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Identification of p-Cresol as a Toxin in Œstrogen Concentrates from Sheep Urine

Abstract

DURING a study in this laboratory of the urinary excretion of œstrogens by sheep, the final œstrogen concentrates injected into mice often proved so toxic that bio-assay by the spayed mouse vaginal smear method was impossible. This toxicity was observed in concentrates from pregnant, non-pregnant and spayed ewes. Typical symptoms of lethargy and panting appeared within ten minutes in extreme cases, followed by death in less than two hours. Postmortem examination usually showed gaseous distension of the entire alimentary tract. When symptoms were less severe, the animals usually recovered slowly over a period of several days.

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WHITE, E., SEWELL, O. & BASSETT, E. Identification of p-Cresol as a Toxin in Œstrogen Concentrates from Sheep Urine. Nature 166, 269 (1950). https://doi.org/10.1038/166269a0

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