ASSESSMENT OF OVARIAN SECRETION OF OESTROGEN DURING THE OESTROUS CYCLE BY THE USE OF BIOLOGICAL CRITERIA

Abstract

SUMMARY Adult female rats were ovariectomized at various stages of the oestrous cycle; configuration of the vaginal smear and uterine wet weights were determined at various time-intervals after operation. The results suggested that oestrogen secretion is lowest at oestrus and metoestrus, increases gradually during dioestrus, and continues until the evening of pro-oestrus; progesterone is secreted on the afternoon and evening of pro-oestrus.