bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFFECT OF TESTOSTERONEPHENYLPROPIONATE AND 19-NORTESTOSTERONEPHENYLPROPIONATE ON THE SEMINAL VESICLES, THE LEVATOR ANI MUSCLE AND THE MAMMARY GLANDS OF CASTRATED MALE RATS
Authors: Ahrén K. , Arvill A. , Hjalmarson Å.
Published: December 2008

The response of the seminal vesicles, the levator ani muscle and the mammary glands to testosteronephenylpropionate (TPP) and 19-nortestosteronephenylpropionate (19-norTPP) was studied in castrated male rats. The development of these structures was compared with that found in male rats with intact testes. The main results were as follows:

1) Daily injections of 0.01 mg of TPP produced slight weight increase in the seminal vesicles and levator ani muscle and stimulated a slight but obvious lobule-alveolar development in the mammary glands. The same dose of 19-norTPP produced only a minimal weight increase in the seminal vesicles but produced an obvious development of the levator ani muscle and the mammary glands.

2) Daily injections of 0.05 mg of TPP caused a marked weight increase in the seminal vesicles and levator ani muscle and produced a marked lobule-alveolar development in the mammary glands. The same dose of 19-norTPP produced only a slight weight increase in the seminal vesicles but brought about a marked development of the levator ani muscle and the mammary glands.

3) Daily injections of 0.5 mg of 19-norTPP caused a marked development of the seminal vesicles comparable to that found in rats with intact testes. The levator ani muscle and the mammary glands after this treatment were, however, much more stimulated than in rats with intact testes.

These results indicate 1) that the ratio between the effects of these compounds on the seminal vesicles and on the Ievator ani muscle depends on the dose-level and 2) that the development of the mammary glands is correlated more to the growth of the Ievator ani muscle than to the development of the seminal vesicles.
CHANGES IN ACID SOLUBLE NUCLEOTIDES IN THE RABBIT VAGINA IN RELATION TO DURATION OF OESTROGEN TREATMENT
Authors: Bengtsson Lars Ph.
Published: December 2008

By means of ion-exchange chromatography acid soluble nucleotides have been determined in the rabbit vagina in different hormonal conditions: i. e. normal mature rabbits, untreated castrated rabbits, and castrated rabbits treated with oestradiol for different periods of time (4–8 hours, 14–24 hours, 38–48 hours, 7–11 days, 18–28 days), as well as castrated rabbits, treated with oestradiol + progesterone.

Castration results in a marked decrease in the NAD, ATP and uridine nucleotide-fractions and inorganic phosphorus but an increase in the AMP-fraction.

As early as 4–8 hours after oestrogen treatment the nucleotides begin to return towards normal. Before 48 hours a normal nucleotide content (related to the amount of nitrogen) is obtained. The maximum oestrogen effect on acid soluble nucleotides is obtained after 7–11 days of oestrogen treatment.

After oestrogen stimulation a marked and early increase is observed of NAD- and uridine nucleotide-fractions, a somewhat smaller increase in ATP- and ADP-fractions and an insignificant increase in AMP-fraction.

The results indicate that castration induces dephosphorylation of ATP whereas oestrogen stimulation induces phosphorylation of AMP to ATP.

The significance of these results is discussed.
PROLONGED VAGINAL OESTRUS AND THE NORMAL OESTROUS CYCLE IN THE RAT
Authors: Van Rees G. P. , Van der Werff ten Bosch J. J. , Wolthuis O. L.
Published: December 2008

Morphological data are reported of 69 rats with prolonged vaginal oestrus following the placement of a basal lesion in the anterior hypothalamus, and of 137 rats with regular cycles which were grouped according to the stage of the vaginal smear cycle (early dioestrus, late dioestrus, pro-oestrus, oestrus). The groups of rats with regular cycles comprised 99 intact rats and 38 rats with hypothalamic lesions.

Pituitary and uterine weights fluctuate during the cycle, with highest values at pro-oestrus and oestrus. In rats with prolonged vaginal oestrus, the weight of the uterus equals that of regularly cycling rats in oestrus, whilst the weight of the pituitary gland markedly exceeds the highest value found during the normal cycle.

Some of the implications of these findings are discussed. Subsequent papers will contain data on pituitary and serum contents of ICSH and FSH in the various groups of control rats and in rats with prolonged vaginal oestrus.
BIOSYNTHESIS OF C19 STEROIDS FROM 4-14C-CHOLESTEROL AND 7-3H-PREGNENOLONE IN VIVO: CONSIDERATION OF NEW PATHWAYS
Authors: Burstein Shlomo , Dorfman Ralph I.
Published: December 2008

3H and 14C specific activities of dehydroepiandrosterone, androsterone, 3α-hydroxy-5β-androstan-17-one and 3α-hydroxy-5α-androst-16-ene (without dilution) have been determined following a single intravenous injection of 4-14C-cholesterol and 7α-3H-pregnenolone to a virilized woman with an adrenal adenoma and massive dehydroepiandrosterone excretion.

Assuming a one compartment model, or a two compartment model in which the injected radioactivity enters the compartment in which the precursor is secreted exclusively, a new pathway by which dehydroepiandrosterone is formed from cholesterol not through pregnenolone and possibly by cleavage of the side chain C-17 and C-20 is indicated.

Analysis of the data by a model in which pregnenolone is secreted into two separate compartments in which progesterone and dehydroepiandrosterone are made, respectively, would explain the findings without necessitating the assumption of a new pathway.

3α-Hydroxy-5α-androst-16-ene was isolated from urine following incubation with β-glucuronidase and partition chromatography on celite suggesting that this steroid is a genuine natural product as surmised by Prelog & Ruzicka (1944) and Brooksbank & Haslewood (1950).

