bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
OBSERVATIONS ON THE USE OF 2-METHYL-9α-FLUOROHYDROCORTISONE IN THE MAINTENANCE OF ADRENALECTOMIZED PATIENTS
Authors: GURLING K. J. , BARON D. N. , GORE MARION B. R.
Published: December 2008

1. 2-methyl-9α-fluorohydrocortisone was administered orally to two adrenalectomized patients in doses of from 0·025 to 0·1 mg daily.

2. Excessive sodium retention occurred with doses of 0·03–0·1 mg daily, and 0·025 mg sufficed for a positive sodium balance and maintenance of blood pressure.

3. Adrenocortical replacement did not seem to be physiological with this dose in spite of electrolyte control, and there was subjective improvement when cortisone was resumed.
AN INVESTIGATION CONCERNING THE PRESENCE OF FREE TESTOSTERONE IN THE TESTIS OF THE ALBINO RAT
Authors: SCHORRIG E. W. , ROOSEN-RUNGE E. C.
Published: December 2008

Rat testes were extracted by a method designed to preserve the integrity of natural steroid compounds. The yields were greater than those obtained with ordinary ethanol-ether extraction.

The extracts were analysed for testosterone by dialysis, column-separation, and u.v. absorption spectroscopy. The sensitivity of the method was approx. 0·5 μg of standard column purified testosterone. No free testosterone was found in the extracts from either rat or monkey testes.

Compounds isolated from testicular extracts were characterized by their u.v. absorption spectra.

Details of procedures and the significance of the results are discussed.
STEROIDS AND OTHER LIPIDS OF PREGNANT COW'S URINE
Authors: KLYNE W. , WRIGHT A. A.
Published: December 2008

1. Pregnant cow's urine was hydrolysed with acid, and the lipid material obtained was submitted to the fractionation procedures customary in the study of urinary steroids.

2. Oestrone (0·3 mg/1.) and oestradiol-17α (0·1 mg/1.) were isolated from the phenolic fraction. Oestradiol-17β could not be detected.

3. The heterocyclic phenol equol isoflavan-7:4′-diol) was also isolated (6 mg/1.).

4. The neutral non-ketonic fraction contained 5β-androstane-3α: 17α-diol (0·2 mg/1.) and 5α-androstane-3β:17α-diol. A very small quantity of material resembling 5β-pregnane-3α:20α-diol (the common 'pregnanediol' of human pregnancy urine) was isolated but not satisfactorily identified.

5. The volatile part of this fraction contained two tetrahydroionanediols A and B.

6. The neutral non-volatile ketonic fraction was small (0·6 mg/1.). Three α-17-oxosteroids were tentatively identified.

7. The results are discussed in relation to the routes of steroid excretion in cows, and in relation to the determination of steroids in animal urines.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN URINARY EXCRETION OF OVARIAN HORMONE METABOLITES AND CORNIFICATION OF THE VAGINAL EPITHELIUM DURING THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE
Authors: PUTTARAJURS B. V. , TAYLOR W.
Published: December 2008

The urinary excretion of oestrone, oestradiol, oestriol and 5β-pregnane-3α:20α-diol has been determined by chemical methods during four menstrual cycles. Vaginal smears were also obtained throughout the cycles, and the degree of cornification of the vaginal epithelium has been compared with oestrogen and pregnanediol excretion.

Of the four cycles studied, only one had a cornification curve which could definitely be described as of the normal ovulatory type. The steroid excretion patterns, however, conformed to those expected in an ovulatory cycle, except in one instance where an abnormal excretion of oestradiol was found during the follicular phase.

The correlation coefficient for oestrogens and the percentage of cornified cells in the smear has been calculated for the separate cycles and for the four cycles added together. The degree of correlation varied between subjects and between different cycles in the same subject.

