VIII. The Effect of Estrin Injections on the Basal Metabolism, Uterine Endometrium, Lactation, Mating and Maternal Instincts in the Adult Dog

Abstract

The basal metabolic rate in [2] normal dogs was neither lowered nor elevated as a result of subcutaneous injections of ? sex hormone (estrin). Many tests near the lower limit of normal variation occurred, so that the average over a period of daily injections may be slightly (2%) below the average for a control period. Congestion and enlargement of the external genitalia, hemorrhagic discharge from the vagina, hypertrophy of the uterine endometrium with histological evidence of secretory activity, and evocation of the mating instinct followed the administration of [female] sex hormone in [2] normal and [2] castrate bitches. Hyperplasia of the nipples and slight palpable enlargement of the mammary glands occurred in all dogs, and copious lactation and evocation of the maternal instinct in 1 dog followed the subcutaneous injection of estrin.