2-14C-Mevalonate was shown to give rise to C19 steroids which is the first in vivo demonstration that mevalonic acid is a precursor of the steroid nucleus in man.
COMPARAISON DU SPECTRE D'ACTIVITÉ DE CERTAINS GESTAGÈNES DE SYNTHÈSE
Authors: Desaulles P. A. , Krähenbühl Ch.
Published: December 2008

The progestational, androgenic, myotrophic, and gonadotrophin-inhibiting activities of C21, C19, and C18 steroids have been correlated:

In the C21 steroid group, progestativomimetic action varies from 0.1 × progesterone (P) in the case of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (HP) to 3 × P in the case of 17α-acetoxyprogesterone (AP); it is particularly high (15 × P) with 6α-methyl-17α-acetoxyprogesterone (MAP). These two acetoxyprogesterones are orally active, their activity being respectively 3 and 50 × that of 17α-ethinyltestosterone (ET). MAP is highly active in maintaining gestation, i. e. 42× P in the rat, and 25 × P in the rabbit. The androgenic effects of these steroids are confined to certain structures only. Only MAP displays marked myotrophic activity. Gonadotrophin-inhibiting activity which is low for P, increases for HP and AP and is greatest in the case of MAP, which in this respect is about 5 × more active than testosterone (T).

In the C19 steroid group, progestativomimetic action, which is weak with T (0.01 × P), is somewhat higher with 17α-methyltestosterone (MT) and even higher with ET (0.3 × P). This progression also holds good for oral activity as well as for maintenance of gestation. The low incidence of side effects with ET is worth noting.

Common to the C18 steroids is their very high oral progestativomimetic activity: 17α-methyl-19-nortestosterone (MNT) = 4 × ET; 17α-ethinyl-19-nortestosterone (ENT) = 3 × ET; 17α-methyl-△5–10-19-nortestosterone = 1.5 × ET; and 17α-allylestren-3-17β-ol (allylestrenol) = no less than 16 × ET. Their gestation-maintaining properties are weak with the exception of MNT (1 × P). All substances of this group, apart from allylestrenol, are more potent inhibitors of gonadotrophic function than testosterone.
URINARY EXCRETION OF ADRENAL HORMONES IN GONADAL DYSGENESIS AND ITS RESPONSE TO CORTICOTROPHIN AND GONADOTROPHIN STIMULATION
Authors: Batrinos M. L. , de Fossey B. Mathieu , Aubert P.
Published: December 2008

The functional capacity of the adrenals was studied in eight adult patients with gonadal dysgenesis, ranging in age from 16–42 years, by measuring the 24-hour urinary excretion of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OHCS) and of 17-ketosteroids (17-KS) with the patient at rest and also by estimating its response to stimulation with corticotrophin and chorionic gonadotrophin.

In six patients the clinical diagnosis of the syndrome was confirmed by laparotomy, when no gonads were found in five patients and a white fibrous band replacing the gonads was found in the other. The remaining two patients of the series both had male sex-chromatin.

The resting excretion of both 17-OHCS and 17-KS was within normal limits in all eight patients.

After corticotrophin stimulation (25 IU infused over 8 hours) an increased 17-OHCS excretion was found in all patients but the increase was less constant for the 17-KS. These results are identical with those expected from normal subjects and were considered to indicate a normal adrenal secretory capacity in the present cases.

Stimulation by chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG test) was performed in four patients using various doses of the hormone, namely 1500 IU for 5 days, 5000 IU for 2 or 5 days, or 10 000 IU for 2 days. Three of these patients had no gonads and the fourth had male sex-chromatin. The HCG test failed to elicit an increased excretion of either 17-OHCS or 17-KS in these patients. This absence of response is regarded as evidence that HCG does not stimulate adrenal tissue to secrete the precursors of these hormones.

The findings of the present study are discussed in the light of previous publications.
OSTEITIS FIBROSA INDUCED BY CALCIPHYLAXIS IN THE ABSENCE OF THE PARATHYROIDS
Authors: Selye Hans , Gentile Giovanni
Published: December 2008

Following a brief description of calciphylaxis, its influence upon the skeleton of the rat is described. After sensitization with dihydrotachysterol (DHT) challenge by subcutaneously administered ferric dextran (Fe-Dex) or egg white produces extensive topical calcium deposits and severe osteitis fibrosa. At a later stage this is followed by an excessive osteogenesis. All these reactions can proceed in the absence of the parathyroids.
STUDIES OF THYROID HORMONE SYNTHESIS IN EXPERIMENTAL AUTOIMMUNE THYROIDITIS
Authors: Hung W. , Chandler R. W. , Kyle M. A. , Blizzard R. M.
Published: December 2008

Thyroid hormone synthesis in rabbits with experimentally induced thyroiditis is compared with hormone synthesis in normal rabbits and in immunized rabbits receiving thyroid stimulating hormone. The immunized rabbits showed decreased thyroidal accumulation rates for 131I. T. S. H. administration produced an increase in the accumulation rate of immunized animals, but this increase was smaller than that obtained in normal rabbits stimulated with T. S. H. None of the rabbits' thyroids discharged iodide with the administration of potassium thiocyanate.

Twenty-four and 48 hours after 131I was administered, chromatography was performed on digested extracts of the thyroid glands. In the digested extracts of thyroids removed from normal rabbits the mono:diiodotyrosine ratio was greater than 1.0 whereas the extracts of thyroids removed from immunized rabbits and normal rabbits stimulated with T. S. H. consistently had a ratio of less than 1.0.

Thyroxine was not always present in the thyroids of normal rabbits but was consistently found in the thyroids of the immunized and T. S. H. treated animals. These findings suggest that the remaining thyroid cells in the glands of immunized rabbits are operating under increased T. S. H. stimulation.