The implications of the results are discussed.
THE TRANSPORT OF OVA IN RELATION TO THE DOSAGE OF OESTROGEN IN OVARIECTOMIZED RABBITS
Authors: NOYES R. W. , ADAMS C. E. , WALTON A.
Published: December 2008

In order to determine what part the level of oestrogen in the body might play in the passage of ova through the female reproductive tract, 1249 freshly ovulated ova from donor rabbits were transferred into the uterine tubes of seventy-four ovariectomized recipients, fifty-three of which had previously been treated for 5–18 days with small daily injections of oestradiol benzoate. From 10 to 78 hr after transfer, 41% of the ova were recovered from the uterine tubes, 9% from the uterine horns, and 23% from the vaginae of the recipient animals. Twenty-seven% of the ova were lost. The rate of ovum transport varied widely between similarly treated animals, and between the right and left sides of the reproductive tract of the same animal. Larger proportions of ova were retained in the uterine tubes, and smaller proportions in the uterine horns as the oestrogen dose was increased.

The great variability in the stage of cleavage and in the thickness of the mucin coat of ova recovered from the uterus and vagina suggested that the ova might be widely dispersed through the uterine tubes and that they probably pass out of the uterine tube at widely different periods of time. Evidence is presented that ovum transport in ovariectomized rabbits with or without oestrogen treatment is very irregular, that ova may be ejected from either end of the uterine tube at almost any time after transfer, and that ova are not normally retained in the uteri of such animals.

Approx. 1 μg oestradiol benzoate administered daily for 5–10 days was necessary to maintain the uterine weight of ovariectomized rabbits at about the same level as that in intact oestrous rabbits, and also to reduce the variability in egg transport observed in control and ovariectomized animals.
EFFECTS OF WATER DEPRIVATION UPON THE NEUROSECRETORY MATERIAL OF THE DESERT RAT (MERIONES MERIONES) COMPARED WITH THE LABORATORY RAT
Authors: HOWE A. , JEWELL P. A.
Published: December 2008

The effects of dehydration, brought about by water deprivation over a period of 10 days, upon the stainable neurosecretory material (NSM) of the hypothalamo-hypophysial system were compared in two species of rodents originating from different climatic habitats, namely the laboratory rat (Rattus norvegicus) and the desert rat (Meriones meriones).

While the neural lobe of the laboratory rat was virtually completely depleted of NSM by this procedure, that of the desert rat showed no detectable histological changes. No striking changes were found in the hypothalamus of either species following this period of water deprivation, although there was some indication of disappearance of NSM from the hypothalamus in the desert rat.

The results are briefly discussed in relation to the theory of hypothalamic neurosecretion.
THE EFFECT OF ADRENOCORTICAL HORMONES AND ACTH ON SEROMUCOID AND GLYCOPROTEIN LEVELS IN THE RABBIT
Authors: KEYSER J. W.
Published: December 2008

Injection of adrenocorticotrophic hormone into rabbits produced a significant increase in the blood seromucoid and total serum glycoprotein levels. Although cortisol in large doses raised the seromucoid level, the injection of corticosterone or deoxycorticosterone, or of an adrenaline-free Swingle-Pfiffner extract of adrenal gland, had no effect on either seromucoid or total serum glycoprotein levels. It is suggested that the elevations of these proteins found in many pathological conditions are not brought about by an adrenocortical mechanism.
STUDIES ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OVARIAN HORMONES AND UTERINE INFECTION
Authors: BROOME A. W. J. , LAMMING G. E.
Published: December 2008

Studies were completed on the rate of uterine antibody production in oestrous rabbits following intrauterine immunization with Escherichia coli. No local antibody response was found to occur until 8 days after immunization, and it was concluded that this response is too slow to account for antibacterial action of the oestrous uterus.

In experiments to test the effect of systemic and intrauterine immunization of rabbits with E. coli antigen on the subsequent antibacterial activity of their uteri against E. coli, it was shown that intrauterine, but not systemic, immunization would significantly increase the antibacterial activity of the uteri of both oestrous and pseudopregnant rabbits.

The significance of these findings in relation to uterine infection is discussed.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF CHANGES IN PLASMA CORTISOL CONCENTRATION AND RENAL EXCRETION OF CORTICOSTEROIDS AFTER A WATER LOAD
Authors: HATFIELD C. B. , SHUSTER S.
Published: December 2008

1. Plasma cortisol concentrations, and the urinary output of free and conjugated Porter-Silber reacting steroids, 17-ketosteroids (17-KS), 'total 17-OH CS', urinary cortisone and cortisol, free and conjugated tetrahydrocortisone and cortisol were measured before and after a 1 l. water load.

2. The plasma cortisol concentration fell within 30 min of water ingestion, and tended to increase as diuresis declined.

3. There was a simultaneous increase in the urinary output of 17-KS, total 17-OH CS, and free Porter-Silber reacting steroids. In contrast, urinary excretion of glucuronide-conjugated corticosteroids did not increase during diuresis.

4. The implications of these findings are discussed and it is concluded that (a) the enhanced corticosteroid output during water diuresis is renal in origin, suggesting that tubular factors play a part in the excretion of these hormones; and (b) the role of the adrenal in the excretion of a water load is permissive.
SECTION OF THE PITUITARY STALK IN MONKEYS
Authors: HOLMES R. L. , HUGHES E. BRODIE , ZUCKERMAN S.
Published: December 2008

An attempt was made to separate the pituitary gland from the hypothalamus in eight mature female rhesus monkeys by placing a piece of polythene film between the cut ends of the pituitary stalk. One animal died shortly after operation. In two it was established that the stalk had not been divided, and normal menstrual cycles continued. In a fourth, normal cycles also continued in spite of extensive damage to the stalk.

Amenorrhoea set in in three of the monkeys despite variable degrees of regeneration of hypothalamo-hypophysial vascular connexions. One animal underwent two phases of uterine bleeding in spite of complete structural and vascular separation of the pituitary gland from the hypothalamus.

The neural process was found to be atrophic in each of the seven surviving animals, and all developed diabetes insipidus. The severity of the polyuria could be correlated with the amount of damage to the median eminence rather than to the stalk.
OESTROGEN INHIBITORS OF THE STILBOESTROL SERIES
Authors: EMMENS C. W. , COX R. I. , MARTIN L.
Published: December 2008

In tests of vaginal cornification, anti-oestrogenic activity has been demonstrated in dimethylstilboestrol, ethylstilboestrol and n-propylstilboestrol. It has not been detected in some other stilboestrols.

Dimethylstilboestrol, the most potent anti-oestrogen, inhibits the increase in vaginal mitosis and epithelial thickness which normally follows the administration of oestrone to the ovariectomized mouse. This contrasts with the action of substances like testosterone and progesterone, which inhibit cornification but do not inhibit mitosis in ratios of up to a million to one.
A COMPARISON OF THE POPULATION OF OOCYTES IN NULLIPAROUS AND MULTIPAROUS SENILE LABORATORY RATS
Authors: SHELTON MARGARET
Published: December 2008

An estimate was made of the population of oocytes in the ovaries of nulliparous and multiparous rats aged 403–1156 days. No consistent difference was found to exist between the two groups of animals. The proportion of oocytes diagnosed as 'atretic' declines with age in both groups of animals.
MAMMOGENESIS AND LACTOGENESIS IN HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED, OVARIECTOMIZED, ADRENALECTOMIZED RATS
Authors: COWIE A. T. , LYONS W. R.
Published: December 2008

In the hypophysectomized-ovariectomized-adrenalectomized hooded Norway rat, growth of the mammary ducts can be induced with oestrone + somatotrophin + corticoids; lobule-alveolar development ensues if in addition to the above combination progesterone + prolactin is also administered. On withdrawing these hormones the local injection of prolactin then causes secretion in the underlying mammary gland, but only when corticoids are administered systemically.
ASSAY OF INSULIN-LIKE ACTIVITY IN THE PLASMA OF NORMAL AND DIABETIC HUMAN SUBJECTS
Authors: BAIRD C. W. , BORNSTEIN J.
Published: December 2008

An assay of insulin using adrenalectomized diabetic mice has been applied to the study of the insulin-like activity of plasma extracts.

It has been found that the insulin activity increases in normal subjects in response to the ingestion of carbohydrate, and that two groups of diabetics exist, those without and those with circulating insulin in plasma.

The significance of these findings in the aetiology of diabetes mellitus is discussed.

The limitations of the technique in the study of diabetes are emphasized.
CESSATION OF OVARIAN FUNCTION IN THE IMMATURE MOUSE AFTER HYPOPHYSECTOMY
Authors: LAMOND D. R.
Published: December 2008

The rate of involution of the uterus of immature mice was compared after hypophysectomy, ovariectomy, hypophysectomy with ovariectomy and sham operations. There was no evidence over a 12-day period that the ovaries of hypophysectomized mice influenced uterine weights. There was a significantly poorer survival-rate among mice from which both the ovaries and pituitary gland had been removed.
FAILURE OF THYMECTOMY TO AFFECT THE BODY WEIGHT OF THE RAT
Authors: MANNING MARGARET J.
Published: December 2008

A statistical analysis of weight records of thymectomized and control-operated rats showed that, in this colony, removal of the thymus had no effect upon body weight or upon the expectation of life of the rats after the immediate postoperative period.
THE WEIGHT OF LYMPHOID ORGANS AND THEIR RESPONSE TO ACTH FOLLOWING THYMECTOMY IN THE RAT
Authors: MANNING MARGARET J.
Published: December 2008

Thymectomized rats and their control-operated litter-mates received adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH; 4 i.u./day for 10 days) or control injections. Thymectomy had no effect upon body weight under either treatment.

In rats injected with ACTH, the weight of lymph nodes was lower in thymectomized than in control-operated animals (P < 0·001 for the nodes of certain regions). A reduction in weight of lymph nodes following thymectomy also occurred in rats receiving control injections but, in this case, the difference was of doubtful significance. Under treatment with ACTH, the adrenals of thymectomized male rats weighed more than those of control-operated animals; this difference was significant only at the 2% level of probability. In female rats receiving ACTH, and in control-injected rats of both sexes, thymectomy had no effect upon adrenal weight.

The possibility that the results were due to non-specific stress following thymectomy is discussed, and evidence against this explanation is presented.
COLLABORATIVE ASSAY OF TWO GONADOTROPHIN PREPARATIONS FROM HUMAN POSTMENOPAUSAL URINE
Authors: BENZ F. , BORTH R. , BROWN P. S. , CROOKE A. C. , DEKANSKI J. B. , DICZFALUSY E. , LORAINE J. A. , LUNENFELD B. , SCHULER W.
Published: December 2008

1. The gonadotrophic activity of two preparations from human postmenopausal urine (HMG-20A and HMG-J) has been compared. Various bioassay methods were used and the experiments were conducted in six different laboratories.

2. The mean relative potency of HMG-J in terms of HMG-20A varied according to the assay method used. Possible reasons for the differing potency ratios are discussed.

3. It is concluded that for the assay of pituitary gonadotrophins in urine the method of preparation of extracts should be similar to that of the standard.
A METHOD FOR THE IDENTIFICATION AND MEASUREMENT OF THE IODINATED ORGANIC COMPOUNDS OF URINE
Authors: HALES I. B. , FRASER RUSSELL
Published: December 2008

A method for the determination of iodinated organic compounds of urine, using an anion exchange resin, is described. The advantages and reliability of this method are discussed.
SERUM PROTEINS IN RATS TREATED WITH LARGE DOSES OF STILBOESTROL
Authors: BENAŠ A.
Published: December 2008

The effect of stilboestrol (250 μg on alternate days) on the serum proteins of rats was investigated during a period of 56 days. The total protein content showed no significant change until the 56th day, but there was a fall in the albumin fraction after the 36th day. The α1- and γ-globulins were significantly increased from the 16th day onwards, while the α2 and β fractions were reduced on the 16th and 26th day but rose again towards the end of the experimental period.
THE EFFECT OF OESTRADIOL ON THE RESPONSE OF HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED GUINEA-PIGS TO ADRENOCORTICOTROPHIN
Authors: BROOKS R. V. , CLAYTON BARBARA E. , WORDEN JANET M.
Published: December 2008

1. A method is described for the preparation and maintenance of hypophysectomized guinea-pigs.

2. Following hypophysectomy the response of female guinea-pigs to adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) as measured by the urinary excretion of 17-ketosteroids (KS) and 17-ketogenic steroids (KGS) was reduced by 53% for KS and 59% for KGS. The decreased response was seen as early as 1 week after operation.

3. In the absence of the pituitary gland, oestradiol benzoate did not modify the response to administered ACTH as measured by the urinary excretion of KS and KGS.
AN INSULIN ASSAY BASED ON THE INCORPORATION OF LABELLED GLYCINE INTO PROTEIN OF ISOLATED RAT DIAPHRAGM
Authors: MANCHESTER K. L. , RANDLE P. J. , YOUNG F. G.
Published: December 2008

Insulin increases the incorporation of [14C]glycine into the protein of isolated rat diaphragm in vitro. This effect of the hormone can be used as the basis of a straight-line assay for insulin. The advantages and disadvantages of such a method of assay are discussed.

