Histochemical Variations in the Metrial Gland of the Rat During Pregnancy and Lactation

Abstract

The histocnemistry of the metrial gland of the rat was studied in 61 cases from the 5th day of gestation to the 22d day of lactation. The history of this gland was divided into 3 periods, these being characterized successively by large amts. of 1) ribonucleic acid, 2) eosino-philic granules and glycogen, and 3) lipids. The ribonucleic acid (basophilia) appeared as early as the 6th day of pregnancy and was related to growth of the gland. Eosinophilic granules and glycogen appeared on about the 9th day of pregnancy, reached their peak at the 13-15th day and then declined rapidly. They seemed to be involved in nutrition of the embryo. Lipid developed on the 17th day of pregnancy and remained as a prominent feature during lactation. Its histochemical characteristics suggested for it a role in steroid metabolism.