bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SELECTION FOR LOCAL (INTRAVAGINAL) ACTION OF OESTROGENS
Authors: BIGGERS J. D. , CLARINGBOLD P. J.
Published: December 2008

A randomly bred line of albino mice has been selected into lines of increased and decreased sensitivity to oestrogen as determined by the intravaginal action of oestrone. Ovariectomized mice were used in the tests, successive generations being bred from the sibs of test animals.

The two lines showed different sensitivities when tested with oestradiol-3:17β given by the intravaginal route. When tested by the subcutaneous injection of oestrone, the two lines were of equal sensitivity.

The significance of these results in relation to the mode of action of oestrogens is discussed.
DEMONSTRATION OF A COMPETITION BETWEEN BOVINE PLASMA ALBUMIN AND THE CELLS OF THE VAGINAL EPITHELIUM FOR OESTRONE
Authors: CLARINGBOLD P. J.
Published: December 2008

A study is reported on the effect of five different concentrations of bovine plasma albumin on the response of spayed mice to the intravaginal administration of various levels of oestrone. The advantage of a factorial design in such tests is stressed.

While concentrations of 0·001% bovine plasma albumin were without appreciable effect on the dose-response line, progressive increases in cencentration caused corresponding decreases in slope.

The effect of bovine plasma albumin on E.D.90 doses was small, but increases in albumin concentration caused rapid increases in response to small doses of oestrone.

The significance of these findings is discussed in relation to the mode of action of oestrogens.
THE EXCRETION OF PREGNANEDIOL BY OVARIECTOMIZED ADRENALECTOMIZED WOMEN
Authors: ALLEN BETTY J. , CHALMERS D. G. , MERIVALE W. H. H.
Published: December 2008

Two women, who had undergone bilateral ovariectomy and adrenalectomy for carcinomatosis secondary to primary growths of the breast, received 100 mg progesterone in arachis oil intramuscularly for 3 days. Estimations of pregnane-3(α):20(α)-diol, total 17-ketosteroids and dehydroisoandrosterone and its derivatives were made on 24 hr urine specimens collected for a control period, while the patients received progesterone, and for 3 days afterwards. Both patients excreted increased amounts of pregnane-3(α):20(α)-diol and one excreted increased amounts of 17-ketosteroids and dehydroisoandrosterone and its derivatives.
QUANTITATIVE STUDIES ON THE HORMONAL INDUCTION OF OESTRUS IN SPAYED EWES
Authors: ROBINSON T. J.
Published: December 2008

Seven trials were conducted with sixty-nine ovariectomized Suffolk cross-bred ewes to determine the requirements of oestradiol benzoate (ODB), given alone or preceded by 75 mg progesterone (6 × 12·5 mg in oil over 3 days, followed 2 days later by oestrogen), for oestrous behaviour and characteristic vaginal changes.

Progesterone pretreatment resulted in a marked increase of sensitivity to oestrogen. For oestrus, the respective values of the median effective dose (ED 50) for ODB preceded by progesterone and for ODB alone were 22 and 64 μg, the difference being significant (P<0·001). The 99% fiducial limits associated with these estimates were respectively 19 and 26 μg and 52 and 81 μg. For vaginal changes the corresponding values were 10-14-17 and 20-24-28 (P<0·001).

Progesterone pretreatment resulted in an apparently steeper dose-response line for oestrus, and advanced the mean time of onset by about 12 hr. The behaviour pattern following progesterone—ODB appeared to differ from that following ODB alone.

Oestrus in the ewe appears to be under dual hormonal control. Endogenous oestrogen production is insufficient to induce the full psychic and physiological changes associated with normal oestrus, unless the animal has been conditioned previously by progesterone.
MEASUREMENT OF THE EARLY THYROID CLEARANCE OF RADIOIODINE AS A CLINICAL TEST
Authors: COENEGRACHT J. , FRASER R.
Published: December 2008

1. A method is described of measuring the early thyroid 'clearance' by the technique of Berson, Yalow, Sorrentino & Roswit [1952], with the results expressed as the percentage of extracellular fluid cleared per half hour. This measurement has satisfactorily segregated from a normal group: 10 out of 10 definitely and 11 out of 11 probably thyrotoxic, 11 out of 12 definitely myxoedematous and 1 out of 4 probably myxoedematous patients. The technique is relatively simple and rapid.

2. Measurement of the early thyroid clearance is closely correlated with the urinary 'T' index of thyroid uptake (for log values of each, r=0·90).
THE EFFECT OF ORAL DIETHYLSTILBOESTROL ADMINISTRATION ON URINARY PREGNANEDIOL EXCRETION IN PREGNANCY
Authors: MICHIE EILEEN A.
Published: December 2008

Diethylstilboestrol (stilboestrol) was administered orally to seven diabetic and five non-diabetic women at varying stages of pregnancy for periods of 3–7 days. Estimations of daily urinary pregnanediol excretion by these women did not confirm the results of Sommerville, Marrian & Clayton [1949].
THE EFFECT OF CERTAIN PLANT PREPARATIONS ON THE FERTILITY OF LABORATORY MAMMALS
Authors: EAST JUNE
Published: December 2008

Polygonum hydropiper, administered as dry, powdered whole plant, impaired the fertility of male and female mice and produced sterility in female guinea-pigs when included in the normal diet at levels calculated to give an intake of 1 g/mouse, and 9 g/guinea-pig/day. These effects were temporary.

P. hydropiper precipitated vaginal opening in immature mice within 5 days of the start of feeding and inhibited the normal cyclic occurrence of oestrus.

