THE

«Pe frrm

 

WORCESTER FOUNDATION FOR EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY

Shrewsbury, Mussachusells

February 9, 1962

Dr. Joshua Lederberg

Department of Genetics

STAMFORD UNIVERSITY MEDICAL SCHOOL
Palo Alto, California

Deer Joshua,

I am pleased to confirm my interest in study-
ing tne possible relationsnip between androgenic hormones
in the mother and the tendency to bear a mongol cnild.
After reading the paper of Rundle et al. (Lancet dh6,
1961) I feel that their work tends to indicate an im-
portant area of study, especially if more precise methods
of steroid analysis were employed. Plasma testosterone
snould be done in motners of mongoloid children and com-
pared to proper controls. Some consideration should also
be given to the analysis of various adrenocortical param-
eters as indicated in a recent publication (Dorfman, R.I.
Metabolism 10: 902, 1961, enclosed).

wow {49q

An initial exploratory grant of $10,588 (sug-
gested budget enclosed) for a one year period would permit
us to make a good start on this problem and make a judgment
as to whether. it would be profitable to continue on to an
intensive study. I trust the Joseph Kennedy Foundation
will consider our proposal.

I am looking forward to seeing you in March.
With best regards.

Sincerely,
= Kagel
Ralph I. Dorfman

RID/g
Enc.

A. Runte iu: &Y6