To explore the role of hormonal fluctuations on external genitalia function in female camels, the localization and distribution of steroid sex hormone receptors were examined by immunohistochemistry in vestibule, vulva, and clitoris acquired during breeding and non-breeding seasons. Animals (n=6 per season) were adults (5 – 10 years) with no history of reproductive tract or systemic disease. Estrogen receptor-a (ERa) was expressed throughout all mucosal and submucosal tissues in all three regions. Progesterone receptor (PR) was expressed throughout the vestibule and along the mucosal surface of the vulva, but it could not be seen in vulvar skin and the clitoris. Androgen receptor (AR) was expressed throughout the vestibule, clitoris and vulvar mucosa. Epithelial expression of ERa and PR was higher during the breeding season, but AR was higher during the non-breeding season. These data suggest that significant seasonal changes (p |
