• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
• /
• v.49 no.3
• /
• pp.295-298
• /
• 2011

Lactobacillus species in the female genital tract are thought to act as a barrier to infection. Several studies have demonstrated that lactobacilli can adhere to vaginal epithelial cells. However, little is known about how the adherence of lactobacilli to vaginal epithelial cells affects the acidity, cell viability, or proliferation of the lactobacilli themselves or those of vaginal epithelial cells. Lactobacillus acidophilus was co-cultured with immortalized human vaginal epithelial cells (MS74 cell line), and the growth of L. acidophilus and the acidity of the culture medium were measured. MS74 cell density and viability were also assessed by counting cell numbers and observing the cell attachment state. L. acidophilus showed exponential growth for the first 6 hr until 9 hr, and the pH was maintained close to 4.0-5.0 at 24 hr after culture, consistent with previous studies. The growth curve of L. acidophilus or the pH values were relatively unaffected by co-culture with MS74 cells, confirming that L. acidophilus maintains a low pH in the presence of MS74 cells. This co-culture model could therefore potentially be used to mimic vaginal conditions for future in vitro studies. On the other hand, MS74 cells co-cultured with L. acidophilus more firmly attached to the culture plate, and a higher number of cells were present compared to cells cultured in the absence of L. acidophilus. These results indicate that L. acidophilus increases MS74 cell proliferation and viability, suggesting that lactobacilli may contribute to the healthy environment for vaginal epithelial cells.

• Molecules and Cells
• /
• v.40 no.9
• /
• pp.677-684
• /
• 2017

Postmenopausal atrophic vagina (PAV) is the thinning of the walls of the vagina and decreased lugae of the vagina. PAV is caused by decreased estrogen levels in postmenopausal women. However, the harmful effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) have resulted in considerable caution in its use. Various estrogen agonist treatment options are available. Vitamin D is influences the regulation of differentiation and proliferation of various cells, especially tissues lining stratified squamous epithelium, such as the vaginal epithelium. In this study, we hypothesized that vitamin D could provide an alternative and a safe treatment option for PAV by promoting the proliferation and differentiation of the vaginal epithelium. Thirty six patients were enrolled in this case-control study. Vitamin D associated proteins in a vitamin D and sex hormone treated vaginal epithelial cell line as well as normal and PAV tissues were measured. To confirm of cell-to-cell junction protein expression, cell line and tissue studies included RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry staining, and immunoblot analyses. The expression of cell-to-cell junction proteins was higher in women with symptoms of atrophic vagina tissue compared to women without the symptoms. Vitamin D stimulated the proliferation of the vaginal epithelium by activating p-RhoA and Erzin through the vitamin D receptor (VDR). The results suggest that vitamin D positively regulates cell-to-cell junction by increasing the VDR/p-RhoA/p-Ezrin pathway. This is the first study to verify the relationship of the expression of RhoA and Ezrin proteins in vaginal tissue of PAV.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
• /
• v.25 no.1
• /
• pp.67-75
• /
• 2010

To investigate the change of vaginal epithelial cell in estrus-induced Shih-tzu bitch, estrus was induced by PMSG (50 IU/kg, for 10 days) and hCG (1,000 IU, on Day 10) in 12 anestrus Shih-tzu bitches. Day-changes of vaginal epithelial cells during the whole period of hormone treatment were investigated in each experimental bitches. The first day of vulvar bleeding and the first day of male acceptant was on $6.72{\pm}1.38$ days ($Mean{\pm}S.D.$), and $10.44{\pm}1.63$ days after the first PMSG treatment. The duration of proestrus and estrus was $4.36{\pm}1.20$ days, and $7.58{\pm}1.43$ days. Characteristic features of vaginal cytology during the estrous cycle were the high proportion of large intermediate cell, superficial cell, anuclear cell and erythrocyte in proestrus, superficial cell and anuclear cell in estrus, and parabasal cell, small and large intermediate cell, and leukocyte in diestrus, respectively. When it was timed from the first day of PMSG administration (Day 0), the cornification index (CI) was the high proportion in proestrus and estrus. The CI peak was maintained above 80% between Day 11~14 (4 days) and CI showed a peak at Day 12. These results indicated that the 12 Shih-tzu bitches showed positive estrus induction by vaginal smear test and observation of clinical estrus sign.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
• /
• v.19 no.4
• /
• pp.418-425
• /
• 2002

