[The role of chorionic gonadotropin in regulating the humoral immune response].

A study was made of the effect of chorionic gonadotropin (CG) on the formation of a primary immune response and generation of antigen-specific T-suppressors in normal and ovariectomized female mice. CG at doses of 40 or 200 U. strongly suppressed the generation of suppressor cells in noncastrated animals, and significantly raised the level of a humoral immune response at a small dose (40 U.). In ovariectomized mice CG at various doses made a selective stimulating effect on T-suppressor generation which depended on the synthesis of endogenous prostaglandins. A CG effect resulted in a significant decrease in the level of a primary immune response in castrated animals. Choriogonin was assumed to cause an immunostimulating effect in normal female mice as a result of raised secretion of sex steroids by the ovaries. The hormone proper produced an immunosuppressive effect which was implemented at the level of suppressor cells.