Determinación de las características morfoestructurales del aparato reproductor de la cobaya en las cuatro fases del ciclo estral

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the morpho-structural characteristics of the reproductive system in guinea pigs during the four phases of the estrous cycle. Twenty guinea pigs, aged between 4 and 5 months with an average weight of 1,085.5 ± 68.05 g, were used. They were synchronized for 15 days with oral progesterone for subsequent evaluation of reproductive structures, vaginal cytology, blood sampling, morphometric assessment of the vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, and ovaries, follicle count, as well as the classification of COCs obtained at four different points in the estrous cycle. Additionally, progesterone levels were determined during the four phases. Cytology results showed that intermediate cells were more prevalent in proestrus, superficial cells predominated in estrus and diestrus, while basal cells predominated in diestrus. The viable COCs recovered via follicular aspiration during proestrus contained a higher number of oocytes. Uterine thickness, as observed via ultrasound, varied during estrus and diestrus, with increased hormonal levels leading to thicker, reddish uterine horns. In conclusion, the morpho-structural characteristics of the guinea pig reproductive system vary across the four phases of the estrous cycle. These variations correspond to the types of cells found in cytology and progesterone levels, which can be used to enhance and optimize reproduction and production in guinea pigs