Estrogen and antagonist-induced structural changes in the cervico-vaginal epithelium of immature rats.
Estrogen enhances proliferation and keratin formation in the cervico-vaginal epithelium of immature rats, whereas the estrogen antagonist, CI-628 (Parke-Davis), represses mitosis and induces mucinogenesis. Combinations of antagonist and estrogen allow differentiation of an epithelium composed of both keratin-forming and mucous cells. Both estrogen and antagonist induce synthesis of a cervico-vaginal endogenous peroxidase in the intermediate and superficial layers of the epithelium. The secreted vaginal mucus of antagonist-treated animals stains intensely for exogenous peroxidase.
D000818:Animals; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000166:cytology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004847:Epithelial Cells; D004848:Epithelium / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004958:Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004965:Estrogen Antagonists; D005260:Female; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D009594:Nitromifene / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011759:Pyrrolidines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D013997:Time Factors; D014621:Vagina / Q000166:cytology* / Q000648:ultrastructure
D004965:Estrogen Antagonists; D011759:Pyrrolidines; D004958:Estradiol; D009594:Nitromifene