ESTROGEN, TESTOSTERONE AND GROWTH HORMONE IN THE PRODUCTION OF ATYPICAL EPITHELIAL GROWTHS IN THE HUMAN CERVICAL MUCOSA

Abstract

In a case of chronic endocervi-citis testosterone propionate was administered for thera- . peutic purposes. Periodic histological studies of cervical specimens disclosed a marked decrease and inactivity of the glandular elements. In a small area, however, near the external os a marked atypical epithelial proliferation developed, which suggested a beginning malignancy. On the basis of this observation exptl. studies were carried out on castrated women. In 2 cases the simultaneous adm. of estrone and testosterone propionate produced atypical epithelial proliferations in the atrophic cervical mucosa, and in 2 other cases the adm. of estrone, progesterone and the growth hormone of the ant. pituitary produced similar histological changes. In the 6th case estrone, testosterone propionate and growth hormone were given, and it was observed that the addition of the growth hormone accelerated the epithelial growth.