[Cytochemical and histoautoradiographic analysis of changes in the epithelium of the submandibular gland of white rats following ovariectomy].

The author considers the dependence of the changes in the submaxillary gland epithelium in albino rats on the female sex hormone balance. Histochemical peculiarities of the secretory cells of the gland following ovariectomy were studied. The intensity of RNA and protein synthesis was studied by means of histautoradiography. The change of the nuclear and cytoplasmic area of the acinar cells, reduction of the RNA synthesis in all the gland parts after ovariectomy were demonstrated. The secretion synthesis intensity was disturbed; also the histochemical composition of the product secreted was altered. There occurs "masculinization" of the submaxillary gland epithelium in female rats, and secretion characteristic of males of these animals appears.