The androgenic activity of ovarian grafts in castrated male rats

Abstract

Evidence of androgenic activity on the part of the ovary has been accumulating for some years (see Parkes 1937; Lipschiitz 1937). For instance, the comb of the fowl, which is insensitive to recognized female hormones but responds to androgens, undergoes development in the laying hen. Moreover, small amounts of androgens, detectable by capon comb tests, have been found in crude extracts of pig ovary. Under conditions in which excessive luteinization of the ovary occurs, e.g. after irradiation or administration of pituitary or urine of pregnancy extracts, Steinach and Kun (1931) and Guyénot and others (1932, 1933, 1936) found evidence of masculinization of the female guinea-pig. Guyenot and Wietrzykowska (1935) also described a similar condition in guinea-pigs descended from an interspecific cross ( Cavia aperea from the Argentine x C. cobaya ).