bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TENSILE STRENGTH OF SKIN WOUNDS IN RATS AFTER TREATMENT WITH CORTICOSTEROIDS
Authors: Vogel H. G.
Published: December 2008

The tensile strength of skin wounds has been studied in rats at different times after operation. Cortisol acetate (5 or 50 mg/kg) or prednisolone acetate (1 or 10 mg/kg) were injected daily subcutaneously. According to the dose and potency of the corticosteroid given, the wound tensile strength was found to be decreased between the 3rd and 9th day. This effect was most pronounced on the 6th day. On the 12th day and even more distinctly on the 20th day after operation, a reversal of this effect could be observed. Low doses of glucocorticoids resulted in an increase in wound tensile strength, whereas high doses, already toxic after prolonged administration, still caused a decrease. If treatment was started at the end of the collagen phase (11th day), only an increase in wound tensile strength was seen, regardless of the dose of glucocorticoid administered. Short-term treatment during the scar phase (day 19 to 20) resulted in an increase in wound tensile strength which correlated with the dose and potency of the glucocorticoid given. It is therefore concluded that scar tissue of wounded skin reacts like normal connective tissue as far as the increase in tensile strength induced by glucocorticoids is concerned.
THE EFFECT OF THYROPROTEIN AND PROPYLTHIOURACIL FEED SUPPLEMENTATION ON CALCIUM LEVELS AND ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE ACTIVITY IN THE PLASMA AND UTERUS OF LAYING HENS
Authors: Snapir N. , Perek M.
Published: December 2008

In both young and old laying hens the protein-bound calcium fraction in blood plasma decreased following feed supplementation of 0.05% thyroprotein, whereas the plasma alkaline phosphatase activity significantly increased. The enzyme response was found to be delayed in old as compared to young hens, significantly higher absolute levels being found in the latter. Propylthiouracil treatment caused a marked decrease in protein-bound calcium levels and alkaline phosphatase activity in both young and old hens. The uterine calcium levels and alkaline phosphatase activity in the thyroprotein treated birds did not show any significant differences as compared to the controls, except in the group of old hens receiving the highest dose, in which the calcium level was significantly decreased and the enzyme activity significantly increased. Both propylthiouracil treated groups showed a significant decrease in uterine calcium and alkaline phosphatase activity.
EFFECTS OF SURGERY ON PLASMA LEVELS OF CORTISOL, CORTICOSTERONE AND NON-PROTEIN-BOUND-CORTISOL
Authors: Hamanaka Yuji , Manabe Hisao , Tanaka Hideyuki , Monden Yasumasa , Uozumi Tohru , Matsumoto Keishi
Published: December 2008

The diurnal variation in plasma cortisol, corticosterone and non-protein-bound cortisol was investigated using altogether 991 plasma samples obtained from preoperative chronically ill (control) subjects and patients during and following major surgery. A fluorimetric method using an elution chromatography on Amberlite IRC-50 and the equilibrium dialysis method were used for the determinations.

The diurnal variation in plasma cortisol of the preoperative control subjects reached a peak (17.3 μg/100 ml) at 6 a.m. and declined to the lowest level (2.3 μg/100 ml) between 10 p.m. and midnight. The maximum value in the levels of corticosterone (0.6 μg/100 ml) was observed at 6 a.m. Surgery caused a steep rise in plasma cortisol showing a maximum value (30.0 μg/100 ml) 2 to 4 hours after the end of the operation. Although the average of the morning levels of plasma cortisol returned to the control levels within 4 to 5 days, the evening levels returned on the 6th day after the operation. The response of plasma corticosterone in the surgery group was found to parallel the change in plasma cortisol. However, the increase in the corticosterone concentration was significantly higher than that of cortisol.

The percentage of non-protein-bound cortisol in the plasma of the preoperative control subjects was found to be 2.5 to 3.3 per cent at 6 and 8 a.m. and 1.5 per cent at midnight, while the percentage remained almost unchanged (about 2%) at 10 a.m., 12 a.m. and 6 p.m. The percentage increased significantly during and for 4 days following the operation, concomitant with the increase in the levels of plasma cortisol. It is suggested that stressful situations are associated with markedly increased plasma levels of biologically active cortisol.
PLASMA ANGIOTENSIN II AND ALDOSTERONE EXCRETION DURING THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE
Authors: Sundsfjord Johan A. , Aakvaag A.
Published: December 2008

The angiotensin II concentration in the plasma and the urinary aldosterone excretion were measured early in the follicular phase and late in the luteal phase in 9 women with regular menstrual cycles. The plasma angiotensin II in the follicular phase was 1.78 ng/100 ml ± 0.20 (sem) and in the luteal phase 3.12 ng/100 ml ± 0.43 (sem). Values for aldosterone excretion were 10.89 μg/24 h ± 1.43 (sem) and 21.67 μ/24 h ± 2.96 (sem) respectively. Pregnanediol increased from 0.42 mg/24 h ± 0.12 (sem) to 2.0 mg/24 h ± 0.28 (sem) in the same specimens of urine.

It is suggested that the observed changes in concentration and excretion of the hormones are sequentially related as follows: The sodium losing effect of progesterone stimulates renin release, giving an increased plasma angiotensin II, which in turn leads to an augmented aldosterone production.
THE HUMAN PROSTATE IN ANENCEPHALY
Authors: Zondek Lilly H. , Zondek Theodor
Published: December 2008

The prostate glands of 8 anencephalic monsters and 36 controls have been examined particularly with regard to metaplastic changes which occur in response to oestrogenic stimulation during pregnancy.

Although oestriol levels in mothers of such monsters have been reported to be low, it was noted that with one exception, these organs showed marked and, in some instances, extreme metaplastic changes, sometimes even surpassing the appearances in normal controls.

In contrast to the above findings there was a diminished proliferation of glands noted in the majority of cases. There was also diminished glandular secretion or no secretion whatsoever.

The significance of these findings has been discussed.
OXIDATIVE AND GLYCOLYTIC ACTIVITY OF EJACULATED RAM SPERMATOZOA IN THE PRESENCE OF STEROID HORMONES
Authors: Murdoch R. N. , White I. G. , Seamark R. F.
Published: December 2008

Progesterone*, 20α-OHP, 20β-OHP, androstanedione and testosterone depressed the respiration of washed ram spermatozoa and enhanced aerobic glycolysis. 17β-oestradiol, oestriol, androstenedione, 5β-androstanedione, pregnanedione and pregnanolone reduced respiration without stimulating aerobic glycolysis. Of the steroids tried, none stimulated anaerobic glycolysis. The steroids appeared to act principally on the oxidative phase of spermatozoal metabolism since the oxidation of isotopically labelled glucose, acetate and citric acid cycle intermediates were all depressed when spermatozoa were incubated in the presence of these steroids.
STUDIES ON THE THYROID ACTIVITY IN THE MOUSE
Authors: Melander Arne
Published: December 2008

The effect on thyroid activity of stress and other changes in corticotrophin (ACTH) secretion was studied by blood 131I and plasma protein-bound 131I (PB131I) measurements in 131I-injected NMRI mice. As stress inducers were used ether exposures, intravenous injections of saline, and formaline intraperitoneally.

Each acute stressful treatment was followed by decreased blood 131I and PB131I levels in normal but not in thyroxine-blocked mice, whilst chronic treatment prevented the decrease normally following acute treatment.

Acute stress was also followed by decreased PB131I levels in adrenalectomized and in dexamethasone-pretreated mice, while lysine-vasopressin and dexamethasone as such did not measurably influence PB131I levels. However, the PB131I increase normally following cold exposure was prevented by lysine-vasopressin and augmented by dexamethasone pretreatment.

The following suggestions were made:

Acute stress induced a decrease in thyroid hormone release, due to an inhibition of TSH release. Chronic stress prevented the TSH decrease normally induced by acute stress.

A mere change in ACTH secretion did not by itself necessarily affect TSH secretion, and a TSH decrease was induced by acute stress whether the ACTH secretion level was high or low. However, the TSH increase following cold exposure was inversely related to this level.

A similar, though not generally accepted, view concerning rat thyroid activity is held by other investigators, which argues in favour of similar mechanisms in the mouse and the rat with regard to TSH - ACTH interrelation.
EVALUATION OF A SIMPLIFIED METHOD FOR DETERMINING SERUM THYROXINE BY COMPETITIVE PROTEIN BINDING ANALYSIS
Authors: Thorson Stephen C. , Tsujikawa Ronald , Brown James L. , Morrison Robert T. , McIntosh Hamish W.
Published: December 2008

Serum thyroxine concentrations were determined in 66 euthyroid, 30 hyperthyroid and 13 hypothyroid patients using both the established Murphy method and a simplified method of competitive protein binding analysis. A diagnosis compatibility of 96% was found with both methods indicating that the simplified method has comparable clinical application as an initial screen of thyroid status.
MODEL STUDIES IN VITRO WITH LONG-ACTING HORMONAL PREPARATIONS
Authors: van der Vies J.
Published: December 2008

Since the biological activities of long-acting hormonal preparations, containing steroids or esters of steroids dissolved in arachis oil, depend very much on the rate of absorption from the intramuscular depot, an in vitro model for the latter has been developed.

In this model the solution of the drug in oil is applied to a strip of filter paper and the spot eluted with a stream of hog plasma. Using this model, results were obtained which correlated with the observed rates of resorption in vivo. This demonstrates that the physical process underlying parenteral resorption depends on the distribution of the steroid between oil and plasma.

As far as these esters of steroids are concerned, the steroid moiety of which is the ultimate active component, the hydrolysis of the ester by the esterase of the transporting plasma is another important factor. This has been studied in an in vitro system.

The results obtained with both models proved valuable in understanding the pharmacological properties of a number of anabolic, androgenic and progestational steroids and steroid esters and also in explaining the differences in biological activity between closely related preparations.
EFFECT OF F-6103 ON IMPLANTATION AND EARLY GESTATION IN WOMEN
Authors: Bačić M. , Engström L. , Johannisson E. , Leideman T. , Diczfalusy E.
Published: December 2008

The influence of large doses of F-6103 (bis-/p-acetoxyphenyl/-2-methylcyclohexylidene methane) on implantation and early gestation was studied in clinical experiments.

In the first study, 600 mg of F-6103 were administered daily for 2 to 6 days beginning from 43 to 72 days after the first day of the last menstrual period. Spontaneous abortion, or foetal death occurred in 6 out of 26 women, as compared to 3 out of 24 untreated cases. The difference is statistically not significant.

In the second study 10 women exhibiting a positive pregnancy diagnosis test were treated with 600 mg of F-6103 daily for 7 days beginning from 32 to 48 days after the first day of the last menstrual period. Repeated immunological pregnancy tests were positive in all of them until curettage was performed 18 to 38 days following discontinuation of the treatment. Histopathological examination revealed in all subjects, but one, the presence of normally developed chorionic tissue exhibiting no signs of degenerations. In three cases well preserved foetal tissues were also found. In the third study 16 women with proven fertility were treated from the 14th day of the cycle daily for 7 days with 600 mg of F-6103. Pregnancy occurred in 4 women after 1 to 6 courses of treatment.

