bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ULTRASTRUCTURE OF THE PANCREATIC ISLET TISSUE OF NORMAL AND ALLOXAN-TREATED COTTUS SCORPIUS
Authors: Falkmer Sture , Olsson Ragnar
Published: December 2008

The principal islets of Cottus scorpius are very suitable for electron microscopical investigations since they contain only endocrine parenchyma inside the connective tissue capsule. The central region with the β-cells is more osmiophilic than the peripheral region. Thus, it is fairly easy to trim the islets in the desired region and obtain purely endocrine cells with known histological and histochemical features in the electron micrographs.

The peripheral region is mainly composed of two kinds of cells: a granular type, ultrastructurally corresponding to mammalian α-cells, and an agranular one possibly related to the mammalian γ- and/or δ-cells as judged from its fine structure.

The granules of the α-cell like cells are submicroscopical. The agranular cells terminate at capillaries in the same way as the granular cells. Both cell types are essentially unaffected by alloxan administration.

The central region contains granular cells with a fine structure resembling that of mammalian β-cells. These cells are severely damaged by alloxan administration.

Intimately intermingled with these β-cells are granular and agranular cells which are unaffected by alloxan administration. In part, at least they show ultrastructural similarities to the cells of the periperal region and represent the aldehyde fuchsin and pseudo-isocyanine negative cells of this region.
THE IN VITRO BIOSYNTHESIS OF ANDROGENIC STEROIDS BY HUMAN NORMAL AND »STEIN-LEVENTHAL TYPE« OVARIAN SLICES
Authors: Lanthier André , Sandor Thomas
Published: December 2008

The in vitro biosynthesis of androgenic steroids by surviving human normal and »Stein-Leventhal type« ovarian slices was studied. The tissue slices were incubated in a Krebs-Ringer-phosphate-glucose medium (pH: 7.4) with pregnenolone, progesterone, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone and androstenedione added as substrates. The incubations were supplied with HCG as cofactor (1000 IU/vessel) and the reactions left to proceed for 6 or 24 hours. After incubation, the medium was extracted with chloroform and transformation products isolated by paper chromatography. Individual substances were characterized by chromatographic mobility studies, preparation of derivatives and spectrophotometric techniques. The following results were obtained: qualitatively no differences could be noted between the metabolic activity of ovarian slices of either origin. Quantitatively, »Stein-Leventhal type« slices showed an accelerated rate of production in all intermediary reactions, especially in the production of androstenedione and testosterone. In addition to the direct intermediaries, four C20 reduced transformation products of progesterone and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone were isolated from experiments involving both normal and micropolycystic ovarian slices.
CHROMOSOMAL MOSAICISM, X CHROMOSOME ANOMALY AND SEX CHROMATIN DISCREPANCY IN A CASE OF GONADAL DYSGENESIS
Authors: de la Chapelle Albert
Published: December 2008

The case of a 15-year-old phenotypic female with apparent traits of gonadal dysgenesis, horse shoe kidney and mentally retarded is presented. The sex chromatin was negative as judged from the polymorphonuclear leukocytes, none having been found with a drumstick. In the nuclei of the oral mucosa cells, however, Barr bodies were clearly distinguishable but were unusually small and few in number.

Chromosome preparations made from cultures of leukocytes from the peripheral blood revealed a 45/46 mosaicism. The cells with 45 chromosomes apparently had only one X chromosome. In the other stemline, there was a supernumerary chromosome in the group 17–18, which was judged to be a deleted X

The chromosomal aberration is thought to explain the discrepancy in the findings of sex chromatin.

»Erosions« were frequently found in some of the chromosomes. Their significance is briefly discussed.
BEEINFLUSSUNG DER INSULINEMPFINDLICHKEIT DER EVISCERIERTEN RATTE DURCH NEBENNIEREN-EXSTIRPATION, NEBENNIERENHORMONE UND GLUKAGON
Authors: Creutzfeldt Werner , Deuticke Ursula
Published: December 2008

Adrenalectomy of eviscerated, nephrectomised rats constantly infused with glucose induces increased glucose consumption. Doses of deoxycorticosterone acetate and epinephrine alter this to the conditions found in eviscerated rats with intact adrenals. This could be mainly due to a circulatory effect of both hormones. – Eviscerated nephrectomised rats, constantly infused with glucose show a reproducable sensitivity-value for i. v. injected insulin. The value of this dose is over 0.05 U/kg insulin. Adrenalectomy momentarily causes an increase in the insulin sensitivity of the eviscerated animal. – The augmented insulin sensitivity following adrenalectomy is not clearly affected by deoxycorticosterone, but can be reduced by very high doses of prednisolone. The diaphragmatic glycogen values do not differ from those found in untreated animals. – Epinephrine completely abolishes the increased insulin sensitivity of the adrenalectomised eviscerated animal. This is probably due to a peripheral metabolic effect occurring mainly in the muscle tissue. The reduction in the diaphragmatic glycogen content suggests activation of the phosphorylase system with consequent inhibition of hexokinase. DHE abolishes the action of epinephrine on the hyper-sensitivity to insulin and on muscle glycogenolysis. Glucagon has no synergistic insulin action in the eviscerated nephrectomised rat, either in high or low doses. The insulin effect on the blood sugar of the highly insulin sensitive adrenalectomised eviscerated rat, is even diminished by high doses of glucagon. The mechanism of this peripheral insulin antagonistic action of glucagon occurs without glycogenolysis and has not yet been elucidated. The effect is however much slighter than that of epinephrine.
HAEMODYNAMIC STUDIES IN MAN BEFORE AND AFTER HYPOPHYSECTOMY
Authors: Bojs Göran , Falkheden Thomas , Sjögren Björn , Varnauskas Edvardas
Published: December 2008

