The effect of dimethylstilboestrol (DMS) on the cellular structure of oestradiol-stimulated epithelial cells of the mouse vagina

Dimethylstilboestrol (DMS), administered simultaneously with oestradiol, does not inhibit the nucleolar transformation seen following administration of oestradiol alone. Administered alone, however, DMS causes responses similar to those of oestrogen. It is suggested that DMS so administered occupies the sites of oestrogen action for a short period where it maximally stimulates the early changes like the nucleolar change, but does not remain for long enough to cause the full responses leading to mitosis and cornification.