Fetomaternal outcome in COVID-19 infected pregnant women: a preliminary clinical study

Background: WHO has declared COVID-19 infection a health emergency of international concern on 11th March, 2020. It is not clear whether clinical characteristics of pregnant women with COVID-19 differ from those of nonpregnant women and whether it aggravates COVID-19 symptoms and whether antiviral therapy is necessary for COVID-19 infected pregnant women.Methods: This is prospective study of 125 cases based on the compiled clinical data for pregnant women with COVID-19 between 15th April 2020 and 10th June 2020. A laboratory confirmed positive case of COVID-19 infection in pregnant women were included.Results: The most common symptoms at presentation were cough in 61.6% (77/125) and fever in 46.4% (58/125). Other reported symptoms were sore throat in 13.6% (17/125), myalgia in 10.4% (13/125) while 38.4% (48/125) were asymptomatic. There were total 97 deliveries (including 2 twins’ deliveries) among which 3 cases had IUD. Present study reported 96 live births. The incidence of missed abortion was 2.4% (3/125). The incidence of preterm birth before 37 weeks was 8.2% (8/97). Ninety-six (96.9%) of neonates were tested for SARS-CoV-2 viral nucleic acid on nasopharyngeal and pharyngeal samples and 16.67% (16/96) were resulted positive.Conclusions: At present, there is no evidence regarding the greater risk of pregnant women to succumb to COVID-19 infection and experience severe pneumonia. The risks of spontaneous abortion and preterm birth are not increased as reported in this study but shows possibility of vertical transmission when it manifests during the third trimester of pregnancy.

Maternal outcome in pregnancy with thrombocytopenia

Background: Thrombocytopenia is second most common haematological abnormality in pregnancy after anemia. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence, causative factor of thrombocytopenia and to observe the obstetrics outcome of pregnancies complicated with thrombocytopenia.Methods: This is prospective study of maternal outcome in pregnancy with thrombocytopenia carried out at tertiary care center from February 2019 to January 2020. Out of 350 antenatal screened women, 25 women who were diagnosed with thrombocytopenia, were included in the study.Results: The incidence of maternal thrombocytopenia in this study was 7.1%. 60% of the women had mild thrombocytopenia while 24% and 16% of women were moderate and severe thrombocytopenic respectively. Amongst 25 thrombocytopenic women 68% had gestational thrombocytopenia, 24% had gestational hypertensive disorder,4% had HELLP syndrome, 4% had immune thrombocytopenic purpura. 60% were delivered vaginally and 40% were delivered by LSCS. The most common indication of LSCS was acute fetal distress (40%) followed by failed induction (30%), breech (10%), and the rest (20%) for other obstetrical indications. The most common indication for induction was pre-eclampsia followed by IUGR, and post-date.Conclusions: In pregnancy with thrombocytopenia, gestational thrombocytopenia is the commonest and benign condition which does not alter the obstetrical management. Still a vigil 4 should be kept on maternal platelet count in antenatal period to prevent unfavorable outcome in serious conditions that may require specific and urgent management (HELLP syndrome, severe pre-eclampsia, ITP).

Changing trends in cesarean section: from 1950 to 2020

Caesarean section (C.S) is a part of the standard care in modern obstetrics. The indications for a caesarean section as an alternative to vaginal delivery have evolved over the centuries. Its practicality, disponibility, and apparent safety have placed caesarean section, a first-line procedure in many clinical scenarios. The awareness of perinatal mortality and morbidity associated with safety of caesarean, expert anaesthesia, potent antibiotics, blood transfusion facilities and better neonatal care have increased incidence of caesarean section very fast. Thus, there is fast, steady and definite rise in incidence of caesarean section everywhere. But the question is ‘Is a rising caesarean section rate is inevitable?’. Studies carried out to understand CS deliveries has adopted different framework. The issue treats elements of ethics in the medical profession, gender issues, choices of women, the quality of institutional services, etc. The findings of retrospective studies have suggested that the caesarean section rate could be reduced in certain categories. In this study, we discuss the various ways in which it can be achieved.

Robson ten groups classification system for caesarean section audit: are our operation theatre registers RTGC enabled?

