In order to know the histological changes of rat preputial gland during normal sexual cycle and sex hormone treatment, matured Wistar rats (B.W. about 200g) were used for the experiment. Rats were subcutaneously givers 2㎍ 17-β-estradiol (Sigma) and 2.5g progesterone (Nakarai Chem., Japan) daily in 0.5㎖ propylen glycol for ten days respectively.
The results obtained are as follows:
At the stage of estrus and metestrus, the eosinophilic crystalloid granules and large vacuoles in the acinar cells appeared numerously, and the excretory ducts were severely extended. The developed connective tissue between the acinus were also found. At the stage of proestrus and diestius, however, the small vacuoles and a few eosinophilic crystalloid granules appeared in the acinar cells.
In the estradiol treatment, on the other hand, severely extended excretory ducts and a small number of the eosinophilic crystalloid granules compared with the progesterone treatment were found. The cyst-like structure was found, and in that the acinus disappeared completely. In the progesterone treatment, remarkedly extended excretory ducts and numerous appearance of oval formed eosinophilic granules in the acinar cells were found.
As these findings, it could be suggested that the secretion of rat preputial gland was active at the estrus and metestrus stage, and estrogen may concerned in the secretion, and progesterone in the formation of secretory products.
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