bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DETAILED HORMONAL STUDIES DURING AND AFTER PREGNANCY IN A PREVIOUSLY HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED PATIENT
Authors: Jørgensen P. I. , Sele V. , Buus O. , Damkjær M.
Published: December 2008

This is a report on detailed hormonal studies before, during, and after pregnancy in a hypophysectomized patient who conceived after treatment with human gonadotrophins.

On the basis of the results the following conclusions were drawn:

In a patient who, judging by numerous investigations, no longer had any production of pituitary gonadotrophic hormones, it was possible

by treatment with human gonadotrophic hormones to induce ovulation,

without further stimulation to attain conception and preserve the conceptus,

to carry through a normal pregnancy, ending at term in vaginal delivery of a normal infant.

In this patient, whose pituitary corticotrophin production had totally ceased or had been negligible before the pregnancy, the endocrine state appeared to be completely normalized during pregnancy; thus:

on unchanged corticosteroid medication the mean plasma corticoid concentration as well as the urinary excretion of corticoid metabolites, 17-ketogenic steroids, and 17-ketosteroids were considerably higher during than after the pregnancy,

the urinary excretion of pregnanediol, oestriol and chorionic gonadotrophin was normal during the pregnancy.

Moreover, the results of metyrapone tests before, during and after the pregnancy, ACTH stimulation test after delivery, and measurements of diurnal fluctuations in the concentration of plasma cortisol during the pregnancy are reported.

The increased steroid production during pregnancy may be partially explained as a consequence of the activity in the foeto-placental unit which, however, can hardly have been quantitatively decisive. It must be presumed, therefore, that as a result of the pregnancy ACTH or an ACTH-like factor has been secreted, stimulating the maternal adrenal. It is assumed that the corticotrophin has been produced in the placenta and that it has passed to the maternal circulation.
CLINICAL-PHARMACOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE NITROGEN-RETAINING EFFECT OF NANDROLONE CYCLOTATE
Authors: van Wayjen R. G. A. , van den Ende A.
Published: December 2008

Studies were undertaken to determine the anabolic activity of 19-nortestosterone 17-(4′- methyl-bicyclo[2.2.2] oct -2′- ene -1′- carboxylate) (nandrolone cyclotate) in 12 young female volunteers. The nitrogen retention induced by one im injection of nandrolone cyclotate was compared in random cross-over tests with the effect of methandienone (methandrostenolone) administered at an oral dose of 5 mg per day for 6 days. The balance studies indicated:

Nandrolone cyclotate exerted a significant nitrogen retaining effect in all eight subjects receiving a 50 or 100 mg dose.

The potency and duration of the nitrogen-retaining activity exerted by nandrolone cyclotate showed a dose-response correlation.

One injection of 100 mg nandrolone cyclotate produced an average retention of 1.6 g of nitrogen per day over a period of 23.5 days, resulting in an average total retention of 37.0 g of nitrogen, equivalent to about 230 g of protein.

There were no systemic side effects and no signs of organ toxicity.
5α-DIHYDROTESTOSTERONE AND THE SYNTHESIS OF RNA IN THE RAT VENTRAL PROSTATE IN VITRO. II
Authors: Alfheim Ingrid , Fjell Bjørg
Published: December 2008

A double labelling technique has been used to study RNA synthesis in explanted tissues obtained from ventral prostates of castrated rats, incubated with or without 5α-dihydrotestosterone in the medium. RNA was isolated by a phenol extraction procedure, and analysed by sucrose gradient centrifugation and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. No specific hormonal response could be detected.
THE EFFECT OF INTRAVENOUS L-DOPA ON GROWTH HORMONE AND LUTEINIZING HORMONE LEVELS IN MAN
Authors: Souvatzoglou Athanasius , von Werder Klaus , Bottermann Peter
Published: December 2008

The effect of various intravenous doses of L-dopa on growth hormone and LH-serum levels in 25 normal subjects was investigated. Growth hormone increased 30–40 minutes following the injection of 25 mg and 100 mg L-dopa whereas doses of less than 25 mg had no significant effect on the serum growth hormone levels. The serum LH-level was not significantly altered by the intravenous administration of various doses (1 to 100 mg) of L-dopa. These findings, which are in agreement with the results obtained with L-dopa given orally, suggest that the intravenous injection of 25 mg L-dopa may be useful as a short provocative test for growth hormone release in man.
CATECHOLAMINES: THYROID FUNCTION AND THE SEXUAL CYCLE IN RATS
Authors: Fernández B. E. , Domínguez A. E. , Vidal N. A.
Published: December 2008

Investigations were performed on the daily urinary excretion of noradrenaline (NA), adrenaline (A) and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxymandelic acid (vanillylmandelic acid) and on the concentration of both amines in different areas of the central nervous system, in control, triiodothyronine (T3), and 131I-treated Wistar rats in order to gain some knowledge about the interrelation between thyroid function, sexual hormones and catecholamines.

Cyclic variations were observed in NA excretion and in the excreted NA/A relationship in the three groups of animals.

T3 increased NA excretion and decreased vanillylmandelic acid excretion in both sexes.

A excretion did not show cyclic changes, nor was it influenced by the thyroid function.

In the hypothalamus, there was an increase of NA in experimental hyperthyroidism.

No changes were observed in 131I-treated animals.

Progesterone stimulated the synthesis and/or depletion of NA storage while oestrogens had the reverse effect, making it also possible for the latter to potentiate the activity of phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase.

