THE EFFECT OF X-RAY IRRADIATION ON THE PITUITARY BODY OF INFANTILE RATS TREATED WITH α -OESTRADIOL MONOBENZOATE

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Abstract
The in-fluence of X-ray irradiation of the hypophysis and its influence on gonadotrophic hormone production in the rat was studied. 25 immature rats were used. Of these, 14 received daily doses of 200 I.U. of estradiol monobenzoate subcut. for 8 days. They were then irradiated with a single dose of 40 r to the hypophysis (160 kv, 7 ma, 0.5 mm.Cu and 6.23 r/m). 7 rats were treated with equal doses of estrogens while 4 rats remained without treatment. All animals were killed after 50 days after the X-ray treatment. No difference was noted in body wt. gain. The first estrus appeared in the estrogen-treated groups during the 5th wk., in the control group during the 6th wk. of life. The pituitary wts. were slightly increased in the estrogen-treated groups and showed histologic evidence of degranulation of the chromophiles. The avg. ovarian wt. of the estrogen-treated irradiated rats was highest, amounting to 35 mg. Atresia of follicles was marked and the interstitial gland was well developed. Corpora lutea were absent in 5, while 9 rats had corpora lutea and an interstitial gland. Estrogen treatment alone produced an avg. ovarian wt. of 26.1 mg. (untreated controls 27.5 mg.). The no. of Graafian follicles was reduced and intensely vascularized corpora lutea were present in increased nos. No explanation for the mechanism leading to the prominent interstitial gland is given.

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