bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DETERMINATION OF FREE AND CONJUGATED OESTROGENS IN FLUID FROM HUMAN OVARIES
Authors: GIORGI ELEONORA P.
Published: December 2008

Free and conjugated oestrogens were determined in the fluid from ovarian cysts of normally menstruating women, of subjects under gonadotrophin stimulation and of patients with different gynaecological conditions. The fluid was first extracted with ether to yield free oestrogens, and then the aqueous residue was submitted to acid hydrolysis. Three samples of ovarian venous blood were assayed by the same procedure. Indirect evidence that the oestrogens measured after acid hydrolysis were originally present as chemical conjugates was obtained.

The results indicated that conjugated oestrogens were synthesized in the ovary. The amount of oestrogens in cyst fluid varied with the phase of the cycle, and was increased in patients treated with gonadotrophins, in subjects with high secretion of gonadotrophins, and in some patients with functional uterine haemorrhage. It was low in patients with the Stein-Leventhal syndrome. Conjugate concentration was low relative to the concentration of free oestrogens in fluid from follicles and cysts derived from follicles, and similar to that of free oestrogens in corpora lutea, corpus luteum cysts and in patients with irregular bleeding. The concentration of conjugated oestradiol appeared to be generally independent from that of conjugated oestrone.

The relative proportions of free and conjugated oestrogens were different in cyst fluid and in ovarian venous blood.
THE RELEASE OF BOUND CORTICOSTEROIDS FROM THE MUSCLE OF THE TOAD (XENOPUS LAEVIS)
Authors: BELLAMY D. , PHILLIPS J. G. , LEONARD RUTH A.
Published: December 2008

After the injection of cortisol into the toad Xenopus laevis, the concentration of steroid in the main circulatory system was much higher than that in the limb muscles. The concentration of corticosteroids in the blood fell at a faster rate than that in muscle. The particulate fraction of toad muscle homogenate bound added cortisol and some of it was not removed by repeated washing of the tissue with fresh medium. Bound steroid was not confined to any one subcellular fraction. The small particle fraction ('microsomes') contained the greatest proportion of steroid and the highest steroid concentration. The loss of corticosteroids from intact and washed particle preparations of toad gastrocnemius was not influenced by temperature over the range of 17–37°.

Copper, zinc and manganese (between 26 and 31 mm) inhibited the release of cortisol bound to muscle particles; p-chloromercuribenzoate (2 mm) and anoxia had no effect. A variation in pH from 2 to 10 made little difference to the rate of steroid release by muscle particles suspended in 0·15 m-KC1. The results suggest that the release of strongly bound steroids from muscle does not involve an enzymic mechanism.
THE BINDING OF CORTISOL BY OVINE PLASMA PROTEINS
Authors: PATERSON J. Y. F. , HILLS F.
Published: December 2008

Albumin was isolated from ovine plasma and its affinity for cortisol was determined by equilibrium dialysis at 37°. The value of Ka[σpa] for a 1 % (w/v) albumin solution was 0·275 which is similar to the value for human plasma albumin.

The affinity constant of transcortin in ovine plasma was determined by equilibrium dialysis of diluted plasma at several concentrations of cortisol. The value found, Kt (37°) = 0·87 x 108 l./mole, is close to that found for human plasma transcortin by Mills (1962).

The concentration of transcortin in ovine plasma, expressed as cortisolbinding capacity, was 6–49 μg. (mean 24 μg.) cortisol/l. These concentrations are much lower than those found in human plasma. The observation of Lindner (1964) that cortisol binding capacity did not increase during pregnancy in sheep has been confirmed.

In sheep which were accustomed to handling, the mean concentration of cortisol in plasma was 17·8 μg./l. and of this amount 59% was bound to transcortin, 19 % to albumin and 22 % was not bound to protein.
STUDIES ON THE EXPERIMENTAL ALTERATION OF WATER AND ELECTROLYTE COMPOSITION OF THE EEL (ANGUILLA ANGUILLA L.)
Authors: CHAN D. K. O. , JONES I. CHESTER , HENDERSON I. W. , RANKIN J. C.
Published: December 2008

The distribution of water, electrolyte composition (Na, K, Ca, Mg, PO4, Cl) and extracellular fluid volume of eels (Anguilla anguilla L.) were investigated under different experimental conditions.

Adrenalectomy of the freshwater eel was followed by an increase in body weight, a fall in the amount and concentration of sodium in serum and muscle and a shift of water into the cells. The concentration of serum potassium remained within the normal range. Adrenalectomy of the sea-water eel was followed by a decrease in body weight and an increase in the concentration of extra- and intracellular sodium. The concentration of serum calcium also increased, that of potassium remained within the normal range but the actual content diminished.

Removal of the corpuscles of Stannius from the freshwater eel gave some effects similar to adrenalectomy. There was, however, no significant increase in body weight but the concentrations of serum potassium and calcium rose. Removal of the corpuscles from the sea-water eel brought about changes similar to, but less pronounced than those after adrenalectomy. The results of the injection of mammalian corticotrophin, cortisol, aldosterone and anti-aldosterone compounds are given. They are discussed in the light of the possible roles of the adrenal cortex and the corpuscles of Stannius in the maintenance of homeostasis of the eel in different environments.
ENDOCRINE INFLUENCES ON THE NET EXTRARENAL FLUXES OF SODIUM AND POTASSIUM IN THE EUROPEAN EEL (ANGUILLA ANGUILLA L.)
Authors: HENDERSON I. W. , JONES I. CHESTER
Published: December 2008

By use of the 'eel tube', it was shown in the freshwater eel that there was a regular net influx (gain) of sodium and a net outflux (loss) of potassium in quiescent animals with steady and normal respiration. Adaptation of eels to distilled water for periods of up to 6 weeks resulted in an increased net extrarenal (gills) uptake of sodium and an increased net loss of potassium when the head of the animal was placed in tap water made up to 600 μmoles Na+.

