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PubMed1991

The epithelium of the rabbit vagina: a microtopographical study by light, transmission and scanning electron microscopy.

In order to obtain a more precise microtopographical surface map of the epithelium of the rabbit vaginal mucosa, investigations by light microscopy (LM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have been systematically correlated. The epithelium was examined from the "portio vaginalis cervicis uteri" down to the "vestibulum". This study shows that the upper 2/3 of the vagina--which, in this species, is very long, measuring 13-14 cm--is lined by a single epithelial layer of tall ciliated and microvillous cells closely resembling the endocervical epithelium with which it is continuous. Moreover, these ciliated and microvillous cells also cover mucosal infoldings in the upper part of the vagina, especially those on the ectocervix and in the fornices, and scattered vaginal crypts. In particular, the ciliated elements decrease in number below the fornices, so that in large areas of the middle part of the vagina only microvillous cells are recognizable. Prior to the squamo-columnar junction, however, the ciliated cells increase again. This study also reveals that in the rabbit the squamo-columnar junction is located at the level of the pubic symphysis and that a squamous pluristratified epithelium covers only the lower 1/3 of the inner surface of the vaginal wall. In the estrous, i.e., precoital rabbit, the microvillous cells show little sign of secretion, whereas after mating they exhibit remarkable secretory features. These seem to increase progressively with postcoital stages (5 h, 24 h and 10 days) in the form of extensive mucification. These secretions often come in contact with spermatozoa retained in the mucosal infoldings and crypts, and are similar to those occurring in the endometrium, where they clearly depend upon progesterone activity. These epithelial features, different from those of other mammals, including humans, suggest that the greater part of the rabbit vagina accomplishes functions other than serving for copulation and as a fetal passageway. The present findings support the view that the rabbit vagina also plays a role as a reservoir of spermatozoa and in maintaining their viability, like the endometrium and endocervix.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Multiple blue nevi of the vagina. A case report.

BACKGROUND: Melanotic lesions of the vagina are very rare; clinically, most are suspected to be malignant melanomas. Occasional benign cases, however, require differential diagnostic consideration. We report a case of multiple (benign) blue nevi of the vagina. CASE: A 51-year-old woman presented with bluish black macules irregularly distributed throughout the vagina. Biopsies revealed pigmented cells in the dermis that proved to be melanocytes. The patient received no therapy. The lesions remained unchanged in the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Multiple blue nevi could be a differential diagnosis for malignant melanoma of the vagina. Our patient showed no malignant transformation over a 29-year period. Therapy for blue nevi in the vagina does not require complete excision.

Diagnosis, Differential↗
PubMed2001

Metabolism of estradiol, ethynylestradiol, and moxestrol in rat uterus, vagina, and aorta: influence of sex steroid treatment.

Estrogen replacement therapy for postmenopausal women consists of an estrogenic and a progestagenic compound. The treatment has a positive estrogenic effect on bone, the cardiovascular system, and vagina but is dependent of the estrogen-progestagen balance in uterus to prevent unwanted proliferation. We were interested in the influence of estrogens and progestagens on estrogen metabolism in target tissues of estrogen replacement therapy. Therefore, we studied the metabolism of estradiol, 17alpha-ethynylestradiol, and moxestrol (11beta-methoxy-17alpha-ethynylestradiol) in rat uterus, vagina, and aorta. In uterus and vagina, estradiol was converted to estrone, estradiol-3-glucuronide, and estrone-3-glucuronide. These metabolites demonstrate the presence of 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17beta-HSD) and UDP-glucuronosyl transferase (UDP-GT) in uterus and vagina. We found that the conversion of estradiol by 17beta-HSD in uterus was increased in animals treated with estradiol or with a combination of estradiol and progesterone. The conversion of estradiol in uterus by UDP-GT was estradiol-induced and in contrast, progesterone-suppressed. In the vagina, steroid hormone treatment had no effect on estradiol conversion by 17beta-HSD or UDP-GT. Ethynylestradiol was glucuronidated only, and this was not affected by steroid treatment. Moxestrol was not converted in any of the three organs that were studied, indicating that the 11beta-methoxy substituent renders it a poor substrate for glucuronidation. Overall, the estrogen metabolism, and its regulation by sex steroids, in rat uterus is different compared with human uterus. Therefore, the rat may not be the best-suited model to investigate uterine effects of estradiol-progestagen combined treatment.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

[Creation of a new vagina using a part of the rectosigmoid colon].

