Interaction of human growth hormone and gonadotrophins on the function of rat ovaries

Hypophysectomized and normal female rats were used for studying the interaction of human growth hormone and gonadotrophins in stimulating the rat ovary. Groups of rats were injected with increasing doses of gonadotrophins (Pergonal or Metrodin) in addition to human growth hormone (Norditropin) or placebo. In the test for follicle stimulating hormone activity the weight of the ovaries was recorded. In the hypophysectomized rats Norditropin and Pergonal or Metrodin had a synergistic stimulating effect on the ovary, resulting in a greater number and a larger follicle size. Norditropin had a slight stimulatory effect of its own. In the ovarian ascorbic acid depletion test for luteinising hormone activity Norditropin had a significant effect of its own. In combination with Pergonal an additive effect was seen. The effect of Norditropin was observed in hypophysectomized rats only.