ABSORPTION OF SUBCUTANEOUSLY IMPLANTED HORMONE PELLETS

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Abstract
Cylindrical diethylstilbestrol pellets, measuring 1.1 X 1.1 mm., 2.4 X 2.4 mm., and 3.1 X 3.1 mm., and weighing approx. 12, 12.5 and 27.5 mg., respectively, prepared by fusion, were placed by trocars subcut. in the right axilla of 30-g. adult o mice (strain dba). At intervals, pellets were removed, freed from connective tissue, dried and weighed, and then reim-planted into other mice of the same strain and sex. The absorption rate, "a function of the area of the pellet exposed to the solvent action of the body fluids," of 21 pellets (108 observations) was detd. Clinical data on the absorption of pellets of diethylstilbestrol and testosterone pro-pionate were also analyzed. The decreasing rate of absorption is related to the shape of the pellet and is due to the change in surface area which depends on changes in pellet vol. Therefore to maintain approx. constant levels of hormone dosage over long periods, additional pellets should be implanted at regular intervals.