The paper shows the indications, preoperative and intraoperative evaluation as well as the way to make a new vagina. The authors advise to use part of colon sigmoideum to make a new vagina, this vagina is very much like the real one and the function is unlimited. During the operation the shortest possible part of colon sigmoideum should be taken in order to avoid oversecretion (mucorrhoea). After taking the segment and making termino-terminal anastomosis the tunnel should be made between the bladder and rectum and the segment should be stitched to the introitus of the vagina. For three weeks after the operation the patient should keep a tampon in the [figures: see text] new vagina and we suggest the dilatation of the introitus for three months. After the three months period we advise the sexual intercourse. The number of postoperative complications was minimal and the sexual intercourse was normal.

Colon, Sigmoid↗
PubMed2000

[One-stage vagina reconstruction using free flaps].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of vagina reconstruction using a free flap. METHODS: The dorsal pedal flap and the posterior leg flap have been used for vagina reconstruction in 25 cases. RESULTS: All of the operations were successful. Postoperative follow-up of the patients for 6 months to 6 years showed that the reconstructed vagina was satisfactory anatomically and physiologically. The vagina wall was not only pliable but also elastic. The married patients enjoyed their sexual life. Two of them have given birth to babies. CONCLUSIONS: Vagina reconstruction with a free flap as a new method can be performed successfully. The patients are happy with the operative results, as there is no scar left around the pudendum.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Effects of neonatal exposure to diethylstilbestrol on protein expression by vagina and uterus in mice.

Neonatal treatment of female mice with diethylstilbestrol (DES) results in genital tract abnormalities including ovary-independent vaginal proliferation and cornification. Protein profiles were examined in vagina and uterus from 45-day-old, ovariectomized C57BL/Tw mice which had been given 5 daily injections of 2 micrograms DES or oil vehicle alone from the day of birth, and in those from 45-day-old, ovariectomized mice given 3 daily injections of 0.1 microgram DES from 42 days of age. Proteins extracted were analyzed by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. In the vagina, expression of 37 non-keratin proteins was altered by postpubertal injections of DES as compared with the controls. In the neonatally DES-exposed vagina, expression of 26 of 37 proteins was altered as compared with controls. In the uterus, expression of 22 proteins was altered in the postpubertally DES-exposed group as compared with that in the control; however, the protein expression pattern of the neonatally DES-exposed group closely resembled that of the control except for one protein (no. 23, pI = 6.1, MW = 39.5 kDa) which was specifically increased in the neonatally DES-exposed group. By immunoblot analysis, 6 keratin polypeptides (49.5, 50, 52, 53, 57 and 58 kDa) were identified in vaginae of ovariectomized mice exposed neonatally and postpubertally to DES and of the controls. These results indicate that neonatal DES exposure induces organ specific alterations in the synthesis of proteins in mouse vagina and uterus.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Effects of postpubertal treatment with diethylstilbestrol and tamoxifen on protein expression in the vagina and uterus of neonatally diethylstilbestrol-exposed mice.

Postpubertal injections of a synthetic estrogen, diethylstilbestrol (-DES), and an anti-estrogen, tamoxifen (-Tx), stimulate proliferation of vaginal and uterine epithelial cells of ovariectomized (OVX) adult mice. In vaginae of two groups of OVX mice treated neonatally with DES (DES-) and oil vehicle alone (Oil-), postpubertal injections of DES altered all and 25 out of 37 protein expressions examined, except for keratin polypeptides, respectively. Twenty-one of the DES- and Tx-altered protein expressions showed the same behavior, suggesting that Tx acts as an estrogen agonist on these proteins. Both neonatally Oil- and DES-treated OVX mice given postpubertal injections of DES (Oil-DES and DES-DES) and Tx (Oil-Tx and DES-Tx) showed similar histological changes in the vagina. Epithelial proliferation and superficial cornification were observed in vaginae of five groups of Oil-DES, Oil-Tx, DES-DES, DES-Tx and DES-Oil (given oil postpubertally) OVX mice. In these groups, 13 proteins showed the same behavior, implying that these proteins are related to proliferation and cornification of mouse vagina. The histology of the uterus in DES-Oil OVX mice closely resembled that in Oil-Oil OVX mice; in protein expressions of the uterus, 5 proteins in DES-DES and 7 proteins in DES-Tx OVX mice were different from those in Oil-DES and Oil-Tx OVX mice, respectively. These findings indicate that neonatal DES treatment alters the behavior of the vagina and uterus in response to postpubertally administered DES and Tx.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Persistent changes in protein synthesis by vagina of ovariectomized mice exposed neonatally to diethylstilbestrol.

