Evaluation of human follicle-stimulating hormone preparations

A procedure for the purification of human pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is outlined. Various methods of protein determination were applied to the preparation (CP 150), and the results obtained compared with those of amino acid analysis. The composition of CP 150 with respect to amino acid and carbohydrate components is reported, and is suggested as the most suitable basis for expression of biological activity and stability. CP 150 sedimented as a single boundary with S20,w = 2·8s. The composition of various reported FSH preparations including CP 150 are compared, and attention is drawn to some striking similarities.

Human oocytes: maturation in chemically defined media

Human oocytes from ovarian follicles resume meiosis in F10, a defined medium, in numbers comparable to that obtained in medium containing serum. Several simple Krebs-Ringer media also support maturation, which suggests a similarity of nutritional requirements between human and mouse oocytes. Fewer oocytes reach metaphase II when the investing follicular cells are removed prior to culture.

Mating and lambing in an experimental flock of merino sheep

Merino ewes, 1278 in all, representing 3 age groups, were pen-mated in 32 lots to individual rams, and a further 200 similar ewes were mated in one lot to 8 rams. The layout of the yards, the techniques employed, and the ration fed to the sheep are described. The reaction by the ewes to the unusual conditions of restraint imposed upon them during both mating and lambing were observed, and it was demonstrated that with care and attention large flocks of Merino sheep are suitable subjects for intense investigations. Data relating to incidence and duration of oestrus, the length of oestrous cycles, and performance of individual rams were recorded in detail for all animals. Extensive information on all aspects of lambing is examined. It was found that the age of the dam, within the range under observation, was associated with lamb losses, birth weight of progeny, and occurrence of multiple births, but was not associated with incidence of oestrus, conception, length of gestation, or sex ratio of progeny. Length of gestation was found to be associated with sex and birth weight of progeny but was not significantly associated with the incidence of single or multiple births.