Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 2, 2026

In Vitro Method to Study Sex-Based Differences in Conjunctival Goblet Cells
Published on: July 28, 2023
Hormonal changes in exfoliated normal buccal mucosal cells
Preethy Mary Donald1, Renjith George1, G Sriram2
1Department of Oral Medicine, Oral Diagnosis and Oral Pathology, Faculty of Dentistry, Melaka-Manipal Medical College, Melaka, Malaysia.
Aims:
The present study was undertaken as a baseline study to evaluate the nuclear diameter (ND), cell diameter (CD) and nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio (N:C) and their variation with age in normal buccal smears of female subjects.
Materials And Methods:
Buccal smears were collected from 400 apparently healthy individuals. After fixation in 95% alcohol, the smears were stained using the standard Papanicolaou laboratory procedure. The CD and ND were measured using a stage micrometer and an ocular micrometer. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using the one-way analysis of variance to evaluate the difference in the ND, CD and N:C with age in females. Multiple range tests by Tukey-honestly significant difference procedure were performed to evaluate the significance between various age groups.
Results:
The results showed an increase in ND and CD from the 5-10 age groups to 15-35 age groups. In the 15-35 age groups, there was a decline in ND and CD when comparing the first and the second half of the menstrual cycle, but the difference was not significant. There was further decline in ND and CD in the 45-60 age groups. Variations were also seen in ratio N: C. Pattern of exfoliation also varied in each age group.
Conclusion:
Age-related alterations are observed in buccal smears.
Related Concept Videos
Receptor Downregulation in MVBs
The EGFR can initiate signaling pathways that lead to cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Overexpression of EGFR stimulates cells to proliferate. Excessive EGFR...
Cellular Adaptation IV: Dysplasia and Metaplasia
Cellular Adaptation III: Hyperplasia
Renewal of Skin Epidermal Stem Cells
Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH...
Multipotency and Niche of Bulge Stem Cell