Neonatal treatment of female mice with a synthetic estrogen, diethylstilbestrol (DES), results in adenosis, ovary-independent epithelial proliferation and cornification, and downgrowths in the vagina. Protein synthesis was examined in the vagina of 45-day-old, ovariectomized C57BL/Tw mice which had been given 5 daily injections of 2 micrograms DES or the oil vehicle alone from the day of birth, and in those of age-matched, ovariectomized mice given 3 daily injections of 0.1 microgram DES from 42 days of age. [35S]Methionine-labeled proteins of the vagina were analyzed by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Major changes were observed in 11 proteins of the vagina in both neonatally and postnatally DES-exposed groups. Six of the 11 proteins were increased in expression, but one of the remaining proteins was decreased. In the group of neonatally DES-exposed mice alone, expressions of 4 proteins (MW. 128, 90, 46 and 44 kDa) were markedly increased. These results indicate that neonatal exposure of mice to DES induced ovary-independent, persistent alteration in the protein synthesis of the vagina.

Animals↗
PubMed1977

[Morphologic characteristics of a vagina created from the skin of the labia minora and majora].

The present work is dedicated to clinico-morphological study of artificial vagina formed by means of plastic surgery from the skin of the labia majora and minora in 65 patients with aplasia of the vagina. Histological investigation of biopsy material carried out in 30 patients from 12 days to 10 years following the operation showed that the skin taken from the region of the exterior genitalia and placed under conditions of artificial vagina underwent changes. A year after operation and later it acquired characteristics of the mucosa membrane of the natural vagina: the hair ceased to grow, sebaceous and sudoriferous glands atrophied. The vagina created by the technique applied proved to be wholesome, both anatomically and functionally.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Radiation alone for carcinoma of the vagina: variation in response related to the location of the primary tumor.

BACKGROUND: A retrospective study of 40 patients with histologically confirmed carcinoma of the vagina is reported. The patients were treated by radiation alone (a combination of external beam therapy and implants) between October 1969 and September 1991 at the Medical College of Virginia Hospital in Richmond. METHODS: Thirty-three patients (82%) had squamous cell carcinoma, 2 patients (7%) had adenocarcinoma, and 2 patients (5%) had poorly differentiated cancers (1 melanoma and 1 leiomyosarcoma). The patients were staged according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging system; there were 13 patients (33%) in Stage 1, 21 (52%) in Stage II, 4 (10%) in Stage III, and 2 (5%) in Stage IV. Thirty-six patients (90%) were treated with external beam therapy and some combination of implant: cylinder, ovoid, or interstitial implants with iodine-125 or iridium-192 (afterloading). Only 4 patients (10%) received treatment by implant only. RESULTS: Based on their response, two groups of patients were identified. Group I had 23 patients with tumors predominantly located in the proximal half of the vagina; there were 8 patients in Stage I, 11 in Stage II, 3 in Stage III, and 1 in Stage IV. Of these, three patients failed: one each in Stages III and IV and one Stage II patient was salvaged by surgery. Three patients died due to unrelated causes but with local control. The 5-year actuarial survival in this group was 81%. Group II had 17 patients with tumors located in the mid to distal half of the vagina; there were 5 patients in Stage I, 10 in Stage II, and 2 in Stage IV. Ten patients failed. Eight patients in Stage II had persistent disease, were lost to follow-up, and are presumed dead. Two patients with Stage IV disease also had inadequate local control. The overall actuarial survival in the distal group was 41%, which was significantly worse than the proximal group (81%), at a P value of 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: This study discusses the curability of carcinoma of the vagina based on its anatomic location when predominantly similar treatment techniques and radiation doses were applied to either the proximal or the distal part of the vagina, those with cancer in the proximal half had better survival (81%) than those whose cancer was in the distal half (41%).

