bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RADIOIMMUNOASSAY OF HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE USING THE DOUBLE ANTIBODY TECHNIQUE
Authors: Melani F. , Gröschel-Stewart U. , Lawecki J.
Published: December 2008

The method of Roos et al. (1963) for the preparation of HGH yields a highly purified biologically active hormone preparation suitable for clinical purposes and, after one additional purification step (chromatography on Sephadex G-200 according to Hunter (1965), for radioiodination.

In the double antibody technique described, the labelled hormone can be used for radio-immunoassay without starch-gel or Sephadex purification.

The method is simple and sensitive enough to permit the determination of HGH in serum.
EFFECTS OF SHEEP AND YOUNG CALF PINEAL EXTRACTS AND CONTINUOUS LIGHT ON THE PINEAL GLAND, THE GONADS AND THE OESTROUS CYCLE OF THE RAT
Authors: Prop N. , Ebels I.
Published: December 2008

Injections of a water-soluble pineal extract into young female rats kept under a normal light/dark rhythm caused a relatively high frequency of abnormal nuclei in the pineal gland. This nuclear response suggests a secretory activity in normal pinealocytes. No effect of the pineal extract on the reproductive system was observed.

In females exposed to continuous light, neither the water-soluble extract nor the acetone-soluble pineal material interfered with the light induced alterations in the oestrous cycle, the uterine and ovarian weights, the condition of the pineal nuclei and the quantity of pineal lipids.
WIRKUNG VON 1,2α-METHYLEN-6-CHLOR-Δ4,6-PREGNADIEN-17α-OL-3,20-DION (CYPROTERON) AUF DIE BIOGENESE VON C19-STEROIDEN IN RATTENTESTES
Authors: Hoffmann W. , Breuer H.
Published: December 2008

The effect of 1,2α-methylene-6-chloro-pregna-4,6-dien-17α-ol-3,20-dione (Cyproterone) on the formation of C19-steroids from 17α-hydroxyprogesterone was studied in the 20 000 × g supernatants and the microsomal fractions obtained from the testis of young (5 weeks ± 5 days) and old (5 months ± 14 days) rats. Under the experimental conditions chosen, cyproterone (final concentration 2.7-27 μmoles/1) inhibited the biogenesis of C19-steroids to an extent of 20–80%. On the basis of enzyme-kinetic studies, cyproterone belongs to the class of »mixed type inhibitors«. The investigation of the pattern of the C19-steroid metabolites showed that, after the addition of cyproterone, the formation of testosterone, androst-4-ene-3,17-dione and the »polar« fraction was inhibited, whereas the androsterone fraction mostly increased. These results suggest that cyproterone affects not only the activity of the desmolase, but also the activities of the enzymes involved in the metabolism of C19-steroids.

The experiments reported are, to a large extent, in agreement to the already known fact that the activity of the desmolase depends upon the age of rats. However, the biogenesis of C19-steroids from C21-steroids is greatly influenced by the preparation of the relevant enzyme systems and by the experimental conditions.
THE EFFECT OF DIPHENYLHYDANTOIN IN VITRO ON THE METABOLISM OF TESTOSTERONE BY RAT LIVER SUBCELLULAR FRACTIONS
Authors: Sholiton Leon J. , Werk Emile E. , MacGee Joseph
Published: December 2008

The effect of diphenylhydantoin (DPH) in vitro on the »metabolite profile« of testosterone-4-14C has been studied utilizing incubates of high speed supernatant and microsomal fractions of rat liver. In contrast to earlier experiments with rat liver slices, in which a standard amount of DPH resulted in increased non-polar metabolite production, in the present experiments, when separate subcellular fractions are incubated, no such DPH effect can be detected under the conditions utilized. When certain mixtures of supernatant and microsomal fractions are incubated, however, there is evidence that the DPH augmentation of non-polar metabolite production can again be manifest. An explanation for these results can only be speculated upon at present.
OESTROGEN BINDING IN THE MOUSE UTERUS
Authors: Terenius Lars
Published: December 2008

Tissue slices from immature mice were incubated at 37° C in a buffer with tritium-labelled oestrogens. The target tissues, uterus and vagina are found to take up much more 17β-oestradiol than several non-target tissues (the diaphragm, heart, thymus, spleen, stomach or kidney). In addition, when tissue slices, which have been pre-loaded with 17β-oestradiol, are washed, the uterus and vagina retain the oestrogen much more strongly than the non-target tissues. Uteri preloaded in vivo with 17β-oestradiol also retain the accumulated oestrogen strongly on washing in vitro.

The synthetic oestrogen meso-hexoestrol is also selectively taken up and retained by the uterus but to a lower extent than 17β-oestradiol. The isomeric racemic hexoestrol is a much less potent oestrogen and is not selectively bound by the uterus. However, the retention of racemic hexoestrol both by the uterus and the diaphragm is high.

The preferential uterine uptake of the potent oestrogens is inhibited by low incubation temperature. A low incubation temperature also inhibits the wash-out of oestrogens from the uterus.

There was no evidence of extensive metabolic transformations of the oestrogens investigated. It is likely that the mode of oestrogen retention in the mouse uterus and vagina is due to non-covalent binding.
THE EFFECTS OF CLOMIPHENE ON ENDOCRINE FUNCTION IN MALE PATIENTS WITH ADRENOCORTICAL INSUFFICIENCY AND FOLLOWING CASTRATION
Authors: Harkness R. A. , Bell E. T. , Loraine J. A. , Ismail A. A. A. , Morse W. I.
Published: December 2008

The effect of clomiphene administration on steroid and gonadotrophin output has been studied in three male patients with adrenocortical insufficiency and in three castrate men.

