INFLUENCE OF GONADOTROPHIC HORMONES ON THE DECIDUAL CELL REACTION IN INTACT AND IN HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED RATS

352 rats were used to study the effects of graded levels of lactogenic hormone (LGH) alone and in combination with PMS and HCG, on the formation of the decidual cell reaction (DCR) in intact and in hypophysectomized rats. Maximal DCR occurred in intact rats and in hypophysectomized rats treated with LGH + HCG and with LGH + HCG + PMS. A marked but significant smaller DCR was found in hypophysectomized rats treated with PMS + LGH. The DCR was absent or very minute in hypophysectomized, LGH-, PMS- or HCG-treated rats. The results indicate, that LGH alone is not capable of inducing a DCR. The addition of ICSH to LGH results in an adequate condition for the production of the DCR by uterine trauma.