The ovarian cystic fluid with special reference to its effect upon the reactions of the genital tract. ∗

Recent studies 1 on the morphology of the ovarian cysts tend to prove that their structures are, as a rule, not of a follicular origin, but result in most cases from the overgrowth of the embryological remains of the Wolffian duct system, part of which persists in a rudimentary form within the ovaries of mammals.

Viewed from this standpoint, ovarian cysts should not be considered solely as pathological structures. There is a normal element in their existence, the study of which might be of some interest both morphologically and physiologically.

Considerable work has been done on the morphology of the cystic structures but knowledge of the chemical nature and the physiological properties of the fluid contained within the cysts is very fragmentary.

With a hope that such a study might contribute something to a better understanding of the ovarian functions as a whole, we have undertaken an investigation of this problem, the first report of which is given in this preliminary note.

We have studied crude and barkefelded material taken from cysts of human ovaries as well as of ovaries of cows and pigs. Many of the human cysts were of parovarian type, thus excluding the possibility of a follicular origin. In some cases we have tested the fluid of cystic corpora lutea. Later we have investigated the effects produced by various constituents of the cystic fluid. Guinea pigs have been used as test animals.

The results obtained so far indicate that the cystic fluid has a decided physiological action and produces rather typical and characteristic effects upon the female genital tract.