The influence of hormones on cell division : I. Time-response of ear, seminal vesicle, coagulating gland and ventral prostate of castrate male mice to a single injection of estradiol benzoate

Abstract

The development of mitotic activity following the administration of a small dose of estradiol benzoate has been followed in the epithelia of ear, seminal vesicle, and coagulating gland of the castrate male mouse. Intrinsic and extrinsic variability have been closely controlled. All tissues respond to estrogen by increased mitotic activity. Seminal vesicle and coagulating gland reach the highest absolute values; ear is intermediate in response; and ventral prostate responds weakly. Ear epidermis responds significantly within 6 hours after hormone administration; seminal vesicle and coagulating gland respond significantly about 24 hours following treatment; and significantly elevated activity is not noted in ventral prostate until 72 hours after hormone treatment. Periodic fluctuations are noted in the mitotic activity curves which suggest the presence of tissue specific rhythms in addition to the previously demonstrated 24-hour mitotic cyle. These results are discussed in terms of the hormonal effects upon the metabolic systems which may be involved in mitotic activity.