EPIPHYSEAL GROWTH ZONES IN OESTRADIOL-TREATED RABBITS

Abstract

ABSTRACT Rabbits weighing about 800 g were treated with oestradiol monobenzoate during 30 days. At the end of the treatment, the mean body weight of the experimental animals was significantly lower than that of the control animals. Grossly, a narrowing of the epiphyseal cartilage plate and a reduction of the height of the metaphysis was observed. In cartilage, the content of water, hexosamine, uronic acid, sodium, potassium and chloride decreased. The content of hydroxyproline was unchanged. In metaphyseal bone, the water content increased and the mucopolysaccharide content tended to an increase, while the concentration of hydroxyproline and of electrolytes remained unchanged. The uptake of 35SO4 was depressed in both tissues.