Induction of murine alpha-foetoprotein synthesis by oestradiol

The synthesis of murine alpha-foetoprotein (m-AFP) was induced in 43 out of 47 adult mice of both sexes by sc administration of 100 micrograms oestradiol-17 beta every second day. The m-AFP serum levels of the oestrogen treated male and female mice were 7 and 17%, respectively, of the levels in mice during late pregnancy. Immunohistochemical examination of liver tissue revealed the intracellular presence of m-AFP in less than 0.5% of the hepatocytes scattered throughout the liver of the oestrogen treated mice.