Some effects of endogenous hormones on muscles and connective tissue, with special reference to the ewe

E.G. Bassett

Endocrinology Research Department, New Zealand Medical Research Council, Medical School, Dunedin

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Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1963, 23: 107-120

Macroscopical alterations, such as change in weight of certain muscles and relaxation of joints, effected by endogenous hormones, have been measured and are reported. The underlying microscopical changes in muscle and connective tissue, which are described and illustrated, consist of hypertrophy of muscle fibres, loosening of collagenous fibres, and great changes in morphology and behaviour of connective tissue cells. Fibroblasts enlarge, then eosinophils, plasma cells and lymphocytes appear. The possible function of eosinophils, plasma cells and lymphocytes in such modified connective tissue is discussed. The findings may be related both to problems of veterinary obstetrics and meat production.

Keywords: NZSAPAB;