Estrus was induced in 13 anestrus Korea Jin-do bitches by intramuscular injection of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) in a dose of 500 lU once daily for ten consecutive days, followed by an additional single intraveneous injection of 1,000 lU of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on the tenth day. Day-changes of vaginal epithelial cells during the hormone treatment were investigated in each experimental bitches and compared with the those of spontaneous estrus bitches. The first days of vulval bleeding and male acceptance after PMSG treatment were on Day 6.0$\pm$ 1.5 (mean$\pm$ SD) and Day 9.0$\pm$ 1.9, respectively. And in all of 13 bitches, vulval swelling and perineal reflex were shown. The mean durations of proestrus and estrus were 2.9$\pm$ 1.4 (mean$\pm$ SD, range ; 1-6) and 11.5: 1.7 (range ; 8-14) days, respectively, that is, duration of proestrus was significantly shorter than that of the spontneous estrous bitches but duration of estrus was longer than that of the spontaneous estrous bitches. Characteristic features of vaginal cytology during the estrous cycle were the high proportions of large intermediate cell, superficial cell, anuclear cell and erythrocyte in proestrus, superficial cell and anuclear cell in estrus and parabasal cell, small intermediate, large intermediate cell, and leukocyte in diestrus, respectively. The comification index (Cl) was significantly high proportion in proestrus and estrus, when Day 0 was timed from the first day of male acceptance, the Cl was first increased above 80% on Day 0 and maintained above 80% until Day 0 to Day 5 during 6 days and showed a peak on Day 2. Also it was maintained above 90% until Day 2 to Day 3 during 2 days. These results indicated that all 13 ekperimental bitches showed positive estrus detection by the estrus behavior and vaginal smear test after treated with PMSG and hCC. It suggested that vaginal cytology was used to estimate the optimal mating and ovulation time, in consideration of the day when the Cl was maintained above 80% in estrus-induced Korea Jin-do bitches.

• The Korean Journal of Cytopathology
• /
• v.1 no.1
• /
• pp.103-110
• /
• 1990

A case of primary non-clear-cell adenocarcinoma of the vagina is reported occurring in a 65-year-old woman without exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) in utero. The adenocarcinoma did not appear to be associated with vaginal adenosis. It lacked clear cell component and interestingly composed of columnar epithelial cells of endocervical-type. Cytologically round to oval nuclei revealed one or more small nucleoli and fine granular chromatin pattern. Cytoplasm was plump, faintly basophilic and homogeneously stained. Histologically well differentiated columnar epithelial cells were arranged on trabecular pattern mainly, and also occasional glandular lumina and small solid sheets were found. Mitoses were hardly found.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
• /
• v.29 no.2
• /
• pp.183-188
• /
• 2014

A study was carried out on 16 indigenous ewes in Bangladesh in order to assess the reproductive physiology, the pattern of vaginal cell exfoliation and progesterone profiles during the estrous cycle period. The mean estrous cycle length and duration of estrus were $15.8{\pm}0.12$ days and $31.1{\pm}0.57$ h respectively. The exfoliated epithelial cells were categorized into parabasal, intermediate, superficial and keratinized and their relative occurrences. The percentages of parabasal, intermediate and superficial cell type during proestrus were similar. The percentage of superficial cell type during estrus was 61.7%, which was significantly (p<0.01) differ from other types of cells and stages of estrus cycle. Metoestrus was predominant with neutrophils in addition with other cell types. Dioestrus was dominated by neutrophils. On days 0 to 5 of the cycle the progesterone concentration was 0.09 to $1.6{\pm}0.07ng/ml$. The length of diestrus was 5~10 days with a range of mean progesterone level of $1.6{\pm}0.07$ to $2.8{\pm}0.11ng/ml$. Progesterone levels increased significantly (p<0.01) after Day 5 and maximum level was $2.8{\pm}0.11ng/ml$ observed on Day 10 of the estrous cycle. Thereafter it dropped rapidly to basal level of $0.11{\pm}0.04ng/ml$ on Day 0 (p<0.01). These results indicate that the pattern of exfoliation of vaginal cells along with progesterone concentration could be used to determine the reproductive stages of indigenous ewe.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.27 no.10
• /
• pp.1844-1854
• /
• 2017

