title: Comparative Study on the Estimation of Estrous Cycle in Mice by Visual and Vaginal Lavage Method.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Evaluation of estrous cycle in laboratory animals can be a useful measure of the integrity of hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian reproductive axis. Assessment of vaginal cytology is crucial to assess the milieu and compare the endocrine status of animals among the experimental groups.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The present study was attempted to compare the estimation of estrous cycle by visual method and non invasive vaginal lavage method.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty healthy female swiss albino mice were used for the present study. The appearance of the vagina with respect to the opening of vagina, vaginal swellings were observed. Non-invasive method was used in vaginal lavage method in which nucleated epithelial cells, cornified squamous epithelial cells and leucocytes present in vaginal smears were used to identify the estrous stages.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The estimation of estrous cycle by visual method coincides with the vaginal lavage method. In Vaginal lavage method, the accurate proportion of cells and the transition phases can be evaluated.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The non-invasive method reduces the risk of pseudo -pregnancy and mechanical trauma. Though, visual method is quick and reliable, for accurate estimation of the stage of the estrous, non-invasive vaginal lavage method is ideal.
authors.affiliation: Ph.D Research Scholar, Department of Anatomy, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Ramachandra University , Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India .
authors.forename: Gnanagurudasan
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ekambaram
authors.affiliation: Professor, Department of Anatomy, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Ramachandra University , Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India .
authors.forename: Senthil Kumar
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Sampath Kumar
authors.affiliation: Professor, Department of Pathology, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Ramachandra University , Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India .
authors.forename: Leena Dennis
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Joseph
keywords: Laboratory animals; Reproductive cycle; Vaginal cell morphology; Vaginal smears