bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STEROID HORMONE PRODUCTION FOLLOWING ADRENAL STIMULATION IN THE RHESUS MONKEY
Authors: Scurry M. T. , Bruton J.
Published: December 2008

The adrenal response to the infusion of various corticotrophin (ACTH) preparations and other hormones in the orchiectomized rhesus monkey has been measured by the excretion of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids, 17-ketosteroids, and 11-deoxy-17-ketosteroids. No difference was found in the response to genuine or synthetic ACTH. A response was demonstrated with 0.8 U or more of ACTH per 24 hours. No adrenal response was observed to infusions of various gonadotrophins, growth hormone, prolactin, α-melanocyte stimulating hormone, and thyroid stimulating hormone. Angiotensin selectively stimulated aldosterone excretion. No evidence was found for any selective stimulation of adrenal androgen production.
EFFECT OF AN OESTROGEN ANTAGONIST ETHAMOXY-TRIPHETOL (MER-25) ON OESTROUS BEHAVIOUR IN RATS
Authors: Meyerson Bengt J. , Lindström Leif
Published: December 2008

MER-25, 75–150 mg/kg, inhibited oestrous behaviour induced by oestradiol benzoate/progesterone treatment in ovariectomized rats. In experiments in which MER-25 was administered 2 hours before oestradiol benzoate, the extent of antagonism was dependent on the dose of MER-25. Single injections of MER-25, given at different time intervals in conjunction with oestrogen administration, showed that MER-25 effectively decreased the response when administered either 2 hours before, or 2 or 8 hours after oestradiol benzoate treatment. No significant effect occurred when MER-25 was given simultaneously with, 12 hours before, or 24 hours after the oestrogen injection.

MER-25 had no effect when oestradiol was given instead of oestradiol benzoate in otherwise analogous experiments. It seems probable that the inability of MER-25 to antagonize the effect of oestradiol in these experiments was due to the fact that MER-25 cannot compete with the comparatively high dose of oestradiol which was necessary to obtain the same response as in the oestradiol benzoate experiments.
DESOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID SYNTHESIS (DNA) IN THE RAT OVARY AFTER TREATMENT WITH ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES
Authors: Mohr U. , Seene G. , Emminger A. , Althoff J. , Zimmer F.
Published: December 2008

The radioactively labelled ovaries of Wistar rats were examined by autoradiography and activity measurement after long-term treatment of varying duration with an oral contraceptive (Lyndiol®). The administration of Lyndiol® led to the absence of the normal oestrous cycle and, after more prolonged treatment, to a reduction both in the number and size of follicles and to atrophy of the ovaries. As calculated per 1 mg dry organ weight, the DNA values found were within the range of the cycle-dependent fluctuations; however, they were a great deal lower when the reduced organ weight was taken into account.
STUDIES ON HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHIN
Authors: van Hell H. , Matthijsen R. , Homan J. D. H.
Published: December 2008

Highly purified preparations of Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (HCG), with potencies up to 18 800 IU/mg, were obtained from material containing about 1500 IU/mg, by using a fractionation with ethanol, CMSephadex chromatography and gel filtration with Sephadex G-100.

Starch gel electrophoresis revealed that the most potent preparation still contained three components, while certain other fractions with much lower potencies were found to be homogeneous.

Evidence is presented for the presence of various HCG components differing from each other in biological potency, electrophoretic mobility and sialic acid content. Within this material, components with higher electroporetic mobilities and higher sialic acid contents showed higher biological potencies. The molecular weight estimated in the absence of calcium ions was 62 000 ± 1000.
OBSERVATIONS ON THE PRECIPITATION REACTION IN A DOUBLE-ANTIBODY IMMUNOASSAY FOR INSULIN
Authors: Grant D. B.
Published: December 2008

The effects of human serum and ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) on the precipitation stage of a double-antibody immunoassay for insulin have been studied. Human serum consistently reduced the rate of precipitation of bound insulin by rabbit antiserum and the results obtained with modified human serum suggested that this effect was due to complement. Under certain conditions, EDTA was found to accelerate the precipitation of antibody-bound insulin and some implications of this finding to the double-antibody method of assay are considered.
EFFECTS OF VARIOUS PEPTIDES ON ALDOSTERONE PRODUCTION OF SODIUM DEFICIENT RATS
Authors: van der Wal B. , de Wied D.
Published: December 2008

The effect of angiotensin II, vasopressin, ACTH, α- and β-MSH and several ACTH fragments was studied on the production of aldosterone in sodium-deficient intact and hypophysectomized rats and in animals pretreated with dexamethasone-pentobarbitone (D-N) or pentobarbitone-chlorpromazine (N-CPZ). As an index of the production of aldosterone in vivo the rate of aldosterone production by excised adrenal tissue in vitro was used.

The effect of angiotensin II and vasopressin on aldosterone production was inhibited by previous hypophysectomy or by pretreatment with large amounts of dexamethasone while the action of ACTH was not affected by these measures.

Except for α-MSH, none of the other ACTH-fragments was capable of stimulating the rate of aldosterone production in D-N rats. This was interpreted as indicating that the stimulatory effect of ACTH on aldosterone production in sodium-deficient rats is a property of the whole ACTH-molecule.
SELECTIVE UPTAKE OF RADIOACTIVITY IN RAT VENTRAL PROSTATE FOLLOWING ADMINISTRATION OF TESTOSTERONE-1,2-3H
Authors: Tveter Kjell J. , Attramadal Arne
Published: December 2008

Testosterone- 1,2-3H with a specific activity of 46.5 c/mm was injected intramuscularly into 3–4 months old, randomly selected rats castrated 3 days prior to injection. The radioactivity in liver, muscle, blood and the ventral prostate was measured by liquid scintillation counting. A selective uptake of radioactivity was demonstrated in the prostate, with a maximum concentration 1–2 hours following injection. Animals with ureterocolostomy showed the same values, thus eliminating urinary contamination as an explanation for the registered uptake.

