bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STUDIES ON THE DETERMINATION OF URINARY CORTICOSTEROIDS
Authors: de COURCY CONSTANCE , GRAY C. H.
Published: December 2008

1. The reducing method of Talbot, Saltzman, Wixom & Wolfe [1945], and the formaldehyde method of Corcoran & Page [1948], as well as a modification of that of Daughaday, Jaffe & Williams [1948] for the estimation of urinary corticosteroids, have been critically examined.

2. A study has been made of the distribution of reducing material, of formaldehydogenic material and of reducing and Δ4-3-ketosteroids, in the various fractions obtained during the various purification procedures applied to the crude CHCl3 extract.

3. Caustic soda washing does not remove significant quantities of the steroids investigated, although non-steroid reducing and uncharacterized formaldehydogenic material is removed.

4. The water fraction of the benzene-water partition contains all the reducing and Δ4-3-ketosteroids so far detected in urine.

5. The formaldehydogenic method of Corcoran & Page gives slightly higher results than the modified method of Daughaday et al.

6. The acid hydrolysis curves obtained with the Talbot method resembled those described by Paterson, Cox & Marrian [1950], but no regular form of hydrolysis curve was obtained when either formaldehydogenic method was used.

7. A comparison of normal values obtained by the authors using the chemical and paper chromatography techniques revealed that the formaldehydogenic methods estimate a very high proportion of uncharacterized material, whereas results by the reducing method of Talbot et al. approximate relatively closely to those obtained by semiquantitative paper chromatography.
THE INFLUENCE OF PLACENTAL SIZE ON FOETAL GROWTH IN MAN, WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO MULTIPLE PREGNANCY
Authors: McKEOWN THOMAS , RECORD R. G.
Published: December 2008

1. The association between placental and foetal weights in man is examined in 4931 single and 834 twin maternities.

2. After 30 to 31 weeks' gestation, both foetuses and placentae are heavier in single than in twin pregnancy (see Table 1).

3. At the same placental weights singletons are heavier than twins. The difference in foetal weights is reduced, but not eliminated, by standardization of the means to correct for differences in distribution by duration of gestation (Fig. 2).

4. It is concluded that in man something more than the difference in placental weight is required to explain the difference between growth rates of twins and singletons in late pregnancy. Data published by Ibsen [1928] are used to show that in the guinea-pig also, retardation of foetal growth in large litters cannot wholly be attributed to variation in placental size (Fig. 4).

5. Mean weekly increment in weight of singletons between birth and 3 months (0·49 lb.) is almost identical with that of single foetuses between 30 and 36 weeks gestation (0·48 lb.), when foetal growth is linear. This suggests that the retardation of growth of the single foetus (from about 37 weeks) is determined, as in multiple pregnancy, by the inability of the pre-natal environment fully to meet the needs of the foetus, rather than by the inability of the foetus to maintain its rate of growth.
THE INFLUENCE OF PLACENTAL SIZE ON FOETAL GROWTH ACCORDING TO SEX AND ORDER OF BIRTH
Authors: McKEOWN THOMAS , RECORD R. G.
Published: December 2008

1. The association between foetal growth and placental weight according to sex and order of birth is examined in single pregnancy in man. Data recorded are: birth weight (on 13,020 births); birth weight and placental weight (on 4931); and weights at birth and at 3 and 6 months after birth (on 405).

2. From 30 to 31 weeks' gestation, the earliest period examined, males are heavier than females. There is little difference between mean weights of first and later born until 36–37 weeks, from which time later born are heavier than first born (Fig. 1).

3. From 34 to 35 weeks (the earliest period from which numbers permit the comparison) mean placental weights are greater for males than for females, and for later born than for first born (Fig. 2).

4. At a given weight of placenta males are heavier than females (Fig. 3); there is little difference between weights of first and later born at placental weights under 1½ lb., but at higher placental weights later born are heavier than first born (Fig. 4).

5. The difference between growth rates of males and females is of course determined genetically. It is suggested that it may be explained by the observations that (a) the placenta is larger for males than for females, and (b) males make a greater use than females of a unit weight of placenta. The sex difference in growth rate is exhibited after birth (Fig. 5).

6. The difference between foetal growth rates of first and later born is determined by the pre-natal environment. It may be explained largely, though not entirely, by the fact that the placenta is larger for later born than for first born. The difference in growth rate is reversed after birth, and at 6 months first born are as heavy as later born (Fig. 5).
VASCULAR ZONING IN THE ADRENAL CORTEX OF THE NORMAL AND HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED RAT WITH OBSERVATIONS ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF LIPIDS
Authors: LEVER J. D.
Published: December 2008

Within the adrenocortical capillary pattern demonstrated by intravitam injection of Indian ink, a zoning into three concentric areas is apparent: (1) an outer injected zone comprising the capillaries of the z. glomerulosa; (2) an intermediate z. lucida of poorly-filled capillaries, corresponding to the 'z. intermedia' (see text, p. 134) plus a variable width of the outer z. fasciculata; (3) an inner injected zone comprising capillaries in the z. reticularis and inner z. fasciculata.

A close correspondence in extent was found by various measurements between the z. glomerulosa, the outer injected zone and the outer sudanophil zone of lipid-stained preparations. A zone described as the 'z. lucida' (see text, p. 138) is more extensive than the sudanophobic zone.

Following hypophysectomy:

(a) The z. intermedia and the sudanophobic zone show a linear increase in extent with time.

(b) The z. glomerulosa increases in width up to the 5th week, but thereafter decreases to reach a steady state.

(c) Shrinkage, principally of the inner two cortical cellular zones, results in a closer approximation and narrowing of capillaries. With time there is a general reduction in the number and size of cortical capillaries throughout the cortex.

