Thin-layer chromatography of component A of the menstrual stimulant

¹ Department of Physiology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, England, and Bureau of Biological Research, Rutgers—The State University, New Brunswick, New Jersey

Thin-layer chromatography has been adapted to separate material of high biological potency from much of the inactive material contained in component A of the menstrual stimulant. The chromatoplates were developed with solvent mixture of chloroform, methanol, and water (60:10:1). Visualization of the spots was carried out by various methods; ultraviolet fluorescence of the charred material appeared to be the most sensitive. Samples of ricinoleic and phloionolic acids were used as reference standards. The biological active material of the component A preparations always ran just in front of phloionolic acid. Menstrual fluid was collected in vaginal cups; total volume and crude liquid extract measurements were also carried out on the fluid.

Submitted on October 1, 1963