Induction of Lactation by Ovariectomy of Pregnant Rats1

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Abstract
Ovariectomy of rats approximately midway through pregnancy induced secretion in the mammary gland. Rapid elevation in RNA was initiated in glandular tissue from these animals approximately 8 hr. postoperatively. New proteins with electrophoretic and immunologic properties of rat casein appeared 24 hr. postovariectomy. During 48 hr. after ovariectomy there was a concomitant increase in RNA and in the capacity of slices of the tissue to incorporate C14-leucine. Levels of DNA remained constant in the tissue both after ovariectomy and at parturition, indicating that no extensive proliferation of cells occurs with lactogenesis.