The dehydrogenase and oxoreductase reactions catalysed by 11 beta HSD both occur in granulosa-lutein cells at the time of follicular rupture, probably due to 11 beta HSD1. A lack of measurable conversion of dexamethasone to 11-dehydrodexamethasone suggests that dehydrogenation due to 11 beta HSD2 is low or absent. Neither type nor level of 11 beta HSD activity measured under the present assay conditions correlates with IVF outcome.

The effects of a single large dose (10 and 20 mg) of diethylstilbestrol dipropionate on the pituitary gland of the mature male rat were investigated at intervals up to 312 days, The initial rise in pituitary weight and serum radioimmunoassayable growth hormone and fall in pituitary growth hormone concentration were foUowed by gradual recovery to normal extending over 5 to 6 months, Testicular weight was diminished until day 136 and adrenal weight was raised until day 114, The early pituitary mitotic activity had subsided to normal by day 69, Pituitary prolactin concentrations as indicated by starch gel electrophoresis were raised on day 28, Enlarged pituitary glands during the per iod 69 to 140 days also contained increased prolactin concentrations. The individual variations among the rats killed during the latter period included greatly elevated serum growth hormone either with or without increased pituitary weight.