Background: Rising caesarean section rate is a global problem. Robson ten groups classification (RTGC) system of audit has been recommended as the first step towards planning strategies to reduce caesarean section rate. Getting data for this audit is often difficult. If operation theatre (OT) registers are maintained properly this would become easy. The study proposes to know if enough information is available in the operation theatre registers to get caesarean section data for ten groups of Robson classification system. To suggest changes in OT register format for future convenience.Methods: We studied data from 100 consecutive caesarean section entries in OT registers from two medical college institutions to know if the information recorded is adequate to classify these 100 caesarean sections into ten groups given by Robson. Last 100 caesarean section entries into the OT register during the period 1st April 2018 till 31st March 2019 were studied.Results: Presentation of the foetus was the only factor which could be clearly known for all 100 cases. Labour onset whether spontaneous or induced was the least recorded observation in traditional operation theatre registers. The next information which was commonly not recorded was the labour status (woman in labour or not in labour) at the time of caesarean section.Conclusions: For Robson’s classification of caesarean sections to become useful tool to guide strategies in reducing caesarean sections we need to modify format of our OT registers. Traditional OT registers do not provide enough information to categorize caesarean section cases into Robson ten groups. Missing information makes caesarean section audit imperfect or impossible. We suggest a format for it to be incorporated into the operation theatre registers of centres providing maternity services.

Evaluation of clinical efficacy and safety of natural micronized progesterone in prevention of preterm labor: a prospective study at tertiary care teaching hospital in India

Background: Uterine relaxants (UR) are used in management of in Preterm labour (PTL), which is responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality in mother as well as preterm infant. Author are yet to discover an ideal UR which is highly effective yet safe. Literature supports the use of natural micronized progesterone (NP) during threatened PTL. However, little data exists for Indian population. Therefore, present study becomes imperative.Methods: A comparative clinical study was carried out on 78 patients (aged 19 to 35 years with singleton pregnancy and gestational age between 28 and 37 weeks with cervix ?4 cm dilated) who were diagnosed with threatened PTL were included. Those who refused treatment were allocated to control group (n= 29) and received only bed rest. NP was given orally 200 mg twice a day to 21 patients and 200 mg intra vaginal twice a day to 28 patients and was continued until delivery or 37 weeks of gestation whichever occurred first. The efficacy was proven if PTL was prevented and patient did not require an alternative UR for ?48 hours.Results: The mean age of patients was 23±3.2 years, majority being multipara. Author observed that both oral and vaginal formulation of NP was found to be highly effective (p <0.05) as primary UR and maintenance therapy in preventing PTL as compared to the control group. However, difference between them was not statistically significant. None of the patients were lost to follow-up and no adverse events linked to the treatment were reported.Conclusions: Although, the data obtained from this study was limited and the sample size was small, findings of this study support the use of NP in prolonging threatened PTL.

Effect of Diabetes on the Male Reproductive System­A Histomorphological Study

Introduction Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder characterized by lack of insulin production by the ß cells of the pancreas. This lack of insulin causes a variety of systemic effects on the metabolism of the body, one of which is reproductive dysfunction. The present study investigates the effects of diabetes on the male reproductive system of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Material and Methods A total of 18 adult male Wistar rats weighing between 250 and 300 g were included in the present study. The animals were divided into normal and diabetic groups. The diabetic group was further subdivided into 2 subgroups with durations of 24 and 48 days. A single dose of STZ (40 mg/kg body weight) was administrated intraperitoneally to the animals of the diabetic group. After the planned duration, the testes and epididymides were dissected, and their gross weight was measured. The tissues were then processed for histological study. Results The gross weight of the testes and epididymides in diabetic rats at 24 and 48 days showed a decrease in comparison to the control. (p < 0.01 for testes and epididymides). Diabetic animals presented a significant decrease in the diameter of the seminiferous tubules compared with the control group (p < 0.01). The epididymides in the diabetic groups showed a considerable reduction in the tubular surface area compared with the control group (p < 0.01). There was also a reduction in the mean diameter, which was measured using the maximum and minimum diameter of the tubules (p < 0.01). Conclusion The present study is an insight into the adverse effects that diabetes can have on the tissue structure of the testes, of the epididymides, and ultimately on the process of spermatogenesis.