(d) Normal vascular zoning in the cortex is apparent for about 3 weeks.
UNILATERAL OVARIECTOMY AFTER X-IRRADIATION OF THE OVARIES
Authors: HUMPHREYS ELIZABETH M. , ZUCKERMAN S.
Published: December 2008

1. The ovaries of rabbits and mice were irradiated by means of a superficial X-irradiation apparatus. For rabbits the total dosage varied between 800 and 2000r, and for mice between 300 and 1500r. All the rabbits, but only about one in four of the mice, survived the treatment.

2. One ovary was removed from the ten irradiated rabbits and from twenty-seven of the surviving mice. Control animals were also unilaterally ovariectomized. The rabbits were then left from 34 to 139 days, and the mice from 61 to 115 days. All the irradiated rabbits and fourteen of the irradiated mice survived for the duration of the experiment.

3. Seven of the rabbits and ten of the mice proved to have ovaries which had been sterilized by means of the X-irradiation. Compensatory ovarian hypertrophy did not occur in any of these animals. It did occur in the controls and in the animals in which sterilization was incomplete.
THE RELATION BETWEEN SEASONAL HYPERGLYCAEMIA AND THYROID ACTIVITY IN THE FROG (RANA TEMPORARIA)
Authors: SMITH C. L.
Published: December 2008

The mean blood-sugar level of frogs killed in the field without previous excitement showed no significant variation between April and October inclusive (38±1·42 mg/100 ml.). The resting blood-sugar level at other times of the year, after 2–3 days in captivity, was slightly lower.

A marked hyperglycaemic response to excitement could be elicited in the majority of frogs at the spawning season (March) and throughout the summer, while it was only found in April and early May in a few frogs which showed early development of the gonadial fat-bodies. The response was much reduced in September and absent in October.

The seasonal occurrence of the hyperglycaemic response paralleled the known cycle of thyroid activity, and a significant correlation was found between the blood-sugar level and thyroid condition in individual excited frogs. A significant response to excitement has been induced in spring, summer and autumn by previous treatment with thyroxine. It is suggested that the thyroid hormone inhibits the destruction of circulating adrenergic compounds.

The role of temperature in limiting the hyperglycaemic response is discussed.
RELATIVE GALACTOPOIETIC EFFECTS OF 3:5:3′-TRIIODO-l-THYRONINE AND l-THYROXINE IN LACTATING COWS
Authors: BARTLETT S. , BURT A. W. A. , FOLLEY S. J. , ROWLAND S. J.
Published: December 2008

1. The relative potencies of l-triiodothyronine (TIT) and l-thyroxine in evoking the various phases of the galactopoietic response (increase in milk yield and in the percentages of milk fat and non-fatty solids, decrease in the milk alkaline phosphatase level) and tachycardia, have been compared in lactating cows.

2. By the oral route, a dose of 64 mg TIT daily was very much less effective than an approximately equimolar amount of l-thyroxine (75 mg daily), as judged by effects on milk yield, fat and phosphatase. Neither substance affected the milk non-fatty solids. Thyroxine caused a progressive increase in heart rate throughout the feeding period, while TIT evoked an immediate tachycardia which at first equalled that eventually produced by thyroxine, but thereafter rapidly declined even while feeding of TIT was continued.

3. By the subcutaneous route, 5 mg TIT once daily were slightly more active than 5 mg l-thyroxine once daily in evoking effects on milk secretion (including, in this case, an increase in milk non-fatty solids content) and appreciably more active in producing tachycardia. When 2·5 mg of these substances were injected twice daily, the results were almost identical so that division of the dose did not favour the action of TIT as compared with l-thyroxine.

4. It is suggested that the relatively low oral potency of TIT as compared with l-thyroxine in cows is due to its greater solubility in the rumen contents, the micro-organisms of which quickly become adapted to bring about its inactivation.
SOME ASPECTS OF ZONATION AND FUNCTION OF THE ADRENAL CORTEX
Authors: JONES I. CHESTER , ROBY C. C.
Published: December 2008

Male adult mice, 80 days after hypophysectomy, show approximately the same pattern of sodium and potassium intake and sodium, potassium and water output as normal mice. The healthy remnant of adrenal cortex left after the operation is thought to be responsible for the day-to-day competence of the hypophysectomized animal in salt-electrolyte metabolism. The histology of the cortex is described and it is shown that, with the injection of ACTH, a cortex of normal appearance can be regenerated from the persistent zona glomerulosa of the long-term hypophysectomized mouse.
THE DISTRIBUTION OF 131I AND 131I-LABELLED THYROXINE IN RAT-LIVER HOMOGENATES
Authors: TABACHNICK I. I. A. , BONNYCASTLE D. D. , SALTER W. T.
Published: December 2008

1. The distribution of endogenously and exogenously labelled thyroxine in particulates of rat liver has been studied.

2. No specific localization of the isotope could be determined.

3. The implications of this finding are discussed.
HORMONALLY INDUCED CHANGES IN THE GLYCOPROTEIN COMPONENT OF THE GOLGI APPARATUS IN THE PROSTATE OF THE RAT
Authors: ARCADI J. A.
Published: December 2008

Frozen-dried prostatic tissue of the rat was stained with periodic acid-leucofuchsin to characterize the glycoprotein component of the Golgi apparatus. Prostates of normal, androgen-treated, oestrogen-treated and castrated rats were studied.

In the normal prostate the Golgi apparatus appears as an aggregation of discrete, fine granules in the immediate supranuclear region, connected by finer interlacing fibres to form a distinct meshwork. After androgen administration the Golgi structure becomes more elongated and the granules more discrete. After oestrogen administration as well as castration the granules coalesce so that all that remains of the Golgi organoid is a globular supranuclear mass.

