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Science 5 November 1971:
Vol. 174. no. 4009, pp. 600 - 603
DOI: 10.1126/science.174.4009.600
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Articles

Calcium Carbonate Concretions: Cyclic Occurrence in the Hamster Vagina

John J. Alleva 1, Frederic R. Alleva 1, Bert E. Fry Jr. 1, and Edward D. Eanes 2

1 Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, Washington, D.C. 20204
2 National Institute of Dental Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20014

Three crystalline forms of calcium carbonate were identified in washings of the hamster vagina. Spherical concretions of vaterite and hexagonal concretions of calcite predominate on days 3 and 4 of the 4-day estrous cycle. Dumbbell-like concretions of aragonite predominate during pregnancy and pseudopregnancy. Each polymorph is associated with an acid-insoluble matrix. Concretions disappear after ovariectomy and reappear during daily injections of estrogen and progesterone.

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Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)