Hormonal cytology: a correlation with plasma estradiol, measured by radioimmunoassay
Schneider, V.; Friedrich, E.; Schindler, A.E.
Acta Cytologica 21(1): 37-39
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-5547 PMID: 264756 Document Number: 110688
Maturation of the vaginal epithelium is stimulated by numerous hormones, e.g., estrogens, gestagens and androgens. The presence of superficial cells is considered a specific sign of estrogenic effect. A quantitative evaluation of estrogen stimulation by vaginal cytology is regarded as impossible due to the multiple synergistic and antagonistic effects of the various hormones influencing the lower and middle layers of the epithelium. There is a considerable variation in the response of the vaginal epithelium to monohormonal stimulation in different patients. An overall statistically significant correlation was found between plasma estradiol and karyopyknotic index. This significance seems to be of little practical value. There was no significant correlation between plasma estradiol and maturation value. An obvious relation between measurable amounts of estradiol and a maturation value over 60 could be demonstrated. The maturation value and the karyopyknotic index are good indicators for the presence of the most effective natural estrogen in plasma, estradiol-17-.beta. This indication is mainly of a qualitative nature.