bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CONTRACEPTION BY AN INJECTABLE LONG-ACTING OESTROGEN-PROGESTOGEN AGENT. III
Authors: Plesner Rolf
Published: December 2008

Twenty-two fertile women were treated cyclically in from 4–30 cycles (mean 15.5) with a total of 341 injections of Deladroxate®, an injectable, long-acting oestrogen-progestogen. The injections were administered on the 8th (7th–9th) day of each cycle. Before treatment, the last pre-treatment cycle was controlled by means of daily recordings of the basal body temperature (BBT), urinary excretion of pregnanediol and total pituitary gonadotrophins at certain intervals, and by endometrial biopsies obtained late in the cycle. The effects of Deladroxate® on ovulation, on pituitary gonadotrophic function, and on the endometrium were controlled by the above mentioned parameters during cycles 1, 3, and 6, and all assessments were repeated after discontinuation of treatment.

During treatment, there was a statistically significant fall in gonadotrophin excretion values (as compared with the pre-treatment values), and the fall was found to be gradually progressive during treatment. After discontinuation of treatment, there seemed to be a tendency towards an increase in the excretion values. Suppression of ovulation as determined by means of the pregnanediol excretion during treatment, was effective in nearly all of the treatment cycles checked. The fall in pregnanediol excretion was also gradually progressive during treatment, while there was a slight increase in excretion values in the post-treatment period. During treatment, 79 BBT curves were recorded. Nearly 50 % were monophasic, indicating anovulatory cycles, 17 curves were biphasic, but with the rise in temperature occurring at non-characteristic times in the cycles, 18 curves were classified as thermogenic because of a rise in temperature occurring within 24 hours after the injection, and 5 curves were not assessable.

During the first month after discontinuation of treatment, 8 out of 10 recorded curves were monophasic. Out of 53 endometrial biopsies obtained around the 23rd day of the cycle, 31 were of the mixed phase type, but showing a predominance of proliferative patterns, 15 were of the secretory type, and 7 were purely proliferative. Out of 15 biopsies obtained in the post-treatment period, only two were of the mixed phase type, 12 were proliferative and one was purely secretory.
MAST CELLS AND EOSINOPHIL GRANULOCYTES IN THE OESTROGEN-STIMULATED MOUSE UTERUS
Authors: Bergman F. , Damber M. G. , Lindén U. , Paul K. G.
Published: December 2008

The numbers of mast cells and of eosinophil granulocytes in the mouse uterus have been counted under various conditions.

The mast cells increased in number during pregnancy and the elevated level persisted for at least three months. They also increased, though less, during the aging of the virgin animal.

In unilateral pregnancy, mast cells of the non-pregnant side increased in number as compared to a virgin uterus.

In four-parous, spayed mice 17β-oestradiol brought about no change in the number of granulated or degranulated mast cells. Eosinophil granulocytes began to increase in number only when the uterus had become fully oedematous.

It is concluded that the eosinophilotaxy of the uterus is brought about by the oestrogen although not via a degranulation of the uterine mast cells.
BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF A NEW ACETALIC ETHER OF OESTRADIOL: 17β-(1′,4′-DIOXAN-2′-YLOXY)-OESTRA-1,3,5(10)-TRIEN-3-OL (17-DIOXANYLOESTRADIOL)
Authors: Agresta G. , Gandolfi C. , Guidobono F. , Mandelli V. , Montesanti L. , Pecile A.
Published: December 2008

A compound representative of a new series of oestradiol ether derivatives (dioxanylethers and oxathianylethers) corresponding to 17β-(1′,4′-dioxan-2′-yloxy)-oestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-3-ol (DE) was studied in various biological tests for the evaluation of its oestrogenic and antifertility activities. Ethinyloestradiol (EE) was used as reference standard. The potency ratio between DE and EE in the uterotrophic response was 0.170 in the rat and 0.0195 in the mouse showing a clearcut decrease in oestrogenic activity which was also confirmed by the findings of vaginal cornification (ED50 for EE 0.32 and for DE 9.4) and dehydrogenase activity of the vaginal epithelium in the mouse (DE/EE 0.014).

A complete antifertility effect was obtained in the rats with DE in a dose of 10 μg daily though this was still not definite with EE in a dose of 30 μg. In tests on the gonadotrophin inhibiting activity the DE/EE ratio was 0.500 in parabiotic couples, 0.695 in the test on the inhibition of the weight increase of the testes in immature rats and 2.1007 in the test on the prevention of compensatory ovarian hypertrophy.

While the significant dissociation between the oestrogenic and antifertility action of DE appears of particular interest, its marked antifertility effect seems to be due to mechanism(s) other than gonadotrophin blockade.
STEROID BIOSYNTHESIS IN VITRO BY GONADAL TISSUES IN TRUE HERMAPHRODITISM
Authors: Mizutani Shutaro , Sonoda Takao , Furuyama Jun-ichi , Takemura Michio , Matsumoto Keishi
Published: December 2008

Gonadal tissues from a patient with true hermaphroditism were homogenized and incubated both separately and in combination with [4-14C] progesterone and [7α-3H] pregnenolone as substrates.

The following metabolites were isolated and identified in the testicular portion from progesterone: 17-hydroxyprogesterone, 16α-hydroxyprogesterone, 20α-hydroxy-pregn-4-en-3-one, androst-4-ene-3,17-dione and testosterone. In addition, 17-hydroxypregnenolone, dehydroepiandrosterone and androst-5-ene-3β,17β-diol were isolated from pregnenolone as substrate. Incubation of the ovarian portion with progesterone gave 17-hydroxyprogesterone and 16α-hydroxyprogesterone. In addition, 17-hydroxypregnenolone and small amounts of dehydroepiandrosterone were isolated from pregnenolone. In these respects, the testicular portion resembled testicular tissue and the ovarian portion resembled the ovarian tissue of normal adults.