Simultaneous administration of 20 μg per rat of unlabelled testosterone diminished the uptake in the prostate by an average of 38 % in intact rats, while 500 μg of unlabelled hormone per rat reduced the uptake to background levels in animals castrated 1 day previously.

It is suggested that the main reason for earlier failure to demonstrate a selective uptake in the prostate might be the administration of greater amounts of a hormone with too low a specific radioactivity.
THE FALL OF BLOOD PRESSURE FOLLOWING INDUCTION OF DECIDUOMATA IN STEROID HYPERTENSIVE RATS RECEIVING PROGESTERONE
Authors: Moore H. C. , Cserhati I. , Biliczki F. P.
Published: December 2008

Experimental deciduomata and progesterone together lower the blood pressure in the steroid hypertensive rat from the 5th to 10th day of decidual growth i. e. from the 10th to 15th day of pseudopregnancy. This would suggest that the fall of blood pressure at an equivalent time of gestation in hypertensive pregnant rats could be due to the maternal decidua under the influence of progesterone. It is further considered that the metrial gland of the deciduoma is more likely to be responsible for the hypotensive effect and by comparison that the metrial gland is implicated in the hypotensive effect of pregnancy.

Progesterone alone also exerts a minor hypotensive effect in those animals in which a nephrectomy forms part of the hypertension regimen and indicates one way in which a maternal renal factor could influence blood pressure responses in hypertensive pregnant rats.
BIOASSAY OF ANTIGONADOTROPHIC SERA
Authors: Robyn C. , Diczfalusy E.
Published: December 2008

Methods are described for the bioassay of the human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) – and luteinising hormone (LH) neutralising potencies of antigonadotrophic sera. The methods are based on the increase in weight of the accessory reproductive organs of intact immature male rats and on the increase in weight of the ventral prostate of hypophysectomised immature rats.

The antigonadotrophic sera were obtained following immunisation of rabbits with HCG, human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG) and human hypophysial gonadotrophin (HHG) preparations. These sera were then assayed against the laboratory standard and the International Standard preparations of HCG, as well as against a highly purified HCG preparation. The antigonadotrophic potencies of the various antisera showed a close agreement, when assayed in intact or hypophysectomised animals against the different HCG preparations.

When anti-HCG sera were assayed in intact or hypophysectomised animals against the laboratory standard of HMG, the antigonadotrophic potencies were approximately three times higher than those obtained against HCG preparations. In an attempt to account for this discrepancy, the laboratory standard of HCG was assayed against the laboratory standard of HMG and the Second International Standard preparation of HCG was assayed against the Second International Reference preparation of HMG in both assay systems used. The potency of 1.0 IU of HCG corresponded to that of 2.5 to 2.9 IU of LH.

If this difference is taken into consideration, the discrepancy in antigonadotrophic titers disappears. However, when anti-HCG and anti-HHG sera were assayed in intact or hypophysectomised animals against an HHG preparation, the antigonadotrophic potencies were approximately ten times lower than those obtained when the antisera were tested against HCG preparations and ten to thirty times lower than those obtained in the assays conducted against the laboratory standard of HMG. Since these discrepancies in antigonadotrophic titers cannot be explained by differences in the gonadotrophic potency of the preparations used, it is concluded, that major differences exist in the antigenic properties of human gonadotrophins of pituitary – and urinary origin.
Δ4-5α-HYDROGENASE DER LEBER UND NEBENNIERENRINDEN-AKTIVITÄT UNTER EINFLUSS VON SCHILDDRÜSENHORMON
Authors: Schriefers Herbert , Hoff Hanns-Georg , Pohl Franzis
Published: December 2008

In experiments with male rats the in vivo effects of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) on the following parameters were investigated: the microsomal Δ4-5α-hydrogenase activity of the liver, the adrenal weight and the in vitro corticosterone production rate.

Either thyroid hormone leads to the known increase in the cortisone reduction rate. However, there are two different mechanisms underlying this effect. While the effect of T4 after two or three days of treatment is due to an increase in the production of reduced NADP by the liver cell with no change in the Δ4-5α-hydrogenase activity (McGuire & Tomkins 1959), treatment for only two days with T3 causes an increase in microsomal activity. The activity of the microsomal preparation without additions is zero for both the control and the T3 treated animals. If increasing quantities of NADP are added together with glucose-6-phosphate and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, then for each addition of NADP up to the maximum value the activity of the Δ4-5α-hydrogenase of the treated animals is always considerably higher by the same percentage than that of the controls.

With animals possessing low Δ4-5α-hydrogenase activity treatment with T3 leads to a greater percentage increase in the enzyme activity than with animals having higher hydrogenase activities. There exists a very close correlation (r = 0.94) between hydrogenase activity and its percentage increase due to T3 administration. The regression-line indicates that with hydrogenase activities greater than 12 T3 is without effect. This leads to the view that the hepatic action of T3 is to promote steroid hydrogenation up to a fixed turnover rate.

Although the increase in the adrenal weight was the same with either thyroid hormone, only T3, not T4, was simultaneously effective in raising corticosterone production rate in vitro. Thus, an increase in the adrenal weight is not in any case the expression of an enhanced hormone secretion rate. The fact that the administration of T4 significantly increases Δ4-5α-hydrogenase activity and adrenal weight without concomitant increase in corticosterone production rate must be regarded as evidence against the assumption that the adrenal effect of T4 is simply the consequence of the primary acceleration of corticosteroid turnover in the liver.
IN VITRO-VERSUCHE ZUR PROTEINANABOLEN WIRKUNG DES TESTOSTERONS
Authors: Dirscherl W. , Henrichs H. R. , Caspari R.
Published: December 2008

A method for the perfusion of vesicular glands of guinea pigs is described by which it is possible to demonstrate a testosterone-dependent increase of the incorporation of amino acids into the protein of this target organ. The increase becomes significant after one hour; omission of antibiotics leads to an obliteration of the effect.

In addition a series of unsuccessful experiments is reported which were aimed at obtaining a protein-anabolic effect of testosterone on whole target organs by means of incubation experiments.
THE IMPAIRED RESPONSE TO METYRAPONE IN PATIENTS TAKING OESTROGEN
Authors: Sprunt J. Gordon , Rutherford E. R. , Nelson Don H.
Published: December 2008

The impaired response to metyrapone during ethinyloestradiol administration has been studied in a further seven patients. A two day metyrapone test was done in the control period and then when the patient was receiving ethinyloestradiol 0.1 mg daily. In four of the patients the metyrapone tests were repeated in the control and oestrogen periods, but with the addition of an 8-hour infusion of ACTH on each of the metyrapone days. The 17-hydroxycorticosteroids excreted in the urine were converted to 17-oxosteroids using Few's method, chromatographed, and the 11β-hydroxyaetiocholanolone and aetiocholanolone fractions eluted and measured. Any change in the degree of 11β-hydroxylase inhibition by metyrapone should be reflected in a change in the ratio of 11β-hydroxyaetiocholanolone to aetiocholanolone, as these are derived from the metabolites of cortisol and 11-deoxycortisol respectively. It was found that this ratio was higher when metyrapone was administered during the oestrogen period than when it was administered during the control period. The effect was still seen when the adrenal cortex was maximally stimulated with ACTH during the periods of metyrapone administration.

It is concluded that oestrogen administration impairs 11β-hydroxylase inhibition by metyrapone, possibly as a result of increased 11β-hydroxylase activity in the adrenal cortex.
THE OVARIAN ASCORBIC ACID DEPLETION TEST FOR LUTEINIZING HORMONE
Authors: Koed Hans Jacob , Hamburger Christian
Published: December 2008

Urinary extracts from two women hypophysectomized for metastasizing mammary adenocarcinoma and from 11 children of either sex between 5 and 9 years were found to produce marked ovarian ascorbic acid depletion in the Parlow test for luteinizing hormone. As these urines cannot contain significant amounts of luteinizing hormone, it is concluded that the depletion must be due to unspecific substances, probably proteins in the urines. From the literature other indications of non-specificity of the Parlow test are mentioned, and the main conclusion of the present investigation is that for the assay of luteinizing hormone in extracts of human urine the test is unreliable.
EFFECT OF NORETHISTERONE ACETATE WITH OR WITHOUT ETHINYL OESTRADIOL ON THE SIALIC ACID CONCENTRATION AND SPERM RECEPTIVITY OF THE CERVICAL MUCUS
Authors: Carlborg Lars , McCormick William , Gemzell Carl
Published: December 2008

The sialic acid concentration in the cervical mucus was studied during 9 ovulatory cycles in 5 subjects and in 5 other subjects before, during and after treatment with norethisterone acetate and ethinyl oestradiol in combination (Anovlar®) or norethisterone acetate alone. Sperm receptivity was also studied in the latter 5 subjects. In all cycles pregnanediol determinations and basal body temperature were used as an indication of ovulation. The following results were obtained:

The concentration of sialic acid decreases during the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle and increases during the secretory phase.

In 19 of 25 cycles, cyclic changes in sialic acid concentration were found together with a positive sperm receptivity while in cycles with no change in sialic acid concentration no sperm receptivity was found.

During combination therapy (Anovlar®) no cyclic changes in sialic acid concentration, and no sperm receptivity were found.

During treatment with 1 mg of norethisterone acetate alone there was no sperm receptivity but in 2 of 5 subjects cyclic changes in sialic acid concentration were found.
LEVELS AND PATTERNS OF ACID MUCOPOLYSACCHARIDES IN BOVINE CORONARY ARTERIES WITHOUT GROSS LESIONS
Authors: Likar Ivan N. , Likar Lydia J. , Robinson Roger W.
Published: December 2008

Levels and patterns of mural acid mucopolysaccharides (AMPS) of left coronary arteries were investigated in 52 cows, 3–10 years old, from New England.

In cows with regular sexual cycles the average range of mural total AMPS in coronary arteries varied from 2.1–4.8 mg/g of dry defatted tissue and was in agreement with results obtained in bovine aortas previously reported. Total levels of AMPS were 56.6 % higher in the proliferative than in the progestational period.

In pregnant animals the total AMPS levels were similar to those found in oestrus and constant through the gestational period.

Mural AMPS levels of the bovine coronary artery were endocrine related. Oestrogenic hormones in particular exhibited a regulatory effect upon the metabolism of mural AMPS.

In 14 cases classified as atypical total AMPS values were lower by 30 % or higher by 40 % above the average values found in 29 animals with regular sexual cycles.

Increased levels of AMPS may be the non-specific response of the arterial wall to noxious agents (activation of connective tissue – mesenchymal reaction). Lower AMPS values may be explained by endocrine malfunction in these animals.

