Biochemical changes in the fallopian tube and uterus of the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) under the influence of progestational contraceptive steroids.

The effect of oral administration of progestational contraceptive steroids such as megestrol acetate (MGA), norethynodrel (NE) and ethynodiol dliacetate (EDA), on the reproductive organs of rhesus monkeys has been studied. The ovarian weight was raduced by MGA whereas, NE enhanced the weight of the Fallopian tube, uterus, ovary, adrenal and pituitary and EDA that of the Fallopian tube only.Treatment with MGA caused a rise in the levels of lactic acid and non-protein nitrogen (NPN), fall in the levels of glycogen and no alteration of the protein concentration of the Fallopian tube and uterus. Further, a marked Inhibition of the activities of β -glucuronidase, adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase), alkaline phosphatase, malic dehydrogenase (MDH) and enhancement of those of acid phosphatase, lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) were observed in both tissues.As a result of the treatment with NE, the Fallopian tube and uterus recorded a significant increase in the concentrations of protein and glycogen; however, the NPN level of the tube was diminished and that of the uterus was enhanced. On the other hand, depression of the activities of β -glucuronidase and LDH and stimulation of those of ATPase, MDH and alkaline phosphatase were observed in both tissues. However, acid phosphatase activity of the uterus and G-6-PD activity of the tube were reduced markedly.