Analysis of the products obtained suggest that this testicular tissue preferentially uses the Δ5-pregnenolone pathway rather than the Δ4-pro-gesterone pathway in its metabolic conversion to testosterone.
OESTROGEN BIOSYNTHESIS BY THE RAT OVARY IN EARLY PREGNANCY
Authors: Zmigrod A. , Lindner H. R.
Published: December 2008

Ovarian homogenates or microsomes from pregnant rats were capable of aromatizing C19-steroids (testosterone or androstenedione) in the presence of NADPH to form oestrone and 17β-oestradiol; the microsomal preparation was also capable of forming these oestrogens from progesterone. The rate of oestrogen formation from either type of substrate increased during the first week of pregnancy. Aromatizing activity reached a plateau by about the fifth to sixth day after mating, at a level similar to that found in the ovaries of pro-oestrous rats. Side-chain cleaving activity continued to rise until the seventh day of pregnancy, yet remained far below that in pro-oestrous animals. Hence side-chain cleavage, rather than aromatizing activity, must limit oestrogen formation during early pregnancy. Isolated corpora lutea of pregnancy and the remainder of the ovary, consisting of involuting corpora lutea, small follicles and interstitial tissue, contributed about equally to ovarian oestrogen production from progesterone under the in vitro conditions.

Neither aromatizing nor side-chain splitting activity showed a distinct peak on the fourth day of pregnancy, the time of the putative prenidatory oestrogen surge.
REDUCTIVE PATHWAYS OF PROGESTERONE METABOLISM IN THE RAT OVARY
Authors: Zmigrod A. , Lindner H. R. , Lamprecht S. A.
Published: December 2008

Progesterone underwent extensive reductive metabolism when incubated with a microsomal preparation from rat ovaries in the presence of NADPH. The major products formed were 3β-hydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one, 5α-pregnane-3,20-dione and 5α-pregnane-3β,20α-diol.

Newly formed corpora lutea of pregnancy were almost devoid of any microsomal A-ring reducing activity (5α-reductase and a 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase) and of soluble 20α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. The behaviour of the A-ring reducing enzymes paralleled that of 20α-ol dehydrogenase in that their activity (i) was high during the oestrous cycle; (ii) declined between the third and seventh day of pregnancy; and (iii) increased sharply in corpora lutea of pregnancy when ergocornine – a drug blocking pituitary prolactin secretion – was given to the rats, yet remained low when prolactin and ergocornine were administered concurrently. However, the A-ring reducing activity did not show the sharp pre-partum rise exhibited by 20α-ol dehydrogenase, thus deviating from a pattern compatible with a co-ordinate control of the three enzymes involved in the metabolic inactivation of progesterone.

Contrary to a report in the literature, 5α-pregnane-3,20-dione (20 mg/rat/day) was found to be ineffective when tested for pregnancy or deciduoma supporting activity in ovariectomized rats. The microsomal reductases, if indeed operative in vivo, may restrict the availability of progesterone as an oestrogen precursor.
ASPECTS OF CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM IN NEWBORN INFANTS OF DIABETIC MOTHERS. I
Authors: Mølsted-Pedersen Lars
Published: December 2008

Glucose tolerance, in terms of the K value (disappearance rate of glucose) during intravenous glucose tolerance tests, was determined in 50 infants of diabetic and 60 infants of non-diabetic mothers 1–6 hours after birth. Newborn infants of insulin-treated diabetic women had a mean K value of 2.18, infants of non-insulin-treated diabetics 1.20, and infants of non-diabetic mothers 0.99. The mean K value in infants of insulin-treated diabetic mothers was significantly higher than in the other two groups. In infants of non-insulin-treated diabetic mothers the mean K value tends to be higher than in the normal group, but the difference was not significant.

In infants of insulin-treated diabetic mothers there was a negative correlation between the K value and fasting plasma level of glucose 3 hours after birth.

Linear regression analysis of the birth weight against the K value showed a positive correlation between these quantities in the infants of normal and of non-insulin-treated diabetic mothers. In the infants of insulin-treated diabetic mothers the significant positive correlation between K value and birth weight was less marked.

The positive correlation between K value and birth weight might indicate that a growth impulse acts through the foetal glucose-insulin system. This growth impulse, present in all infants, might be caused by the maternal blood sugar level during pregnancy.
A METHOD FOR QUANTITATIVE DETERMINATION OF INSULIN ANTIBODIES IN HUMAN PLASMA
Authors: Andersen O. Ortved , Brunfeldt K. , Abildgård F.
Published: December 2008

A method is described for quantitative determination of the insulin binding capacity of human plasma.

In this method the insulin binding capacity of non-iodinated insulin is determined. The determination is not influenced by free or antibody bound plasma insulin in the concentrations usually found.

It is shown that under the condition used, equilibrium between free and antibody bound insulin is first attained after one week. It is also shown that repeated freezing and thawing of plasma results in a reduction of the insulin binding capacity.