Persistent fetal superficial middle cerebral vein: an anatomical study / 대한해부학회지

The superficial middle cerebral vein (SMCV) drains the venous blood from most of the superolateral surface of the brain and drains typically into the cavernous sinus as mentioned in standard textbooks. But the drainage of the SMCV is variable as indicated by various radiological studies. Although variations in the drainage of the SMCV exist, there is a shortage in the literature providing cadaveric evidence for the same. The present study was designed to identify the variations in the drainage pattern of the SMCV in fetal cadavers. During the dissection of formalin-fixed full-term fetuses, deviation in the drainage of the SMCV was observed in five out of 30 cases. In three out of 30 specimens (10%), SMCV was observed draining into superior petrosal sinus; and in two specimens (6.6%) into the transverse sinus. In the remaining specimens, the SMCV drained directly into the cavernous sinus. Knowledge of the variations noted in the present study is essential, not only for diagnosing several diseases involving the cavernous sinus or paracavernous sinuses but also in surgeries of paracavernous sinus lesions and endovascular treatment of arteriovenous fistulas. The SMCV and superior petrosal sinus can be a venous refluxing route in patients with arteriovenous fistulas.

Influence of traditional medicines on the activity of keratinocytes in wound healing: an in-vitro study / 대한해부학회지

Natural medicinal systems such as Ayurveda and folk medicine has remedies for wound management. However, the exact cellular and extracellular mechanisms involved in the healing process and its influence on keratinocytes is less discussed. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the effect of certain natural wound healing medicines on the biology of the keratinocytes/HaCaT cells. Test materials such as honey (H), ghee (G), aqueous extracts of roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra (GG) and leaves of Nerium indicum (NI) were considered. The HaCaT cells were treated with the test materials singly and in combinations (H+G, all combined [Tot]) for a specific period (24, 48, and 72 hours). The cells were then subjected to cytotoxicity/proliferation and migration/scratch assays. All the test materials, except NI, were non-cytotoxic and showed increased cell proliferation at variable concentrations. Significant observations were made in the groups treated with honey (100 µg/ml at 48 hours, P<0.05; 1,000 µg/ml at 72 hours, P<0.05), GG (all concentrations at 48 hours, P<0.05; 750 µg/ml at 72 hours, P<0.05), H+G (250 µg/ml at 24 hours, P<0.001; 500 µg/ml at 48 and 72 hours, P<0.05), and Tot (50 µg/ml at 24, 48 and 72 hours, P<0.01). In the in-vitro wound healing assay, all the treated groups showed significant migration and narrowing of the scratch area by 24 and 48 hours (P<0.001) compared to control. The results obtained from the present study signifies the positive influence of these natural wound healing compounds on keratinocytes/HaCaT cells.

A Cadaveric Study Of The Internal Occipital Crest And Vermian Fossa With Its Clinical Significance

Background: The anatomical variabilities of the internal occipital crest (IOC) and vermian fossa (VF) may influencethe related dural venous sinuses and further effect the flow of the cerebrospinal fluid. It is also associated withthe pathologies around the foramen magnum like Arnold Chiari malformation, certain cases of cerebellar corticaldysplasia.Aim: The present study was designed to explore and evaluate the morphological and morphometric details of theIOC and VF.Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 40 adult cadavers (23 males & 17 females). The morphologyand morphometry of IOC and VF were studied. Based on the observations, the VF was classified into five types:Type 1- classical (well defined fossa), Type II-short triangular, Type III- elongated triangular, Type IV-quadrangularand Type V-deviated.Results: The IOC was found to be variable both in terms of morphology and morphometry. The morphologicalobservations included varied shapes, i.e., sharp (65%), blunt (30 %) and ill-defined (5 %). The length of the IOCwas also variable with a mean length of 2.97 ± 0.16 cm. The mean width at upper, middle and lower levels were0.9 ± 0.10 cm, 0.75 ± 0.17 cm, 1.10 ± 0.12 cm respectively.The incidence of the VF was found to be about 80%. The VF was classified into types based on its varied shape:classical (Type I ;56.25 %), short triangular (Type II ;21.87%), elongated triangular (Type III;12.5%) and quadrangular(Type 1V;6.25 %) respectively. In one specimen, the VF was deviated to the left side (type V ;3.12%). The mean lengthand width of the fossa were 1.67±0.34 cm and 1.80±0.34 cm respectively.Conclusion: The present study on the morphology and morphometry of the IOC and the VF may serve as databaseand further help clinicians to improve the diagnosis and therapeutic performances in the posterior cranialfossa.

