Abstract
Summary
1. Both the acetylcholine and potassium sensitivity of striated muscle and the activity of choline esterase of brain tissue were investigated in the presence of sex hormones and some of the hormones secreted by the hypophysis. 2. The acetylcholine sensitivity of the muscle is somewhat potentiated by the anterior pituitary-like sex hormone (Follutein, Squibb), the follicular hormone (Estrone Suspension, Abbott; Estradiol, Ciba; Theelin, Parke-Davis), the corpus luteum hormone (Progestin, Roche-Organon; Progesterol, Ciba), Testosterone Propionate (Ciba, Schering), the vasopressor and anti-diuretic hormone of the posterior part of hypophysis (Pitressin, Parke-Davis), but not by the oxytocic principle of the posterior part of hypophysis (Pitocin, Parke-Davis). 3. The activity of the choline esterase is somewhat decreased by Follutein, Estrone Suspension, Progestin, Testosterone Propionate, Pitressin, but not by Pitocin. 4. The potassium sensitivity of the muscle is potentiated by Follutein, Estrone Suspension, Estradiol, Theelin, Progestin, Progesterol, Testosterone Propionate, Doca (desoxyeorticosterone, Roche-Organon), cholesterol, Pitressin, but not by Pitocin. 5. A correlation between threshold of excitability of the effector cells and the presence of the above substances was suggested.
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