Lower detection limit for antibody determination estimated as upper 95 % control limit for pig and ox insulin was found to be 32 and 25 μunits/ml, respectively.
INHIBITION OF LIPOLYTIC ACTIVITY OF HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE WITH SHEEP PROLACTIN DERIVATIVE (ANAPROLACTIN)
Authors: Kovaleva I. G. , Ryshka F. Y. , Dilman V. M.
Published: December 2008

An acute experiment involving the suppressing of the lipolytic activity of human growth hormone (HGH) with sheep acetyl prolactin has been carried out. The experiment is based on the similarity of the physicochemical properties of native sheep prolactin and human somatotrophin. The derivative obtained inhibits the lipolytic activity of HGH to the same extent as acetylated and iodinated human somatotrophin. Similarly modified albumin and casein appear to produce no inhibitory effect, thus revealing the specific character of the anti-hormonal effect of hormone derivatives obtained. There is good reason for believing that acetylated sheep prolactin (anaprolactin) is a competing anahormone. The data on three types of anahormones are discussed.
THE EFFECT OF OVARIECTOMY ON THE ACTIVITY OF CERTAIN ENZYMES IN THE FEMALE RAT HYPOTHALAMUS
Authors: Griffiths E. C. , Hooper K. C.
Published: December 2008

Previous work in the rabbit has shown that the activity of certain peptidases in the hypothalamus which inactivate oxytocin, changes with stimuli known to release gonadotrophins, and may be used as an index of gonadotrophin hormone release (Hooper 1966a,b, 1968; Frith & Hooper 1971a,b). Using this approach, a study was made of the activities of similar peptidases in the rat hypothalamus following ovariectomy, a condition known to cause gonadotrophin release. Enzyme activity in the supernatant fraction was found to decrease progressively with time after ovariectomy, until 42 days after operation, thereafter maintaining a level not significantly different from that at 42 days; there was no detectable difference in particulate enzyme activity after ovariectomy. An inverse relationship between supernatant enzyme activity and luteinizing hormone levels is suggested. It is concluded that a similar relationship to that in the rabbit exists between enzyme activity in the rat hypothalamus and the release of luteinizing hormone-releasing factor from the tissue.
SALT AND WATER METABOLISM AND NEUROHYPOPHYSEAL VASOPRESSOR ACTIVITY IN MICE WITH HEREDITARY NEPHROGENIC DIABETES INSIPIDUS
Authors: Naik D. V.
Published: December 2008

Three genotypes of mice, VII Os/+, DI +/+ and DI Os/+, with nephrogenic (vasopressin resistant) diabetes insipidus (DI) are compared to a normal VII +/+ strain with respect to water intake, urine output, urine osmolality, urine sodium and potassium, and the extractable vasopressor (ADH) activity from the neurohypophysis. From the results obtained, it is confirmed that the severely diabetic DI Os/+ mice produce large volumes of dilute, hypotonic urine and have a 2½ fold vasopressor increase as compared to normal VII +/+ mice, whereas, the mildly diabetic VII Os/+ and DI +/+ stand in between the DI Os/+ and VII +/+ with intermediate volumes of hypertonic urine and a vasopressor increase of 1⅓ and 1½ fold respectively. Further, a parallelism between the severity of diabetes insipidus and increased vasopressor activity is demonstrated in this study.

The total excretion of sodium in the urine of VII Os/+ and DI Os/+ is higher than that of the VII +/+ and DI +/+ mice. This natriuresis is associated with Os gene and furthermore, its possible hypothalamic involvement is discussed. The increase of ADH in these hereditary nephrogenic diabetes insipidus mice is a new syndrome and the possible role of other factors involved is discussed.
ULTRASTRUKTURELLE VERÄNDERUNGEN DER ZELLMEMBRAN, BASALMEMBRAN UND KAPILLARE BEI VERSCHIEDENEN FUNKTIONSZUSTÄNDEN DER MENSCHLICHEN SCHILDDRÜSE
Authors: Matthaes Peter
Published: December 2008

Apical and basal membranes of activated cells show definite increase in membrane potential. Microvilli are frequently encountered, pseudopodia representing macropinocytosis infrequently.

The lateral cell border shows definite morphological criteria of intercellular metabolic exchange. Small ducts lined by microvilli are described and discussed as to their relation to lymphatics.

The formation and desintegration of the basal membrane is determined by hormonal (TSH) stimulation and the state of activity of the cell.

Intraepithelial capillaries occurring in the human thyroid are described. Polar differentiation analogous to other organs can be demonstrated here as well.
IODOAMINO ACID DISTRIBUTION IN THE THYROID OF RATS ON DIFFERENT IODINE INTAKES AND WITH NORMAL PLASMA PROTEIN BOUND IODINE
Authors: Lamas Luis , Morreale Gabriella , Escobar de
Published: December 2008

Groups of rats were fed a low iodine diet, or the same diet supplemented with known amounts of iodine. About 2–3 weeks later radioiodine (*I) was injected and the rats were killed on the next day or at different daily intervals after »blocking« with KClO4 and withdrawal of I supplements. Most of the animals had normal thyroid weights and plasma PBI. A few groups of rats were in a mildly iodine deficient state. The patterns of *I and 127I distribution among thyroidal iodine containing compounds was determined. It was found that these patterns were not the same in all thyroids with normal weights. Thus the pattern changed slightly but gradually concomitantly with the iodine intake and/or the thyroidal iodine content: The M*IT/D*IT2)3), MIT/DIT and T3*/T4* ratios decreased as the iodine intake and/or thyroidal iodine content increased. A decrease in the thyroidal I stores after pre-labelling of the thyroidal I-containing compounds also resulted in the same changes in the *I distribution pattern. Normal thyroids containing the same amount of iodine have similar iodoamino acid composition. The present data show that the iodoamino acid composition of the normal thyroid is affected by the availability of iodine, though to a lesser degree than that of I-deficient glands.
EFFECT OF CALCITONIN ON THE REGENERATION OF A CIRCUMSCRIBED BONE DEFECT (BORED HOLE IN THE RAT TIBIA)
Authors: Ziegler R. , Delling G.
Published: December 2008

