Norlestrin-induced pseudopregnancy in the baboon: Effects on blood coagulation and endocrine glands during attempted production of Sheehan's syndrome

Abstract

Production of Sheehan's syndrome was attempted. As it was not possible to obtain pregnant baboons initially, pseudopregnancy was induced with norlestrin, 2.5 mg., for 3 and 4 months, respectively. Sheehan's syndrome was not produced with massive hypovolemic shock but failure to obtain true pregnancy has given serendipitous information on the long-term action of norlestrin on the pituitary and its target organs. Unusual abundance of prolactin acidophils and decrease of growth hormone acidophils was found. Further studies will be necessary to show the possible significance of these findings. As fibrin degradation products did not appear in the serum, we can make no inference about the necessity of intravascular coagulation for the production of Sheehan's phenomenon. Finally one animal became pregnant. Sheehan's phenomenon was not produced in her despite induction of intrapartum hypovolemic shock. Histologic findings in her pituitary resemble those of the pseudopregnant animals.