Role of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in the regulation of ovarian activity during hepatocarcinogenesis and post-natal development.
N-fluorenylacetamide produces an augmentation of serum AFP which is accompanied by a drastic decrease of ovarian activity. A passive augmentation of the AFP level of adult rats, produced by injection of this protein provokes the same phenomenon: i.e. a decrease of follicular maturation, a decrease number of corpora lutea and finally a drop in the plasma progesterone level. The study of ovarian post-natal development shows that ovarian maturity occurs on the 35th day of life when AFP level reaches its adult serum concentration. These facts support the hypothesis that AFP plays a role in the regulation of ovaries during the sexual maturation of the female rat.
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D008114:Liver Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010053:Ovary / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000494:pharmacology; D012741:Sexual Maturation; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000502:physiology*
D012709:Serum Albumin; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins