The action of the dipropionate and benzoate-butyrate of oestradiol on ovariectomized rats

Abstract

The effects of the dipropionate and benzoate-butyrate of oestradiol were studied on 99 ovariectomized rats. With the doses used, the effects on the sex organs were maintained in the case of the dipropionate during the investigated period of 10 days without injs.. while the action of the benzoate-butyrate had not begun to decline even on the 106th day after the last inj. Complete restoration to normal wt. and structure of the vagina but not of the uterus was obtained. Moreover, an important pathological change, squamous metaplasia, occurred in the uterine epithelium and was still present up to 106 days after cessation of the injs. While the restorative effect on the sex organs in the case of oestradiol benzoate-butyrate was maintained at its maximum for more than 106 days, the effect on the structure of the vagina in this later stage of the period without injs. may be changed from oestrous to progestational form (mucification of the vaginal epithelium). Most probably this progestational effect, on the vagina was due to co-operative action at this period of a small amt. of oestrogenic hormone (liberated from the 1 injected depot) with progesterone which has probably originated from the adrenals Body growth and fat deposition were depressed by the di-esters but a partial recovery took place in the period after the injs. Involution of the thymus was hastened; hyperplasia of the hypophysis was present during and after the period of the injs.; pronounced enlargement of the liver during some after-periods, and of the kidneys during and after the periods of injs. was noted.