Calcium carbonate concretions: cyclic occurrence in the hamster vagina

Three crystalline forms of calcium carbonate were identified in washings of the hamster vagina. Spherical concretions of vaterite and hexagonal concretions of calcite predominate on days 3 and 4 of the 4-day estrous cycle. Dumbbell-like concretions of aragonite predominate during pregnancy and pseudopregnancy. Each polymorph is associated with an acid-insoluble matrix. Concretions disappear after ovariectomy and reappear during daily injections of estrogen and progesterone.