The thyroid hormones inhibited monoamine-oxidase and extended the half life of catecholamines, a fact which was corroborated by the increase in NA excretion and the decrease in vanillylmandelic acid.
METABOLISM AND MODE OF ACTION OF ANDROGENS IN TARGET TISSUES OF MALE RATS
Authors: Becker H. , Grabosch E. , Hoffmann C. , Voigt K. D.
Published: December 2008

Either 1.3 μg [5,6-3H]5α-androstane-3,17-dione (27 Ci/mm), or 12 μg respectively 0.8μg [5,6-3H]5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol (3 Ci/mm), or 12μg respectively 0.8 μg ([5,6-3H]5α-androstane-3β,17β-diol (3 Ci/mm) were administered intravenously to normal adult rats on days 0, 3 and 12 after castration. 30 min after the injection the animals were sacrificed. Total radioactivity counting was performed on aliquots of extracts of blood, peripheral muscle, prostate and seminal vesicles. In the remaining extracts the steroids were isolated by repeated chromatography with and without derivative formation. The following results should be mentioned: 1. Compared to muscle an accumulation of radioactivity is found especially in the prostate on day 3 after castration. 2. Regarding the unconjugated metabolites in plasma no measurable interconversion of both diols has been observed, whereas androstanedione was efficiently metabolised to both diols and to androsterone. In muscle a substantial oxydation of both diols to the corresponding 17-keto-3-hydroxy derivative occurred. 3. In both target organs the three androgens were converted to 5α-DHT2) though in varying amounts. 4. From a calculation of the data available in both target organs a figure of 200 to 300 pg 5α-DHT/mg DNA has been obtained which is regarded as the receptor protein capacity limit. The influence of castration, of enzyme activities and of the chemical structure of the androgens administered on this figure is discussed.
EFFECT OF 9α-FLUOROHYDROCORTISONE ON THE HYPOTHALAMO-PITUITARY-ADRENAL AXIS
Authors: Kley H. K. , Geisthövel W. , Krüskemper H. L.
Published: December 2008

9α-Fluorohydrocortisone (9α-FHC) is used in hypotensive circulatory disorders because of its mineralocorticoid action. In order to determine the influence of this drug on the feedback mechanism of the hypothalamopituitary-adrenal axis, 10 healthy subjects were submitted twice to a shortened metyrapone test before and after the administration of 9α-FHC. The concentrations of 11-oxy- and 11-deoxycorticoids in plasma were measured by a competitive protein binding technique.

Following the administration of 9α-FHC the plasma concentrations of 11-deoxycorticoids during the metyrapone tests were lowered considerably (about 52 %; t: 6.08, P < 0.001) compared to the tests under normal conditions. Even pathological test results (total suppression of the hypothalamus by 9α-FHC) were found, demonstrating that 9α-FHC strongly competes with cortisol in the feedback mechanism of the hypothalamopituitary-adrenal axis.

In both test series the disappearance half time of 11-oxycorticoid concentrations in the plasma was 28 min, indicating that neither an insufficient nor a delayed decrease in 11-oxycorticoid concentrations is the reason for the low 11-deoxycorticoid plasma concentrations after 9α-FHC. The side effects of metyrapone such as dizziness, confusion and a decrease in blood pressure are not affected by the glucocorticoid dexamethasone or the mineralocorticoid, 9α-FHC.
DEXTRAN-COATED CHARCOAL USED IN THE RADIOIMMUNOASSAY OF HUMAN PITUITARY LUTEINIZING HORMONE
Authors: Sand T. , Torjesen P. A.
Published: December 2008

A radioimmunoassay for human pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH) using charcoal for the separation of free from antibody-bound hormone is described.

The ability of the various types of charcoal preparations tested to separate free from antibody-bound hormone differed greatly as did the amount required to give maximum adsorption of free hormone.

It was also found that the adsorption of free and antibody-bound hormone was greatly influenced by the presence of other proteins. Hence it was necessary to add human serum to the standard tubes before the addition of the charcoal-dextran suspension, in order to compensate for the difference in protein composition between the standards and the serum samples.

Two antisera obtained from rabbits immunized with human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) were used. One of the antisera had an affinity to human thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and human follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) of less than 10% as compared to that of LH, while the other had an affinity of about 30 % as compared to that of LH.
STUDIES ON THYROIDAL COLLOID PINOCYTOSIS: ROLE OF DIFFERENT THYROGLOBULIN POOLS
Authors: Balatti Juan J. , Pisarev Mario A. , Altschuler Noe , De Valmaggia Emilia K.
Published: December 2008

The pinocytic step in thyroid hormone secretion was studied using double isotope technique in rats. TSH administration caused an increase in the radioactivity of the 15 000 × g pellet (L). The kinetics of the thyroglobulin pool (Tg) involved were studied. Tg was labelled 5 and 1 days before the day of the experiment with 125I and 131I respectively.

Groups of animals were fed with either Forramez (400 μg 127I/kg) or Labina (200 μg 127I/kg). Both tracers increased after TSH injection in the last group, while only 125I was increased in the Forramez-fed animals. Sucrose density gradient showed that the radioactive material involved in this process is Tg.

The per cent distribution of radioactivity for iodo-amino acids was estimated for both isotopes by ascending paper chromatography. The ratio 131I/125I was calculated for T4 and T3 in the L and S fractions. An increase in this ratio was found in the L fraction after TSH administration. These results suggest that storage of Tg takes place in an "oinion like" structure, the outer layers corresponding to the more recently synthetized molecules, being more available to pseudopods during the pinocytic process. This hypothesis fits with the present results.
THE REGULATION OF MONOAMINE OXIDASE ACTIVITY BY ADRENAL CORTICAL STEROIDS
Authors: Parvez H. , Parvez S.
Published: December 2008

The activity of the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO) in the brain, heart, liver and spleen of rats 10 weeks after adrenalectomy was determined. Another group of adrenalectomized rats received 5 mg of hydrocortisone daily for the period of 10 days and their MAO activity was compared with that of control adrenalectomized rats. There was a significant rise in MAO activity following adrenalectomy in the tissue homogenate, mitochondrial and supernatant fractions of all the organs studied. Hydrocortisone administration decreased MAO activity to the level of normal rats. These results suggest that corticoids serve as a rate limiting factor for the activity of the enzyme MAO. This hypothesis was further tested in normal rats by blocking the biosynthesis of glucocorticoids with Metopirone®. Four hours after a single injection of 75 mg Metopirone the cerebral, hepatic and cardiac MAO showed marked increases from control levels. These results suggest that adrenal cortical steroids present in the circulation of normal animals regulate the activity of the enzyme MAO in most organs.
RENAL TUBULAR ACIDOSIS, PRESENTING AS A SYNDROME RESEMBLING BARTTER'S SYNDROME, IN A PATIENT WITH ARACHNODACTYLY
Authors: Takeda Ryoyu , Morimoto Shinpei , Kuroda Mitsuhiko , Murakami Mototaka
Published: December 2008

A 23-year-old man with Marfan's syndrome (forme fruste) and renal tubular acidosis presented a syndrome closely resembling that reported by Bartter et al. (1962), i.c., a markedly increased plasma renin activity (PRA), hypokalaemia with normal blood pressure, decreased response of blood pressure to angiotensin II infusion and hyperaldosteronism. Hyperplasia of the juxtaglomerular apparatus was seen on renal biopsy. The studies on renal tubular function demonstrated that the patient had a unique feature corresponding to a proximal type of renal tubular acidosis (RTA).

During the period of sodium restriction the patient showed an abrupt decrease in sodium excretion to near or below intake levels with a tendency to potassium conservation but PRA remained unchanged. Sodiumloading did not suppress the increased level of PRA and albumin infusion showed only a little suppression of PRA. On the other hand, the oral administration of furosemide induced a significant increase in PRA. Replacement therapy with potassium induced a marked elevation of the urinary aldosterone level with a concomitant decrease in PRA when the serum potassium rose, but the PRA still remained above a level 10 times as high as the normal value.

These findings suggested that the mechanism of renin secretion in this patient was reset at a high level. A hypothetical role of PRA in the reset mechanism of renin secretion and pathophysiology of this patient are discussed. The relationship between RTA and Marfan's syndrome remains obscure.
IN VITRO BIOSYNTHESIS OF PROTEINS IN HUMAN PLACENTAE FROM NORMAL AND TOXAEMIC PREGNANCIES
Authors: Rahman S. A. , Hingorani V. , Malkani P. K. , Laumas K. R.
Published: December 2008

The concentration of proteins, RNA and DNA, incorporation of carbon-14 amino acids into proteins and the labelling of RNA in 10 placentae each from normal and toxaemic pregnancies have been investigated. The protein content either on a wet tissue basis or on a dry tissue basis was lower in the toxaemic placenta. In this group of placentae, the concentration of RNA and DNA was also lower as compared with the normal. While there was no change in the RNA/Protein ratio in the two groups of placentae, the DNA/Protein ratio was significantly lower in toxaemic placentae. When the various subcellular fractions were compared, the concentration of protein was lower in the nuclear, mitochondrial, microsomal and pH 5 enzyme precipitate fractions of toxaemic placentae.

The incorporation of carbon-14 amino acids into proteins and the labelling of RNA was lower in the various subcellular fractions of toxaemic placentae. The time course of the incorporation of carbon-14 amino acids into proteins and the labelling of RNA in cell-free system increased with time in both groups of placentae, however, these were lower in toxaemic placentae as compared with the normal at the various time intervals studied.

From the data presented, it may be concluded that toxaemia exerts some deleterious effect on the biosynthesis of proteins in the placenta. It is suggested that damage to protein synthesis may be the cause of the altered biosynthetic and metabolic activities reported in the placentae during toxaemia.
LUTEOLYTIC EFFECTS OF OESTRADIOL AFTER HYPOPHYSECTOMY OR PITUITARY STALK SECTION IN CYCLING SHEEP
Authors: Denamur R. , Kann G.
Published: December 2008

Experiments were carried out with a view to determining the relative importance of the pituitary gland and the uterus for the luteolytic action of oestradiol in the cycling ewe.

The influence of the pituitary was modified by stalk section or hypophysectomy and that of the uterus by hysterectomy. Oestradiol (0.5 mg twice daily) caused an increase in ghe life-span of the corpus luteum (CL) if treatment began on day 3 of the cycle, and a decrease when injections commenced on days 9 or 11.

Pituitary stalk sections performed on days 3 or 11 caused little change in CL weight on day 14. However, in either case, oestradiol administration from day 11 resulted in a large fall in CL weight, indicating that intact pituitary connections to the hypothalamus were not essential for the luteolytic action of oestradiol. Luteal regression following hypophysectomy on day 11 was accelerated by oestradiol benzoate injected from day 11. On the other hand, hysterectomy on day 11 always resulted in maintenance of the CL to day 20, whether or not stalk section or oestradiol administration had taken place. This indicated that the presence of the uterus was essential for the luteolytic effects of oestradiol.

These experiments show that the luteolytic properties of oestradiol reflect mainly a direct action of this hormone on the uterus.
THE INFLUENCE OF THYROID HORMONE ON CALCIUM ABSORPTION FROM THE GUT IN RELATION TO URINARY CALCIUM EXCRETION
Authors: Lekkerkerker J. F. F. , Doorenbos H.
Published: December 2008

The influence of thyroid hormone on calcium absorption and urinary calcium excretion was investigated in thirteen totally thyroidectomized patients, five of whom were treated with dihydrotachysterol for hypoparathyroidism. Seven patients with primary myxoedema were also studied. In both groups calcium absorption capacity was higher during the hypothyroid phase. Thyroid hormone seems to influence calcium absorption directly, independently of the parathyroid hormone.