The experimental thyroiditis of immunized rabbits was similar to Hashimoto's thyroiditis in respect to histological alteration and the presence of anti-thyroid antibodies. 131I accumulation rates, response to potassium thiocyanate, and chromatography studies revealed no correlation between the two groups.
PLASMA COAGULATION FACTORS IN THYROTOXICOSIS
Authors: Ikkala Eero , Eisalo Antti , Heinivaara Olli
Published: December 2008

A coagulation factor analysis was performed in 50 thyrotoxic and 22 control patients. The results showed a distinct fall in 4 different coagulation factors, viz., prothrombin and factors VII, IX and X in the thyrotoxic group. No changes were observed in the other coagulation factors and no correlation was found between the coagulation disturbances and the severity or duration of the disease.
ERFOLGREICHE BEHANDLUNG EINES FALLES VON CUSHING-SYNDROM MIT o,p-DDD
Authors: Geyer Georg
Published: December 2008

o,p-DDD was tried as an adrenal inhibitor in a patient with Cushing's syndrome due to non-tumorous adrenal hyperfunction. Administration of a total dose of 382 grams of o,p-DDD during a period of 105 days resulted in a complete remission of the previously existing symptoms of hypercorticism. The elevated excretion of urinary steroids decreased to normal during the course of o,p-DDD administration. Symptoms of hypoadrenalism did not develop during the four months of treatment. Remission in that patient is being maintained by intermittent administration of o,p-DDD Though liver function tests remained normal throughout the course of treatment marked fatty changes of the liver were dedected in material obtained by needle biopsy. As a further symptom of toxicity of o,p-DDD anorexia was observed.
THE EFFECT OF ALLOXAN ON THE ADRENAL CORTICAL SECRETION
Authors: Hoet J. J. , Saba G. C.
Published: December 2008

The administration of alloxan induces a hyperglycaemic response of similar intensity in male, non pregnant and pregnant rats.

Alloxan increases the corticosteroid levels in the plasma of males and non pregnant females, but does not increase the already high basal corticosterone levels in pregnant rats.

Additional data show that in pregnancy fluorocortisol treatment influences the hypophyseal-adrenal axis. In this connection the function of the hypophysis and the adrenals in pregnancy is discussed.
THE ROLE OF CORTICOTROPHIN AND OF STRESS IN THE BIPHASIC CHANGES IN FASCICULAR NUCLEOLAR SIZE IN THE RAT ADRENAL
Authors: Miller Richard A.
Published: December 2008

Nucleolar and nuclear sizes were measured in the fascicular zone of the adrenals 1 to 13 hours after injecting corticotrophin, morphine, and unilateral adrenalectomy, alone and in combination in rats.

One hour after injecting corticotrophin into intact rats nucleoli enlarged and then regressed briefly, only to begin a second hypertrophy extending up to 13 hours after injection. This biphasic hypertrophy occurred with different corticotrophins prepared in water, oil, or gelatine. The initial hypertrophy appeared to be a direct response to stress, not mediated by the hypophysis since it occurred in hypophysectomized rats subjected only to unilateral adrenalectomy under ether. Hypertrophy was blocked by morphine and when nembutal was substituted for ether. The late hypertrophy (4 to 13 hours) was pituitary dependent and did not occur unless hypophysectomized rats received corticotrophin.

The nucleolar hypertrophy which occurred 1 hour after corticotrophin and unilateral adrenalectomy of hypophysectomized rats was less than that of hypophysectomized, unilaterally adrenalectomized controls. Moreover, when the stress response was blocked by morphine, corticotrophin caused nucleolar atrophy 1 hour later. It was concluded that the initial effect of corticotrophin is to decrease nucleolar size, but this decrease is masked usually by the hypertrophic response to stress and only becomes apparent when the stress-hypertrophy is blocked by morphine.

Nuclear changes in size generally paralleled nucleolar changes. However, it was not necessary to block the stress-hypertrophy with morphine to demonstrate the initial atrophic action of corticotrophin on the nucleus. Thus, the biphasic nucleolar response to corticotrophin in intact rats appears to be the result of an interaction of stress and corticotrophin.
URINARY OESTRIOL EXCRETION IN DIABETIC PREGNANCY
Authors: Frandsen V. Aasted , Pedersen Jørgen , Stakemann Georg
Published: December 2008

The urinary excretion of oestriol has been investigated in 30 cases of diabetic pregnancy. The mean excretion was low, although most of the values found were within the range of excretion in normal pregnancies. No correlation was found between the severity of the diabetes and the amounts of excretion oestriol.
ÜBER DEN EINFLUSS VON OESTRADIOL AUF DIE RESTITUTIONSPHASE DER NEBENNIERENRINDE NACH LANGFRISTIGER CORTISONVORBEHANDLUNG
Authors: Herrmann M. , Winkler G.
Published: December 2008

Male guinea pigs were simultaneously treated with cortisone and oestradiol-dipropionate. Observations were made on the nuclear volumes of the cells of the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex, the urinary 17-hydroxycorticoids and the haemorrhagic necrosis after intoxication with diphtheria-toxin.

The comparatively long restitution phase of the adrenals following the long-term pretreatment with cortisone only may be considerably reduced by application of oestradioldipropionate, which is shown by the following results: the nuclear volumes of fasciculata cells of the adrenal cortex stay normal or show higher values after termination of the pretreatment. Haemorrhagic necrosis in the adrenal cortex after intoxication with diphtheria-toxin is observed on the 2nd day after long-term pretreatment with cortisone and oestradioldipropionate. In animals treated with cortisone only this tissue lesion is observed at first on the 8th day after termination of the pretreatment. The excretion of 17-hydroxycorticoids does not correspond with this accelerated reaction of the adrenal cortex.
THIOURACIL TREATMENT IN PREGNANCY AND LACTATION IN THE DOG
Authors: Arosenius K. E. , Derblom H. , Nylander G.
Published: December 2008

The offspring of bitches treated with thiouracil during pregnancy and lactation were studied with regard to certain aspects of iodine metabolism and also to the morphological effect on the thyroid gland, as compared with controls of the same age and weight.