The data indicate that in the dose schedule employed F-6103 has neither abortifacient nor postovulatory contraceptive effect in women.
THE HYPOCALCAEMIC ACTIVITY OF GLUCAGON: DEMONSTRATION OF INDEPENDENCE FROM ENDOGENOUS CALCITONIN SECRETION IN THE RAT
Authors: Hattner Robert S. , Bernstein Daniel S. , Aliapoulios Menelaos A. , George Barbara , Rose Elizabeth
Published: December 2008

In the past glucagon (GN) has been shown to be a hypocalcaemic and hypophosphataemic agent in pharmacologic doses in rats, rabbits, dogs, and humans. These activities have been suggested to be due to GN causing an increase in the secretion, or release, of calcitonin (CT) from the C cells. A series of experiments in rats is reported which demonstrate: 1) GN does not produce hypocalcaemia in chronically parathyroidectomized rats; 2) GN produces hypocalcaemia in acutely thyroparathyroidectomized rats; and 3) GN produces hypocalcaemia in thyroparathyroidectomized rats with autologous parathyroid transplants. It is concluded that endogenous CT is unnecessary for the hypocalcaemic activity of GN. Other evidence suggesting an unconcerted hypocalcaemic effect of GN is discussed.
STUDIES ON THE AROMATISATION OF NEUTRAL STEROIDS IN PREGNANT WOMEN
Authors: Vokal H. , Archer D. F. , Wiqvist N. , Diczfalusy E.
Published: December 2008

The following steroids, [7α-3H]5-androstene-3β,16α,17β-triol and [4-14C] 5-androstene-3β,16β,17β-triol were biosynthesized and their metabolism was studied in two subjects at midgestation, following placental perfusion in situ.

Among the metabolites isolated in a radiochemically homogeneous form, exclusively 3H-labelled 16α,17β-dihydroxy-4-androsten-3-one was isolated from the extracts of placentas and perfusates. Exclusively 14C-labelled 16β,17β-dihydroxy-4-androsten-3-one was isolated from the placentas and perfusates and 16-epioestriol (1,3,5(10)-oestratriene-3,16β,17β-triol) from the placentas, perfusates and urine specimens. The following compounds contained both 3H and 14C-label: oestriol (placentas and urine specimens) and 5β-androstane-3α,16α,17β-triol (urine specimens).

The 3H/14C-ratio of oestriol isolated from the urine specimens was much lower than that of urinary 5β-androstane-3α,16α,17β-triol, or that of the oestriol isolated from the placentas. The 3H/14C-ratio of the oestriol isolated from the urine 2–4 days following the perfusion was lower than that of the perfused material.

It is concluded that a considerable amount of the 16-epioestriol secreted by the placenta is gradually converted to oestriol by the maternal organism. A limited conversion occurs also in the placenta.
OVARIAN RESPONSE TO EXCESSIVE DOSES OF HUMAN MENOPAUSAL GONADOTROPHIN IN TWO PATIENTS WITH PRIMARY PITUITARY INSUFFICIENCY
Authors: Sele Vagn , Starup Jørgen
Published: December 2008

Two patients with primary pituitary insufficiency were treated with excessive doses of HMG only for 10 and 14 days. The total dose was 3360 IU and 6320 IU FSH, respectively. The excretion of total oestrogens and pregnanediol was determined daily before, during and after the treatment. Furthermore, the excretion of total gonadotrophins was determined on a few occasions after the treatment with HMG was discontinued.

It was confirmed that patients with primary pituitary insufficiency need a high dose of HMG (800 IU and 2560 IU FSH) before any oestrogen is excreted.

In spite of the extreme stimulation and the resulting high oestrogen excretion, the ovaries were not enlarged at any time during the observation period. It is concluded that the administration of both HMG and HCG is necessary for the development of a hyperstimulation syndrome.

Furthermore, it was shown that the excretion of oestrogens continued to increase for a couple of days after the treatment with HMG was stopped. At the same time it was found that the excretion of total gonadotrophins remained elevated for about 8–10 days after the last dose of HMG had been given. These findings indicate that HMG has a prolonged effect. Therefore, it has been proposed to change the commonly used scheme of treatment with HMG-HCG in such a manner that HGG is given 2–3 days after the last dose of HMG in order to reduce the risk of hyperstimulation.
METABOLISM OF [2-14C] PYRUVATE IN NORMAL, ACROMEGALIC AND HGH-TREATED HUMAN SUBJECTS
Authors: Shreeve W. W. , Cerasi E. , Luft R.
Published: December 2008

In 4 studies on 3 acromegalic patients, who had normal iv glucose tolerance and high insulin response to infused glucose (Al), the oxidation to 14CO2 of [2-14C] pyruvate (injected intravenously in trace amount after overnight fast) was not different from that in 9 studies of 9 nonacromegalic »high insulin responders« (Ni). In 4 studies on 3 other acromegalic patients, who had low glucose tolerance and less insulin response to glucose (A2), the formation of 14CO2 was reduced to ½–⅔ that of Al or N1 and was about proportionate to the reduction in glucose tolerance. In A2 the 14CO2 formation was slightly lower than the mean for 10 studies with 7 non-acromegalic subjects, who were »low insulin responders« with normal or low glucose tolerance (N2). Among non-acromegalics expiration of 14CO2 was significantly lower in N2 than in N1. Among 4 non-acromegalic subjects treated with human growth hormone for 3–4 days one had a marked reduction in pyruvate oxidation, while all had a decrease in glucose tolerance.

Analysis of 14C in blood glucose at 60 minutes after injection of [2-14C]pyruvate suggested that slightly more total 14C-glucose was present in A2 than N1 without any differences between A2 and N2 or N1 and N2. Two out of 4 studies in A1 showed lower than normal amounts of 14Cglucose. No change in 14C-glucose occurred after administration of HGH.

The findings suggest that impairment of pyruvate oxidation accompanies a lowered glucose tolerance in acromegalics with a diabetic tendency. Changes in gluconeogenesis from pyruvate appear to be minimal.
THE EFFECT OF HEPATECTOMY AND SEX HORMONES ON THE PSEUDOCHOLINESTERASE ACTIVITY IN LIVER AND SERUM OF THE RAT
Authors: Leeuwin R. S. , Groenewoud E. Th.
Published: December 2008

A study was made of the combined effects of hepatectomy, castration and treatment with sex hormones on the pseudocholinesterase activity in liver and serum of male and female rats. Hepatectomy in normal rats results in a sharp decline of the pseudocholinesterase activity, subsequently followed in females by a rapid increase to normal values and in males by a very slow increase. Hepatectomy in castrated rats also causes a marked decrease of the pseudocholinesterase activity, but the pseudocholinesterase activity remains at a relatively low level, in both castrated females and castrated males. Daily treatment of castrated-hepatectomized females with oestradiol-benzoate, either immediately or nine days after hepatectomy induces a gradual restoration of the enzyme activity to and above the normal castrate level. When castrated-hepatectomized males are treated daily with testosterone-propionate the extremely low activity may even be depressed further.

These experiments once again stress the important role played by the liver and by sex hormones in the synthesis of the enzyme pseudocholinesterase. There was no evidence from our experiments that the steroid hormones affect the speed of regeneration of the liver as a whole. From this it must be decided that they only affect the restoration of the synthetic capacity for pseudocholinesterase. In all experiments the changes in liver pseudocholinesterase activity were reflected in the serum activity.
THE EFFECT OF PREGNANCY, OVARIECTOMY AND PARTURITION ON PLASMA PROGESTERONE LEVEL IN SHEEP
Authors: Fylling Petter
Published: December 2008

In sheep a gradual increase in the progesterone* level in peripheral plasma was observed during pregnancy. The maximum plasma levels were reached at about day 140, the mean value in two ewes, each carrying one lamb being 13.2 ng/ml, and in four twin pregnancies 20.0 ng/ml. During the last week of pregnancy a marked decline in plasma progesterone levels in all the intact animals was observed with a mean value of 2.1 ng/ml at parturition. Following ovariectomy the increase in plasma progesterone in advancing stages of pregnancy which has been observed in intact animals, was blocked. In the ovariectomized animals too a decrease in plasma progesterone levels prior to parturition was demonstrated.
EFFECT OF RESERPINE ON PLASMA PROLACTIN DEPENDENT ON THE PRESENCE OF OESTROGENS
Authors: Gugten A. A. van der , Verhofstad F. , Sala M. , Kwa H. G.
Published: December 2008

Reserpine was administered to one group of female, one group of male, two groups of spayed and two groups of orchidectomized rats. The group of intact female rats received the dose of reserpine three days after prooestrus. One group of spayed and one group of orchidectomized rats received oestrone in their drinking-water from the day of operation (day 0) onward. Reserpine was administered to all rats on day 3.

One hour and a half after the reserpine dose (50 μg) blood samples were taken from all the rats; further blood samples were taken on days 4, 5 and 11. Only the intact females and both castrated groups of rats, which received oestrone in their drinking-water responded with an increase in prolactin levels in their circulation 1½ h after the administration of reserpine.

The results suggest that the effect of reserpine, in the dose given, on prolactin release is of relatively short duration and seemed to be dependent on the presence of oestrone.
CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM IN PREGNANCY
Authors: Knopp Robert H. , Ruder Henry J. , Herrera Emilio , Freinkel Norbert
Published: December 2008

The effects of pregnancy and dietary status upon the blood sugar response to exogenous insulin in the rat were evaluated. Unanaesthetized 19-day pregnant, postpartum, and age-matched virgin rats were challenged with intravenous insulin (10 U/kg) after unrestricted access to food or fasting for 48 hours. Appropriate control studies were instituted to correct for the effects of 'handling' upon blood sugar. Fed as well as fasted pregnant rats displayed diminished absolute hypoglycaemic responses to insulin and attenuated rates of blood sugar fall. The relative resistance of pregnant rats to the blood sugar lowering actions of insulin was documented during group comparisons with virgin rats as well as upon reexamination of the same animals postpartum.
BLOOD FLOW AND RADIOIODINE UPTAKE IN THE THYROID GLAND OF RATS AFTER ADMINISTRATION AND DISCONTINUATION OF METHYLTHIOURACIL
Authors: Kapitola J. , Schüllerová M. , Schreiberová O.
Published: December 2008

The effect of methylthiouracil (MTU, 0.2% in the food for 7 days) on the thyroid blood flow (86Rb method) and radioiodine uptake in rats was studied. MTU administration causes an increase of thyroid weight (about double) and an increase in blood flow (about four times, as expressed in percentages of dose 86Rb/g), while the radioiodine uptake is inhibited. After the discontinuation of MTU administration 1. the thyroid weight slowly decreases; 2. the thyroid blood flow falls from the 1st day, while on the 7th day it reaches the normal level, when expressed in percentages of dose 86Rb/g; the values in percentages of dose 86Rb in the thyroid gland remain higher than the normal; 3. radioiodine uptake rises rapidly, and on the 2nd day it reaches the normal level when expressed in percentages of dose 131I/mg; the values in percentages of dose 131I in the thyroid gland are higher than normal. Thus, during the period of action of MTU and after its discontinuation, the 86Rb uptake in the thyroid gland as an indicator of blood flow reflects the presumed concentration of endogenous thyrotrophin.
VASOPRESSIN RELEASE FROM THE RAT SUPRAOPTICO-NEUROHYPOPHYSIAL SYSTEM IN VITRO IN RESPONSE TO HYPERTONICITY AND ACETYLCHOLINE
Authors: Eggena Patrick , Thorn Niels A.
Published: December 2008

