STEROL CONTENT OF THE INTERSTITIAL GLAND AND CORPORA LUTEA OF THE RAT, GUINEA-PIG AND RABBIT OVARY DURING PREGNANCY, PARTURITION AND LACTATION

Abstract

Assuming that Schultz-positive sterols are estrogen and progesterone precursors, and that their presence in the interstitial gland and corpora lutea indicates storage, and that their absence indicates secretion of the active hormone, it is concluded that: (1) there is probably no appreciable increase in estrogen production by the interstitial gland at parturition in these spp., nor during the entire lactation period in rats and guinea pigs; and (2) progesterone production is constant during pregnancy and lactation.