In the patients with adrenocortical insufficiency the main effect of clomiphene was to produce a marked increase in the output of urinary testosterone and of its metabolites, androsterone and aetiocholanolone. It is concluded that this effect results from testicular stimulation.

In the castrate males clomiphene caused a less marked rise in the excretion of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA), androsterone and aetiocholanolone, presumably indicating adrenocortical stimulation. Testosterone levels may have fallen slightly during the administration of the compound.

Little or no effect on the output of »total gonadotrophic activity« or of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) was produced by clomiphene.
SIGNIFICANCE OF TESTICULAR BIOPSIES IN CRYPTORCHIDISM IN CHILDREN
Authors: Salle B. , Hedinger Chr. , Nicole R.
Published: December 2008

The present investigators after studying 160 biopsies of the cryptorchid testis in 148 children, find that in 15% of the testes there is an absence of germinative elements, in 45% a considerable diminution of spermatogonia and in 2 cases an anorchidism. The finding of a diminution of diameter of the seminiferous tubules confirms the work of other investigators. The problem of a testicular dysgenesis as the cause of cryptorchidism is discussed. Testicular biopsies during surgical treatment are essential in order to give a prognosis, taking into account the present knowledge of the evolution of these lesions.
TAGESPERIODISCHE SCHWANKUNGEN DES NEUROHYPOPHYSÄREN OXYTOCINGEHALTES BEI MÄNNLICHEN WISTAR-RATTEN
Authors: König Annemarie , Martin Brigitte
Published: December 2008

Adult male Wistar rats were kept at a constant temperature (22 ± 0.5° C) and in an alternating light-dark environment consisting of 12 hours of light with 150 lux (7 a. m. – 7 p. m.) and 12 hours of darkness (7 p. m. – 7 a. m.). In the months of March – December groups of animals were decapitated at 4 hourly intervals. Oxytocic activity of posterior pituitary lobe revealed diurnal changes with high values at 2 a. m. and low values at 6 p. m. The results are compared with the diurnal behaviour of antidiuretic hormone content of posterior pituitary lobe.
SIMULTANEOUS BIOASSAY OF EXOPHTHALMOS-PRODUCING AND THYROTROPHIC SUBSTANCES
Authors: Frisén Lars
Published: December 2008

Further research on EPS and its relationship to TSH demands improved methods of assay. An EPS bioassay, based on a teleost fish, Carassius carassius L., and the valid measuring of the volume changes in the orbital tissues by extended exophthalmometry, has been developed and evaluated. It was found that the variance of response was strongly influenced by the technique of injection, the duration of assay, and the measuring method. Linear log dose-response regressions were obtained with single injections in the interval of 50 to 5000 μg of an anterior pituitary hormone preparation (Ambinon®, Organon). The mean index of precision equalled 0.27 for the most favourable technique. The median threshold dose was 21 μg. The assay was completed in three hours.

Hypophysectomized fishes were less responsive than normal fishes. Thyroxine treatment resulted in increased proptosis and impaired precision of EPS assay. Two strains of the same species were studied. It is suggested that the observed differences in assay performance is related to the magnitude of endogenous thyroxine output.

Radiation inactivation of bovine EPS disclosed a radiosensitive molecular weight of 4.7 × 104.
SIMULTANEOUS BIOASSAY OF EXOPHTHALMOS-PRODUCING AND THYROTROPHIC SUBSTANCES
Authors: Frisén Lars
Published: December 2008

Two methods of thyrotrophin assay based on the crucian carp, Carassius carassius L., are described. One method used the 72-h combined thyroid region radioiodine uptake as response, the other, which makes possible the continuous study of response evolution, was based on the induced excretion of labeled thyroid iodine. The endogenous TSH release was suppressed by hypophysectomy or thyroxine administration. The optimal time intervals between injections, samplings and sacrifice were determined. Linear log dose-response regressions were obtained in the intervals of 0.35–110 mIU and 0.6–180 mIU, respectively. The most favourable designs produced mean indices of precision of 0.46 and 0.58, respectively, with single hormone injections.

Two strains of the same species were compared.

A preliminary study of heavily y-irradiated bovine thyrotrophin disclosed a radiosensitive molecular weight of 2.7 × 104.
GENETIC VARIATION IN ADRENAL WEIGHT: STRAIN DIFFERENCES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ADRENAL GLANDS OF MICE
Authors: Badr F. M. , Shire J. G. M. , Spickett S. G.
Published: December 2008

The growth in weight of the adrenal gland has been followed in three normal strains of mice: A/Cam, CBA/FaCam, and Peru.

CBA mice have the heaviest adrenals and A mice the lightest. Female mice have larger adrenals than male mice in all three strains. This sex-difference is significant in Peru mice before puberty and becomes more pronounced in all three strains as development proceeds.

Adrenal weight bears a linear relation to body weight in the female mice. The heaviest adrenals, relative to body weight, are found in Peru females and the lightest in A females.

The relative growth of the adrenals of male mice can be divided into two phases; an early, rapid, one, and a slower, later, one. The ranking of the strains according to the relative weight of the adrenals is different in the two phases. Peru mice have the heaviest adrenals during the first phase while those of CBA mice are the heaviest in the second. The two phases of growth are separated by a transition phase. An absolute fall in adrenal weight occurs during the transition phase in Peru males, but not in A or CBA males. Histological observations show that degeneration of the X zone coincides with the transition phase in all three strains. The three strains differ in the age and body weight at which X zone regression takes place in male mice.
AN AUTORADIOGRAPHIC STUDY OF OESTRADIOL INCORPORATION IN THE BREAST TISSUE OF FEMALE RATS
Authors: Sander Sten , Attramadal Arne
Published: December 2008

The localization of (6,7-3H) 17β-oestradiol in breast tissue of female rats has been studied using autoradiography. Selective accumulation of radio-activity was found in the epithelial lining of acini and ducts of the breast tissue. The labelling was much more extensive in the epithelial cells than in the stroma.
SOME OBSERVATIONS ON HYDROLYSIS OF OESTROGEN CONJUGATES IN BOVINE URINE
Authors: Sinadinović J. R. , Velle Weiert
Published: December 2008

Oestratetraenol is an artifact arising from oestradiol-17α during acid hydrolysis of bovine urine. This finding led us to investigate the influence of acid concentration and time of heating on the yield of these two substances as compared with enzyme hydrolysis.

