GALLSTONES INDUCED BY SEX STEROIDS IN THE FEMALE SYRIAN-HAMSTER - DURATION EFFECTS

Scanning (SEM), and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy were used a nd correlated to morphologically characterize changes induced in the g allbladder epithelium of female Syrian hamster in response to treatmen ts with estradiol (E) alone, and estradiol with medroxyprogesterone (E + MP). Compared with control (C), the E- and E + MP-treated groups de monstrated alterations in the serum lipid profile as well as significa ntly decreased body weights. The liver with gallbladder weights, as we ll as the uterus weights, were significantly increased. Two-month E an d E + MP treatment groups exhibited increased number of anionically ch arged apical granules, and luminal mucoid elements. Contrastingly, the three-month treatment groups demonstrated larger and more gallstone-l ike deposits as compared to the C and two-month E and E + MP groups. T his report presents a comprehensive overview of our previous and curre nt data, including that of other investigators in relation to the vari ous factors and parameters involved in the cholelithiatic process.