Page 886 - Atlas of Histology with Functional Correlations

FIGURE 21.30 ■ Vagina (longitudinal section). Stain: hematoxylin and eosin.
Low magnification.

FIGURE 21.31 | Glycogen in Human Vaginal

Epithelium

Glycogen is a prominent component of the vaginal epithelium, except in the
deepest layers, where it is minimal or absent. During the follicular phase of the

menstrual cycle, glycogen accumulates in the vaginal epithelium, reaching its
maximum level before ovulation. Glycogen can be demonstrated by iodine vapor
or iodine solution in mineral oil (Mancini method); glycogen stains a reddish
purple.

The vaginal specimens in illustrations (a) and (b) were fixed in absolute
alcohol and formaldehyde. The amount of glycogen in the vaginal epithelium is
illustrated during the interfollicular phase (a). During the follicular phase (b),
glycogen content increases in the intermediate and superficial cell layers.

The tissue sample in illustration (c) is from the same specimen as in (b) but

was fixed by the Altmann-Gersh method (freezing and drying in a vacuum). This
method produces less tissue shrinkage and illustrates more glycogen and its

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