For oestradiol-17α enzyme hydrolysis resulted in a 5 to 6 times higher yield than acid hydrolysis (6 vol.% HCl. 1 hour at 100° C). The results being the same whether the starting material was natural urine or previously extracted conjugates.

When acid hydrolysis was used as mentioned above, the conversion of pure oestradiol-17α to oestratetraenol was of the order of 10 to 15%. In view of the extreme lability of oestradiol-17α to acid hydrolysis and its partial transformation to oestratetraenol, the problems of acid hydrolysis of bovine urinary oestrogen conjugates are discussed.
OESTROGEN BIOSYNTHESIS BY SEGMENTS OF BOVINE FOLLICLE AND THE EFFECT OF FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE PREPARATIONS
Authors: Oakey R. E. , Stitch S. R.
Published: December 2008

[4-14C] Testosterone was converted to [14C] oestrone and [14C]17β-oestradiol on incubation with slices of bovine follicles. These metabolites were identified by sequential chromatography, derivative formation and recrystallization to constant 14C/3H ratio. Both Graafian and atretic follicles were able to synthesize these oestrogens from testosterone.

The yield of [14C] oestrone plus [14C] 17β-oestradiol, measured by reverse isotope dilution analysis, varied from 4 μμmoles to 4459 μμmoles in the 19 follicles tested. Differences, much greater than the measured experimental error, were also found in the yields from the two halves of individual follicles. The difficulties imposed by these findings in demonstrating an effect of gonadotrophins are discussed.

On incubation of segments of two follicles, identified histologically as Graafian follicles, in the presence of ovine follicle stimulating hormone, the yield of radioactive oestrone and 17β-oestradiol from [4-14C] testosterone was markedly reduced. In eight other follicles, the majority of which were atretic, the conversion of [4-14C] testosterone was not influenced by gonadotrophin in vitro.

These results would suggest that, in some follicles, follicle stimulating hormone in vitro may modify steroid biosynthesis. In these cases the major locus of action of gonadotrophin on steroid biosynthesis appears to be before the synthesis of testosterone.
STUDIES WITH THYROTROPHIN-131I IN SERUM OF NORMAL AND HYPOTHYROID RATS
Authors: Pisarev Mario A. , Altschuler Noé , Orlando C. A.
Published: December 2008

Purified bovine thyrotrophin (TSH-NIH) was labelled with 131I. Its radiolysis was studied by paper chromatography. The results obtained indicated that the preparation should be used within the first few days of the labelling procedure.

The labelled hormone was injected intravenously into normal and hypothyroid rats. The serum disappearance rate of TSH was lower in the hypometabolic group and the curve showed three components. The half life of the second component was about 14 minutes for normal and 21 minutes for hypothyroid rats.

Column chromatography of sera developed with Dowex 1 × 8 showed three fractions. The significance of these is discussed.
CHANGES IN BLOOD GLUCOSE AND PLASMA INSULIN, FREE FATTY ACIDS, GROWTH HORMONE AND 11-HYDROXYCORTICOSTEROIDS DURING INTRAMUSCULAR VASOPRESSIN TESTS IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS
Authors: Karp M. , Pertzelan A. , Doron M. , Kowadlo-Silbergeld A. , Laron Z.
Published: December 2008

Lysine-8-vasopressin (LVP) was administered intramuscularly in a dose of 5–10 units to 20 children and adolescents, divided into the following 3 groups: I – normal controls; II – patients with isolated growth hormone deficiency; III – patients with pituitary insufficiency involving several hormones. In all the patients studied, LVP induced a rise in plasma 11-hydroxycorticosteroids. In the normal controls LVP induced a moderate rise in blood glucose. Patients with isolated growth hormone deficiency showed no rise, and those with pituitary insufficiency involving several hormones showed a great variability in response. In all 3 groups there was a sharp decrease in plasma free fatty acids, most marked in the patients with isolated growth hormone deficiency, and a slower return to base line levels. There was no change in the plasma concentration of growth hormone in any of the patients. Plasma insulin rose moderately in the normal controls; there was little or no change in any of the patients with pituitary insufficiency. The above finding that LVP induced a reduction in plasma free fatty acids in the patients with pituitary insufficiency without any concomitant elevation of plasma insulin and blood glucose, is in agreement with the assumption that LVP acts directly on adipose tissue.
THE CALCIUM-INFUSION-HYDROXYPROLINE TEST
Authors: Skovsted L. , Kristensen M. , Siersbæk-Nielsen K. , Hansen J. Mølholm
Published: December 2008

Urinary hydroxyproline was measured before, during, and after intravenous calcium-infusion in 5 normal subjects and in 4 patients with parathyroid adenomata. The results show that primary hyperparathyroidism cannot be diagnosed by means of a calcium-infusion-hydroxyproline test.
PLASMA CORTICOSTEROID, PLASMA INSULIN AND BLOOD SUGAR OF NORMAL FASTING AND DIABETIC SUBJECTS WITH OR WITHOUT HYPERCORTICISM
Authors: Asfeldt Vivian Harding , Jørgensen Kai R.
Published: December 2008

Transient, maximum stimulation with β1–24 corticotrophin has been carried out in nine normal fasting subjects, in two fasting diabetics without hypercorticism and in three fasting diabetics with hypercorticism.

