Why do we need using virginal smear to check estrous cycle when establish PCOS mice model？
In a course of estrus cycle pulses of hormones change functioning of almost every tissue. To answer to you question more specifics is needed on your experimental design. But as a rule, if you compare whatever molecular or physiological parameters in 2 female mice (or other mammals), you have to ensure that they are at the same stage of cycle.
thanks a lot for remind me that mice need to be at the same stage of cycle. I didnt notice before and did not see in literature.
Hi Micheal Du. I will corroborate Alexander's answer to state the importance of looking at the estrous cycle when assessing female reproductive biology. This is particularly relevant in PCOS since irregular cycles are one of the human diagnostic criteria - and therefore should be present in whichever model you decide to use. Couple of informations to try and help you out: 1) estrous cycles should be checked on the same time period, preferably twice a day for a fair amount of consecutive days (in our lab we have followed from 15 to 60 days) 2) Yes, estrous cycle phase is importante upon euthanasia, especially if you'll analyze ovaries (follicle maturation tend to change during phases) and hormones - we usually do it on estrous phase! If you're looking for a cheap and effective model to study the metabolic pathway behind PCOS, please look at one of our papers below. I'd be really happy to chat more if you have further questions or ideas. Hope this helps! Cheers!
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