Results of histochemical extraction studies suggest that hormonal treatment of the prostate alters the degree of polymerization of the glycoprotein component of the Golgi apparatus.
THE EFFECT OF ADRENOCORTICOTROPHIC HORMONE ON THE YIELD AND COMPOSITION OF THE MILK OF THE COW
Authors: FLUX D. S. , FOLLEY S. J. , ROWLAND S. J.
Published: December 2008

A long-acting preparation of ACTH depressed the milk yields of cows when given in single doses of 100 or 200 i.u., or when a 100 i.u. dose was given every second day, and the extent of the decline in milk yield was correlated with the percentage reduction in the number of circulating eosinophils. Milk yields returned to or almost to pre-treatment levels soon after the cessation of treatment.

The composition of the milk was changed only slightly as a result of ACTH administration, the butterfat and protein content being increased, while the lactose content showed a small, but not statistically significant, fall. The quantities of sodium and potassium showed no change which could be attributed to the treatment.
A NOTE ON THE EFFECT OF TRIIODOTHYROACETIC ACID ON THE PLUMAGE OF BIRDS MADE THYROID-DEFICIENT BY TREATMENT WITH RADIOACTIVE IODINE
Authors: BRUCE HILDA M. , PITT-RIVERS ROSALIND , SLOVITER H. A.
Published: December 2008

1. A method for the ablation of the thyroid gland in adult Brown Leghorns with radioactive iodine is described.

2. Thyroxine replacement effects on the plumage of thyroid-deficient birds have been produced by triiodothyroacetic acid, the acetic acid analogue of triiodothyronine.
THE INFLUENCE OF SUCKLING ON FOOD INTAKE AND GROWTH OF ADULT FEMALE RATS
Authors: COTES P. MARY , CROSS B. A.
Published: December 2008

Changes in body weight and food intake were studied for 14 days post partum in primiparous rats.

The growth increments in suckled rats with galactophores cut to prevent milk withdrawal and in normally lactating rats were greater than in unsuckled controls. The growth increments in rats with galactophores cut were accompanied by parallel increases in food intake.

Injection of 3 i.u. prolactin daily did not reproduce these changes in body weight and food intake in non-suckled rats.

The results suggest that the main factor in the extra growth of lactating rats is an increased food intake in excess of the metabolic needs for milk secretion induced by the stimulus of suckling.
STUDIES ON THE PITUITARY MELANOPHORE-EXPANDING HORMONE WITH REFERENCE TO ITS IDENTITY WITH ACTH
Authors: KETTERER B. , KIRK R. L.
Published: December 2008

1. A number of melanophore-expanding (B) extracts of the pituitary have been subjected to electrophoresis on filter-paper, and the resulting pattern of activity assayed, using Xenopus. At pH 7·2, in phosphate buffer, a simple extract of ox posterior lobe powder (OxPLP) shows the greatest range of mobilities. The faster moving components are absent from an acetone precipitated powder (APP), and also from OxPLP after treatment by heating in alkali. An ACTH preparation (Acton) had relatively more faster moving components with B activity than APP or alkali and heat-treated OxPLP.

2. There was no difference in the electrophoretic pattern of APP and alkali and heat-treated APP when examined in barbiturate buffer at pH 8·5. Under these conditions Acton showed a fast moving major peak of activity coincident with the ovalbumin spot. Acton also gave a faster moving component when run at pH 8·8 in barbiturate buffer than an alkali and heattreated OxPLP extract purified by adsorption to and elution from activated charcoal.

3. In acetate buffer all the extracts examined had an isoelectric point close to pH 4·8.

4. It is suggested that the melanophore-expanding activity of single acetic acid extracts of OxPLP is complex. Heating at a high pH for a few min destroys the components in this complex which show highest mobility at a slightly alkaline pH. The melanophore-expanding activity in Acton is probably largely identical with these heat unstable components.
THE EFFECT OF STEROID HORMONES ON THE SURVIVAL OF SKIN HOMOGRAFTS IN THE RABBIT
Authors: KROHN P. L.
Published: December 2008

The effect of various steroids on the survival time of skin homografts has been investigated in the rabbit.

Cortisol (free alcohol) is at least as active as cortisone (free alcohol) or cortisone acetate in prolonging the life of skin homografts, inhibiting the processes of wound healing and decreasing the number of circulating white blood cells.

DCA, oestradiol dipropionate, testosterone propionate and progesterone have no direct effect on the homograft reaction, nor do they interfere with the action of cortisone.

Corticosterone is also without effect on the homograft reaction. The ineffectiveness of treatment with ACTH in rabbits [Krohn, 1954] is thought to be due to the fact that corticosterone is the main component of adrenocortical secretion in the rabbit.
THE ACTION OF INSULIN ON THE COMPOSITION OF CELLS AND MEDIUM DURING CULTURE OF CHICK HEART EXPLANTS
Authors: LESLIE I. , PAUL J.
Published: December 2008

1. Cultures of heart tissue from 13-day chick embryos have been grown for periods of 6 days in a medium of embryo extract and serum and in the presence of varying concentrations of insulin.

2. Doses of 1–3 i.u. insulin/ml. medium greatly stimulate the formation of phospholipids (LP), ribonucleic acid (RNA), deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and protein nitrogen (PN). This growth-promoting action of insulin is accompanied by a rise in the RNA : DNA ratio, and in the ratio of RNA to PN in the cells.