The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is decreased in thyroid hormone deficiency. Only in the thyroidectomized patients was an increase in the serum calcium and fractional urinary calcium excretion observed. The serum calcium level in thyroidectomized patients not treated with thyroid hormone is determined by the decrease in GFR and in the increased absorption of calcium in the gut in the presence of latent hypoparathyroidism.
STUDIES ON THYROID FUNCTION IN THE MOUSE: INTERSTRAIN DIFFERENCES IN THYROXINE SECRETION RATES AND ORGAN CONTENT OF THYROXINE
Authors: England P. , Webb J. , Randall T. W. , Harland W. A. , Whaley K.
Published: December 2008

Thyroxine secretion rates and thyroxine concentration in various organs (liver, spleen, intestines, kidneys, heart and thymus) have been estimated in five strains of mice by a technique employing multiple radiothyroxine tracer injections. Marked interstrain differences have been demonstrated. No correlation was found with physical activity or with catabolic rates for the soluble protein antigen, bovine gamma-globulin.
STUDIES IN CONGENITAL GENERALIZED LIPODYSTROPHY
Authors: Sövik Oddmund , Oseid Svein , Öyasæter Stephanie
Published: December 2008

Plasma from 3 subjects with congenital generalized lipodystrophy was filtered on Sephadex G-50, and the fractions obtained were analyzed for immunoreactive insulin (IRI).

In one patient (I.T.) plasma was obtained in the course of an iv glucose tolerance test, during which there was a substantial increase of IRI. In the fasting state IRI was recovered as a single peak with an elution volume corresponding to crystalline insulin. Twenty min after the glucose load the insulin immunoreactivity appeared in two peaks, a major peak corresponding to crystalline insulin ("little" insulin) and a small peak corresponding to beef pro-insulin ("big" insulin). The relative amount of "big" insulin remained small during the glucose tolerance test. Twenty min after the glucose load the amount of "big" insulin was 4 per cent, whereas 6 per cent was found after 170 min.

In a second patient (L.S.N.) with a substantially, lower IRI-activity "big" insulin was not detected after a glucagon load. Likewise, in a third patient (A.E.) with frank diabetes, studied after the age of puberty, a tolbutamide tolerance test failed to reveal any significant amount of "big" insulin.
STIMULATION OF ORNITHINE DECARBOXYLASE AND NUCLEAR RNA POLYMERASE ACTIVITY IN RAT LIVER BY GLUCAGON AND DIBUTYRYL CYCLIC AMP
Authors: Hölttä E. , Raina A.
Published: December 2008

The influence of glucagon and dibutyryl cyclic 3′,5′-AMP on ornithine decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.17) and nuclear RNA polymerase (EC 2.7.7.6) activity of rat liver was studied.

Intraperitoneal administration of 0.2 mg of glucagon per 100 g body weight resulted in a four- to six-fold increase in ornithine decarboxylase activity. This enzyme activity was also markedly increased by a single ip injection containing 2.5–5 mg of dibutyryl cyclic AMP. The time course of this effect demonstrated a maximum at 3–4 h. Both agents also stimulated nuclear RNA polymerase activity. The increase in hepatic ornithine decarboxylase activity by dibutyryl cyclic AMP was not abolished by adrenalectomy but was totally prevented by the administration of actinomycin D, α-amanitin and cycloheximide, which suggests that the increase in activity represents synthesis de novo of the enzyme. A sharp rise in liver ornithine decarboxylase activity was also observed after administration of theophylline, whereas no change in enzyme activity was found after the administration of adenosine or adenosine 5′-nucleotides.
EFFECT OF THYROXINE AND GROWTH HORMONE ON LONGITUDINAL BONE GROWTH IN THE HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED RAT
Authors: Thorngren K.-G. , Hansson L. I.
Published: December 2008

The effect of L-thyroxine and bovine growth hormone (NIH-GH-B16) on the growth in length from the proximal growth plate of the tibia in hypophysectomized female Sprague-Dawley rats was studied by the tetracycline method. The width of the growth plate was also determined, and the weight of the body and heart was registered. Completeness of the hypophysectomy was determined microscopically.

Daily sc injections of 5, 10, 20 or 40 μg/kg L-thyroxine alone, or in combination with 25 or 100 μg NIH-GH-B16, were given for 20 days, starting 15 days after hypophysectomy which was performed when the rats were 60 days of age. Thyroxine alone resulted in stimulation of the longitudinal bone growth with an optimum effect at 10–20 μg/kg. Further increase of the thyroxine dose did not increase the bone growth. Thyroxine given in association with growth hormone had a higher growing promoting effect than thyroxine or growth hormone alone. The growth stimulation of the two hormones was also significantly higher than the expected additive effect, indicating a potentiating synergism. When thyroxine and growth hormone were given in combination, the longitudinal bone growth reached an optimum for almost the same dose (20 μg/kg) of thyroxine as when it was given alone. At this optimum dose of thyroxine, the dose of growth hormone determined the longitudinal bone growth.