Stress, injection of cortisol, metyrapone, metyrapone plus betamethasone and aldactone reduced or abolished net sodium gain and had variable effects on net potassium loss. The injection of aldosterone or a potassium chloride solution, but not that of a sodium chloride solution, produced an increased net gain of sodium.

Removal of the corpuscles of Stannius was without demonstrable effect on net sodium and potassium fluxes; they remained within the normal range. Hypophysectomy reduced net sodium gain. Adrenalectomy markedly diminished or abolished net sodium gain with increased potassium loss. Net sodium gain was restored to normal values by injection of aldosterone.

These results are discussed with regard to the homeostatic mechanisms in the euryhaline teleosts.
THE EFFECT OF VARYING TEMPERATURES ON THYROID ACTIVITY AND THE SURVIVAL OF RATS EXPOSED TO COLD AND TREATED WITH l-THYROXINE OR CORTICOSTERONE
Authors: BAUMAN T. R. , TURNER C. W.
Published: December 2008

Rates of thyroid secretion (TSR) were determined in female Sprague-Dawley-Rolfsmeyer and male Holtzman rats at varying temperatures. When exposed to cold, TSR reached the highest value within the first 20 days after exposure, with a gradual increase up to 90 days. When rats reared in the cold were exposed to warm temperatures, TSR declined slightly at first, but 35–40 days were required to produce a significant decrease.

Treatment before and after exposure to cold with l-thyroxine (T4), corticosterone and T4 plus corticosterone significantly increased survival at 4·5°. Corticosterone plus T4 was most effective, T4 alone was next best and corticosterone alone had the poorest effect.
EFFECTS OF A GLUCOCORTICOID (DEXAMETHASONE) ON THE EOSINOPHILS OF THE RAT
Authors: BLENKINSOPP EVELYN C. , BLENKINSOPP W. K.
Published: December 2008

The effects of single and continuous administrations of a synthetic gluco-corticoid (dexamethasone) on eosinophil numbers and distribution have been studied. Absolute blood eosinophil counts were made, and the turnover of the eosinophils was examined by continuous infusion of tritiated thymidine to label the deoxyribonucleic acid of all newly formed cells.

Dexamethasone equivalent to less than 200 μg. cortisone/100 g. rat/day produced disappearance of eosinophils from the blood and the normal output of glucocorticoids is therefore probably less than this.

Single administrations of dexamethasone produced a blood eosinopenia within 2 hr. due to removal and destruction of eosinophils by the reticulo-endothelial system. Continuous dexamethasone administration reduced the number of proliferating eosinophil cells in the marrow, with a consequent reduction in the number of eosinophils in the tissues.
EXPERIMENTAL PROTEIN-CALORIE DEFICIENCY: HISTOPATHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN THE ENDOCRINE GLANDS OF PIGS
Authors: PLATT B. S. , STEWART R. J. C.
Published: December 2008

The endocrine glands of the protein-calorie deficient animals were smaller than those of pigs of the same age normally fed. However, relative to body weight, the adrenals were large, the hypophysis within the normal range, the thymus small and the pancreas and thyroid showed wide variations attributable to different degrees of oedema.

In the tissues of the endocrine glands of the protein-calorie deficient animals the cells exhibited a loss of cytoplasm and, when normally present, of secretory granules, the severity of the change varying widely between the different organs of the same animal. Thus the exocrine portion of the pancreas was more severely affected than the islet tissue; within the latter β cells showed greater changes than did α cells. The cells of the thyroid gland were flattened and epithelioid in shape and those of the hypophysis were small, with many partially or wholly degranulated chromophiles. The zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex was usually less severely affected, with, at some stages, a relatively excessive activity which contributed to the precarious endocrine balance. Since most of the animals were killed before sexual maturity less attention was given to the gonads. Testes, however, appeared to be affected by the deficiency to a greater extent than did ovaries.

The relationships between protein-calorie deficiency, hypophysectomy and an excess of corticosteroids are discussed. It is suggested that in protein-calorie deficiency, an adequate supply of protein for anabolic purposes is the primary factor with a subsequent alteration in hormonal secretions playing an important, but secondary, role.
A QUANTITATIVE STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF PROGESTERONE AND RELATED STEROIDS ON THE UTERUS:PLASMA CONCENTRATION RATIO FOR RADIOACTIVE IODIDE IN THE RAT
Authors: BROWN-GRANT K.
Published: December 2008

Optimal conditions for determining the quantitative effect of a single subcutaneous injection of progesterone in oil on the uterus:plasma concentration ratio for radioactive iodide were found to be measurement of this ratio 24 hr. after the injection of steroid in rats ovariectomized 7–10 days previously. Under these conditions there is a linear regression of response on log dose over the range of 156–2500 μg. progesterone.

Reduction of the 20-ketone group or the 4–5 double bond, introduction of 17α- or 21-hydroxyl groups or of an 11-oxo group into the molecule reduces the activity in this test. Steroids with predominantly glucocorticoid, androgenic or oestrogenic activity do not produce this response. The relative potencies of a variety of synthetic steroids derived from progesterone or 19-nortestosterone have been assessed. The results obtained in this test appear to be more closely related to the ability to maintain pregnancy than are those obtained in the usual assays for progestational activity. It is suggested that the uterus:plasma 131I ratio response could be made the basis of an accurate and potentially useful assay method for steroids with progestational properties.
THE FEEDBACK ACTION OF OVARIAN HORMONES IN THE FERRET
Authors: DONOVAN B. T.
Published: December 2008

The operation of an ovarian feedback mechanism in the control of pituitary function in the ferret has been tested in anoestrous and in oestrous animals by removing one gonad to determine whether compensatory hypertrophy of the remaining organ occurred, and by the administration of gonadal steroids.

