title: Immunohistochemical detection of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D receptor in rat vaginal epithelium.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the distribution of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D receptor (VDR) in rat vaginal epithelium during the estrus cycle and in ovariectomized rats.
  
  
  METHODS
  Animal study performed in two groups of rats. The expression of VDR was examined in the first group during the estrous cycle and in the second group after ovariectomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  University animal laboratory.
  
  
  METHODS
  Balb/c female rats.
  
  
  METHODS
  Vaginas were removed and processed for immunohistochemical analysis.
  
  
  METHODS
  We recorded the localization, distribution, and expression of VDR in vaginal epithelium during the rat estrus cycle and in ovariectomized rats.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In cyclic rats, VDR was detected in basal and suprabasal cells during all of the cycle periods. In apical cells, VDR was positive in diestrus and estrus but negative in proestrous. In ovariectomized rats, VDR was not detected in any layers of vaginal epithelium.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In vaginal epithelium, the presence of VDR was shown by using immunohistochemical techniques. During the estrous cycle, VDR has an important role in the proliferation and differentiation of vaginal squamous epithelium that is similar to the effects of estrogen.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey. basakyildirim@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Basak
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Yildirim
authors.forename: Gulcin
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Abban
authors.forename: Berna Sanli
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Erdogan
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology; D002455:Cell Division / Q000502:physiology; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D004848:Epithelium / Q000378:metabolism; D004971:Estrus / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D010052:Ovariectomy; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D018167:Receptors, Calcitriol / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D014018:Tissue Distribution; D014621:Vagina / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D018167:Receptors, Calcitriol