The distribution of calmodulin in the mucosa of the avian oviduct and the effect of p-p'-DDE on some of its metabolic parameters.
1. Since calmodulin or some closely related peptide may activate the Ca2(+)-transporting system in the avian eggshell gland, the calmodulin content in different parts of the oviduct mucosa was determined in egg-laying birds killed at 1600 hr. 2. The highest content was noted in the shell gland mucosa both in egg-laying ducks and hens. The calmodulin content was high even in the isthmus part, where the shell formation begins. 3. Treatment of ducks (Indian runner variety) with DDE (40 ppm for 45 days) did not influence the calmodulin content of the shell gland, however. 4. The content of the protein avidin, the formation of which is stimulated by progesterone, was increased significantly in the oviduct. The carbanhydrase activity did not change significantly. 5. The dry weight of the shell gland was reduced by DDE administration in ducks but not in domestic fowls. 6. These and earlier observations indicate that DDE can act as an partial agonist which is able both to stimulate and to inhibit reactions in the shell gland and other parts of the oviduct. 7. In vivo DDE in the dose used probably acted on higher centres, influencing the activity of the shell gland and probably other parts of the oviduct. 8. A regulation centre which influences several sexual functions is the hypothalamic-hypophyseal region, but the endocrine function of the ovary has also been considered.
Lundholm
C E
CE
Department of Pharmacology, University of Linköping, Sweden.
D000818:Animals; D001360:Avidin / Q000096:biosynthesis; D002147:Calmodulin / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D002256:Carbonic Anhydrases / Q000378:metabolism; D002645:Chickens / Q000378:metabolism*; D003633:Dichlorodiphenyl Dichloroethylene / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004372:Ducks / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D009929:Organ Size / Q000187:drug effects; D010057:Oviducts / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism
D002147:Calmodulin; D001360:Avidin; D003633:Dichlorodiphenyl Dichloroethylene; D002256:Carbonic Anhydrases