GONADOTROPHIC HORMONE:* PROTECTION AGAINST INACTIVATION

Abstract

To the 2 known gonadotrophin enhancing mechanisms, augmentation and synergism, can be added a third [long dash]protection against inactivation. Rat and sheep gonadotrophins are completely inactivated by shaking at 37[degree]C. for 2.5 hrs. Rat gonadotrophin is only slightly inactivated by incubation at 37[degree]C. for 2.5 hrs., or by shaking for 2.5 hrs. at 3[degree]C. Addition of whole blood, egg white, testis slices, brain slices or aluminum hydroxide to rat pituitary gonadotrophin offers protection against inactivation from shaking at 37[degree]C. for 2.5 hrs. Addition of aluminum hydroxide protects sheep pituitary gonadotrophin against inactivation from shaking at 37[degree]C for 2.5 hrs. Storage at 3[degree]C for 3 days slightly inactivates rat pituitary gonadotrophins. Addition of whole blood protects against such inactivation. Protection against in vitro inactivation must be considered in concluding that a substance acts as an augmentor, especially since some of the known augmentors such as whole blood, egg white, and aluminum hydroxide are also protectors.