Determinations of cardiac output and oxygen consumption simultaneously with measurements of glomerular filtration rate and renal plasma flow were performed before and after hypophysectomy in two cases of acromegaly, two cases of metastatic mammary carcinoma, one case of diabetes mellitus and in one case of chromophobe adenoma. After hypophysectomy evidence of adrenocortical insufficiency was present in all but one subject and these patients were on substitution therapy with cortisone (17,21-dihydroxy-pregn-4-ene 3,11,20-trione) at the time of the postoperative studies. In two patients at least, postoperative hypothyroidism could not be demonstrated. In all cases, however, hypophysectomy was followed by a marked and roughly parallel reduction in cardiac output and oxygen consumption. A substantial decrease in glomerular filtration rate, renal plasma flow and renal blood flow following hypophysectomy was also found while no or only slight changes in mean brachial arterial blood pressure were observed. The changes in renal function did not always parallel the reduction in cardiac output.
VANILLINSÄURE ALS ENDPRODUKT DES ABBAUES VON ADRENALIN UND NORADRENALIN
Authors: Dirscherl Wilhelm , Thomas Helmut , Schriefers Herbert
Published: December 2008

In rat livers perfused with 3-methoxy-4-hydroxy-mandelic acid, formerly believed to be the endproduct of the metabolism of adrenaline and noradrenaline, three metabolites were detected by paper chromatography. After further purification by column chromatography, one of these substances was identified by melting point, shape of crystals, UV- and IR-spectra as vanillic acid.

Perfusion with vanillic acid yielded only one metabolite in very small quantities. Because of its properties it is assumed to be a conjugate of vanillic acid. Hence vanillic acid, isolated in 1959 from human urine by Dirscherl & Schmidtmann, is the actual endproduct of the metabolism of adrenaline and noradrenaline.
A STUDY OF THE RAT UTERINE β-GLUCURONIDASE PRIOR TO THE IMPLANTATION OF THE OVUM
Authors: Prahlad K. V.
Published: December 2008

In a study of the rat uterine β-glucuronidase during the first seven days of pregnancy, it was found that there was a marked rise in the enzyme level on the 4th day. The implications of this increase in enzyme concentration with regard to the implantation of the ovum are discussed.
DER EINFLUSS VON RESERPIN AUF DIE ANTITHYREOIDALE WIRKUNG VON KALIUMPERCHLORAT
Authors: Krüskemper H. L. , Kessler F. J. , Steinkrüger E.
Published: December 2008

1. Reserpine does not inhibit the tissue respiration of liver in normal male rats (in vitro).

2. The decrease of tissue respiration of the liver with simultaneous morphological stimulation of the thyroid gland after long administration of reserpine is due to a minute inhibition of the hormone synthesis in the thyroid gland.

3. The morphological alterations of the thyroid in experimental hypothyroidism due to perchlorate can not be prevented with reserpine.
THIN-NEEDLE BIOPSY OF THE THYROID GLAND IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF THYROTOXICOSIS
Authors: Myren J. , Sivertssen E.
Published: December 2008

Thin-needle biopsy was carried out in 19 patients with toxic and in 17 patients with non-toxic goitres. The diametres of the cell nuclei of 100 thyroidal epithelial cells in each smear were measured with an ocular micrometer. The nuclear diameter was graded in three groups according to size, i.e. less than 9 microns, 9 to 10.4 microns and more than 10.4 microns.

In 16 out of 19 patients with toxic goitres, the large cell nuclei represented more than 30 per cent and the small cell nuclei less than 30 per cent of the total number of cell nuclei. On the other hand, in 15 out of 17 patients with non-toxic goitres, the small nuclei represented more than 30 per cent and the large nuclei less than 30 per cent of the total number. There was no difference between diffuse and nodular goitres in the toxic and non-toxic groups.

Paravacuolar granulation in the cytoplasm was found in one-third of the cases with toxic goitres and in one case with non-toxic goitre. As previously observed (Söderström 1958), foamy phagocytes and giant cells usually indicate nodular goitres. The finding of coarse granules and different degrees of vacuolization in the cytoplasm of the thyroid cells seems to be of little value in diagnosis.
ALTERATIONS IN ACID MUCOPOLYSACCHARIDE AND COLLAGEN OF RABBIT AORTA RELATED TO AGE OF EPINEPHRINE-THYROXINE INDUCED ARTERIOSCLEROTIC LESIONS
Authors: Lorenzen lb
Published: December 2008

Male albino rabbits were injected with epinephrine plus 1-thyroxine for 12 days and then sacrificed in 5 groups: 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after cessation of the injections. An increase in hexosamine/hydroxyproline-ratio, uronic acid/hydroxyproline-ratio and uptake of 35S-sulphate in acid mucopolysaccharides in group I 3 days after cessation of the injections was observed in contrast to a decrease in groups II to V reaching the level of untreated controls 28 days after cessation of the injections. On comparison between determinations on crude tissue and on isolated acid mucopolysaccharide, it was found, that the alterations in total hexosamine content and uptake of 35S-sulphate measured on crude tissue reflected alterations in the acid mucopolysaccharide fraction of the aortic wall. The changes were similar to those observed in granulation tissue and confirmed the previous interpretation of the epinephrine-thyroxine induced alterations as repair processes elicited by injury to the aortic wall. The gross arteriosclerotic lesions in aortae showed no changes from group I to V. The age of the lesions, rather than the gross lesions as such determined the degree of change in acid mucopolysaccharide and collagen of the arterial wall.
THE EFFECT OF BUTYL-4-HYDROXY-3:5-DIIODOBENZOATE ON THE AVAILABILITY OF THYROID HORMONES TO PERIPHERAL TISSUES IN ISOTOPICALLY EQUILIBRATED RATS
Authors: del Rey F. Escobar , de Escobar G. Morreale
Published: December 2008