3. At doses of 1 × 10−2 i.u./ml. medium insulin increases the formation of LP, RNA and DNA, but there is no growth-promoting action with 1 × 10−4 i.u./ml. Insulins of British and Danish origin act similarly, and the presence of the hyperglycaemic factor associated with insulin (in a specially prepared extract) appears to have no action on the growing explants.

4. With higher concentrations of insulin, enhanced synthesis is accompanied by increased glucose utilization and by a pronounced fall in pyruvate content of the medium. The α-ketoglutaric acid level in the medium is unaffected by these changes.

5. It is concluded that insulin has a direct growth-promoting action on these embryonic cells, and that it stimulates increased energy production and general synthesis through its control over pyruvate metabolism.
THE RELEASE OF POSTERIOR PITUITARY ANTIDIURETIC HORMONE BY ADENOSINE TRIPHOSPHATE
Authors: DEXTER D. , STONER H. B. , GREEN H. N.
Published: December 2008

The antidiuretic effect of small doses of adenosine triphosphate has been confirmed in both the rat and the rabbit after intravenous, intraperitoneal and intramuscular injection. This action of adenosine triphosphate, which closely resembles that of 'pitressin', was shared, to a lesser degree, by related compounds possessing either a —6NH2 or a —P2O7 group.

The effect could not be explained in terms of pre-renal deviation of water, either by failure of absorption, or by the formation of an exudate at the site of injection. Nor could it be explained by an alteration in renal haemodynamics, since the blood pressure and glomerular filtration rate were unaffected by the intraperitoneal doses used. Noxious afferent stimuli were also excluded as causative factors.

The antidiuretic action of adenosine triphosphate was inhibited by removal of the neurohypophysis and was accompanied by a fall in the antidiuretic hormone content of the posterior lobe of the pituitary.

The plasma and urine of the adenosine triphosphate-treated rats contained an antidiuretic substance which behaved like 'pitressin'.

In the rabbit, doses of adenosine triphosphate below the threshold for intravenous injection, caused marked changes in the rate of water excretion on intracarotid injection. The direction of the response depended on the state of hydration in the same way as the response to 'pitressin'.

The antidiuretic effect of small doses of adenosine triphosphate is thought to be due to the liberation of antidiuretic hormone from the posterior lobe of the pituitary. After large doses of adenosine triphosphate the cardiovascular and the other changes accompanying the state of shock will contribute to the effect.
THE SECRETION OF ANTIDIURETIC HORMONE IN RESPONSE TO HAEMORRHAGE AND THE FATE OF VASOPRESSIN IN ADRENALECTOMIZED RATS
Authors: GINSBURG M.
Published: December 2008

1. The antidiuretic potency of arterial blood from adrenalectomized rats was greater than that from intact rats, but only if 2 or more ml. of blood were taken from each rat. It is concluded that the amounts of posterior pituitary antidiuretic hormone released during haemorrhage are greater in adrenalectomized than in intact rats.

2. The effect of haemorrhage on the antidiuretic potency of blood in adrenalectomized rats treated with sodium chloride or cortisone was not different from that in intact rats.

3. The disappearance of intravenously injected vasopressin (100 mU/100 g body weight) was retarded after adrenalectomy. Up to 48 hr after adrenalectomy this was due to a reduced capacity of the kidneys to remove vasopressin from the circulation.

4. Treatment with cortisone increased the rate of disappearance of vasopressin in adrenalectomized rats, but the rate was not restored to that observed in intact animals.

5. Treatment with sodium chloride did not affect the rate at which vasopressin was removed from the circulation of adrenalectomized rats.

6. The excretion of an antidiuretic agent in the urine which followed intravenous injection of vasopressin (100 mU/100 g) 48 hr after adrenalectomy was equivalent to 2·1% of the dose. This compared with an excretion of 6·7% of the dose in intact animals.
THE DETERMINATION OF OESTROGENS IN BODY FLUIDS
Authors: BRAUNSBERG HANNELORE , STERN MARGARET I. , SWYER G. I. M.
Published: December 2008

A micro-method is described for the chromatographic separation of oestrone, oestradiol and oestriol from a phenolic extract of body fluids. The stationary phase is 3·1n aqueous sodium hydroxide held by Celite 535 as the supporting medium. Oestrone and oestradiol are eluted with benzene:petroleum ether, b.p. 60–80° C, 4:1 (v/v), and oestriol with a 17:3-chloroform:butanol mixture.

A diagram of the apparatus used is shown. The elution pattern, and data showing how it changes with temperature, are included.
CHANGES IN THE BONE AND CARTILAGE OF THE SYMPHYSIS PUBIS OF THE MOUSE DURING PREGNANCY AND AFTER PARTURITION, AS REVEALED BY METACHROMATIC STAINING AND THE PERIODIC ACID-SCHIFF TECHNIQUE
Authors: HALL KATHLEEN
Published: December 2008

A re-investigation has been made of the histological changes in the tissues of the symphysis pubis of the mouse during the first pregnancy and after parturition, using the techniques of metachromatic staining with toluidine blue, the McManus-Hotchkiss periodic acid-Schiff (p.a.s.) reaction, and basophilic staining with haematoxylin.

During the last week of pregnancy two maj or changes take place: (1) resorption of the anteromedial bony walls of the innominates leading to shortening of the symphysis, and (2) transformation of the symphysial cartilage, manifested by loss of metachromasia and basophilia and ability to react with p.a.s., leading to ultimate disappearance of stainable chondroid matrix and its replacement first by argyrophil and then by collagenous connective tissue. Further resorption of bone from the symphysial walls of the innominates and, probably, retention of fluid in the newly formed connective tissue helps to widen the interpubic gap.

After parturition, the collagenous connective tissue which had replaced the cartilage and resorbed bone reverts to a mesenchyme-like tissue, the cells of which differentiate into osteoblasts or chondroblasts or haemopoietic cells. Cartilage differentiates by deposition of metachromatic chondroid matrix around chondroblasts, the matrix becoming more and more metachromatic, p.a.s.-positive and basophilic. Bone differentiates, first in connective tissue, later by endochondral ossification. Marrow begins to differentiate even before the bone which will confine it is laid down.

The effect of hyaluronidase on metachromasia, basophilia and reaction to p.a.s. of the symphysial tissues is described, and its significance discussed in relation to the pregnancy and post-partum changes.
THE EFFECT OF ADRENAL STEROIDS ON THE GROWTH OF THE MAMMARY GLANDS, UTERI, THYMUS AND ADRENAL GLANDS OF INTACT, OVARIECTOMIZED AND OESTRONE-TREATED OVARIECTOMIZED MICE
Authors: FLUX D. S.
Published: December 2008

Cortisone (Kendall's compound E) acetate inhibited the growth of the mammary glands (mammae) of intact and oestrone-treated ovariectomized CHI mice, both the growth in area and increase in the number of duct junctions of the mammae being affected. Kendall's compound A acetate, Kendall's compound F and Reichstein's compound S acetate had effects on the mammae which were similar qualitatively to those of cortisone acetate, but differed quantitatively. DCA, on the other hand, acted synergistically with oestrone to increase the total area of the mammae and the number of side branches of the duct systems, but did not cause the growth of alveoli. When used alone, neither cortisone acetate nor compound S acetate affected the mammae of ovariectomized mice, while DCA caused duct growth in about half of the mice to which it was given.

DCA and Reichstein's compound S acetate, both alone and in combination with oestrone, increased the weights of the uteri of ovariectomized mice. Compound S acetate increased the weight of the uteri of mice given 0·02 μg oestrone daily, but not of those given 0·01 μg daily.

Cortisone acetate at a dose of 100 μg daily, but not of 50 μg inhibited body growth and reduced the size of the adrenal glands. At both dose levels it caused a decrease in the weight of the thymus glands. Kendall's compounds A (acetate), F and B and Reichstein's compound S acetate, at the doses used, did not affect body weight, but did reduce the weight of the thymus gland, and all, except compound B (which was used only at a low dose), reduced adrenal gland weight.

ACTH did not affect the mammae of ovariectomized mice when given alone, but inhibited oestrone-induced growth of the mammae in ovariectomized mice. It caused an increase in the weight of the adrenal gland and decreased the weight of the thymus, but did not affect that of the uterus either in ovariectomized or oestrone-treated ovariectomized mice.

The value of the number of duct junctions per unit area as an index of mammary gland architecture is discussed.
THE EFFECT OF GLUCOSE AND FRUCTOSE INGESTION ON THE ADRENALINE AND NORADRENALINE LEVELS IN HUMAN PLASMA
Authors: WEIL-MALHERBE H. , BONE A. D.
Published: December 2008

1. The ingestion of 50 g glucose by fasting subjects led to an increase of the concentration of adrenaline in venous plasma amounting to a mean value of 55% after 10 min. The effect was almost as marked 5 min after the glucose meal when the mean blood sugar level had only gone up by 3%. During the period 10–60 min after the glucose meal the concentration of adrenaline in the plasma gradually returned to its initial value.

2. The concentration of noradrenaline in the plasma was not significantly changed after a glucose meal.

3. The ingestion of 50 g fructose by fasting subjects was without effect on the concentration of adrenaline or noradrenaline in the plasma.

4. A glucose meal given 15 min before an intravenous injection of insulin slightly modified the effect of insulin on the concentration of adrenaline by delaying its initial fall and also its subsequent recovery.

It is suggested that the rise in the level of adrenaline after a glucose meal is caused by a decrease in the hepatic utilization of the hormone.
AN APPLICATION OF PATTERSON'S TEST FOR DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE TO THE M.R.C. [1951] ESTIMATION OF URINARY 17-KETOSTEROIDS
Authors: TÁRNOKY A. L.
Published: December 2008

1. A standardized form of Patterson's test is applicable to the 17-ketosteroid extract obtained by the M.R.C. [1951] method.

2. Various expressions for recording the results are compared with a view to excluding the effect of chromogens which would otherwise interfere with this test.

3. The method adopted in this laboratory involves reading the extinction of a test solution with two different colour filters.

4. Limiting values are proposed for using this expression in the interpretation of the test in suspected cases of adrenocortical neoplasm. These values are derived from a consideration of tests using normal and abnormal urines, and solutions containing androsterone and dehydroepiandrosterone.

5. The visible and near-ultra-violet absorption spectra of the coloured final solutions are recorded.
THE SECRETION OF ALDOSTERONE AND CORTICOSTERONE BY THE RAT ADRENAL
Authors: SINGER BERTHA , STACK-DUNNE M. P.
Published: December 2008

1. A potent mineralocorticoid has been detected in a paper-chromatographic fraction of extracts of blood from the rat's adrenal vein. The active fraction contains a substance with the same RF and soda-fluorescence reaction as aldosterone, and is present in a concentration corresponding to the observed biological activity.

2. Intact rats subject to surgical stress secrete aldosterone (aldosterone-like material) equivalent to about 45 μg DCA, and 150 μg corticosterone/adrenal/kg/hr, with a ratio of 0·30/1. Treatment with DCA for 7 days or feeding a potassium-deficient diet for 4 weeks reduces aldosterone by more than 90% without altering corticosterone; the ratio is reduced to about 0·014/1 after induction of the potassium deficiency, and to 0·044/1 after DCA treatment.