At the age of six months, when the dogs were virtually fully grown, the thyroid gland still exhibited the effects of the thiouracil treatment of the mothers as manifested by an increased uptake of 131I, enlargement, and histological changes of a hyperplastic type.

The significance of these deviations from normal iodine metabolism and morphology is discussed with particular reference to the dangers of thiouracil medication during pregnancy.
CAPILLARY PATTERN OF THE THYROID GLAND IN THE RAT IN FUNCTIONAL BLOCK
Authors: Arosenius K. E. , Nylander G.
Published: December 2008

The capillary pattern of the thyroid gland was studied in the rat: one group had undergone hemithyroidectomy, one was treated with propyl thiouracil, and one subjected to both these experimental measures. Histological and microangiographic observations were compared with those in an intact control group.

Epithelial hyperplasia and other morphological signs of activity were seen to a moderate extent in the hemithyroidectomized group, were marked in the rats treated with thiouracil, and most marked in the group subjected to both thiouracil medication and hemithyroidectomy.

The appearances of the interfollicular capillaries showed no perceptible changes in the group subjected solely to hemithyroidectomy.

Changes of the interfollicular capillaries were marked in all the animals treated with propyl thiouracil. In the group only treated with propyl thiouracil, the capillaries were dilated to sinusoid-like blood pools in limited segments between which the capillaries were of normal width. In the group subjected to both hemithyroidectomy and propyl thiouracil treatment the interfollicular capillaries were dilated throughout their course.

The significance of these morphological and microangiographic observations is discussed.
OCCULT MALABSORPTION CAUSING OSTEITIS FIBROSA CYSTICA
Authors: Devlin J. G. , O'Donovan D. K.
Published: December 2008

A case is reported of intermittent hypercalcaemia, hypophosphataemia and severe skeletal rarefaction with cystic changes. An occult calcium malabsorption was found. Fat, triolein and iron absorption and radiological examinations were normal. There was gross intestinal mucosal atrophy. She was shown to be in a state of negative calcium balance and this was reversed by vitamin D. A gluten-free diet also improved calcium absorption. It is postulated that the patient had severe secondary hyperparathyroidism as the skeleton reverted to normal after six months of medical treatment.
ANDROGENIC ACTIVITY OF ANDROST-4-ENE-3β,17β-DIOL AND ANDROST-4-ENE-3α,17β-DIOL
Authors: Dorfman Ralph I. , Dorfman Adeline S. , Gut Marcel
Published: December 2008

When administered orally or by subcutaneous injection, androst-4-ene-3α,17α-diol and androst-4-ene-3β,17β-diol were equal in androgenic potency to testosterone in the chick's comb test. When the steroids were applied directly to the comb, the 3β isomer was equal in activity to testosterone, however, the 3α isomer was less active and had a significantly different slope than that of testosterone. The dipropionate of androst-4-ene-3β,17β-diol was highly effective in stimulating the seminal vesicles of the mouse and was more efficient for prolonged stimulation of this tissue than testosterone propionate.
KLINISCH-EXPERIMENTELLE STUDIEN MIT MENSCHLICHEM HYPOPHYSÄREM GONADOTROPIN
Authors: Apostolakis Michael , Bettendorf Gerhard , Voigt Klaus D.
Published: December 2008

Gonadotrophin extracted from human hypophyses (HHG) was administered in clinical trials to 5 amenorrhoic women. Gonadotrophin levels in the blood and urine and the urinary excretion of oestrogen, pregnanediol, 17-hydroxycorticosteroids, 17-ketosteroids and pregnanetriol were determined before, during and after treatment. Clinical control methods included endometrial biopsy and vaginal smear examination.

Following the i. m. administration of HHG the gonadotrophin excretion increased markedly within the first 24 hours. Plasma gonadotrophin increased to substantially higher levels within 4–6 hours after the first injection. After cessation of treatment both plasma and urine gonadotrophin concentration returned slowly within 2–4 days to the pre-treatment levels.

Following treatment, all 4 patients with hypogonadotrophic amenorrhoea (primary pituitary insufficiency) responded by an increased oestrogen and pregnanediol production. It would seem therefore that HHG-treatment had succeeded in producing ovulation. The single case of hypergonadotrophic amenorrhoea (primary ovarian insufficiency) showed no response in this respect.

No change in 17-OHCS excretion was effected by the HHG-treatment. Changes in 17-ketosteroids and pregnanetriol excretion did not show a constant pattern.

The clinical effects obtained in the 4 hypogonadotrophic amenorrhoea cases are confirmed in that ovulation was induced by means of the treatment.
THE EFFECT OF GONADOTROPHIC HORMONES ON THE HYPOPHYSIS OF THE RAT
Authors: Szontágh F. E. , Uhlarik S. , Jakobovits A.
Published: December 2008

The weight of the hypophysis and the ratio of the PAS-positive to PAS-negative cells in the anterior lobe of intact and ovariectomized adult rats increased significantly following treatment with serum gonadotrophin (PMS).

After the administration of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) a slight decrease of the hypophyseal weight and a moderate increase of the number of PAS-positive cells was observed in both intact and spayed groups of animals.