The effect of BHDB is determined on: a) the rate and mode of disappearance of [131I] l-thyroxine in thyroidectomized, l-thyroxine maintained rats, and b) the concentration of iodine-containing compounds in the body and excreta of thyroidectomized rats, isotopically equilibrated with l-thyroxine or l-triiodothyronine. Labelled thyroxine is rapidly excreted into the intestines and faeces of BHDB-treated rats and this alteration precedes a much less marked decrease of the urinary radioiodide. In isotopically equilibrated rats it is shown that during the first few days of BHDB administration there is a decrease of the urinary iodide, which later reverts to normal or, in the case of triiodothyronine maintained rats, increases well above normal values. The alterations of urinary iodide excretion are more than accounted for by opposite changes in the faecal excretion of iodinated compounds. BHDB results in a depletion of the hormonal pool in the peripheral tissues of thyroxine-maintained rats, but this is not so in the case of triiodothyronine-maintained animals. It is concluded that there is more evidence in favour of the interpretation that BHDB alters the availability of the thyroid hormone to peripheral tissues than in favour of an inhibition of peripheral deiodinating systems. It is suggested that the marked loss of thyroxine from the body of BHDB-treated rats might be the underlying cause of its »antithyroxine« action.
VERGLEICHENDE UNTERSUCHUNGEN ÜBER DIE AROMATISIERUNG NEUTRALER STEROIDE BEIM MENSCHEN
Authors: Breuer H.
Published: December 2008

The urinary excretion of oestrogens has been studied 2 days before and 4 days after a single injection of the following neutral steroids (number of subjects in brackets): testosterone (2), 19-nor-testosterone (2), androsta1,4-diene-3,17-dione (3), testosterone propionate (2), 19-nor-testosterone phenylpropionate (3) and 19-nor-testosterone decanoate (2). In all cases an increase in the excretion of oestrogens, as determined by the method of Brown et al. (1957), was observed.

Calculated on the basis of the injected amount of neutral steroid, the increased oestrogen excretion varied between 0.02 and 0.07% of the administered steroid. The esters of the neutral steroids gave rise to approximately the same increase in urinary oestrogens as the free steroids.

The following phenolic steroids were isolated by microsublimation from urine: 17β-oestradiol after injection of testosterone and androsta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione, oestrone after injection of 19-nor-testosterone and oestriol after injection of 19-nor-testosterone phenylpropionate.
THE EFFECT OF ALLOXAN ON THE ADRENAL CORTICAL SECRETION
Authors: Saba G. C. , Hoet J. J.
Published: December 2008

The present study demonstrates that a diabetogenic dose of alloxan produces a rapid and transient increase in the peripheral plasma corticosterone levels. This is attributed to the adrenal response to the stress situation provoked by alloxan. Pre-treatment of the animals with fluorocortisol prevents this adrenal response and the occurrence of alloxan induced hyperglycaemia. The role played by the response of the adrenal cortex on the onset and the maintenance of alloxan diabetes is discussed.
INDICATIONS OF SYNERGISM OF SODIUM DEXTRO-THYROXINE AND METHYLTESTOSTERONE IN CHICKS
Authors: Lew Margin , Lepp Albert , Starr Paul
Published: December 2008

The results of feeding sodium dextro-thyroxine to white leghorn cockerels and pullets indicate:

A lowering of serum cholesterol significantly in birds fed a cholesterol enriched diet.

Interference with endogenous androgen metabolism if excessive amounts are given.

Possible synergism with endogenous androgen is suggested by one series.

Enhancement of the activity of exogenous testosterone in stimulating secondary sex characteristics of pullets is shown in series E., F., and G.
FORMATION OF OESTRONF. GLUCOSIDURONATE BY THE HUMAN INTESTINAL TRACT
Authors: Diczfalusy E. , Franksson C. , Lisboa B. P. , Marlinsen B.
Published: December 2008

At an abdominal operation 20 mg of 17β-oestradiol was injected into an isolated intestinal loop with the arterial blood supply preserved. Huge amounts of conjugated oestrone were found in extracts of the intestinal wall and of the effluent venous blood, respectively. The conjugated oestrone was identified as oestrone glucosiduronate. Very little if any oestrone sulphate was found. Preliminary evidence suggesting the intestinal formation of 17β-oestradiol-3-glucosiduronate (or 3,17-diglucosiduronate) was also obtained.
THE THIRD INTERNATIONAL STANDARD FOR CORTICOTROPHIN AND AN INTERNATIONAL WORKING STANDARD FOR CORTICOTROPHIN
Authors: _ _
Published: December 2008

A short note concerning the establishment of the Third International Standard for Corticotrophin is presented. The note draws attention to some changes that will come into effect in the labelling of preparations of corticotrophin in some countries as a result of the introduction of this new standard.
HYPERTENSIVE FORM OF CONGENITAL ADRENOCORTICAL HYPERPLASIA
Authors: Bergman Per , Sjögren Björn , Håkansson Brilt
Published: December 2008

A case of the hypertensive type of congenital adrenocortical hyperplasia (Eberlein-Bongiovanni's syndrome) is described. The patient was followed up for 12 years. The urinary steroid pattern was characterized by the presence of tetrahydro-11-deoxycortisol and tetrahydro-11-deoxycorticosterone. The urinary excretion of pregnanetriol was only moderately increased.

Adequate cortisone treatment was started 11 years after hypertension was demonstrated. Treatment had no effect on the blood pressure but the excretion of steroids became normal.

The patient was 14 years old when first seen by the authors. She then showed virilism. Menstruation occurred for the first time after 10 days of cortisone treatment. Laparotomy revealed polycystic ovarian changes of the type seen in Stein-Leventhal's syndrome. Wedge resection of the ovaries was followed by normal menstruations without any cortisone treatment.

