THE MAINTENANCE OF EMBRYO LIFE IN OVARIECTOMIZED RABBITS

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Abstract
Data on ovariectomized rabbits examined at the 5th day after mating are taken to show that testosterone propionate and methyl testosterone enhance the effect of progesterone when the former are given in certain dosages by the subcutan. route. The enhancement may be due either to a prevention of progesterone destruction or to a demonstrable progestin-like action of the androgens themselves. Pregnandiol is similarly enhancing. Data on progesterone inj. for 11 days and longer indicate that normal implantation will occur with a dosage of at least 0.5 mgm. given twice daily (8 animals) and that a dosage of 1.0 mgm. twice daily after the 11th day will maintain the embryos to term (2 out of 3 animals). Crystalline progesterone in 15 mgm. total dose implanted intramusc. will maintain a moderate degree of pseudopregnant proliferation whereas 15 mgm. of 17-aethinyl testosterone will not do so when implanted intraperiton. It is unnecessary to invoke any special gestational substances other than progesterone for maintaining full gestation in the ovariectomized rabbit, but substances related to progesterone and not themselves progestins (e.g. pregnandiol, oestrone) may effectively enhance the typical progesterone effect by preventing the rapid destruction of progesterone.

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