Fluorimetric determinations of corticosteroids and determinations of immunological detectable insulin in plasma and blood sugar were made during stimulation.

No significant variation in the blood sugar or the plasma insulin during transient, maximum ACTH stimulation was found either in normal fasting subjects or in fasting diabetics with or without hypercorticism. Moreover, in two diabetics with hypercorticism the plasma insulin response was measured during an oral glucose tolerance test. After treatment for approximately seven months with glucocorticosteroids, a reduced glucose tolerance and an increased plasma insulin response were found in one of these two patients. Four and a half months after the termination of steroid treatment, normal glucose tolerance and normal insulin responses were observed.

In one patient, after several years of hypercorticism, a reduced glucose tolerance and a markedly reduced plasma insulin response were found.
EFFECTS OF OESTRADIOL AND OESTRIOL ON THE DISPOSITION OF INJECTED RADIOACTIVE PROLINE, HYDROXYPROLINE AND TYROSINE IN MAN
Authors: Katz Fred H.
Published: December 2008

It was shown in a previous study that oestrogens administered to man in amounts similar to those produced in normal pregnancy reduce urinary free and peptide-bound hydroxyproline (hypro) excretion. These doses of oestrogen have now been found to increase the disappearance rate (P < 0.001) of radioactivity from plasma after 14C-proline injection but not after 3H-hydroxyproline, an amino acid which is not incorporated into collagen. These results are viewed as consistent with an anabolic effect of oestrogens. The ability of these hormones to diminish urinary hypro in man is attributed to this anabolic action as well as to the »anticatabolic« effects of these hormones previously demonstrated. Oestrogens do not suppress urinary hypro excretion via a direct action on the kidney; on the contrary, renal excretion of labeled material was increased somewhat following radioactive 3H-hypro and 14C-tyrosine injection.
SOME OBSERVATIONS ON THE URINARY EXCRETION OF TESTOSTERONE DURING THE NORMAL MENSTRUAL CYCLE
Authors: Ismail A. A. A. , Harkness R. A. , Loraine J. A.
Published: December 2008

Serial assays of urinary testosterone have been performed in seven normally menstruating women; in six of these pregnanediol estimations were also conducted and in four oestrogen determinations were made. All the cycles were of an ovulatory character as judged by the pattern of steroid excretion.

In five subjects peaks of testosterone output were observed in the luteal phase of the cycle. In one a broad band of excretion extended from midcycle into the luteal phase, and in one the luteal peak was absent. Four women showed definite peaks of testosterone output at midcycle, and in two follicular phase peaks were also encountered.

It is suggested that fluctuations in urinary testosterone excretion during the normal menstrual cycle result from the secretion of precursors of the hormone by the ovaries rather than by the adrenals.
EFFECT OF CORTICOTROPHIN AND CORTISONE ON THE INCORPORATION OF 3H-THYMIDINE INTO THE DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACIDS (DNA) OF THE REGENERATING LIVER IN THE WHITE RAT
Authors: Guzek Jan W.
Published: December 2008

Both cortisone and ACTH inhibit the incorporation of 3H-thymidine into the DNA of parenchymatous cells in the regenerating rat liver. In addition, the mitotic activity of hepatocytes is markedly impaired. It is assumed that the suppression of mitoses in the regenerating rat liver, caused by cortisone or ACTH, is due to a direct or indirect interference with DNA synthesis.
FURTHER OBSERVATIONS ON THE ADRENAL SECRETORY RHYTHM OF THE BROWN LEMMING
Authors: Andrews Richard V. , Keil Lanny C. , Keil Nancy Nolder
Published: December 2008

Isolated lemming adrenals display daily rhythms which persist for at least five days when the glands are maintained in organ culture. Rhythmic corticosteroid secretion in vitro shows a »free running« period of less than 24 hours (23.4 ± 0.2 hours). When the intervals of animal sacrifice in culture experiments overlap, initial peaks displayed by glands from the freshly killed donor animals are in phase with peaks of five-day cultures; these data are interpreted as evidence for »free running« periodicity in adrenal function of lemmings exposed to the arctic day.
STUDIES ON HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHIN
Authors: Goverde B. C. , Veenkamp F. J. N. , Homan J. D. H.
Published: December 2008

Six preparations of Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (HCG), differing in purity and biological potency, were analysed for their carbohydrate and amino acid composition. The results of the determinations indicated a certain relation between the biological potency on the one hand, and the content of certain substances, particularly sialic acid and fucose (both carbohydrate terminal groups of glycoproteins), on the other. As the sialic acid fraction contained only N-acetyl-neuraminic acid (NANA), a true quantitative determination could be made.

