An Estrogenic Property of Testosterone Propionate: The Allen-Doisy Test as a Questionable Indicator of “Female” Hormone in the Urine of Men

Abstract

In order to test whether or not the Allen-Doisy test is specific for the demonstration of ovarian follicular hormone, the following experiments were carried out: 44 young adult castrated [female] mice were injected with testosterone propionate in a total amt. ranging from 0.005 mg. to 10 mg. The vaginal changes were studied by making transverse sections of the middle portion of the vagina. Testosterone propionate caused vaginal cornification and uterine estrus. The minimal amt. to produce vaginal cornification was 0.1 mg. in 3 or more divided doaes and 2 mg. to cause uterine estrus. The ovarian follicular hormone is not the only substance which can cause a positive Allen-Doisy reaction. The significance of these expts. is discussed.