Normal human plasma also stimulates incorporation of glycine into diaphragm protein, and the activities of two plasma samples were equivalent to 2 and 10 mu. insulin/ml. plasma, respectively.
ACTION OF CERTAIN HORMONES ON THE THYMUS OF THE DOMESTIC HEN
Authors: HÖHN E. O.
Published: December 2008

Thyroxine, deoxycorticosterone acetate (DCA), progesterone, testosterone, oestradiol, cortisone and bovine growth hormone (GH) were injected daily for 4 weeks into laying hens. Thymus weight was increased by thyroxine, decreased by cortisone and unaffected by testosterone and oestradiol. Results with DCA and progesterone were inconclusive but suggested a thymus weightreducing action. GH increased thymus weight but not to a significant degree. Testosterone injected daily for 6 weeks into adult male mallards did not affect thymus weight.

Thyroxine and GH increased thickness of the cortex and vascularity of both cortex and medulla of the thymus. Cortisone, DCA and progesterone caused cortical atrophy. Weight of the bursa fabricii was not affected by any of the hormones used. Egg-laying was somewhat reduced by all the hormones used, but this effect was marked only with thyroxine (in one out of two experiments), oestradiol and GH.

A moult was induced by thyroxine, testosterone and GH, but the effects obtained with the latter may have been due to contamination with thyrotrophic hormone. It is suggested that the spontaneous late-summer enlargement of the thymus of adult wild birds is due to increased thyroid activity at this time.
PROGESTERONE IN BLOOD
Authors: SHORT R. V. , MOORE N. W.
Published: December 2008

Progesterone has been identified in the placenta of intact and ovariectomized ewes in concentrations of 4–9 μg/kg tissue. In addition to progesterone, a closely related metabolite, 20-αhydroxypregn-4-en-3-one, has also been found, in concentrations of 9–12 μg/kg tissue. The concentrations of both these steroids were highest in the placenta from ovariectomized animals, suggesting that the placenta might be able to compensate for the removal of the ovaries.

Progesterone and 20α-hydroxypregn-4-en-3-one levels were also measured in the peripheral blood of pregnant, non-pregnant and post-partum ewes; the mean concentrations of both hormones during pregnancy were 0·41 and 0·37 μg/100 ml. plasma respectively. These levels were not significantly higher than those found in non-pregnant animals, and there was no significant difference (progesterone: P > 0·02; 20α-hydroxypregn-4-en-3-one: P > 0·05) between the concentrations in ewes with single and multiple pregnancies. The ratio of the two hormones did not appear to change during the course of pregnancy, and there was no sign of a fall in the blood levels prior to parturition. After birth, however, the levels seemed to fall rapidly.

It is concluded that the sheep placenta is capable of producing small amounts of progesterone, and that some homeostatic mechanism exists for the maintenance of a relatively constant blood progesterone level throughout pregnancy. However, it is still not possible to assess the relative importance of the adrenals and the placenta as extra-ovarian sources of progesterone in the ewe.
THE SURVIVAL AND GROWTH OF PANCREATIC TISSUE IN THE ANTERIOR CHAMBER OF THE EYE OF THE ALBINO RAT
Authors: COUPLAND R. E.
Published: December 2008

Pieces of foetal rat pancreas obtained from specimens of 18–40 mm c.r. length were implanted into the anterior chamber of the mother's eye. The subsequent changes were followed using histological methods.

Acinar tissue degenerates and completely disappears during the first 2 weeks after implantation. Duct epithelium proliferates and large numbers of islets of Langerhans are produced which contain both α and β cells. In grafts of 1 year's duration islets form the main bulk of the graft. Methods of staining the islet tissue of the rat are discussed.
A BREED DIFFERENCE IN THE LACTOGENIC RESPONSE OF THE RABBIT TO RESERPINE
Authors: TINDAL J. S.
Published: December 2008

A single intravenous injection of reserpine (1 mg/kg), given either on day 15 of pseudopregnancy or after priming with 0·2 mg oestradiol-17β daily for 10 days, resulted in lactogenesis in virgin female rabbits of the New Zealand White breed. This finding is in contrast to earlier negative results with Dutch rabbits in this laboratory. Thymus weight dropped significantly after reserpine in the pseudopregnant animals, but reserpine did not lower the thymus weight in oestradiol-primed rabbits to an extent greater than could be accounted for by the effect of the oestrogen alone.

