Acta Endocrinologica, 45(3), 321-328, 1964
PURIFICATION OF GONADOTROPHIN FROM HUMAN MENOPAUSAL URINE
Author affiliations
- Istituto di Farmacologia Traslazionale ROR
Abstract
Gonadotrophins were prepared from human postmenopausal urine with the kaolin-acetone method and purified by adsorption of impurities on diethylamine ethyl cellulose (DEAE-C). The last step, namely chromatography on the column of permutit, resulted in a significantly improved specific activity. The immunoelectrophoresis showed that the purified HMG is not homogeneous and that the constituents are glycoproteins which migrate into the region α1, α2and β globulins.
Topics
human menopausal gonadotropin purification methods, HMG extraction postmenopausal urine kaolin acetone, Donini gonadotrophin purification menopausal urine, DEAE cellulose chromatography gonadotropin purification, human menopausal gonadotropin glycoprotein characterization, FSH LH purification urine postmenopausal, immunoelectrophoresis gonadotropin glycoprotein analysis, permutit chromatography gonadotropin specific activity, gonadotropin preparation fertility treatment historical
PMID 14131763 14131763 DOI 10.1530/acta.0.0450321 10.1530/acta.0.0450321 Donini et al. 1964, Donini 1964
Cite this article
Donini, P., Puzzuoli, D., & Montezemolo, R. (1964). Purification of gonadotrophin from human menopausal urine. Acta endocrinologica, 45(3), 321-328. https://doi.org/10.1530/acta.0.0450321
Donini P, Puzzuoli D, Montezemolo R. Purification of gonadotrophin from human menopausal urine. Acta Endocrinol (Copenh). 1964;45(3):321-328. doi:10.1530/acta.0.0450321
Donini, P., et al. "Purification of gonadotrophin from human menopausal urine." Acta endocrinologica, vol. 45, no. 3, 1964, pp. 321-328.
Keywords
Alpha-Globulins, Beta-Globulins, Chromatography, Glycoproteins, Gonadotropins, Gonadotropins, Pituitary, Immunoelectrophoresis, Menopause, Serum Globulins, Urine, Alpha-Globulins, Beta-Globulins, Glycoproteins, Gonadotropins, Gonadotropins, Pituitary, Serum Globulins, ALPHA GLOBULIN, BETA GLOBULIN, CHROMATOGRAPHY, GLYCOPROTEINS, GONADOTROPINS, PITUITARY, IMMUNOELECTROPHORESIS, MENOPAUSE, SERUM GLOBULINS, URINE
Related articles
Cycle Physiology · Cycle Variability
Variations in ovulation time and menstrual cycle characteristics: analysis of a prospective long-term cohort study
Malliou-Becher MN et al., 2026 · Human reproduction (Oxford, England)
What are the variations in ovulation time and menstrual cycle characteristics among and within various individuals over the course of 12 menstrual cycles? There are considerable variations in both cycle length and ovulation time, with pronounced intra-individual variability over a 12-cycle observation period. Although it is commonly believed that healthy women have regular cycles with a predictable mid-cycle ovulation, more recent research shows a significant variation in cycle length and ovulation time. Previous studies have focused only on cycle length, often excluding cycles outside the 25-35-day range, thus limiting the understanding of natural variation; they have also lacked precise ovulation diagnostics or included small sample sizes, making it difficult to capture the full scope of cycle and ovulation variability. Similarly, a recent big data study, while valuable, was limited by a self-selected group and the absence of accurate ovulation diagnostics, reducing its generalizability. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, This study was designed as a prospective long-term observational study, which involved collecting data from 1923 women with a total of 43 999 menstrual cycles from January 1985 to July 2019. After fulfilling the inclusion criteria, the main group consisted of 1051 women, all of whom contributed data for 12 cycles (12 612 cycles), including 420 conception cycles. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, Participants in the study were between 18 and 44 years of age at study entry and did not take any reproductive hormones. Women who were postpartum, breastfeeding, amenorrheic, or within a 3-month period after stopping hormonal contraception were excluded. Participants agreed to keep cycle records according to the symptothermal method, 'Sensiplan'. Ovulation time was determined using an evidence-based algorithm based on evaluating cervical mucus patterns and basal body temperature shifts, with ovulation time defined as the day before the temperature rise. Data analysis was descriptive, using absolute and relative frequencies, standard deviation, percentiles, and ranges. Age dependency was assessed using unpaired sample t-tests and one-way ANOVA. Linear regression was used to assess long-term trends. MAIN In 62.4% of women, cycle lengths varied by 1 week or more within 12 cycles. Accordingly, the time of ovulation varied by 1 week or more within 12 cycles in 54.8% of women, with 96.5% experiencing fluctuations of 4 days or more over the 12 months. The median spontaneous cycle length was 28 days, with a mean of 29.66 days (SD = 7.55). Only 52.7% of women consistently had cycle lengths between 23 and 35 days across all 12 cycles. Ovulation occurred most frequently between Days 12 and 16, with almost half of conceptions (45.7%) occurring after Day 16. A one-way analysis of variance revealed a significant reduction in mean cycle length with increasing age (P < 0.001), showing the shortest median cycle length of 27 days being in women aged 40-44 years. Age also impacted ovulation time, with women aged 35-39 years showing more stable ovulation patterns compared to younger women. Over the 34-year study period, average cycle length increased slightly but significantly (β = 0.0161, P = 0.0306), corresponding to approximately half a day. Intra-individual variability also showed a slight, but non-significant, upward trend (β = 0.0262, P = 0.2173). LIMITATIONS, Comorbidities such as hyperprolactinemia, obesity, and PCOS were not systematically excluded. However, by including only women with at least 12 cycles, the study largely avoided severe hormonal disorders. This study highlights the considerable individual variation of ovulation time and cycle length over 12 menstrual cycles. These findings contribute to a better understanding of fertility awareness, and highlight the implications for family planning and reproductive health management. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): The authors declare no conflicts of interest. No funding was provided. N/A.
