title: Calcium carbonate concretions: cyclic occurrence in the hamster vagina.
abstract: Three crystalline forms of calcium carbonate were identified in washings of the hamster vagina. Spherical concretions of vaterite and hexagonal concretions of calcite predominate on days 3 and 4 of the 4-day estrous cycle. Dumbbell-like concretions of aragonite predominate during pregnancy and pseudopregnancy. Each polymorph is associated with an acid-insoluble matrix. Concretions disappear after ovariectomy and reappear during daily injections of estrogen and progesterone.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002119:Calcium Carbonate / Q000032:analysis*; D002369:Castration; D006224:Cricetinae; D003460:Crystallization; D004958:Estradiol / Q000494:pharmacology; D004971:Estrus; D005260:Female; D007774:Lactation; D008274:Magnesium / Q000032:analysis; D010053:Ovary / Q000601:surgery; D011188:Potassium / Q000032:analysis; D011247:Pregnancy; D011374:Progesterone / Q000494:pharmacology; D014621:Vagina / Q000032:analysis* / Q000187:drug effects; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction
chemical_list: D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol; D002119:Calcium Carbonate; D008274:Magnesium; D011188:Potassium