bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IMMUNOREACTIVE GROWTH HORMONE IN PLASMA AND URINE IN LONG TERM INSULIN TREATED DIABETICS IN RELATION TO DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
Authors: Hanssen Kristian F.
Published: December 2008

In 15 long term insulin dependent diabetics with a normal excretion of albumin in the urine (< 25 mg/24 h), plasma immunoreactive growth hormone (IRHGH) was measured serially together with the urinary immunoreactive growth hormone (IRHGH) during 24 hours.

A positive correlation was shown between mean plasma IRHGH and urinary IRHGH in the individual patient (0.05 > P > 0.02).

No significant difference between median plasma IRHGH in the diabetics and controls was observed.

However, urinary IRHGH was higher in the diabetics than in the controls (0.05 > P > 0.02).

A near positive correlation was shown between urinary IRHGH and glucosuria (R = 0.50, 0.1 > P > 0.05).

No correlation was shown between the degree of diabetic retinography and the mean plasma IRHGH or urinary IRHGH.
CHANGES OF FREE AMINO ACIDS IN PANCREATIC β-CELLS AFTER STARVATION AND SUBSTRATE DEPRIVATION
Authors: Gylfe Erik
Published: December 2008

A procedure for free amino acid measurements in β-cell-rich pancreatic islets from obese-hyperglycaemic mice involving reaction with 3H-dansyl chloride and subsequent chromatographic separation was studied. A characteristic feature of the islets was the presence of γ-aminobutyric acid and of very high taurine concentrations. Islets dissected from fresh pancreas contained more leucine and valine than specimens obtained from freeze-dried pancreatic sections. When micro-dissected islets were incubated in substrate-free medium the concentrations of leucine and valine remained high, whereas aspartic acid decreased. Perifusion of islets with the same type of medium, however, depressed the concentrations of glycine, leucine, lysine, phenylalanine and valine. Starvation increased the β-cell concentrations of γ-aminobutyric acid and leucine and reduced those of aspartic acid and glutamic acid. The possibilities that the amino acid concentrations are influenced by amino acid efflux or the uptake of secreted insulin in combination with protein catabolism are discussed.
EFFECTS OF ADRENALINE ON INSULIN-INDUCED RELEASE OF GROWTH HORMONE AND CORTISOL IN MAN
Authors: Müller-Hess R. , Geser C. A. , Jéquier E. , Felber J.-P. , Vannotti A.
Published: December 2008

The influence of peripherally administered adrenaline on the secretion of human growth hormone (HGH) and cortisol was investigated in 14 normal subjects. In a control group, HGH and cortisol release was stimulated by insulin infusion for 30 min (0.1 IU/kg). This procedure was compared with a similar insulin infusion which was started 60 min after initiating an adrenaline infusion for 150 min (6 μg/min). Adrenaline did not significantly alter the basal levels of HGH and cortisol. The mean maximal HGH rise during insulin hypoglycaemia (38.9 ± 7.2 ng/ml) was significantly (P < 0.005) inhibited by simultaneously administered adrenaline (9.6 ± 3.0 ng/ml). The same action of adrenaline was also found to be effective on cortisol release. The rise in plasma cortisol after insulin infusion (16.0±1.4 μg/100ml) was suppressed by adrenaline to 6.4 ± 2.2μg/100 ml (P < 0.005). Blood glucose and plasma free fatty acids (FFA), increased by adrenaline administration, were decreased significantly after insulin infusion. These results suggest an inhibitory effect of peripheral adrenaline on insulin-induced secretion of HGH. Blood glucose and plasma FFA levels seem to have no effect on this action. Whether there is a negative feedback between HGH and adrenaline should be considered. It is possible that the inhibition of cortisol release by adrenaline is mediated by an inhibiting effect on ACTH release, in the same manner as on the release of HGH.
SERUM THYROTROPHIN AND THE RESPONSE TO THYROTROPHIN RELEASING HORMONE IN SYMPTOMLESS AUTOIMMUNE THYROIDITIS AND IN BORDERLINE AND OVERT HYPOTHYROIDISM
Authors: Gordin A. , Saarinen P. , Pelkonen R. , Lamberg B.-A.
Published: December 2008

Serum thyrotrophin (TSH) was determined by the double-antibody radioimmunoassay in 58 patients with primary hypothyroidism and was found to be elevated in all but 2 patients, one of whom had overt and one clinically borderline hypothyroidism. Six (29%) out of 21 subjects with symptomless autoimmune thyroiditis (SAT) had an elevated serum TSH level. There was little correlation between the severity of the disease and the serum TSH values in individual cases. However, the mean serum TSH value in overt hypothyroidism (93.4 μU/ml) was significantly higher than the mean value both in clinically borderline hypothyroidism (34.4 μU/ml) and in SAT (8.8 μU/ml).

The response to the thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH) was increased in all 39 patients with overt or borderline hypothyroidism and in 9 (43 %) of the 21 subjects with SAT. The individual TRH response in these two groups showed a marked overlap, but the mean response was significantly higher in overt (149.5 μU/ml) or clinically borderline hypothyroidism (99.9 μU/ml) than in SAT (35.3 μU/ml).

