EFFECT OF METHOD OF DESICCATION AND STORAGE ON THE GONADOTROPIC ACTIVITY OF THE PITUITARY GLAND1

PITUITARY TISSUE that is to be kept for various periods of time may be stored in the frozen or desiccated condition. During the period of storage of the tissue in the frozen condition, or as a result of the method of desiccation, there may be a loss of biological activity when compared with fresh tissue. There are not, however, many reports concerned with the effect of storage or desiccation on the gonadotropic activity of the pituitary gland. Smith and Engle (1) reported in 1927 that implants of beef pituitary glands 8 hours old were not as effective as those 1 hour old. WallenLawrence and Van Dyke (2) showed that after storing the pituitary glands of rats in the frozen condition for 9 to 36 days the gonadotropic activity was decreased when compared with that of fresh glands.