Reproductive System, Female

Vagina - Dilation

Narrative
Comment:

Dilation of the vagina (Figure 1image opens in a pop-up window and Figure 2image opens in a pop-up window) usually occurs secondary to an imperforate vagina. An endodermal membrane normally occludes the vagina in the pup, and this typically disappears at puberty and the vagina becomes patent. When this does not happen, the consequence is cystic dilation of the vagina. This dilation may also be associated with mucometra, inflammation, and hyperplasia of the epithelium.

Recommendations:

Vagina - Dilatation should be diagnosed and graded when the cause of the dilation is not apparent on the slide. However, if the vagina is imperforate, and this is apparent on the slide, then the diagnosis of imperforate vagina should be made. Secondary lesions, such as inflammation, should not be diagnosed separately unless warranted by severity.

References:

Ginty I, Hoogstraten-Miller S. 2008. Perineal swelling in a mouse. Lab Anim (NY) 37:196-199.

Full Text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2597298/

Greaves P. 2012. Female genital tract. In: Histopathology of Preclinical Toxicity Studies: Interpretation and Relevance in Drug Safety Evaluations, 4th ed. Elsevier, Amsterdam, 667-724.

National Toxicology Program. 1992. NTP TR-388. Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Ethylene Thiourea (CAS: 96-45-7) in F344 Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Feed Studies). NTP, Research Triangle Park, NC.

Abstract: https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/go/12227

National Toxicology Program. 2003. NTP TR-505. Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Citral (Microencapsulated) (CAS No. 5392-40-5) in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Feed Studies). NTP, Research Triangle Park, NC.

Abstract: https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/go/14888
  • Image of dilation in the vagina from a female F344/N rat in a chronic study

    Vagina - Dilation in a female F344/N rat from a chronic study. There is dilation of the vagina.

Enlarge Image
Enlarge All Images
Vagina - Dilation in a female F344/N rat from a chronic study. There is dilation of the vagina.
Vagina - Dilation, Marked, in a female F344/N rat from a chronic study. There is marked dilation of the vagina.

Authors

Gabrielle Willson, BVMS, Dip RC Path, FRC Path, MRCVS
Senior Pathologist
Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc.
Research Triangle Park, NC

Karen Y. Cimon, DVM, MS
Senior Pathologist
Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc.
Research Triangle Park, NC

Reviewers

Karen S. Regan, DVM, DABT, DACVP
Pathologist
Regan Path/Tox Services, Inc.
Ashland, OH  

Darlene Dixon, DVM, PhD, DACVP, Fellow, IATP
Group Leader, Molecular Pathogenesis Group
National Toxicology Program Laboratory
National Toxicology Program
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC