Effect of sialoadenectomy on the aromatase activities in ovary of rat

The effect of a sialoadenectomy (removal of the submandibular glands) on the aromatase activities was studied in microsome in the rat ovary incubating with 3H-delta 4-androstenedione or 3H-testosterone as a substrate in the presence of NADPH. The sialoadenectomy markedly reduced the enzyme activities at 5 and 7 weeks of age, when measured 2 and 4 weeks after the operation. The weights of the ovary and uterus increased by the ectomy. However, such increases in the uterus and ovary weights were not shown in the rats sialoadenectomized at 7 weeks of age when measured 4 weeks after the operation, revealing rather a decrease in the weight. The formation of estrogens from delta 4-androstenedione was decreased by the ectomy at 11 weeks of age. When 3H-testosterone and ovary microsome were incubated, the aromatase activities rather increased in the sialoadenectomized rats. From the results, it is postulated that the rat submandibular glands contain some substance which regulates the ovary weight or aromatase activities in the cell.