In 20 intact and 20 parathyroidectomized female Sprague-Dawley rats, holes with a diameter of 1.8 mm were bored into the proximal third of the tibia. Half the animals served as controls and received the vehicle, the remainder received daily subcutaneous injections of 100 MRCmU calcitonin in 5 % gelatin. Tetracycline labelling was performed weekly. 5 animals from each group were sacrificed after 3 weeks, the other 5 after 6 weeks. Nondecalcified ground sections through the center of the holes were evaluated with an integration ocular; the surface of the newly formed bone was compared with the original size of the defect. The course of the regeneration for the control animals was in agreement with previous data in the literature. Calcitonin treatment produced a distinct acceleration of the healing process. Presumably, the hormone does not only act via inhibition of bone resorption, but also by stimulating the activity of osteoblasts and by increasing the mineralization of the osteoid seams.
EFFECTS OF PARTIAL HYPOTHALAMIC DEAFFERENTATIONS ON ADRENOCORTICAL RESPONSES
Authors: Feldman S. , Conforti N. , Chowers I.
Published: December 2008

The effects of ether stress and photic and acoustic stimulation on adrenocortical responses were studied in normal rats and in three groups of animals with partial hypothalamic anterior, anterolateral and posterolateral deafferentations, respectively. Animals with anterior deafferentation only, show the same responses as the intact rats, while in the two other groups the response to ether was normal, but that to photic and acoustic stimulation was significantly inhibited. These data would indicate that the transmission of impulses in the medial forebrain bundle and possibly posterior sensory inputs to the hypothalamus play an important role in the adrenocortical responses following neurogenic stimulation.
RADIOIMMUNOASSAY OF OESTRONE AND OESTRADIOL IN HUMAN PLASMA
Authors: Emment Yvonne , Collins William P. , Sommerville Ian F.
Published: December 2008

A simple method for the determination of oestrone and oestradiol in human plasma is described and evaluated in terms of theoretical and practical errors. The oestrogens are separated on columns of Sephadex LH 20 and, after equilibration with antiserum, the unbound steroid is removed with dextran-coated charcoal. The mean total random theoretical error is calculated to be 22 %; the coefficients of variation of replicate analyses on pooled female plasma were from 13–18 % for both steroids; in male plasma the values were 17 % for oestradiol and 27 % for oestrone. The concentrations of oestradiol, expressed in pg/ml ± sd) in samples collected from healthy women during the menstrual cycle were 69 ± 56 (days 1–10); 126 ± 66 (days 11–20) and 99 ± 54 (days 21–30). Corresponding values for oestrone were 119 ± 46, 156 ± 41 and 156 ± 27.
MATURATION OF THE FOETAL AND NEONATAL PROSTATE IN CASES WITH LOW MATERNAL OESTRIOL LEVELS
Authors: Zondek Lilly H. , Zondek Theodor
Published: December 2008

The prostates of 8 foetuses and neonates with a maternal history of low oestriol levels have been examined and the findings have been compared with those of 34 controls. The appearances of maturation in the prostate, i. e. squamous metaplasia, proliferation of tubule epithelium and secretion did not differ significantly from those in the controls. This was in contrast to our previous observations in the prostates of 8 anencephalic monsters where the maternal oestriol is usually also at a low level. These cases showed a considerable or even excessive degree of squamous metaplasia, as well as diminished proliferation of tubule epithelium and diminished or even absent secretion in all but one case. The significance of these findings has been discussed.
EFFECT OF CONSTANT LIGHT AND ANDROGEN-STERILIZATION ON THE AMINE TURNOVER OF THE TUBERO-INFUNDIBULAR DOPAMINE NEURONS: BLOCKADE OF CYCLIC ACTIVITY AND INDUCTION OF A PERSISTENT HIGH DOPAMINE TURNOVER IN THE MEDIAN EMINENCE
Authors: Fuxe K. , Hökfelt T. , Nilsson O.
Published: December 2008

The dopamine (DA) turnover in the median eminence and in the neostriatum in the rat has been studied during the normal ovarian cycle, in rats exposed to constant light and in androgen-sterilized rats treated with the tyrosine hydroxylase inhibitor α-methyl-tyrosine-methylester. The rate of depletion of DA provides an estimation of the turnover and this can be evaluated semi-quantitatively by means of the highly sensitive and specific histochemical fluorescence method of Falck and Hillarp for the demonstration of catecholamines (CA).

The results reveal cyclic turnover changes in the tubero-infundibular DA neurons during the ovarian cycle but not in the neostriatal DA neurons. The turnover is decreased during pro-oestrus and early oestrus. In the persistent oestrous rats, whether induced by constant light or by neonatal steroid treatment, no cyclic changes in DA turnover in the median eminence occurred. The turnover remained at a constant high level in these rats, similar to that found in dioestrus of normal cycling rats. The high oestrogen secretion in persistent oestrous rats was probably responsible for the high DA turnover, since in these rats castration caused a marked reduction in the DA turnover. Testosterone and oestrogen caused a dosedependent increase in DA turnover in the median eminence in androgensterilized castrated rats. The DA neurons of the androgen-sterilized castrated rats were found to be somewhat less sensitive to treatment with oestrogen than those of normal castrated rats.

The present results support the view that the tubero-infundibular DA neurons participate in the inhibition of the cyclic release of LHRF and FSHRF from the median eminence and that the inhibitory feed-back action of oestrogen and testosterone is partly mediated via an increase in DA turnover and release in the median eminence, resulting in inhibition of LHRF and-FSHRF release.
EFFECTS OF 8-LYSINE-VASOPRESSIN AND SYNTHETIC ANALOGUES ON RELEASE OF ACTH
Authors: Andersson K.-E. , Arner B. , Hedner P. , Mulder J. L.
Published: December 2008

