THE UPTAKE OF (6,7-3H) 17β-OESTRADIOL BY TISSUES OF THE DOMESTIC FOWL

Abstract

ABSTRACT A limited investigation of the distribution of radioactivity in the tissues of the adult laying hen has been made at differing times after intravenous injection of (6,7-3H) 17β-oestradiol. Uptake by all tissues examined was maximal between 2.0 and 4.0 minutes after injection. There was a marked retention of radioactivity by the oviduct and the liver. Of cerebral tissues examined the uptake of radioactivity was greatest in the pituitary gland. This uptake varied according to the physiological state of the bird. Calculations based on the rates of clearance of intravenous (6,7-3H) 17β-oestradiol indicate that in the adult bird the rate of secretion by the ovary is of the order of 1–2.0 mg oestradiol/24 h.