Compensatory ovarian hypertrophy was found after 10 days in both anoestrous and oestrous ferrets. Oestradiol or oestradiol benzoate occasionally caused ovulation after injection into oestrous females, and inhibition of follicular development occurred after s.c. implantation of a tablet of oestradiol. Ovulation also took place in two out of three ferrets injected with oestradiol benzoate (100 μg.) together with progesterone (2 mg.); one out of five animals given 2 mg. progesterone alone ovulated.

These experiments show that release of gonadotrophin by the ferret hypophysis can be modified by gonadal steroids.
EFFECTS OF CASTRATION AND OF PROGESTERONE IMPLANTATION ON MUSCLE COMPOSITION IN THE FERRET
Authors: HAMMOND J. , LAWRIE R. A.
Published: December 2008

Longissimus dorsi muscles from intact and castrated male ferrets were investigated at the time of maximum body weight in winter, and muscles from control and progesterone-treated animals in summer. The animals had free access to food throughout. The seasonal decrease in body weight was accompanied by decreased fat concentration in the muscle and by reduction of the subcutaneous and mesenteric fat depots.

Implantation of progesterone pellets increased the body and muscle weights of intact males (but not of castrated animals) and also increased intramuscular fat. It may have reversed the seasonal pattern of changes in that the fat in the muscle became more unsaturated. The water content of the muscle decreased only reciprocally in relation to the increased fat content. Progesterone had no obvious effect on the composition of muscle in castrated ferrets.

In summer the castrated animals had more intramuscular fat than the intact males at this time; moreover, despite the higher concentration, its degree of unsaturation was greater.
BODY WEIGHT AND FOOD CONSUMPTION OF LACTATING RATS: EFFECTS OF OVARIECTOMY AND OF ARREST AND RESUMPTION OF SUCKLING
Authors: ÔTA K. , YOKOYAMA A.
Published: December 2008

In order to assess the role of the suckling stimulus in the regulatory mechanism of body weight and food consumption of lactating rats, changes in body weight and food intake under various conditions were investigated.

The results of the changes in food intake during the oestrous cycle, pregnancy and lactation, and after weaning were consistent with those reported by previous workers. The rate of increase in body weight was similar during dioestrus, early pregnancy, early lactation and after ovariectomy. Food consumption of mother rats was maintained at the lactating level for 24 hr. after the removal of suckling pups on the 12th day of lactation, then it rapidly decreased. Resumption of suckling by foster litters, 5 days after removal of the original litters, caused increase in body weight and food intake as well as the restoration of lactation in both normal and ovariectomized animals. The rate of increase in body weight arising from the resumption of suckling was similar to that observed in the ovariectomized rats that were not resuckled after removal of the litters. The increase in body weight in the resuckled rats was not necessarily associated with the enhanced food intake. In spite of vigorous suckling by pups, food intake of the resuckled animals did not show a progressive increase as in normal lactating mothers until the function of mammary glands was restored and sufficient milk was produced to increase the weight of the foster litters. After restoration of lactation food consumption of the resuckled mothers increased progressively, the increase being closely related to increased milk secretion.

The greater food intake in the resuckled rats than in the non-resuckled animals, even before restoration of milk secretion, seems to indicate a direct stimulating effect of the suckling stimulus on appetite; consumption of energy associated with milk secretion is also considered to be one of the main factors in inducing the enhanced food intake in lactating rats. A further possibility that the suckling stimulus participates in the regulation of body weight and food consumption in lactating animals by changing the ovarian function is discussed.
AN AUTOMATED METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF URINARY 17-HYDROXYCORTICOSTEROIDS
Authors: CAISEY J. D. , CHILD K. J.
Published: December 2008

An automated method for measuring urinary 17-hydroxycorticosteroids is described. The preliminary borohydride reduction of pre-existing 17-oxo-steroids is performed manually and the reduced urine transferred to the sample cups of an Auto-Analyzer. The urine is submitted to periodate oxidation, mild alkaline hydrolysis and then extracted with dichloromethane. The dichloromethane extract is mixed with an aqueous solution of m-dinitrobenzene in hyamine and the mixture passed through a 'solvent exchanger' at 75° to evaporate the dichloromethane. Alkali is added and the Zimmermann reaction performed at 55°. After extraction of the reaction products into n-hexanol their light absorption is measured at 510 mμ. The method has been evaluated for accuracy, precision, sensitivity and validity. Urine samples can be assayed in duplicate at the rate of 5/hr. with adequate accuracy. Passage time through the automated procedure is 36 min.; thus 30 to 40 samples can easily be assayed in a normal working day. Details are given of the recovery of cortisone from urine and of comparison between the results obtained with the automated method and with a manual method. The choice of cortisone as the standard, and the role of the temperature and the pH maintained during periodate oxidation are discussed.
EFFECTS OF CONTINUOUS LIGHT ON THE REPRODUCTIVE CYCLE OF THE FEMALE RAT: INDUCTION OF OVULATION AND PITUITARY GONADOTROPHINS DURING PERSISTENT OESTRUS
Authors: SINGH K. B. , GREENWALD G. S.
Published: December 2008

