Abstract
The influence of coumestrol and oestrone added into the food on the serum insulin level and some carbohydrate parameters of female rats in various physiological states was investigated.
The insulin level diminished after coumestrol feeding, especially in the young immature rats and in ovariectomized as adult animals, contrary to oestrone which either increased or did not change the insulin level. Coumestrol also decreased the liver and muscle glycogen content but these changes were dependent on the physiological state of animals.
It may be concluded that although coumestrol and oestrone acted similarly on uterus weight their effects on the insulin level and carbohydrate metabolism differ in female rats.