Vasopressin release from isolated supraoptico-neurohypophysial systems of rats was studied by means of an antidiuretic bioassay procedure using iv hydration. Preparations which included adjacent areas released less hormone during the post-isolation recovery period. Following the recovery period less than 20 pg/min of arginine-vasopressin was released from a single preparation; but on challenge with acetylcholine (1 mg/l) or with strongly hypertonic salt solutions (950 mosm/kg) the hormone release was increased to over 100 pg/min/preparation. Cross-tachyphylaxis between these two forms of stimulation occurred after less than 1% of the total vasopressin content of the supraoptico-neurohypophysial system had been released. A concentration of potassium of 56 mmol/l caused release of much larger amounts of vasopressin than stimulation with acetylcholine or hypertonicity.
STUDIES ON THE TETRAZOLIUM REDUCTION ASSAY FOR FOLLICLE-STIMULATING HORMONE
Authors: Bell E. T. , Christie D. W.
Published: December 2008

The technique of Casellato et al. (1967) for the bioassay of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) involving the reduction of 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride in the vagina of the immature mouse following the administration of FSH and human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) has been studied. In initial experiments it was found that FSH administration did not cause a consistent increase in tetrazolium reduction. Accordingly, modifications to the method involving the dosage of HCG, the time of tetrazolium injection and the time of autopsy after tetrazolium administration have been studied. It was concluded that in the mouse colony employed the tetrazolium assay could not be established.
OPTIMUM CULTURE CONDITIONS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF PROLACTIN FROM RAT ANTERIOR PITUITARY ORGAN CULTURES
Authors: Gala Richard R.
Published: December 2008

Factors influencing prolactin production and anterior pituitary (AP) tissue survival in vitro were investigated. Media 199, NCTC-109, MB752/1 and Trowells-T8 were compared for their ability to support the rat AP in vitro and found to be similar, although Trowells-T8 appeared to be less well suited for this tissue. Culturing AP in Hanks balanced salt solution (BSS) resulted in a lower prolactin production and tissue survival than in Medium 199; nevertheless, there was a tenfold net synthesis of prolactin. Streptomycin and penicillin at a level of 200 units each/ml and nystatin at a level of 50 units/ml were found to control the growth of microorganisms without any deleterious effects on the AP. Amphotercine B at a level of 25 μg/ml, on the other hand, was incompatible with AP tissue survival and function. When pituitary fragments weighed 2.8 mg or more, prolactin production and tissue survival were decreased relative to AP fragments which weighed 1.2 mg or less. Culture of pituitary tissue completely submerged in medium was not compatible with optimum hormone production or AP survival. Pituitary pieces supported by stainless steel platforms with filter paper wicks resulted in better tissue survival and significantly greater prolactin production that when cultured under similar conditions but without a wick.
INFLUENCE OF CORTICOSTEROIDS AND CHLORPROMAZINE ON THE RELEASE OF VASOPRESSIN FROM ISOLATED NEURAL LOBES OF RATS
Authors: Vilhardt Hans
Published: December 2008

Isolated neural hemilobes from rats were stimulated with high concentrations of potassium during incubation with media containing corticotrophin, prednisolone, aldosterone or chlorpromazine. Corticotrophin or aldosterone did not influence the amount of vasopressin released during stimulation, whereas prednisolone in a concentration of 10 μg/100 ml medium caused a significant inhibition. It was found that low concentrations of chlorpromazine inhibited the stimulated release of vasopressin from isolated neural hemilobes, whereas high concentrations increased the release. The possible physiological significance of the results is discussed with particular reference to possible modulating effects of glucocorticoids on the release process of neurohypophyseal hormones.
PSEUDOTUMOR HYPOPHYSEOS
Authors: Goldzieher Joseph W. , Hardy Robert C.
Published: December 2008

Sellar enlargement associated with various types of pituitary deficiency and occasionally with unusual neurologic signs may be the consequence of chronically increased intracranial pressure. The ninth case of such a syndrome associated with congenital obstruction of the aqueduct of Sylvius is reported. The prognosis for restoration of pituitary function postoperatively is remarkably good.
QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE DE NOVO STEROL AND STEROID SYNTHESIS IN THE HUMAN FOETO-PLACENTAL UNIT.
Authors: Mathur R. S. , Archer D. F. , Wiqvist N. , Diczfalusy E.
Published: December 2008

In order to assess the quantitative significance of the de novo cholesterol synthesis in the foeto-placental unit at midgestation, two midgestation foetuses and two complete foeto-placental units were perfused with [14C]-sodium acetate immediately following their removal at laparotomy. The perfusions were carried out at 36°C for 120 min administering 3.0 and 6.0 mCi of [14C] sodium acetate, respectively. The amount of [14C]-cholesterol formed was estimated on the basis of the recovery of [7α-3H]-cholesterol internal standard present in the radiochemically homogeneous cholesterol isolated from the various tissues.

The cholesterol isolated from the placentas was devoid of any [14C] label. On the other hand, [14C] cholesterol was isolated from all perfusates, as well as from all foetal tissues studied, including the adrenals, livers, testicles, brains and residual foetal tissues.

The average quantity of radiochemically homogeneous [14C] cholesterol formed by the four foetuses corresponded to 0.68% of the radioactive material perfused: 0.45% was isolated from the liver, 0.13% from the adrenals, 0.01% from the testicles and 0.08% from the perfusates.

Cholesterol sulphate was also isolated from the extracts of adrenals, livers and perfusates. The quantity of [14C] cholesterol sulphate formed was much less than that of [14C] cholesterol; following correction for procedural losses, the total amount of [14C] cholesterol sulphate isolated did not exceed 0.01% of the perfused material.

