Summary
Influences of pregnancy and lactation on the thymus were quantitatively and microscopically studied in the mouse. Thytnic involution due to pregnancy occurs in later pregnancy and reaches a maximum at parturition. After parturition the involuted thymus regenerates, but lactation has an inhibitory influence on the regeneration. The possible significance of the thymic changes is discussed particularly in relation to the adrenocortical activity. Histologically the cortex exhibits prominent alterations during the involution and regeneration. The pattern of depletion and repopulation of lymphocytes in the cortex is similar to that in other types of acute involution. The medulla also undergoes microscopic changes which are revealed particularly by the histometric examination of its components.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bintarningsih, W. M., R. Lyons, R. E. Johnson and C. H. Li: Hormonally-induced lactation in hypophysectomized rats. Endocrinology 63, 540–548 (1958).
Bompiani, G.: Der Einfluß des Säugens auf die Restitutionsfähigkeit des Thymus nach der Schwangerschaft. Zbl. allg. Path. path. Anat. 25, 929–935 (1914).
Elert, R.: Wechselbeziehungen zwischen Placenta, mütterlichen und fetalen Nebennieren. Probleme der fetalen Endokrinologie (herausgeg. von H. Nowakowski), S. 204–211. Berlin-Göttingen-Heidelberg: Springer 1956.
Fulci, F.: Die Restitutionsfähigkeit des Thymus der Säugetiere nach der Schwangerschaft. Zbl. allg. Path. path. Anat. 24, 968–974 (1913).
Gregoire, Ch.: Factors involved in maintaining involution of the thymus during suckling. J. Endocr. 5, 68–87 (1947).
Ito, T., and T. Hoshino: Histological changes of the mouse thymus during involution and regeneration following administration of hydrocortisone. Z. Zellforsch. 56, 445–464 (1962).
Johnson, R. M., and J. Meites: Effects of cortisone acetate on milk production and mammary involution in parturient rats. Endocrinology 63, 290–294 (1958).
Jolly, J., et C. Lieure: Influence de la gestation sur le thymus. C. R. Soc. Biol. (Paris) 104, 451–454 (1930).
Meites, J., and C. S. Nicoll: Hormonal prolongation of lactation for 75 days after litter withdrawal in postpartum rats. Endocrinology 65, 572–579 (1959).
Nandi, S.: Hormonal control of mammogenesis and lactogenesis in the C3H/He Crgl mouse. Univ. Calif. Publ. Zool. 65, 1–128 (1959). Cit. from Pepper 1961.
—, and H. A. Bern: The hormones responsible for lactogenesis in BALB/c Crgl mice. Gen. comp. Endocr. 1, 195–210 (1961).
Ohmura, T.: Experimental studies of the thymus. II. [Japanese.] Shakai-Igaku-Zasshi 492, 19–20 (1928) (Proc. 12th Congr. Forensic medicine).
Pepper, F.: The effect of age, pregnancy and lactation on the thymus gland and lymph nodes of the mouse. J. Endocr. 22, 335–348 (1961).
Persike jr., E. C.: Involution of thymus during pregnancy in young mice. Proc. Soc. exp. Biol. (N. Y.) 45, 315–317 (1940).
Poulton, B. R., and R. P. Reece: The activity of the pituitary-adrenal cortex axis during pregnancy and lactation. Endocrinology 61, 217–225 (1957).
Talwalker, P. K., C. S. Nicoll and J. Meites: Induction of mammary secretion in pregnant rats and rabbits by hydrocortisone acetate. Endocrinology 69, 802–808 (1961).
Teodoru, C. V., and E. Grishman: Alterations of the interscapular brown fat (hibernating gland) adrenals and thymus during pregnancy in hamsters. Endocrinology 68, 208–214 (1961).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Ito, T., Hoshino, T. Studies of the influences of pregnancy and lactation on the thymus in the mouse. Z.Zellforsch 57, 667–678 (1962). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00410229
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00410229