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Time mating guinea pigs by monitoring changes to the vaginal membrane throughout the estrus cycle and with ultrasound confirmation
Methods and Protocols
  • Rebecca L. Wilson, University of Florida College of Medicine
  • Kristin Lampe, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
  • Brad J. Matushewski, Western University
  • Timothy R.H. Regnault, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
  • Helen N. Jones, University of Florida College of Medicine
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-1-2021
URL with Digital Object Identifier
10.3390/mps4030058
Abstract

One of the greatest challenges to the development and implementation of pregnancy therapeutics is the ability to rigorously test treatments in clinically relevant animal models. Guinea pigs offer a unique advantage in studying the placenta, fetal development, and reproductive health as they have similar developmental milestones to humans, both throughout gestation and following birth. Tracking the guinea pig estrus cycle is imperative to ensuring appropriately timed mating and can be performed by monitoring the guinea pig vaginal membrane. Here, we describe a methodology to efficiently and accurately time mate guinea pigs, and provide a picture representation of changes to the guinea pig vaginal membrane throughout the estrus cycle. Utilization of this monitoring enabled a 100% pregnancy success rate on the first mating attempt in a cohort of five guinea pigs. This approach, along with early pregnancy ultrasounds as a secondary method to confirm pregnancy, offers a reliable approach to timed mating in the guinea pig.

Citation Information
Rebecca L. Wilson, Kristin Lampe, Brad J. Matushewski, Timothy R.H. Regnault, et al.. "Time mating guinea pigs by monitoring changes to the vaginal membrane throughout the estrus cycle and with ultrasound confirmation" Methods and Protocols Vol. 4 Iss. 3 (2021)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/timothy-regnault/11/