Histocytological study of vaginal epithelial cells Part II. Ultrastructure of mucification in vaginal epithelial cells

Changes due to administration of DHA

Abstract

In order to study some of the biological effects of Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA), a chief fraction of adrenal androgen, on the vaginal epithelium, 5mg/day of DHAacetate was administered to bilaterally ovariectomized mature female rats for 14 consecutive days and their intravaginally aspirated smears were observed daily. The observed results were compared with findings obtained by light and electron microscopes.
It was observed that atrophied vaginal epithelium gradually began to proliferate with the administration of DHA-acetate, reaching a growth peak after 7 days, when typical mucification was seen, especially in several upper layers facing the vaginal cavity.
The smear pictures revealed a great mass of myxopoietic cylindrical cells, which were positive to PAS and Alcian-blue stainings.
The electron microscopic findings, especially the transmission type, revealed the presence of mucous vacuoles open to the vaginal cavity and the marked development of intracellular rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulae and Golgi apparatuses.
The results of the study showed that the principal effects of DHA on the vaginal epithelium of rats was mucification with proliferation, and that the mechanism of its formation was based on Golgi apparatuses.
The analysis of chemical composition suggested that the mucus was probably a protein containing acidic mucopolysaccharide.
The smear method used in the present study was found easy to determine the degree of mucification.
It is considered that, when improved, this method is clinically applicable.