Model preparation and evaluation
The model, acupuncture, and ZMTM groups received a daily subcutaneous
injection of 4-VCD at 80 mg/kg for 15 consecutive days. The 200 g rats
were given a volume of 0.2 ml (80 mg/ml), i.e., 0.001 ml/g, for 15
consecutive days to induce the perimenopausal model. After five days of
treatment, rat vaginal smears were collected from each group for five
consecutive days. The estrous cycle of rats was confirmed by microscopic
evaluation of cells in vaginal smears. In all three groups, besides the
standard control group, rat vaginal smears showed estrous symptoms,
i.e., a significant amount of leukocytes with some epithelial cells and
keratinocytes were present, which implies that the perimenopausal model
was induced successfully. No mortality was seen during the induction of
the perimenopausal phase.