Two methods used for the release of NANA were compared and it was found that neuraminidase from Vibrio cholerae released 96% of the amount of NANA which could be released by 0.01 n hydrochloric acid hydrolysis. Based on the results of biological and NANA assays of 16 preparations, a mathematical relation between the biological potency and the NANA content, as an independent variable, was calculated. Membrane electrophoresis in Veronal-formamide buffer revealed a sharp band pattern, which could be explained by assuming a polymorphous HCG molecule, differing mainly in the number of terminal NANA groups. The prospects of a chemical assay of HCG based on the determination of NANA are, however, not at all encouraging.
PERPHENAZINE AND SERUM PROTEIN BOUND IODINE
Authors: Cooper T. B. , Simpson G. M.
Published: December 2008

The hypothesis that the elevation of PBI in patients receiving perphenazine is caused by an iodine contaminant is questioned. Data is presented which clearly shows that in four patients on whom an unequivocal increase of PBI due to perphenazine was demonstrated, the amount of iodine ingested via the medication could not account for the magnitude of the increase observed. Additional support is given by the observation that the PBI continues to rise after medication has ceased to be administered.
STIMULATING AND INHIBITING EFFECTS OF PROGESTERONE ON THE RELEASE OF LUTEINIZING HORMONE
Authors: Caligaris L. , Astrada J. J. , Taleisnik S.
Published: December 2008

Plasma LH was determined in ovariectomized-oestrogen treated rats by the ovarian ascorbic acid method. The elevated plasma LH of the spayed animals was found to be depressed on the third day after a single injection of 20 μg oestradiol benzoate.

Progesterone (2 mg) injected on the third day after oestrogen induced an increase in plasma LH a few hours later. This effect of progesterone was evident only when blood was drawn in the afternoon, but not when blood was drawn in the morning. In hypophysectomized animals progesterone failed to change plasma LH activity.

On the afternoon of the fourth day after the injection of oestrogen, the plasma LH returned to the elevated preinjection levels. However, when progesterone was administered on the 3rd day these elevated levels were markedly depressed. It is concluded that progesterone has a biphasic effect, first stimulating and then inhibiting, on the release of LH.
NEUE METHODISCHE MÖGLICHKEITEN ZUR KLINISCHEN FUNKTIONSDIAGNOSTIK DER NEBENNIERENRINDE
Authors: Gerdes H. , Teller W.
Published: December 2008

The results are reported of routine determinations of free C21-steroids in plasma and urine by a method which involved thin layer and gas liquid chromatography. The following steroids were simultaneously determined: Cortisol, cortisone, 6β-hydroxycortisol and -cortisone, 20-hydroxycortisol and -cortisone, tetrahydrocortisol and -cortisone, and 11-deoxycortisol (Reichstein S). The specificity, reproducibility and accuracy are discussed in detail. The overall recoveries of the procedure were examined by the addition of 1,2-3H-cortisol and 1,2-3H-cortisone prior to extraction. They ranged between 50 and 60 per cent.

The method was clinically applied to various tests of adrenal cortical function and its pituitary regulation (e. g. ACTH test, dexamethasone suppression, metopirone test). The simultaneous determination in plasma and urine of a number of C21-steroid-hormones including their metabolites proved to yield valuable information about adrenal cortical function and C21-steroid metabolism. In the paediatric age group the metopirone test measuring 11-deoxycortisol in plasma rather than its tetrahydro derivative in urine was particularly useful since it avoided unpleasant 24 h-urine collections in young children.
THE UPTAKE OF 17β-OESTRADIOL IN BREAST TISSUE OF RATS FOLLOWING HYPOPHYSECTOMY
Authors: Sander Sten
Published: December 2008

The uptake of radioactivity in breast tissue of hypophysectomized rats has been studied following injection of (6,7-3H) 17β-oestradiol, The investigation includes measurement of tritium concentration in homogenized tissue by liquid scintillation technique and autoradiographic recordings. The capacity of breast tissue to take up oestradiol was not significantly influenced by hypophysectomy.
PROFILE OF STEROIDS IN AMNIOTIC FLUID OF NORMAL AND COMPLICATED PREGNANCIES
Authors: Schindler Adolf E. , Ratanasopa V.
Published: December 2008

Methods for the determination of five steroids in amniotic fluid are described. The following steroids have been measured in amniotic fluid of 29 normal pregnancies: dehydroepiandrosterone, 11.1 μg/l; pregnanediol, 164.4 μg/l; 16-ketoandrostenediol, 214.7 μg/l; 16α-hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone, 599.6 μg/ and oestriol, 674.3 μg/l. Analyses in eight pregnancies complicated by diabetes, polyhydramnios, anencephaly and severe Rh-isoimmunization reveal low or nondetectable amounts of oestriol, 16-ketoandrostenediol and 16α-hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone, The concentrations of dehydroepiandrosterone and pregnanediol appear not to be significantly influenced under these circumstances unless intrauterine foetal death has already occurred. This study seems to offer an explanation for the differences of oestriol concentrations in amniotic fluid, maternal plasma and urine in pregnancies complicated by severe Rh-isoimmunization.
BIOASSAY OF ANTIGONADOTROPHIC SERA
Authors: Robyn C. , Diczfalusy E.
Published: December 2008

Methods are described for the bioassay of the human follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) neutralising potency of antigonadotrophic sera. The methods are based on a modified ovarian weight augmentation test using human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) or luteinising hormone (LH) of ovine origin for augmentation. The antigonadotrophic sera were obtained following immunisation of rabbits with HCG, human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG) and human hypophysial gonadotrophin (HHG) preparations. The FSH neutralising potencies of these antisera were assayed against laboratory standard preparations of HMG and HHG and against the Second International Reference Preparation of HMG.

When HCG was used for augmentation, the FSH neutralising potency of antisera depended on the sequence in which HCG, HMG and antiserum were combined. When HCG was mixed with the antiserum prior to the addition of HMG, this resulted in a significant decrease in the FSH neutralising potency. When HCG was injected separately from the HMG-antiserum complex, the FSH neutralising potency increased. However, the FSH neutralising potency of all antisera was significantly higher when LH of ovine origin, rather than HCG was used for augmentation.

Anti-HCG sera exhibited a considerable FSH neutralising potency, even when prepared by immunisation with HCG preparations of high specific activity. These high FSH neutralising potencies were in contrast to the low FSH activity of the HCG preparations used for immunisation.

