DNA and RNA contents of glands were measured in hamsters in the following reproductive states (6 to 25 animals per group): Virgins; Days 5, 10, and 15 of pregnancy; Days 1, 5, 10, and 15 of lactation; and Days 2 and 5 of involution. Total DNA of mammary glands increased from 3.9 mg in the virgin (3.6 mg DNA/100 g bw) to a high of 22.2 mg (18.7 mg/100 g bw) on Day 1 of lactation. It was reduced to 8.6 mg (8.3 mg/ 100 g bw) when the glands were allowed to involute for 5 days after a normal parturition. Total RNA increased from 1.6 mg (1.5 mg/100 g bw) in the virgin controls to a high of 41.3 mg (34.8 mg/ 100 g bw) on Day 1 of lactation and was 5.5 mg after 5 days of involution.
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Sinha et al. (1970) studied this question.
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