EFFECTS OF ESTROGEN AND THYROXINE UPON PLASMA PROTEINS AND BLOOD VOLUME IN THE FOWL*

Abstract

Plasma albumin (A) and globulin (G) and blood volume and hematocrit were detd. in White Leghorn hens receiving 0.02 and 0.04 % estrogen (dienestrol diacetate) in the feed for 30 days. Another group received 0.04 % estrogen and thyroxine (1 mg./day for 7 days). D-D alone at the 0.02 level did not increase plasma proteins, but D-D at the 0.04 level increased albumin and globulin 60%, with no change in the A/G ratio. When tyroxine was admd. with the 0.04% estrogen, plasma albumin and globulin dropped below control levels. The decrease in albumin below control levels was significant, but the change in A/G ratio was not. Plasma volume and hematocrit were not changed by estrogen, nor by thyroxine.