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EXTRAOVARIAN EFFECT OF PROLACTIN ON THE TRAUMATIZED UTERUS IN THE RAT

Department of Biology, University of Zambia, P.O. Box 2379, Lusaka, Zambia

(Received 14th April 1975)

Intrauterine devices are reported to have uterine growth-promoting action (Gregorie & Ansbacher, 1972; Lau et al., 1974). Moreover, their presence alters the sensitivity of the uterus to oestrogens (Brown-Grant, 1969; Joshi, 1970). Kennedy & Armstrong (1972) have demonstrated that prolactin, besides its indirect effect via the stimulation of progesterone secretion, acted with oestrogen to cause relaxation of the cervix in rats. The present study was carried out to determine the effects of trauma and prolactin treatment on the uterine responses of ovariectomized rats.

Cyclic 7- to 8-week-old virgin albino rats, weighing 150-170 g, maintained at constant temperature (22±2°C) and artificial lighting from 08.00 to 20.00 hours, were used. They had free access to tap water and diet pellets. Bilateral ovariectomy was performed on 22 rats under ether anaesthesia. Eleven of the animals were also subjected