-

Objective: To compare histological changes of the vaginal wall during follicular and luteal phase of the oestrus cycle in river buffaloes.
Design: Descriptive study.
Animals: 30 specimens from cyclical buffaloes in the follicular and luteal phase.
Procedures: Vaginal specimens were prepared and stained by the method of Hematoxylin - Eosine and three special methods of Verhoof, Toluidine blue and P.A.S. The number of cell layers; type of epithelial cells, vascular activities; distribution of plasma cells, elastic and collagen fibers in the mucosa and submucosa were studied. Statistical analysis: Data from buffalloes in follicular or luteal phase were compared using student "t" test, ANOVA, correlation coefficient and regression analysis.
Results: Results of the present histological study indicated that during follicular phase, the epithelial cell structure was stratified cuboidal or squamous, which in some areas especially in the cranial part of vagina one layer of the columnar secretory cells was over the superficial layer of the epithelium. In addition, secretory activity of epithelial cells and blood vessels increased in the follicular phase, which was less active in the cranial part. In the luteal phase, epithelial
structure was stratified cuboidal and squamous. There was significant increase in accumulation of lymphocytes, plasma cells and mast cells. This may increase the histological defence mechanism of the organ. Results of the present hystomorphometry study indicated that the thickness and the number of the cellular layers of the vaginal epithelium in the follicular phase, in three different parts of the vagina increased significantly (P a diagnostic method of the follicular and luteal phases in buffaloes. J. Fac. Vet. Med. Univ. Tehran. 58, 4: 389-394, 2003.