3. Hypophysectomized rats secrete about 7·8 μg DCA equivalent of aldosterone and 2 μg corticosterone, giving a ratio of 3·65/1. In rats 2 days after hypophysectomy, or in rats 7 or 14 days after hypophysectomy and injected daily with corticotrophin, acute stimulation with corticotrophin leads to a greater proportional increase in the secretion of corticosterone than that of aldosterone and results in levels of both comparable with those in intact rats. In the rats 7 days after operation but not maintained on corticotrophin, acute corticotrophin stimulation (see text, p. 134) raises aldosterone to the levels in intact rats, but corticosterone is increased only in about the same proportion as aldosterone and the ratio remains similar to that in untreated hypophysectomized rats.

4. It is concluded that the rates of secretion of aldosterone and corticosterone by the rat adrenal vary independently, the ratio depending on the state of the animal.

5. In a single experiment, treatment of hypophysectomized rats with DCA and corticotrophin for 7 days resulted in inhibition of aldosterone secretion analogous to the effect observed in intact rats. This experiment suggests that the action of DCA can occur in the absence of the pituitary. It is possible also that the effect of potassium deficiency on adrenal secretion can occur in the absence of the pituitary.
THE EFFECTS OF GROWTH HORMONE AND CORTICOTROPHIN UPON THE ADRENAL WEIGHT AND ADRENOCORTICAL MITOTIC ACTIVITY IN THE HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED RAT
Authors: CATER D. B. , STACK-DUNNE M. P.
Published: December 2008

1. Treatment of rats 17–24 days after hypophysectomy with pituitary growth hormone for 3 days causes a definite, although limited, increase in adrenal weight. When growth hormone and corticotrophin are given simultaneously, the increase in adrenal weight is greater than the sum of the effects with the hormones separately. The larger the dose of corticotrophin the greater the synergic effect.

2. The action of growth hormone on the adrenal is characterized by a striking stimulation of cell division with relatively little effect on adrenal weight. Corticotrophin also stimulates adrenocortical mitotic activity, but to obtain mitotic activity equivalent to that with growth hormone, doses must be given sufficient to cause a great increase in adrenal weight. This is true whether corticotrophin is injected in saline or in a beeswax/arachis oil mixture.

3. The characteristic activity of each preparation in stimulating the adrenal can be expressed in terms of a quotient, Qmw, the ratio of mitosis-stimulating activity to increase of adrenal weight in a single test. This index is effectively independent of the absolute responses. For growth hormone, Qmw is high; for biologically pure corticotrophin, it is low. Artificial mixtures of the two hormones give intermediate values of the quotient; crude corticotrophin preparations give values higher than those for purified preparations.
RESPONSES OF HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED RATS TO STRESS
Authors: BADRICK F. E. , BRIMBLECOMBE R. W. , REISS M.
Published: December 2008

Rats stressed by swimming in cold water (15° C) show a considerably decreased uptake of 32P by the thyroid gland, which is comparable with the decrease in the uptake of 131I. The 32P uptake of the adrenals is increased.

These changes are independent of the anterior lobe of the pituitary, since they also occur after hypophysectomy. It is assumed that they are caused by the increased production of vaso-constrictor substances, since treatment with adrenaline produced identical changes in the function of thyroid and adrenals in both intact and hypophysectomized rats.

The significance of these changes in formulating a concept of the physiological reaction of the organism to conditions of stress is discussed.
MAINTENANCE OF CORPORA LUTEA IN SHEEP WITH LACTOGENIC HORMONE
Authors: MOORE W. W. , NALBANDOV A. V.
Published: December 2008

Prolactin given to sheep has a luteotrophic effect. In anoestrous ewes, in which ovulations were caused by pregnant mares' serum (PMS) injections, the majority of corpora lutea were maintained in a functional state for 20 and 30 days with daily prolactin treatment. In the absence of prolactin, corpora lutea degenerated rapidly and completely.

Prolactin injected into ewes with freshly ovulated follicles, beginning with the 2nd day of the cycle, caused cycles to be prolonged to about 26 days in five out of ten ewes. Ovulation was suppressed during this time. In the remaining five ewes prolactin had no effect, and neither heat nor ovulation was postponed.

In anoestrous ewes prolactin caused the larger follicles present in the ovaries to be heavily luteinized. By contrast, follicles of ewes treated with prolactin during the breeding season were not luteinized. The reason for this difference in response is not known.
THE ASSAY OF GONADOTROPHIN FROM URINE OF NON-PREGNANT HUMAN SUBJECTS
Authors: BROWN P. S.
Published: December 2008

Two convenient bioassays of urinary gonadotrophins, using immature mice, are described.

The first is based upon the initial doubling of uterine weight.

The second, using the ovarian weight response, attempts to increase specificity to follicle stimulating hormone by priming with human chorionic gonadotrophin.

The usefulness of both methods is discussed, and the influence of non-specific impurities during the assay of urinary extracts is stressed.
THE INFLUENCE OF METHYLANDROSTENEDIOL ON THE PROTEIN FRACTIONS AND ADENOSINETRIPHOSPHATASE ACTIVITY OF MUSCLES OF THE RAT
Authors: KORNER A.
Published: December 2008

1. Injection of methylandrostenediol (MAD) into normal rats caused no significant change in the protein content of the myofibrillar,sarcoplasmic or collagen fractions of the acromiotrapezius, diaphragm, heart, masseter or quadriceps muscles.

2. No change was found in the granular adenosinetriphosphatase (ATP-ase) activity of the muscles but the myofibrillar ATP-ase activity of the acromiotrapezius and quadriceps muscles was, however, significantly reduced by MAD treatment.

