ISSN:
1432-1912
Keywords:
Embryonic Development
;
DNA Polymerase
;
Hypophysectomy
;
Sex Hormones
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary The effects of estrone plus progesterone on embryonic survival were studied in hypophysectomised pregnant rats. Replacement therapy commenced 24 h prior to the ablation of the pituitary which was performed on day 6 of pregnancy. The number of viable fetuses was correlated with increasing amounts of progesterone from 24 to 84 mg/kg given in concert with a constant dose of 4 μg/kg estrone. As judged by the DNA content of the 14-day-old embryos, growth retardation was linked to the reduction of the progesterone levels. No visible malformations were recorded although the experimental period covered the phase of organogenesis. On the other hand, when measuring in isolated nuclei of 14-day-old rat embryos the activity of DNA polymerase, an enzyme the activity of which can be correlated to a certain extent to embryonic growth, it becomes obvious that after treatment with estrone in combination with low (24 or 36 mg/kg) or too high doses (84 mg/kg) of progesterone the correlation between DNA content of the embryos and DNA polymerase activity per cell diverges. This result may point to a cellular malfunction not disclosed by the macroscopic appearance of the embryos at this stage. So it can be concluded that embryonic growth and differentiation processes might be directly dependent on maternal gonadal hormones, at least till day 12 of pregnancy.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01002175
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