Growth Hormone-Like Activity in Hypophysectomized Rats Implanted with Spirometra Mansonoides Spargana

Abstract

Summary

The subcutaneous implantation of Spirometra mansonoides spargana into hypophysectomized rats produced a striking increase in body weight and tibial cartilage width comparable to that noted with growth hormone. Other tissue responses confirmed this similarity. Injection of plasma from implanted rats also produced a growth hormone-like response including a stimulation of the uptake of ³⁵SO₄ ^2- by costal cartilage.

The authors are indebted to Dr. Justus Mueller for his valuable guidance in the initial studies. Dr. William C. Campbell and Dr. Dan Ostlind of the Merck Institute for Therapeutic Research greatly assisted in the work by growing and maintaining the SMS. Edward Chapin, Clinton Cope, Darlene Dotson, Roseann Leonzi, Barbara Oakley, Margaret Pastor and Bonni Yaeger provided valuable technical assistance in the studies reported.