EFFECT OF CALORIC RESTRICTION ON THE ADRENAL RESPONSE OF OVARIECTOMIZED C3H MICE

Abstract

C3H strain mice ovariectomized at weaning were studied in groups of 50 or more in relation to calorie intake restriction. In this strain ovariectomized mice develop adenomata of the adrenal cortex. Calorie restriction to 50% of ad libitum intake did not prevent the development of adrenal adenomata but did prevent the occurrence of the continuous sub-estrus, as seen in vaginal smears, which occurs in the fully fed animal. Full feeding after a period of calorie restriction brings about the occurrence of the continuous sub-estrus state. The adrenal cortical adenoma in the calorie-restricted animal is indistinguishable microscopically from that seen in the fully fed mouse. Thus no visible difference is seen between the tumor which presumably secretes estrogen in the fully fed animal, and the one which does not, in the restricted mouse.