Effects of hypophysectomy, prolactin, and growth hormone on growth of postmetamorphic frogs

Abstract

Hypophysectomy of juvenile postmetamorphic frogs (Rana pipiens) reduced growth (wet weight and length) compared to sham hypophysectomized controls. Mammalian growth hormone at doses of 10-50 [mu]g/day promoted growth in intact frogs during a 2-month period. However, 5 [mu]g/day of GH for 1 month did not promote growth. Mammalian prolactin did not promote growth in postmetamorphic frogs over a 2-month period at doses between 5 and 50 [mu]g/day.