Objective: To determine the distribution of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D receptor (VDR) in rat vaginal epithelium during the estrus cycle and in ovariectomized rats.
Design: Animal study performed in two groups of rats. The expression of VDR was examined in the first group during the estrous cycle and in the second group after ovariectomy.
Setting: University animal laboratory.
Animal(s): Balb/c female rats.
Intervention(s): Vaginas were removed and processed for immunohistochemical analysis.
Main outcome measure(s): We recorded the localization, distribution, and expression of VDR in vaginal epithelium during the rat estrus cycle and in ovariectomized rats.
Result(s): In cyclic rats, VDR was detected in basal and suprabasal cells during all of the cycle periods. In apical cells, VDR was positive in diestrus and estrus but negative in proestrous. In ovariectomized rats, VDR was not detected in any layers of vaginal epithelium.
Conclusion(s): In vaginal epithelium, the presence of VDR was shown by using immunohistochemical techniques. During the estrous cycle, VDR has an important role in the proliferation and differentiation of vaginal squamous epithelium that is similar to the effects of estrogen.