The effects of estrous cycle on reproductive hormone level / Masliza Md Ali

Research work was aimed at improving vaginal smear technique for visualizing and recognizing cells types present during estrous cycle phase of female Wistar Kyoto rat (WKY) and to confirm that the reproductive hormones in those rats are influenced by phases of estrous cycle. Results showed staining with eosin and hematoxylin improved visual readability of cells compared to unstained smears. The length of estrous cycle in normal WKY rats was determined to be 5.02 ± 0.17 days with duration for proestrus (1.08 ± 0.04 days), estrus (1.27 ± 0.08 days), metestrus (1.53 ± 0.06 days), and diestrus (1.12 ± 0.06 days). The proestrus/estrus phases significantly increased estradiol levels (326.78 ± 100.00 pg/ml) compared to metestrus/diestrus (137.22 ± 38.42 pg/ml). There were no differences in luteinizing hormone (LH) and progesterone levels between the proestrus/estrus and metestrus/diestrus stages.