Proton Magnetic Resonance Studies on the Physical State of Proteins in the Vaginal Epithelium

E Odeblad

doi:10.3109/00016346509154002

Proton Magnetic Resonance Studies on the Physical State of Proteins in the Vaginal Epithelium

Odeblad E

Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, 44(4), 595-608, 1965

DOI 10.3109/00016346509154002

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RRM Academy Synopsis

Protein-linked signal in vaginal cells dips at midcycle in NMR study

A 1965 lab study of vaginal cells from 11 healthy young women found a broad signal, largely from cell proteins, was considerably lower at midcycle, when estrogen activity peaks. The author used nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) on samples from whole cycles. He suggests the dip probably reflects less movement of the proteins.

Key Findings

The study followed 11 healthy volunteers aged 17-21 years through 11 complete menstrual cycles and examined 81 samples.
The broad band largely from protein protons (P band) showed a considerable depression during midcycle, its most constant cyclic change.
Two water peaks from inside and outside the cells split into two peaks at the time of ovulation, as the author's earlier papers had reported.
Five signal components were resolved in total. The author labeled them N, X, I, K and P. The K peak could not be definitely assigned.
The author reports some evidence that the cells' protein assemblies may be disc-shaped.

Interpretation

This is a basic physics study of cell samples, with no fertility outcomes. Every volunteer was a young virgin woman whose cycle was tracked by basal body temperature and cervical secretion. The author calls the signal's origin complex and lists several possible sources beyond protein. He proposes that keratinization, a hardening of the cells, may explain the midcycle dip. The paper does not test that idea.

RRM Context

Fertility awareness methods rest on observable signs that follow the ovulatory cycle. Laboratory work like this looked for physical changes in vaginal cells across the cycle. The samples had mucus removed before measurement, so the study reports nothing about mucus itself.

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Abstract not indexed.

By this author

DOI 10.3109/00016346509154002 10.3109/00016346509154002 Odeblad et al. 1965, Odeblad 1965

Proton Magnetic Resonance Studies on the Physical State of Proteins in the Vaginal Epithelium

Protein-linked signal in vaginal cells dips at midcycle in NMR study

Key Findings

Interpretation

RRM Context

By this author

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