Effect of Estrogen and Progesterone on Collagen Content of Rat Uterus, Heart and Skeletal Muscle

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Abstract
Total collagen content was determined in the uterus of weanling rats after injection of estrogen ([alpha] -estradiol benzoate) and of progesterone. After a single injection of 0.1[mu]g of estrogen the collagen content did not increase significantly while the fresh weight and dry weight of the uterus about doubled. After 3 injections of estrogen on consecutive days (0.1[mu]g daily) collagen content increases from 1.1 mg/100g body weight to 2.13 mg/100g body weight. Progesterone injected for 3 consecutive days (1 mg daily) caused a rise of the collagen content to 1.28 mg/lOOg body weight. When estrogen and progesterone were injected together the collagen content increased to 1.51 mg/lOOg body weight indicating an inhibition of the estrogen effect by progesterone.