Histochemical observations alone could not reveal an increase or decrease of total mural AMPS. Intensive AMPS staining was observed in cases where the 1 m fraction of the Low sulphated (LS) group was elevated over 20 % of the AMPS pattern.

Changes in patterns of mural AMPS in bovine coronary arteries are not a secondary phenomenon, but an early event possibly responsible for the development and progress of bovine coronary artery disease.
UNTERSUCHUNGEN ZUR GLUCONEOGENETISCHEN WIRKUNG VON CORTISOL
Authors: Meiers H. G. , Beien W. , Dieterich T. , Staib W.
Published: December 2008

The cortisol conditioned liver glycogen development was investigated within a time limit through the use of intact starved rats, which were made artificial diabetics with alloxan, and which were adrenalectomized. The liver glycogen and blood glucose concentration showed after one oral insertion of cortisol phased changes, which indicates endocrine counter-reactions.

The insulin-like activity in plasma which was investigated through the use of intact rats showed an increase, while the cortisol conditioned induction of the liver – tryptophan-pyrrolase from endocrine regulations was not influenced, the cortisol conditioned liver glycogen development represented itself as a combined reaction of primary and secondary effects. An insular reaction obviously follows a primary gluconeogenetic one. Then an adrenalic counter-regulation results. These factors ascertain the degree and duration of the liver glycogen sedimentation.
PARTIAL SOMATOTROPHIN INSUFFICIENCY IN CUSHING'S SYNDROME
Authors: Strauch G. , Modigliani E. , Luton P. , Bricaire H.
Published: December 2008

Plasma growth hormone levels were studied in 15 patients with Cushing's syndrome using several stimuli. All tests except one, were performed before treatment. No change occurred in 6 patients during acute hypoglycaemia and in 11 out of 13 after a glucose load. Arginine given intravenously to 11 subjects elicited a rise in 7 out of 8 females and 1 out of 3 males. From patients who responded to arginine infusion, 6 were insensitive to one or two of the above mentioned stimuli. A selective inhibition of the releasing mechanisms might account for the partial somatotrophin insufficiency found in Cushing's syndrome.
FAMILIAL ELEVATION OF SERUM THYROXINE-BINDING GLOBULIN CAPACITY
Authors: Siersbæk-Nielsen K. , Hansen J. Mølholm , Hippe E.
Published: December 2008

Elevated thyroxine-binding globulin capacity in serum (TBG) was found in five members of a family. Two males and three females in three generations had elevated TBG, protein-bound iodine and serum thyroxine but decreased dialysable thyroxine. The patients were clinically euthyroid and calculations of free thyroxine in serum and 131I uptake in the thyroid gland showed normal values. These results support the assumption that TBG is genetically controlled. The mode of transmission was consistent with dominant inheritance but it is not possible to determine whether it is x-linked or autosomal.
EFFECTS OF OESTRADIOL BENZOATE ON CORPORA LUTEA IN RATS BEARING PITUITARY AUTOGRAFTS
Authors: Stolzenberg Sidney J. , Eggert Robert G. , Linkenheimer Wayne H.
Published: December 2008

Female rats received pituitary autotransplants beneath the kidney capsule at 11 to 12 weeks of age or were hypophysectomized only at the metoestrous stage of the cycle. Subcutaneous injections of oestradiol benzoate (OB) were started 30 to 40 days following surgery in the first 3 experiments. In Experiments 1 and 2, Series 1 injections consisted of 50, 50 and 25 μg of OB given subcutaneously on days 0, 3 and 5. Series 2 injections were the same as Series 1 but given on days 16, 19 and 21. Pituitary grafts were removed from half of the rats on day 15 in Experiment 1. Ovarian weights were obtained on day 28. In Experiment 3, the dose of OB was raised to 100 μg per injection giving a total of 300 μg for each series. In Experiment 4, hypophysectomized rats without pituitary autotransplants were given Series 1 and 2 OB injections at the level of 125 μg per series. In Experiment 5, subcutaneous injections of OB were started 5 to 7 days following pituitary autotransplant. Rats were injected daily with 50 μg for 5, 10, 20, 40 and 80 days, with autopsies following 4 or 5 days after the last injection. In Experiment 6, 50 μg was injected daily in hypophysectomized rats without pituitary transplants for 5 and 20 days.

The immediate effect of OB injections into rats bearing pituitary autografts was a significant (P < 0.01) increase in ovarian weight. Long term treatment (> 40 days) caused a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in ovarian weight. Short term treatment followed by a 23 or 35 day period of no treatment gave an even greater decrease in ovarian weight (P < 0.01). Hypophysectomized rats showed no effect on ovarian weights with similar OB treatments, indicating the importance of the pituitary gland in this response. Removal of the autotransplanted pituitary gland 10 days after the first series was completed, had no apparent effect on regression of the corpora lutea. There was no effect on adrenal weight in any of the experiments.

It is suggested that oestrogens initiate a process which ultimately results in luteal regression in rats bearing pituitary autografts.
THE UPTAKE OF (6,7-3H) 17β-OESTRADIOL BY TISSUES OF THE DOMESTIC FOWL DURING AN OVULATION CYCLE
Authors: Hawkins R. A. , Heald P. J. , Taylor Patricia
Published: December 2008

The uptake of radioactivity by various tissues of the domestic fowl has been studied following a single intravenous dose, at different times during the ovulatory cycle.