Thus a normal basal TSH level in connection with a normal response to TRH excludes primary hypothyroidism, but nevertheless not all patients with elevated TSH values or increased responses to TRH are clinically hypothyroid.
PHOSPHORYLATION IN VITRO OF ADRENAL SUBCELLULAR PROTEINS BY ADENOSINE-3′, 5′-MONOPHOSPHATE-DEPENDENT PROTEIN KINASE: EFFECT OF ACTH IN VIVO
Authors: Ichii Shogo , Murakami Noriko , Ikeda Akemi
Published: December 2008

In vitro phosphorylation of protein from rat adrenal subcellular fractions by partially purified cAMP-dependent protein kinase isolated from rat adrenal and liver was investigated. Only proteins from microsomes were found to be a good substrate for the enzyme. Rates of phosphorylation of adrenal microsomal and cytosol proteins isolated from animals which received ACTH were significantly lower than those from untreated control animals. The results obtained in this study seem to indicate that the microsomal proteins are one of the major endogenous substrates of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase in rat adrenal glands.
CONVERSION OF LABELLED CHOLESTEROL TO NEUTRAL STEROIDS BY HUMAN OVARIES PERFUSED IN VIVO
Authors: Dell'Acqua S. , Mancuso S. , Catelli M. G. , Bompiani A.
Published: December 2008

Four human ovaries in mid-luteal phase have been perfused with tritium labelled cholesterol through the cannulated ovarian artery for thirty minutes. Three 15-min samples of ovarian venous blood have been collected, two during the perfusion and the third in the following 15 min. In two cases, 15 min after the beginning of the perfusion, highly purified human urinary LH was rapidly injected into the ovarian artery. The ovarian tissue and the three fractions of venous blood were analysed for phenolic and neutral steroids.

In the ovarian tissue only progesterone (4-pregnene-3,20-dione), pregnenolone (3β-hydroxy-5-pregnen-20-one) and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17α-hydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione) were isolated.

The amount of progesterone isolated from the two ovaries injected with LH was five times higher as compared with the other two ovaries.

No steroids were present in the samples of venous blood except in the two cases in which LH was injected, where progesterone was isolated only in the third sample.

It is concluded that circulating cholesterol is utilized by the ovary at the mid-luteal phase for the synthesis of C21 steroids and that the presence of LH increases the production and the release of progesterone by the ovary.
PREPARATION AND EVALUATION OF ACTH ANTIBODIES
Authors: Proeschel M. F. , Courvalin J. C. , Donnadieu M. , Binoux M. , Girard F.
Published: December 2008

A method for rapid screening of ACTH antibodies has been developed. It consists of a simplified study of the modification of the antigen-antibody equilibrium by adding standard ACTH.

Different immunization methods have been studied according to the type of antigen and its preparation, the rhythm of injections as well as the amount of ACTH injected.

Among these different methods, using 267 guinea pigs, only the injection of 25 guinea pigs with 30 IU of human ACTH adsorbed on 5 mg of vegetal charcoal made it possible to obtain 7 antibodies suitable for a specific and sensitive radioimmunoassay of ACTH in human plasma without previous extraction.

These antibodies react with the portion 17–24 of the ACTH molecule, and their equilibrium constants are distributed from 2.1011 m−1 to 1.1012 m−1. Assays performed with one of these antibodies in the plasma of normal subjects and of patients suffering from adrenal-pituitary axis disorders are essentially identical with the values obtained by bioassay and are in good agreement with the results of radioimmunoassay performed by other investigators.
CHANGES IN SERUM LEVELS OF FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE AND LUTEINIZING HORMONE SHORTLY BEFORE AND AFTER PARTURITION IN RATS
Authors: Mori Junichi , Nagasawa Hiroshi , Yanai Reiko , Masaki Junji
Published: December 2008

The sequence of changes in the serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) from 2 days before to 24 h after parturition of primiparous Sprague-Dawley rats was investigated by radioimmunoassay. No appreciable change in average serum FSH levels was observed during 2 days before and 1 h after parturition. After this the levels increased gradually to show a peak at 7 h after parturition and then declined gradually until 24 h after parturition. However, the level at 24 h after parturition was still twice as high as that at parturition (0 h). The average serum LH levels which were low between 2 days before and 1 h after parturition, showed a peak at 7 h and decreased toward 13 h after parturition. The same levels as at parturition were maintained between 13 and 24 h after parturition. The time of surge of either FSH or LH was closely related to the time after parturition. There were some differences between FSH and LH in the patterns of sequence of changes in the serum levels near parturition.
SEX DIMORPHISM IN THE ADRENAL OF HAMSTERS
Authors: Zieger G. , Lux B. , Kubatsch B.
Published: December 2008

The adrenals of the hamster differ in many respects from those of other mammals that have been studied so far. The higher weight and the higher steroid secretion of the male adrenal are conspicuous features.

The adrenals of 144 Syrian golden hamsters between the 1st and 12th week of life were studied histologically and histometrically in order to see whether these sex differences also show up in the morphology of the adrenals.

Histologically in both sexes a typical zonation in glomerulosa and fasciculata could be observed from the 2nd week onwards. Both zones consist of compact cells. Already at the end of the 4th week in some sections, sex-specific differences are found. From the 5th week up to the end of our experiment these differences are so pronounced that it is possible with 100% accuracy to determine the sex of the animal from the appearance of the adrenal: the zona reticularis of the female adrenal shows a higher cellularity than in the male adrenal. In males on the other hand, the cells are arranged less densely and development of intracellular vacuoles in the adjacent fasciculata and in the zona reticularis are seen. The histilogical sex differences are significant from the end of the 4th week up to the end of our study. Parallel with the histological changes a difference in the weights of the adrenals begins to appear from the 4th week onwards. The male adrenal glands are heavier than those of females. This weight difference can be confirmed statistically from the 6th week onwards.