It is concluded that the midgestation human foetus synthesizes large quantities of cholesterol, utilizing small molecular material such as sodium acetate as a precursor and that part of the cholesterol synthesized by the foetus is secreted to the placenta.
CONTRACEPTION BY AN INJECTABLE LONG-ACTING OESTROGEN-PROGESTOGEN AGENT. II.
Authors: Plesner Rolf
Published: December 2008

The results of a clinical investigation on 22 fertile women treated cyclically with a total of 341 injections of Deladroxate, an injectable, long-acting oestrogen-progestogen are presented. The injections were administered on the 8th (7th–9th) day of each cycle. Before treatment, the patients were observed through 2 cycles for cycle length as well as duration and amount of flow.

In some cases the dose was increased because of a shortening of the cycle. The over all mean cycle length during the treatment was 25.3 days, though with fairly marked variations. The mean cycle length before treatment was 28.4 days.

The duration of flow ranged from 1–30 days. About 72% of 320 withdrawal bleedings lasted for 4–8 days. Of the flows 60% were of normal amounts, while the majority of the remaining flows were scantier than the normal pre-treatment flows of the subjects.

Side effects during treatment were recorded in one or more cycles in 17 of the 22 subjects and were in most cases slight and transient. The most common complaints were breast tenderness, oedema, and irregularities of bleeding. No pregnancy occurred during treatment.

After discontinuation of the injections, bleedings and cycles normalized spontaneously in 11 women. In 1 woman curettage was performed because of profuse flow, and 2 women were treated with oral oestrogen-progestogens because of persistent bleeding. Eight women started oral contraception before the cycles became regular.
GOITROUS ENZOOTIC IN THE WILD RAT WITH A GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION SIMILAR TO ENDEMIC HUMAN GOITRE
Authors: Orts S. , Dustin P. , Delange F.
Published: December 2008

The aim of the present work has been to verify the determining influence of the environmental factor on the geographical distribution of goitre in Idjwi Island (Lake Kivu, Dem. Rep. of the Congo). The weight and histology of the thyroid of wild rats have been compared in the areas of high (North Idjwi) and low (South West Idjwi) prevalence of goitre in man. This animal has been chosen because its food consists mainly of the remains of human food and because it abounds in the two areas investigated.

The mean thyroid weight in 114 rats captured in the North of the Island is 18.3 ± 0.5 mg. This result is significantly higher than the value of 12.1 ± 0.3 mg obtained in 101 animals captured in the South West of the Island (P < 0.001). Furthermore, an aspect of hyperstimulation characterized by a reduction or disappearance of the colloid of the thyroid vesicles was observed in 66.7% of the glands in the first area, as compared to 8.5% only in those of the second area (P < 0.0005).

This investigation thus shows the existence of a goitrous enzootic in the wild rat in Idjwi Island, which is geographically superimposable on the endemic human goitre.

Since the North and the South West of the Island have a similar iodine deficiency, the present data support the hypothesis of the existence in the North of the Island of an additional goitrogenic factor, distinct from the iodine deficiency.
THE DISSOCIATION OF ALDOSTERONE SECRETION AND SYSTEMIC RENIN AND ANGIOTENSIN II LEVELS DURING THE CORRECTION OF SODIUM DEFICIENCY
Authors: Blair-West J. R. , Cain M. D. , Catt K. J. , Coghlan J. P. , Denton D. A. , Funder J. W. , Scoggins B. A. , Wright R. D.
Published: December 2008

Conscious trained sheep with adrenal autotransplants and a unilateral parotid fistula were studied.

Progressive depletion of sodium, up to 900 mEq. over 69 h, resulted in a progressive and proportional increase in aldosterone secretion rate, the peripheral blood concentration of aldosterone and angiotensin, and the plasma renin level.

The same parameters were then studied following the rapid correction of sodium depletion by voluntary drinking of 2–3 1 of hypertonic NaHCO3 solution (300 mEq./l). In 11 of 12 experiments, where animals rapidly drank adequate sodium solution to correct body deficit, aldosterone secretion fell close to, or into the sodium replete range within 6 h after drinking. Although plasma renin concentration and blood angiotensin levels also tended to decrease, they fell at a much slower rate than the aldosterone secretion rate. The dissociation was most apparent about two hours after drinking NaHCO3 solution. On occasions, large fall of aldosterone occurred without fall of angiotensin. However, the close correlation between renin and angiotensin was unchanged. The results were indicative that, during rapid correction of sodium deficiency, aldosterone secretion rate was determined by factors other than, or additional to, the contemporary level of angiotensin in peripheral blood. The question whether changes in plasma ionic concentrations could wholly, or only partly account for this disjunction between angiotensin and aldosterone is discussed, and the existence of an aldosterone inhibitory mechanism is postulated.
VASOPRESSIN-INDUCED INCREASE IN PERIPHERAL PLASMA PROGESTERONE LEVELS DURING EARLY HUMAN PREGNANCY
Authors: Fylling Petter
Published: December 2008

Vasopressin, adrenaline and theophyllamine infusions administered to pregnant women in the first trimester had a marked stimulating effect on the progesterone* level of peripheral plasma. The effect was dose-dependent within the range tested, and the vasopressin effect was potentiated when theophyllamine was added to the infusion medium. Vasopressin infusion, however, had no effect on the human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) level in peripheral blood. Oxytocin had only a slight effect on the progesterone levels as compared with a control group receiving only saline infusion. 3′,5′-adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP) infusion given over a period of 40 minutes (0.4 mg/kg/min) to one pregnant woman resulted in a moderate increase in the progesterone level.
CHANGES IN THE VOLUME OF RAT CORPUS LUTEUM DURING PREGNANCY AND AFTER SURGICAL INTERFERENCE WITH THE UTERUS AND PLACENTA
Authors: Waynforth H. B.
Published: December 2008

