Simple and Rapid Method for Rat Estrous Cycle Identification Using Crystal Violet- Hormonal Consideration

Rat estrous cycle determination or vaginal smear staining is paramount for studies related to endocrinology and reproduction; in the present study; we have reported a simple and rapid method for estrous cycle determination in rats using crystal violet. With this technique, the identification of stages can be done even on the next day. Hormonal variation in blood and histomorphological changes in ovaries at different stages of the estrous cycle were studied in female Wistar rats, which can be used to determine the hormone levels in works related to hormonal drugs, further ovarian morphology can be used to study changes in ovaries during the estrous cycle. This study aims to report a rapid and simple method for vaginal cytology using crystal violet and to report normal hormonal levels and histomorphology of ovaries in various phases of the estrous cycle.