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The binding of the phyto-oestrogens, genistein and coumestrol by oestrogen receptors in pituitary and hypothalamic cytosol of the ewe was studied in relation to the binding of [3H]-oestradiol-17 beta. It was determined that the interaction of these compounds was competitive. The apparent dissociation constant for oestradiol-17 beta in ewe pituitary cytosol was determined to be 0 x 26 +/- 0 x 12 (S.E.M.) nmol/l. Apparent inhibition constants for coumestrol and genistein were determined to be 60 and 170 nmol/l respectively. These results suggested that phyto-oestrogens can interfere with the normal oestrogen feedback mechanisms with respect to release of gonadotrophine in the ewe.

The body composition of 111 male white mice in terms of protein, water, fat and ash was determined. On the average, the protein, water and ash fractions appeared to exhibit differential growth with respect to the body weight and to the fat-free weight. The concentration of fat in the body was extremely variable and presumably reflected nutritive condition. The regularity of the average changes in the composition of the fat-free body appeared to be a fundamental property of the growth of mice, the percentage of water decreasing and of protein and ash increasing as growth proceeds. A new index of physiological age, the protein to water ratio, is suggested and evidence for its usefulness is presented.

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