No evidence of oestrogenic or androgenic activity was obtained, and it is suggested that P. hydropiper affects the gonadotrophic function of the pituitary.
IN VITRO STUDY OF THE ABILITY OF THYROID HOMOGENATE TO CONCENTRATE IODIDE
Authors: DONIACH I. , LOGOTHETOPOULOS J. H.
Published: December 2008

131I was added to tissue homogenates of rat and dog thyroids in collodion bags and allowed to equilibrate with equal volumes of surrounding buffer solution. No difference in 131I concentration inside and outside the bags was found in experiments in which 10−3 m propylthiouracil was added to the buffer solution. In the absence of propylthiouracil, an increased concentration of 131I was found in the homogenate phase, mostly due to protein precipitable iodine.

The results lend no support to the hypothesis which accounts for the high thyroid/serum 131I ratio in vivo by physico-chemical linkage of iodide with specific thyroid protein.

From these and the previously described radioautographic findings the iodide concentration by the thyroid in vivo is considered to result from an active transport at the outer cell membrane of the intact follicle.
THE EFFECTS OF HYPOPHYSECTOMY ON THE INTERNAL TESTIS RHYTHM IN BIRDS AND MAMMALS
Authors: COOMBS C. J. F. , MARSHALL A. J.
Published: December 2008

Hypophysectomy in cockerels leads to metamorphosis of the seminiferous tubules of the testis involving a massive steatogenesis and production of cholesterol in a manner apparently identical with that occurring annually in wild birds when the interstitial cells become exhausted at the end of the breeding season. A new generation of connective tissue cells (forming the presumptive Leydig cells) arises in the absence of gonadotrophin and becomes sudanophil and cholesterolpositive. This points towards an intrinsic rehabilitative mechanism within the testis, although there is no suggestion that the new generation of Leydig cells could actively secrete in the absence of the adenohypophysis.

This post-nuptial tubular metamorphosis is widespread or universal in seasonally breeding birds and occurs prematurely if mating is inhibited by captivity or other unfavourable environmental conditions. Although the described metamorphosis has not been recorded in mammals, hypophysectomized rats underwent tubular changes essentially similar to those that occur naturally (and after hypophysectomy) in birds. At the same time the interstitial cell tissue (which is not renewed seasonally en masse in mammals) did not regenerate after hypophysectomy in rats.
THE EFFECT OF LARGE DOSES OF THIOUREA ON THE COMPOSITION OF THE LIVER AND URINE OF RATS
Authors: DOLJANSKI F. , ESHKOL Z. , GIVOL D. , KAUFMANN E. , MARGOLIASH E.
Published: December 2008

Following the observation that large daily doses of thiourea induced numerous mitoses in the liver of rats [Rachmilewitz, Rosin & Doljanski, 1950], the concomitant chemical changes in the liver and urine of thiourea-treated rats were investigated. It was found that:

(1) The mitogenetic reaction, which occurred on the 3rd day of treatment with the drug, was preceded by (a) a decrease in liver catalase activity to 30–50% of the normal within 12 hr; (b) an increase in total liver weight and concentration of liver ribonucleic acid within 2 days. The enlarged liver was normal with respect to protein, lipid, water and deoxyribonucleic acid content.

(2) The concentration of liver glycogen decreased markedly on the 1st day of thiourea treatment but returned to normal by the 2nd or 3rd day.

(3) During the period of treatment with thiourea there was an increase in the urinary excretion of uric acid, allantoin, and phosphate, as well as glucosuria and polyuria. There was no change in the excretion of urea and total sulphate.

(4) All these changes, both in the liver and the urine, were fully reversible on withdrawing the drug.
A COMPARISON OF THE NAHD REACTION WITH LIPOID STAINS IN THE ADRENAL CORTEX OF THE RAT
Authors: WEAVER J. A.
Published: December 2008

The histological appearance of rat adrenal sections stained with simple lipoid stains has been compared with that of similar sections stained by the NAHD reaction.

It is concluded that in the adrenal cortex of the rat there is a good correlation between the areas stained by the simple lipoid stains and those by the NAHD reaction. It has also been shown that the period and circumstances of the fixation in formalin influence the development of the reaction. Changes in the nature of the lipoid present in the zona glomerulosa were produced by ACTH stimulation and suppression and these are considered to indicate a sensitivity of this zone to ACTH.
A COMPARISON OF THE RELATIVE EFFICACY OF METHYLTESTOSTERONE BY THE GASTRIC AND ORAL TRANSMUCOSAL ROUTES
Authors: FOSS G. L.
Published: December 2008

An attempt has been made to compare the relative efficacy of two methods of medication with methyltestosterone, namely by absorption through the oral mucosa from slowly soluble tablets and by ingestion.

The method of comparison adopted was to estimate the extent to which menstruation was postponed after giving 25 mg methyltestosterone twice daily for 30 days from the onset of bleeding. The effectiveness of the two routes of administration was compared in the same individual.

The results indicate that buccal absorption is slightly more effective than ingestion.
THE COMPOSITION OF THE STALLION'S SEMEN
Authors: MANN T. , LEONE E. , POLGE C.
Published: December 2008

The composition of the semen of the stallion was studied by microscopic and chemical methods and the extent of fluctuations in the same animal has been determined.

Two characteristic constituents of the seminal plasma of the horse, ergothioneine and citric acid, have been shown to originate in the ampullae and seminal vesicles respectively.

With the aid of chemical methods for the analysis of semen it has been possible to obtain a general quantitative indication of the contribution of the ampullar and vesicular secretions towards the final composition of normal stallion ejaculates.

By the method of fractionate collection of semen, an attempt was made to determine the sequence with which the different portions of the semen of the stallion are ejaculated. It has been demonstrated that the sperm-containing fraction is rich in ergothioneine but not in citric acid, and that it is followed by a post-sperm fraction, which has a high content of citric acid and consists mainly of the vesicular secretion.