The studies provided a morphological basis for the reticularis of the adrenals of golden hamsters for the sex-specific function and weight.
NEW DATA CONCERNING THE ROLE PLAYED BY PROGESTERONE IN THE CONTROL OF FOLLICULAR GROWTH IN THE RAT
Authors: Buffler G. , Roser S.
Published: December 2008

The mechanisms involved in the prolongation of the oestrous cycle following LH administration were studied in 4-day cyclic female Wistar rats. In females injected with LH on the morning of dioestrus I there was an increase in ovarian venous blood progesterone as compared with non-injected animals. In both LH-treated females, and those injected with progesterone on the morning of dioestrus I, a slowing up in follicular growth was observed from the afternoon of dioestrus I. The size of follicles greater than 400 urn present in LH or progesterone injected animals on the third day of cycle was similar to the size reached by the same range of follicles in non-injected animals on the second day of the cycle. Hence, the increase in endogenous ovarian progesterone elicited by LH was considered as the cause of the slowing up of follicular growth and therefore of the lengthening of the oestrous cycle duration in female rats injected with LH at the beginning of 4-day cycle.
IMPAIRMENT OF ARGININE INDUCED GROWTH HORMONE RELEASE AFTER THREE DAYS TREATMENT WITH DEPOT-ACTH
Authors: Köbberling J. , Mühlen A. v. z. , Bachmann A. , Hesch R. D.
Published: December 2008

The growth hormone (GH) response to arginine infusion in 11 normal subjects and 4 patients with Addison's disease on maintenance replacement doses of cortisone and fludrocortisone was studied before and 24 h following the administration of 1 mg Synacthen-Depot® (tetracosactid) daily for 3 days. The mean peak GH levels during arginine infusion tests were significantly decreased after ACTH-treatment (3.8 vs. 32.1 ng/ml), all peak values being below the normal range. The patients with Addison's disease either showed very low GH response in the pre-treatment test followed by a small change after ACTH (3 patients) or a low normal response in the pre-treatment test with a depressed response after ACTH (1 patient). Based on the results of the present study and those previously reported by others we suggest that the acute administration of ACTH induces GH release but that repeated administration of ACTH leads to a GH depletion of the pituitary gland and decreased response to stimulation tests. This effect is not mediated through endogenous cortisol release.
EFFECT OF ADRENALECTOMY AND CORTICOSTERONE ON THYROID WEIGHT OF GOITROGEN-TREATED RATS. ROLE OF ADRENAL-CORTICOIDS IN THE INSULIN INCREASE OF GOITRE WEIGHT
Authors: Jolín T. , Tarin M. J. , Garcia M. D.
Published: December 2008

The administration of insulin to intact rats on a low iodine diet (LID) and KClO4, or KClO4 as well as 6-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU) increases the weights of the thyroid significantly, as compared to rats on goitrogens alone.

However, as shown here, insulin treatment has no effect on the weights of the thyroid of adrenalectomized goitrogen-treated animals. Furthermore, in adrenalectomized rats on small doses of corticosterone the administration of insulin does not alter the weight of the goitre induced by KClO4. On the other hand, adrenalectomized rats on PTU, or KClO4, or PTU + KClO4 develop smaller goitres than intact animals.

The administration of corticosterone increases the thyroid weights of intact rats on goitrogens, and augments the weights of the goitres of adrenalectomized rats on PTU to the values found for intact rats on the same goitrogen. The above mentioned changes in thyroid weight cannot usually be accounted for by changes in circulating TSH, as assessed by a rat TSH radioimmunoassay.

The present results are consistent with the assumption that the adrenals probably via corticosterone secretion, play an important role in the mechanism by which insulin increases the weight of the thyroid glands of rats on LID + KClO4, or LID + KClO4 + PTU, without affecting the high plasma TSH levels.
ADDISON'S DISEASE – SEROLOGICAL STUDIES
Authors: Nerup Jørn
Published: December 2008

Sera from 106 cases of Addison's disease, 106 healthy controls matched for age and sex, 1021 other controls and 606 cases of endocrine and autoimmune diseases were examined for the occurrence of adrenal, thyroid, gastric, gonadal, salivary gland and antinuclear antibodies.

The adrenal antibody was found to be organ-specific and widely species-non-specific and occurred in about 70 % of the patients with idiopathic Addison's disease, but in no case of unequivocal tuberculous Addison's disease. The adrenal antibody was found in less than 0.1 % of the control sera and in less than 1.5 % of the other disease groups examined.

The group of patients with idiopathic Addison's disease with adrenal antibody had thyroid, gastric and gonadal antibodies in their sera with significantly greater frequency than any of the other groups.

This group was further characterized by low age at onset and a high prevalence of associated diseases.

On this basis it was suggested, that so-called idiopathic Addison's disease consists of two rather distinct subpopulations: One (25–30 %) which should still be considered idiopathic and another group (70-75 %) of autoimmune origin. The name Addison's adrenalitis is suggested for this type of primary adrenocortical insufficiency.
HORMONE AND ENZYME ASSAYS IN PREGNANCY
Authors: Christensen Arne , Frøyshov Dag , Fylling Petter
Published: December 2008

Simultaneous measurements of plasma human chorionic somatomammotrophin (HCS)1), progesterone and placental cystine-aminopeptidase (P-CAP) was performed during normal human pregnancies from about day 70 to term.

By using Phadebas® HCS Test (Pharmacia) the HCS levels showed a gradual increase from detectable values at about day 70 to 5.6 μg/ml (mean level) at term. Both a wide range in the plasma levels and daily variations up to 1.5 μg/ml were observed. The lower limit during the last 2 months was 4.0–4.5 μg/ml.

The gradually increasing plasma levels of progesterone showed considerable variations between and in each individual, especially during the last trimester. Individual variations up to 100 ng/ml from one day to another were observed. The lower limit of progesterone during the last trimester was about 30 ng/ml. These great variations make the progesterone assay of limited value as an index of the placental function.

The P-CAP showed a gradual increase toward term, but the variations were minor compared with the HCS and progesterone levels. No systematic relationship between the HCS, progesterone and P-CAP values were found.