The majority of rats exposed to constant light for approximately 6 weeks ovulated within 24 hr. after an injection of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG), but required 24–48 hr. after a single injection of progesterone. This suggests that HCG acted directly on the ovary but that progesterone acted indirectly by way of the hypothalamo-hypophysial system. Animals injected with progesterone after 6 weeks of constant light failed to ovulate after single or spaced injections of progesterone at 90 days of constant light while HCG administration was still effective. Pituitary content and concentration of luteinizing hormone (LH) in constant-light animals (duration of constant light: 45 days) were below normal pituitary levels during prooestrus and were in the range of normal oestrous values. On the other hand, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) content and concentration were similar to those in cyclic rats. Single injections of 1 mg. progesterone changed neither LH nor FSH concentration, despite the fact that such treatment induced ovulation. Bilateral ovariectomy increased both LH and FSH content and concentration in constant-light animals to the same extent as in control light—dark animals.
THE STIMULATION AND PROLONGED MAINTENANCE OF SPERMATOGENESIS BY HUMAN PITUITARY GONADOTROPHINS IN A PATIENT WITH HYPOGONADOTROPHIC HYPOGONADISM
Authors: MARTIN F. I. R.
Published: December 2008

The clinical course of a man with an apparently isolated deficiency of pituitary gonadotrophin is described. Despite interstitial cell stimulation, prolonged therapy with human chorionic gonadotrophin did not produce spermatogenesis. In contrast, 60 days after treatment with human pituitary gonadotrophin had started, viable spermatozoa were seen and spermatogenesis was subsequently maintained for 16 months.

The sequence of changes observed supports the concept that the action of follicle-stimulating hormone in the testicular tubule is at a late stage of spermatozoa formation.
EFFECTS OF AMYGDALOID LESIONS ON PLASMA AND PITUITARY LEVELS OF LUTEINIZING HORMONE IN THE MALE DEERMOUSE
Authors: ELEFTHERIOU B. E. , ZOLOVICK A. J. , NORMAN R. L.
Published: December 2008

Bilateral lesions produced by electrocoagulation in the basolateral amygdaloid nuclear complex were found to affect plasma and pituitary levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) in the male deermouse (Peromyscus maniculatus bairdii). Within 1 week after lesions were produced in the basolateral amygdaloid group, pituitary levels of LH increased significantly by 170% from the level in intact controls of 0·17–0·47 m-u./mg. During the same period, plasma levels rose by approximately 220% from 0·14–0·45 m-u./ml. The rise in LH continued and was at 0·55 m-u./mg. in the pituitary and 0·54 m-u./ml. in plasma 3 weeks after the lesions had been placed. The rise in plasma LH was reflected in the weight of the testes, prostates and seminal vesicles which significantly increased in all animals with lesions.
THE INSULIN RESPONSE TO GLUCOSE: A COMPARISON BETWEEN ORAL AND INTRAVENOUS TOLERANCE TESTS
Authors: BUCHANAN K. D. , McKIDDIE M. T.
Published: December 2008

Intravenous glucose (25 g.) tolerance tests were performed and plasma insulin levels were determined in 25 normal subjects. There was a direct correlation between the glucose disappearance rate (K value) and the plasma insulin level 10 min. after the glucose injection. Oral glucose (50 g.) tolerance tests were performed in 34 normal subjects with plasma insulin level estimations. The plasma insulin response was slightly greater than that after the intravenous tests although the difference was not significant at the 5% level.

Both oral and intravenous tests were performed in the same subjects in 17 instances and the plasma insulin responses in both tests were compared. Nine subjects showed a higher peak insulin response after oral glucose, and eight after intravenous glucose. The intensity and time-course of the insulin response in each individual was similar whether the glucose was given orally or intravenously.
THE EFFECT OF HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE ON SUBCUTANEOUS FAT THICKNESS IN HYPOSOMATOTROPHIC AND PANHYPOPITUITARY DWARFS
Authors: TANNER J. M. , WHITEHOUSE R. H.
Published: December 2008

The changes in skinfold thickness over the triceps and under the scapula were measured by the same observer every 3 months in 21 children before and during treatment with human growth hormone (HGH). Eleven hyposomatotrophic dwarfs showed a trebling of their rate of height growth during the first 3 months of treatment, and in all, the skinfolds, measuring mainly the amount of subcutaneous fat, decreased during the first 3 months of treatment. In some subjects in this group the skinfold values tended to rise gradually again as treatment progressed. All except two of these children had very high initial skinfold values; the average percentile was above the 75th before treatment, and at the 50th after 3 months of treatment.

Four children, thought to have the same diagnosis, showed little or no height acceleration; they showed also little or no response in skinfold thickness; three of them were initially lean. Two small normal children and one child with gonadal dysgenesis responded neither in height nor in skinfolds. Three children with operated craniopharyngiomas responded well in height, but only one responded unequivocally in skinfolds.

We think the response in dwarfed children represents a true metabolic action of HGH, since there was clinical evidence of a rise and not of a diminution in appetite. The possible implications of these results in the understanding of the physiological events underlying the normal curve of growth in fat in children, particularly at infancy and adolescence, are outlined.
GENETIC VARIATION IN ADRENAL STRUCTURE: QUALITATIVE DIFFERENCES IN THE ZONA GLOMERULOSA
Authors: SHIRE J. G. M. , SPICKETT S. G.
Published: December 2008

The structure of the adrenal glands of five strains of mice has been studied with two histological techniques. The zona glomerulosa is prominent in the adrenal glands of mice of the A/Cam, CBA/FaCam and Swiss strains. This zone is poorly developed in the adrenals of SF/Cam and Peru mice. Studies on F1, F2 and backcross hybrid mice confirm that the observed differences between the strains are consequences of genetic differences. Peru and SF mice, though phenotypically similar, are genotypically different. In general the zona glomerulosa is more marked in the adrenals of female mice than in those of males of the same strain. The implications of the differences in adrenal structure are discussed.
THE NEUROHYPOPHYSIAL HORMONES OF A REPTILE SPECIES, THE COBRA (NAJA NAJA)
Authors: PICKERING B. T.
Published: December 2008