Both gonadotrophic substances failed to inhibit the appearance of castration cells in the hypophysis.
BILE FLOW IN ADRENALECTOMIZED RATS
Authors: Telkkä Antti , Kuusisto A. N.
Published: December 2008

The effect of adrenalectomy on the bile secretion in rats was studied. The bile was collected by cannulation from the choledochus. The bile output of the adrenalectomized animals was significantly decreased, being about a half that of the control rats. No difference was found in bile secretion of the control animals and the rats which had undergone exposure of the adrenal glands only.
EVIDENCE AGAINST AN ALDOSTERONE FEED-BACK MECHANISM WITHIN THE ADRENAL GLAND
Authors: Blair-West J. , Coghlan J. P. , Denton D. A.
Published: December 2008

Experiments were made on conscious undisturbed sheep with autotransplants of the adrenal gland. Large local increase of the aldosterone concentration of adrenal arterial blood was made for 2–6 hours in Na replete and Na deficient sheep. The results did not indicate that the secretion of aldosterone which occurs in response to concurrent lowering of Na and increase of K concentration of adrenal arterial blood in Na replete sheep, or in Na deficiency was significantly modified by the local increase of aldosterone in adrenal arterial blood.
THE LONG-TERM EFFECT OF SOME ANDROGENIC AND ANABOLIC HORMONES ON CIRCULATING EOSINOPHILS
Authors: Vanha-Perttula T. P. J.
Published: December 2008

The long-term effect of two androgenic (testosterone propionate, testosterone phenylpropionate) and four anabolic hormones (3β,17α-dihydroxy-17α-methyl-androst-5-en, 17β-hydroxy-17α-methyl-androsta-1,4-dien-3-one, 17β-hydroxy-19-norandrost-4-en-3-one-17 phenylpropionate, 17β-hydroxy-19-norandrost-4-en-3-one-17 decanoate) on the circulating eosinophils was investigated in normal and adrenalectomized female adult Long-Evans rats.

All the hormones studied caused a significant increase in the number of the circulating eosinophil cells. The highest counts were most rapidly found in groups which received 3β-17α-dihydroxy-17α-methylandrost-5-en in aqueous suspension. With other hormones given in an oily solution the eosinophils reached the highest counts later; this did not occur with 17β-hydroxy-19-norandrost-4-en-3-one-17 decanoate until 72 hours after its administration.

In adrenalectomized groups higher eosinophil counts were found than in non-operated groups after androgenic or anabolic treatment. The differences were most significant when the highest counts of eosinophils were present. It is suggested that these androgenic and anabolic hormones stimulate the production of eosinophils. In non-operated groups this eosinophilia is partially counteracted by the endogenous corticosteroids which cause the eosinophils to migrate from the blood to the tissues.
URINARY EXCRETION OF PREGNANETRIOL IN THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE. II
Authors: Pickett Mary T. , Sommerville Ian F.
Published: December 2008

The pattern of urinary pregnanetriol excretion is compared with that of other urinary steroids assayed daily throughout the menstrual cycles of four healthy women. Evidence for the occurrence and estimated date of ovulation is afforded by basal temperature records, urinary oestrogen and pregnanediol excretion and cytology of anterior urethral cells recovered from the urine. In addition, pregnanediol and pregnanetriol excretion has been studied for twelve days in an ovariectomised subject.

It is found that the cyclic change in urinary pregnanetriol excretion is variable in extent but there is a correlation between the urinary excretion of oestrogens, pregnanediol and pregnanetriol during the ovulatory cycle. Modification of the programme of elution used in the standard method does not significantly affect the result as determined by the sulphuric acid reaction.
EFFECTS OF OXYTOCIN ON THE UTERINE RESPONSE TO ELECTRICAL STIMULATION
Authors: Wiqvist N. , Wiqvist I. , Fielitz C. A. , Caldeyro-Barcia R.
Published: December 2008

The enhancing effect of low concentrations of oxytocin on the uterine response to electrical stimulation was measured »in vitro« on the superfused rat uterus.

In order to reduce the incidence of spontaneous motility, the pacemaker areas were excised from the uterine strip and the calcium concentration was lowered to 1/5th of that of a normal Krebs solution. Under these experimental conditions, it was found that the minimum effective concentration of oxytocin was generally between 5 and 20 μU/ml. A graded dose-response relationship was obtained within a range of concentrations from 5 to 50 μU/ml; within this range, a tenfold increase of the oxytocin concentration caused a five-fold augmentation of the uterine response. The possible use of this method for the bioassay of oxytocin is discussed. Both the range of oxytocin concentrations employed as well as the dose-response relationship found in this investigation for the superfused rat uterus bear a suggestive resemblance to the results published by others for the response of the pregnant human uterus »in situ« to the intravenous infusion of oxytocin.
CORTICOTROPIN-BESTIMMUNG ANHAND DES CORTICOSTERONANSTIEGES IM NEBENNIEREN-VENENBLUT HYPOPHYSEKTOMIERTER RATTEN
Authors: Retiene K. , Ditschuneit H. , Fischer M. , Kopp K. , Pfeiffer E. F.
Published: December 2008

Corticotrophin has been measured by using the corticotrophin-induced increase of corticosterone in adrenal venous blood of rats, the corticotrophin secretion of which has been blocked by preliminary injection of dexamethasone. Sensitivity and precision of this technique have not been higher than in the simpler procedure using corticosterone increase in peripheral blood. Single injection of dexamethasone on the other hand did not prevent release of endogenous corticotrophin following major surgery, required for canulation of the adrenal vein. In hypophysectomized rats corticotrophin can be measured by using adrenal venous blood. 0.05 mU corticotrophin (US-P-Standard) has been determined with an index of precision of λ = 0.13. The consistent relation between initial and elevated corticosterone level following corticotrophin in both peripheral and adrenal venous blood makes it highly unlikely that other modifications of this kind of assay will increase sensitivity.
ADRENOCORTICAL ACTIVITY FOLLOWING CORTICOTROPHIN INJECTION AT LOW ADRENAL ASCORBIC ACID LEVEL
Authors: Hedner Pavo , Rerup Claus
Published: December 2008

