Abstract
SUMMARY: The effects of 2-hydroxyoestradiol-17β and 2-hydroxyoestriol (2OH-OE3) on levels of serum prolactin, DNA synthesis by the mammary gland and the weight of the uterus were examined in ovariectomized Sprague–Dawley rats. 2-Hydroxyoestradiol-17β had a potent oestrogenic activity in stimulating the secretion of prolactin by the pituitary gland, the synthesis of DNA by the mammary gland and in increasing the weight of the uterus. On the other hand, 2OH-OE3 increased the weight of the uterus only.