Effect of oestradiol-17β on perineal and neck skin glands in heifer calves

Abstract

ABSTRACT Ten 16-week-old Friesian × Hereford heifer calves were split into experimental and control groups. Experimental animals were given an implant of oestradiol-17β in the ear whilst controls were given blank implants. They were killed 14 days later. After implantation the experimental group had consistently greater (P<0·01) plasma concentrations of oestradiol-17β than the control group. After death, sebaceous gland volume in the perineal region was greater (P < 0·01) in the experimental than in the control group, whereas sebaceous gland volume in the neck was smaller (P <0·01). Sweat gland volume in the perineal region was greater (P<0·01) in the experimental than in the control group. There was no difference between groups in the volume of sweat glands in the neck. J. Endocr. (1987) 115, 43–46