THE WHALE HYPOPHYSIS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO ITS ACTH CONTENT

1 December 1950

journal article
research article
Published by Oxford University Press (OUP) in Acta Endocrinologica

Vol. 5 (4) , 376-386
https://doi.org/10.1530/acta.0.0050376

Abstract

Blue whale and finn-whale pituitaries were frozen at time of slaughter (2-32 hrs. after death). 24 male finn-whale pituitaries (anterior lobe) varied from 7-23 g.; females from 5-33 g. (13 specimens). 10 male blue whale anterior lobes weighed 7-58 g. The glands measured 4.3-7.4 cm. long; 2.5-5.4 cm. high and 1.8-2.5 cm. wide. A total of 740 g. of anterior lobes were extracted for adrenocorticotrophic hormone (Fishman, J. B.; J. B. Chem., 167: 425, 1947). 300 mg. of white powder assaying 0.4 ug. whale ACTH = 1.0 [mu]g. Armour La-1-A was obtained. The author estimates that at least 400 g. of whale ACTH could be recovered per year at present slaughter rates and methods of extraction.

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