Cytological picture of altered activity of the lipolytic enzymes.

The onset, culmination and involution of ovarian incretory function are reflected very sensitively in the hormonal colpocytological pattern. Disturbances of ovarian hormone production are associated with changes in lipid metabolism. The alpha-lipoprotein concentration falls and the beta-lipoprotein concentration rises. Postheparin esterase (PHE) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity significantly influence the ovarian steroids. Oestrogens cause elevation of colpocytological oestrogenic indexes and lower PHE values. After the administration of testosterone in old age, the vaginal picture reacts by intermediary proliferation. PHE activity reacts by an increase. Like steroids, the enzymes PHE and LPL have a relationship to the liver cell. In cirrhosis the hormonal situation of the organism changes. The cytological picture in women after the menopause displays signs of proliferation, women in the childbearing period are hyperoestrogenic and PHE activity is low.