The effects of oestrogen: androgen interaction on the reticulo-endothelial system and reproductive tract

(1) Oestrone, oestriol, 17β-oestradiol, ethinyloestradiol, oestradiol monobenzoate, diethylstilboestrol, 4-hydroxy-α,β-diethyldibenzyl (HDB), dienoestrol, hexoestrol, triphenylethylene and tri-p-anisylchloroethylene (TACE) stimulated the reticulo-endothelial system (RES) in intact male and in ovariectomized female mice.

(2) Testosterone propionate inhibited the vaginal smear response to all the above oestrogenic compounds. It also inhibited the RE stimulation produced by oestrone, oestriol, ethinyloestradiol, oestradiol monobenzoate, triphenylethylene and TACE but had no effect on RE stimulation by diethylstilboestrol, HDB, dienoestrol or hexoestrol; it markedly potentiated the stimulant effect of 17β-oestradiol on the RES.

(3) The effect on the RES of oestrogen: androgen interaction does not appear to be dependent on the type of androgen used.

The influence of various hormones on the reticulo-endothelial system: endocrine control of body defense

(1) The three principal natural oestrogens, oestrone, oestriol and 17β-oestradiol, are strong stimulants of the reticulo-endothelial system (RES).

(2) Testosterone had no effect on the RES when administered alone. Doses of testosterone which inhibited the oestrogenic response of the reproductive tract to oestrone and oestriol also inhibited the stimulant effect of these oestrogens on the RES. In contrast, testosterone markedly potentiated the stimulant effect of 17β-oestradiol on the RES even in doses at which the oestrogenic response is inhibited. These results imply that 17β-oestradiol is the principal oestrogen concerned in the control of RES activity, and provide further proof that the oestrogen molecule has two biological activities, one acting on the RES and the other on the reproductive tract, and that they act independently although contained in the same molecule.

(3) Progesterone is a mild RE stimulant. Doses which inhibited the oestrogenic response of the reproductive tract did not affect oestrogen-produced RE stimulation.

(4) Small doses of cortisone stimulated the RES, but high doses depressed RE activity and oestrogen-produced RE stimulation.

(5) Thyroxine had no effect on the RES when acting alone, but markedly potentiates oestrogen-produced RE stimulation.

(6) The hormones of the anterior lobe of the pituitary are all stimulants of the RES; and, with the exception of growth hormone and follicle stimulating hormone, acted in a synergistic manner with oestrogen.

(7) The hormones of the posterior lobe of the pituitary had no effect on the RES.

(8) The results as a whole indicate that the endocrine system exerts a homeostatic influence on RE function, and that 17β-oestradiol is the principal stimulant of the RES and body defence.

Notes on Irregularities of Ovogenesis and Abnormal Development of the Embryo in Cavia

Images

The Uterus of Cavia after Intravitam Staining with Trypan Blue

Images