Trichomonas vaginalis is a pathogen that triggers severe immune responses in hosts. T. vaginalis ${\alpha}$-actinin 2 ($Tv{\alpha}$-actinin 2) has been used to diagnose trichomoniasis. $Tv{\alpha}$-actinin 2 was dissected into three parts; the N-terminal, central, and C-terminal portions of the protein (#1, #2, and #3, respectively). Western blot of these $Tv{\alpha}$-actinin 2 proteins with pooled patients' sera indicated that #2 and #3, but not #1, reacted with those sera. Immunofluorescence assays of two different forms of T. vaginalis (trophozoites and amoeboid forms), using anti-$Tv{\alpha}$- actinin 2 antibodies, showed localization of $Tv{\alpha}$-actinin 2 close to the plasma membranes of the amoeboid form. Fractionation experiments indicated the presence of $Tv{\alpha}$-actinin 2 in cytoplasmic, membrane, and secreted proteins of T. vaginalis. Binding of fluorescence-labeled Trichomonas to vaginal epithelial cells and prostate cells was decreased in the antibody blocking experiment using anti-$Tv{\alpha}$-actinin 2 antibodies. Pretreatment of T. vaginalis with anti-$rTv{\alpha}$-actinin 2 antibodies also resulted in reduction in its cytotoxicity. Flow cytometry, ligand-binding immunoblotting assay, and observation by fluorescence microscopy were used to detect the binding of recombinant $Tv{\alpha}$-actinin 2 to human epithelial cell lines. Specifically, the truncated N-terminal portion of $Tv{\alpha}$-actinin 2, $Tv{\alpha}$-actinin 2 #1, was shown to bind directly to vaginal epithelial cells. These data suggest that ${\alpha}$-actinin 2 is one of the virulence factors responsible for the pathogenesis of T. vaginalis by serving as an adhesin to the host cells.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
• /
• v.21 no.4
• /
• pp.258-262
• /
• 2006

To investigate additive effects of endocrine disruptors, we have histopathologically studied the exchanges of the reproductive organ to ovariectomized ICR mice. Female ICR mice were ovariectomized and then treated with endocrine disruptors after two weeks. Macroscopic exchanges, which were body weight, feed and water intake, of all groups were not seen during experiment period. Histopathological changes of uterine epithelial cells, vaginal epithelial cells, mammary glands and the diameter in uterine tubles were observed. In the results, the histopathological sensitivity to endocrine disruptors effect was more seen to the vaginal epithelial cell height than others. The additive estrogenic effects of endocrine disruptors, which were combinations of DEHP, DBP and BPA, were seen with E2 and BPA treatments. These results offers a sysmatic and mechanistically informative approach to assessing estrogenicity. It provides a useful profile of activity using a reasonable amount of resources and is compatible with the study of individual chemicals as well as the investigation of interactions among combinations of chemicals.

• The Korean Journal of Cytopathology
• /
• v.6 no.1
• /
• pp.76-79
• /
• 1995

The uterine cervix is an uncommon site of primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Although the cytologic findings of NHLs are well known, most cervicovaginal smear of uterine NHLs give lower diagnostic yield than common epithelial malignancy because abnormal cells do not appear in the sample in the absence of surface ulceration. Herein, we describe cytologic findings of a case of uterine cervical NHL which was initially diagnosed by cervicovaginal smear. The tumor cells were relatively uniform, isolated, large-sized with scanty cytoplasm and round or indented nuclei. The nuclei had stippled chromatin and small nucleoli. Histologically and immunohistochemically the tumor was proven to be large cell lymphoma of T-cell lineage.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
• /
• v.55 no.4
• /
• pp.375-384
• /
• 2017

Trichomonas vaginalis is a pathogen that triggers severe immune responses in hosts. T. vaginalis ${\alpha}$-actinin 2, $Tv{\alpha}$-actinin 2, has been used to diagnose trichomoniasis. This study was undertaken to examine the role of $Tv{\alpha}$-actinin 2 as an antigenic molecule to induce immune responses from humans. Western blot analysis using anti-$Tv{\alpha}$-actinin 2 antibodies indicated its presence in the secreted proteins of T. vaginalis. ELISA was employed to measure cytokine production by vaginal epithelial cells, prostate cells, mouse dendritic cells (DCs), or T cells stimulated with T. vaginalis or $Tv{\alpha}$-actinin 2 protein. Both T. vaginalis and $rTv{\alpha}$-actinin 2 induced cytokine production from epithelial cell lines, including IL-10. Moreover, $CD4^+CD25^-$ regulatory T cells (Treg cells) incubated with $rTv{\alpha}$-actinin 2-treated DCs produced high levels of IL-10. These data indicate that $Tv{\alpha}$-actinin 2 modulates immune responses via IL-10 production by Treg cells.