SOME FACTORS INFLUENCING THE VITALIZATION OF THE OVARIAN GRAFT AND THE PRODUCTION OF SEX HORMONES IN THE MALE RAT

Abstract

Some of the factors which cause the varied viability of ovarian transplants and the diminution of the [male] hormone encountered under certain experimental conditions are analyzed. Strain differences of host and donor and the amount of lutein tissue in the ovarian graft may be important in the viability of the ovarian transplant. However, these factors have no suppressive action upon the [male] hormone produced by the [male] host. Increased body temp., inanition and toxicity all affect the production of [male] hormone and are listed in the order of increasing effect. There is a marked destruction of the germinal epithelium from the increased body temp. and by sub-lethal doses of diphtheria toxin. However, the method of sloughing is strikingly different in the 2 cases. The 1st is identical with that found in the case of local application of heat to the scrotum, and the 2d resembles very much that occurring after vitamin E deficiency except the effects are rather immediate. Recovery is possible in all cases.