ON MORPHOGENIC CAPACITIES OF THE ESTROGENS*

Abstract

A general discussion of facts and theories relating to hormonal actions leads to the conclusion that the morphogenic capacities of hormones, and in particular of the estrogens, result from the breakdown of complementary inhibitors of set-up reactions. This negative type of action sometimes assumes a destructive "toxic" character and under special conditions of timing and concentration may efface, rather than develop, latent preprimordial patterns.