The activation of female sex hormones

The activation of sexual behaviour by hypothalamic implants of oestrogen

“…In the present study the shape of the implants was controlled by microscopic examination and kept as constant as possible, the weights determined, and variations due to the state of compression and the presence ofexcipient material excluded by the use of pure fused substances. It is known that the duration of action of the aliphatic di-esters of stilboestrol and oestradiol is proportional to the number of carbon atoms in the acid side chain (Meischer, Scholz & Tschopp, 1938;Dodds, Golberg, Lawson & Robinson, 1938), and that the rate of absorption of the stilboestrol ester is inversely proportional to the length of this side chain (Emmens, 1941;Forbes, 1942Forbes, , 1943 Experiments with implants of stilboestrol di-n-butyrate Although the total pattern of oestrous behaviour of the female cat is complex, consisting of a hierarchy of postural and other reflexes, for the purpose of the present investigation attention was focused upon the development of the full state of sexual receptivity as shown by the act of mating, and the animals grouped accordingly. Observation of the mating act was always confirmed by examination of the vaginal smear for the presence of sperm.…”

Prolonged administration of sex hormones to castrated rats

“…In these experiments we have used the hormones which are known to occur naturally in males-androsterone, transdehydroandrosterone and testosterone. Oestrone also belongs to this group of "natural " hormones, but in this investigation oestradiol dipropionate, a more active compound with a prolonged activity [Miescher et al 1938] has been used. For the same reason the activity of testosterone propionate has also been investigated.…”

Effect of Estrogen on Pressor Responses to .ALPHA.1-Adrenoreceptor Agonist in Conscious Female Rats.

“…EV used in the present study exerts its full effect on the 4th day after administration and thereafter maintains its effect for a prolonged period of time (19). According to a previous study which examined the effect of estrogen on bone mass, EV 2 µg/week is an appropriate dose for hormone replacement in OVX rats (20).…”