The Effect of the Anterior Pituitary Hormones on the Growth of Mouse Sarcoma

Abstract

It has been suggested by H. Zondek, B. Zondek, and Hartoch (1) that the so-called ovarian follicle ripening component of the anterior pituitary hormone (Prolan A) may act to hinder tissue growth in general, and particularly the growth of tumors. To test this hypothesis, these authors carried out a series of experiments in which anterior pituitary hormone containing a mixture of both the follicle ripening component (Prolan A) and the luteinizing component (Prolan B) was administered to mice inoculated with transplantable carcinoma. The tumor used was the Frankfurt strain of Ehrlich mouse carcinoma, which had never regressed spontaneously in 1019 inoculations. The plan used by the authors was to give their mice frequent and exceedingly large doses of the hormone. The injections were begun on the day following inoculation with the tumor and were continued for twenty-two days. The tail vein was used for all but the last 4 to 6 injections, which were given subcutaneously. From 0.1 to 0.2 c.c. of the solution of the hormone was injected daily. Each cubic centimeter contained from 500 to 1000 rat units. The maximum daily dose was therefore 200 rat units. On the 23d day the animals were killed and the tumor removed. The results can be summarized as follows: