The Effects of a Dithiocarbamoylhydrazine Derivative Upon Ovarian Function and Structure in the Bonnet Monkey (Macaca radiata)

The effects of Methallibure, a dithiocarbamoylhydrazine derivative, upon ovarian structure and function were investigated in eight adult female bonnet monkeys. The drug was administered parenterally for 30 days, beginning during the follicular phase of the cycle in three animals and during the luteal phase in five. Ovarian function was monitored by daily measurements of the urinary excretion of total estrogens, vaginal cytology, cervical mucus weight and ferning, and sex skin reddening. One animal was subjected to hystero-salpingo-oophorectomy at the end of 30 days for anatomic studies; the remainder were followed with daily observations until vaginal bleeding occurred, whereupon laparotomy was performed. The ovary of the treated monkey exhibited an almost complete suppression of follicular growth, while the histologic appearance of the tube, endometrium, and cervix were consistent with diminished estrogen stimulation. Animals started on the drug during the follicular phase of the cycle experienced a rapid decrease of ovarian function; those started during the luteal phase exhibited little suppressive effect until the corpus luteum had waned. The post-treatment cycle proved, in all instances, to be anovulatory in character.