Unilateral decidualization was induced in the endometrium by non-surgical instillation of oil in uteri of spayed rats after proper hormonal treatment. Decidualized uteri were heavier in weight, had significantly higher levels of total protein, alkaline phospha tase (ALP) and acid phosphatase activities as compared to non decidualized horns. Immobilization stress (4h/Day for 4 days) significantly reduced body weights, total serum proteins, serum ALP, serum acid phosphatase and depleted the adrenal cholesterol content. Also, stress reduced the intensity of the decidual cell reaction (DCR) in the decidualized horns which had fewer uterine glands, reduced vascularization and smaller decidual cell growth.
It is suggested that stressing of early pregnant animals may delay or even interfere with the DCR in their uteri.