GONADOTROPINS AND LINEAR GROWTH

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Abstract
Since it is common knowledge that closure of the epiphyses and an accompanying cessation of normal growth occur under the influence of the interstitial cells of the sex glands (Falta and Meyer1 ), should it therefore be taken for granted that sexual development is inhibitory to linear growth and that sexual maturation and growth are antagonistic? For example, it has been stated by Engelbach and Schaefer that there is an antagonism between the sex and the growth factors elaborated by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland.2 As can be seen, such problems bring with them not only such intriguing academic questions as what is the relationship and interrelationship of these glands but also, more specifically, such practical questions as whether therapeutic stimulation of the gonads of boys should be undertaken or whether such stimulation should be avoided because sex and growth factors are antagonistic and consequently premature closure