Purification of cobra neurohypophysial extracts has led to the isolation of two fractions with uterotonic activity. One of these was eluted from carboxymethylcellulose columns at the same place as oxytocin. Its amino acid composition and pharmacological properties are compatible with it being a mixture of oxytocin and 8-isoleucine oxytocin (mesotocin). The second fraction had the chromatographic properties of 8-arginine oxytocin (arginine vasotocin) and had the amino acid composition of this compound, but the degree of potentiation of its oxytocic activity by magnesium ions may imply the presence of yet another active peptide in this fraction.
HISTOCHEMICAL DEMONSTRATION OF OXIDATIVE ENZYMES IN THE ADENOHYPOPHYSIS OF THE PIG, WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO THE PARS INTERMEDIA
Authors: HOWE A. , THODY A. J.
Published: December 2008

The adenohypophysis of the pig was examined histochemically for the presence of 11 oxidative enzymes, namely: 1.1.1.27 l-lactate: NAD oxidoreductase, 1.1.1.30 d-3-hydroxybutyrate: NAD oxidoreductase, 1.1.1.37 l-malate: NAD oxidoreductase, 1.1.1.41 threo-ds-isocitrate: NAD oxidoreductase (decarboxylating), 1.1.1.42 threo-ds-isocitrate: NADP oxidoreductase (decarboxylating), 1.1.1.49 d-glucose-6-phosphate: NADP oxidoreductase, 1.1.99.5 l-glycerol-3-phosphate: (acceptor) oxidoreductase, 1.3.99.1 succinate: (acceptor) oxidoreductase, 1.4.1.2 l-glutamate: NAD oxidoreductase (deaminating), 1.6.99.1 reduced-NADP: (acceptor) oxidoreductase, 1.6.99.3 reduced-NAD: (acceptor) oxidoreductase.

With the exception of 1.1.1.30 d-3-hydroxybutyrate: NAD oxidoreductase, activity was found throughout the adenohypophysis for all these enzymes. A comparison was made with the activity for these enzymes in liver.

In the adenohypophysis, the pars tuberalis exhibited the highest activity for all enzymes, generally equal to or greater than that shown by the liver. The pars intermedia and the pars anterior showed similar activity for these enzymes, in general of a lower order than that given by the liver. The pattern of enzyme distribution in the pars intermedia is described; high activity for 1.1.1.37 l-malate: NAD oxidoreductase, 1.1.1.27 l-lactate: NAD oxidoreductase, 1.6.99.3 reduced-NAD: (acceptor) oxidoreductase, 1.6.99.1 reduced-NADP: (acceptor) oxidoreductase was shown by cells lining cysts and the pituitary cleft.

The findings are discussed in relation to the possible association of these enzymes with secretory function.
AGE-DEPENDENT CHANGES IN THE PITUITARY-GONADAL RELATIONSHIP: A STUDY OF OVARIAN COMPENSATORY HYPERTROPHY
Authors: LABHSETWAR A. P.
Published: December 2008

The degree of ovarian compensatory hypertrophy has been studied in unilaterally ovariectomized rats of different ages. Ovarian sensitivity was evaluated by studying the weight increase in response to a standard dose of gonadotrophin (5 i.u. PMS/100 g. body weight/day for 3 days).

Little ovarian compensatory hypertrophy was found in immature rats 33 days old. Percentage hypertrophy increased significantly at puberty (day 46) and then levelled out, showing no significant changes (P > 0·05) until the rats weighed over 380 g. and had reached an estimated age of over 9 months when practically no ovarian compensatory hypertrophy was found. No consistent variation in ovarian sensitivity to exogenous PMS attributable to age was found except for an increased response in the prepuberal animals.

These results support the view that a significant decline occurs in the output of gonadotrophins from the pituitary gland of the aged rats. The implication of this finding with regard to a decline in reproductive capacity with advancing age is discussed.
METABOLIC CLEARANCE RATES OF PREGNENOLONE, 17-ACETOXYPREGNENOLONE AND THEIR SULPHATE ESTERS IN MAN AND IN RABBIT
Authors: WANG D. Y. , BULBROOK R. D. , ELLIS F. , COOMBS M. M.
Published: December 2008

The metabolic clearance rates, distribution volumes and half-lives of pregnenolone, 17-acetoxypregnenolone and their sulphate esters were determined in man and in the rabbit.

Pregnenolone was cleared about three times more quickly than pregnenolone sulphate in both species.

The metabolic clearance rate of 17-acetoxypregnenolone sulphate is greater in the rabbit than in man, whether expressed in absolute terms or in relation to the metabolic clearance rate of the free steroid.

The slow clearance rate of 17-acetoxypregnenolone sulphate in man is similar to that of testosterone sulphate, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate and cholesterol sulphate; but is unlike that of pregnenolone sulphate, which is cleared approximately ten times as quickly.
BINDING OF THE SULPHATE ESTERS OF DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE, TESTOSTERONE, 17-ACETOXYPREGNENOLONE AND PREGNENOLONE IN THE PLASMA OF MAN, RABBIT AND RAT
Authors: WANG D. Y. , BULBROOK R. D.
Published: December 2008

The binding by plasma from man, rabbit and rat of the sulphate esters of dehydroepiandrosterone, testosterone, 17-acetoxypregnenolone and pregnenolone has been studied using equilibrium dialysis.