Actuarial Analysis↗
PubMed1998

Modulation of the motility of the vagina vera of Ascaris suum in vitro by FMRF amide-related peptides.

Ascaris suum contains a large number of FMRFamide-related peptides (FaRPs) of which KNEFIRFamide (AF1), KHEYLRFamide (AF2) and KSAYMRFamide (AF8, also called PF3) have been extensively studied and are known to exert actions on somatic muscle strips of the worm. In the present study, the effects of AF1, AF2 and AF8 on the activity of the vagina vera of female A. suum have been examined in vitro. The vagina vera is a muscular tube connecting the uterus and vagina uteri to the gonopore and is probably involved in regulating egg output. The tissue exhibited spontaneous, rhythmic contractions in vitro, which were modulated by each of the FaRPs tested. The effects of each of the peptides were qualitatively and quantitatively different, and in each case were reversible. AF1 (1 microM) caused a biphasic response in the form of a transient lengthening of the preparation, followed by a shortening; contractions were initially inhibited but resumed 5 min post-addition of the peptide. Lower concentrations (< or = 0.1 microM) induced a less marked effect, with rhythmic contractions returning 5 min post-addition. AF2 and AF8 reduced contraction frequency at concentrations > or = 0.1 microM. Both peptides also caused the tissue to shorten, although the effects of AF8 on baseline tension were inconsistent. The apparent potencies of AF1 and AF8 on contraction frequency of the vagina vera were 10-fold greater than AF2 and, unlike their actions on A. suum somatic body wall muscles, the actions of AF1 and AF2 were qualitatively different. Indeed, the effects of each of these FaRPs on the vagina vera were markedly different from those observed on the somatic muscle.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A recessive mutation causing imperforate vagina in mice.

A recessive mutation (ipv) causing imperforate vagina was discovered in a line of mice selected for low lean tissue mass as a proportion of body weight. Two full sisters were found to have marked swelling of the perineum and complete closure of the vagina. Crosses of heterozygotes identified by progeny testing produced a female progeny ratio not different from the 3 normal: 1 affected (chi 2 = 0.695; p less than .3) expected on the basis of a recessive allele at a single autosomal locus. As a consequence of the imperforate vagina, the uterus and vagina were greatly distended by fluid. The uterus of affected females displayed a swollen uterine lumen and thin endometrial stroma and muscularis. Ovarian tissue of affected females was similar to that of normal mice, and affected females produced ova that were normal in appearance. The mutation causing an imperforate vagina may present a useful model for studying the basis of abnormal vaginal development in other species and increasing the understanding of normal vaginal development in the mouse.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Benign cystic lesions of the vagina: a literature review.

PURPOSE: Knowledge of the etiology, evaluation and treatment of cystic lesions of the vagina is essential as these lesions are often encountered in urological and gynecological practices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched MEDLINE and MeSH for literature from the last 50 years referring to cysts of the vagina. Review of the literature regarding etiology, clinical and pathological diagnosis, prognosis and treatment identified 18 journal articles and 6 books. RESULTS: Benign cystic lesions of the vagina present a spectrum, from small asymptomatic lesions to cysts large enough to cause urinary obstruction. History, physical examination and radiological imaging, including voiding cystourethrogram and magnetic resonance imaging, are useful in diagnosis. Treatment is determined by the severity of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Cystic lesions of the vagina are relatively common and usually represent benign conditions. A vaginal cyst may be an embryological derivative, ectopic tissue or urological abnormality. Awareness of the various diagnoses of benign cystic lesions of the vagina and associated abnormalities will aid in evaluation and treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Prevalence of Gardnerella vaginalis and Atopobium vaginae in virginal women.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study was to determine the prevalence of Gardnerella vaginalis and Atopobium vaginae in virginal women and to establish if nonpenetrative sexual activity is associated with these organisms. GOAL: The goal of this study was to assess prevalence of G. vaginalis and A. vaginae in virginal women. STUDY DESIGN: Forty-four virginal female patients self-collected tampon specimens, which were tested for G. vaginalis and A. vaginae by polymerase chain reaction, and provided either brief or detailed information regarding sexual practices by self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: Twenty women (45%) had G. vaginalis and 3 (7%) A. vaginae detected. Among the 27 who provided detailed information, 12 (46%) had G. vaginalis and none had A. vaginae detected. G. vaginalis was significantly more likely to be detected in those who had participated in oral sex (odds ratio = 22; 95% confidence interval = 2.2-222) and hand-genital contact without penetration (P = 0.02), but not genital-genital contact. CONCLUSION: This study shows that nonpenetrative intimate sexual contact is associated with carriage of G. vaginalis in virginal women.