Two synthetic analogues of vasopressin, [N-α-triglycyl-8-lysine]-vasopressin (GVP) and [1-deamino-8-D-arginine]-vasopressin (DDAVP), with a pronounced and long-lasting pressor and antidiuretic action respectively, were given to healthy volunteers in order to investigate whether the ACTH-releasing ability of vasopressin, reflected by plasma cortisol increase, is related to its pressor or to its antidiuretic effect. The effecti'veness of 3 different intravenous doses of [8-lysine]-vasopressin (LVP) in causing release of ACTH was also studied, and the responses compared with that caused by LVP given intramuscularly, the usually recommended route of administration. The lowest dose of LVP used in this study, 1 μg (0.25 IU) intravenously, caused a significant change of plasma cortisol. Doses of GVP with a pressor effect comparable to that of 8 μg of LVP did not affect the plasma cortisol level significantly in spite of obvious pressor effects. Nor did DDAVP in doses which should exert a maximal antidiuretic effect (4 and 16 μg) increase the plasma cortisol level. In 2 out of 10 subjects, 40 μg of LVP (10 IU) given intramuscularly failed to give a rise in plasma cortisol exceeding 5μg/100 ml, which is generally required for regarding the response as normal, and also 16 μg (4 IU) of LVP intravenously failed to produce a response reaching this level in 1 out of 12 subjects.

It is concluded that the ACTH-releasing ability of vasopressin is neither associated with its pressor nor with its antidiuretic action. The finding that normal subjects can have a low response to vasopressin reduces its value for testing the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary – adrenocortical system.
TRANSFORMATION OF CORTICOSTERONE IN THE FOETAL AND PLACENTAL COMPARTMENTS OF THE RAT
Authors: Roy S. , Pasqualini J. R.
Published: December 2008

3H-Corticosterone was administered subcutaneously in vivo and in situ to 32 rat foetuses at 16–18 days of gestation. 30 min after the injection, 11% of the administered dose was localized in the liver tissue, 5% in the lungs, 3% in the intestines and 5% in the placenta. The foetal tissues were separated into different subcellular fractions: I) nucleo-fibrillar, II) mitochondrial-microsomal, and III) cytosol. It was observed that corticosterone was extensively metabolized in all three of these subcellular fractions. The following metabolites were identified in a radiochemically pure form: 11-dehydrocorticosterone, 5α-dihydrocorticosterone, tetrahydrocorticosterone, 5α-tetrahydrocorticosterone. Quantitative evaluation of the corticosterone metabolites showed that the greatest part of these steroids consisted of dihydro- and tetrahydrocorticosterone derivatives, principally with a 5α configuration.

In the liver tissues, 0.5 % of the radioactive material was found in a conjugated form, mainly as ester sulphates. The radioactive material liberated after solvolysis of these conjugates was tentatively identified as corticosterone, 5α-dihydrocorticosterone and 5α-tetrahydrocorticosterone.
CIRCADIAN VARIATIONS IN PLASMA PROGESTERONE IN THE LUTEAL PHASE OF THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE AND DURING PREGNANCY
Authors: Runnebaum B. , Rieben W. , Münstermann A.-M. Bierwirth-v. , Zander J.
Published: December 2008

Serial plasma progesterone determinations were performed by gas-liquid chromatography in healthy women during 24 hour periods during the luteal phase of the cycle and during pregnancy. In 10 women during the hyperthermic phase of the cycle and in 14 women during early pregnancy (week 8–18) no significant circadian variation in the peripheral plasma progesterone concentration was observed. During later pregnancy (week 20–41) in 15 women, a statistically significant rise in the plasma progesterone concentration, usually from 8.00 a.m. until between 4.00 and 8.00 p. m. followed by a decrease after 8.00 p. m. until between 4.00 and 8.00 a. m., was demonstrated. The data indicate a diurnal change in the peripheral plasma progesterone level during the last trimester of pregnancy.
EFFECT OF THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE ON CARBOHYDRATE AND LIPID METABOLISM IN NORMAL FEMALES
Authors: Reinke U. , Ansah B. , Voigt K. D.
Published: December 2008

In continuation of previous investigations on hormonal contraception (Seng et al. 1969) and on gestation and the puerperium (Becker et al. 1971) in 10 female volunteers with no apparent endocrinological disturbances various parameters of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism were determined on days 7–9, at least on three consecutive days during ovulation, and on days 23–25 during the corpus luteum phase of the menstrual cycle. The concentration of glucose, pyruvate and lactate as well as glycerol, glycerid-glycerol, free fatty acids, acetoacetate and β-hydroxybutyrate in the blood were analyzed and the data obtained to basal temperature measurements, total oestrogen excretion values and blood progesterone levels. Only during the luteal phase, i. e. at the highest progesterone levels was a statistically significant increase of free fatty acids found in the blood, accompanied by a distinct but not significant rise in free glycerol. None of the other parameters measured showed any statistically significant correlations to the various phases of the menstrual cycle. The importance of the increase in free fatty acids on the sequence of events observed at the corpus luteum phase under hormonal contraception and during late gestation is discussed.
GESCHLECHTS- UND ALTERSABHÄNGIGE ENTWICKLUNG DER AKTIVITÄTSMUSTER VON ENZYMEN DES STEROIDHORMON-STOFFWECHSELS IN DER RATTENLEBER NACH NEONATALEM EINGRIFF IN DIE SEXUELLE DIFFERENZIERUNG
Authors: Schriefers Herbert , Hoff Hanns-Georg , Ghraf Rüdiger , Ockenfels Heinrich
Published: December 2008

The influence of a single injection of 300 μg oestradiol-benzoate (OeB) or 1.25 mg testosterone-propionate (TP) shortly after birth (day 2 or 4 of life) on the age dependent and sex-specific development of the activity patterns of some liver enzymes involved in steroid metabolism (Δ4-5α-hydrogenase, steroid-hydroxylases, 3α- and 3β-hydroxysteriod-dehydrogenase and 20-keto-reductase) was studied in male and female rats.

Female animals: The single neonatal injection of OeB or TP (day 2 or 4 of life) causes the mature animals to exhibit the typical morphological alterations of ovaries, uterus and adrenals. However, no effect on the sex-specific development of the activity patterns of the above mentioned enzymes could be observed, indicating that this treatment with TP cannot abolish the basic tendency of female livers to develop feminine activity patterns. This must be attributed to the antagonizing action of endogenous oestrogens.

Male animals: A single injection of OeB on day 2 of life produces persistent feminization of enzyme activity patterns in mature animals. The development with age (day 30–180 of life) of the activities of particular enzymes is in every phase nearly or completely identical with that of sexually normal developed females.

When TP is applied on day 2 of life, there is in no instance a complete adjustment of the enzyme activity to a female level, although some tendency to feminization is observed. However, 20-keto-reductase activity remains unchanged at the male level. If OeB is applied on day 4 of life the Δ4-5α-hydrogenase and the steroid-hydroxylases are the only enzymes whose activities show a considerable trend towards feminization.
APPARENT HETEROGENEITY OF SERUM CHORIONIC SOMATOMAMMOTROPHIN ON GEL FILTRATION
Authors: Hambley Judy , Grant D. B.
Published: December 2008

Pregnancy sera, cord sera and placental homogenates were applied to Sephadex G-100 and the human chorionic somatomammotrophin (HCS) concentrations in the eluates were estimated by radioimmunoassay. Two HCS peaks were obtained when maternal serum or placental homogenates were used. The minor component, representing 0.5% – 3.0% of the total HCS recovered, appeared to have a molecular weight of about 45 000 and the major component a molecular weight of 21 500. The two HCS components were found under a variety of conditions and it appears that a small proportion of serum HCS may be in a dimeric form.
EXCRETION OF STEROID HORMONES IN AN ANENCEPHALIC NEWBORN INFANT
Authors: Eneroth Peter , Ferngren Harry , Gustafsson Jan-Åke , Ivemark Björn , Stenberg Åke
Published: December 2008

The steroid hormone excretion in an anencephalic foetus was studied by analysis of steroids in the meconium and urine. The meconium (14.3 g) contained about 2.7 mg of isomers of pregnane-3,20-diol, pregnane-3,16,20-triol and pregnane-3,20,21-triol. 1.7 ml of urine was collected from 24 h after birth of the foetus until death at 52 h of age. The following steroids were identified in the urine after hydrolysis with enzymes of Helix pomatia: 3α,6α-dihydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one; 3β,6α-dihydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one; 16α-hydroxy-5α1 and 5β2-pregnane-3,20-dione; 6α-hydroxy-5β-pregnane-3,20-dione; 3ξ,15ξ-dihydroxy-5ξ-pregnan-20-one; 16β, 20β-dihydroxy-5α-pregnan-3-one and 1ξ,3ξ,16ξ-trihydroxy-5ξ-pregnan-20-one. Qualitatively the differences between these steroid profiles of meconium and urine from the corresponding profiles of normal newborns were mainly the following:

the absence of 3β-hydroxy-Δ5-steroid excretion in the anencephalic foetus;

the presence of 3-oxo-5α(and 5β)-steroids in the urine of the anencephalic foetus.

The results of the present investigation are in agreement with the view that during the neonatal period, 3β-hydroxy-Δ5-steroids are mainly synthesized in the foetal adrenal cortex.
THE ACTION OF AN ORAL HIGH-DOSED OESTROGEN-PROGESTAGEN COMBINATION ON THE HUMAN BREAST
Authors: Erb H. , Kallenberger A.
Published: December 2008

The effect of a high-dosage combined hormonal preparation (5 mg lynestrenol + 0.15 mg mestranol per tablet) on the breast tissue of 12 women aged 22–56 years, who received this preparation during 2–12 menstrual cycles, was investigated. The parameters studied were the histological findings, sex chromatin content, DNA content and karyotypes.

The histological findings showed a preponderance of adenosis in the hormone treated groups and there were significantly fewer cases of cystic disease than in the control group. Neither the incidence of sex chromatin nor the DNA diagrams revealed irregularities indicative of possible precancerous changes. Chromosomal analysis of primary epithelial outgrowth in short term culture was successful in 7 out of 11 explants and yielded exclusively normal karyotypes.

The results support the view that the administration of a combined hormone preparation with a relatively high progestagen content does not induce an increased incidence of fibrocystic disease or fibroadenoma nor does it result in premalignant cytological or cytogenetic alterations.
WEIGHT AND VOLUME CHANGES AND ACID PHOSPHATASE ACTIVITY OF THE CORPUS LUTEUM OF HYPOPHYSECTOMISED AND CAESARIAN SECTIONED PREGNANT RATS
Authors: Waynforth H. B.
Published: December 2008

Rats hypophysectomised on Day 8 of pregnancy showed no growth or involution of the corpus luteum four days later but there was a significant increase in the total and free acid phosphatase activities. Hypophysectomy on Day 12 did not affect the expected changes in luteal weight and acid phosphatase activity but did increase the volume of the corpus luteum on Day 16 compared to intact pregnant rats. Concurrently performed hypophysectomy and Caesarian section caused a greater rate of luteal regression and a greater increase in acid phosphatase activity than did Caesarian section alone. Although involution of the corpus luteum was progressively advanced by 32 days after the initiation of gestation in rats hypophysectomised or hypophysectomised plus Caesarian sectioned on Day 8 and 12 respectively, there was no proportional increase in the acid phosphatase activity. The role of acid phosphatase in the structural regression of the rat corpus luteum is considered to be minimal.
DEVELOPMENT OF OVARIAN AUTOGRAFTS ON THE GREATER OMENTUM IN SPAYED HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED RATS AND IN CASTRATES TREATED WITH METHALLIBURE, GONADOTROPHINS AND OESTRADIOL BENZOATE
Authors: Ber Artur
Published: December 2008

Hypophysectomy was performed at the same time as ovariectomy in 19 rats aged 6 weeks; in addition a fragment of the animal's own ovary was implanted into the greater omentum. The graft took but there was complete cessation of the growth of the implant and a decrease in body and uterine weights as compared to 15 ovariectomized controls of the same age killed after one month. This shows that the pituitary is indispensable for the growth of ovarian implants but not for their take.