The seminal characteristics of the jackass have been shown to resemble those of the stallion.
SEX DIFFERENCES IN LENGTH OF GESTATION IN MAMMALS
Authors: McKEOWN THOMAS , MacMAHON BRIAN
Published: December 2008

Observations on length of gestation of males and females are presented for man, the guinea-pig, sheep, pig and rabbit; from the literature, data are also available for the cow, horse, camel and goat. Pregnancy is longer for males than for females in the cow, horse and possibly the sheep and camel; it is longer for females than for males in man and possibly the guinea-pig. No definite conclusion is reached about the pig and rabbit, in which litter-size is normally large, or about the goat, in which the number of observations on record is small. The sex differences in length of gestation are reflected in the sex ratios of offspring born after different periods of gestation, and in the percentage distribution of the sexes by duration of gestation.

The difference in length of gestation can be attributed to a sex difference in foetal weight in man, but not in the guinea-pig or in species such as the cow, in which gestation is longer for males than for females. It is suggested that in the cow the longer male gestation may be due to the fact that the proportion of males conceived is higher if mating takes place early, rather than late, in heat. (The only alternative explanation is a sex difference, attributable to something other than weight of foetus, in the period between fertilization and birth.) In man the earlier birth of males is apparently due to their greater weight, attributable wholly or in part to a sex difference in rate of prenatal growth. This observation does not exclude the possibility that in man, as in the cow, the proportion of males conceived is higher if mating occurs early in the cycle, since the method of recording length of gestation (from onset of menstruation) gives no information about time of mating.
CHANGES IN THE BASOPHIL CELLS OF THE RAT PITUITARY AFTER THYROIDECTOMY
Authors: PURVES H. D. , GRIESBACH W. E.
Published: December 2008

The basophil cells of the rat pituitary may be differentiated into three specific types—thyrotrophs, FSH gonadotrophs, and LH gonadotrophs. These types are considered to secrete the thyrotrophic, follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones, respectively. The glycoprotein granules of the thyrotrophs differ from those of the other types in being strongly stained by aldehyde-fuchsin.

After thyroidectomy the thyrotrophs are almost completely degranulated within 2 days. The degranulated cells thereafter enlarge and can be recognized as early thyroidectomy cells by the 6th day.

After thyroxine deficiency, lasting 2 weeks or longer, the thyroidectomy cells contain coarse dense granules ('T' granules) which give an intense reaction with the periodic acid-Schiff reagent for carbohydrate. These 'T' granules are different from the 'normal' granules and are apparently not related to the thyrotrophic hormone. In mild thyroxine deficiency produced by iodothiouracil administration, thyrotrophs are observed with 'normal' granules and also 'T' granules of the kind seen in thyroidectomy cells. This observation provides additional evidence that thyroidectomy cells are modified thyrotrophs.
THE LEVEL OF ADRENOCORTICOTROPHIN IN THE PLASMA OF NORMAL AND ADRENALECTOMIZED RATS
Authors: BARRETT A. M. , HODGES J. R.
Published: December 2008

The concentration of ACTH in the plasma of both normal and adrenalectomized rats appears to be less than 5 milliunits/100 ml.

The results suggest, but do not prove, that the levels of adrenocorticotrophin were identical in the two groups of animals.
CHANGES IN THE EXCRETION PATTERN OF NEUTRAL 17-KETOSTEROIDS DURING OESTROGEN ADMINISTRATION TO MALE SUBJECTS
Authors: HALKERSTON I. D. K. , HILLMAN JANET , PALMER D. , RUNDLE A.
Published: December 2008

Changes are described in the excretion pattern of some neutral 17-ketosteroid substances during the administration of oestrogen to male subjects.

The total output of 17-ketosteroids was always reduced, and the quantitative interrelationships between the individual fractions altered.

The rate of excretion of androsterone was considerably reduced in all cases, and to a greater extent than that of the other fractions. The changes in etiocholanolone excretion followed the same direction but were more variable.

The percentage participation of dehydroepiandrosterone was always increased, its total rate of excretion being only slightly decreased or even increased; the latter change taking place during more intensive treatment with oestrogen.

The possible mechanisms involved in this response to oestrogen are discussed.
LONG-TERM IODINE DEFICIENCY IN THE RAT
Authors: TAYLOR SELWYN , POULSON EVELYN
Published: December 2008

Rats maintained on a low-iodine diet for 2 years grew fairly normally, but showed thyroid hyperplasia and colloid depletion.

Radio-iodine was taken up rapidly to a high level and equally rapidly discharged.

There was wide variation in the size of the thyroids, but great uniformity in the histological pattern and manner of utilizing radio-iodine.

Nodules appeared in the thyroid from the 5th month in increasing numbers. They were of a trabecular type, and autoradiographically their iodine uptake was, as a rule, similar to that of the rest of the gland.
THE EFFECT OF THE DURATION OF PROGESTERONE PRETREATMENT ON THE RESPONSE OF THE SPAYED EWE TO OESTROGEN
Authors: ROBINSON T. J. , MOORE N. W. , BINET F. E.
Published: December 2008

Four trials were conducted each with seventy-two ovariectomized Suffolk crossbred ewes, to determine the requirements of oestradiol benzoate (ODB) for behavioural and vaginal oestrus when, preceded by progesterone injections for periods of 3, 6 and 12 days. Effective daily requirements of progesterone were also determined.

There was no interaction between the daily dose-level or duration of stimulation by progesterone and the vaginal response to ODB. The respective values of ED50 and ED90 of ODB (in μg) for vaginal smears, with their associated 95% fiducial limits, were 8·4-10·7-12·1 and 16·8-18·6-21·9.

There was a progressive increase in sensitivity to ODB, as measured by oestrous behaviour, with increasing duration of progesterone pretreatment at daily dose-levels between 3 and 24 mg. The respective values of ED50 of ODB (in μg) injected following 3, 6 and 12 days' effective pretreatment, with their associated 95% fiducial limits, were 17·0-18·7-20·5, 14·8-15·7-16·6 and 11·9-13·1-14·5. The respective values of ED90 were 24·5-27·0-30·7, 20·9-22·6-25·3 and 17·0-18·9-22·0.

The requirement of ODB to induce behavioural oestrus in 90% of ewes, after pretreatment with progesterone for 12 days, was indistinguishable from that needed for characteristic vaginal changes. This clearly suggests a close approximation to physiological time-dose relationships.

The effective daily dose of progesterone, for maximum oestrous response, lay between the limits of 3 and 12 mg administered as a divided dose. A daily dose of 24 mg appeared slightly less effective, while 1·5 mg/day was much less effective.
THE EFFECTS OF HYPOPHYSECTOMY ON THE IN VITRO METABOLISM OF MAMMARY GLAND SLICES FROM LACTATING RATS
Authors: BRADLEY T. R. , COWIE A. T.
Published: December 2008

Mammary gland slices (incubated in vitro) from hypophysectomized rats used less glucose and produced more lactic acid than similar slices from normal animals. The accumulation of lactic acid was observed in the presence of glucose or glucose plus acetate as added substrates, but not in acetate alone or in the absence of added substrates. Hypophysectomy led to a substantial decrease in the respiratory quotient of the mammary gland slices. Neither ovariectomy, adrenalectomy, thyroidectomy, parathyroidectomy nor sham hypophysectomy caused the appearance of the above metabolic changes in mammary gland slices.
THE RESPONSE OF RABBIT MAMMARY GLANDS TO LOCALLY ADMINISTERED PROLACTIN
Authors: BRADLEY T. R. , CLARKE PAMELA M.
Published: December 2008

The response of rabbit mammary glands to intraductally-injected prolactin preparations has been investigated with a view to developing an assay procedure for prolactin, based on milk formation in mammals. Milk was clearly detectable in the glands by the 3rd day after injection of prolactin, and there was evidence of an increase in response with increased dose, but the variability so far encountered has been high. Intraductal injection of pituitary extracts rich in activities other than that of prolactin did not lead to milk formation.
THE EFFECT OF META-XYLOHYDROQUINONE ON MICE AND RATS
Authors: BATRA B. KUMARI , HAKIM SAFIA
Published: December 2008

Meta-xylohydroquinone (M-X) in various doses was fed to male and female rats and mice in order to observe its effect on their reproductive physiology.

The administration of 1 mg M-X to breeding mice in a single dose resulted in resorption, abortion or still-birth. Toxic effects were not seen with any other dose.

It is suggested that the substance may have some effect on the oestrous cycle, causing irregularities.

The evidence available from the experiments carried out does not support the view that M-X prevents nidation.
THE EFFECT OF ERGOTAMINE AND DIHYDROERGOTAMINE ON LACTATION IN THE RAT
Authors: TINDAL J. S.
Published: December 2008

The daily administration of ergotamine (0·2 mg) or dihydroergotamine (0·2 mg) to rats from the 12th to 21st day of pregnancy caused considerable pup mortality. This appeared to be due to a toxic effect in utero rather than an inhibition of lactation.

The daily administration of ergotamine (0·2 mg) to rats from 2nd to 13th day of lactation caused a significant reduction in growth-rate of the pups. There was also a significant reduction in food intake by the lactating rats. Daily administration of dihydroergotamine (0·2 mg) to rats over the same period had no effect on lactational performance.

When studied by the paired-feeding technique, daily administration of ergotamine (0·4 mg) had no effect on lactational performance in the rat.

These findings appear to contradict previous reports, and have been discussed in relation to them.
THE EFFECT OF STRESS ON THE LEVEL OF ADRENOCORTICOTROPHIN IN THE PLASMA OF NORMAL AND ADRENALECTOMIZED RATS
Authors: BARRETT A. M. , HODGES J. R.
Published: December 2008

Changes in the concentration of ACTH in the plasma of normal and adrenalectomized rats subjected to mock adrenalectomy were studied at various time intervals after the operations. The time relationships of the changes in ACTH concentration in the plasma of both groups of animals were similar. The possible significance of the findings is discussed.
SOME OBSERVATIONS ON THE HISTOLOGY AND HISTOCHEMISTRY OF THE SEMINAL VESICLES OF THE BULL
Authors: CONS D. N.
Published: December 2008

1. The account of the cells of the seminal vesicles of the mature bull given by Mann et al. [1949] has been confirmed.

2. Evidence is presented that cells of the inner layer of the alveolus undergo cyclic changes. These cells, at one stage of the cycle, contain much glycogen and are probably responsible for the secretion of fructose.

3. Fat, in large part phospholipid, is mainly confined to the cells of the outer layer of the alveolus.

4. Comparable cells in the calf and bullock contain no glycogen and virtually no fat, confirming that the secretion of these substances is dependent upon the presence of androgenic hormone.
LOCAL ANTAGONISM OF THE EFFECTS OF STEROID HORMONES BY METHYL CHOLANTHRENE
Authors: JACKSON D. , ROBSON J. M.
Published: December 2008

Methyl cholanthrene applied locally to the vagina of ovariectomized mice antagonizes the vaginal cornification produced by 0·2μg oestradiol. Much larger doses of oestradiol abolish this effect. Previous exposure to the carcinogen does not produce this antagonism. The carcinogen prevents the production of vaginal mucification in pregnant mice and also in mice treated with 750 μg progesterone and 0·05 μg oestradiol. Again, previous exposure to the carcinogen does not produce this antagonism.

The effects of testosterone on the seminal vesicle in the rat and of deoxycorticosterone on the endometrium of the rabbit are antagonized by the local implantation of methyl cholanthrene.

These results suggest that there is competitive antagonism between methyl cholanthrene and the steroid hormones investigated. The possible significance of these findings is discussed.
THYROIDECTOMY AND ITS EFFECT UPON OXYGEN CONSUMPTION OF A TELEOST FISH, PSEUDOSCARUS GUACAMAIA
Authors: MATTY A. J.
Published: December 2008

1. Thyroidectomy of the teleost parrot fish, Pseudoscarus guacamaia, is described.

2. Pseudoscarus is able to survive for at least 3 months in the absence of the thyroid gland. It is concluded, therefore, that the gland is not essential for the maintenance of life in this species.

3. Thyroidectomy does not result in any change in the oxygen consumption of parrot fish. Likewise, injection of l-thyroxine or an extract of parrot fish thyroid into intact parrot fish does not affect the rate of oxygen uptake.
EFFECT OF DESTRUCTION OF THYROID TISSUE BY RADIOACTIVE IODINE ON REPRODUCTION IN MICE
Authors: BRUCE HILDA M. , SLOVITER H. A.
Published: December 2008

The effect of complete destruction of the thyroid gland by radioactive iodine on reproduction in the female mouse has been examined in detail. Possible direct effects of radiation on reproduction were differentiated from those due to thyroid destruction.

Destruction of the thyroid tissue in the male mouse had no effect on fertility.

In the thyroid-deficient female both fertility and litter frequency were unaffected, but the oestrous cycle was prolonged and the duration of 46% of gestations was longer than normal.

There was a general shift in the distribution of litter size towards small litters in the thyroid-deficient group which reduced the average number of young per litter.

Lactation, as judged by the weight of the offspring at weaning, was not affected by complete absence of the maternal thyroid gland.

After weaning the growth rate of offspring of either sex from both thyroid-deficient and normal mothers was the same.

Although the pituitary glands were enlarged in all the thyroid-deficient animals examined, tumours were not observed.
GROWTH IN THE CELL POPULATIONS OF THE THYROID GLAND OF RATS TREATED WITH THIOURACIL
Authors: SANTLER JOYCE E.
Published: December 2008

The effect of thiouracil administration on the numbers of the follicular and stromal cells in the thyroid gland of the male albino rat was investigated. Both were found to increase in number, but a relatively greater increase occurred in the stromal cell population than in that of the follicular cells.

The mitotic rates for both types of cell were estimated. The maximum mitotic rates were seen in the group that had received 6 day's thiouracil treatment, after which there was a decline.

A difference between the effect of the fixatives, Carnoy and Zenker-acetic, on treated and nontreated thyroid glands was noted, more shrinkage occurring when treated glands were fixed in Zenker-acetic.

Tissue-culture experiments showed an increase in the numbers of both epithelial cells and fibroblasts migrated outwards from explants from stimulated glands.
THE EXCRETION OF PREGNANEDIOL AND ADRENOCORTICAL ACTIVITY
Authors: KLOPPER A. , STRONG J. A. , COOK LINDA R.
Published: December 2008

A new method of assay was applied to the determination of pregnanediol in urines from patients in whom the presence of a placenta or a corpus luteum could be excluded. The normal variation of pregnanediol content in such urines was examined. It was shown that operative stress or the intravenous administration of corticotrophin caused an increased output of pregnanediol. Quantitatively significant amounts of urinary pregnanediol could not be detected after adrenalectomy nor did adrenalectomized patients respond to corticotrophin by an increased pregnanediol output. It is considered that the adrenal contributes to the pregnanediol found in urine and that the determination of urinary pregnanediol may be of value in the study of adrenal function.
BODY WEIGHT CHANGES IN THE MOUSE DURING THE OESTROUS CYCLE AND PSEUDOPREGNANCY
Authors: DEWAR A. D.
Published: December 2008

Apart from a tendency to a slight increase in weight at oestrus, no marked cyclic alterations in body weight are evident in the mouse during the oestrous cycle. In pseudopregnancy, however, a definite weight increase (on average 7%) occurs; this weight gain is rapidly lost after removal of the ovaries, but may be maintained after spaying by the administration of progesterone, thus indicating a close similarity to the weight change of pregnancy.
THE PREVENTIVE EFFECT OF GLUCAGON (HGF) AGAINST THE DIABETOGENIC ACTION OF ALLOXAN AND ITS ANTAGONISM BY INSULIN
Authors: ARTETA J. L. , CARBALLIDO A.
Published: December 2008

The intravenous injection of glucagon (0·4 mg/kg) 12–30 min before the administration of a diabetogenic dose of alloxan (60 mg/kg) prevents the development of alloxan diabetes in dogs.

The protection obtained with glucagon is abolished by a subcutaneous injection of insulin (2 i.u./kg) administered 2 hr previously.

The possible mechanism of this protection and of its antagonism by insulin is discussed.
MODIFICATION OF RESPONSE TO ADRENOCORTICO-TROPHIC HORMONE BY THE SIMULTANEOUS ADMINISTRATION OF GONADOTROPHIC HORMONES OR OESTROGEN
Authors: CLAYTON BARBARA E. , HAMMANT JOYCE E.
Published: December 2008

1. The urinary excretion of 17-ketosteroids (KS) and 17-ketogenic steroids (KG) has been used as a measure of response to administered adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH).

2. In intact female guinea-pigs the excretion of KG was less when pregnant mares' serum gonadotrophin (PMS) and chorionic gonadotrophin (CG) were administered simultaneously with ACTH, as compared with ACTH alone. The ovaries were essential for this effect. The KS response was not affected by gonadotrophin administration. These observations were reproduced in intact female and ovariectomized guinea-pigs by the administration of oestradiol, but not of progesterone, with ACTH.

It is suggested that there is probably a direct inhibition of adrenocortical hormone production by the adrenal glands as a result of treatment with oestrogen, or secretion of oestrogen by ovaries stimulated by administered gonadotrophins.

3. No modification of response to ACTH was obtained by the simultaneous administration of PMS + CG or oestradiol to male guinea-pigs.
THE ACTION OF TESTOSTERONE ON THE SEBACEOUS GLANDS AND EPIDERMIS IN CASTRATED AND HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED MALE RATS
Authors: EBLING F. J.
Published: December 2008

1. Castration of male albino rats, aged 30 weeks at death, caused reduction in volume of the sebaceous glands by diminishing the size of the cells and their rate of proliferation. Cell life or 'turnover time' appeared to be increased.

2. Implantation of testosterone in castrated rats increased the volume of the glands by increasing the size of the cells and their rate of proliferation; at the same time cell life was reduced.

3. Testosterone had no effect on the size of the sebaceous glands in hypophysectomized castrated rats.

4. Nevertheless, in hypophysectomized castrated animals treated with testosterone there appeared to be larger sebaceous cells than in similar untreated animals, and a higher rate of cell proliferation in the sebaceous glands than in untreated castrated rats. The explanation of this anomaly may be that in all hypophysectomized castrated animals, and particularly in those treated with testosterone, cell life was very short. These results suggest that the pituitary does not exert a clear-cut, 'all or none' effect but rather facilitates the full action of testosterone on the sebaceous gland.

5. Testosterone increased the rate of cell proliferation in the epidermis of castrated rats, but this did not affect the thickness of the Malpighian layer.

6. Hypophysectomy of castrated rats significantly increased the thickness of the Malpighian layer, and this appeared to be due to an increased rate of cell proliferation over that of castrated rats rather than to an increase in the length of cell life. Testosterone did not reduce epidermal thickness in these animals.
THE EFFECT OF LONG PERIODS OF CONTINUOUS HYDRATION ON THE NEUROSECRETORY MATERIAL IN THE HYPOTHALMUS OF THE DOG
Authors: ANDERSSON B. , JEWELL P. A.
Published: December 2008

Dogs were kept in a state of excessive hydration by the oral administration of water, or its infusion into the stomach, for periods varying from 3 hr to 10 days. The effect of this procedure on the stainable neurosecretory material (NSM) in the hypothalamus was determined by histological examination.

At the end of the longer periods of hydration there was seen an accumulation of NSM in the descending tracts from the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei. In the 10-day hydrated animal a high proportion of the cell-bodies in these nuclei were depleted of NSM. The staining properties of the pars nervosa did not differ from normal.

The hydrated animals exhibited large numbers of vesiculated neurones in the hypothalamic neurohypophysial nuclei.
THE ACTION OF FURAZOLIDONE ON PREGNANCY
Authors: JACKSON D. , ROBSON J. M.
Published: December 2008

1. Furazolidone (0·75 g/kg) will interrupt pregnancy in mice.

2. Foetal tissue is particularly sensitive to the drug at the time of or before implantation of the ovum.

3. Intra-amniotic injection of furazolidone in rabbits causes foetal death and resorption.

4. Furazolidone applied locally does not antagonize the proliferative effect of progesterone on rabbit endometrium.

5. The mode of action of furazolidone on pregnancy is discussed. It is suggested that it acts directly on the foetus.
THE SUPPRESSION OF ADRENOCORTICAL SECRETION WITH 17α-ETHYL-19-NORTESTOSTERONE
Authors: BROOKS R. V. , PRUNTY F. T. G.
Published: December 2008

Administration of 17α-ethyl-19-nortestosterone (50–100 mg/day) to four men with peptic ulcers caused a reduction in the excretion of 17-ketosteroids and 17-ketogenic steroids. All the major urinary 17-ketosteroids were decreased by this treatment, but 11β-hydroxyandrosterone appeared to be least affected.

Single injections of androst-4-ene-3:17-dione were given to one patient both before and during the period of ethyl-nortestosterone treatment. Recovery of the metabolites of androstenedione in the 48 hr following injection was virtually the same in the pretreatment and treatment periods. This was interpreted to mean that alteration of the metabolism of this adrenal steroid was not the basis of the suppression of ketosteroid excretion.

It is therefore concluded that 17α-ethyl-19-nortestosterone can cause suppression of adreno-cortical secretion.
AN EVALUATION OF A CHEMICAL METHOD FOR THE ESTIMATION OF OESTRIOL, OESTRONE AND OESTRADIOL-17β IN HUMAN URINE
Authors: BROWN J. B. , BULBROOK R. D. , GREENWOOD F. C.
Published: December 2008

The method described by Brown [1955] for the estimation of oestrone, oestradiol-17β and oestriol in urine has been critically investigated.

1. All checks on specificity so far carried out have confirmed that the method is specific for these oestrogens.

2. The method gives recoveries of 70–95%.

3. The precision of the method has been calculated for oestrogen levels between 0·0 and 40·0 μg/24 hr. From the figures obtained the fiducial ranges and percentage errors of determinations and the limits of sensitivity of the method have been calculated.

4. A number of substances which may occur in urine and which interfere in the method are listed.
THE EFFECT OF PROGESTERONE ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF MOUSE EGGS IN VITRO
Authors: WHITTEN W. K.
Published: December 2008

1. The action of progesterone on the development of the mouse ovum from the eight-celled stage to the blastula has been studied in vitro.

2. Concentrations of progesterone below 2 μg/ml. produced no observable effect, whereas some toxicity was observed at 4 μg/ml. and few ova survived higher concentrations.

3. Herniation of the zona pellucida by the developing blastula is described; this process was inhibited by 4 μg/ml., but not by 2 μg/ml. of progesterone.

4. Blastulae appear to be more sensitive to the action of progesterone than are earlier stages.

5. Oestrogens afforded no demonstrable protection against the toxic action of progesterone when added to the culture medium.

6. The possible physiological significance of these findings is discussed.
OPTIMUM CONDITIONS FOR THE BIOLOGICAL ASSAY OF GONADOTROPHINS
Authors: CLARINGBOLD P. J. , LAMOND D. R.
Published: December 2008

The assay of gonadotrophic preparations by means of the uterine weight of the immature mouse has been studied using a preparation of chorionic gonadotrophin. An optimum biological assay, with a linear segment of the log dose-log response line covering a twenty-fold dose range is obtained if the following conditions are fulfilled:

(i) The total dose is administered 44 hr prior to killing.

(ii) Mice of similar body weight and age are used immediately after weaning.

(iii) Responses are corrected by covariance for variation in body weight. Significant secular variation in both position and slope of the dose-response line occurs.

It is stressed that adoption of factorial methods of experimentation considerably facilitates the development of a biological assay technique.
THE EFFECT OF GROWTH HORMONE ON THE YIELD AND COMPOSITION OF COWS' MILK
Authors: HUTTON J. B.
Published: December 2008

Using a single injection technique, a study has been made of the effect of growth hormone (GH) on the yield and composition of cows' milk.

Six lactating cows comprising three sets of identical twins each received six different injection levels during a 78-day period. Quantities of GH injected ranged from 6·25 to 200 mg in geometric progression, and responses were measured for milk yield (lb.), fat percentage, and solids-not-fat percentage, together with the derivatives of these three.

Quantities of food consumed by the animals were calculated from the weights of food offered and refused, and total dry-matter intakes were derived from dry-matter estimates obtained on every 3rd day.

Results from this experiment show that there is a highly significant linear relationship between log weight of GH injected (mg) and the increase in milk yield (lb.) obtained. Significant linear relationships have also been found between log weight of GH injected (mg) and the degree of change obtained in each of the following milk components: water (1b.); fat (1b.); and solids-not-fat (lb.).

Further analysis of the data has shown that by increasing the quantity of GH injected, significant increases are produced in the yield of fat (lb.) relative to the yield of non-fatty-solids (lb.). This is attributed to a significant negative relationship between log weight of GH injected (mg) and the extent of the change in the solids-not-fat percentage.

Administration of GH produces increases in the efficiency of conversion of food dry matter to milk and the extent of these changes is closely related to those of milk yield.

The results are discussed in relation to previously published findings, and possible explanations for some of the phenomena noted are advanced.
THE ACUTE EFFECT OF ADRENAL HORMONES AND CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM UPON PLASMA PHOSPHATE AND POTASSIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN MAN
Authors: MILLS J. N. , THOMAS S.
Published: December 2008

Phosphate infusions were given to human subjects at a rate which elevated the plasma concentration to three or four times the normal level, and then permitted to fall slowly. In subjects who had taken cortisone by mouth, the plasma phosphate concentration was lower before and throughout the infusion.

Phosphate infusions were also given at a rate which for many hours maintained the plasma concentration at about double the normal level. Intravenous injection of hydrocortisone caused, after a latent period of about 1¼ hr, a sharp fall in plasma phosphate.

Hydrocortisone given intravenously without previous phosphate infusion led, after a similar latency, to a sharp fall in plasma phosphate. Since the phosphate did not appear in the urine, and the volume of extracellular fluid did not expand under the influence of glucocorticoids, it is inferred that the phosphate had become intracellular.

Intravenous hydrocortisone had little effect upon plasma potassium. It produced a small and variable rise in plasma glucose, a small rise in oxygen consumption without consistent change in r.q., and no change in plasma pH.

Oral glucose followed by intravenous insulin caused a large drop in plasma potassium and a small one in plasma phosphate.

Intravenous deoxycorticosterone, in doses which caused a similar sodium retention to that produced by hydrocortisone, did not depress plasma phosphate concentration.

The possible relationship between the changes in plasma electrolytes and carbohydrate metabolism is discussed.
OVUM TRANSFER IN THE SHEEP
Authors: AVERILL R. L. W. , ROWSON L. E. A.
Published: December 2008

Transfers were made of 127 fertilized sheep ova to ninety-one ewes in which oestrus had been detected 1–4½ days previously. Fifty-two ewes received ova of the 6- to 16-cell stage, and forty-one of these (78·8%) gave birth to one or more lambs. Transfers were most successful where oestrus was synchronized between donor and recipient. Some sheep ova were successfully transferred after storage in vitro at between 30 and 37°C for up to 115 min. Ova at the 6-to 16-cell stage developed more frequently in ewes which had more than one corpus luteum in their ovaries at the time of transfer; of ova transferred singly 74%, and of ova transferred in pairs 75% developed into lambs.

No 2-cell ova, and only 15·8% of 4-cell ova, developed when transferred into the uterine cornua, and no 2- or 4-cell ova developed when transferred into the uterine tubes of ewes in which oestrus had commenced more than 3 days prior to transfer. The success of individual transfers was not significantly related to the breed of the recipient ewe, breed origin of the ovum, the season in which transfer was performed, or to the number and result of previous transfers made into the same recipient.

Out of thirteen ewes subjected to one or more transfers of ova, twelve subsequently conceived after matings at their first or second heat in the season of transfer.
QUANTITATIVE STUDIES OF HAIR GROWTH IN THE ALBINO RAT
Authors: JOHNSON ELIZABETH
Published: December 2008

1. The patterns of the first and second hair growth waves, forming the second and third coats, were followed in albino rats which had been dyed black before the start of hair growth.

2. The length of hair produced during the growth waves varies from region to region of the body. These regional differences are partly the result of differences in rates of growth, but mainly due to differences in the duration of the period of follicular activity.

3. The duration of the growing and resting periods varies in different areas of the body. For example, in the ventral region the resting period between the first and second waves lasts for about 14 days and the growing period of the second wave for only 12 days, whereas in the mid-dorsal region the resting period lasts for about 4 weeks and the growing period about 19 days.

4. As the growth wave spreads over each area every follicle produces a new hair alongside the dead or 'club' hair. Loss of club hairs then begins, and the rate of loss varies from region to region of the body.

5. In female rats the growth wave moves more slowly, the definitive length of hair is shorter, and the loss of club hairs is slower than in the male. The sexual differences in hair length are the result of differing rates of growth, and there is no difference in the duration of follicular activity between the sexes.

6. It is suggested that in assessing the effect on hair growth of any treatment the following aspects should be considered:

(a) Time of initiation of the growth wave and its duration. (The length of the resting period in any region will depend on both these factors.)

(b) Duration of the growing period.

(c) Rate of elongation of the hair during the growing period.

(d) Rate of loss of club hairs.
ENDOCRINE STUDIES ON DELAYED IMPLANTATION IN LACTATING MICE
Authors: WHITTEN W. K.
Published: December 2008

When mouse ova were grafted under the renal capsule, the proportion of mice showing evidence of implantation was the same for normal and hypophysectomized animals.

The injection of oestradiol dipropionate into pregnant lactating mice, on the 5th day post partum, produced macroscopic evidence of uterine implantation 26 hr later. This was not seen until 28 hr after an injection of serum gonadotrophin.

The physiological significance of these findings is discussed.
THE ACUTE EFFECTS OF CORTISONE AND CORTISOL UPON RENAL FUNCTION IN MAN
Authors: MILLS J. N. , THOMAS S.
Published: December 2008

Renal function has been studied in normal human subjects over some hours after the administration of 250 mg cortisone acetate orally or of 100 mg cortisol intravenously. Increased output of potassium without elevation of plasma concentration, and retention of sodium, were observed regularly both in the course of and without a phosphate infusion. Glomerular filtration rate and renal plasma flow were sometimes markedly elevated, sometimes unaltered. When phosphate was infused in amounts sufficient to saturate tubular reabsorptive capacity, phosphate tubular maximum was often depressed by the hormones, but sometimes unaltered. At normal plasma concentrations the usual relationship between phosphate excretion and plasma concentration or filtered load was undisturbed.
THE EFFECT OF THYROID HORMONE ON THE RATE OF BOTH NEUROMUSCULAR AND MUSCULAR FAILURE IN ADRENALECTOMIZED MICE MAINTAINED ON SALT
Authors: LOCKETT MARY F. , GANJU S. N.
Published: December 2008

Pretreatment of salt-maintained adrenalectomized mice for 6 days with 3–6 mg dried thyroid gland, or with 0·25 μg of either l-thyroxine or l-triiodothyronine, per mouse per day, delayed the early onset of both neuromuscular and muscular failure which are characteristic of these animals. Dose-effect curves for the action of thyroxine on the myoneural junctions and striped muscle fibres are given.

A concentration of 0·05μg l-triiodothyronine/100 ml. bath fluid antagonized potassium reduction of the maximal twitch of the normal rat diaphragm in response to nerve stimulation, but not in response to direct stimulation of the curarized muscle.
THE EXTRACTION OF GONADOTROPHINS FROM URINE BY THE COMBINED USE OF BENZOIC ACID AND TUNGSTIC ACID
Authors: BUTT W. R.
Published: December 2008

1. A new method is described for the quantitative extraction of gonadotrophins from the urine of non-pregnant human subjects. It depends on the precipitation of the gonadotrophin with a mixture of benzoic and tungstic acids.

2. The method is simple, rapid and more efficient than the kaolin method and should be suitable for routine clinical assays of gonadotrophins.
THYROID FUNCTION AND ADRENAL WEIGHT IN THE RABBIT
Authors: BROWN-GRANT K.
Published: December 2008

Young adult male rabbits were thyroidectomized or treated with methylthiouracil and adrenal weights determined after 3 or 6 weeks. No significant changes were seen following thyroidectomy. After 3 weeks of methylthiouracil treatment the mean absolute weight of the adrenal glands, but not the relative weight, was reduced. After 6 weeks both the absolute and relative weights were increased above the control levels, but the differences were not statistically significant. The results are compared with those obtained by other workers for rabbits and for other species.
DIMETHYLSTILBOESTROL AS AN OESTROGEN INHIBITOR
Authors: EMMENS C. W. , COX R. I.
Published: December 2008

Dimethylstilboestrol, a pro-oestrogen, inhibits the response to oestrone, oestradiol or diethylstilboestrol when both are given intravaginally to spayed mice by a 2-injection technique. It inhibits the natural oestrogens in doses of 0·05–0·5% of its own median effective dose (ca. 50 μg), but 5% of the median effective dose is needed with diethylstilboestrol.

No inhibition was seen in the present tests when either oestradiol (used in most tests) or inhibitor were given subcutaneously, or when both were so given. Little or no inhibition was seen when oestradiol and inhibitor were given other than simultaneously.

It is suggested that the untransformed molecule is the active inhibitor.