It is known from the literature that 1 hour after an intravenous injection of corticotrophin into the hypophysectomized rat, the elevated plasma corticosteroid concentration has returned to the preinjection level. On the other hand, several investigators have reported that the adrenal ascorbic acid level is depressed for about a further 3 hours under similar experimental conditions. The effect of a second intravenous injection of corticotrophin during this period was studied. It was found, that a second significant rise of plasma corticosteroids occurred without any significant change in the adrenal ascorbic acid level. It is concluded, that the disappearance of ascorbic acid from the adrenal gland is not always directly quantitatively correlated with the amount of corticosteroids produced. These together with previous findings suggest that a more specific corticotrophin assay would result if the Sayers test (Sayers et al. 1948) were replaced by a measurement of plasma corticosteroids.
DETERMINATION OF MICRO-AMOUNTS OF 5β-PREGNAN-3α-OL-20-ONE IN URINE USING INFRARED-SPECTROMETRY
Authors: van der Molen H. J.
Published: December 2008

A procedure for the quantitative determination of 5β-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one in urine is described.

After acid hydrolysis of the pregnanolone-conjugates in urine, the free steroids are extracted with toluene. Pregnanolone is isolated in a pure form as its acetate; after chromatographic separation of the free steroids on alumina, the fraction containing pregnanolone is acetylated and rechromatographed on alumina.

Quantitative determination of the isolated pregnanolone-acetate is carried out with the aid of the infrared spectrum recorded by a micro KBr-wafermethod.

The reliability of the method under various conditions is discussed under the headings, specificity, accuracy, precision and sensitivity. It is possible to determine 30–40 μg pregnanolone in a 24-hours urine portion with a precision of 25%.
5β-PREGNAN-3α-OL-20-ONE IN URINE
Authors: van der Molen H. J. , Kleef U. W.
Published: December 2008

The occurrence, metabolic formation and degradation of 5β-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one are reviewed.

Estimation of 5β-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one in urine has shown that:

under acid conditions 5β-pregnane-3α,17α,20α-triol is destroyed with partial formation of pregnanolone; however, the amounts of pregnanolone that are formed, do not interfere with the estimation of pregnanolone in urine of normal adults after acid hydrolysis and offer no explanation for the high levels of pregnanolone in urine of patients with adrenal hyperplasia, as observed by some investigators.

Excretion of pregnanolone found in urine during pregnancy (1–15 mg/day) is considerably below the levels reported in the literature so far.

Normal adults excrete pregnanolone in urine in amounts within a range of 0.05–0.70 mg/day.

There is a positive rank-correlation between the excretion of pregnanolone and pregnanediol in urine of normal males and females and of pregnant females.

After administration of ACTH to adults an increase in the excretion of pregnanolone in urine could not always be demonstrated.
A CLINICAL METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF URINARY PREGNANEDIOL AND PREGNANETRIOL
Authors: Goldzieher Joseph W. , Nakamura Yutaka
Published: December 2008

A method suitable for the routine determination of urinary pregnanediol and pregnanetriol has been devised. It involves glucuronidase hydrolysis, extraction, and chromatography on disposable 1-g silica gel columns. The specificity of the pregnanediol determination is increased by acetylation and rechromatography on the same type of column. Sensitivity of the method is doubled by the use of sulfuric acid saturated with SO2 gas as the chromogenic agent.
THE IN VIVO CONVERSION OF DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE AND ANDROSTENEDIONE TO TESTOSTERONE IN THE HUMAN
Authors: Mahesh Virendra B. , Greenblatt Robert B.
Published: December 2008

Plasma testosterone levels were measured by the method of Finkelstein et al. (1961) before and after oral administration of dehydroepiandrosterone and Δ4-androstenedione in normal women. The results suggest in vivo conversion of dehydroepiandrosterone and Δ4-androstenedione to testosterone. The implications of these findings are discussed.
AN INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECT OF THE STEROID ETHYLESTRENOL ON FACIAL HAIRGROWTH
Authors: van Herk E.
Published: December 2008

Ethylestrenol (Δ4-17α-ethyl-estrenol-17β) produced no facial hairgrowth in elderly female subjects when administered in therapeutic doses for two months.
EFFECTS OF HEPARIN AND ASBESTOS WITH CORTICOTROPHIN ON THE MUCOSAL MAST CELLS AND TISSUE EOSINOPHILS OF RAT STOMACH
Authors: Räsänen Toimi
Published: December 2008

Intact rats were injected once with a suspension of asbestos and for 5 days with 2 IU of adrenocorticotrophin-zinc per day. 1.0 mg of heparin was injected intraperitoneally 9 times at 12-hourly intervals and the same amount of ACTH intramuscularly. The rats were decapitated 5 days after the injection of asbestos, 24 hours after the last ACTH injection and 3 hours after the last heparin injection. The mucosal mast cells and tissue eosinophils of the stomach were counted from the body mucosa and recorded per mm2 of tissue.

Heparin caused no changes in either the mast cell count or tissue eosinophilia, nor did it bring about any changes in the degranulation of mucosal mast cells during the ACTH effect, or in the destruction of tissue eosinophilia. Asbestos peritonitis seemed to have a degranulating effect on mucosal mast cells and a destructive effect on tissue eosinophilia. It also appeared to increase the effect of ACTH on the mucosal cells.