3. It is concluded that when the acromiotrapezius and quadriceps muscles grow under MAD stimulation the myosin fraction of the muscle laid down does not consist only of normal myosin.
THE EFFECTS OF PROLACTIN ADMINISTRATION ON THE INTERNAL RHYTHM OF REPRODUCTION IN MALE BIRDS
Authors: LOFTS B. , MARSHALL A. J.
Published: December 2008

A single intramuscular injection of 1 mg (20–25 i.u.) prolactin leads to a metamorphosis of the seminiferous tubules of the avian testis involving inhibition of spermatogenesis, massive steatogenesis in the region occupied by the germinal elements and appearance of profuse cholesterol in the newly formed lipid material. These events appear to be identical with the postnuptial testis metamorphosis that occurs in all birds so far studied, as well as with the condition observed after hypophysectomy. The possible significance of prolactin in the avian sexual cycle (apart from crop-gland development in Columbiformes) is discussed.
PARTICIPATION OF SEMINAL PLASMA DURING THE PASSAGE OF SPERMATOZOA IN THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE TRACT OF THE PIG AND HORSE
Authors: MANN T. , POLGE C. , ROWSON L. E. A.
Published: December 2008

Chemical methods for the analysis of three characteristic constituents of seminal plasma, namely, fructose, citric acid and ergothioneine, were applied in an attempt to evaluate in a quantitative manner the participation of seminal plasma in the passage of sperm along the female reproductive tract of two species, the pig and the horse.

At specified intervals after mating, the reproductive tract of the gilt and the mare, respectively, was exposed, the uterine horns and Fallopian tubes clamped into several segments and the contents of the isolated portions withdrawn for analysis.

In the gilt, about 40 min after mating, the uterine horns were found to be filled with semen containing spermatozoa, as well as fructose, ergothioneine and citric acid, but 6 hr after mating the bulk of sperm and seminal plasma had disappeared. In the mare, 50 min after mating, spermatozoa, ergothioneine and citric acid were recovered from both uterine horns, in proportions resembling those found in fresh stallion semen.
THE INFLUENCE OF SEX HORMONES ON THE WEIGHT OF THE ADRENAL GLAND IN THE RAT
Authors: CARTER SHEILA B.
Published: December 2008

Experiments have been carried out to investigate the effect of sex hormones, particularly oestrogens, on the weight of the adrenal glands in rats.

Female rats

(a) Intact.

Oestrogen had no consistent effect. The adrenal glands may become heavier after treatment with oestradiol dipropionate (ODP) for very short periods (3 days), but may become lighter after longer periods of treatment. The glands were lighter after treatment with testosterone propionate (TP) (1·5 mg daily).

(b) Castrated.

Fifty-three days after spaying the adrenal glands were unchanged. Seventy-five days after operation, their weight had decreased. Oestrogen had no effect when given 1 month after ovariectomy, but caused a loss of weight when treatment was started 2 months after the operation. TP (1·5 mg. daily) also caused a loss of weight.

Male rats

(a) Intact.

The adrenal glands were unaffected by daily treatment with 1·5 mg TP, or with 100μg ODP.

(b) Castrated.

The adrenal glands had gained weight 53 days after orchidectomy. TP caused a loss of weight in castrated rats. ODP had no effect.
STUDIES ON URINARY GONADOTROPHINS AFTER FRACTIONATION BY TRICALCIUM PHOSPHATE
Authors: BUTT W. R.
Published: December 2008

1. The chemical properties of a gonadotrophic substance, gonadotrophin A (GA), prepared from human urine, have been studied.

2. Preparations of GA from various sources showed marked differences in biological activity, but not in chemical properties. Highly active preparations, however, showed greater u.v. absorption between the wavelengths of 280 and 295 mμ.

3. Methods are described for the purification of GA by countercurrent distribution and partition chromatography.
THE INFLUENCE OF PITUITARY GROWTH HORMONE ON PLASMA INSULIN ACTIVITY
Authors: RANDLE P. J. , YOUNG F. G.
Published: December 2008

The insulin activity of blood plasma has been studied by the application of a method of assay based upon the stimulation of the in vitro uptake of glucose by the isolated rat diaphragm.

Treatment of the intact rat with growth hormone did not significantly alter the insulin activity of the blood plasma. Hypophysectomy of the rat greatly reduced the insulin activity of the plasma, though this fall could be prevented by treatment with growth hormone begun immediately after hypophysectomy.

Treatment with growth hormone of the intact cat, but not of the depancreatized cat receiving a constant dose of insulin, greatly increased the insulin activity of the plasma.

The in vitro addition of growth hormone to human or rat plasma did not alter its insulin activity.

The plasma from cats rendered permanently diabetic by a short period of treatment with growth hormone possessed no significant insulin activity. After the plasma had been repeatedly frozen and thawed, insulin activity was found to be present. No appearance of insulin activity on freezing and thawing was observed with plasma from normal or depancreatized cats.

The significance of the influence of growth hormone upon the secretion of insulin by the pancreas is discussed.
HISTOPHYSIOLOGY OF THE PITUITARY CLEFT AND COLLOID CYSTS IN THE ADENOHYPOPHYSIS OF THE RAT. CHANGES AFTER GONADECTOMY AND ADRENALECTOMY
Authors: FERRER JAIME
Published: December 2008

1. Pituitaries of normal, adrenalectomized and castrated male rats have been studied using the freeze-drying technique.

2. The pituitary cleft is surrounded anteriorly by an endothelioid fenestrated epithelium and posteriorly by a cubical or cylindrical epithelium. In the latter colloid droplets can be seen in the cytoplasm, and evaginations containing colloid droplets occur at the apical poles of the cells and project into the lumen of the cleft.