The relationship between abnormal secretion of steroids by the ovaries or the adrenal cortex and polycystic changes of the ovaries is discussed.
VARIATIONS IN PLASMA CORTISOL DURING PREGNANCY, DELIVERY, AND THE PUERPERIUM
Authors: Bro-Rasmussen Frede , Buus Ole , Lundwall F. , Trolle Dyre
Published: December 2008

By means of a double isotope derivative technique, specific determination of cortisol is obtainable. The present study revealed that the previously demonstrated curve of the 17-hydroxycorticosteroid increase in pregnancy is due to cortisol. It was demonstrated, moreover, that following intrauterine death the maternal cortisol values are low (6 patients). A theory is advanced to explain these results.
THYROID AND ADRENAL CHANGES IN RATS BEARING AN EXPERIMENTALLY INDUCED FIBROSARCOMA AND THEIR INFLUENCES UPON THE GROWTH OF THE TUMOUR
Authors: Claus J. L. , Trunnell J. B. , Llaurado J. G.
Published: December 2008

Rats bearing an experimentally induced fibrosarcoma exhibited a considerable increase in adrenal weight, a marked thymic involution, but no increase in plasma corticosterone levels. They also exhibited a decrease in the weight of, and in 131I uptake by, the thyroid; the thyroid of tumourous rats was shown to have a marked inability to convert exogenous iodine into its organic hormonal forms. The growth of the tumour was increased by the administration of thyroid or adrenocortical hormones and decreased by removal of thyroid or adrenal secretions.

It is concluded that the behaviour of this non-endocrine fibrosarcoma is modified by thyroidal or adrenocortical influences, and reciprocally. The present results are discussed in the light of experimental and clinical data existent in the literature.
THE EFFECT OF SERUM GONADOTROPHIC HORMONE ON THE RESERPINE-BLOCKED GENITAL FUNCTION OF MALE RATS
Authors: Mäkinen Eero , Lahtinen Kalevi , Näätänen Esko
Published: December 2008

The purpose of the present work was to establish the effect of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) on the gonads of the male rat after blocking normal genital function with reserpine. Serum gonadotrophic hormone, which resembles FSH in its effect, was given to male rats for 16 days (40 IU every other day). The genital function of some of the animals was blocked with reserpine (0.05 mg per day). The effect of the treatment was as follows:

The serum gonadotrophic hormone inhibited weight loss in the testes and histologically demonstrable atrophy in test animals treated with reserpine. This suggests a possible inhibition of hypophyseal FSH secretion by reserpine.

The weight of the seminal vesicle was considerably increased in the abovementioned test animals. The following alternative explanations were offered: a) The secretion of androgenic hormones was increased since the size of the seminal vesicle reflects the hormone content of the organism. b) Retention of secretion in the gland was increased by reserpine. c) Synergism of these two factors.
ADDISON'S DISEASE AND PREGNANCY
Authors: Osler Mogens
Published: December 2008

Five cases of Addison's disease and pregnancy are reported. The author also collected data from the literature on the infants of Addisonian mothers. Comparison with control series revealed that on an average infants born to Addisonian mothers weigh 500 g less and are born 13 days later than corresponding control infants. The low birth weight and the long gestation period are presumably due to the low blood sugar level in Addisonian patients. The course and management of pregnancy in Addison's disease are described, and the following guidance for treatment is suggested.

Cortisone therapy is most important, usually in daily doses of 25–50 mg, possibly supplemented by DCA and NaCl.

Frequent control of body weight, electrolytes, blood pressure, E. C. G., and blood sugar during pregnancy.

Therapeutic abortion is not indicated as a general rule.

Delivery should not be induced before term. Spontaneous labour may be awaited for some time past term.

In principle, the delivery may take place per vias naturales.

The dose of cortisone should be increased, during the days before and after delivery, to about 200 mg daily. During and after delivery intravenous administration of cortisol or blood transfusion may be required.

The dose of cortisone may be levelled off to normal within the first week post partum.

Hormone therapy of the newborn infant is not indicated.
PREGNANCY IN A PATIENT WITH ADDISON'S DISEASE AND DIABETES MELLITUS
Authors: Osler Mogens , Pedersen Jørgen
Published: December 2008

Pregnancy in a patient with co-existing diabetes mellitus and Addison's disease is described and discussed in relation to 2 previous cases. Although this is a small series, it does indicate that the infants (as in diabetes mellitus) grow very large and have a high perinatal mortality. Complications during pregnancy and delivery are common. The management should consist of full compensation of the metabolic derangement by cortisone and insulin and early admission to hospital with very careful control. Delivery should take place approximately 3 weeks before term, and Caesarean section should be performed on very wide indications.
DIE JODFRAKTIONEN UND JODVERBINDUNGEN DER GESUNDEN MENSCHLICHEN SCHILDDRÜSE
Authors: Klein Erich , Reinwein Dankwart
Published: December 2008

After labelling in vivo, 14 normal and, as pilot experiments, 4 pathological human thyroids were studied for chemical iodine fractions (PBI, BEI and inorganic iodide) and for the individual iodinated compounds by means of paper and column chromatography. The best results of enzymatic hydrolysis were obtained by the combination of trypsin and pancreatin, which split off 80–95% of the iodine proteins. 16% of the thyroid iodine was found to be present in soluble form, 84% in the thyroglobulin complex and other proteins. Both fractions contained iodide, monoiodotyrosine, diiodotyrosine, 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine, thyroxine and an unidentified iodine compound of thyronine character, comprising 8.3–12.4%. It could be isolated only by column chromatography, migrated on paper in 2 systems with a Rf of 0.8 together with triiodothyronine and would most probably correspond to 3,3′-diiodothyronine or 3,3′,5′-triiodothyronine. The protein bound fraction of thyroid iodine contained more iodotyrosines than the soluble fraction.
AN EXTRA-ADRENAL DIABETOGENIC RESPONSE TO CORTICOTROPHIN IN THE RAT
Authors: Marshall Norman B. , Richardson F. Lee , Engel Frank L.
Published: December 2008