It has been found that the pituitary gland showed significant cyclical accumulations of radioactivity, when calculated in terms of dpm/mg wet weight, at different stages in the ovulatory cycle, the greatest accumulation being in the period 12–16 hours before the expected ovulation. The results are discussed in relation to the role of oestrogens in the timing of ovulation. It is proposed that oestradiol acts as a major regulator of the timing of ovulation in the domestic fowl.
APPROXIMATE VERSUS EXACT EVALUATION OF BIOASSAYS BASED ON QUANTAL RESPONSE
Authors: Borth Rudi , Menzi Annette , Vuagnat Pierre
Published: December 2008

An approximate method for the statistical evaluation of quantal assays was compared with exact probit analysis. The agreement both of potency estimates and of fiducial ranges was satisfactory in 83 of the 87 assays considered. It was concluded that assay data based on the approximate method are likely to be statistically reliable.

The computer programmes used are described briefly.
THE METABOLISM OF SMALL AND OF LARGE AMOUNTS OF PROGESTERONE IN MAN
Authors: Harkness R. A. , Davidson D. W. , Strong J. A.
Published: December 2008

The metabolism of small and of large amounts of progesterone has been studied in two adrenalectomised ovariectomised women. After the injection of (4-14C) progesterone combined with 25 or 300 mg of unlabelled progesterone, the daily excretion of metabolites was serially studied. The amounts of radioactivity recovered in the free, glucuronide and sulphate fractions were determined and an increase in the sulphate fraction noted on the larger dose of hormone. In the glucuronide fraction which contained the majority of the extractable radioactivity, no alteration in the countercurrent distribution or chromatographic pattern of metabolites was noted with size of dose. Polar metabolites bearing one or more additional hydroxyl groups were quantitatively important but it was confirmed that 5β-pregnane-3α,20α-diol was the major identifiable metabolite. Some evidence was obtained that the complete reduction of steroid hydroxyl and ketone groups may occur to a small extent. Urinary progesterone, at least in part, was found to behave like an unstable enol-glucuronide. Levels of progesterone in urine during pregnancy and the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle were higher than during the follicular phase.
STUDIES ON THE METABOLISM OF CORTICOSTEROIDS IN THE HUMAN FOETO-PLACENTAL UNIT
Authors: Pasqualini J. R. , Mozere G. , Wiqvist N. , Diczfalusy E.
Published: December 2008

Two previable human foetuses were perfused at midpregnancy with corticosterone-1,2-3H and the metabolites formed were isolated from the various tissues and perfusates. With the exception of the adrenals, the bulk of the radioactive material present in the perfusates and various foetal tissues was in an unconjugated form.

The following compounds were isolated in a radiochemically homogeneous form: 21-hydroxy-pregn-4-ene-3,11,20-trione (liver, intestines, lungs, adrenals, residual foetal tissues and perfusates), 11β,20β,21-trihydroxy-pregn-4-en-3-one (liver, intestines, lungs, residual foetal tissues and perfusates), 3α,11β,21-trihydorxy-5β-pregnan-20-one (liver, intestines, lungs, residual foetal tissues and perfusates), 6β,11β,21-trihydroxy-pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione (liver, intestines, lungs, residual foetal tissues and perfusates), and 11β-hydroxy-pregn-4-ene-3,20-dion-21-yl sulphate (liver, intestines, lungs, adrenals, residual foetal tissues and perfusates). In addition, 20β,21-dihydroxy-pregn-4-ene-3,11-dione (liver, lungs, residual foetal tissues and perfusates) was identified by its chromatographic behaviour prior and subsequent to the formation of various derivatives. Finally, small quantities of corticosterone, 11β,20β,21-trihydroxy-pregn-4-en-3-one and 3α,1 1β,21-trihydroxy-5β-pregn-20-one were detected in the glucuronide fraction of the intestines, residual foetal tissues and perfusates.

A concept is presented describing the metabolism of corticosterone in the human foetus at midpregnancy.
THE EFFECT OF HEPARIN ON SODIUM CONSERVATION AND ON THE PLASMA CONCENTRATION, THE METABOLIC CLEARANCE AND THE SECRETION AND EXCRETION RATES OF ALDOSTERONE IN NORMAL SUBJECTS
Authors: Bailey Richard E. , Ford Henry C.
Published: December 2008

The effects of heparin administration on various aspects of the response to Na restriction have been investigated in a group of carefully studied healthy subjects. Administration of heparin following the attainment of Na balance during Na restriction resulted in a decline in the plasma aldosterone concentration and in the aldosterone excretion and secretion rates; natriuresis and an increase in salivary Na/K ratio also occurred. No change in the metabolic clearance of aldosterone was observed. Plasma renin activity was increased during heparin administration and no change in plasma renin substrate concentration occurred (one subject). Administration of heparin both before and during Na restriction almost completely inhibited the increase in aldosterone production but the decline in urinary Na excretion during the adjustment period was not greatly altered when compared to that occurring in the absence of heparin.
INFLUENCE OF CHLOROPHENOXYISOBUTYRATE (CPIB) ON THYROID PARAMETERS
Authors: Hansen J. Mølholm
Published: December 2008

