Spatial relationship of the vaginal microflora to the vaginal epithelium of female rats: scanning electron microscopy.

The vaginal mucosa of ovariectomized female rats has been examined by scanning electron microscopy before and after estrogen [1,3,5(10)-estratriene-3,17beta-diol] treatment. Without estrogen stimulation vaginal colonization is minimal and the epithelium is characterized by a layer of epithelial cells covered with small microvillous-like projections. Progressive changes that were consistent with estrogenic cytoproliferative effects were seen after estrogen treatment. By post-treatment day 3 bacterial colonization was maximal and the epithelium was comprised of flat squamous cells that tended to become detached from the underlying tissue layers. Bacteria were seen in association with the intercellular borders of this tissue and occurred singly or as microcolonies. No distinct physical attachment structures were identified, although an amorphous extracellular material that may serve to attach the bacteria to the squamous epithelial cells was frequently seen.