Continuation of secretion of the ovarian follicular hormone by the human corpus luteum.

Abstract

Our studies have demonstrated the presence of a hormone in the ovarian follicles of hens, swine, cattle, sheep and women.^1,2,3,4 These tests seem sufficient to indicate the expected non-specificity of this substance among different species. Repeated tests of similarly prepared extracts of corpora lutea of both oestrous and pregnancy from swine and cattle have shown that this hormone is not present in appreciable amounts in the fully formed corpora of these animals. These data seemed to warrant the general conclusion that the ovarian follicle produces the stimulus which periodically causes growth and secretion in the tissues of the genital tract, and that this function wanes rapidly or is lost after ovulation.

Since our earlier interpretations were made we have had an opportunity to extend our work to tests of human ovarian tissues, chiefly through the interest and co-operation of Doctor J. P. Pratt of the Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit. The results of these experiments, which are tabulated below, seem to indicate that the human corpus luteum, unlike that of the sow and the cow, continues the secretion of the follicular hormone for an appreciable period.

The material tested includes fluid aspirated from medium sized normal follicles and large follicular cysts, 6 and corpora lutea enucleated from the ovary at known intervals after the preceding menstrual period (three of these were corpora of early pregnancy). A11 tissues tested were removed at operation. The corpora were enucleated with very little adherent stroma, and after extraction sections were made for histological study. The liquor fol'liculi does not contain the total amount of hormone present in the follicle, for additional amounts may be extracted from the follicle cells lining the walls which are not removed by aspiration of the other follicular contents.