EFFECT OF SUBCUTANEOUS TRANSPLANTS OF PITUITARY GLAND AND HYPOTHALAMUS ON THE ESTROUS CYCLE OF THE MOUSE.

Abstract

Seventy-three female Fl hybrid mice (BC×C3H), 9–13 weeks of age, were treated in the following manner: (a) 26 received subcutaneous transplants of 2 whole pituitary glands from male or female donors of the same genetic constitution; (b) 11 received transplants of 2 pituitary glands and 2 pieces of cerebral cortical tissue in close proximity; (c) 24 received 2 pituitary glands and 2 pieces of hypothalamic tissue in close proximity; (d) 12 received 2 pituitary glands subcutaneously in one flank and 2 pieces of hypothalamic tissue in the opposite flank. Vaginal smears were taken daily or 6 days a week for 60 days. Vaginal cycles characterized by incomplete estrus and periods of prolonged diestrus developed soon in 21 of the 26 mice in group (a) and in 9 of the 11 mice in group (b). Such pseudopregnancy-like cycles have been shown previously to be indicative of an increased secretion of prolactin from the ectopic pituitary glands. Seventeen of the 24 mice of group (c) continued to have relatively normal cycle...