Bacteriology of the Uterus with Special Reference to Estrogenic Hormones and the Problem of Pyometra.

Abstract

Mice and rabbits receiving large doses of estrogens develop pyometra.123456 Estrogenic hormones may induce physiological changes favoring a leucocytic invasion of genital tissues.234 It has been suggested that this inflammatory condition may be related to the leucocytic infiltration occurring during normal post-estrus. We have tried to determine whether bacteria are present in the uteri of normal mice and whether estrogenic hormones induce changes resulting in bacterial invasion of the uterus.Mice from several strains and of varying ages were used. All that were treated with estrogens (hydroxyestrin benzoate) were young, sexually mature, virgin females. The estrogen, in oily solution, was injected subcutaneously, usually in a single dose of 500 I.U. (1/20 cc). The mice were killed after intervals of 2, 4, 7, 10, 14, and 15 days following the initial injection (Table II). Bacteriological studies were made on the uteri of immature, mature virgin, multiparous and castrated females; of mice receiving injectio...