FACTORS INFLUENCING THE AUGMENTATION EFFECTS PRODUCED BY ZINC OR COPPER WHEN MIXED WITH GONADOTROPIC EXTRACTS

Abstract

The active pituitary gonadotropic fraction is not precipitated by Zn or Cu salts at pH 5.0, but is precipitated at pH 8.5. The maximum augmentation effect is produced when the pH of the injected soln. is adjusted near the pH of precipitation. Zn salts are less effective than Cu salts at an acid pH (pH 5.0) in producing augmentation, but are nearly as effective at a more alkaline pH (pH 8.5). Cu or Zn salts injected separately and at a site removed from the gonadotropic extract inj. site, produce no augmentation effect. The site of inj. of the augmentation mixture is an important factor in the degree of augmentation produced. Cu salts produce more local necrosis than Zn salts.