Estrous stage determination in rats by means of scanning electron microscopic images of uterine surface epithelium

With the results presented in this paper we devised an alternative method to precisely date the rat endometrium in relation to the estrous cycle. This is done by the exclusive use of scanning electron microscopy. Owing to its short estrous cycle (4 to 6 days, depending on age), the rat is ideally suited for the examination of cyclic changes occurring in the uterine epithelium. The cycle stage of rats predated by vaginal smear cytology was verified through the measurement of hormones relevant to the estrous cycle, i.e. estradiol-17-beta (E2), progesterone (P), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Based on scanning electron images surface changes could thus be correlated to the cyclic variations of blood levels of sex hormones. The appearance of pseudoglands, the most prominent aspect during the cycle, is correlated with decreasing estrogen and rising progesterone levels. Pseudoglands are formed by apoptosis and necrosis of epithelial cells, and are most numerous during estrus. They had in previous studies been classified as genuine uterine glands.