An increase in luteal volume was seen between Day 11 and 16 of pregnancy in the rat. In particular, a high rate of growth of the corpus luteum was found between the 11th and 12th day and it is suggested that this may be due to a »surge« of placental LTH at this time. A marked reduction in luteal volume, concomitant with an early return to oestrus, was observed after caesarian section on Day 12 of pregnancy. The maternal placenta, surgically separated from the foetal placenta, was unable to maintain either the dioestrous period of pregnancy or the growth of the corpus luteum. Neither decidualisation nor hysterectomy had any effect on luteal volume.
CHANGES IN PLASMA GROWTH HORMONE AND INSULIN OF THE HUMAN FOETUS FOLLOWING HYSTEROTOMY
Authors: Turner R. C. , Schneeloch B. , Paterson P.
Published: December 2008

Plasma immunoreactive insulin and growth hormone of 20–24 weeks' gestation human foetuses were assayed in serial samples following delivery by hysterotomy. The mean umbilical cord plasma growth hormone concentration was 71 ng/ml (range 13–120 ng/ml) and the mean plasma insulin was 5 μU/ml (range 2–8 μU/ml). Following delivery the growth hormone levels increased, but there was no significant change in plasma insulin concentration. The hypothalamic-hypophyseal axis controlling growth hormone secretion appears to be developed by 20 weeks' gestation, and »stress« appears to be a provocative stimulus.
STUDIES ON THE METABOLISM OF C19 STEROIDS IN THE FOETO-PLACENTAL UNIT
Authors: Benagiano G. , Ermini M. , de la Torre B. , Wiqvist N. , Diczfalusy E.
Published: December 2008

Three midgestation placentas were perfused at laparotomy during fifteen minutes with tracer amounts of [1,2-3H] testosterone [35S] sulphate sodium salt, and metabolites present in the placentas, perfusates and maternal urine specimens were analyzed.

Most of the radioactive material administered was present in the placentas and perfusates; approximately 2% of it was recovered from the urine. More than 99.5% of the radioactive material recovered from the placentas and the perfusates was in a water soluble (conjugated) form. No unconjugated testosterone was found in these sources.

Radiochemically homogeneous [1,2-3H] testosterone [35S] sulphate was isolated from the placentas, perfusates and urine specimens collected during the first 24 hours of experiment. The isotopic ratio of the conjugate isolated from these sources was very similar to that of the perfused material. Seventy per cent of the double labelled radioactive material recovered from the Day 1 urine samples was radiochemically homogeneous testosterone sulphate.

The relative amounts of testosterone sulphate present in the Day 2 and Day 3 urine specimens showed a gradual decrease. This decrease was associated with an increase in tritium to sulphur-35 ratio.

From the pooled extracts of all urine specimens, small amounts of exclusively tritium labelled conjugated 5α-androsterone and 5β-androsterone were also isolated. No 17β-oestradiol 17-sulphate was detected in any of the sources studied.

It is concluded that little, if any, testosterone sulphate is hydrolyzed by the midgestation human placenta, and that a considerable part of the testosterone sulphate secreted by the foetus is transferred across the placenta to the mother in an unchanged form. The major part of the transferred testosterone sulphate is excreted in the urine; a smaller part of it undergoes hydrolysis with a subsequent metabolism of the steroid moiety.
QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE DE NOVO STEROL AND STEROID SYNTHESIS IN THE HUMAN FOETO-PLACENTAL UNIT
Authors: Archer D. F. , Mathur R. S. , Wiqvist N. , Diczfalusy E.
Published: December 2008

The quantitative significance of the de novo synthesis of Δ5- and Δ4-steroids was assessed in the midgestation human foetus. Two midgestation foetuses and two complete foeto-placental units were perfused at 36°C for 120 minutes with 3.0 and 6.0 mCi of [14C] sodium acetate, respectively, and radiochemically homogeneous carbon-14 labelled steroids were isolated from the adrenals, livers and perfusates. Losses throughout the isolation procedure were monitored in all tissues of all experiments by the recovery of tritium labelled internal standards.

In the four experiments, a total of 18.0 mCi of [14C] sodium acetate was perfused and a total of 0.17 μCi of pregnenolone, 2.65 μCi of pregnenolone sulphate, 1.07 μCi of dehydroepiandrosterone and 8.64 μCi of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate were isolated. A total of 12.53 μCi were isolated in the form of these four compounds; 10.13 μCi of this was present in the perfusates. In all, 0.07% of the administered [14C]-sodium acetate was converted to the four Δ5-steroids studied and 0.048% to dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate.

Progesterone was isolated from the perfusates and liver extracts, and 17α-hydroxy-progesterone, androstenedione and testosterone from the perfusates. In the four experiments, a total of 0.045 μCi of carbon-14 labelled Δ4-steroids were isolated, predominantly from the perfusates. In all, less than 0.0003% of the perfused [14C] sodium acetate was converted to Δ4-steroids. Thus, almost 300 times more Δ5- than Δ4-steroids were formed.

It is concluded that the extensive de novo steroidogenetic processes taking place in the midgestation human foetus lead to the predominant formation of Δ5-steroid sulphates.
EFFECTS OF CONTINUOUS DAILY ADMINISTRATION OF 0.03 mg OF d-NORGESTREL ON THE PLASMA LEVELS OF PROGESTERONE AND THE URINARY EXCRETION OF OESTROGENS
Authors: Larsson-Cohn U. , Johansson E. D. B. , Gemzell C.
Published: December 2008

Daily determinations of the plasma level of progesterone and the urinary excretion of oestrogens were performed in five subjects during one control cycle followed by three months of treatment with 0.03 mg of d-norgestrel.