Chlorophenoxyisobutyrate (CPIB) added to serum in vitro increases the quantity of dialysable thyroxine. The same effect can be obtained in vivo following large doses of the preparation. After low doses, increase in serum proteinbound iodine (PBI) is observed and with higher doses this increase is not observed, probably because of the thyroxine-displacing effect. Free thyroxine increases in practically all patients investigated. In long-term treated patients the alterations in dialysable thyroxine, serum proteinbound iodine and free thyroxine are transient; pre-treatment values being regained in the course of ½–4 months. 131I uptake in the thyroid gland is influenced irregularly and transiently possibly via inhibition of the thyrotrophin production in the hypophysis. The effect of CPIB on serum cholesterol appears, in long-term therapy, to be completely independent of the effect on these thyroid parameters. This observation is also supported by the fact that the 14C-testosterone metabolism is normal in patients receiving long-term therapy.
TISSUE TO PLASMA RATIOS OF RADIOACTIVITY IN THE RAT HYPOTHALAMO-HYPOPHYSEAL SYSTEM AFTER INTRAVENOUS INJECTION OF 3H-LYSINE8-VASOPRESSIN AND 3H-MANNITOL
Authors: Willumsen N. B. S. , Bie P.
Published: December 2008

After intravenous injection of synthetic 3H-Lys8-vasopressin to intact rats and rats in which the liver and kidneys had been excluded from the circulation, the tissue water to plasma water ratios of radioactivity were determined, usually 12 min after injection, for the following tissues: The adenohypophysis, the neurohypophysis, the median eminence, parts of the hypothalamus containing the supraoptic nuclei, and pieces of the cerebellar cortex. The results were compared with those obtained in similar experiments using 3H-mannitol.

Radioactivity could not be shown to accumulate in any part of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal system. Radioactivity disappeared from the plasma in the rats with excluded liver and kidneys at a rate not strikingly different from that in intact rats.

In separate experiments, identical in procedure, radiochromatography was performed on plasma samples. The ratio of 3H-tyrosine to 3H-Lys8-vasopressin was about 1 already two min after the injection, both in intact and operated rats. These results seem to indicate a considerable extra-abdominal breakdown of 3H-Lys8-vasopressin, and demonstrate that without special precautions, measurements of tissue and plasma radioactivities cannot be taken as indicators of labelled hormone, even when the organs which have been considered to be the major site of hormone breakdown have been excluded from the circulation.
CONTENT OF SOME ADRENAL STEROIDS IN THE CYST FLUID FROM A LYMPHANGIOMATOUS ADRENAL CYST
Authors: Faarvang H. J. , Francis D. , Buus O.
Published: December 2008

A case of lymphangiomatous adrenal cyst containing 30 ml of cyst fluid, found at autopsy, is reported. The cyst wall contained islands of intact adrenocortical tissue just below the endothelium suggesting the possibility of a direct secretion of hormones into the cyst fluid.

The content of cortisol, cortisone, corticosterone and deoxycortisol in the cyst fluid was 250, 7.5, 30 and 7.5 μg per 100 ml, respectively. The ratios between the concentrations of cortisol and corticosterone and cortisol and deoxycortisol were a little below the lower range limits for those found in mixed venous blood from normal subjects, whereas the ratio between cortisol and cortisone in the cyst fluid was much larger than the same ratio in mixed venous blood from normal subjects.
RNA METABOLISM IN SEMINAL VESICLE AND PROSTATE OF IMMATURE RATS FOLLOWING CASTRATION AND ANDROGEN REPLACEMENT
Authors: Fujii Tomoko , Villee Claude
Published: December 2008

The incorporation of 3H-cytidine into cytoplasmic but not into nuclear RNA of the ventral prostate decreased 8 hours after castration in 5-week old rats. The radioactivities of nuclear and cytoplasmic RNAs in the seminal vesicle were unchanged at this time. The seminal vesicle responded more markedly than ventral prostate to a single injection of testosterone with increased growth and increased synthesis of RNA and proteins.

The incorporation of 14C-proline into protein was increased by testosterone at 12 hours in the seminal vesicle and at 24 hours in the ventral prostate. The specific activity of the protein in the liver decreased significantly 72 hours after castration and increased 48 hours after the administration of testosterone.
THE RESPONSE OF THE RAT TESTIS TO PROLONGED ADMINISTRATION OF AN ANDROGEN ANTAGONIST (CYPROTERONE)
Authors: Mietkiewski Kazimierz , Lukaszyk Andrzej
Published: December 2008

The response of the generative and interstitial parts of rat testes to prolonged injection of 1,2α-methylene-6-chloro-pregna-4,6-dien-17α-ol-3,20-dione (cyproterone) was investigated. Cyproterone was injected in 10 mg daily doses. The response of the gonads in the course of the experiment was assessed on the basis of their morphological picture and histochemical reactions.

Injections of cyproterone brought about the involution of seminiferous tubules as well as hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the interstitial gland, with morphological and histochemical signs of increased secretion of androgens. Prolonged treatment with injection of anti-androgen (44 and 56 days) is, however, followed by the restoration of spermatogenesis and a partial reduction of the interstitial gland. The authors interpret this phenomenon as the result of the suppression of the cyproterone-induced competitive inhibition of the action of androgens on their central and peripheral receptors. One explanation may be the high level of endogenous androgens produced by the hypertrophied interstitial gland.
DIE AUSSCHEIDUNG VON TESTOSTERON UND EPITESTOSTERON BEI FRAUEN AM ENDE DER SCHWANGERSCHAFT
Authors: Schollberg K. , Seiler E. , Holtorff J.
Published: December 2008

The urinary excretion of testosterone and epitestosterone by women in late pregnancy has been studied. The mean values of 22 normal women in pregnancy mens X are 12.9 ± 9.2 μg/24 h in the case of testosterone and 16.1 ± 16.2 μg/24 h in the case of epitestosterone. Both values do not differ significantly from those of non-pregnant females.

