pregnant animals (r=0.58; p<0.05). Besides, an important difference was not determined between composition of cells in vaginal cytologic evaluation in pregnant and non-pregnant animals. As a result, cervical mucus test can be used in field conditions and the accuracy rates in ewes are higher than goats. Key words: Cervical mucus test, ewe, goat, pregnancy diagnosis, vaginal cytology.

Continuous low dose estradiol released from a vaginal ring versus estriol vaginal cream for urogenital atrophy

Objectives: To determine if the efficacy of continuous low dose estradiol released from a vaginal ring is equivalent to estriol vaginal cream regarding improvement of the patient's subjective feeling of vaginal dryness and to determine if there is a preference for either of the two study treatments. Methods: Open-label randomized parallel group trial with active control with a blind evaluation of vaginal cytology and with a cross-over (change-over) phase for preference comparison. One hundred and sixty five postmenopausal women with symptoms of vaginal dryness and signs of vaginal atrophy were randomized to an estradiol ring (Estring ®) or estriol cream (Synapause ®). The duration of each treatment period was 12 weeks. Results: Both study treatments were equally effective regarding the ability to alleviate the symptom feeling of vaginal dryness and the signs of vaginal atrophy. Both treatments were efficient in restoring the vaginal mucosa, recorded as higher maturation values and as decreased vaginal pH. Estring was superior to estriol cream regarding preference of treatment. Both treatments were equivalent for the occurrence of adverse events, including bleeding. Conclusion: data from this change-over study confirm efficacy and safety of both the vaginal ring and cream in the treatment of postmenopausal women with urogenital atrophy symptoms and signs. The patients had a strong preference for the vaginal ring.

Reproductive Toxicity Evaluation of Methylethyl Ketoxime by Gavage in CD Rats

Methylethyl ketoxime (CAS No. 96-29-7; MEKO; 2-butanone oxime), an antioxidant agent used in paints, resins, and adhesives, was tested for reproductive toxicity in a two-generation study with CD (Sprague–Dawley) rats. Thirty-eight-week-old rats/sex/group (F0) were administered MEKO in water, by gavage, at 0, 10, 100, or 200 mg/kg/day (at a dosing volume of 2 ml/kg), 5 days/week for 10 weeks with vaginal cytology evaluation (VCE) of F0 females during the last 3 weeks of the prebreed period. Animals were mated within groups for 3 weeks with dosing during mating, gestation, and lactation for 7 days/week. F0 parents and F1 weanlings, 10/sex/dose, were necropsied (after a 2-week postwean VCE in F0 females) with hematologic evaluation (including methemoglobin) and histology of adult livers, spleens, and reproductive organs. F1 weanlings, 30/sex/dose, were dosed for 11 weeks and mated as described above. Because of poor reproductive performance, not treatment related, F1 animals with no F2a litters were rebred to produce F2b litters. F1 parents and F2a weanlings, 10/sex/dose, were necropsied and evaluated as described above. Inguinal mammary glands were examined histologically from all nonselected F1 and F2 (a and b) female weanlings. Adult toxicity was observed in both generations and both sexes at all doses. Treatment-related parental deaths occurred at 200 mg/kg/day. At 100 and 200 mg/kg/day, parents exhibited dose-related reduced body weights and weight gains, reduced feed consumption, clinical signs of toxicity, and anemia with concomitant extramedullary hematopoiesis and hemosiderosis in livers and spleens (and increased spleen weights). At 10 mg/kg/day, only adult liver and spleen histologic effects were present. There was no evidence of reproductive organ or mammary gland pathology or of reproductive or postnatal toxicity at any dose tested. There was no adult “no observable adverse effect level” (NOAEL) established; the NOAEL for reproductive and postnatal toxicity was at least 200 mg/kg/day for rats in this study.

The Ovarian Remnant Syndrome in the Bitch and Queen

The ovarian remnant syndrome is a complication of ovariohysterectomy resulting in the presence of functional ovarian tissue in the abdomen. The usual symptom is a return to estrus in a previously ovariohysterectomized bitch or queen. The available methods of diagnosis are vaginal cytologic evaluation during estrus, resting hormone assays, hormone challenge testing, and exploratory laparotomy. Surgical removal of the ovarian remnant is the preferred treatment.

Clinical Approach to Infertility in the Cycling Bitch

The majority of "infertile" bitches presented to the practitioner are victims of mismanagement. Careful evaluation of reproductive history, physical examination, and vaginal cytologic evaluation permit conception in these patients. Measurement of serum progesterone levels can help establish occurrence and timing of ovulation. Diagnosing true reproductive problems may require a minimum data base, guarded cultures, vaginoscopy, vaginography, ultrasound, and ultimately laparotomy for uterine biopsy and culture. The majority of these diagnostic procedures are readily available for the interested practitioner.

Proceedings: Vaginal cytologic evaluation as a predictive test on hormone dependency and responsiveness to progestogens of endometrial adenocarcinoma.

Progestogens seem to be very useful not only as a complement to combined radiosurgical therapy of localized and endometrial adenocarcinoma but also as an exclusive treatment of recurrent or metastatic cancers. Exclusive high dosage medroxyprogesterone treatment brings about a significant remission in almost 50% of the recurrent or metastatic endometrial adenocarcinomata. Vaginal cytological evaluation before and during therapy has a striking prognostic value. In 57% of the patients presenting an estrogenic vaginal smear (68% of total patient number) before medroxyprogesterone treatment a significant tumor remission is observed. Progestational treatment changing an estrogenic smear to an intermediate or to an atrophic one or bringing an intermediate smear to atrophy induces a 92% even a 100% signigicant remission rate. Return of the vaginal smear to an estrogenic aspect after withdrawing the medroxyprogesterone therapy or even during this treatment announces a new progression of the adenocarcinoma.(FULL TEXT)

The fate of ovaries preserved at the time of hysterectomy

This reports the cytologic and clinical observations of 207 patients who underwent hysterectomy with or without removal of the ovaries. The incidence of pathologic changes in the retained ovaries was low, the incidence of postoperative menopausal symptoms was higher among patients in whom both ovaries were removed at the time of hysterectomy than among patients who had ovarian tissue preserved. The age of 45 did not appear to be a realistic dividing line for the decision to remove healthy ovarian tissue because ovarian function was not found to cease at this age. Evaluation of vaginal exfoliative cytology showed ovulation occurring in one woman 21 years after hysterectomy with unilateral oophorectomy. No correlation was found between menopausal symptoms and the actual hormonal status of the patients as evaluated by vaginal cytology. A plea is made for individual evaluation of vaginal cytology rather than oversimplification of the method.