Abstract
Summary
The minimum effective dose of estradiol dipropionate, 0.5 μg as a single subcutaneous injection, which opened the closed vaginal membrane of the ovariectomized guinea pig has been determined. Vaginal opening occurred approximately 96 hours later and persisted for 4-7 days. Estrogen induced vaginal openings of 9 days duration can be shortened to the normal 4 days with 2 mg of progesterone. The effectiveness of several relaxin preparations in opening the closed vaginal membrane is reported. It is suggested that relaxin may be involved in the opening of the vaginal membrane observed in the pregnant guinea pig during the fourth week of gestation.
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