Effect of Oestrin and Lutein Combinations on Uterus of the Mouse.

Abstract

It is well established that the physiological effects of the oestrin or follicular hormone of the ovary, when injected into various animals, will cause enlargement of the uterus. Allen and Doisy have very recently reviewed literature on the subject. 1 Advantage has been taken of this property of the ovarian hormone in a most interesting way by A. C. Siddall for the diagnosis of pregnancy and also for the evaluation of commercial ovarian products. 2 , 3 From a study of a large number of mice, Siddall found that the ratio of the weight of the uterus of a non-pregnant, mature white mouse to its body weight is usually over 400. When material containing the ovarian hormone is injected into such mice, hypertrophy of the uterus is produced so that the ratio of the uterine weight to the total body weight becomes less than 400. The present author has made a study of a series of normal mice and determined the ratio of the weight of the uterus in non-pregnant condition to the weight of the animal and was able to confirm Siddall's findings in this respect. In all cases the ratio was over 400 and, indeed, was often very much higher. Of 60 normal mice, the average ratio of the weights of the uteri to the body was 596, the lowest reading being 404 and the highest, 970. Of the 60 readings, 19 were between 404 and 500, 19 between 500 and 600, 3 between 600 and 700, 8 between 700 and 800, 7 between 800 and 900, and 4 between 900 and 960. These findings, together with the much more extensive findings first described by Siddall, suggested the present investigation.