INFLUENCE OF DIETHYLSTILBESTROL ON LIPIDS IN INTACT AND HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED COCKERELS1

Abstract

The effect of diethylstilbestrol on blood and depot fat was determined in force-fed intact and hypophysectomized cockerels. Hypophysectomized birds tended to have a higher level of blood lipids and depot fat than intact birds. Diethylstilbestrol significantly increased blood lipids in hypophysectomized birds when on a normal or fat free diet, but had no influence on depot fat. Blood lipids were elevated and depot fat increased in intact birds by both a regular and fat-free diet. The liver lipids were not influenced by diethylstil-bestrol in either intact or hypophysectomized birds. The thyroid glands and testes were markedly decreased in weight by hypophysectomy but the adrenal glands exhibited only a slight decrease in weight. There were no significant changes in weight of thyroids or adrenals as a result of estrogen treatment in either intact or hypophysectomized cockerels. Food consumption and rate of gain in intact cockerels were significantly improved by administration of diethylstilbestrol. Efficiency of gain in these birds was not influenced by estrogen. Diethylstilbestrol had no effect on food consumption, rate of gain, or efficiency of gain in hypophysectomized birds.