Abstract

Nishvanth F.*, Abinaya R., Aswini B., Shoba S.

ABSTRACT

Vaginal smear cytology is a widely utilized, non-invasive technique for determining the stages of the estrous cycle in laboratory rodents, particularly rats and mice. By examining the types and proportions of vaginal epithelial cells—nucleated epithelial cells, cornified (anucleated) epithelial cells, and leukocytes—researchers can accurately identify the four distinct phases of the cycle: proestrus, estrus, metestrus, and diestrus. This method provides valuable insights into the reproductive status and endocrine function of female rodents, making it an essential tool in various fields such as reproductive biology, pharmacology, toxicology, and behavioral neuroscience. The technique is cost-effective, relatively simple, and allows for repeated monitoring without significantly affecting the animals' physiological state. External factors such as stress, environmental conditions, and animal strain can influence the regularity of the estrous cycle, highlighting the need for controlled experimental conditions. Overall, vaginal cytology is a fundamental tool in laboratory animal research, offering a practical and reliable approach to monitor reproductive physiology and enhance the reproducibility of studies involving female rodents.