The width of the growth plate was not influenced by thyroxine administration. The body weight decreased somewhat when thyroxine was given alone, and the combination with growth hormone seemed to compensate for this weight loss. The heart weight was found to increase with increasing doses of thyroxine both when given alone and in association with growth hormone.
EVIDENCE FOR AN ENZYMIC COMPONENT IN THE RAT HYPOTHALAMUS CAPABLE OF INACTIVATING LUTEINIZING HORMONE RELEASING FACTOR (LRF)
Authors: Griffiths E. C. , Hooper K. C. , Hopkinson C. R. N.
Published: December 2008

It is known that the hypothalamus contains peptidases capable of inactivating oxytocin, that the activity of these enzymes is inversely related to luteinizing hormone (LH) release and that they might be involved in luteinizing hormone-releasing factor (LRF) metabolism (Griffiths & Hooper 1973b). To more fully determine the peptidases' function, synthetic LRF was incubated with the supernatant hypothalamic fraction containing the peptidases' activity. Using two different assay systems, it was found that the LRF was inactivated after incubation with the fraction. This preliminary evidence suggests that an enzymic component is present in the rat hypothalamus, which is capable of inactivating LRF.
URINARY GONADOTROPHINS FOLLOWING CASTRATION OF MEN
Authors: Christiansen Peter
Published: December 2008

The excretion of total hypophyseal gonadotrophins (HG), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) was studied in 13 castrated men aged 23 to 56 years, mean 38.8 years. All the men were castrated for legal reasons. The time from castration to the investigation varied from 4 weeks to 24 years. Four of the subjects were studied from the time before surgery until 4 weeks after castration. The mean excretion of HG, FSH and LH was statistically significantly higher than that of normal men of the same age i. e. by 8, 9 and 3 times higher respectively. The FSH/LH ratio was in the mean 2.8. Following orchiectomy FSH rose more rapidly and to a higher level than LH. The maximal level of FSH was reached within 1–2 weeks after castration in contrast to LH which did not consistently reach the maximal level within 4 weeks. This difference in FSH and LH levels after castration supports the concept that FSH and LH are regulated independently in man.
SERUM THYROTROPHIN RESPONSE TO THYROTROPHIN RELEASING HORMONE AND THE CONCENTRATION OF FREE THYROXINE IN SUBACUTE THYROIDITIS
Authors: Gordin A. , Lamberg B.-A.
Published: December 2008

Fourteen patients with subacute thyroiditis were studied. In the acute stage 6 were overtly and 2 equivocally hyperthyroid. Total thyroxine (T4) or protein-bound iodine (PBI) was elevated in 10 patients out of 14 and absolute free thyroxine (AFT4) in 10 out of 13 cases. The serum thyrotrophin (TSH) values ranged from 1.3 to 7.9 μU/ml, all but one being below 4.0 μU/ml (normal range 1.6–6.9 μU/ml). There was no response in serum TSH to thyrotrophin releasing hormone (TRH) in 9 subjects tested in the acute stage, irrespective of whether they were clinically hyperthyroid or euthyroid. This indicates that in the acute stage of subacute thyroiditis the thyroid hormone level is increased sufficiently to inhibit TSH release. In 8 patients the TRH stimulation test was carried out serially at 2 to 3 monthly intervals but in 5 only after 2 to 6 months. In a few patients the serum TSH level rose above the normal upper limit. The response to TRH became normal within 2 to 5 months but in one patient only after a period of exaggerated response indicative of temporary subclinical hypothyroidism. In one patient the response was still exaggerated one year after the acute phase, indicating that normalization of the thyroid-pituitary relationship may be a very slow process.
STEROIDS IN NEWBORNS AND INFANTS
Authors: Shackleton C. H. L. , Gustafsson J.-Å. , Mitchell F. L.
Published: December 2008

Urinary steroids from infants one to nine months of age have been analysed by gas chromatography and combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Open tubular capillary columns were used for the gas chromatographic analyses. These greatly improved the resolution of steroid methyloxime-trimethylsilyl ethers over that obtained with packed columns.

The major 3β-hydroxy-Δ5 steroids found in the younger infants were 3β,16α-dihydroxy-5-androsten-17-one, 3β,17β-dihydroxy-5-androsten-16-one, 5-androstene-3β,16α,17β-triol and 3β,16α-dihydroxy-5-pregnen-20-one. In the older infants 5-pregnene-3β,20α-diol and 5-pregnene-3β,20β-diol were the predominant 3β-hydroxy-Δ5 steroids. However, there was a general decrease in the amount of 3β-hydroxy-Δ5 steroids excreted relative to the total steroid excretion.

Cortisol metabolites were found in urine from infants of all ages. The principal metabolite was tetrahydrocortisone the excretion of which varied between 100 and 700 μg/24 h. 5β-pregnane-3α,l7α,20α-triol (pregnanetriol) was assayed in each urine sample but only became quantitatively significant after the fourth month of life (20-120 μg/24 h in the later samples).
TESTOSTERONE AND DIHYDROTESTOSTERONE CONCENTRATIONS IN THE FLUID MILIEU OF SPERMATOZOA IN THE REPRODUCTIVE TRACT OF THE BULL
Authors: Ganjam Venkataseshu K. , Amann Rupert P.
Published: December 2008

Total 17β-hydroxyandrogen concentrations were determined using a competitive protein binding assay, for bovine reproductive fluids. Rete testis fluid and cauda epididymal plasma were separated from the spermcontaining fluids obtained through cannulae from conscious bulls. Al-through the concentration of total 17β-hydroxyandrogens in rete testis fluid was similar (P > 0.05) to that in cauda epididymal plasma (25 and 19 ng/ml), both fluids contained higher (P < 0.01) androgen concentrations than seminal plasma, accessory sex gland fluid or serum from peripheral blood (3–5 ng/ml). However, since the amount of cauda epididymal plasma recovered was much less than for rete testis fluid (0.25 vs 35 ml/day), cauda epididymal plasma contained less than 1 % of the total 17β-hydroxyandrogens which entered the epididymis in rete testis fluid (5 vs 883 ng/day).