It is suggested that glucocorticoids stimulated by ACTH exert such an immediate effect on the function of the cells of the mucosal lamina propria that the inhibitory effect of heparin and asbestos is counteracted.
BEZIEHUNGEN ZWISCHEN SUBSTITUTION IM RING A UND ABBAU IM STOFFWECHSEL BEI VERWANDTEN DES TESTOSTERONS
Authors: Langecker H.
Published: December 2008

Judging from the metabolites found in the urine, 1-methyl-androst-1-en-17β-ol-3-one (methenolone) and testosterone are metabolized in a different manner. For further clarification, other derivatives of testosterone with modifications in Ring A were investigated with regard to the oxidation of the 17-hydroxyl group. The production of urinary 17-ketosteroids decreased in the following sequence: testosterone; 1α-methyltestosterone and androstan-17β-ol-3-one; 1β-methyl-androstan-17β-ol-3-one; 2α-methyl-androstan-17β-ol-3-one and androst-1-en-17β-ol-3-one; 1α-methyl-androstan-17β-ol-3-one; 1-methyl-androsta-1,4-dien-17β-ol-3-one; 1,17α-dimethyl-androst-1-en-17β-ol-3-one and 1 -methyl-androst-1 -en-17β-ol-3-one (methenolone).

The difference in metabolic degradation is also demonstrated in the fractionation of the urinary ketones. While after the administration of testosterone practically only hydrogenated 17-ketones are observed in the urine, the unchanged compound is still traceable in remarkable quantities after the administration of methenolone, along with minor quantities of the corresponding diketone. Testosterone-metabolites here are absent, whereas they represent the major substances present after the administration of androst-1-en-17β-ol-3-on. Following the administration of 1α-methyltestosterone only hydrogenated 17-ketones are detected which are still partly methylated.

The 1-methyl-group and the Δ 1-double-bond seem to be responsible for the inhibition of the oxidation of methenolone in the 17-position. In addition, the hydrogenation of the double-bond and the reduction of the 3-keto-group are inhibited, obviously on account of the same structural peculiarities. The demethylation of methenolone is also inhibited.

Any change in the steroid ring system forms a new substrate, thus producing new conditions for the enzymatic attack in the metabolic degradation.
DIE ZUSAMMENSETZUNG DER JODHALTIGEN VERBINDUNGEN UND IHRE BEZIEHUNG ZUM JODUMSATZ IN EUTHYREOTEN STRUMEN
Authors: Reinwein Dankwart , Klein Erich
Published: December 2008

The iodine metabolism was investigated in 29 patients with euthyroid non-endemic diffuse goiter. 1 to 14 days before thyroidectomy the patients received carrier-free 131I. The chemical iodine fractions (PBI, BEI and iodide) of the thyroid and the labelled iodine compound were analyzed by means of paper- and column chromatography. In one gland the total iodine content varied only by ± 19.6% of the average, the relative shares of PBI, BEI and iodide as well as that of the iodoamino acids being equal. Monoiodotyrosine, diiodotyrosine and thyroxine were found in the thyroid homogenate without hydrolysis.

The homogenate after hydrolysis contained more iodotyrosines at the expense of iodothyronines than do normal glands. 17 goiters with normal 131I-uptake showed a high total iodine content (14.2 ± 5.0 mg) whilst 9 goiters with an increased 131I-uptake had low values (3.58 ± 0.6 mg). The opposite was found for the relative shares of BEI with the chromatographically isolated iodothyronines thyroxine, triiodothyronine and an unidentified iodine compound. Goiters with »high plasma PB131I« were characterized by a faster transfer of 131I into the more heavily iodinated compounds than is found in glands with a normal hormonal secretion rate. The highest values for the iodothyronines were found in goiters with increased 131I-uptake together with a high hormonal secretion rate. From this study it appears that the changes in the iodine-poor glands are due to a defective exo- or endogenous iodine supply. The observed alterations in iodine-rich glands are probably induced by a faulty iodine utilization characterized by an incomplete iodotyrosyl-coupling defect.
STUDIES ON THE BINDING OF CORTISOL-4-14C BY HUMAN LEUCOCYTES IN VITRO
Authors: Ketchel Melvin M. , Garabedian Elaine
Published: December 2008

The amount of cortisol-4-14C bound by human leucocytes in a non-protein balanced salt solution was found to have a linear relationship to the concentration of cortisol-4-14C for a given number of leucocytes, and a linear relationship to the number of leucocytes for a given concentration of cortisol-4-14C. The binding was not affected by 10−3 m concentrations of arsenate, cyanide, fluoroacetate, dinitrophenol, fluoride, methylene blue, malonate, hydroxylamine or semicarbazide.

The binding of cortisol-4-14C by leucocytes was found to be temperature dependent. At 0° C, no binding of cortisol-4-14C was detected. From 10° to 80°, each 10° rise resulted in an approximately two fold increase in amount of cortisol-4-14C bound, but no further increase occurred between 80° and 100°. Experiments in which leucocytes were exposed to various specific temperatures without cortisol, and then incubated with cortisol-4-14C at 37° revealed that exposure to lower temperatures had no effect on the uptake of cortisol-4-14C at 37°, but that exposure to higher temperatures had increased the binding of cortisol-4-14C at 37°.

The addition of either human plasma or human serum albumin to the incubation medium markedly reduced the uptake of cortisol-4-14C by the leucocytes. Approximately 2/3 of the cortisol-4-14C (or metabolite) was removed upon incubation for 30 minutes at 37° C with either Hanks's solution (non-protein), plasma or serum albumin.
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ENDEMIC GOITRE IN MAN AND CATTLE IN ISRAEL
Authors: Brand Naphtali , Kathein Ruwen A. , Hasis Gideon
Published: December 2008

A parallelism in the incidence of human and bovine goitre in the northern part of Israel is described.

Among 1475 children and adolescents from 8–18 years of age of both sexes and examined from Upper Galilee an average incidence of goitre of more than 10% was found.

A three years follow up study showed an increase in percentage of goitre to 30% among girls. No cretins or deaf or dumb subjects were found.

