Sex differences in the effect of extirpation of the submandibular salivary glands in rats.

Because of the known interaction between the endocrine system and the structure and function of submandibular glands, the effects 3 months after extirpation of these glands in male and female rats were studied including the following parameters: change of body weight, sexual maturity (in females), sexual behaviour (in males), blood sugar, total proteins, haematocrit, the weight of various glands and oxygen uptake of various cerebral and glandular structures. The response in the two sexes was in each case different.