The plasma of these species had a large capacity for binding dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate and testosterone sulphate. A large capacity for binding pregnenolone sulphate and 17-acetoxypregnenolone sulphate was observed with plasma from man and rabbit.

The percentage binding of the steroid sulphates studied was higher for human plasma than for rabbit plasma and, in the case of the sulphates of dehydroepiandrosterone and testosterone, for rat plasma. The higher percentage binding by human plasma was confirmed using multiple equilibrium dialysis.

Evidence is presented that suggests that the sulphate esters of dehydroepiandrosterone, testosterone and pregnenolone are bound to the same sites. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate was displaced by non-steroidal organic sulphates, suggesting that the binding sites involved are not specific for steroid sulphates.
THE MEASUREMENT OF ALDOSTERONE, CORTISOL AND CORTICOSTERONE IN THE BLOOD OF THE WOMBAT (VOMBATUS HIRSUTUS PERRY) AND THE KANGAROO (MACROPUS GIGANTEUS)
Authors: COGHLAN J. P. , SCOGGINS B. A.
Published: December 2008

Aldosterone, cortisol and corticosterone were measured in the peripheral blood of wombats and kangaroos from two areas of south east Australia. Increased blood levels of aldosterone were found in animals of both species from an area low in dietary sodium. Cortisol concentrations ranged from 0·08 to 0·83 μg./100 ml. blood in the wombat and from 0·60 to 4·20 μg./100 ml. blood in the kangaroo. Corticosterone concentrations ranged from 0·02 to 0·42 μg./100 ml. blood in the wombat and from 0·07 to 0·38 μg./100 ml. blood in the kangaroo.
MECHANISM OF ACTION OF NEUROHYPOPHYSIAL HORMONES: ACTIONS OF MANGANESE AND ZINC ON THE PERMEABILITY OF THE TOAD BLADDER
Authors: BENTLEY P. J.
Published: December 2008

The short-circuit current (SCC, sodium transport) across the isolated toad urinary bladder was increased by the presence of 10−4m-Mn2+ at the serosal but not at the mucosal surface. Magnesium did not have this effect. Zinc (10−4m) decreased the SCC. Neither Mn2+ nor Zn2+ altered the SCC at a concentration of 10−5m.

Oxytocin stimulated sodium transport across the bladder and this response was reduced by 10−4 but not by 10−5m-Mn2+. Zinc (10−5m) nearly abolished the effect of oxytocin.

Normal osmotic permeability of the bladder to water was unaffected by 10−4m-Mn2+ or Zn2+.

Oxytocin increased the osmotic permeability of the bladder to water and this response was strongly inhibited by 10−4 and 10−5m-Mn2+ at the serosal but not at the mucosal surface. Magnesium did not have this effect. Zinc (10−4 to 10−6m) similarly reduced this effect of oxytocin but at a concentration of 10−4m also acted at the mucosal surface.

The antagonistic effect of Mn2+ on the action of oxytocin on osmotic permeability was not reversible and was non-competitive. Zn2+ was also found to be a non-competitive antagonist of oxytocin but the antagonism was reversible.

The increase in osmotic permeability of the bladder to water by the addition of cyclic AMP was unaffected by Mn2+. In contrast Zn2+ reduced the effects of cyclic AMP on both osmotic permeability and SCC. It is suggested that Mn2+ uncouples processes linking the interaction of oxytocin with the formation of cyclic AMP in the bladder while Zn2+ acts at a stage subsequent to the formation of the nucleotide, possibly on the effector mechanisms themselves.
THE ASSOCIATION OF [6,7-3H]OESTRADIOL WITH A NUCLEAR PROTEIN
Authors: KING R. J. B. , GORDON J.
Published: December 2008

The binding of [6,7-3H]oestradiol to nuclei from rat dimethylbenzanthracene-induced (DMBA) mammary tumour, uterine epithelium, anterior pituitary and kidney has been studied. Digestion of nuclei labelled in vivo with [6,7-3H]oestradiol, with RNase, DNase and trypsin indicated that only the last enzyme released tritium from the nucleus, indicating that the receptor is a protein. The optimal concentration of sodium chloride for extracting the oestradiol-receptor complex from tumour nuclei was 1-molar. This concentration was required even after enzymic removal of most of the DNA and RNA. Sodium deoxycholate also extracted oestradiol from nuclei but at the same time dissociated the oestradiol-receptor complex. An attempt was made to fractionate the oestradiol-receptor complex on Sephadex and Biogel columns.
EFFECTS OF PRE- AND POST-PUBERTAL GONADECTOMY ON SEX DIFFERENCES IN GROWTH, ADRENAL AND PITUITARY WEIGHTS OF HAMSTERS
Authors: SWANSON HEIDI H.
Published: December 2008

Unlike rats, the adult female hamster is heavier and longer than the male. The small size of the males appears to be dependent on the continuous presence of androgens, since castration before or after puberty results in an immediate acceleration of ponderal and linear growth, which is maintained until the female size is reached. The growth of females is not affected by gonadectomy.

Another sexual dimorphism which is reversed in hamsters in comparison with rats is adrenal weight; males have heavier adrenals than females. Castration reduces both absolute and relative adrenal weights of males to the levels of females. It is possible that the sex difference in growth is mediated through a differential secretion of adrenal hormones.

