Observations on the Experimental Use of Gonadotropic Extracts in the Human Female12

Abstract

During the past year gonadotrophic extracts have been made available for exptl. use in the human. These extracts have been brought to a high degree of purity by the elimination of much of the extraneous substances. Fractionated extracts have been found to contain F.S.H. only, whereas unfractionated extracts contain L.H. as well as F.S.H. The efficacy of these pituitary extracts in gonad stimulation and the production of ovulation have been demonstrated in the rat, the sheep, and the cow. These extracts were tested for reactions when administered intramusc. and intraven. Earlier samples produced some undesirable symptoms but these have become less common. Considerable data have been accumulated previously concerning the histologic appearance of the ovary during the immediate postpartum period. The absence of normal follicle activity suggested this period in the life cycle of the ovary as ideal for the study of gonado-trophin effects. The changes induced by these pituitary preps, on the human ovary in the immediate postpartum period were studied. In most patients, an ovary was removed for histologic study. Follicle growth of physiologic and pathologic proportions were induced. It was rarely possible to produce ovulation although it was felt that this goal can be achieved by continued observations. It is possible that the human ovary in the immediate postpartum period is not normally receptive to gonadotrophic stimulation.