EFFECT OF GONADOTROPHINS ON THE CHOLESTEROL CONTENT OF THE TESTES OF IMMATURE RATS*

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Abstract
THERE are two possible mechanisms whereby the gonadotrophic hormones of the pituitary and chorion might affect the activity of the androgen-producing cells of the male gonad: (a) by acting primarily upon the vascular system of the target organ, (b) by stimulating specific cell function or functions, possibly by virtue of a biocatalytic action, with increased vascularization of the organ secondary to increased metabolic activity of the cells. The identity of the specific intracellular reactions which may be affected by the gonadotrophic hormones is at present a matter of conjecture. It is the purpose of the present paper to suggest a possibly useful point of view for the analysis of the biochemical mechanism of action of the gonadotrophins. In recent years Sayers and his colleagues (1944, 1946) have demonstrated that the administration of purified adrenocorticotrophic preparations to the rat results in a quick,