|
pubmed:otherAbstract |
PIP: The effect of long-term treatment with estradiol dipropionate on the weight, histological, and biochemical responses of the uterus, cervix, and vagina of the rat were studied. Morphological responses of other endocrine organs of female rats were also observed. Estradiol dipropionate was injected im, 1 mcg/rat/day for 7 days. Then the dose wsa increased to 2 mg for 7 days, 3 mcg for the 3rd week, 4 mcg for the 4th week, and 5 mcg daily for the reamining 4 months. Animals were autopsied 24 hours after the last injection. Only the uterus, cervix, and vagina were processed for histologic and biochemical studies. Increases were found in the wet weights of uterus, cervix, vagina, and adrenal at estrus as compared with the diestrous stage (p less than .01). Ovarian weights were diminished. Thyroid and pituitary weights were unchanged. Histological features characteristic of the stages of the estrous cycle were seen. Pseudostratification of the luminal epithelium in the form of localized foci was noted. Vaginal histology was normal. However, no noteworthy effects on the histomorphology or biochemistry of the female genital organs of the rat were observed. Stimulatory changes were similar, qualitatively but not quantitatively, to those found in the normal estrous animal.
|
