Effect of estrogen on the melanin content of liver of toad (Bufo melanostictus)

Gegenbaurs Morphol Jahrb. 1977;123(2):340-6.

Abstract

Estrogen injection (1 microgram/g of body weight, single injection) reduced significantly the melanin content of liver of both male and female toads. Estrogen at the dose of 0.1 microgram/g did not cause any change in the amount of melanin in liver of toads. With higher doses of the hormone (2 microgram/g, single injection) the melanin content of liver tended to decrease further but the differences was not statistically significant in comparison with the results of injection of 1 microgram of estrogen per g of body weight. The reduction in the amount of melanin in liver of both male and female toads was noticed within 24 h of injection and was contained up to the 7th day of experiment. It was also found that the maximum fall in the amount of melanin in liver took place within 3 days.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anura / metabolism*
  • Estrogens / administration & dosage
  • Estrogens / pharmacology*
  • Female
  • Liver / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Melanins / metabolism*
  • Sex Factors

Substances

  • Estrogens
  • Melanins