1979 年 44 巻 4 号 p. 873-880
Three indices were used to classify oral cells from foals and their dams. These were: Cell Development Index; Karyopycnotic Index; and Maturation Index. Cells were classified on the relative sizes and nuclear traits using epiflourescence ultra-violet and phase contrast microscopy. Five mares were studied. The 7, 000 cells evaluated over a four-month period showed the highest percentages of cells observed in smears were anucleate (about 80%) and the next highest were intermediate cells with oval nuclei (15%). There was a seasonal trend in that intermediate cells decreased from about 27% in May to 11% in August while anucleate cells increased over that period from 67 to 85%, respectively. About 4, 000 cells from five foals showed the highest percentages of cells observed in smears were anucleate (about 49%) and intermediate cells with oval nuclei (about 41 %). As foals became older, the percentages of intermediate cells with oval nuclei decreased while anucleate cells increased. These changes were rapid, often within one week. We cannot explain either of these exfoliation changes.