Reproductive capacity of adult female rats treated prepuberally with estrogenic hormone
Wilson, J.G.
Anat Rec 86(3): 341-361
1943
DOI: 10.1002/ar.1090860304Document Number: 519334
Different groups of female rats were injected with estradiol dipropionate for a period of 28 days beginning at various prepuberal ages between birth and the 40th day. Reproductive capacity in these animals was studied 3 or more mos. later. The age of the animal at the time of treatment was of considerable importance. Treatment begun on the 15th, 20th, 30th and 40th days caused no permanent impairment of reproductive functions. The adult femalefemale displayed regular estrous cycles, mated, bore litters and lactated. In contrast, injs. started on the 1st and 5th days caused severe alterations. Spontaneous sexual behavior was never exhibited and the vaginal smear indicated a persistent diestrous condition. The ovaries were very small and contained numerous atretic follicles, a few normal-appearing follicles in the early vesicular stage, but no corpora lutea. The interstitial tissue was extremely a trophic. Uteri were small, showed several pathologic changes and responded poorly to estrogenic stimulation. Estrous behavior could not be induced with much larger quantities of female sex hormones than were necessary to produce heat in untreated femalefemale. The mode of action of sex hormones in modifying subsequent pituitary gonadotrophic function and sensitivity to estrogenic substances is discussed.
Document emailed within 0-6 h