Thyroid weights of 385 heads of cattle slaughtered at the slaughter-houses or on the farms were determined. While the mean weight of thyroids of cattle from a non-endemic control area was 17.7 g the mean weight for the goitrous area attained 23.4 g. The mean relative thyroid weights for the control and goitrous areas were 3.75 and 6.98 g/100 kg respectively. The histopathological examination of several excised non selected thyroids from Upper Galilee showed pathological findings: hyperplasia, fibrosis, nodular goitre.

These data are the first evidence of the incidence of endemic goitre of cattle in Israel and suggest most strongly that here the unfavourable environment plays a decisive role among the factors which influence the weight of bovine thyroids.
QUANTITATIVE ESTIMATION OF ADRENOCORTICAL HORMONES AND THEIR α-KETOLIC METABOLITES IN URINE
Authors: Cost W. S. , Pol J.
Published: December 2008

Urinary corticosteroid patterns were estimated in patients with hyperadrenocorticism including Cushing's syndrome, adrenogenital syndrome and Conn's syndrome.

The patterns reflect excessive hormone production, undue secretion of precursors and altered metabolism of cortisol (F) and corticosterone (B) in such a characteristic way that differential diagnosis is considerably facilitated.

In Cushing's disease (bilateral adrenocortical hyperplasia) the patterns indicate a hypersecretion of cortisol and its immediate precursor Reichstein's S. All other hormones and precursors are produced in essentially normal amounts. The metabolic pathway of cortisol and corticosterone is shifted in favour of tetrahydrocortisol (THF) and tetrahydrocorticosterone (THB) respectively, at the cost of allotetrahydrocortisol (allo-THF) and tetrahydrocortisone (THE), allotetrahydrocorticosterone (allo-THB) and tetrahydro-11-dehydrocorticosterone (THA) respectively.

In adrenocortical carcinoma the undue loss of precursors (Reichstein's S and possibly 17-hydroxyprogesterone) seems to be an essential feature, irrespective whether cortisol or androgens are produced in abnormally large amounts. The excretion of tetrahydro-11-deoxycortisol (THS) particularly may be used to differentiate between adrenal hyperplasia and carcinoma.

In adrenogenital syndrome (congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to defective 21-hydroxylation) the patterns, in combination with the values for groupwise estimated total 17-hydroxycorticosteroids, reflect an excessive secretion of 17-hydroxyprogesterone. The production of corticosterone is very low, presumably because continuous ACTH stimulation of the adrenals favours the synthesis of 17-hydroxysteroids (high F/B-ratio).

In Conn's syndrome the patterns reflect a rather low secretion of cortisol and a low F/B-ratio in addition to the absolutely or relatively increased secretion of aldosterone.
QUANTITATIVE ESTIMATION OF ADRENOCORTICAL HORMONES AND THEIR α-KETOLIC METABOLITES IN URINE
Authors: Cost W. S. , Pol J. , Korten A.
Published: December 2008

Urinary corticosteroid patterns were estimated before and after adrenocortical stimulation by exogenous corticotrophin (ACTH).

The results indicate that changes in corticosteroid biosynthesis and metabolism depend on the duration of stimulation.

Immediate effects are an increase in corticosterone production above that of cortisol (low F/B-ratio) and a shift in the metabolism of both cortisol and corticosterone in favour of all 11-hydroxycompounds. Late effects are characteristic of the patterns in Cushing's disease including a high F/B-ratio and low values for the 11-hydroxy-allocompounds (allotetrahydrocortisol and allotetrahydrocorticosterone).

Changes in the ratios between cortisol, corticosterone and Reichstein's S as observed in Cushing's disease, adrenogenital syndrome and Addison's disease can be imitated by ACTH-induced acceleration of corticosteroid biosynthesis.
BIOGENESE VON ÖSTRATETRAENOL BEIM MENSCHEN
Authors: Knuppen R. , Breuer H.
Published: December 2008

Incubation of androsta-4,16-dien-3-one with 10 000 × g supernatant of human placenta tissue resulted in the formation of a phenolic metabolite. This was isolated and subsequently identified as oestratetraen-3-ol by its melting point, paper chromatography, and the absorption curves of the sulphuric acid water reaction and the Kober reaction. The conversion of androsta-4,16-dien-3-one to oestratetraen-3-ol was approximately 25%, whereas under similar conditions testosterone was aromatised to oestradiol-17β (and oestrone) in a 30% yield. The significance of these results is discussed with regard to the conversion of testosterone to 16,17-epioestriol.
BIOASSAY CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIVIDUAL URINARY GONADOTROPHIN EXTRACTS
Authors: Mellinger Raymond C. , Mansour Jalileh A. , Smith Richmond W.
Published: December 2008

A reference standard is widely sought for use in the quantitative bioassay of pituitary gonadotrophin recovered from urine. The biologic similarity of pooled urinary extracts obtained from large numbers of subjects, utilizing groups of different age and sex, preparing and assaying the materials by varying techniques in different parts of the world, has lead to a general acceptance of such preparations as international gonadotrophin reference standards. In the present study, however, the extract of pooled urine from a small number of young women is shown to produce a significantly different bioassay response from that of the reference materials. Gonadotrophins of individual subjects likewise varied from the multiple subject standards in many instances. The cause of these differences is thought to be due to the modifying influence of non-hormonal substances extracted from urine with the gonadotrophin and not necessarily to variations in the gonadotrophins themselves. Such modifying factors might have similar effects in a comparative assay of pooled extracts contributed by many subjects, but produce significant variations when material from individual subjects is compared. It is concluded that the expression of potency of a gonadotrophic extract in terms of pooled reference material to which it is not essentially similar may diminish rather than enhance the validity of the assay.