The effect of submaxillariectomy on the uterine peroxidase activity and [14C]phenylalanine incorporation into uterine protein in rats.

Surgical removal of submaxillary glands in immature female rats caused an increase in size and about 3-fold increase in dry and wet weight of the uterus compared to that of the sham operated animals of the same age group. Histological examination reveal a significant increase in the diameter of the uterus with considerable elongation of the luminal epithelium from cubical to columnar in the experimental group. Biochemical studies showed that the uterine peroxidase, a marker enzyme for oestrogen action, increased (P less than 0.01) on submaxillariectomy. Incorporation of [14C]phenylalanine into the nuclear fraction of uterus was also enhanced significantly on removal of submaxillary glands. The elevation of peroxidase activity as well as of [14C]phenylalanine incorporation into the nuclear fraction due to removal of submaxillary glands were abolished in ovariectomized rats suggesting the involvement of ovarian hormones. The results show that oestrogen was responsible for all the above mentioned changes, whereas progesterone had little effect. Results further suggest the existence of a factor in the submaxillary glands through which they exert an effect on the uterus and ovary.