3. The histological picture suggests that the colloid contained in the cleft might be formed by: (a) destruction of the basophilic and eosinophilic cells of the pars distalis, (b) transudation of plasma from capillaries in the anterior wall of the cleft, (c) mucus discharged by goblet cells in the anterior epithelium, and (d) apocrine secretion and the secretion of colloid from the posterior epithelium.

4. Changes in the height, the amount of cytoplasmic colloid and the apocrine secretion of the posterior epithelium occur after adrenalectomy and castration.

5. There are two types of cyst in the adenohypophysis, one having a mucinous content and covered with a mucous epithelium, and the other a flattened epithelium and a colloid content. The latter, in addition to the pituitary cleft, might play some part in secretory processes.
THE EXCRETION OF URINARY PREGNANEDIOL AFTER THE ADMINISTRATION OF PROGESTERONE
Authors: KLOPPER A. , MICHIE EILEEN A.
Published: December 2008

The recovery of urinary pregnanediol after the injection of progesterone was studied in seventeen women and four men.

In non-pregnant subjects less than 20% of the injected progesterone was recovered as urinary pregnanediol. The recovery did not increase significantly when progesterone was given to pregnant women, to women in the luteal phase of the cycle or after prolonged administration to postmenopausal women. The 'progesterone priming' effect described by Sommerville & Marrian [1950] was not observed.
AN EVALUATION OF THE ROLES OF OESTROGEN, PROGESTERONE AND RELAXIN IN PRODUCING RELAXATION OF THE SYMPHYSIS PUBIS OF THE OVARIECTOMIZED MOUSE, USING THE TECHNIQUE OF METACHROMATIC STAINING WITH TOLUIDINE BLUE
Authors: HALL KATHLEEN
Published: December 2008

1. In uninjected ovariectomized mice, the matrix of the symphysial cartilage, like that outside the symphysis, is strongly metachromatic. Following nine daily injections of 1·5 μg oestradio, metachromasia disappeared from the caudal part of the symphysis and decreased in the cranial part, accompanied by swelling of the matrix. Cartilage outside the symphysis was not affected. Hyaluronidase banished metachromasia from both symphysial and extrasymphy. sial cartilage but did not cause swelling of the matrix. Disappearance of metachromasia is attributed to depolymerization or breakdown of the molecules of chondroitin sulphate, resulting in a more pliable ground substance. Swelling is tentatively attributed to uptake of water.

2. One injection of relaxin at the end of such pretreatment produced, by lateral displacement of the two halves of the pelvis, a gap in the middle of the cartilage. Subsequent injections increased this displacement which, it is suggested, may be an indirect effect of relaxin acting through tensile forces mediated in some way as yet unknown.

3. When large doses of progesterone were given simultaneously, oestradiol was less effective in abolishing metachromasia.

4. It is suggested that during pregnancy, oestrogens, perhaps through local liberation of an enzyme, break down the polysaccharides of the symphysial cartilage and make the matrix sufficiently pliable to respond to tensions set up by relaxin during the last week of pregnancy.

5. Separation of the innominates, produced by prolonged treatment with oestradiol alone, is a different process brought about by resorption of bone on either side of the symphysis and not involving lateral displacement of the two bones.
STEROIDS AND RELATED PRODUCTS. IV. THE PROGESTATIONAL ACTIVITY OF 17α-METHYLDEOXYCORTICOSTERONE ACETATE
Authors: ENGEL Ch. R. , NOBLE R. L.
Published: December 2008

The progestational activity of 17α-methyldeoxycorticosterone acetate in the immature rabbit was investigated. The substance was found to exhibit high luteoid activity, equalling that of progesterone.
NUMBER AND VIABILITY OF YOUNG FROM PREGNANCIES CONCURRENT WITH LACTATION IN THE MOUSE
Authors: BRUCE HILDA M. , EAST JUNE
Published: December 2008

In many rodents, including the rat and the mouse, implantation of the fertilized ovum fails to take place at the normal time if the female is lactating. The delay in implantation tends to be longer the larger the litter suckling, and pregnancy may be prolonged for several days. Observations carried out on normal mice showed that when pregnancy was of normal length in spite of a large suckling litter many of the young were stillborn and there was a reduction in litter size. The stillbirth rate of litters carried during a concurrent lactation was within normal limits only when the delay in implantation was at least 4 days.

Litter size at birth from delayed pregnancies was normal.

Lactation was unaffected by the presence of a second litter in utero.
FOLLICLE STIMULATING AND INTERSTITIAL CELL STIMULATING HORMONES IN THE URINE OF WOMEN WITH AMENORRHOEA
Authors: BROWN P. S.
Published: December 2008

Urinary gonadotrophins from amenorrhoeic patients were assayed. The results provide preliminary evidence that FSH and ICSH exist as separate entities in human urine. Cortisone treatment appeared to cause a rise in the excretion of FSH relative to ICSH. The reverse effect was caused by treatment with 0·5 mg of stilboestrol daily. Supplementary experiments suggested that prolactin and oestrogen had not interfered in the assays.
OBSERVATIONS ON THE OVARY CULTURED IN VITRO
Authors: INGRAM D. L.
Published: December 2008

The ovaries of rats and mice ranging in age from foetal life to sexual maturity have been cultured and observed in vitro. Structures which had some resemblance to oocytes were seen among the epithelial cells which grew out from the ovarian tissue, but it is concluded that they were not oocytes. No evidence for the neoformation of oocytes was obtained.

Serial sections of ovaries, which had been fixed after various periods of culture, were examined for signs of oogenesis. Numerous oocytes in the prophase of cell division were seen in foetal and neonatal material, but not in cultures of adult, or even prepubertal material.