EFFECTS OF ADMINISTERING ANTISERA TO MOUSE GROWTH HORMONE AND PROLACTIN ON GAIN IN LITTER WEIGHT AND ON MAMMARY NUCLEIC ACID CONTENT OF LACTATING C3H MICE

Abstract

SUMMARY The effects of administering antiserum to mouse growth hormone (GH) and prolactin on lactation and mammary nucleic acid content of C3H mice were studied. Injections of either antisera to lactating mothers suppressed the gain in body weight of their suckling young, GH antiserum more readily than prolactin antiserum. A combined injection of the two antisera resulted in an immediate retardation of the gain in body weight of the young. Although both antisera reduced DNA and RNA content of the mammary gland, GH antiserum appeared to affect DNA content predominantly whereas prolactin antiserum affected RNA: DNA ratio, suggesting involvement of GH primarily in cell proliferation and of prolactin in protein synthesis. Both antisera abolished the gain in maternal body weight. Mouse GH antiserum decreased maternal adrenal weight whereas both antisera reduced ovarian weight. The results suggest that both GH and prolactin may be involved in normal lactation and in maintenance of body weight in C3H mice.