THE GROWTH STIMULATING EFFECT OF SMALL DOSES OF TESTOSTERONE PROPIONATE IN THE CASTRATE ALBINO RAT

Abstract

Testosterone propionate administered in-traperit. daily (except Sunday) in 50y doses to castrated d albino rats from 26-80 days of age led to a "probably significant" increase in growth as compared with untreated castrates. Castrated albino rats treated with this dosage showed a total % gain in wt. which was practically identical with that shown by the non-treated normally growing rat. The possible reasons for the growth effect of testosterone propionate were considered; these might depend upon an inherent growth stimulating quality which strikes specifically at the accessory sex organs and more generally at other somatic tissues. There was a possibility that this hormone in small dosage might stimulate the growth function of the pituitary gland.