In 84 spayed rats aged 3 weeks with ovarian implants, methallibure (6 mg/day in a 0.2% solution of Tween 20) was given by gavage during one month. Some of them were treated with PMSG (20 IU/day), HCG (20 IU/day) or with oestradiol benzoate (0.05 mg/day) only or in combinations. As controls, there were 74 spayed rats with ovarian implants, seven of which received Tween 20, and 67 were untreated. No differences were found between the two control groups.

Methallibure alone caused arrest of the development of the implants and uteri and a decrease in body weight. In the methallibure treated animals HCG stimulated the growth of the implant which was, however, smaller than that in the controls, while PMSG restored the weight of the implant even above that of the control rats. Oestradiol benzoate caused a further diminution in the size of the implants but augmented considerably the influence of HCG on the implants. It had no effect on the weight of the implant in rats treated with PMSG.

It is concluded that FSH is the principal implant growth-promoting factor and that oestrogens appear to act in two directions. They decrease the gonadotrophin output from the pituitary thus inhibiting the growth of the implants, but in the presence of gonadotrophins they act directly on the implants, promoting their development.
EFFECTS OF INCREASING DOSES OF PYROGLUTAMYL-HISTIDYL-PROLINE AMIDE ON SERUM THYROTROPHIN LEVELS IN NORMAL SUBJECTS
Authors: Karlberg Bengt , Almqvist Sven
Published: December 2008

The effects of the administration of normal saline in four normal subjects and the single iv injections of synthetic pyroglutamyl-histidyl-proline amide (TRH) in doses of 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 μg in 12 healthy subjects were evaluated by clinical observations and serial measurements from −10 to + 360 minutes of serum TSH, PBI, STH, cholesterol, glucose and insulin.

Normal saline and TRH 6.25 μg iv did not change the serum TSH level. The minimum iv dose of TRH increasing serum TSH within 10 minutes was 12.5 μg. Nine of 12 subjects gave maximal increases of serum TSH after TRH 100 μg and all after 200 and 400 μg. The time for the peak response varied with the dose from 15 to 60 minutes. The dose-response curves, average and individual, were complex and not linear. This was interpreted as a varying degree of stimulation of both pituitary synthesis and release of TSH by TRH.

PBI changes were measured at 2 h and 6 h. Minimum dose for a significant increase of PBI was 12.5 μg and 6.25 μg of TRH for the respective times.

No change in basal STH-levels occurred in 53 of 65 TRH-stimulation tests. Nine of the 12 changes in serum STH occurred in four subjects with varying basal STH-levels. No changes were found in serum cholesterol, glucose or insulin.

Our results show that 50 μg of TRH can be used as a standard dose for the single iv stimulation of pituitary release of TSH. TRH stimulated both TSH and STH release in 18% of our tests.
DIURNAL VARIATIONS IN THYMIC LYMPHOID CELL DECAY. STUDIES OF INTACT, ADRENALECTOMIZED, AND ADRENALINE-TREATED MICE
Authors: Claesson Mogens Helweg
Published: December 2008

Diurnal variations in thymic lymphoid cell decay have been demonstrated using nigrosin dye exclusion to indicate cell viability. A two maxima curve was obtained during the period of observation (24 hours). Adrenalectomy prevented the variations and decreased the mean decay during the experimental period as compared to intact animals.

Injection of adrenaline into adrenalectomized mice resulted in a sharp increase in cell decay lasting half an hour.
SUPRESSION OF ANDROGEN AND OESTROGEN PRODUCTION IN NORMAL MEN
Authors: Kirschner M. A. , Knorr D. W. R.
Published: December 2008

An attempt was made to suppress production of androgens and oestrogens in normal men by administering large doses of exogenous androgens and corticoids. After 5 days of 40 mg fluoxymesterone qd, plasma testosterone concentrations decreased from 509 to 73 ng/100 ml (85%); on adding 8 mg qd of dexamethasone, there was a further decrease to 45 ng/100 ml. Androstenedione concentrations were decreased equally by fluoxymesterone and corticoids.

To monitor the suppressive effects of exogenous steroids, urinary LH was followed serially by radioimmunoassay, and decreased to only 40% of control levels after 5 days of fluoxymesterone, with no further suppression noted on adding dexamethasone. Nanogram quantities of steroidal metabolites were not adsorbed by kaolin extraction of urine, thus enabling gonadotrophins (kaolin extract) and low-level steroids (supernate) to be measured in the same urine sample.

Urinary oestrone and oestradiol excretion decreased during 5 days of fluoxymesterone, and continued to fall when dexamethasone was added. In no case was oestrone or oestradiol excretion, urinary LH or plasma androgens completely suppressed by large doses of fluoxymesterone alone, or in combination with large doses of dexamethasone.
REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF HAMSTERS WITH POLYACRYLAMIDE IMPLANTS CONTAINING ETHINYLOESTRADIOL
Authors: Davis B. K. , Noske I. , Chang M. C.
Published: December 2008

Mature female hamsters bearing subcutaneous polyacrylamide (PAA) implants, with ethinyloestradiol (EO), for at least 10 days prior to mating revealed:

0.5 and 2.5 mg EO in 7% PAA significantly disturb the timing of oestrus and mating, but have no apparent effect on rate of pregnancy, ovulation and implantation.

2.5 mg EO in 20 and 40% PAA conspicuously reduces the likelihood of pregnancy, although the occurrence of oestrus and mating are affected only slightly. Fertility in these hamsters was virtually restored, judging from pregnancy rates, when they were remated 11 days, or more, following removal of their implants (37 days after implantation), but significantly more foetuses were resorbed in these litters.

