THE PITUITARY BODY 



According to Bokslag (1937), a number of hormones^' re- 

 duce the gonadotropic potency of the pituitary of rats of 

 both sexes. However, without critical use, his method of as- 

 say is objectionable (indirect effects of implants on the uterus 

 and vagina of immature mice). He believed that gonado- 

 tropic activity might be increased following the administra- 

 tion of thyroid extract, but not thyroxine. Other studies in 

 rats have been made by Biihler (1936), Fischer and Engel 

 (1936), Halpern and D' Amour (1936), and Emery (1937). 

 Oestrin was found to cause marked atrophy of the testes 

 sometimes comparable to that in hypophysectomized rats.^^ 

 Halpern and D'xAmour again reported on the effect of oestrin 

 on the mammary gland. Robson and Henderson (1936) con- 

 cluded that the pituitary plays no direct part in bleeding 

 like that occurring before oestrus in the bitch. Oestrone or 

 oestriol produced this effect in the absence of the pituitary." 

 As far as the monkey is concerned, moderate doses of oestrin 

 (1,265-1,390 rat-units during 28-39 days) cause a decrease 

 in the number of large follicles and a slight increase in the 

 rate of follicular atresia. Because of this indirect action of 

 oestrin on the rate of secretion of gonadotropic hormone by 

 the anterior pituitary, the damage to the ovary is unimpor- 

 tant (Allen and Diddle, 1935). Of interest and practical im- 

 portance to the gynecologist are the experiments which have 

 been performed in women. Frank and Salmon (1935) re- 

 ported that menopausal symptoms were associated with the 

 excretion of gonadotropic hormones. Both the symptoms 



3' Such as oestrone, oestrone benzoate, progesterone, testosterone, androsterone, 

 prolan, etc. 



^^ Shumacker and Lamont (1935) found that the administration of 9 rat-units 

 of oestrone daily for nearly 10 weeks was without effect on the microscopic appear- 

 ance of the ovary or testis of the rat. Emery's experiments indicated that the secre- 

 tion of gonadotropic hormone by the young female (130-50 gm.) rat's pituitary 

 is scarcely affected by doses of oestrone as high as 20 rat-units daily for 6 weeks. 

 Halpern and D'Amour injected 5 rat-units daily for 3 weeks followed by 20 rat- 

 units daily for 5 weeks. 



33 Oestrin seemed to reduce the reactivity of the uterus to the oxytocic principle 

 of the pars neuralis. The opposite effect follows the administration of oestrin to 

 other animals such as the rabbit. 



f82l 



