STUDIES ON THE BIOASSAY OF HORMONES—THE ASSAY OF PREGNANT MARE’S SERUM CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHIN

Abstract

This communication is concerned with studies on the bioassay of pregnant mare’s serum chorionic gonadotrophin using the baby chick. Three endpoints have been studied. The oviduct response was found to be entirely unsuitable and the comb response of the male of doubtful value. However, the testis response appears to be a satisfactory endpoint having the advantages of reasonable sensitivity and reproducibility. materials, animals, methods The pregnant mare’s serum hormone consisted of material kindly supplied by the Upjohn Company and the Schering Corporation. The material was readily soluble in water and was dissolved just before the first injections were done and kept at –5° C. between injections. The total dose per animal was contained in 0.5 cc. of water. The White Leghorn chicks were obtained from the Kerr Chickeries in Frenchtown, N. J., and usually arrived at the laboratory one day after hatching and immediately placed on a diet of starting mash and water.