During the estrous cycle, LIF expression was greatest at late diestrus and
proestrus phases.
Pap Stain for
proestrus stage shows many superficial nucleated cells.
Cytological features following vaginal smear represent each stage of estrous cycle Stage of Nucleated Squamous Cornified squamous estrous cycle epithelial cells epithelial cells epithelial cells
Proestrus + - - Estrus - + - Metestrus - - + Diestrus - - - Stage of Leukocytes estrous cycle
Proestrus - Estrus - Metestrus + Diestrus +
Proestrus, predominantly consisting of nucleated epithelial cells; estrus, with cornfield squamous epithelial cells; metestrus, consisting of cornified squamous epithelial cells and predominance of leukocytes; and diestrus, consisting predominantly of leucocytes Table 2.
They were found in
proestrus, estrus or metestrus and were considered as reproductive females since there is hormonal stimulation for each phase and a clear indication that they are sexually receptive.
However, it is important to take into account that rabbits are reflex ovulators [36] and females used in this study were at early
proestrus [15].
On the contrary, it was shown that young rats in
proestrus and late pregnancy (i.e., reproductive conditions associated with higher cortical ALLO levels) exhibit better performance on the object recognition task than rats in dioestrous or early pregnancy conditions [81].
Drug administration started when the females were in the
proestrus phase.
In addition, the follow- up included: time until the next
proestrus (by vaginal smear and progesterone measurements above 8 mg/ml), the days of expulsion uterine content and the time of clinical recuperation of each patient, measured by the absence of clinical signs; among which were evaluated: absence of vomiting, absences of abdominal pain through palpation, measured according to the Universidad de Melbourne (UMPS) pain scale, return of appetite and normal activity.
We determined the late
proestrus of every female rat through vaginal cytology to establish the moment in which females were receptive and able to copulate with a male.
Females that showed a
proestrus smear (day 0) were mated with a male of proven fertility on the same evening.
In all the studied females, the estrous cycle lasted 4 days and consisted of four phases:
proestrus, estrus, metestrus, and diestrus.
The intensity of the stromal TNF[alpha] staining was the highest in anestrus and
proestrus dogs and diminished towards estrus and diestrus [40].
