Ultrastructural evidence for the presence of crystalline structures in pig vaginal epithelial cells

Terminally differentiated intermediate layers of vaginal epithelial cells from the late follicular phase of the pig show crystalline structures. Analysis of two dimensional images by transmission electron microscopy revealed that these structures are composed of rhomboid subunits. The longer side measures 26 nm whereas the smaller side measures 24 nm. The angles between the sides are 100 degrees and 80 degrees. These structures are not associated with any cellular structures and are not evident in other phases of the oestrous cycle. Structurally, they do not match with Reinke's crystals and are probably regulated by hormones.