Testosterone and/or dihydrotestosterone were isolated from the reproductive fluids by Sephadex LH-20 chromatography and quantified by a simple, specific and highly sensitive microassay. Dihydrotestosterone was found only in cauda epididymal plasma (14 ng/ml); identification of the isolated compound was confirmed by mass spectrometry. Dihydrotestosterone accounted for 52% of the 17β-hydroxyandrogens in cauda epididymal plasma while 23 % was testosterone. Testosterone represented 70 % of the 17β-hydroxyandrogens in rete testis fluid and 91 % of those in blood serum. Physiological implications of this shift in androgen balance are discussed.
HEXOSAMINE AND HEPARIN IN HOMOGENATE AND SUBCELLULAR FRACTIONS FROM BOVINE NEUROHYPOPHYSES
Authors: Hvas Susanne , Thorn N. A.
Published: December 2008

The concentration of hexosamine in a purified secretory granule fraction from ox neurohypophyses was 29 ± 3 (sem) μg/mg protein. This was significantly higher than the concentration in homogenate of whole neurohypophyses and the frontal cortex of ox brain.

The hexosamine concentration in two lipoprotein fractions isolated from secretory granules was comparable to the concentration found in the granule fraction.

The only glycosaminoglycan (GAG) found in detectable concentration in a homogenate from ox neurohypophyses was heparin. In the purified neurosecretory granule fraction no GAG was detectable.
COMPARISON OF GROWTH ACCELERATION OF PITUITARY DWARFS TREATED WITH ANABOLIC STEROID AND THYROID HORMONE WITH NORMAL GROWTH SPURT
Authors: Harada Y. , Okada Y. , Hikita T. , Ninomiya T. , Ishihara Y.
Published: December 2008

Twenty six patients with pituitary dwarfism and 21 patients with delayed adolescence were treated by the administration of desiccated thyroid and an anabolic steroid, and their effectiveness in producing an increase in growth rate was compared in the two groups and also with the growth spurt of normal adolescents. The mean growth rate of patients with pituitary dwarfism was less than 3.4 cm per year at any chronological age before treatment, and increased to 8.93 ± 0.40, 6.37 ± 2.47 and 5.13 ± 1.67 cm per year in the first, second and third year of treatment with a total increment of 21.0 ± 4.58. This compared with a 3 year increment in 12 treated delayed adolescence of 25.8 ±4.1 and the 3 year puberty growth spurt in 33 normal male adolescents of 22.2 ± 2.25. The final height of these dwarfs is not known since they are still under treatment and still growing. When the patients with pituitary dwarfism were divided into two groups, i. e. one in which the HGH in serum could be detected and the others in which the HGH could not be detected at any time, the height increment for the period of 3 year's treatment seemed to be greater in the HGH detectable group than in the undetectable group. These data suggest that a small amount of basic HGH secretion may play an enhancing role in the activity of anabolic steroid and thyroid hormones.
PARADOXICAL RESPONSE OF PLASMA CORTISOL TO PULSE INTRAVENOUS INJECTION OF SYNTHETIC CORTICOTROPHIN AND DIBUTYRYL CYCLIC ADENOSINE 3′,5′-MONOPHOSPHATE IN ADULT PANHYPOPITUITARISM
Authors: Angeli Alberto , Frajria Roberto , Boccuzzi Giuseppe , Bisbocci Daniela , Ceresa Franco
Published: December 2008

250 μg of synthetic β-1-24 corticotrophin and 10 mg/kg of dibutyryl cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (Db-cAMP) were iv pulse injected into six patients with adult panhypopituitarism. The plasma cortisol levels were determined as 11-OHCS at zero time and then at 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 15, 30, 60 and 180 min after the injection. The data were compared with those obtained under the same experimental conditions in groups of normal subjects. A paradoxical pattern of early plasma cortisol response after the two stimuli was found in the case of hypopituitarism in comparison with that observed in normal subjects, that is a higher response after Db-cAMP than after corticotrophin. This was dependent on a selective impairment of adrenal steroidogenic response to iv injection of corticotrophin, whereas the response to iv injection of Db-cAMP was normal. Moreover in hypopituitaric patients the time course of cortisol response after ACTH was clearly different from the normal. The plasma 11-OHCS levels never showed an early peak followed by a fall and a second subsequent rise but rose progressively after the injection to a plateau between 15 and 180 min. By contrast, after Db-cAMP the time course of the response was also similar to that observed in normal subjects. It is suggested that after chronic failure of ACTH the reduced cortisol response to iv acute administration of corticotrophin may also depend on a defect localized before the synthesis of intracellular cyclic AMP, i. e. in the binding between ACTH and the specific cell membrane bound receptor and/or in the inactivation of the membrane associated adenyl cyclase.
ON THE MECHANISM OF GOITRE FORMATION DURING LITHIUM TREATMENT IN THE RAT
Authors: Leppäluoto J. , Männistö P. T. , Virkkunen P.
Published: December 2008

In the first experiment Sprague-Dawley rats were given antithyroid drugs i. e. perchlorate (KClO4), carbimazole (CI) and potassium iodide (KI) for 4 weeks, either alone or in combination with lithium (Li) (5 mEq./l) for the last 2 weeks. In combination with CI or KI, Li aggravated the goitre and decreased the synthesis of T3 + T4, as measured by chromatography. The weights of the adenohypophyses increased and those of the adrenals decreased in all the experimental groups.

In the second experiment, Li (10 mEq./l) was administered to euthyroid rats for 4, 10 or 20 weeks. The metabolic effects of Li reached a peak at 4 weeks, giving a decreased T3 + T4, a decreased plasma PBI level and an increased plasma bioassayable (McKenzie) TSH level. A definite goitre did not develop until 20 weeks.

In the third experiment the disappearance of thyroidal 131I was shown to be delayed in rats treated for 2 weeks with Li or T4 but was accelerated in those rats receiving CI.