From tissue sections of skin and muscle at the implant site, ovary, uterus, pituitary, adrenals and liver, PAA implants, without EO, cause no overt pathological changes in the bearer. Effects characteristic of oestrogen are present when these implants contain EO, and these include a conspicuous thickening of the epidermis and dermis; haemorrhagic lesions were also noted in the maternal placenta of animals with EO implants.

There is an association between reproductive performance and the rate of EO release by an implant. A 7% PAA implant with 2.5 mg EO can release most of it within 2 days, and principally influences events (oestrus and mating) that precede the main target (pregnancy) of a 20% PAA implant, which releases the steroid over the longer interval of 7 days.
FEMALE ENDOCRINE CONTROL MECHANISMS DURING THE NEONATAL PERIOD
Authors: Schulz K.-D. , Haarmann H. , Harland A.
Published: December 2008

The present investigation deals with the oestrogen-sensitivity of the female reproductive system during the neonatal period. Newborn female guinea pigs were used as test animals. At different times after a single subcutaneous injection of a physiological dose of 0.1 μg or an unphysiologically high dose of 10 μg 17β-oestradiol/100 g body weight, the RNA- and protein-synthesis was examined in the hypothalamic region, pituitary, cerebral cortex, liver, adrenal gland, ovary and uterus. With a physiological dose an increase in organ weight, protein content, RNA-and protein-synthesis was found only in the uterus. These alterations turned out to be dose-dependent. In addition to the findings in the uterus an inhibition of the aminoacid incorporation rate occurred in the liver following the injection of the high oestradiol dose. As early as 1 hour after the administration of 0.1 μg 17β-oestradiol an almost 100% increase in uterine protein synthesis was detectable. This result demonstrates a high oestrogen-sensitivity of this organ during the neonatal period. All the other organs of the female reproductive system such as the hypothalamus, pituitary and ovary did not show any oestrogen response. Therefore the functional immaturity of the uterus during post partem life is not the result of a deficient hormone sensitivity but is correlated with the absence of a sufficient hormonal stimulus at this time. The investigation on the effects of actinomycin resulted in different reactions in the uterus and liver. In contrast to the liver a paradoxical actinomycin effect was found in the uterus after treatment with actinomycin alone. This effect is characterized by a small inhibition of RNA-synthesis and a 50% increase in protein synthesis. The treatment of the newborn test animals with actinomycin and 17β-oestradiol together abolished the oestrogen-induced stimulation of the uterine RNA-and protein-synthesis. Consequently, the effect of oestrogens during the neonatal period is also connected with the formation of new proteins via an increased DNA-directed RNA-synthesis.
ENDOCRINE CONTROL OF FREE AMINO ACIDS CONTENT IN UTERINE FLUID IN PREGNANT RABBITS
Authors: Jaszczak S. , Hafez E. S. E.
Published: December 2008

Free amino acid content was measured in the uterine fluid and blood serum in the following groups of rabbits 168 h post copulation: intact; intact progesterone-treated; ovariectomized progesterone-treated; ovariectomized progesterone-oestradiol-treated; and ovariectomized without hormonal treatment. At implantation, concentration of the majority of amino acid in uterine fluid exceeded greatly that of blood serum; the difference in concentration being maximal for glycine, taurine, alanine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, serine and threonine. Glutamine-asparagine and arginine were found in comparable quantities or were even higher in blood serum. Glycine, alanine, taurine, glutamic acid, serine and glutamine-asparagine were found in highest concentration in the uterine fluid. The level of ammonia in uterine fluid was also relatively high. Exogenous progesterone and oestradiol caused significant changes in the concentration of some amino acid. The concentration of glycine, taurine, alanine, serine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, threonine, ½ cystine and histidine seems to be especially hormonally dependent. The results are discussed in relation to hormonal activity of corpora lutea during early pregnancy, physiological significance of free amino acids in uterine fluid and nourishment of an early embryo.
THE ACTION OF PROGESTATIONAL AGENTS ON OXYTOCINASE ACTIVITY IN THE FEMALE RABBIT HYPOTHALAMUS
Authors: Frith Dona A. , Hooper K. C.
Published: December 2008

Female rabbits were injected with progesterone, 20α-hydroxy-pregn-4-en-3-one (20α-OH) and 20β-hydroxy-pregn-4-en-3-one (20β-OH), and the effects of these progestogens on the activity of enzymes in the hypothalamus were noted. 20α-OH produced a significant decrease in enzyme activity whereas 20β-OH did not. It is suggested therefore that 20α-OH is responsible for the depression in enzyme activity which occurs in the female rabbit after coitus (Frith & Hooper 1971a). Progesterone, at different dose levels, produced effects on enzyme activity which can be correlated with the known pattern of gonadotrophic hormone secretion. The results substantiate the hypothesis proposed by the authors that there is a relationship between enzyme levels in the hypothalamus and gonadotrophic hormone secretion.
EFFECTS OF THE PINEAL GLAND IN UNILATERALLY ADRENALECTOMIZED RATS
Authors: Dickson Kenneth L. , Hasty David L.
Published: December 2008

The following experiments were undertaken to determine the effects that the pineal secretory substance might have on compensatory adrenal hypertrophy and corticosterone plasma levels in unilaterally adrenalectomized rats. It was demonstrated that blinded animals and animals administered with a bovine pineal extract exhibited a reduction in the percentage compensatory adrenal hypertrophy, a reduction in the thickness of the zona fasciculata, and a reduction in the plasma corticosterone level. These inhibitory effects were reversed by pinealectomy and ACTH injections, suggesting that the pineal gland, acting as a mediator for environmental lighting, might influence synthesis and/or release of ACTH.