The Effect of Inherited Factors, the Milk Agent, and Physiological State on Phosphorus Metabolism of Endocrine Glands of Mice

Summary

1. Radioactive phosphorus, as Na₂HP³²O₄, was administered to virgin and breeder mice of the DBA, DBA—, and C57BL strains, and to pregnant mice of the DBA strain. The mice were sacrificed 1, 4, 17, or 48 hours after the administration of the P³², and the total phosphorus and P³² content of the ovaries, adrenals, thyroids, and pituitary glands were determined.

2. Inherited factors influenced the phosphorus content of ovaries, adrenals, and thyroids, the P³² uptake in the ovaries, adrenals, and thyroids, and the weights of all endocrine organs studied.

3. The presence of the milk agent was associated with an increase in the weight of the ovaries of the virgins, a decrease in the weight of these glands in breeders, and a decrease in P³² uptake in the ovaries and adrenals of breeder animals. It was also associated with a decrease in the amount of phosphorus in the virgin animal thyroids, and with an increased P³² uptake in virgin animal thyroids. Lastly, it was associated with an increased weight of and an initially decreased P³² uptake in virgin mouse pituitaries.

4. The change from the virgin to the breeder state was accompanied by a change in ovarian weight and by an altered P³² uptake in certain organs of DBA, DBA—, and C57BL mice. Pregnancy was accompanied by a moderate increase in endocrine organ weight and by a large increase in P³² uptake in all endocrine glands examined.