In evaluation of the placental function, simultaneous measurements of hormones with a short half-life and enzymes with a long half-life would be benificial.
INSULIN SECRETION OF THE ISOLATED PERFUSED PANCREAS OF THE CHINESE HAMSTER (CRICETULUS GRISEUS)
Authors: Gerhards E. , Rühl M.
Published: December 2008

The insulin secretion pattern of the isolated perfused pancreas of the non-diabetic Chinese hamster after stimulation with glucose and tolbutamide is described. Stimulation with 100–800 mg glucose/100 ml leads to an increasing acute insulin secretion. The initial insulin peak reaches its maximum 2–3 min after the beginning of the stimulation with glucose. The amount of insulin initially secreted from the pancreas of fasted hamsters is larger than that of fed animals. The initial insulin peak is followed by a second short-term insulin release. The maximum of the second peak occurs approximately 10–15 min after the initial stimulation with glucose. With 100 mg glucose/100 ml the insulin secretion proceeds in a practically linear manner for a period of 140 min. With 200 and 400 mg glucose/100 ml the insulin secretion remains linear for approximately 80 min. With 200 mg glucose/100 ml about 10 000 μU insulin are secreted within 120 min, with 400 mg glucose/100 ml approximately 20 000 μU are secreted in the same period of time.

The insulin secretion is described following repeated short-term stimulation with 200 mg glucose/100 ml and increasing glucose concentrations up to 500 mg/100 ml for 5 min each. In perfusion studies with 400 mg glucose/100 ml and 8 mg puromycin/100 ml the amount of insulin secreted in 150 min is reduced by about 50%. The insulin secretion stimulated by 100 mg glucose/100 ml was greatly increased by 10 mg tolbutamide/100 ml. The insulin secretion pattern at a glucose concentration of 50 mg/100 ml is shown following repeated stimulation with 10 mg tolbutamide/100 ml alternating with tolbutamide-free resting phases of 10 min. The mechanism of insulin secretion following stimulation with glucose and β-cytotrophic antidiabetics is discussed. The isolated perfused pancreas of the Chinese hamster is suitable for the study of the dynamics of insulin secretion.
THE PROGESTERONE CONTENT OF THE FLUID AND THE ACTIVITY OF THE STEROID-3β-OL-DEHYDROGENASE WITHIN THE WALL OF THE OVARIAN FOLLICLES
Authors: Friedrich F. , Breitenecker G. , Salzer H. , Holzner J. H.
Published: December 2008

During gynaecological operations, in which the removal of one or both ovaries was indicated, follicles at different stages of the menstrual cycle were punctured and aspirated. The progesterone content of the fluid was determined by gas-liquid-chromatography. The progesterone content of the fluid of tertiary follicles is between 9 and 1900 ng/ml, the average being 290 ng/ml, and shows similar values during the follicular, the preovulatory and the luteal phases. The progesterone content is much higher in the fluid of Graafian follicles. The values are between 2290 and 14 000 ng/ml which is 1000 to 10 000 times higher than the content of the plasma. The histochemical demonstration of the steroid-3β-ol-dehydrogenase within the granulosa cell layer of the Graafian follicles suggests that small amounts of progesterone are produced there even before ovulation.
HORMONE AND ENZYME ASSAYS IN PREGNANCY
Authors: Christensen Arne
Published: December 2008

Simultaneous measurements of placental cystine-aminopeptidase ("plasma oxytocinase") (P-CAP) and total urinary oestrogens were performed in pregnancies complicated with essential hypertension, mild or severe preeclampsia.

Essential hypertension (n = 31): Neither the enzyme activity nor the urinary output of oestrogens were significantly reduced in these cases.

Mild pre-eclampsia (n = 59). In this group of patients a significant reduction of the 2 parameters was observed (P-CAP: P < 0.001; total oestrogens: 0.02 < P < 0.05). Expressed in per cent of the normal mean the P-CAP and and total urinary oestrogens were 71.0 and 83.2 per cent, respectively.

Severe pre-eclampsia (n = 41): A more marked reduction both in P-CAP (P < 0.001) and total urinary oestrogens (P < 0.001) was observed in this group. The percentage reduction from the normal mean of P-CAP and total urinary oestrogens was 46.0 and 35.2 per cent, respectively.

In the whole material (n = 131), including both essential hypertension and pre-eclampsia, secondarily retarded foetal growth was found in 39 pregnancies. The percentage reduction from the normal mean of both P-CAP and total prinary oestrogens in this group was 46.0 and 53.2 per cent, respectively.

In 12 cases with a low placental coefficient (placental weight: infant weight) the P-CAP was 41.7 per cent and the total urinary oestrogen excretion 74.6 per cent of the normal mean. When evaluating such cases, simultaneous measurements of P-CAP as a placental function test and the urinary output of oestrogens as a foeto-placental function test, might be beneficial.

In each of 4 cases of intra-uterine foetal death the P-CAP values were below 2.5 percentile of the normal pattern. The total urinary oestrogen levels, however, showed a more diffuse pattern and in 1 case the levels were within the normal range.
EFFECTS OF PROGESTERONE, OESTRADIOL AND/OR CLOMIPHENE ON LIVER GLYCOGEN AND BLOOD GLUCOSE IN INTACT AND ADRENALECTOMISED RATS DURING DELAYED IMPLANTATION
Authors: Sankaran M. S. , Prasad M. R. N.
Published: December 2008

Prolonged administration of progesterone alone caused significant changes in liver glycogen. Oestradiol-17β increased the liver glycogen 18 hours after the treatment. A single administration of clomiphene citrate on day 9 post-coitum (pc) inhibited the oestradiol or progesterone induced increase in hepatic glycogen. Bilateral adrenalectomy on day 3 pc abolished the changes in liver glycogen induced by progesterone, oestradiol and/or clomiphene.

