Effects of Orally Administered Progesterone-Like Compounds on Mammary Gland Growth in Rats.

Abstract

Summary The oral effectiveness of 4 progesterone-like compounds to stimulate mammary gland growth (DNA) of ovariectomized rats is reported. Norlutin and Norlutate plus E.B. were ineffective in stimulating increasing DNA in comparison with E.B. alone. Lutoral and Provera plus E.B. at the 1 mg level or above stimulated comparable mammary gland growth to that observed at end of pregnancy or after 1 μg E.B. + 3 mg P. The injection of 1 or 2 μg E.B. plus 3 or 6 mg Norlutin Enanthate was also effective in stimulating DNA values comparable to normal pregnancy. The losses in body weight of most groups during the 19-day feeding period were apparently due to the unpalatable nature of feed containing these compounds.