Anti-HMG sera possessed little, if any, FSH neutralising potency. These poor FSH neutralising potencies were in contrast to the high FSH activity of the HMG preparations used for immunisation.

The FSH neutralising potency of an anti-HHG serum was at least 5 times higher when assayed against HMG, than when assayed against HHG.

The data presented indicate that HCG preparations extensively compete with FSH preparations for antibodies neutralising FSH activity. This suggests that there is a cross reaction between HCG and FSH. The data also indicate, that there are significant differences in the antigenic properties of human pituitary and urinary gonadotrophins.

It is concluded, that the establishment of specificity of immunoassay methods for human gonadotrophins cannot be based exclusively on immunological evidence. Also, the absorption procedures used to improve the specificity of antigens and antisera are of limited value, unless carried out in a strictly quantitative manner following the establishment of the profile of the gonadotrophic and antigonadotrophic activities present.
OXANDROLONE EFFECT ON GROWTH AND BONE AGE IN IDIOPATHIC GROWTH FAILURE
Authors: Geller Jack
Published: December 2008

Oxandrolone, an anabolic steroid, administered to patients with idiopathic growth failure in a dosage of 0.15-0.25 mg/kg·day, significantly stimulates immediate growth during the first 6 months of treatment and results in a greater height age Δ than bone age Δ during this interval. In 9 patients continued for an additional 6 months, average cumulative 12 months values for corrected height age Δ and bone age Δ were approximately equal and almost double those of 50th percentile normals. These data during 12 months of continuous oxandrolone therapy suggest that the drug can increase immediate stature, but has no net effect on ultimate predicted stature. Similar results were noted in 2 patients treated continuously for 24 months.

If treatment is discontinued after 6 months, growth velocity and corrected height age Δ, but not bone age Δ, decrease significantly during the next 6 months. Cumulative results in patients treated intermittently over 12 months shows that bone age Δ exceeded corrected height age Δ by 3 or more months in 4 out of 9 patients, indicating an unfavourable effect on predicted ultimate stature in such instances. Therefore, oxandrolone administration for the purpose of increasing immediate stature should probably be given continuously until mid-puberty is reached, except in those patients showing an unfavourable response during the first 6 months of treatment. At the present time, there is no reliable criterion for picking out those patients who will respond best to the drug, except by a 6 month trial of therapy. The drug appears safe; there are a small percentage of patients who have reversible changes in serum transaminase levels on therapy; mild virilization was noted in one patient. Careful monitoring of bone age at 6 months intervals and liver function at 3 months intervals is recommended during the period of treatment.
IMMUNOLOGISCHE UNTERSUCHUNGEN AN HYPOPHYSENVORDERLAPPENHORMONEN MIT ANTIKÖRPERN VON SÄUGETIEREN UND FISCHEN
Authors: Blüm V.
Published: December 2008

Tropical Cichlid fishes (Tilapia mariae) and guinea pigs are able to produce antibodies to ovine anterior pituitary hormones. The immune response in fish is weaker than in mammals. Antisera of both animal groups are suitable specific ones but the fish immune system does not react very sensitively to small contaminations of the antigens. Electrophoretical examinations of anterior pituitary hormones (LTH, STH, FSH, LH and TSH) on gelatinized cellulose acetate strips show that except STH all the other hormones consist of several components. This is confirmed by immunological methods. There is some evidence that LH occurs in several molecular forms or components. Cross reactions and immunoelectrophoreses show a distinct separation of the immunological properties of the protein LTH and its antibody resp. and the glycoproteids FSH, LH, TSH and their antibodies. The protein STH and its homologous antibody, however, precipitate with all other hormones and their antibodies tested, except TSH. This possibly depends on the contamination of these hormones one with another.
STIMULATION OF GROWTH HORMONE SECRETION IN MONKEYS BY ADRENALIN, PITRESSIN AND ADENOSINE-3′5′-CYCLIC MONOPHOSPHORIC ACID (3′5′-AMP)
Authors: Gagliardino J. J. , Martin J. M.
Published: December 2008

Serum growth hormone (GH) levels were measured by immunoassay in anaesthetized, non-fasted female Rhesus monkeys. Adrenalin and Pitressin® administration significantly stimulated growth hormone secretion. I. v. injection of adenosine-3′5′-cyclic monophosphoric acid (3′5′-AMP) mimicked the stimulatory action of both adrenalin and Pitressin. The stimulation of GH secretion by 3′5′-AMP was blocked by dihydroergotamine. These results suggest that the effect of either adrenalin or Pitressin or both on GH secretion is mediated by the adenyl-cyclase – cyclic AMP system. The additional observation that Pitressin depresses at the same time the release of insulin may indicate that the adenyl-cyclase – cyclic AMP system acts as a common intermediate in the growth hormone-insulin balance.
VERGLEICHENDE UNTERSUCHUNGEN ÜBER DIE AUFNAHME UND DEN STOFFWECHSEL VON [4-14C]17β-ÖSTRADIOL BEIM SPONTANEN MAMMACARCINOM DER MAUS UND IN VERSCHIEDENEN GEWEBEN DER RATTE
Authors: Sodomann C. P. , Breuer H.
Published: December 2008

[4-14C] 17β-Oestradiol was incubated with slices of spontaneous mammary carcinoma (Ca.) of the mouse as well as with slices of spontaneous fibroadenoma (Ad.), hyperplastic mammary tissue (Ma.), fat tissue (Fa.), skeletal muscle (Mu.) and liver (Li.) of the rat. After incubation, the tissue slices and the media were worked up separately. In all experiments, [4-14C] oestrone and a radioactive »polar« fraction were detected as metabolites of [4-14C]17β-oestradiol.