Actinobacteria↗
PubMed2004

Association of Atopobium vaginae, a recently described metronidazole resistant anaerobe, with bacterial vaginosis.

BACKGROUND: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a polymicrobial syndrome characterized by a change in vaginal flora away from predominantly Lactobacillus species. The cause of BV is unknown, but the condition has been implicated in diverse medical outcomes. The bacterium Atopobium vaginae has been recognized only recently. It is not readily identified by commercial diagnostic kits. Its clinical significance is unknown but it has recently been isolated from a tuboovarian abcess. METHODS: Nucleotide sequencing of PCR amplified 16S rRNA gene segments, that were separated into bands within lanes on polyacrylamide gels by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), was used to examine bacterial vaginal flora in 46 patients clinically described as having normal (Lactobacillus spp. predominant; Nugent score < or = 3) and abnormal flora (Nugent score > or = 4). These women ranged in age from 14 to 48 and 82% were African American. RESULTS: The DGGE banding patterns of normal and BV-positive patients were recognizably distinct. Those of normal patients contained 1 to 4 bands that were focused in the centre region of the gel lane, while those of BV positive patients contained bands that were not all focused in the center region of the gel lane. More detailed analysis of patterns revealed that bands identified as Atopobium vaginae were present in a majority (12/22) of BV positive patients, while corresponding bands were rare (2/24) in normal patients. (P < 0.001) Two A. vaginae isolates were cultivated from two patients whose DGGE analyses indicated the presence of this organism. Two A. vaginae 16S rRNA gene sequences were identified among the clinical isolates. The same two sequences were obtained from DGGE bands of the corresponding vaginal flora. The sequences differed by one nucleotide over the short (approximately 300 bp) segment used for DGGE analysis and migrated to slightly different points in denaturing gradient gels. Both isolates were strict anaerobes and highly metronidazole resistant. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that A. vaginae may be an important component of the complex bacterial ecology that constitutes abnormal vaginal flora. This organism could play a role in treatment failure if further studies confirm it is consistently metronidozole resistant.

Actinobacteria↗
PubMed2006

Antibiotic susceptibility of Atopobium vaginae.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have indicated that a recently described anaerobic bacterium, Atopobium vaginae is associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV). Thus far the four isolates of this fastidious micro-organism were found to be highly resistant to metronidazole and susceptible for clindamycin, two antibiotics preferred for the treatment of BV. METHODS: Nine strains of Atopobium vaginae, four strains of Gardnerella vaginalis, two strains of Lactobacillus iners and one strain each of Bifidobacterium breve, B. longum, L. crispatus, L. gasseri and L. jensenii were tested against 15 antimicrobial agents using the Etest. RESULTS: All nine strains of A. vaginae were highly resistant to nalidixic acid and colistin while being inhibited by low concentrations of clindamycin (range: < 0.016 microg/ml), rifampicin (< 0.002 microg/ml), azithromycin (< 0.016-0.32 microg/ml), penicillin (0.008-0.25 microg/ml), ampicillin (< 0.016-0.94 microg/ml), ciprofloxacin (0.023-0.25 microg/ml) and linezolid (0.016-0.125 microg/ml). We found a variable susceptibility for metronidazole, ranging from 2 to more than 256 microg/ml. The four G. vaginalis strains were also susceptible for clindamycin (< 0.016-0.047 microg/ml) and three strains were susceptible to less than 1 microg/ml of metronidazole. All lactobacilli were resistant to metronidazole (> 256 microg/ml) but susceptible to clindamycin (0.023-0.125 microg/ml). CONCLUSION: Clindamycin has higher activity against G. vaginalis and A. vaginae than metronidazole, but not all A. vaginae isolates are metronidazole resistant, as seemed to be a straightforward conclusion from previous studies on a more limited number of strains.