The excretion values of mothers bearing a male foetus (17.3 ± 8.9 μg/24 h) are higher than those of mothers with a female foetus (6.4 ± 4.8 μg/24 h). The difference is statistically significant with P = 0.01.
UTERO-OVARIAN RELATIONSHIPS IN THE GOLDEN HAMSTER.
Authors: Duby R. T. , McDaniel J. W. , Spilman C. H. , Black D. L.
Published: December 2008

At least half of one uterine horn is required for normal regression of the corpora lutea in the pseudopregnant hamster. Although removal of any portion of the uterus slightly increased the duration of pseudopregnancy, only unilateral hysterectomy or unilateral hysterectomy and removal of the contralateral ovary did so significantly (P < 0.05). The presence of a sterile horn did not influence foetal development in the contralateral horn. No differences were observed in corpus luteum size between the right and left ovaries of animals unilaterally hysterectomized or unilaterally pregnant. Normal oestrous cycle activity continued following transplantation of the ovaries to the cheek pouches and pseudopregnancies were of normal duration. It is concluded from these observations that the amount of uterine tissue is of greater importance in regulating luteal regression in the hamster than its anatomical relationship to the ovary.
STEROID FORMATION IN PORCINE OVARIAN TISSUE IN VITRO
Authors: Aakvaag Asbjørn
Published: December 2008

Ovarian tissue slices from the sow have been incubated simultaneously with pregnenolone and progesterone as substrates, one being labelled with 3H, the other with 14C. Progesterone, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone and androstenedione were isolated in a radiochemically pure form; the isotope ratios and the specific activities were determined after chemical quantitation by gas chromatography.

Both substrates were used in the biosynthesis of the isolated compounds. The isotope ratios in progesterone, 17α-hydroxy-progesterone and androstenedione were identical or very similar, indicating that androstenedione was formed solely via the progesterone pathway. The results of a time study were in agreement with this conclusion. From the specific activities of the isolated steroids it appeared that the exogenous radioactivity and endogenous substrates were metabolized in a very similar manner.

Pregnenolone sulphate was metabolized to the same isolated steroids. The first step in the conversion of this substrate appeared to be removal of the sulphate group.
QUANTITATIVE ESTIMATION OF URINARY PREGNANETRIOL, PREGNANETRIOLONE, TETRAHYDRO S AND Δ5-PREGNENETRIOL IN THE INVESTIGATION OF ADRENOCORTICAL FUNCTION
Authors: Thomas Frances J. , Steinbeck A. W.
Published: December 2008

A modified method for the estimation of urinary pregnanetriol, pregnanetriol, pregnanetriolone, Δ5-pregnenetriol and tetrahydro S was investigated. The steroids, separated by chromatography, were measured quantitatively, tetrahydro S by reaction with blue tetrazolium and the other three as acetaldehydogenic substances.

The excretion of these steroids was studied in suspected instances of adrenal and/or ovarian disease. Urinary pregnanetriol and tetrahydro S levels were normal in Cushing's syndrome, secondary adrenocortical carcinoma, the Stein-Leventhal syndrome, idiopathic hirsutism and hypertension. Tetrahydro S was doubtfully elevated in an instance of ectopic ACTH Cushing's syndrome. Pregnanetriol excretion was elevated in untreated cases of congenital adrenal hyperplasia and after treatment in some. Pregnanetriolone was found in all patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, including those receiving cortisone. Pregnanetriolone was also detected in Cushing's syndrome, secondary adrenocortical carcinoma, the Stein-Leventhal syndrome, ectopic ACTH Cushing's syndrome and suspected congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Δ5-pregnenetriol was present as a glucuronide in the Stein-Leventhal syndrome and idiopathic hirsutism. The diagnostic implications of these results are discussed.
EFFECTS OF EXPERIMENTAL RENAL HYPERTENSION ON ALDOSTERONE BIOSYNTHESIS BY RAT ADRENAL TISSUE
Authors: Müller J. , Gross F.
Published: December 2008

Aldosterone biosynthesis by quartered adrenal glands from rats with different forms of experimental renal hypertension due to clamping of one renal artery, was studied under various in vitro conditions. During incubation without aldosterone-stimulating substances, the adrenals of rats with one renal artery clamped and the other kidney left intact produced 200 % more aldosterone from endogenous precursors and converted 50 % more added tritium-labelled pregnenolone, progesterone or corticosterone to aldosterone than adrenals of control animals. The difference in aldosterone production was less marked when serotonin, KCl or ACTH was added to the incubation medium. The production of corticosterone and of deoxycorticosterone, respectively, was almost the same in adrenals of both groups of rats under most in vitro conditions. The marked rise in aldosterone production seen in the presence of an intact contralateral kidney was partially or completely inhibited, when simultaneously with renal artery constriction, the contralateral kidney was removed or the ureter of either the clamped or the contralateral kidney was ligated. These results indicate that in rats with experimental renal hypertension, increases in aldosterone production are correlated with increases of plasma renin activity and of the renin content of the clamped kidney, but are independent of changes in blood pressure. Since chronically elevated levels of plasma or renal renin activity act mainly in the early stages of aldosterone biosynthesis, it is concluded that the marked activation in the final stages of aldosterone biosynthesis observed in sodium deficiency is not mediated by the renin-angiotensin system.
THE HYPOCALCAEMIC AND HYPOPHOSPHATAEMIC EFFECT OF EXTRACTS FROM CHICKEN ULTIMOBRANCHIAL GLANDS
Authors: Sorensen O. Helmer , Nielsen S. Pors
Published: December 2008