It is concluded that 1) Li accentuates the antithyroid and goitrogenic potency of antithyroid drugs, 2) Li itself is a mild antithyroid and goitrogenic agent, which exerts its effect by inhibiting the coupling reaction of iodotyrosines and 3) that Li also retards the secretion of thyroid hormones from the thyroid gland.
A COMPARATIVE HISTOPHYSIOLOGICAL STUDY ON THE NORMAL, CASTRATED AND TESTOSTERONE-TREATED LEVATOR ANI MUSCLE OF RODENTS
Authors: Chinoy N. J. , Sheth K. M. , Shah V. C.
Published: December 2008

A comparative histophysiological study on the levator ani of intact, castrated and testosterone-treated castrated guinea pigs and rats was carried out. On the basis of histochemical and biochemical data it was shown that some dehydrogenases and alkaline and acid phosphatases of this muscle in both animals were androgen-dependent to a varying degree. The androgen-dependent effect is manifested by the levator ani irrespective of its fibre types.
THE TREATMENT OF PRECOCIOUS PUBERTY WITH CYPROTERONE ACETATE
Authors: Rager K. , Huenges R. , Gupta D. , Bierich J. R.
Published: December 2008

Nine patients (8 girls and 1 boy) suffering from precocious puberty received daily 100 mg/m2 cyproterone acetate orally. This treatment inhibited the vaginal bleeding; breast-size and the axillary hair and pubic hair did not further increase. The height increment per year and the bone maturation slowed down. The urinary excretion of androgens was temporarily diminished. It is probable that the growth prognosis could be improved by the administration of cyproterone acetate.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE PINEAL GLAND, OTHER ENDOCRINE GLANDS AND REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS OF SINGLE AND PARABIOSED GOLDEN HAMSTERS
Authors: Seibel Hugo R. , Schweisthal Michael R.
Published: December 2008

Investigations on the role of the pineal body have recently assigned an endocrine function to this gland. Ablation of the gland results in an increase in testicular weight. Bilateral enucleation of the eyes results in pineal hypertrophy and gonadal atrophy. The following experimental groups were studied in the adult male and female: (1) controls; (2) pinealectomized; (3) bilaterally enucleated; (4) bilaterally enucleated pinealectomized; (5) bilaterally enucleated sham pinealectomized. The following groups were studied in parabiosed animals: (1) both animals normal; (2) both animals bilaterally enucleated; (3) both animals bilaterally enucleated and pinealectomized; (4) one animal bilaterally enucleated and the other normal; (5) one animal bilaterally enucleated and pinealectomized and the other normal.

Animals were killed from 4 to 6 weeks after the start of the experiment. Weights of the testes, seminal vesicles, adrenals, pituitary, uteri and ovaries served as parameters. Histological studies on these tissues were carried out. With regard to the target organs, sham operated did not differ from normal animals. Bilateral enucleation resulted in gonadal and accessory sex organ atrophy. These effects were prevented by pinealectomy. Pinealectomy of blinded single males with atrophic gonads was followed by a regeneration of the testicular epithelium within 6 to 8 weeks. After parabiotic union in groups (2) and (5), a decrease in testicular and seminal vesicle weight was observed; uterine and ovarian weights were decreased in group (2), while in group (5) only ovarian weight was decreased. These results suggest that bilateral enucleation (darkness) activates the pineal gland to secrete a substance(s) which modifies the hypophyseal target organ axis in both single and parabiotic animals.
SOMATOTROPHIC AND CORTICOTROPHIC FUNCTIONS IN PRIMARY HYPOTHYROIDISM BEFORE AND AFTER THYROXINE TREATMENT
Authors: Minozzi M. , Faggiano M. , Lombardi G. , Carella C. , Criscuolo T. , Oliver Ch. , Vague Ph.
Published: December 2008

In 12 patients with primary hypothyroidism the somatotrophic and corticotrophic functions were evaluated before and after thyroxine treatment.

The results confirm a significant decrease, reversible by treatment, of plasma HGH responses to insulin-induced hypoglycaemia and to arginine infusion. Moreover, the results indicate that the impairment of the hypothalamic-pituitary function may also involve the response of plasma ACTH after provocative tests (insulin-induced hypoglycaemia and metyrapone). It must be stressed that the impairment of the corticotrophic function can be revealed only when the responses to provocative tests are evaluated by a direct assay of plasma ACTH and not by plasma corticosteroid modifications. These different responses may account for the conflicting results obtained by other investigators and may be justified by the multiple interference of the thyroid deficiency with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis at different levels.
EFFECTS OF STEROID SUPPRESSION AND GONADECTOMY ON ADRENAL 5α-REDUCTASE ACTIVITY AND CORTICOSTERONE PRODUCTION IN RATS
Authors: Colby Howard D. , Witorsch Raphael J. , Caffrey James L. , Kitay Julian I.
Published: December 2008

Studies were conducted to further examine the interaction between gonadal hormones and ACTH in the regulation of adrenocortical function. Gonadectomy for a period of two weeks in pre-puberal rats of either sex or in adults for one week, was without effect on adrenal 5α-reductase activity and corticosterone production in vitro. Cortisone administration to intact rats, both before and after puberty, suppressed corticosterone and total steroid production and increased adrenal reductase activity. Ovariectomy in immature or adult females did not modify the effects of cortisone on adrenal function. Orchiectomy, both before and after puberty, synergistically enhanced the actions of cortisone to increase 5α-reductase activity and lower corticosterone production without affecting total steroid output. These observations lend support to the hypothesis that gonadal hormones interact with ACTH in the control of adrenocortical function. Adrenal 5α-reductase seems to be a common site of action for the effects.
BINDING OF 3H-OESTRADIOL WITH RECEPTORS IN THE HUMAN ENDOMETRIUM AND MYOMETRIUM
Authors: Krishnan A. R. , Hingorani V. , Laumas K. R.
Published: December 2008