The control cycles were ovulatory according to the parameters investigated, although one of the women showed a monophasic basal body temperature.

During treatment there was a tendency to a decrease of the oestrogen excretion. Three of the women showed one or several cycles with low progesterone levels. It is believed that this was due to a defective function of the corpus luteum.

It seems that the effect of the present drug on the corpus luteum activity was about equal to that of chlormadinone acetate 0.5 mg daily, while 0.3 and 0.5 mg of norethindrone depressed the function more markedly.
PHARMACOLOGICAL INHIBITION OF ADRENALINE SECRETION FOLLOWING INSULIN INDUCED HYPOGLYCAEMIA IN MAN: THE EFFECT OF CATAPRESAN®
Authors: Hedeland H. , Dymling J.-F. , Hökfelt B.
Published: December 2008

In untreated subjects insulin induced hypoglycaemia was followed by a marked increase in urinary adrenaline excretion without any significant change in noradrenaline, thus confirming previous observations. This stimulating effect of hypoglycaemia on adrenaline production could be markedly inhibited by treatment with the antihypertensive agent Catapresan® (2-(2,6-dichlorphenylamine)-2-imidazoline hydrochloride). The basal urinary noradrenaline excretion was markedly suppressed under medication with Catapresan® and again there was no significant change in connection with hypoglycaemia.

Infusion studies demonstrated that Catapresan® did not influence the urinary recovery of adrenaline and noradrenaline. Thus, the diminished adrenaline excretion following Catapresan® represented a reduced secretion of the hormone. This inhibitory effect of Catapresan® might be due to an action of the compound on central nervous structures.
PITUITARY RESPONSE TO STRESS IN CUSHING'S DISEASE
Authors: von Werder K. , Smilo R. P. , Hane S. , Forsham P. H.
Published: December 2008

Plasma corticosteroids (11-OHCS) and serum immunoreactive growth hormone (IRGH) were measured in six normal subjects during an insulin tolerance test (ITT) and in four patients with normal endocrine function during the first hour of abdominal surgery. Three normal subjects were given a short dexamethasone suppression (1 mg every 6 h for five doses) followed by an ITT 2 h after the last dose. Three patients with normal endocrine function were treated identically, receiving the last dose 2 h before an operation. Five patients with bilateral adrenal hyperplasia (pituitary ACTH excess) had an ITT and were followed at surgery. During all ITTs the hypoglycaemia was adequate (blood glucose less than 40 mg/100 ml). All normal subjects responded adequately to the ITT (11-OHCS max: 26.8 ± 4.4 μg/100 ml, 2 sem; IRGH max: 35.6 ± 11.2 ng/ml), and surgery (11-OHCS max: 35.5 ± 1.7 μg/100 ml; IRGH max: 42.4 ± 12.4 ng/ml). The dexamethasone-suppressed subjects failed to show a rise in 11-OHCS during the ITT or at surgery, and the IRGH response was significantly lower compared with the non-suppressed subjects. All but one patient with Cushing's disease also failed to raise 11-OHCS levels during the ITT and at surgery; the rise in IRGH was blunted in both situations. The similarity in response to stress in (acutely) dexamethasone-suppressed normal subjects and those with Cushing's disease is striking. It suggests that feedback inhibition of increased ACTH secretion, rather than an intrinsic hypothalamic defect, may be the critical factor in the poor steroid response to a variety of stresses in Cushing's disease.
THE EFFECT OF METOPIRONE ON THE URINARY EXCRETION OF TESTOSTERONE AND EPITESTOSTERONE IN NORMAL MALES TREATED WITH HCG OR CYPROTERONE AND IN HIRSUTE FEMALES
Authors: Tamm J. , Voigt K. D.
Published: December 2008

The increased urinary excretion of testosterone and epitestosterone following the administration of HCG or Cyproterone to normal males was markedly reduced by simultaneous treatment with metopirone. In females with hirsutism of different origin the pathologically increased values of testosterone and epitestosterone in urine were also lowered considerably by 74 % and 86 %, respectively, after the administration of metopirone for a period of four days.
RADIOIMMUNOLOGICAL DETERMINATION OF PLASMA RENIN ACTIVITY DURING THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE AND DURING ACUTE PROGESTERONE ADMINISTRATION
Authors: Sundsfjord Johan A.
Published: December 2008

Antibodies to ileu5angiotensin I were produced in rabbits with the poly-l-lysine succinyl complex of angiotensin I. Iodine-125 was used for the labelling of angiotensin I. The tracer was purified on a G-15 Sephadex column.

For the determination of plasma renin activity plasma samples containing EDTA and BAL were incubated for two hours at 37°C. while a parallel sample was kept at 4°C to serve as a plasma blank. The angiotensin I content in 50 μl of plasma diluted 1:20 was quantitated directly, without prior extraction. For the immunoassay the samples and standards were incubated with 125I-angiotensin I (about 2500 cpm) and antiserum at a final dilution of 1:50 000–1:60 000 for 16–18 hours at 4°C. Dextran-coated charcoal was used for the separation of free and antibody-bound angiotensin I.

The antiserum did not bind angiotensin II. The lower limit of detection was 20 pg. An average recovery of added angiotensin I of 100.5 % ± 11 (sd) was obtained. In duplicate determinations a coefficient of variation of 6.9 % was found.

The method was used to measure renin activity during the menstrual cycle. In the follicular phase a range of 0.8–1.5, mean 1.14 ng ang.I/ml/h, was found, whereas the values in the luteal phase were 2.1–4.0, mean 3.06 ng ang.I/ml/h, respectively.

When 500 mg progesterone, divided into 5 doses over a period of 24 hours was given to menopausal women, an increase in renin activity was found. No increase in aldosterone excretion or in the K/Na ratio in the urine was observed during this period.