Ca. of the mouse differ from Ad. and Ma. of the rat by a higher conversion rate of [4-14C] 17β-oestradiol to its metabolites and a higher rate of formation of the radioactive »polar« fraction. The formation of [4-14C] oestrone varied considerably in Ca. of the mouse and was similar to that found in Ad. and Ma. of the rat.

As was to be expected, the rate of conversion of [4-14C] 17β-oestradiol to its metabolites was much higher in Li. than in normal and in neoplastic mammary tissue; however, the conversion rates in Fa. and Mu. were similar to those in the various mammary tissues. With exception of Li., the formation of [4-14C] oestrone was about the same in all tissues investigated. The total amount of the »polar« fraction (sum of radioactivity in the tissue and in the incubation medium) was significantly higher in the Ca. of the mouse and the Li. of the rat than in all other tissues investigated.

The uptake ratios (amount of steroid in tissue/g × ml incubation medium/amount of steroid in the medium) for [4-14C] 17β-oestradiol and its metabolites were more than 1 in all tissues studied. The average of the uptake ratios for [4-14C] 17β-oestradiol, [4-14C] oestrone and the radioactive »polar« fraction showed the same order of magnitude for the Ca. of the mouse and for the Mu. and Li. of the rat. However, this value was always lower than that for Ma. and Fa. of the rat and always higher than that for the Ad. of the rat.
LONG ACTING THYROID STIMULATOR (LATS) AND IODO-AMINO ACIDS IN LOCALIZED PRETIBIAL MYXOEDEMA
Authors: Samuelsson Sven-Mårten , Werner Ivar
Published: December 2008

Three patients with so-called localized pretibial myxoedema were studied. The serum titre of LATS activity and the contents of iodo-amino acids were determined. One patient who simultaneously developed a diffuse toxic goitre and pretibial myxoedema showed a high titre of LATS. The second patient who developed pretibial myxoedema showed no LATS activity. This patient probably had a recurrence of Graves' disease in a nodular goitre. The third patient who developed pretibial myxoedema a few years after thyroidectomy for diffuse toxic goitre possibly had a low titre of LATS. The serum contents of iodo-amino acids were increased in cases 1 and 2. The analysis was unsuccessful in case 3.

The significance of the findings is briefly discussed. It is concluded that the development of pretibial myxoedema is not correlated with the occurrence of LATS.
EFFECT OF ERGOCORNINE METHANESULPHONATE ON THE LUTEOTROPHIC ACTIVITY OF THE ECTOPIC MOUSE TROPHOBLAST
Authors: Zeilmaker G. H.
Published: December 2008

Virgin mice received 2 blastocysts under the kidney capsule. Following an oestrous cycle which occurred 1–4 days after the operation, nearly all the animals became pseudopregnant.

It was found that pseudopregnancy induced by ectopic trophoblast could not be terminated by ergocornine administration. In contrast, this drug was effective in interrupting pseudopregnancy induced by sterile mating. The results confirm previous findings a) that placental luteotrophic hormone starts acting soon after blastocyst implantation and b) that ergocornine exerts no direct effect on the ovary.
DISSOCIATION OF STIMULATORY EFFECTS OF CORTICOTROPHIN ON ADRENAL CORTICOSTERONE AND PROTEIN SYNTHESIS FOLLOWING HYPOPHYSECTOMY
Authors: Scriba P. C. , Kluge F.
Published: December 2008

At various intervals after hypophysectomy some dissociation of stimulation by corticotrophin (ACTH) treatment of the activity of a factor in adrenal homogenates, previously shown to be rate limiting for in vitro 14C-glycine incorporation into adrenal proteins, from stimulation by ACTH of the in vivo secretion of corticosterone, was found.
MICROCHEMICAL ASSAYS OF GLUCOSE AND GLUCOSE-6-PHOSPHATE IN MAMMALIAN PANCREATIC β-CELLS
Authors: Idahl Lars-Ake , Hellman Bo
Published: December 2008

The combination of enzymatic cycling and fluorometry was used for measuring glucose and glucose-6-phosphate in pancreatic β-cells from obese-hyperglycaemic mice. The glucose level of the β-cells corresponded to that of serum over a wide concentration range. In the exocrine pancreas, on the other hand, a significant barrier to glucose diffusion across the cell membranes was demonstrated. During 5 min of ischaemia, the glucose level remained practically unchanged in the β-cells while it increased in the liver and decreased in the brain. The observation that the pancreatic β-cells are characterized by a relatively low ratio of glucose-6-phosphate to glucose may be attributed to the presence of a specific glucose-6-phosphatase.
ACUTE ENZYME HISTOCHEMICAL CHANGES IN THE ZONA GLOMERULOSA OF THE RAT ADRENAL CORTEX
Authors: Elema J. D. , Hardonk M. J. , Koudstaal Joh, , Arends A.
Published: December 2008

Acute changes in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and isocitrate dehydrogenase activity in the zona glomerulosa of the rat adrenal cortex were induced by peritoneal dialysis with 5 % glucose. Although less clear, the activity of 3β-ol-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase also seemed to increase as well. No changes were seen in the activity of succinate dehydrogenase. Dialysis with 0.9 % NaCl had no effect on any of the enzymes investigated. The possible significance of these observations is discussed.
POST HEPARIN PLASMA LIPOPROTEIN LIPASE ACTIVITY IN THYROID DISEASE
Authors: Kirkeby Knut , Bjerkedal Inger
Published: December 2008

Plasma post heparin lipoprotein lipase activity (LLA) has been studied in patients with hyper- and hypothyroidism and in rabbits made thyrotoxic with thyroxine.