Sham-operated and adrenalectomized rats primed by tube-feeding a high carbohydrate diet and the daily administration of 5 mg of cortisone acetate were challenged at intervals with corticotrophin (ACTH) or growth hormone and suitable inert proteins as controls. Blood glucose levels, measured 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours after the ACTH, which was administered 3½ hours after the morning meal, showed a marked hyperglycaemic response in both intact and adrenalectomized rats tested up to the fifty-fifth day of forced-feeding and cortisone treatment. Oxidation of ACTH with H2O2 abolished the hyperglycaemic response, whereas reduction with cysteine restored activity. Growth hormone did not elicit hyperglycaemia in these experiments, in keeping with previous experience showing that several days of growth hormone treatment are required to elicit hyperglycaemia. Sham-operated and adrenalectomized rats receiving deoxycorticosterone responded to ACTH with hypoglycaemia, confirming earlier results. The conditions necessary to elicit the hyper- and hypoglycaemic extra-adrenal effects of ACTH are contrasted and discussed.
FURTHER STUDIES ON THE ENDOCRINOLOGY OF A DODECAHYDRO-PHENANTHRENE DERIVATIVE
Authors: Boris Alfred
Published: December 2008

Previous workers have shown that 2-acetyl-7-oxo-1,2,3,4,4a,4b,5,6,7,9,10, 10a-dodecahydro-phenanthrene has antiandrogenic, androgenic, and antigonadotrophic properties. The data presented in this report indicate that:

this phenanthrene derivative does not antagonize the antigonadotrophic activity of testosterone propionate,

the compound manifests significant antiandrogenic activity against the effects of increased endogenous androgen resulting from the administration of chorionic gonadotrophin, and

the preparation does not inhibit the androgenicity of norethandrolone or norandrostenolone phenylpropionate.
HYPOTHALAMIC SEXUAL PRECOCITY IN FEMALE RATS OPERATED SHORTLY AFTER BIRTH
Authors: Horowitz S. , Van der Werff ten Bosch J. J.
Published: December 2008

Electrolytic lesions were placed in the anterior hypothalamus of 3–4 day-old female rats; vaginal opening was hastened in comparison with blank-operated littermates in 12 of 17 rats bearing a lesion in the basal supra-and post-chiasmatic area. In the animals with the earliest vaginal opening, lesions reached upward towards the region of the anterior commissure and the paraventricular nuclei. The degree of advancement of puberty in rats operated at the age of 3 or 4 days was similar to that caused by lesions made at 10, 14 or 15 days. This finding suggests that the effect of a lesion upon gonadotrophin secretion does not begin to take place until after the age of at least two weeks.
ON THE TENSILE STRENGTH OF HEALING CUTANEOUS WOUNDS IN PREGNANT RATS
Authors: Kullander S. , Olsson A.
Published: December 2008

Experimental skin wounds made in the backs of rats were studied for their tensile strength.

Wounds made at the beginning and middle of pregnancy showed a higher tensile strength than in non-pregnant control animals. Wounds made towards the end of pregnancy showed the same tensile strength as wounds made in the control animals, while those made on the first day of the puerperium again showed a higher tensile strength.

There was no suggestion that the healing of skin wounds is impaired during pregnancy.
EFFECTS OF DEXAMETHASONE, PREDNISOLONE AND CORTISOL ON THE MAST CELLS AND TISSUE EOSINOPHILS IN RAT GASTRIC MUCOSA
Authors: Räsänen Toimi
Published: December 2008

Intact rats were injected intramuscularly at 8-hourly intervals with equal amounts, 6×1.0 mg, of dexamethasone (16α-methyl-9α-fluoro-prednisolone) as phosphate, prednisolone (11β,17,21-trihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione) and cortisol (11β,17,21-trihydroxy-pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione) both as succinates, all three in water soluble form. The rats were decapitated 4 hours after the last injection and the mucosal mast cells and tissue eosinophilic cells in the body mucosa of the glandular stomach counted. Calculation of the mast cell degranulation and the destruction of tissue eosinophils during the experiment gave the following degranulation coefficients for the degranulation of gastric mucosal mast cells: 0.541 for dexamethasone, 0.177 for prednisolone and 0.088 for cortisol. The corresponding destruction coefficients for the loss of tissue eosinophilia were 0.858, 0.156 and 0.124.

It is suggested that the degranulation and destruction coefficients obtained in the investigation are correlated with the catabolic biological activity of the glucocorticoids.
THYROID FUNCTION AND BASAL METABOLIC RATE FOLLOWING HYPOPHYSECTOMY IN MAN
Authors: Falkheden Thomas , Norin Torsten , Sjögren Björn , Skanse Bengt
Published: December 2008

Thyroid function was studied before and after hypophysectomy in 30 patients (13 cases of metastatic mammary carcinoma, 12 cases of diabetes mellitus with retinopathy, and five cases of acromegaly). Attention was particularly focused on the relation of the changes produced in the basal metabolic rate (BMR) to the development of thyroid insufficiency. After hypophysectomy, hypothyroidism developed in all but six patients as judged from the postoperative levels of serum protein-bound iodine. However, a decrease in the BMR was observed postoperatively in all subjects.

The effect of thyroid administration on the BMR was studied in 14 of the hypophysectomized patients. Thyroid therapy increased the BMR only moderately in most cases while restoration of the values to the preoperative level only occurred in one patient.

It thus appears that the decreased BMR after hypophysectomy is not only dependent on thyroid insufficiency.

