Abstract
Summary
Intact, ovariectomized, and ovariectomized-hysterectomized mice were treated with estrogen, estrogen and relaxin, and relaxin alone for periods of 10 days. It was shown that estrogen and higher levels of relaxin synergize in the promotion of lobule-alveolar growth as indicated by total DNA of the glands and by histological examination of whole mounts. Estrogen or relaxin alone did not stimulate such growth. Mean total DNA at optimal levels of relaxin was equal to that observed in mice pregnant 6 days. In the operated groups, reduced total DNA may be due to gland involution of 12 days.
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