Steroid hormone content in the submandibular gland of normal and pregnant rats

Using radioimmunoassay, the levels of steroid hormones were determined in the submandibular gland homogenates from sexually immature, mature male and female and pregnant rats. High progestagen content was established in the whole gland of maturing and mature females and males. The highest level of progestagens was in the last pregnancy trimester. High androgen content was found in maturing and mature males only. Androgens in females and oestrogens in both males and females were present in traces only.