From these results, it is concluded that there is a breed difference in the lactogenic response of New Zealand White and Dutch rabbits to reserpine.
EFFECTS OF SYNTHETIC OXYTOCIN AND VALYL OXYTOCIN ON MAMMARY INVOLUTION IN THE RAT
Authors: BENSON G. K. , FOLLEY S. J. , TINDAL J. S.
Published: December 2008

Synthetic oxytocin ('Syntocinon') and valyl oxytocin have been assayed for oxytocic and milk-ejection activities. In agreement with the previous results of others, valyl oxytocin exhibited about five times as much milk-ejection activity, per unit of oxytocic activity, as that shown by oxytocin. However, valyl oxytocin was no more active than synthetic oxytocin in retarding mammary involution in rats whose young were removed on the 4th day of lactation. This experiment, therefore, provided no evidence that the involution-retarding action of oxytocin is mediated by a direct effect on the myoepithelium of the mammary gland.
THE EFFECT OF UNILATERAL OVARIECTOMY ON THE REPRODUCTIVE LIFESPAN OF MICE
Authors: JONES ESTHER C. , KROHN P. L.
Published: December 2008

Although unilaterally spayed mice can produce litters almost as large as those produced by normal mice, their reproductive lifespan is curtailed and the total number of offspring born is about halved.
THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT STIMULI ON MILK EJECTION AND DIURESIS IN THE LACTATING COW
Authors: PEETERS G. , STORMORKEN H. , VANSCHOUBROEK F.
Published: December 2008

The relation between milk ejection and antidiuretic response was studied on lactating cows using different stimuli.

The stimuli, utilized to induce milk ejection, could be classified according to increasing effectiveness as follows: (1) showing the calf to the mother (visual stimulation); (2) washing the udder with water at 40° C in trained animals; (3) washing combined with visual stimulation; (4) suckling. Experimental conditions (hydration, bladder catheter) exerted a marked inhibiting effect in most animals on the milk-ejecting reflex induced by stimuli 1, 2 and 3. The reactions of domesticated cows under these circumstances are analogous to those of primitive breeds under normal conditions.

Generally, the antidiuretic response seemed to be quantitatively correlated with the release of oxytocin. However, exceptions to this rule were observed.

An antidiuretic response was obtained in cows after milk ejection unaccompanied by withdrawal of milk.

The effect of known amounts of oxytocin on milk ejection was studied, and the dose-response curve was nearly a straight line when log dose was plotted against the volume of milk ejected. The slope of the curves, however, varied in different cows.
OESTROGEN INHIBITION BY STEROIDS AND OTHER SUBSTANCES
Authors: EMMENS C. W. , COX R. I. , MARTIN L.
Published: December 2008

In intravaginal tests of cornification in the spayed mouse vagina, dimethylstilboestrol, ethylstilboestrol, n-propylstilboestrol, meso- and racemic-butoestrol inhibit oestradiol. None do so when given subcutaneously. MER 25 shows very weak inhibition, but acts subcutaneously. The steroids, 19-nortestosterone, 17-ethyl-19-nortestosterone and 17-ethinyl-19-nortestosterone, inhibit oestradiol when given both intravaginally and subcutaneously.

In intravaginal tests of mitosis, increase in epithelial thickness or triphenyltetrazolium reduction (a measure of metabolic activity), the stilboestrols and butoestrols inhibit oestrone. Massive doses of MER 25 partially inhibited in such tests, but actually stimulated mitosis at low levels of oestrogen administration. None of the nor-steroids showed any inhibitory potency in dose ratios of up to 1000:1, while both 19-nortestosterone and 17-ethinyl-19-nortestosterone showed oestrogenic activity at levels of only 50:1.