Additional muscle slip of bicipital aponeurosis and its anomalous relationship with the median cubital vein

The cubital region of the arm is a common site for recording blood pressure, taking blood for analysis and administering intravenous therapy and blood transfusions. During the routine dissection of a 70-year-old male cadaver at the Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka, India, in 2015, it was observed that the aponeurotic insertion of the biceps brachii muscle divided into two slips. The medial slip fused normally with the deep fascia of the forearm, while flexor carpi radialis muscle fibres originated from the lateral slip. There was also a single vein in the forearm, the cephalic vein, which bifurcated to form the median cubital vein and the cephalic vein proper. The median cubital vein, further reinforced by the radial vein, passed deep to the two slips of the bicipital aponeurosis and then continued as the basilic vein. During venepuncture, medical practitioners should be aware of potential cubital fossa variations which could lead to nerve entrapment syndromes

A cadaveric study of the testicular artery and its clinical significance / Um estudo da artéria testicular em cadáveres e sua relevância clínica

Abstract Background Knowledge of testicular artery variations is vital to ensure that they are not neglected during a variety of different operative techniques, since damage can cause testicular atrophy. Objectives The present study was therefore intended to identify variants in the origin and course of the testicular arteries. An attempt was made to classify the arteries based on their various origins. Methods This study examined 42 formalin-fixed cadavers of 40 to 70-year-old adult males. Variant origins of the testicular artery were identified and classified. Variations in the origin and course of the artery were colored, photographed, and documented. The distances between the origins of the testicular arteries and the mid-points of the origins of the renal arteries were measured. Results Testicular arteries were classified into four categories on the basis of origin. This variability was defined in relation to the renal and inferior mesenteric arteries. The mean distance between the origin of the testicular artery and the mid-point of the origin of the renal artery were 3.08 and 3.47 cm, on the right and left sides respectively. Variations were almost exclusively found on the left side. The variations observed included multiple arterial twigs forming the testicular artery, suprarenal arteries arising from the testicular artery, and testicular artery duplication. Conclusion This study provides an insight into variations in the testicular artery and proposes a classification which could help surgeons during a variety of procedures on the male abdomen and pelvis.

Resumo Contexto O conhecimento de variações da artéria testicular é vital para assegurar que essas artérias não serão negligenciadas durante a realização de diferentes técnicas operatórias, já que qualquer dano poderia causar atrofia testicular. Objetivos Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar variações na origem e no trajeto das artérias testiculares. Foi feita uma tentativa de classificar as artérias com base em suas diferentes origens. Métodos Este estudo examinou 42 cadáveres de adultos do sexo masculino com idade entre 40 e 70 anos preservados em formol. As diferentes origens da artéria testicular foram identificadas e classificadas. Variações na origem e no trajeto da artérias foram coloridas, fotografadas e documentadas. Foram medidas as distâncias entre a origem das artérias testiculares e o ponto médio da origem das artérias renais. Resultados As artérias testiculares foram classificadas em quatro categorias com base em sua origem. Essa variabilidade foi definida com relação às artérias renal e mesentérica inferior. A distância média entre a origem da artéria testicular e o ponto médio da origem da artéria renal foi de 3,08 e 3,47 cm nos lados direito e esquerdo, respectivamente. As variações foram encontradas quase exclusivamente no lado esquerdo. As variações observadas incluíram múltiplos ramúsculos formando a artéria testicular, artérias suprarrenais surgindo a partir da artéria testicular, e duplicação da artéria testicular. Conclusão Este estudo traz informações sobre variações da artéria testicular e propõe uma classificação que poderia ajudar os cirurgiões durante diferentes procedimentos realizados no abdome e na pelve de pacientes do sexo masculino.

Use of heat cure clear acrylic as a permanent denture base material: a case report

Clear acrylic denture base material finds is use in the fabrication of implant guides, surgical stents, and guiding flanges in dentistry. Given its excellent transparent property, the material will show the original gingival pigmentation which mimics the natural gingiva. In this case report one such attempt was made to use the clear acrylic denture so as to reflect the patients' original gingival pigmentation.

