Abstract
Interested in the changes in the ova, oval cells, fertilized ova, etc., caused by nitrogen mustard (N. M. hereafter), which possesses an inhibitory action on the cells of malignant tumors, the authors experimentally observed the influences of nitrornin (N. M. O. hereafter), which is a nitrogen substitute of N. M., on the sexual cycle of white rats, and on the ovulation of rabbits, Further, the histological effects of the same agent on the ovary and uterus of these two kinds of animals were investigated.
As regards the sexual cycle of white rats, disorders were noted in all of the cases administered with a dose of 0.39mg per 100g of body weight or more of N. M. O. The lengths of the duration of static period were found roughly in parallel with the size of the doses administered The decrease in the body weight induced by the administration of N. M. O. was found in parallel with the disorders in the sexual cycle. In other words, as soon as the sexual cycle recovered the normal state, the body weight began to increase. The histological findings in the uterus and ovary were suggestive of the lack of the prating period.
As to the ovulation in the rabbits, the administration of N. M. O. was found capable of inhibiting the ovulation inducing power of Synahorin. However, the administration of N. M. O. did not cause the decrease in the body weight.
In view of the above findings, it seemed suggestive that the administration of N. M. O. causes the decrease in the body weight of white rats, and then the disorders in the sexual cycle is induced secondarily. However, as the ovulation in the cases of rabbits was inhibited without loss in the body weight, the authors considered that N. M. O. induced the changes also by its direct effect on the ovary in addition to its secondary effect.