It is concluded that both the synthetic and steroid compounds inhibit directly, not by virtue of metabolites, but that only the synthetic compounds compete with oestrogens at an early stage. Failure to show parenteral activity in these compounds may be due to their weak pro-oestrogenic potencies. It is suggested that the very weak activity found with MER 25 may reflect a species difference between mouse and rat.
A STUDY OF THE ACTION OF MIROESTROL AND OTHER OESTROGENS ON THE REPRODUCTIVE TRACT OF THE IMMATURE FEMALE MOUSE
Authors: JONES H. E. H. , POPE G. S.
Published: December 2008

1. Assay of the potency of the recently isolated plant oestrogen, miroestrol, shows that when given subcutaneously in multiple doses it is as potent as oestradiol-17β, and orally more than three times as potent as stilboestrol in producing an increase in uterine weight in the immature female mouse.

2. In the immature female mouse given a single injection of oestrogens, the route of administration influences the magnitude, the latent period, and the duration of the responses in the reproductive tract. In general, the oestrogens act most efficiently on the uterus and vagina when they are given intraperitoneally instead of subcutaneously. It is suggested that this is because there is less chance of absorption rates and metabolism in the animal influencing the oestrogen introduced intraperitoneally.

3. The activity of miroestrol by single injection is described and compared with that of oestriol, oestradiol-17β and stilboestrol. It is at least as effective as oestradiol-17β and stilboestrol in promoting uterine and vaginal growth, and in increasing the amount of fluid which can be expressed from the uterine lumen by gentle pressing.
A MODIFICATION OF A METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF URINARY PREGNANETRIOL
Authors: LEON Y. ANDRÉE , BULBROOK R. D.
Published: December 2008

The specificity of the method of Stern [1957] for the determination of urinary pregnanetriol has been examined using chromatography on alumina columns and paper. The pregnanetriol fractions were found to contain chromogenic impurities, most of which could be removed by the addition of a pre-wash of 3% ethanol/benzene to the system described by Stern for the elution of pregnanetriol from alumina. The reliability of the modified method has been assessed with special reference to specificity.
THE BURSA OF FABRICIUS AND ADRENAL ASCORBIC ACID DEPLETION FOLLOWING ACTH INJECTIONS IN CHICKS
Authors: PEREK M. , EILAT A.
Published: December 2008

Injections of both fast- and long-acting adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) were followed by depletion of adrenal ascorbic acid (AA) in 3-week- and 6-week-old chicks when the bursa of Fabricius had been removed. The speed of depletion was similar to that known in mammals. Intact birds did not respond in this respect to ACTH treatment.

A marked involution of the bursa of Fabricius occurred in chicks treated with prolonged-acting ACTH. A depletion of the total AA content of the bursa was noted, without any significant change in its concentration in the tissue of the gland.

The results of the experiments indicate that the bursa of Fabricius is involved in preventing the release of adrenal AA after ACTH treatment.
THE PATHOGENESIS OF EXPERIMENTAL BRUCELLOSIS IN VIRGIN HEIFERS WITH AND WITHOUT CONTINUOUS PROGESTERONE TREATMENT
Authors: PAYNE J. M.
Published: December 2008

Daily injections of progesterone were given to six adult heifers. These, and six untreated but otherwise similar animals, were infected by a standard method with the virulent strain 544 of Brucella abortus.

The pathogenesis of the disease, as measured by B. abortus counts in various tissues and organs, and associated histopathology, was found to be less progressive and milder than in the pregnant cow. In the non-gravid animals the counts of B. abortus in the various tissues were very low and the infection did not disseminate very widely in the body. The uteri remained free from infection. In addition, the lesions in the lymphoid tissue were milder than those found previously in similarly infected pregnant animals.

Progesterone administration exerted a profound effect on the genital tract. Oestrous cycles ceased and follicles in the ovaries became atretic; the endometrial glands secreted a material which accumulated in the uterine lumen and a firm mucus seal developed in the cervix. Progesterone, however, exerted no effect on the pathogenesis of brucellosis.

It is concluded that progesterone is unlikely to be responsible for the susceptibility of the pregnant cow to brucellosis.
PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS ON THE RELEASE OF OXYTOCIN AND VASOPRESSIN IN HUMAN SUBJECTS
Authors: CHAUDHURY R. R. , JOPLIN G. F.
Published: December 2008

1. Oxytocic and vasopressor activity were found in human peripheral venous blood following overnight dehydration and an intravenous injection of nicotine.

