LESIONS OF THE BLADDER AND OF THE PROSTATE OF MICE RECEIVING PELLETS OF CRYSTALLINE ESTRONE

Abstract

Pellets of crystalline estrone were implanted subcut. in 20 CsH and 5 albino mice of both sexes at the age of 7 wks. The animals were under the influence of estrone from 2-6.2 mos. The effect of the hormone on the urogenital system was studied microscopically. The lesions of the reproductive system were identical with those described in the literature, consisting of varying degrees of squamous metaplasia of the prostate and coagulating glands. One animal showed very advanced lesions. An identical process was observed to occur, although to a lesser degree, in the mucosa of the urinary bladder. Squamous metaplasia of varying intensity was found in 16 out of 25 animals of both sexes. The lesions are described and illustrated by photomicrographs. They are interpreted as direct effects of the $ sex hormone.