MEASUREMENT OF PLASMA CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN LEVELS IN MEN RECEIVING THIS HORMONE: AN APPLICATION OF THE AUGMENTING EFFECT OF PLASMA*

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Abstract
Using uterine weight of immature rats and considering that plasma produces a tenfold augmentation of chorionic gonadotropin activity in rats, a concentration of 0.03 IU. per cubic centimeter could be detected in the plasma of men receiving the hormone. In 10 men receiving 5000 units intramuscularly 3 times weekly, a relatively high level of chorionic gonadotropin was maintained for 3-4 days after injection and then there was a rapid decrease. A high plasma level was also maintained for several days following intraven. administration, indicating that the important factor which maintains the blood level is slow disposal of the hormone. Neither the therapeutic effectiveness nor the plasma level of the hormone were appreciably altered when polyvinylpyrollidone was substituted for water as the diluent for intramuscularly administered chorionic gonadotropin. It is concluded that reasonably constant blood levels of chorionic gonadotropin, and therefore optimum therapeutic effects, may be obtained by administering an aqueous solution of the hormone twice weekly intramuscularly.