STUDIES ON THE GONAD-HYPOPHYSEAL COMPLEX IN ESTRIN-INJECTED RATS

Abstract

Normal, adult, [male] and [female] rats and [female] rats castrated 8 months previously were injected for an 8 week period with oestrin, the dosage being 20 rat units daily. The body weight was only slightly affected. The gonads were markedly affected; the changes being similar to those found following total hypophysectomy. The mammary glands showed abundant proliferation and great secretion. The weight of the pituitary was increased 100-200%. This increase is accounted for mainly by hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the chromophobes with enlargement of their cellular components. There is, however, a marked depletion of basophil granulations. In the castrates there is an almost complete disappearance of castration cells. It appears that oestrin first stimulates release of the gonadotropic hormone; then there is a period of compensatory hyperplasia, during which the secretory functions of the gland are in abeyance.