Acid extracts of chicken ultimobranchial and thyroid glands were assayed in the rat for their effects on serum calcium and phosphate. The concentration of a hypocalcaemic factor in the ultimobranchial tissue was more than 100 times greater than that found in pig thyroid tissue. No hypocalcaemic activity was found in the chicken thyroid gland. An extract of the ultimobranchial glands was found to have a significant hypophosphataemic effect in the rat. This fact combined with the parallelism of the log dose-response curves found for the ultimobranchial gland extract and a calcitonin standard, suggests that hypocalcaemic factor is similar to mammalian calcitonin.
STUDIES ON THE TRANSFER OF THIO-OXAZOLIDONE-TYPE GOITROGENS INTO COW'S MILK IN GOITRE ENDEMIC DISTRICTS OF FINLAND AND IN EXPERIMENTAL CONDITIONS
Authors: Arstila A. , Krusius F-E. , Peltola P.
Published: December 2008

In six out of nine milk specimens from farms in a goitre district of Finland and in five out of eight from two other goitre districts, 1-5-vinyl-2-thio-oxazolidone (VTO) was found in amounts corresponding to concentrations of 35 to 100 μg/l by means of a slightly modified method of Kreula & Kiesvaara (1959). Applying this modification it was found that even that part of VTO could be assayed which changes during the storage of the milk samples, but still retains its goitrogenic activity. Later on, when the cruciferous weeds that grow abundantly in the pastures and meadows of these farms had been destroyed, VTO was no longer demonstrable in the milk samples. These weeds were shown to contain large amounts of VTO both in the green parts and seeds.

The concentration of VTO found in the milk exceeded the level necessary to explain the goitrogenic effect of this milk when fed to rats in long-term experiments. According to preliminary studies, this amount would even induce a goitrogenic effect in man. Thus it might well be responsible, at least in part, for the goitre endemic in these districts.
RADIOIMMUNOASSAY OF INSULIN IN PLASMA AND URINE IN OBESE SUBJECTS AND IN DIABETIC PATIENTS
Authors: Jorgensen Kai R.
Published: December 2008

By the use of the double antibody method the immunologically demonstrable insulin, both in the plasma and urine of obese subjects without clinically manifest diabetes and in diabetics who had not been treated with insulin has been determined.

In obese subjects without clinically manifest diabetes, hyperinsulinism was found both in the fasting state and during the glucose tolerance tests. In these subjects the 24-hour urinary excretion of insulin was significantly higher than in that of normal subjects.

In obese diabetics the mean fasting plasma insulin concentration was found to be significantly higher than in normal subjects, but during oral glucose tolerance tests, despite marked hyperglycaemia, the increase in the mean plasma insulin concentration was only of the same order as in that of normal subjects and had a maximum that was reached later. The 24-hour urinary excretion of insulin in obese diabetics was of the same order as in that of normal subjects.

In non-obese diabetics the mean fasting plasma insulin concentration was lower than in normal subjects and lowest in the poorest regulated diabetics with high fasting blood sugar and ketonuria. During glucose tolerance tests it was not possible to demonstrate any increase in the plasma insulin concentration in the non-obese diabetics with ketonuria, while in non-obese diabetics without ketonuria a slight increase in the plasma insulin concentration was found during glucose tolerance tests. The 24-hour urinary excretion of insulin was reduced in relation to the excretion in normal subjects.

Thus, the investigations have shown that hyperinsulinism should be regarded as a characteristic of obesity per se, while the clinically manifest diabetes is always connected with hypoinsulinism in relation to body weight.
EFFECT OF PRE-PUBERTAL GONADECTOMY AND TREATMENT WITH SEX HORMONES ON BODY GROWTH, WEIGHT OF ORGANS AND SKIN COLLAGEN OF HAMSTERS
Authors: Kowalewski K.
Published: December 2008

Gonadectomy was performed in young hamsters of both sexes at the age of 21 days, immediately after weaning. Animals were then treated for 14 weeks with testosterone propionate or oestrone. Intact controls and gonadectomized non-treated hamsters were also studied. Ponderal and linear growth was determined by weekly measurements. At the end of the experiment the weight of some organs was determined. Skin was studied for collagen content by the determination of total and saline-soluble hydroxyproline. Previously reported effects of sex hormones and gonadectomy on the growth of hamsters and on adrenals were confirmed. Females grew larger than males of the same age and after gonadectomy the growth of males of the same age was accelerated. Another sexual dimorphism reversed in hamsters in comparison with other rodents was adrenal weight: males had heavier adrenals than females. These differences were considered to be due to the action of androgens.

Skin hydroxyproline was significantly higher in hamsters of both sexes treated with testosterone propionate than in intact, castrated and/or in oestrone-treated animals. The stimulatory action of male hormone on both total and soluble hydroxyproline was considered due to the anabolic effect of testosterone propionate on both synthesis and metabolism of skin collagen in hamsters.
NEONATAL CORTICOID ADMINISTRATION: EFFECTS UPON ADULT PITUITARY GROWTH HORMONE AND HYPOTHALAMIC GROWTH HORMONE-RELEASING HORMONE ACTIVITY
Authors: Sawano Shinji , Arimura Akira , Schally Andrew V. , Redding Tommie W. , Schapiro Shawn
Published: December 2008

A single subcutaneous injection of 1 mg cortisone or cortisol acetate was given to rats during the first post-natal day. As others have reported, retardation of growth, detectable a week after birth, resulted. On reaching five to six weeks of age, treated rats had no detectable growth hormone (GH)-releasing activity in their hypothalami and little GH or thyrotrophin (TSH) activity in their pituitaries. These observations suggest that the growth retardation of rats treated neonatally with these steroids may be due, at least in part, to lack of pituitary GH resulting from impaired synthesis of GH-releasing hormone (GRH**) and also to lack of TSH.