Abstract
Since the various preparations of follicular hormone, which are commercially available for clinical use, are assayed only in terms of their estrus inducing effect in the white rat or mouse it seems highly desirable to obtain some information, if possible, regarding the quantitative effect of this hormone in spayed monkeys. The studies of Corner, 1923, and Allen, 1927, on the sex cycle of the common macacus rhesus monkey paved the way. Allen showed that in some monkeys, in some cases, menstruation could be produced by the injection of the follicular hormone. An attempt is under way at the present time to make a quantitative study of the action of the follicular hormone in monkeys. This is a preliminary report of the work.
Technique: Completely ovariectomized, sexually mature, healthy monkeys of the macacus rhesus species were used. The injections were made subcutaneously, using aseptic technique. Sterile, aqueous solutions of the hormone that had been previously standardized by the Allen and Doisy rat test were used. Equal injections were made at 8:00 a. m. and 4:00 p. m. daily for a period of 6 days. Vaginal smears were taken daily and the appearance of red blood cells in the smear taken as the criteria of menstruation.
Every one of our colony of 20 monkeys has menstruated at least once under the influence of injections of follicular hormone, leaving little doubt that if sufficient hormone be injected into a spayed monkey, menstruation will invariably result. Our present data are insufficient to definitely establish the relationship of weight and of the length of the interval since the last menses to dosage, but the indications are that weight is not an important factor. The interval since the last menses may, however, influence the reactivity of the animal.
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