The clinical manifestations of post-hypophysectomy hypothyroidism, were on the whole only slight and comprised mainly intolerance to cold and dryness of the skin. Myxoedema did not develop during an observation period up to 47 months after operation.
FLUORIMETRIC DETERMINATION OF OESTROGENIC STEROIDS USING ITTRICH'S EXTRACTION METHOD
Authors: Støa K. F. , Thorsen T.
Published: December 2008

Ittrich's p-nitrophenol method for oestrogen determination has been examined using a spectrofluorimetric technique. It is concluded that the degree of specificity is considerably higher in spectrofluorimetry than when spectrophotometry is used. Determinations of oestriol in urinary extracts prepared by a comparatively simple fractionating technique have been carried out with satisfactory specificity and precision. By this method amounts of steroid as small as 0.02 μg per 20 ml urine can be estimated.
STEROIDE IM PLASMA VON MENSCHLICHEM PLAZENTABLUT (NABELSCHNURPLASMA)
Authors: Zander Josef , von Münstermann Anne-Marie , Runnebaum Benno
Published: December 2008

The following steroids have been identified in plasma extracts of human placental blood (cord blood):

progesterone (76.5 μg/100 ml plasma),

20α-hydroxy-pregn-4-en-3-one (6.0 μg/100 ml plasma),

20β-hydroxy-pregn-4-en-3-one (0.8 μg/100 ml plasma),

17α-hydroxyprogesterone (1.1 μg/100 ml plasma),

16α-hydroxyprogesterone (0.8 μg/100 ml plasma),

17,20α-dihydroxy-pregn-4-en-3-one (0.1 μg/100 ml plasma),

11β-hydroxyandrostenedione (0.3 μg/100 ml plasma),

adrenosterone (0.2 μg/100 ml plasma).

In addition there appeared more polar unidentified compounds in very small amounts. One of these compounds with maximal ultraviolet absorption at 240 mμ showed the mobility of cortisone.
ALDOSTERON, CORTISOL UND CORTISON IM HARN UND IN OPERATIV ENTFERNTEN NEBENNIEREN BEI PATIENTEN MIT CUSHING-SYNDROM
Authors: Franken F. H. , Zimmermann H.
Published: December 2008

Few studies on the excretion of cortisol and cortisone in urine with simultaneous estimations of aldosterone have been performed in cases of Cushing's Syndrome.

Using the methods of Neher & Wettstein (1956) for the determination of cortisol, cortisone and aldosterone, studies were made on 8 patients with Cushing's Syndrome and adrenocortical hyperplasia. The excretion of aldosterone was normal in 5 cases and increased in 3 cases. The increase in excretion of cortisol was much greater than that of cortisone, while the excretion of 17-OHCS though frequently increased, was not very large. In 5 cases cortisol, cortisone, aldosterone and the 17-OHCS were determined in urine after the administration of ACTH. In these experiments the excretion of cortisol and cortisone was much higher than that of 17-OHCS. In one case, the amount of cortisol was found to be almost 200 times the upper normal limit. The excretion of aldosterone was slightly elevated in one case but showed considerable increases in 2 cases. 2 patients were given SU 4885 for several days. After this treatment the excretion of aldosterone was considerably decreased (<0.5 μg), cortisol and cortisone could, however, still be measured in small quantities. One of the 2 patients showed a new increase of cortisol excretion amounting to 10 times the upper limit during the fourth day of administration of SU 4885. A considerable elevation of 17-OHCS in the urine was also found. One of the patients was given dexamethasone, which brought about a decrease in cortisol, cortisone and 17-OHCS in the urine, the aldosterone content remaining at a normal level.

In addition cortisol, cortisone, corticosterone and aldosterone were determined by the method of Neher (1958), in the adrenals of 6 patients following operation. Taking the few corresponding studies on normal adrenals as a standard our results expressed in percentage showed an increased cortisol content.

According to our experiments the estimation of cortisol in urine is a more valuable diagnostic tool in Cushing's Syndrome than that of 17-OHCS. Furthermore the excretion of both cortisol and aldosterone is not constant.

The production of both hormones can be stimulated by ACTH.
ADRENALECTOMY IN PREGNANT RATS. EFFECTS ON OFFSPRING
Authors: Angervall Lennart
Published: December 2008

The offspring of adrenalectomized rats were found to have a slightly lower birth weight than the offspring of control rats. At equal birth weights no differences in body length and water content were found between the two groups. One reason for the lowered birth weight might be the demonstrated reduced food intake of the adrenalectomized rats and their impaired metabolism due to the adrenalectomy. Among the foetal endocrine organs, the adrenals and thyroid were hyperplastic whilst the islets of Langerhans were hypoplastic. The reason for these changes in organ volume is discussed in the light of our present knowledge of the action of foetal hormones in the rat and the inter-action between these and the maternal hormones. It is postulated that for their bodily development, rat foetuses are comparatively independent of the mother rat's endocrine balance, a view borne out by the fact that foetal bodily growth is comparatively little affected by such a serious interference in the maternal endocrine balance as adrenalectomy.
QUANTITATIVE ESTIMATION OF ADRENOCORTICAL HORMONES AND THEIR α-KETOLIC METABOLITES IN URINE
Authors: Cost W. S. , Vegter J. J. M. , Pol J.
Published: December 2008

A method for estimating urinary corticosteroid patterns is described. Normal 24-hour excretion values for tetrahydrocortisol (THF), allo-tetrahydrocortisol (allo-THF), tetrahydrocortisone (THE), cortisone (E), cortisol (F), tetrahydro-11-deoxycortisol (THS), tetrahydrocorticosterone (THB), allotetrahydrocorticosterone (allo-THB), tetrahydro-11-dehydrocorticosterone (THA), 11-dehydrocorticosterone (A), corticosterone (B) and aldosterone, as well as some calculated ratios are reported.

The α-ketolic tetrahydrometabolites of cortisol include 25 per cent THF, 10 per cent allo-THF and 65 per cent THE. The mean THF/THE-ratio is 0.4, the mean F/E-ratio 0.8. The α-ketolic tetrahydrometabolites of corticosterone include 35 per cent THB, 35 per cent allo-THB and 30 per cent THA. The mean THB/THA-ratio is 1.2, the mean B/A-ratio 2.0. These figures seem to indicate that conversion of corticosterone to its 11-dehydrometabolites (B → A → THA) is less important than the corresponding metabolic pathway for cortisol (F →E →THE).

Assuming that excretion reflects secretion, it is calculated that the adrenals secrete about 7 times as much cortisol as corticosterone and that about 1–3 per cent of the cortisol precursor Reichstein's S is secreted before 17-hydroxylation has been accomplished.
EFFECT OF A NON-DIABETOGENIC SULFHYDRYL INHIBITOR ON THE GLUTATHIONE CONTENT OF PANCREATIC ISLET TISSUE
Authors: Falkmer Sture
Published: December 2008

The potent sulfhydryl (SH) inhibitor iodoacetic acid (IAA) has previously been found to be non-diabetogenic in the marine teleost Cottus scorpius (the daddy sculpin). It was administered as a single intramuscular injection at approximately the L. D. 50 and also at a sublethal dose. The glutathione (GSH) content in the isolated islet tissue was significantly lowered to approximately the same extent with both doses. The GSH decrease differed from that obtained after administration of the diabetogenic SH inhibitor alloxan. It appeared later and lasted longer. Moreover, there was no clear difference between the GSH lowering effect of IAA on the isolated islet tissue and of that on some organs such as the myocardium not believed to be involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus.
A COMPARISON BETWEEN THE EXOPHTHALMOS INHIBITING EFFECTS OF SODIUM-D- AND SODIUM-L-THYROXINE IN GUINEA PIGS
Authors: Tengroth Björn , Zackrisson Uno
Published: December 2008

The general change in the connective tissues which occurs in animals with experimentally produced exophthalmos, consists in an increase in the amount of hyaluronic acid, which binds the water in the connective tissue. Many regard this process as a stimulation of the mucinous system in the connective tissues, and consider this an explanation of the phenomenon of exophthalmos. When the experimental animals are injected with thyroxine or thyroid extract, the reaction observed is opposite to that seen following the injection of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. In the former case, there is a reduction in the amount of hyaluronic acid and consequently a decrease in the water content in the connective tissues.

In the experiments in question, Na-d-thyroxine and Na-l-thyroxine), in crystalline form, were tested for their inhibiting effect on the development of exophthalmos in experimental animals. The animals used were male albino guinea-pigs. An extract of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland (TSH Organon)) was used to produce exophthalmos. In previous work (Tengroth 1961), it was shown, using an X-ray measuring technique, that d-thyroxine, despite its poor caloric effect, like l-thyroxine had an exophthalmos-inhibiting effect. When comparing the dose-response curves of the exophthalmos-inhibiting properties of both these optical isomers, it appears that d-thyroxine has an inhibiting effect which is significantly greater than that of l-thyroxine.

The significance of this observation is discussed.
INTENSITÄT UND DAUER DER ANTIINFLAMMATORISCHEN UND GLYKONEOGENETISCHEN WIRKUNG VON PREDNISOLON UND PREDNISOLONAZETAT NACH ORALER UND SUBCUTANER APPLIKATION AN DER RATTE
Authors: Vogel Gerhard
Published: December 2008

The relative activity and duration of action of prednisolone and prednisolone acetate given orally or subcutaneously were studied.

The models used were the granuloma pouch assay, the liver glycogen test and the paw oedema test in white rats using Aerosil® as irritant.

In all three tests prednisolone acetate given subcutaneously was significantly superior to prednisolone with regard to intensity as well as to duration of effect. Liver glycogen assay and paw oedema test showed that the onset of effect is more rapid after prednisolone, though the free alcohol is less potent than the ester during the period of 6–24 hours after the injection. The depot effect of the acetate is maintained up to 3 days.

The differences are less pronounced when the drugs are given by the oral route. A more rapid onset of the prednisolone effect can not be demonstrated with certainty in this case, though a prolonged action of the acetate could also be shown after oral administration.
A CASE OF CUSHING'S SYNDROME STUDIED BY URINARY CORTICOTROPHIN ASSAY
Authors: Nakamura Masami , Hirano Masaji , Ibayashi Hiroshi , Fujita Takuo , Ohsawa Nakaaki , Uchikawa Toru , Okinaka Shigeo , Kumamoto Yoshiaki , Hirose Kinjiro , Ichikawa Tokuji
Published: December 2008

A 20 year old female developed typical features of Cushing's syndrome, with increased urinary and plasma 17-OHCS, which showed a distinct diurnal variation, exaggerated response to exogenous ACTH, and suppression of response to 3 mg dexamethasone daily. Total adrenalectomy was performed for bilateral adrenal hyperplasia. ACTH in urine showed a distinct increase before and after operation. More than 30 mg of cortisol was required to suppress the elevated urinary ACTH, suggesting an abnormal response of the pituitary gland to exogenous steroid.
BIOSYNTHESIS OF CORTICOIDS AND ANDROGENS IN AN ADENOMA FROM A CUSHING'S SYNDROME PATIENT
Authors: Goldstein Menek , Gut Marcel , Dorfman Ralph I. , Soffer Louis J. , Lester Gabrilove J.
Published: December 2008

Incubation of cholesterol-4-14C and pregnenolone-7-3H with a homogenate of adenomatous adrenal tissue from a patient with Cushing's disease yielded 14C and 3H labelled, cortisol, cortisone, 11-deoxycortisol, deoxycorticosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, and 11β-hydroxy-androst-4-3,17-dione.
THE ASSAY OF SUBCUTANEOUSLY INJECTED ANDROGENS IN THE CASTRATED RAT
Authors: Dorfman Ralph I. , Dorfman Adeline S.
Published: December 2008

An assay procedure using the immature castrated albino rat is described using the weight of the seminal vesicles, ventral prostate, and levator ani as end-points in a ten day assay. The sensitivity was of the order of 0.6 mg of testosterone injected subcutaneously once daily in an aqueous suspending medium. The precision was adequate as judged by the λ values of 0.096 to 0.137 for the seminal vesicles, 0.128 to 0.162 for the ventral prostate, and 0.171 to 0.248 for the levator ani.

Activity of testosterone was increased significantly by esterification, by introduction of the 17α-methyl group, and by reduction of the Δ4 double bond to the 5α form. Androgenic activity was decreased significantly by oxidation of the 17β-hydroxy group to the 17-keto group and introduction of methyl groups at the 2α- or 6α-positions.
HYPOTHALAMO-NEUROHYPOPHYSIAL NEUROSECRETION AFTER THE EXTIRPATION OF VARIOUS ENDOCRINE GLANDS
Authors: Arko H. , Kivalo E. , Rinne U. K.
Published: December 2008

The possible role of the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system in regulating the release of the anterior pituitary hormones was studied in the rabbit and the rat. Thyroidectomy, gonadectomy and uni- and bilateral adrenalectomy were the experimental conditions used. The neurosecretory material (N. S. M.) was demonstrated by the aldehyde-fuchsin (AF) technique.

Distinct differences were not seen in the different groups of rabbits on account of the great variation between individuals.

In the rats, the thyroidectomy and gonadectomy groups often had slightly more N. S. M. in the median eminence around the portal vessels than the controls.

Slight depletion of N. S. M. in the infundibular process was observed in unilaterally adrenalectomized rats. N. S. M. passing into the portal vascular system showed a tendency to increase.

In the bilateral adrenalectomy group, N. S. M. was reduced in the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei, in the hypothalamo-hypophysial tract and in the infundibular process. However, considerably more numerous neurosecretory nerve fibres passing towards the portal vessels than in the controls were found in the median eminence of this group.

The conclusion drawn was that N. S. M. entering the hypophysial portal vessels in the median eminence may be of significance in the regulation of corticotrophin release.
AN ASSAY OF PROLACTIN BASED ON A DIRECT EFFECT OF THIS HORMONE ON CELLS OF THE CORPUS LUTEUM
Authors: Wolthuis O. L.
Published: December 2008

An attempt was made to develop a quantitative method of assay for prolactin. This seemed possible since experimental results with hypophysectomized, HCG- and PMS-treated immature female rats, with or without a hypophyseal transplant, showed considerable differences in the number of corpus luteum cell nuclei (CLCN) counted per surface unit of these two groups, while there were low variations within each group.

In subsequent experiments it was shown that subcutaneous injections of increasing concentrations of a hypophyseal homogenate or purified prolactin from the 5th–11th day after hypophysectomy, progressively decreased the number of CLCN per 0.0972 mm2 in hypophysectomized immature female rats which were treated with high doses of HCG and PMS from 1st–11th day after hypophysectomy. After some experience reproducible counts were obtained. Correlation between dose and response proved to be satisfactory (correlation-coefficient = 0.94). Regression equation X = 1.36813 − 0.00652 Y, in which Y stands for the number of CLCN/0.0972 mm2 and X for the log. dose of sheep prolactin in IU. Response variations in the course of time were low. The practicability of this test is discussed against the background of literature on other prolactin assay methods.
A NEW PROLACTIN ASSAY METHOD; SOME EXPERIMENTS WHICH PROVIDE ARGUMENTS FOR ITS SPECIFICITY
Authors: Wolthuis O. L.
Published: December 2008

Experiments have been carried out to investigate the specificity of an assay method for prolactin which was described previously. From the results it may be concluded that:

an increase in the growth hormone content of rat hypophyseal material tested for its prolactin content has no influence on the results; an interference owing to decreasing amounts of growth hormone is very unlikely;

the same holds true for ACTH and TSH, unless these substances exert a hitherto unknown action on the corpus luteum which is not mediated by the adrenal cortex or the thyroid gland;

contamination with LH or FSH of the material to be investigated does not influence the results of the assays, neither with regard to the reaction to a dose of prolactin, nor with regard to the synergistic effects of oestrogens liberated by these hypophyseal hormones:

the presence of oestrogen in the material (serum) to be tested does not interfere with the assays.

Thus, as far as comparative assays are concerned, this method may be considered specific.
DEFECTIVE THYROID HORMONE BIOSYNTHESIS WITH ANOMALOUS REACTION TO THYROID THERAPY: REPORT OF A CASE
Authors: Wiener J. D. , Lindeboom G. A.
Published: December 2008

A case is presented of an euthyroid woman with an excessively large goitre, present since childhood. A distinct discrepancy was found between total protein bound iodine and butanol extractable iodine in the serum, and an elevated part of the plasma radioactivity after a test dose of 131I was not adsorbed on ion exchange resin. However, this non-adsorbed (»protein-like«) 131I was at least partly extractable with acid butanol. The fractional turnover rate of radiothyroxine was high. The possibility is raised that the pathological component was brought into the circulation as a result of an inborn defect in the thyroidal synthesis or proteolysis of thyroglobulin, and that it was composed of a number of more or less simple peptides, possibly not without some hormonal activity.

The uptake of radioiodine by the thyroid was only partly suppressed by desiccated thyroid therapy, but most of the trapped radioactivity did not appear to be incorporated into organic compounds.