The Male Hormone. II.

In a previous communication 1 we reported that the male urine contains appreciable quantities of the male hormone, as evidenced by the increased size of comb in castrated cocks.

In the course of the work we noticed that the male hormone (testiculin) shows chemical properties similar to those of estrin. For example, testiculin, like estrin, can be extracted from urine by means of chloroform. The urine to be used is adjusted to a pH of 4.0-4.5 and continuously extracted with chloroform for 6 hours. The separated chloroform layer is evaporated and the residue dissolved in an appropriate amount of olive oil.

Using urinary extracts, we find that the comb growth is proportional to the amount of hormone present (see chart). We have selected as our cock unit that amount of testiculin which, when injected daily into each of 6 castrated cocks, will give an average increase in comb of 10 mm. in 10 days. Such a cock unit is found in about 75 cc. of an active urine.

The administration of chloroform extracts has permitted the use of more concentrated preparations, without the toxic effects of the urine. Changes in size of comb, in turgor and color are plainly noticeable after a few days of treatment.

As a preliminary to the study of the functional test of gland activity, samples of mixed urines were extracted with chloroform, the residues dissolved in oil and each sample injected into six well-castrated cocks.

Urine sample U.M.2, was obtained from men in the prime of life. The curves show how unifom is the effect of this extract on 3 different groups of animals. U.M.3 represents the urine from men of various ages, and U.M.4 from men between 50-70 years of age. The variation in hormone content is quite evident.