The distribution of uterine glycogen during early pregnancy in the young and senescent golden hamster.
Glycogen distribution in the uterus of young and old hamsters was examined histochemically during the implantation of the embryo. Decidual cells and glycogen first appeared at 96 hours (post-ovulation) in the young animal. Decidualization did not occur in the senescent animal until 108 hours of development and the appearance of glycogen in the antimesometrial stroma was further delayed until 120 hours of development in the aged female. By 132 hours glycogen synthesis in the antimesometrial decidua was similar in both groups. Mesometrial glycogen synthesis in the aged animal continued to lag behind that of the young animal throughout the period investigated. The role of the delayed decidual cell response and the appearance of glycogen as possible causal factors in the observed decreased reproductive output in senescent animals is discussed.
D000818:Animals; D006224:Cricetinae; D003656:Decidua / Q000378:metabolism; D010064:Embryo Implantation; D005260:Female; D005934:Glucagon / Q000096:biosynthesis; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D006801:Humans; D008423:Maternal Age; D011247:Pregnancy; D011270:Pregnancy, Animal; D013997:Time Factors; D014599:Uterus / Q000378:metabolism*
D005934:Glucagon