Influence of HCG on the production of estrogens in the ovariectomized rhesus monkey

Abstract

M u c H controversy exists concerning the possible effect of LH and HCG on adrenal steroidogenesis. The circumstantial evidence that luteinizing hormone affects the adrenal cortex has been well summarized by Reifenstein and associates1 Most of the clinical investigations on this subject have been concerned with the estimation of the urinary 17-ketosteroid and/or estrogen excretion following the administration of HCG to castrated women, and, as a matter of fact, as many positive as negative results can be found in the literature. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of HCG on estrogen production in the ovariectomized rhesus monkey. Eight adult female rhesus monkeys were castrated by bilateral ovariectomy. Weights ranged from 4.9 to 6.6 kilograms. Six months after castration vaginal cytologic studies and the aspect of the perianal area and the external genitals’ “sexual skin” indicated an hypoestrogenie state in each animal. A first group of 3 animals were treated with HCG? (2,000 I.U. daily) during 14 days; 2 weeks later a second treatment with the same dose of HCG was given for 8 days. A second group of 3 animals were treated with HCG* (2,000 I.U. daily) during 45 days; from day 17 to day 31 the