Oncornaviral Protein Modulation in Mouse Uterine Tissue by Estrogen

Summary Treatment of ovariectomized NIH Swiss mice with estrogens elevated the level of the murine leukemia virus group specific protein and the activity of an RNA-di-rected DNA polymerase in the uterus. The extent that these markers were raised was dependent on the relative biological potency of the estrogen and on the time interval following treatment. Increases in the levels of both viral marker proteins were evident within 24 hr of treatment and were highest at 48 hr. Subsequently, viral protein levels declined to pretreatment levels. The authors acknowledge the technical assistance of Carl Reed, Carol Lipson, Leon Culler, Sara Myers, and Philip Errico. Antisera used in this study were prepared by Dr. R. Wilsnack, Huntington Research Center, Baltimore, MD.