The hypothyroid patients had high triglyceride and low LLA values as compared with a control group of healthy subjects. Statistically highly significant negative correlation was found between the triglycerides in fasting patients and the post heparin LLA, indicating a causal relationship, possibly with disturbance of chylomicron degradation due to low LLA in the arterial wall.

However, relatively low LLA values were also demonstrated in hyperthyroid patients as well as in rabbits following treatment with thyroxine for 3 weeks.

A stimulating effect of the thyroid hormones on the synthesis and degradation of lipoprotein lipase may be a possible explanation for these apparently contradictory findings.
ZUR HISTOTOPOGRAPHIE DES JODSTOFFWECHSELS IN ENDEMISCHEN STRUMEN UND IN GESUNDEN SCHILDDRÜSEN
Authors: Riccabona G. , Hess P. , Huber P.
Published: December 2008

55 patients from endemic goiter areas in western Austria were studied. 47 of them were goitrous, 8 had normal thyroids and served as controls. After the thyroidal iodine kinetics were followed with 125I, thyroid tissue was obtained by excision and examined with chemical methods and autoradiography. The results give further evidence for the existence of 2 thyroidal iodine pools in goiters, while no similar conclusion could be made in the controls. The distribution of radioactivity in goiters was very unhomogenous. Our findings allowed a classification of euthyroid goiters in cases with low thyroidal iodine concentration (44 ± 11.7 μgI/g) and in iodine rich glands (156 ± 40.0 μgI/g). Both groups showed a rapid iodine turnover, normal uptake and a microfollicular structure on sections. In goiters with a high iodine concentration only a few follicles were active, the MIT/DIT-ratio was below 1. Low iodine goiters had more labelled follicles, a high MIT/DIT-ratio and there was an unexpected positive correlation between daily urinary I-excretion and radio-iodine – uptake values, which is explained by the assumption that the iodine metabolism of these patients was not in equilibrium.

The lack of epithelial activity in major parts of goitrous thyroids is understood as a severe disturbance in the adaptation to a proven iodine deficiency and is partly made responsible for the development of a moderate thyroid enlargement in endemic goiter zones into large goiters with tracheal and vascular obstruction. This partial inactivity of goitrous parenchyma is suggestive of regressive changes on the molecular level in endemic goiters.
THE VENTRAL PROSTATE WEIGHT METHOD IN HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED RATS FOR LUTEINIZING HORMONE
Authors: Christiansen Peter
Published: December 2008

The influence of ovine follicle stimulating hormone (NIH-FSH-S-3) on ovine luteinizing hormone (NIH-LH-S-8) in the Ventral Prostate Weight method (VPW) was studied. Adding of NIH-FSH-S-3 to NIH-LH-S-8 at ratios of 1:1, 4:1 and 10:1 gave no significantly higher responses than did NIH-LH-S-8 alone.

Urinary extracts from 2 women, hypophysectomized for metastasizing mammary carcinoma and from 3 children between 2 and 5 years old (1 boy, 2 girls) gave no positive response with the doses employed (1/4 of a 24 hours urine sample total per rat). It is concluded that the Ventral Prostate Weight method in hypophysectomized rats is specific for the assay of luteinizing hormone.
HORMONAL INFLUENCE ON FIBRINOLYTIC ACTIVITY OF UTERUS AND VAGINA IN THE JUVENILE RAT
Authors: Tympanidis Konstantinos , Astrup Tage
Published: December 2008

The influence of oestrogen, gestagen and gonadotrophins on the fibrinolytic activity of the juvenile rat uterus and vagina was studied histochemically using the fibrin slide technique. Tissue specimens were obtained from animals killed 48 hours after termination of hormone treatment. Oestradiol enhanced tissue fibrinolysis and produced areas of intense lysis along the endometrial surface epithelium and the vaginal mucosa. Progesterone had no enhancing effect on tissue fibrinolysis. Chorionic gonadotrophin and serum gonadotrophin had little or no enhancing effect on fibrinolysis in the uterus, though there was tremendous hypertrophy. In the vagina the increased cellular proliferation and desquamation was followed by an increase in fibrinolytic activity of the mucosa. In all specimens fibrinolysis was caused by an activator of plasminogen.
OESTROGEN BINDING SITES IN THE CHICKEN OVIDUCT SIMILAR TO THOSE OF THE MOUSE UTERUS
Authors: Terenius Lars
Published: December 2008

Surviving oviducts and slices of the gizzard of 7–10 day old chickens were incubated at 37° C in a saline medium which contained tritium-labelled 17β-oestradiol. The oviducts took up more 17β-oestradiol than the slices of the gizzard. After washing the oviducts retained 10–20 times more 17β-oestradiol than the gizzard on a wet weight basis. The preferential uptake of 17β-oestradiol in the oviduct was reduced by dilution with unlabelled 17β-oestradiol and by several non-steroidal oestrogens. The optical isomers of the free phenol corresponding to Fenocyclin® and the stereoisomers of hexoestrol produced a quantitatively different inhibition of the uptake of 17β-oestradiol in the oviduct: the more oviductotrophic the isomer, the more potent was the inhibition of the uptake. Progesterone or testosterone did not inhibit the uptake in the oviduct. No hormone tested affected the residual concentration of 17β-oestradiol in the gizzard. A sulphydryl inhibitor, N-ethylmaleimide, inhibited the uptake and retention of 17β-oestradiol in the oviduct but not in the gizzard.

These findings show that in vitro the oviduct takes up oestrogens in a very specific way. This was previously found to be the case with the mammalian uterus. A comparison between the present data on the chicken oviduct with those of the mammalian uterus reveals many similarities.