Administration of progesterone, oestradiol or clomiphene caused a decrease in blood glucose levels in rats during delayed implantation. Although the effects of progesterone and oestradiol on blood glucose levels were abolished by adrenalectomy, clomiphene induced changes persisted in the adrenalectomised rats.

It is concluded that progesterone, oestradiol and/or clomiphene induced changes in liver glycogen are mediated through the adrenal glands. Changes in the blood glucose levels are discussed in relation to increased insulin level in the blood and also in relation to the increased glucocorticoid secretion following various treatments.
STEROID STUDIES IN A CASE OF OVARIAN HYPERLUTEINIZATION WITH VIRILISM IN TWO CONSECUTIVE PREGNANCIES
Authors: Bachmann R. , Gennser G. , Hökfelt B. , Nilsson K. O. , Sternby N. H.
Published: December 2008

Studies were performed in a woman, who developed virilism in 2 consecutive pregnancies, presumably on the basis of hyperluteinization of both ovaries but without any distinct luteoma. Both pregnancies were terminated by Casearean section. During the first pregnancy a very high concentration of testosterone in the peripheral plasma was found immediately before delivery. During the second pregnancy the patient was followed regularly with determinations of testosterone and androstenedione in the plasma as well as 17-ketosteroids, 17-hydroxycorticosteroids, cortisol, pregnanetriol, pregnanediol and oestriol in the urine. The first 2 trimesters were characterized by a moderate increase in plasma testosterone and androstenedione and of urinary 17-ketosteroids. In the last trimester there was a marked increase in plasma androgens and urinary 17-ketosteroids, corresponding to clinical manifestations of virilism. Thus, at the end of the second pregnancy, the concentration of testosterone and androstenedione in the peripheral plasma was 10 times higher than the values found in normal pregnancy. Even higher values were found in ovarian vein blood and exceedingly high concentrations in ovarian cyst fluid. The administration of chorionic gonadotrophin between the 2 pregnancies resulted in an increase in plasma testosterone and androstenedione whereas menopausal gonadotrophin given in low dosage was without any significant effect.
THYROIDAL 131I TURNOVER IN ADULT MALE RATS AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF THE SAME DAY
Authors: Jolín T. , Tarín M. J.
Published: December 2008

Male rats were fed a low iodine diet for 20 days. On the day of the experiment one group of animals was injected with 131I at 8 a.m., while another group received the tracer at 6 p. m. Subgroups of animals then were sacrificed at different intervals. The low iodine diet induced hypertrophy and a low iodine content in the thyroid, and decreased the plasma PBI levels. The values of thyroid radioiodine uptake, percentual distribution of 131I in thyroid hydrolysates, as well as the % plasma TCA precipitable 131I and PB131I, depended on whether the tracer was administered in the morning or in the afternoon, thus supporting the conclusion that the thyroidal 131I metabolism is highest during the period of darkness.

Moreover, experiments on normal rats have demonstrated that the renal clearance and excretion of urinary 131I and 127I is higher during the active than during the resting period. It is suggested that the diurnal change in thyroid activity may be induced by a relative body and thyroid iodide deficiency through an increase in the urinary loss of iodine.
DIABETOGENIC HORMONES (HUMAN CHORIOSOMATOMAMMOTROPHIN AND OVINE GROWTH HORMONE): ANTI-INSULIN ACTION IN HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED RATS
Authors: Lostroh Ardis J.
Published: December 2008

Three hormones were tested for effectiveness as diabetogenic, that is antiinsulin, agents: human choriosomatomammotrophin (HCS), ovine GH, and ovine prolactin. Female rats hypophysectomized at 28 days of age were used throughout the study. In a first series of experiments rats were injected once daily for a period of 10 days with HCS (100 μg), GH (10 or 100 μg) or prolactin (10 or 100 μg), each ± thyroxine (T4, 0.5 μg), and then challenged in a glucose tolerance test with glucose plus 0.03 units protamine zinc insulin (PZI) following a 6-h fast. Blood glucose levels (mg/100 ml) 50 min later were: saline control, 74; HCS, 98; prolactin, 85. No prior injections: fasting, 54; glucose only, 159. GH, 10 μg, was as effective as HCS; a higher dose, 100 μg, was no more effective than prolactin. T4 negated the anti-insulin effects of HCS and of GH. In a second series rats were pre-treated for a period of 22 days, beginning 14 days after hypophysectomy, and then injected with doses of PZI (0.4 units – 1.6 units/day) that induced convulsions in unprotected (saline and prolactin-treated) rats run concurrently. HCS (200 μg – 400 μg/day) staved off convulsions over the 10-day challenge period; HCS also stimulated growth of the thymus, markedly in combination with PZI and T4. Neither HCS nor PZI affected skeletal growth.