On the other hand, the sexual dimorphism in pituitary weights of hamsters is similar to rats; females have heavier pituitaries than males. This may reflect a sex difference in the pattern of gonadotrophin secretion, which may be similar in both species.
THE UPTAKE OF [6,7-3H]OESTRADIOL BY THE NORMAL HUMAN FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE TRACT
Authors: BRUSH M. G. , TAYLOR R. W. , KING R. J. B.
Published: December 2008

The uptake of [6,7-3H]oestradiol by the reproductive tract was studied in 18 non-pregnant women who were undergoing hysterectomy for conditions not associated with an abnormal endometrium. A single s.c. injection of 50 μc [6,7-3H]oestradiol (specific activity, 182 μc/μg.) was given 2 hr. before hysterectomy. Tissue samples were dissolved in 5 n-alkali and their radioactivity content determined by liquid scintillation counting. Total and free steroid (ether soluble) radioactivities in the plasma were also determined. The existence of an essentially normal menstrual cycle in these patients was confirmed by histological examination of tissue samples and, in some cases, by determinations of urinary pregnanediol. Urinary total radioactivity was within the normal range, except in one case, thus confirming normal oestrogen metabolism.

The radioactivity content of the tissues of the reproductive tract was well above that attributable to their plasma content. In some cases the uptake by different regions of the endometrium varied considerably. In the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle uptake was higher than that in the luteal phase. Vaginal and cervical epithelium showed variable uptake but in general it was lower than that for endometrium.

Cell fractionation studies showed that, in general, proportionally more of the endometrial radioactivity was associated with the nuclei in the follicular phase than in the luteal phase.
THE CONVERSION OF PREGNENOLONE TO PROGESTERONE AND 16α-HYDROXYDEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE IN VITRO BY ADRENAL TISSUE FROM A NEWBORN ANENCEPHALIC INFANT
Authors: SHAHWAN M. M. , OAKEY R. E. , STITCH S. R.
Published: December 2008

Adrenal tissue, largely composed of the definitive zone, from a newborn anencephalic infant, contained the following enzyme systems: (1) a Δ5-3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase for pregnenolone, demonstrated by the conversion of [14C]pregnenolone to [14C]progesterone; (2) a C(17)-C(20) desmolase, and (3) a steroid 16α-hydroxylase, demonstrated by the conversion of [14C]pregnenolone to [14C]3β, 16α-dihydroxyandrost-5-en-17-one.

The metabolites could not be separated from carrier steroids during sequential partition chromatography. [14C]Progesterone was identified by recrystallization to constant specific activity. [14C]3β, 16α-Dihydroxyandrost-5-en-17-one was identified by enzymatic conversion to [14C]16α-hydroxyoestrone followed by reduction to oestriol and determination of the specific activity of the oestriol after partition chromatography.

It is suggested that these enzymes may play some part in the production of cortisol by the newborn anencephalic infant, and in the provision of precursors for placental oestriol production.
OVARIAN RESPONSE TO HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHIN AND EGG TRANSPORT IN THE PREGNANT AND POST-PARTURIENT RABBIT
Authors: ADAMS C. E.
Published: December 2008

Ovarian response (number of ovulations) to a single dose of 25 i.u. human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) given intravenously on the 5, 9, 12, 17, 21, 25 or 28th day of pregnancy or within 24 hr. post partum was examined in 67 does. HCG given post partum or early in pregnancy resulted in a normal number of ovulations but from mid-pregnancy to near term superovulation occurred in 50% or more of the does. Only one doe failed to ovulate. In similar, untreated does the mean number of Graafian follicles increased from 14 (6–23) on days 8–11 to 30 (9–52) on the 28th day of pregnancy. Egg transport through the tubes was significantly accelerated following ovulation induced during pregnancy.
EFFECT OF CORTISOL ON GROWTH AND URIC ACID EXCRETION IN THE CHICK
Authors: ADAMS B. M.
Published: December 2008

Metabolic effects of various doses of cortisol were studied in the young male chick. Inhibition of body growth increased with dose but there was no proportional decrease in food intake. Liver weight and uric acid excretion increased similarly with dose. When the temporal relationships of these effects were compared, there was no correlation between the increase in uric acid excretion and the increase in liver weight. It is therefore concluded that the increase in liver weight and uric acid excretion are not linked to a common effect of cortisol. Liver glycogen deposition was more sensitive to cortisol compared with the other effects.
AN ATTEMPT TO ISOLATE AN OESTRADIOL RECEPTOR FROM NUCLEI BY ADSORPTION ON OESTRADIOL-17β
Authors: KING R. J. B. , GORDON J.
Published: December 2008

The binding of nuclear proteins from dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA)-induced rat mammary tumours and other natural and synthetic proteins to columns of oestradiol-17β (oestradiol) has been studied. A wide range of proteins, but not DNA, bind to oestradiol under these conditions and this binding is disrupted by acid. Both histone and acidic nuclear protein fractions bind to oestradiol and the bound fraction had, in both cases, the ability to bind [6,7-3H]oestradiol. Acrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that more than one protein from both the acidic and basic nuclear protein fractions was bound to the oestradiol. More poly-l-glutamic acid and poly-l-glycine was bound to the oestradiol than poly-l-lysine. Oestradiol columns bound more protein from both the histone and acidic protein fraction than did columns of oestrone. Oestradiol bound more acidic protein than testosterone or progesterone but this difference was not evident with the histone fraction.

Equilibrium dialysis experiments showed that the ability of a protein to bind to oestradiol was not related to its association constant with [6,7-3H] oestradiol.

The acidic nuclear proteins had a higher association constant than the histone fraction.

