Studies on Pigmentation of Endocrine Origin1

Abstract

Although the adm. of estrogenic substances to young [female][female] with primary amenorrhea induced intense pigmentation of the nipples, areolae and other naturally pigmented areas, the prolonged use of estrogens for the relief of menopausal symptoms induced no hyper-pigmentation. In a study of the characteristics of pigmentation of endocrine origin, carefully selected castrated young [male] guinea pigs were injected with natural and synthetic estrogens and hyperpigmentation was induced readily. Local inunction was also effective. The adrenals were not involved. When estrogens and chorionic gonado-trophins were administered simultaneously no pigmentation developed. Other gonadotrophins, such as equine gonado-trophin and prolactin, failed to inhibit the development of pigmentation. Progesterone failed to alter the deposition of pigment. These expts. throw some light on the 5 clinical observations, and it appears that there are real differences between the pituitary-ovarian relationships in primary ovarian failure, pregnancy, and the post-meno-pausal period.