Actinobacteria↗
PubMed2000

[Intraepithelial carcinoma and invasive carcinoma of the vulva, vagina and penis in Ile-de-france. Enquete PETRI on 423 cases].

OBJECTIVE: Precancerous and invasive carcinoma of the external genitalia and of the vagina are rare tumors and their incidence is not very well known in the Paris region. The objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency of precancerous and invasive lesions of the vulva, the vagina and the penis as well as their variation according to age. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted implicating private and public pathology laboratories in Paris and the seven departments around. Four hundred and twenty three genital biopsies have been analyzed: 160 from the vulva, 151 from the vagina and 112 from the penis. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 45 years. The highest frequency of genital biopsies was similar for the three anatomical sites and concerned patients of 25-34 years old. intraepithelial neoplasias represented 77p. 100 of the biopsies (32p. 100 of low grade and 45p. 100 of high grade), invasive squamous carcinoma and adenocarcinoma represented 21p. 100 and 2p. 100 of cases, respectively. The mean age of the patients with low grade vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia, low grade vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia and low grade penile intraepithelial were 34, 40 and 33 years old, respectively. An interval of three to seven years separates the mean age of low grade intraepithelial neoplasia from the mean age of high grade. High grade intraepithelial neoplasia present a peak of frequency in the same class of age for the three localizations (25-34 years) and the risk of developing a high grade intraepithelial neoplasia of the external genital was higher between 25 and 35 years and between 35-45 years of the vagina. The mean age of invasive vulvar carcinoma, vagina carcinoma and penile carcinoma was 62, 59 and 68 years old, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The correlation between the development of intraepithelial neoplasia of the vulva and the penis supposes a common aetiologic factor in the majority of the cases. The diagnosis of a intraepithelial neoplasia implies a clinical, colposcopic and follow-up of the entire genital area.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1996

Does sinus vaginal epithelium persist in the adult mouse vagina?

It generally is held that the murine vagina develops from the urogenital sinus and the lower portion of the Müllerian ducts and that both endodermally derived sinus epithelium and mesodermally derived Müllerian epithelium contribute to the adult vagina. We tested Müllerian and urogenital sinus-derived vaginal epithelia for their ability to differentiate in response to various hormonal conditions and compared these responses to those of the in situ vagina. Tissue recombinants were prepared with 0-day Müllerian-derived vaginal epithelium and vaginal mesenchyme. Similarly, tissue recombinants containing urogenital sinus-derived vaginal epithelium were prepared with either 0-day sinus vaginal epithelium or 16-day fetal urogenital sinus epithelium and vaginal mesenchyme. Müllerian- or sinus-derived vaginal mesenchyme was used to construct the tissue recombinants; however, the source of the mesenchyme had no influence on the results. Tissue recombinants were grafted to the renal capsule of female mice, allowed to develop for 1 month, and exposed to various hormonal treatments. In diethylstilbestrol-treated hosts, all tissue recombinants regardless of the source of the epithelium were lined by a cornified epithelium. In contrast, only in tissue recombinants containing mesodermally derived Müllerian vaginal epithelium did the epithelium mucify in response to progesterone plus estrogen or become atrophic in ovariectomized hosts. These are the same epithelial modifications seen in the hosts' vagina. Tissue recombinants containing endodermally derived urogenital sinus epithelium or sinus vaginal epithelium and grafts of intact urogenital sinus maintained a stratified squamous noncornified epithelium in both ovariectomized and progesterone plus estrogen-treated hosts. Furthermore, in tissue recombinants containing Müllerian vaginal epithelium and vaginal mesenchyme, estrogen induced a slightly higher epithelial labeling index than in tissue recombinants containing urogenital sinus epithelium or sinus vaginal epithelium. The epithelial labeling index was the same regardless of the source of the vaginal mesenchyme. These results indicate that Müllerian-derived and sinus-derived vaginal epithelia are not equivalent and suggest that Müllerian vaginal epithelium displaces sinus vaginal epithelium during postnatal development. The replacement may result in part from a slight but consistently higher proliferation rate in Müllerian versus sinus vaginal epithelium.

Animals↗