Histological and biochemical study of the superficial abdominal fascia and its implication in obesity / 대한해부학회지

The advancement of liposculpturing and fascial flaps in reconstructive surgery has renewed interest in the superficial fascia of abdomen. Its histological and biochemical composition may play a vital role in maintaining strength and elasticity of the fascia. Hence, study of abdominal fascia for the elastic, collagen, and hydroxyproline contents is desirable to understand asymmetrical bulges and skin folds and in improving surgical treatment of obesity. Samples of superficial fascia were collected from of upper and lower abdomen from 21 fresh cadavers (15 males and 6 females). Samples were stained using Verhoeff–Van Gieson stain. Digital images of superficial fascia were analyzed using TissueQuant software. The samples were also subjected to hydroxyproline estimation. The superficial fascia was formed by loosely packed collagen fibers mixed with abundant elastic fibers and adipose tissue. Elastic contents and collagen contents of superficial fascia were significantly more in the upper abdomen than that in the lower abdomen in males. Hydroxyproline content of superficial fascia of upper abdomen was significantly more than that of lower abdomen in both males and females. The elastic, collagen and hydroxyproline contents of superficial fascia of upper abdomen were higher compared to the lower abdomen. This may be a reason for asymmetric bulging over abdomen and more sagging fold of skin in the lower abdomen than in the upper abdomen. This study may therefore be helpful in finding new ways to manage obesity and other body contour deformities.

Stress effect on neurons of cingulate gyrus in postweaned albino mice - A histological study.

Stress is a common experience of daily life and all organisms have evolved mechanisms and strategies to deal with crucial alterations in their internal and external environment. Events early in post- weaning life influence brain development and subsequent adult behaviour. This study was conducted to observe neurodegeneration in normal and stressed condition in Postweaning age group of miceExperiments were conducted to investigate the effect of restraint stress and foot shock stress applied for 5 days (short duration) and 21 days (long duration). BALB/ C strain of Albino mice were used. In restraint stress, animals were restrained for 6 hours daily in a restraining device. In foot shock group, animals were given intermittent electric foot shock for 3 hours daily in an electric foot shock apparatus. Animal were sacrificed at the end of stress exposure period along with their age matched control mice and the brains were processed for histological examination both in control and experimental groups. Numbers of v Rao MK, Sushma RK. Stress effect on neurons of cingulate gyrus in study. IAIM, 2015; 2(7): 30-35. - A histological , B2*, Antony Sylvan , SD4, Mohandas Rao K5, Sushma RK Anatomy, Kasturba Medical College, Ma Associate Anatomy, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Anatomy, Kasturba Medical College, Ma Associate Physiology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, Integrated Medicine, Vol. 2, Issue 7, July Copy right © 2015, IAIM, All Rights Reserved. Available online at http://iaimjournal.com/ ISSN: 2394-0026 (P) ISSN: 2394-0034 (O) 16-06-2015 Accepted on: 24 Nil Conflict of interest: Events early in post adult behaviour. This study was conducted t hours daily in an electric foot shock viable neurons in the cingulate gyrus regions were counted. The data were analysed between the groups. Results of the study revealed neurodegenerative changes in the stressed group compared to control in both the experimental groups. Severe neurodegenerative changes were observed on prolonged exposure to stress.

Variations in the cutaneous innervation of the dorsum of foot – A case report.

The skin on the dorsum of the foot is innervated by the superficial peroneal, deep peroneal, sural and saphenous nerves. Most of the dorsum is supplied by the superficial peroneal nerve. Here we report a variation in the sensory innervation of the dorsum of the left foot in a 52 years old male cadaver. The skin of the first inter-digital cleft i.e., the cleft between the great and second toes which is normally innervated by the deep peroneal nerve was also supplied by the superficial peroneal nerve. A communication between the superficial and the deep peroneal branches were also observed prior to innervation. In addition, the fourth inter digital cleft i.e., cleft between the fourth and fifth toes which is normally innervated by the superficial peroneal nerve was supplied by the sural nerve. Cutaneous nerves on the dorsum of foot are at risk for iatrogenic damage while performing arthroscopy, local anaesthetic block, and surgical approach to the fibula, open reduction and internal fixation of lateral malleolar fractures, application of external fixators, elevation of a fasciocutaneous or fibular flaps for grafting, surgical decompression of neurovascular structures, or miscellaneous surgery on leg, foot and ankle. Therefore a detailed knowledge about the variations in the pattern of cutaneous innervation of dorsum of foot may decrease the damage to these nerves during operative procedures.

