WATER AND ELECTROLYTE CONTENT OF THE UTERUS OF THE INTACT AND ADRENALECTOMIZED RAT TREATED WITH RELAXIN AND VARIOUS STEROID HORMONES1

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Abstract
The effect of relaxin administration on the water and electrolyte content of the uterus of the intact and adrenalectomized, immature rat was determined. Uterine water response to the simultaneous administration of estradiol and relaxin was also measured. Relaxin (10 G.P.U.) caused a uterine water increase from a control value of 80.2% to 84.2%. Adrenalectomy caused a 4 to 6-fold increase in sensitivity to relaxin and an increase in the magnitude of the response. Simultaneous administration of minimally effective doses of relaxin and estradiol prevented the uterine water increase while intermediate doses resulted in an additive effect. Progesterone (2 mg.) partially inhibited the action of 10 G.P.U. of relaxin while 1.25 mg. of cortisone acetate completely inhibited the action of 10 G.P.U. of relaxin. The concentration of sodium underwent a slight increase at six hours following relaxin administration but at eighteen had fallen significantly below the normal level. Potassium concentration underwent a slight decrease at six hours, but at eighteen hours had risen above the control level.