ABSTRACTS

Reproductive Hormone Therapy in Domestic Animals. G. H. HART AND
               H. H. COLE (1936). J. Amer. Vet. Med. Assn., 88, 12-23.

The authors have demonstrated the possibilites of harnessing the hormones which
control the physiological process of reproduction in mammals for therapeutic
application in correcting dysfunction of reproductive organs in both sexes in our
domestic animals. The hormones concerned in reproduction are Gonadotropic
hormone, Oestrin, Corporin, Male-sex hormone and Prolactin. Most of these
hormones are ineffective when administered orally, as they are rendered biologically
inactive in the gastro-intestinal tract.

The gonadotropic hormone is indicated in cases of impotency in males of any
species of Mammalia as well as in females that fail to come in heat. This hormone is
obtainable from the blood serum of pregnant mares from 37th to 200th day of preg-
nancy and from the urine of pregnant women. The authors used pregnant mare serum
in their studies as in this material there is no danger of anaphylaxis in other species
and no loss of potency in storage. This serum is readily standardized to a concentra-
tion of from 50 to 100 Rat units per cubic centimetre and it is very constant in the
relative amounts of follicle-stimulating and luteinising principles. One rat unit is the
amount that will produce from three to ten mature follicles in each of six immature
female rats and half of which amount will fail to produce a vaginal smear of oestrum
in a second group of six rats.

In ewes and sows 100 to 250 R. U. are sufficient and in the male, approximately
double the dose for females is recommended. 750 R. U. are required to produce a
physiological reaction in cows and mares. The authors claim good results by the use
of this hormone on a stallion, boar and bull that were impotent. In wild animals
in captivity, unresponsive males served their mates as early as 24 hours after injec-
tion.

Oestrin, now available on the market, in sufficient dosage stimulates the uterine
musculature to most marked rhythmic contractions and for this reason can be used in
causing the evacuation of the uterine contents in cases of pyometra and in increasing
the epithelial cell activity in chronic metritis and vaginitis. The authors have not
given any data regarding the indications and responses of Corporin and male-sex hor-
mone.

Prolactin, also available in the market, is indicated in bitches or females of
other species that fail to produce milk following parturition. However, this hor-
mone has no place in increasing the normal milk flow of a lactating cow.

The authors remark that interesting and valuable results can be expected from
the use of these products as therapeutic agents when the product to be used is care-
fully selected and judicially applied. [P. R. K.]

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