The in vivo and in vitro binding of 3H-oestradiol-17β to cytoplasmic and nuclear fractions of the human endometrium and myometrium was demonstrated by different techniques. Sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation of the endometrial cytoplasm showed that oestradiol binds with two specific proteins sedimenting at 8.5 S and 5.1 S. Myometrial cytoplasmic oestrogen binding protein (OeBP) had a sedimentation coefficient of 5.1 S. Nuclear OeBP in the endometrium and myometrium had the same sedimentation value of 4.2 S. The endometrial cytoplasmic OeBP separated by gel chromatography showed association with both oestradiol and oestrone in the ratio of 2:1. The OeBP in nuclear fraction of the endometrium and myometrium showed binding with oestradiol and oestrone in the ratio of 2.5:1 and 2:1 respectively. The association of oestrone along with oestradiol with receptors of the endometrial and myometrial nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions suggests that oestrone may play a significant role in the overall action of oestrogens in the human uterus. Studies on ligand specificity of the OeBPs showed that oestrone which is a comparatively weaker oestrogen, competitively displaced bound 3H-oestradiol, more or less in a similar way as a highly potent oestrogen diethylstilboestrol (DOeS). Chlormadinone acetate (CAP), among the progestational steroids tested, maximally displaced bound oestradiol. The significance of these findings in the mechanism of action of oestradiol in the human uterus is discussed.
DIFFERENTIAL STABILITY OF IODINE POOR AND IODINE RICH RAT THYROGLOBULIN
Authors: Valenta Lubomir J.
Published: December 2008

In certain environments thyroglobulin is dissociated into 12S subunit or unfolded into 14–17S species. The unfolding and dissociating ability of various agents was examined on poorly iodinated (PIT) or iodine rich (IRT) rat thyroglobulins. According to the efficiency of provoking unfolding or dissociation these agents could be grouped in the following order: low ionic strength < chaotropic anions < chaotropic anions plus freezing and thawing < succinic anhydride and mild alkali < SDS < strong alkali. The degree of thyroglobulin changes was further dependent on the iodine concentration. No change of sedimentation pattern was obtained in the presence of 2-mercaptoethanol or after incomplete reduction and alkylation of the iodine rich protein. No stabilization of PIT was brought about by a number of oxidizing agents. Stabilization was only obtained by in vitro iodination. The main difference between the uneffected and unfolded or dissociated thyroglobulin species was in the amount of thyroxine, or, at lower levels of iodination, DIT. The results suggest that non-covalent, especially hydrophobic, rather than covalent interactions are involved in stabilization of conformation of the thyroglobulin molecule.
IMMUNOREACTIVE GROWTH HORMONE IN PLASMA AND URINE IN LONG TERM INSULIN TREATED DIABETICS WITH CLINICAL DIABETIC NEPHROPATHY
Authors: Hanssen K. F. , Svendsen P. Aaby , Evrin P.-E.
Published: December 2008

Plasma immunoreactive growth hormone (IRHGH) was measured serially together with 24 hour urinary immunoreactive growth hormone (IRHGH) in 25 long term insulin treated diabetics with clinical diabetic nephropathy (defined by urinary albumin above 25 mg/24 h).

The mean plasma IRHGH was significantly higher than in a comparable group of diabetics without increased urinary albumin (0.05 > P > 0.02).

The urinary IRHGH increased from near normal values in those patients with a normal creatinine clearance to 100 times the normal urinary IRHGH in patients with creatinine clearance of less than 20 ml/min.

Two other small molecular weight proteins (β2-microglobulin and lysozyme) were also measured in the blood and urine in some of the patients. IRHGH, β2-microglobulin and lysozyme clearances increased in parallel as the creatinine clearance decreased.

This study further supports the theory that growth hormone is filtered by the glomerulus and reabsorbed for the major part in the proximal renal tubule.

The increased plasma and urinary IRHGH seen in diabetic nephropathy seems to be a consequence of the kidney damage rather than its cause.
ENDOGENOUS NEUTRAL STEROIDS IN THE LUNG TISSUE OF EARLY AND MID-TERM HUMAN FOETUSES AND IN VITRO STUDIES ON THEIR FORMATION
Authors: Huhtaniemi I.
Published: December 2008

Four pools of lung tissue from 2 or 3 foetuses of 11–17 weeks' gestational age were analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography and gaschromatography-mass spectrometry for endogenous neutral steroids. All of the steroids detected were present as their mono- or disulphate conjugates. No free compounds were found. Dehydroepiandrosterone, pregnenolone and their 16α-hydroxylated derivatives were the compounds present in highest concentrations in the monosulphate fraction. The most prominent steroid in the disulphate fraction was 5-androstene-3β,17α-diol. Other compounds detected were the monosulphates of 3β,7α-dihydroxy-5-androsten-17-one, 3β,16β- dihydroxy -5- androsten-17-one, 3β,17β- dihydroxy-5-androsten-16-one, 5-androstene-3β,16β,1 7α-triol, 5-pregnene-3β,17α-diol, and 3β,17α-dihydroxy-5-pregnen-20-one and the disulphates of 5-androstene-3β,17β-diol, 3β,16α-dihydroxy-5-androsten-17-one and 5-pregnene-3β,20α-diol. The total concentrations of steroids in the lung tissue varied from 300 to 600 μg/100 g tissue wet weight.

In order to gain some insight into the origin of the endogenous steroids detected, i. e. whether they were synthesized by the lung tissue or only filtered by it from the perfusing blood, minced lung tissue was incubated with dehydroepiandrosterone, pregnenolone, 3β,17α-dihydroxy-5-pregnen-20-one and with their sulphate conjugates. Evidence for the presence of the following enzymes was found: sulphokinase, 7α-hydroxylase, 16αhydroxylase, 17α-hydroxylase, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 20α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and C17–20 desmolase.