Table 3 Classification of the phases of oestrous cycle based on the cell types and relative number of these cells in vaginal smears (Cora et al., [8])
From: Staging of the estrous cycle and induction of estrus in experimental rodents: an update
Oestrous phase | Neutrophils | Small nucleated epithelial cells | Large nucleated epithelial cells | Anucleated keratinized epithelial cells | Relative cell density |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Proestrus | 0 to + | ++ to +++ | 0 to + | 0 to + | Low to moderate |
Estrus | |||||
Rat | 0 to + | 0 to ++ | 0 to ++ | ++ to +++ | Moderate to high |
Mouse | 0 to + | 0 to + | 0 to + | ++ to +++ | Moderate to high |
Metestrus | |||||
Rat | + to +++ | + to ++ | + to ++ | + to +++ | Moderate to high |
Mouse | + to +++ | 0 to + | 0 to + | ++ to +++ | Moderate to high |
Diestrus | ++ to +++ | + to ++ | + to ++ | 0 to + | Low to moderate |