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Related Concept Videos

Ovarian Cycle01:27

Ovarian Cycle

The menstrual cycle includes a critical component known as the ovarian cycle, which undergoes two main phases each month—the follicular phase and the luteal phase. The follicular phase is variable and averaging around 14 days. Ovulation, triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), marks the transition between the two phases. The second phase, the luteal phase, is relatively consistent, lasting approximately 14 days, and is marked by the activity of the corpus luteum. While a cycle length...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 23, 2026

Rodent Estrous Cycle Monitoring Utilizing Vaginal Lavage: No Such Thing As a Normal Cycle
09:05

Rodent Estrous Cycle Monitoring Utilizing Vaginal Lavage: No Such Thing As a Normal Cycle

Published on: August 30, 2021

Mouse estrous cycle identification tool and images.

Shannon L Byers1, Michael V Wiles, Sadie L Dunn

  • 1Reproductive Sciences R&D, The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, United States of America.

Plos One
|April 20, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Accurate identification of mouse estrous cycle stages is crucial for reproductive efficiency. This study presents visual and cytological identification methods, including images for different mouse strains, to improve accuracy.

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Performing Vaginal Lavage, Crystal Violet Staining, and Vaginal Cytological Evaluation for Mouse Estrous Cycle Staging Identification
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Performing Vaginal Lavage, Crystal Violet Staining, and Vaginal Cytological Evaluation for Mouse Estrous Cycle Staging Identification

Published on: September 15, 2012

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 23, 2026

Rodent Estrous Cycle Monitoring Utilizing Vaginal Lavage: No Such Thing As a Normal Cycle
09:05

Rodent Estrous Cycle Monitoring Utilizing Vaginal Lavage: No Such Thing As a Normal Cycle

Published on: August 30, 2021

Performing Vaginal Lavage, Crystal Violet Staining, and Vaginal Cytological Evaluation for Mouse Estrous Cycle Staging Identification
09:01

Performing Vaginal Lavage, Crystal Violet Staining, and Vaginal Cytological Evaluation for Mouse Estrous Cycle Staging Identification

Published on: September 15, 2012

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Animal Science
  • Laboratory Animal Science

Background:

  • Efficiently producing timed pregnant or pseudopregnant mice relies on accurately identifying estrous cycle stages.
  • Visual observation of the vagina is a rapid method for identifying proestrus or estrus stages.
  • Coat color variations across mouse strains can complicate visual estrous cycle staging.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a visual resource for identifying estrous cycle stages in different mouse strains.
  • To present an identification tool for vaginal cytology to accurately determine all four estrous cycle stages.
  • To enhance the accuracy of estrous cycle determination for improved reproductive efficiency in mouse models.

Main Methods:

  • Collection and presentation of images depicting vaginal openings at each estrous cycle stage for three distinct mouse strains (black, agouti, albino).
  • Description of visual observation techniques for estrous cycle staging.
  • Development of a vaginal cytology identification tool for accurate staging.

Main Results:

  • Visual differences in vaginal openings across estrous cycle stages are documented for C57BL/6J, CByB6F1/J, and BALB/cByJ mouse strains.
  • Vaginal cytology is confirmed as the most accurate method for identifying all four estrous cycle stages (proestrus, estrus, metestrus, diestrus).
  • The presented images and identification tool serve as a valuable resource for researchers.

Conclusions:

  • Accurate estrous cycle staging in mice can be achieved through a combination of visual observation and vaginal cytology.
  • The provided visual aids and tools are essential for researchers working with mouse models requiring precise reproductive timing.
  • Improved estrous cycle identification contributes to increased efficiency in mouse breeding programs.