Estrous Cycle Monitoring in Mice with Rapid Data Visualization and Analysis

Bio-protocol
Leanna K PantierCatherine A Christian

Abstract

The estrous cycle provides a readout of reproductive health in female laboratory rodents, and estrous cycle stage can be an important physiological variable. Accurate assessment of estrous cycle stage is also important in producing timed pregnancies for developmental studies. Here, we provide a protocol for evaluation of estrous cycle stage through a minimally invasive procedure of acquiring cells lining the vaginal cavity and immediate microscopic visual assessment of these cells without drying or staining. When performed over several consecutive days, the pattern of progression through the four main stages of the estrous cycle, and disruptions to this pattern, can be determined. We also present software that enables more efficient cycle stage data analysis and pattern visualization. These protocols and tools will thus facilitate the incorporation of female animals in laboratory experiments and enhance the assessment of relationships between the reproductive cycle and overall physiology and behavior.

References

Jun 19, 1970·Science·N T Adler, S R Zoloth
Apr 21, 2004·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·Shannon D Sullivan, Suzanne M Moenter
Feb 9, 2008·Stroke; a Journal of Cerebral Circulation·Pierre CordeauJasna Kriz
Dec 20, 2008·Journal of Neuroendocrinology·J J YangM S Erskine
Aug 25, 2009·Lab Animal·Sarah L MaderStephanie J Murphy
Apr 20, 2012·PloS One·Shannon L ByersRobert A Taft
Aug 2, 2012·Molecular Endocrinology·Kellie M BreenPamela L Mellon
Jan 16, 2014·Molecular Endocrinology·Horacio J NovairaSally Radovick
May 17, 2014·Nature·Janine A Clayton, Francis S Collins
Feb 12, 2015·Journal of Neuroimmunology·Ritika JainiVincent K Tuohy
Jan 31, 2017·Nature Neuroscience·Jenna A McHenryGarret D Stuber
Mar 11, 2018·Journal of Neuroendocrinology·A Acevedo-RodriguezM Laconi
Sep 28, 2018·Epilepsy Research·Victor R SantosPatrick A Forcelli
Feb 8, 2019·Neuropsychopharmacology : Official Publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology·Amy R JohnsonErin S Calipari

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations


❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.

Related Papers

Current Protocols in Neuroscience
Claudia S Caligioni
Journal of Animal Science
W Hansel, E M Convey
Revue suisse de zoologie; annales de la Société zoologique suisse et du Muséum d'histoire naturelle de Genève
F Strauss
The Cornell Veterinarian
A BANE, E RAJAKOSKI
© 2021 Meta ULC. All rights reserved