Ovulation Physiology · Follicular Development
Unleashing the pharmacological potential of taste receptors in reproductive processes beyond their gustatory role
Magdy N et al., 2025 · Steroids
Traditionally, taste receptors (TRs) have been understood to reside within the taste buds on the tongue, serving as initiators for different taste perceptions. However, recent research has expanded our understanding, revealing that TRs are found throughout the body and perform a wide range of functions beyond taste perception as non-tasting functions. These receptors, along with their genetic variations, have been linked to various human health conditions. They are activated by an array of substances, including hormones, nutrients, and toxins, indicating their involvement in numerous biological processes. Specifically, in males, TRs are notably present in the testes and epididymis, where they contribute to the hormonal production, spermatogenesis, and sperm maturation. In females, these receptors are found in the ovaries, uterus, and myometrium, playing crucial roles in ovulation, menstrual cycle regulation, and embryo implantation. There are a lot of missed areas regarding TRs research that imposes to fulfill the gaps in the current understanding of their role in reproduction. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the emerging roles of extraoral TRs in reproductive health, highlighting their physiological and pathophysiological significance in various reproductive processes. As well, grabbing the attention towards the release of new pharmacological interventions to manage conception and contraception in male and female was considered.
Philosophy and Principles · Root Cause Approach
Commentary On Infertility and Restorative Reproductive Medicine
Arraztoa JA, 2025 · J Restorative Reprod Med · Open Access
In 1972, a seminal article was published demonstrating that women, adequately trained, could detect the approach of ovulation in the fertile window of their menstrual cycle. It was demonstrated that the symptoms perceived by women at the vulva correlate closely with changes in steroid hormone levels associated with folliculogenesis and the luteal phase. The fertility charting performed by women trained to recognize vulvar symptoms associated with hormonal changes serves as an instrument for detecting potential pathologies and monitoring the effects of treatment These findings established the biological foundations of a tool of fertility awareness tracking that has facilitated the development of restorative reproductive medicine (RRM): an approach that can be applied to identify and treat the underlying causes of infertility/subfertility. Several core characteristics—or foundational pillars—of the RRM approach to fertility can be identified. These include: a commitment to respecting healthy physiological processes, comprehensive health care for both the couple and the potential embryo, and the provision of education and continuous support throughout the therapeutic process. This commentary aims to elucidate the interplay of these foundational pillars by drawing upon evidence from peer-reviewed biomedical literature. Finally, the challenges faced by RRM in strengthening its scientific foundations, engaging with the broader scientific community, and promoting the dissemination of this approach are described.
Cycle Physiology · Ovulation
Minerals and the Menstrual Cycle: Impacts on Ovulation and Endometrial Health
Kapper C et al., 2024 · Nutrients
The role of minerals in female fertility, particularly in relation to the menstrual cycle, presents a complex area of study that underscores the interplay between nutrition and reproductive health. This narrative review aims to elucidate the impacts of minerals on key aspects of the reproductive system: hormonal regulation, ovarian function and ovulation, endometrial health, and oxidative stress. Despite the attention given to specific micronutrients in relation to reproductive disorders, there is a noticeable absence of a comprehensive review focusing on the impact of minerals throughout the menstrual cycle on female fertility. This narrative review aims to address this gap by examining the influence of minerals on reproductive health. Each mineral's contribution is explored in detail to provide a clearer picture of its importance in supporting female fertility. This comprehensive analysis not only enhances our knowledge of reproductive health but also offers clinicians valuable insights into potential therapeutic strategies and the recommended intake of minerals to promote female reproductive well-being, considering the menstrual cycle. This review stands as the first to offer such a detailed examination of minerals in the context of the menstrual cycle, aiming to elevate the understanding of their critical role in female fertility and reproductive health.