SEPARATION OF LUTEINIZING HORMONE FRACTIONS FROM SHEEP PITUITARY GLANDS BY USE OF ION EXCHANGE RESINS1

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Abstract
The effect of pH on the adsorption of LH and FSH from an aqueous extract of sheep pituitary glands by anion exchange resin XE-59 was studied and it was found that LH is selectively a sorbed at pH 8.5 and 9.0. Assays of these fractions at a dose of 0.5 gm. eq. in intact immatureand hypophysectomized male rats produced ventral prostate weights approximately two and fourfold greater than control values. The FSH contamination in these fractions was low as shown by administration of high doses to intact and hypophysectomized female rats. The LH fractions obtained with anion exchange resin XE-59 were further purified by fractionation on columns of cation exchange resin XE-97. The LH was eluted from the columns in two peaks, the first containing the major part of the activity whereas the second contained only a minor part.The fractions comprising the major peak of activity were combined and assayed in hypophysectomized male rats. The ventral prostates were increased threefold. A similar response was observed withthe seminal vesicles whereas the effect on the testes was small. Histological study of these testes showed that the effect of LH was restricted to the interstitial tissue. Only a very small amount of FSH was present in the purified fractions as shown by administering 5.0 gram equivalents to hypophysectomized female rats. The average increase in the weight of the ovaries was 3 mg. Histological study of these ovaries showed the repair of the interstitial tissue. The LH augmented the action of FSH on the ovaries and induced the formation of corpora lutea.