Relationship between thinning of eggshells and reduction in number of eggs produced after administration of some saluretic drugs in domestic fowls.
1. The effect of some diuretic drugs (acetazolamide, hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone, furosemide, ethacrynic acid and amiloride) on eggshell formation and egg production in domestic fowls were investigated. All of the tested compounds significantly inhibited eggshell formation, furosemide being the most potent drug. 2. The number of laid eggs was also reduced by several of the diuretics. There was a correlation between reduction of shell thickness and number of eggs (r = 0.77; P less than 0.01). 3. If the tested diuretics were subdivided into two groups according to their different modes of action, where furosemide, ethacrynic acid and amiloride represent sodium transport inhibitors, and acetazolamide, hydrochlorothiazide and chlorthalidone (contributory action of the two latter) are inhibitors of carbanhydrase, the highest correlation coefficient (r = 0.96) between reduction of shell thickness and egg production was found for sodium transport inhibitors. The corresponding correlation coefficient for carbanhydrase inhibitors (r = 0.44) was not significant. 4. The probable mechanisms of action of the diuretics on eggshell formation and ovulation are discussed.
Department of Pharmacology, University of Linköping, Sweden.
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Lundholm
D000818:Animals; D002645:Chickens; D004232:Diuretics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004528:Egg Shell / Q000187:drug effects*; D004531:Eggs; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010058:Oviposition / Q000187:drug effects*
D004232:Diuretics