Temporal Variations in the Collagen, Noncollagen Protein and Hexosamine of the Uterus and Vagina.

1) In the rat uterus it has been shown that the content of C, as measured by OHP, changed rhythmically during the estrous cycle per unit weight (g) and for the total organ. From diestrus to estrus the concentration of OHP decreased but total content increased. 2) In the uterus there was a cyclical change in the Hx content during the estrous cycle both in μM/g and in the total organ. In transition from diestrus to estrus the values became greater and were followed by a rapid loss through postestrus to that found at diestrus. 3) The Hx/OHP ratio in the uterus was also cyclical, less during estrus than during diestrus. 4) Concentration and total amount of NCP were greater in the intact animal than in the castrate. 5) Per unit weight (g) and in the total vagina neither OHP nor Hx showed significant alterations during the estrous cycle. 6) The cyclical changes listed above may be related to fluctuations in levels of the natural hormones. 7) Studies of OHP, Hx, total N and NCP were made of the uterus and vagina of the castrate and comparisons were made to the intact animal.