J Vet Sci.  2018 May;19(3):446-451. 10.4142/jvs.2018.19.3.446.

Ovary and vaginal epithelium dynamics during the estrous cycle in Dasyprocta prymnolopha Wagler, 1831: ultrasound and cytological examinations

• Carreiro A
• Diniz JA
• Souza JG
• Araújo DV
• Dias RF
• Azerêdo L
• Rocha EF
• La Salles
• Peña-Alfaro CE
• Carvalho M
• Illera MJ
• Menezes DJ

• KMID: 2412135
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4142/jvs.2018.19.3.446

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to monitor and characterize morphological alterations in ovaries of agouti (Dasyprocta prymnolopha), reared in captivity, by using abdominal ultrasonography. All animals underwent daily vaginal cytological examination to identify the current cycle phase. For each phase of the estrous cycle, ultrasound examinations were carried out to identify and describe the morphology of both ovaries. Topographic parameters in an ultrasound window were established to locate the ovaries. The agouti estrous cycle lasted an average of 29.94 ± 6.77 days. During vaginal cytology examinations, all cell types were identified, and each phase of the estrous cycle was established by cell counts. No significant alterations were observed in the assessed ovarian morphometry measurements. In 75% of the animals examined, ovarian follicle presence was observed in the proestrus phase.

Keyword

gonads; investigative techniques; reproduction

MeSH Terms

Animals
Cell Count
Dasyproctidae*
Epithelium*
Estrous Cycle*
Female
Gonads
Investigative Techniques
Ovarian Follicle
Ovary*
Proestrus
Reproduction
Ultrasonography*

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Color Doppler ultrasound ovary image (A) indicating the topographic triangle (B) formed by the caudal edge of the left kidney (1), the ovary suspensory ligament (2), and the ovarian artery (3). At the center and indicated by the arrows are the left ovary of agouti n°437 (OV E 437) (A/B).

• 

  Fig. 2 Ovarian follicles (indicated by arrows) in Dasyprocta prymnolopha in the proestrus phase.

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