Multiple variations in the branches of the coeliac trunk / 대한해부학회지

Here we present a unique case of variation in the branching pattern of the coeliac trunk. In the present case, the coeliac trunk was replaced by two separate arterial trunks. The first arterial trunk bifurcated into the left gastric and the left hepatic arteries. The second arterial trunk bifurcated into a splenic artery and a hepato-gastroduodenal trunk. The hepato-gastroduodenal trunk presented an unusual course and termination. The right hepatic artery arising from the hepato-gastroduodenal trunk also showed a variant course. Such rare variations are important for gastroenterological surgeons and interventional radiologists due to increase in number of transplantation surgeries and live donor liver transplantations.

Study of outcome of pregnancy in patients with first-trimester bleeding per vaginum.

To assess pregnancy outcome in women with threatened miscarriage in the first trimester. To study various maternal complication and outcome of labor in pregnancy affected by first-trimester bleeding. Methods: This prospective study was carried out by institute from May 2013 to April 2014. 100 patients were included with a history of amenorrhea and urine pregnancy test positive with bleeding per vaginum in the first trimester. Results: In this case series, 100 cases of first-trimester bleeding were studied. Majority of patients were multigravida (66%). In the present study, 40 patient (40%) had a history of previous abortion out of these 16 (40%) had non-viable outcome and 24 (60%) continue with the pregnancy beyond 20 weeks. Majority of patients (68%) presented with spotting, among those 59 (86.7%) had a favorable outcome and only 9 (13.3%) out of 68 patients were aborted. All 10 patients of heavy bleeding category aborted. 5 out of 22 patients of bleeding of moderate category aborted. First-trimester bleeding associated with pain has a poor outcome. Conclusion: First-trimester bleeding is not only associated with miscarriage but also with a higher rate of pregnancy complications. First-trimester bleeding is associated with an increased risk of certain pregnancy-related complications namely placental abruption, preterm labor, delivery of low birth weight infants and preterm premature rupture of membrane.

Analytical study of 50 cases of fetal growth restriction.

The objective of the study is to earlier diagnose the cases of FGR (Fetal growth restriction) and to identify the possible causes and management option to prevent further damage and to study the fetomaternal outcome and improve fetomaternal outcome in FGR cases. Methods: This is an analytical study of 50 cases of FGR pregnancies done during the period of 1st April 2013 to 31st March 2014. Data was collected from the OPD books and indoor case papers of patients attending routine antenatal care and emergency services provided by obstetrics and gynaecology department of our institute. Results: 50 cases of FGR were studied. Various possible etiological factors were studied like presence of anaemia, hypoproteinemia and PIH, maternal pre-pregnancy weight, and average weight gain during pregnancy. Among them, malnutrition (64%) was the commonest aetiology of FGR followed by PIH (44%). Ante partum surveillance was done by serial fundal height measurement, maternal weight gain monitoring and serial ultrasound. 40% patients were having severe oligoamnios and 30% were having altered Doppler waveforms. Operative interference was required in 44% cases. 30 babies out of 50 were admitted to NICU. And perinatal mortality was 13.72%. Conclusion: Timely diagnosis, proper management at all levels in well-equipped centre can definitely prevent morbidity and mortality from FGR. Improving pre-pregnancy health, ensuring better antenatal care, effective use of contraception, preventing teenage pregnancies, stop smoking are some preventive measures.

Validation of coupled bioassay for inhibin by pituitary cell culture assay.

Studies on the characterization of inhibin and inhibin-like factors have depended for the most part on the classical in vitro pituitary cell culture assay. A major drawback with this assay is the turn-around time which is in the order of two weeks and consequently slows down purification efforts. The 24 h bioassay for inhibin has been found to be sufficiently sensitive and also statistically valid. Unfortunately, based as it is on a secondary response, ambiguities arise in interpreting the results. By including a parallel assay in which the mice are primed with human menopausal gonadotropin rather than human chorionic gonadotropin, it was possible to device the coupled bioassay. This enables distinguishing inhibin-like factors acting to suppress pituitary follicle stimulating hormone output from those acting at the level of gonads. In this study the coupled assay for inhibin has been compared with the classical pituitary cell culture assay in order to assess its biological and statistical validity. The data validates the bioassay on both the above counts and when considered in conjunction with the short turn-around time suggests that this assay can be highly useful in studies on isolation of inhibin from various. sources.