Improved Method for the Extraction and Purification of Human Growth Hormone1

Abstract

A simple method has been devised for the extraction and purification of human growth hormone (HGH) from acetone-dried pituitary glands. The HGH, suitable for clinical use, is recovered in one fraction in a yield of 70–80 IU/g of pituitary powder. A step is included to preserve the glycoprotein hormones in the glands. The method can also be applied to extracting clinically useful HGH from embalmed pituitary glands in a yield of 13–22 IU/g of pituitary powder. For chemical, immunochemical or special clinical uses, HGH may be purified further by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose.