Abstract
Summary
1. The effect of reserpine on mammary gland regression after weaning in the rat has been studied. Two groups of 8 lactating rats received 50 μg and 100 μg of reserpine respectively for 9 days after removal of pups on 4th day of lactation. A third group of 8 animals which received saline injections served as a control. Histological examination of the mammary glands at the end of this period revealed that reserpine administration caused a marked inhibition of mammary involution, this being particularly pronounced at the higher dose level. 2. Reserpine also caused a pronounced decrease in food intake and a considerable loss in body weight at the higher dose level. 3. Both levels of reserpine administration resulted in a significant increase in adrenal weight and a concomitant decrease in thymus weight. Uterine weight was also reduced but ovarian and thyroid weight was unaffected. 4. Histological examination of vaginae and uteri revealed that whereas all reserpine treated animals showed evidence of LTH release (vaginal mucification), several of the untreated animals were cycling normally again, their uteri and vaginae exhibiting prooestrous or oestrous conditions. 5. These results are discussed in relation to the possible mechanisms by which reserpine may exert its effects.
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