Abstract
The anabolic effect of male hormone is well known. Nitrogen is retained and body tissue formed, with increase in body and organ weight. Whether or not this action of the male hormone is mediated through the pituitary has been studied by Simpson, Marx, Becks and Evans( 1 ), and in a subsequent contribution by Gordon, Evans and Simpson ( 2 ) and recently by Kochakian ( 3 ). The relation between the male hormone and the growth hormone as regards their anabolic effect has been studied( 4 ). It has been shown that there is a summation of their anabolic effects in certain aspects, with no evidence of inhibition in any effects studied.
Long-continued administration of testosterone in our hands has, however, resulted in a reversal of the anabolic effect as shown by growth retardation of the entire body. There was selective retardation in development of the organs of internal secretion. The liver and kidneys were retarded equally and slightly less than the total body weight ratio. The thyroid was selectively inhibited, and the gonad almost totally atrophied. The spleen was retarded to a greater degree than the liver and kidneys. Bone development was retarded, both in maturation, i.e. appearance of and development of centers of ossification, and in growth.
Method. Baby chicks 3 days old, without regard to sex, were divided into 2 groups.
Four animals were given testosterone, 5 mg daily, dropped on the comb( 5 ) from a hypodermic needle, for 77 days. Four animals received no hormone. Systemic effect of the hormone was obvious in marked growth of comb and head ornaments, with increased plumage. Body and organ weights are shown in Table I.
Note: Since writing the above, Kochakian, Chas. D., Robertson, Evangeline, and Bartlett, Mary N. have published a further report (Am. J. Physiol., 1950, vl63, 332.).
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