In summary, HCS affords protection in the hypophysectomized rat against insulin-induced hypoglycaemia without introducing complications associated with growth. The parent HCS molecule or an active fragment of the diabetogenic hormones, we suggest, should be tested in humans for usefulness in protecting brittle diabetic against insulin hypoglycaemia.
LIGHT SYNCHRONIZATION OF THE CIRCADIAN RHYTHM OF PLASMA 11-HYDROXYCORTICOSTEROIDS IN MAN
Authors: Osterman Per Olof
Published: December 2008

The levels of plasma 11-hydroxycorticosteroids were studied in 4 healthy subjects with a constant sleep-waking cycle and a constant activity schedule before and after experimental alteration of the dark-light cycle. The subjects slept in the dark from 10.30 p. m. to 6.30 a. m. During a control period of 10 days the subjects stayed in rooms which were well lighted after 6.30 a. m. During the following 10 days darkness was prolonged by 4 h until 10.30 a. m. Hourly blood samples were obtained from 2.30 to 11.30 a.m. on days 9 and 10 of each period. Following the period of prolonged darkness there was a shift in the rhythm of the plasma 11-hydroxycorticosteroids. The secretion period in the morning started later than during the control period. Present data indicate that in man the dark-light transition is important for the synchronization of the circadian plasma cortisol rhythm in the morning.
RNA SYNTHESIS IN RAT LIVER AFTER CORTISOL TREATMENT: A POSSIBLE MITOCHONDRIAL-NUCLEAR RELATIONSHIP
Authors: Mansour A. Maher , Nass Sylvan
Published: December 2008

Liver mitochondrial RNA synthesis (as measured by an RNA polymerase assay) in adrenalectomized ovariectomized rats increased (42 %) 1 h after injection of 0.5 mg cortisol/100 g b. wt. Nuclear RNA synthesis increased (130–171 %) 4 h after injection of 4 mg cortisol/100 g but did not increase after treatment with the lower dosage of cortisol after 4 h. There was no effect on the nuclei from either 0.5 or 4 mg cortisol after 1 h. If either ethidium bromide, rifampicin or actinomycin D were injected 10 min before the hormone injection, a complete inhibition of the hormonal action on mitochondrial RNA synthesis was found. On the other hand, nuclear RNA synthesis was partly inhibited if either ethidium bromide or rifampicin preceded the hormone injection. Actinomycin D inhibited nuclear RNA polymerase below the saline control level.

Assuming that ethidium bromide and rifampicin act specifically on mitochondrial RNA synthesis, it would appear that there is a mitochondrial component to the RNA synthesis measured in the nucleus after cortisol treatment.
EFFECTS OF GLUCOCORTICOID ON CONNECTIVE TISSUE OF AORTA AND SKIN IN RABBITS
Authors: Manthorpe R. , Helin G. , Kofod B. , Lorenzen I.
Published: December 2008

Male rabbits were injected daily for 14 days with prednisone 2 mg/kg. The content and metabolism of collagen and glycosaminoglycans, the content of RNA, DNA, fat and water and the 125I-albumin permeability were investigated in the skin and in the intima-media layer of the aorta. A saline injected group served as control. Since prednisone induced a decrease in body weight, a starvation group with a similar weight loss was included. Following injections of prednisone the protocollagen proline hydroxylase activity, 0.45 m NaCl soluble hydroxyproline, total hydroxyproline, dialysable 14C-hydroxyproline and non-dialysable 14C-hydroxyproline fractions were reduced in the skin. In the aorta, only the total 14C-hydroxyproline synthesis was decreased. Furthermore there was a decrease in 14C-proline incorporation and the alpha-amino nitrogen content in the skin as well as a decrease in the RNA content in the skin and the aorta.

It is concluded that prednisone acts mainly anti-anabolically on the metabolism of collagen and that this effect is part of a general inhibition of the protein synthesis. The sensitivity of the connective tissue of different organs to prednisone varies. Following prednisone treatment the 35S-sulphate incorporation into glycosaminoglycans was decreased in the skin as well as in aorta. However, this did neither affect the concentration nor the total amount of the different glycosaminoglycans – except for a decrease in chondroitin-4/6-sulphate in aorta. These findings probably indicate that prednisone inhibits the synthesis as well as the catabolism of the glycosaminoglycans. The skin and aorta reacted almost similarly. Prednisone raised the tissue to serum ratio of 125I-albumin. This may reflect changes in filtration and/or diffusion rates of albumin through the aortic endothelium and media.

Finally, a decrease in body weight following starvation influenced the metabolism of collagen somewhat similar to the effect of prednisone, whereas the effects on the glycosaminoglycans differed.
STUDIES ON THE MECHANISM OF FORMATION OF [3H]ALDOSTERONE MACROMOLECULE COMPLEXES IN THE FOETAL GUINEA PIG KIDNEY
Authors: Pasqualini Jorge R. , Sumida Charlotte , Gelly Chantal
Published: December 2008

The mechanism of the formation of [3H] aldosterone macromolecule complexes in the cytosol and in the different nuclear extracts of the foetal kidney of the guinea pig was studied after incubation of the total cell, the purified nuclei and the partially extracted nuclei. The nuclear aldosterone macromolecule complexes of the 0.1 m Tris and 0.3 m NaCl extracts (soluble nuclear fractions) and those of the 1 m NaCl extract (chromatin) can be formed after the incubation of the purified nuclei. The addition of the cytosol fraction to the nucleus has no significant effect on the formation of the nuclear [3H] aldosterone macromolecule complexes of both the soluble fractions and the chromatin. Furthermore, the [3H] aldosterone complexes of the chromatin can be formed after extraction of the soluble nuclear fraction.

The present data suggest that at this period of gestation (30–50 days) one of the pathways in the formation of [3H] aldosterone macromolecule complexes in the nuclear fractions (0.1 m Tris, 0.3 m NaCl and 1 m NaCl) in the foetal guinea pig kidney could be through unbound aldosterone, independent of the cytosol macromolecule complexes. Another possible explanation is that due to the high concentration of endogenous aldosterone circulating in the foetal compartment, the cytosol receptor is already present inside the nucleus.
TESTOSTERONE AND OESTRADIOL IN DOGS WITH TESTICULAR TUMOURS
Authors: Comhaire F. , Mattheeuws D. , Vermeulen A.
Published: December 2008

The mean peripheral plasma concentration of oestradiol was found to be increased in 3 dogs with Sertoli cell tumours and in 3 dogs with seminomas, whereas the plasma testosterone showed no difference as compared to a group of dogs without testicular neoplasia.