These results are discussed in relation to the purification of oestradiol receptors and to the binding of [6,7-3H]oestradiol in vivo.
PREFERENTIAL RELEASE OF OXYTOCIN FROM THE NEUROHYPOPHYSIS AFTER ELECTRICAL STIMULATION OF THE AFFERENT PATH OF THE MILK-EJECTION REFLEX IN THE BRAIN OF THE GUINEA-PIG
Authors: TINDAL J. S. , KNAGGS G. S. , TURVEY A.
Published: December 2008

Discrete portions of the afferent path of the milk-ejection reflex have been explored in the brain of the lactating guinea-pig. Both intramammary pressure and arterial blood pressure were recorded to detect release of oxytocin and vasopressin. It was found that the milk-ejection responses which occurred after electrical stimulation of the pathway in the midbrain and hypothalamus were caused by the release of oxytocin without detectable release of vasopressin.

A mixture of oxytocin and vasopressin, in the ratio of approximately 3:1, was released only after electrical stimulation of the rostral tuberal region of the hypothalamus adjacent to the pituitary stalk.

It is concluded that the afferent path in the brain of the guinea-pig studied is concerned with the preferential release of oxytocin from the neurohypophysis and that it is the pathway of the milk-ejection reflex.
HISTOCHEMICAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE GRANULOSA AND THECA INTERNA DURING FOLLICULAR DEVELOPMENT AND CORPUS LUTEUM FORMATION AND REGRESSION IN THE AMERICAN OPOSSUM
Authors: GURAYA S. S.
Published: December 2008

A study has been made of the histochemical changes which occur during follicular growth and formation and regression of the corpus luteum in the ovary of the American opossum. The granulosa cells show abundant cytoplasmic RNA. Some lipid bodies consisting of phospholipids are sparsely distributed among the granulosa cells. After ovulation, the granulosa cells undergo 'luteinization' to form the large luteal cells. The most striking histochemical change involved in the differentiation (or luteinization) of the granulosa follicle cell into a luteal cell is the development of abundant diffuse lipoproteins throughout the cytoplasm. Fine lipid granules consisting of phospholipids are also formed in the cytoplasm of luteal cells.

The stromal elements of the theca interna, which contain some sparsely scattered phospholipid granules, do not show any histochemical change during corpus luteum formation.

With the regression of luteal cells, coarse lipid granules consisting of cholesterol and cholesterol esters, triglycerides and some phospholipids accumulate abundantly in the cytoplasm. Some of these regressing luteal cells continue to persist in the ovarian stroma for some time.
DISTRIBUTION OF HYDROXYSTEROID DEHYDROGENASES IN THE PLACENTA OF THE PIG
Authors: CHRISTIE G. A.
Published: December 2008

The presence of hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases in the pig placenta and associated uterine structures is described between 26 days of gestation and term.

Activity with androsterone, aetiocholanolone, DHA, pregnenolone, 17α-hydroxypregnenolone, 3β-hydroxy-5β-androstan-17-one, cortisol, 3β,16β-dihydroxyandrost-5-ene 3-methyl-ether, 3,16β-dihydroxyoestra-1,3,5(10)-triene 3-methyl-ether, oestradiol-17β, and 20β-hydroxyprogesterone in the trophoblast increased in mid-pregnancy, and thereafter decreased towards term, except with androsterone, cortisol, 3β,16β-dihydroxyandrost-5-ene 3-methyl-ether, 3,16β-dihydroxyoestra-1,3,5(10)-triene 3-methyl-ether and oestradiol whose increased level of activity persisted. No activity was found in the trophoblast with 1 1β-hydroxyandrostenedione, 3β-hydroxyandrost-5-en-16-one 3-methyl-ether, 17α-oestradiol, testosterone, or 20α-hydroxyprogesterone. Activity in the trophoblast of the areolae was consistently absent or greatly decreased.

In the maternal epithelium, intense activity with oestradiol-17β, and testosterone as substrates (but no others) was observed early in pregnancy, but decreased markedly later. Activity was consistently higher in the epithelium related to the opening of the areolae. No other uterine or foetal structures gave a positive reaction.

Some attempt is made to correlate the presence of the enzymes with their function, with biochemical findings regarding isolation of steroids from the placenta, and with the effects of ovariectomy on pregnancy in the pig.
REPLETION OF VASOPRESSIN AND OXYTOCIN IN THE POSTERIOR LOBE OF THE PITUITARY GLAND OF THE RAT
Authors: YOUNG T. K. , VAN DYKE H. B.
Published: December 2008

Rats deprived of drinking water for 7 days showed a striking depletion of neurohypophysial hormones from the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland. The average daily depletion rate was estimated to be 93 m-u. for vasopressin and 97 m-u. for oxytocin. When rats were allowed free access to water, dehydration was rapidly corrected as shown by normal haematocrit values and plasma osmolarities. Repletion of neurohypophysial hormones, rapid in the first 24 hr., continued gradually thereafter. The mean calculated repletion rate was 41 m-u./day for vasopressin and 42 m-u./day for oxytocin. Repletion was completed about 14 days after rehydration.
INDUCTION OF NIDATION IN HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED PROGESTERONE-TREATED PREGNANT RATS BY NON-SPECIFIC FACTORS
Authors: VARAVUDHI P.
Published: December 2008

Nidation may be induced on the evening of L3 in hypophysectomized pregnant rats by subcutaneous injection of proteolytic enzymes, protein precipitants, and by acidic extracts of rat hypothalamus, cerebral cortex, heart, liver and spleen. With the exception of the protein precipitants, these materials apparently stimulated the ovary to release sufficient oestrogen for nidation provided that exogenous progesterone was available. Similarly, implantation could be induced (on L9) by extracts of adenohypophysis, hypothalamus, cerebral cortex or trypsin in hypophysectomized pregnant rats in delayed nidation. However, a single injection of blood serum from male or female rat donors was ineffective. The assumption is made that specific gonadotrophins from the pituitary are not the only factors able to cause release of oestrogen from the ovary.