In two thirds of the cases the concentration of oestradiol in the spermatic venous blood draining the neoplastic testes was clearly higher than in the normal dogs. The testosterone concentration in the spermatic venous blood from the tumour bearing testes was lower than in the spermatic venous blood of the contralateral partner testes in the same dogs, though not different from the spermatic venous concentration in the control dogs.

There was no correlation between the presence or absence of signs of feminization and the peripheral or spermatic venous concentration of sex steroids.

It is concluded that not only Sertoli cell tumours, but also seminomas can secrete increased amounts of oestrogens. This is possibly due to the presence of a larger than normal mass of tissue capable of converting testosterone, or its precursors, to oestradiol.
LEVELS OF PLASMA GROWTH HORMONE IN CHILDREN WITH CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE
Authors: Fahrer Martha , Gruñeiro Laura , Rivarola Marco , Bergadá César
Published: December 2008

HGH plasma levels were studied in 45 children with different types of cyanotic and acyanotic congenital heart diseases with and without growth retardation. Median HGH levels in patients with normal height (Group I) were 5.2 ng/ml (range 0–50) and in patients with short stature (Group II) 7.2 ng/ml (range 0.6–50). No difference was found between these groups ("Z" = 1.33, P: non-significant). However on comparing the cyanotic and acyanotic patients regardless of the presence of growth retardation, HGH levels were significantly different (P < 0.01). The acyanotic group with an oxygen saturation of 94.4 % ± 1.7 (mean ± se) had HGH levels of 4.6 ± 0.7 ng/ml. The cyanotic group with an oxygen saturation of 69.5 % ± 4.4 had HGH levels of 23.3 ng/ml ± 3.5. An insulin test was performed in 5 patients with high HGH basal levels. Three showed an increase of HGH levels after insulin. In the other 2 patients the HGH levels remained high.

In conclusion growth hormone deficiency could be ruled out as a possible cause of growth retardation in children with congenital heart disease. It is suggested that hypoxia could induce HGH secretion. Tissue hypoxia and its effect on DNA metabolism could be a factor which regulates HGH production. Hypoxia could also stimulate anaerobic metabolism and the resultant metabolites bring about an increase in HGH release.
ISOLATION OF LH, FSH AND TSH FROM HUMAN PITUITARIES AFTER THE REMOVAL OF HGH
Authors: Torjesen P. A. , Sand T. , Norman N. , Trygstad O. , Foss I.
Published: December 2008

Highly purified human LH, FSH and TSH were isolated from batches of 300 frozen pituitary glands (200 g) by pH, acetone and ethanol fractionation, Sephadex gel filtration, ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and CM-Sephadex, and preparative polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis.

Sodium dodecyl-sulphate (SDS) polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was used in order to check the purity, the identity and the molecular weight of the purified LH, FSH and TSH. This procedure showed that the hormone preparations consisted of two subunits with molecular weights of: LH: 21 300 and 17 900, FSH: 22 100 and 18 300 and TSH: 20 800 and 16 400.

The purity of the hormone preparations was also evaluated by analytical disc electrophoresis at pH 8.9.

The purified hormone preparations had radioimmunological activity as follows: LH: 20 000 IU/mg, FSH: 16 500 IU/mg and TSH: 5 IU/mg. All preparations had high biological potency.
WEIGHT GAIN AND [3H]THYMIDINE INCORPORATION IN ACCESSORY SEX GLANDS OF CASTRATED MALE RATS AFTER PHYSIOLOGICAL DOSES OF TESTOSTERONE
Authors: Tuohimaa P. , Söderström K.-O.
Published: December 2008

One month after castration male rats were injected daily with a physiological dose (2 × 50 μg) of testosterone for 10 days. At certain time intervals a pair of rats were injected with [3H]thymidine and killed one hour later. The accessory sex organs were weighed and processed for radioautography.

The ventral prostate, dorsal prostate, seminal vesicle and coagulating gland showed a 2.5–4 fold increase in weight during treatment for 10 days with testosterone, whereas the weight of the preputial gland remained unchanged.

The daily physiological dose of testosterone clearly increased the [3H] thymidine incorporation in all the accessory sex glands except the preputial gland where only a slight initial peak was observed. The labelling index showed a peak value 42–90 hours after the start of the testosterone treatment. After the peak the labelling index showed some fluctuation and then decreased to a steady state level, which was of the same magnitude as the control level in uncastrated rats. This study shows that the 42–90 hour peak in the labelling index is dose-dependent whereas the steady state labelling index is independent of the testosterone dose. The refractory time to the initial peak of the labelling index is also independent of the testosterone dose.
THE EFFECT OF A SINGLE NEONATAL SEX HORMONE INJECTION ON THE GROWTH OF THE RAT PELVIS
Authors: Hughes P. C. R. , Tanner J. M.
Published: December 2008

On the 26th day post-copulation (p. c.) male rats were injected with 100 μg Hexoestrol® and females were injected with 1.25 mg testosterone propionate. The growth of the pelvis of these animals was then measured from radiographs taken longitudinally from 23 days p. c. until 140 days p.c.

Generally the effect of neonatal sex hormone injection was to diminish, but not abolish, the sex differences in pelvic size. The magnitude of the effect differed according to measurement and sex. Thus ilium length was diminished more in males than it was augmented in females, while ischial length and bi-acetabular width were only slightly diminished in males but considerably increased in females. The effects were greatest in bi-iliac width where both treated groups came to be exactly intermediate between normal males and females.
THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL STANDARD FOR GLUCAGON
Authors: Annable L. , Bangham D. R. , Salokangas A. Anneli , Storring P. L.
Published: December 2008

The preparation and nature of the first International Standard for Glucagon are described. The glucagon activity of this material was compared with that of the U. S. P. Glucagon Reference Standard in a collaborative assay by 3 laboratories, in 3 different countries, who between them used 3 different methods. The results from all 29 valid assays obtained in this way gave homogeneous (1 % level) potency estimates and were combined to give a value of 1.49 U. S. P. glucagon units per ampoule with 95 % fiducial limits of 1.45–1.54. On the basis of the results obtained the material has been established as the first International Standard for Glucagon and allocated a potency of 1.49 International Units per ampoule. The International Unit for glucagon is thus defined as the activity contained in 4.53 mg of the first International Standard for Glucagon.
ACCUMULATION OF CYCLIC AMP IN HYPOTHYROIDISM. DECREASED SENSITIVITY TO NOREPINEPHRINE IN RAT ADIPOCYTES
Authors: Grill V. , Rosenqvist U.
Published: December 2008

The effect of hypothyroidism on the noradrenaline-induced accumulation of 3H-cyclic-AMP was measured in rat epididymal adipose tissue. Adipocytes from hypothyroid animals showed a decreased response to noradrenaline 0.02−0.2 × 10−5 m, while higher concentrations of the catecholamine seemed to elicit the same response in cells obtained from euthyroid or hypothyroid animals. The diminished sensitivity to noradrenaline was unaltered after the addition of phentolamine. It is suggested that thyroid hormones modulate the catecholamine-induced lipolytic response at least partly through the adenyl cyclase cyclic-AMPN system.
GLUCOSE TOLERANCE IN NEWBORN INFANTS OF HEALTHY MOTHERS: ITS RELATIONSHIP TO THE MOTHERS' INSULIN RESPONSE TO GLUCOSE INFUSION
Authors: Edström Karin , Cerasi Erol , Luft Rolf , Persson Bengt , Thalme Berlil
Published: December 2008

It has earlier been postulated that a low insulin response to a glucose infusion is characteristic for the prediabetic individual (Cerasi & Luft 1967c). There is also evidence that some infants of individuals with low insulin response might have a carbohydrate metabolism that is in some respects similar to that of newborn infants to diabetic mothers (Edström et al. 1974).

In the present study 15 infants to low insulin responders (ILR) and 22 infants to high insulin responders (IHR) were subjected to an intravenous glucose load (IVGTT) at 2–24 h age. A significant difference in glucose tolerance was found between the groups, the mean k-value for the ILR being 1.39 ± 0.41 and that for the IHR 1.05 ± 0.09 (P < 0.05).

No mothers were found to have a gestational diabetes (with the possible exception of one low insulin responders) but during late pregnancy the mean k-value at IVGTT in the low responders decreased from nonpregnant values (the mean difference being 0.41 ± 0.20, P < 0.025) while the high responders did not show a corresponding decrease (mean difference 0.12 ± 0.25, P > 0.05).

No other differences between the groups of infants that could influence the k-value could be found apart from the mothers being low or high insulin responders. Our findings show that a low insulin response in the mothers might affect the glucose tolerance of the foetus even in the absence of continuous maternal hyperglycaemia in late pregnancy.
SEASONAL PATTERNS OF SLEEP STAGES AND SECRETION OF CORTISOL AND GROWTH HORMONE DURING 24 HOUR PERIODS IN NORTHERN NORWAY
Authors: Weitzman Elliot D. , deGraaf Andries S. , Sassin Jon F. , Hansen Tomar , Godtlibsen Ole B. , Perlow Mark , Hellman Leon
Published: December 2008

A group of 7 healthy male subjects was studied in regard to sleep stages and 24 h plasma cortisol and growth hormone patterns during the 4 seasons of the year in an Arctic environment (Tromsø, Norway). No difference in total sleep or sleep stage per cents was found for any of the yearly seasons. A small but statistical significant increase in mean plasma cortisol concentration and amount secreted for 24 h was found for the autumn-winter seasons, as compared with the spring and summer. However, no difference in the circadian curve of cortisol hormonal pattern was found. All subjects secreted growth hormone shortly after sleep onset at night and no difference was found as a function of season of the year.
FOLLICULAR AND LUTEAL FUNCTION IN THE PUBERAL RAT: GONADOTROPHIC HORMONE STIMULATION AND ENZYMIC-NUCLEOTIDE INTERACTIONS
Authors: Richards JoAnne S. (Hunter)
Published: December 2008

Using the puberal rat and the PMS-treated rat as animal systems, ovarian events associated with follicular and luteal development have been characterized by measuring gonadotrophic hormone (LH, FSH and prolactin) and progesterone concentrations in peripheral serum; and selected enzymic (NAD-kinase:NAD-K and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase: G6PD) activities and nucleotide (NAD, NADH, NADP, NADPH, ATP) concentrations in ovarian tissue.

In the puberal rat, the period of follicular development was characterized by increased ovarian NAD-K SA, NAD and NADH concentrations and decreased ATP and NADP concentrations. The first pro-oestrus was characterized by greatly elevated LH, FSH, prolactin and progesterone concentrations, significant decreases in ovarian NAD-K SA, NAD, NADP and ATP concentrations, and an increase in NADPH concentrations. The development of new corpora lutea was associated with striking increases in ovarian NAD-K SA and G6PD SA. Increased activity of both enzymes exhibited a significant positive coefficient of correlation with the number of corpora lutea contained within the ovarian tissue.

PMS (4 IU) stimulation of follicular activity resulted in events leading to the induction of an endogenous LH surge and ovulation. Associated with increased follicular activity was increased ovarian NAD-K SA. In contrast to the puberal rat, no rise in progesterone concentrations was associated with the LH surge or the formation of corpora lutea.