2. The quantities are adequate for investigation of hypothalamic damage of moderate severity.

3. The blood levels of oxytocic activity exceed vasopressor activity.
ANTIDIURETIC HORMONE AND CORTICOTROPHIN RELEASE IN MAN
Authors: SHUSTER S.
Published: December 2008

Plasma cortisol concentrations increased after injections of nicotine. This increase was variable and was no greater than that seen after substitution of normal saline for nicotine. Plasma cortisol concentrations did not increase after nicotine in patients with hypopituitarism and after inhibition of corticotrophin release with triamcinolone. It is concluded that the increased plasma cortisol concentration after injection of nicotine was due to non-specific pituitary stimulation associated with the experimental procedure and not due to any direct effect of the nicotine. Nicotine resulted in a similar increase in plasma cortisol in four patients with diabetes insipidus. Neither rapid infusion of hypertonic mannitol nor ingestion of ethanol had a consistent effect on the plasma cortisol concentration. It is therefore concluded that the antidiuretic hormone is not the 'corticotrophin release factor' in man.
ENDOCRINE ACTIVITY OF THE EARLY PLACENTA OF THE GUINEA-PIG
Authors: DEANESLY RUTH
Published: December 2008

Mucification of the vaginal epithelium in rodents requires the presence of both oestrogens and progesterone.

The effect of different doses of hormones on the vaginal epithelium of spayed animals is briefly described.

In spayed pregnant guinea-pigs maintained by progesterone, mucification of the vagina similar to that of pregnant controls develops by about days 18–20 post coitum, indicating a secretion of oestrogen by the developing placenta adequate to transform the vaginal epithelium, but probably of < 1 μg daily.
THE METABOLISM OF 17α-HYDROXYPROGESTERONE IN CONGENITAL ADRENAL HYPERPLASIA
Authors: BROOKS R. V.
Published: December 2008

1. The administration of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone to a patient with congenital adrenal hyperplasia resulted in 12% of the dose being excreted as pregnanetriol, 6% as 17α-hydroxypregnanolone and < 0·2% as androsterone plus aetiocholanolone.

2. It is concluded that in order to account for the large amounts of androsterone and aetiocholanolone excreted by the untreated patient it is necessary to postulate the secretion by the adrenal of large amounts of a C19 precursor of these two steroids.

3. The possible routes for the biosynthesis of this adrenal androgen are discussed.
THE ACTION OF INSULIN ON THE METABOLISM OF CELL CULTURES
Authors: PAUL J. , PEARSON ENID S.
Published: December 2008

1. The effect of insulin on carbohydrate metabolism, nucleic acid synthesis and the incorporation of inorganic phosphate into cultured mammalian cells was investigated.

2. Insulin was always found to stimulate glycolysis. It also accelerated the utilization of pyruvic acid from the medium.

3. Enhanced turnover of phosphate in the acid-soluble and lipid fractions of the cells was found. Only rarely was there increased turnover of RNA phosphorus or DNA phosphorus, even in the presence of other phenomena.

4. Increased 32P incorporation into acid-soluble compounds was observed in many experiments, it was not confined to energy-rich compounds.

5. Increased cell membrane activity was noted and this was often accompanied by increased visible pinocytosis.

6. It is concluded that most of the phenomena observed on treating cultured cells with insulin can be explained as being secondary to increased glycolysis. Increased pinocytosis may be a primary or secondary phenomenon in the chain of events.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE CONTENT OF ANDROGENIC STEROIDS IN THE TESTES AND THE SECRETORY ACTIVITY OF THE SEMINAL VESICLES IN THE BULL
Authors: LINDNER H. R. , MANN T.
Published: December 2008

Testosterone and androstenedione were determined chemically in testes of bulls ranging in age from 28 days to 17½ years. The earliest age at which it was possible to detect both steroids was 39 days. Their combined contents in the testes varied from 4·7 to 61 μg at 39–90 days, from 31 to 475 μg at 3½–5½ months, and from 155 to 3450 μg at 10½ months-17½ years of age.

The ratio androstenedione/testosterone decreased with age. In immature bull calves, less than 4 months old, it exceeded 1:1, in animals above 9 months of age it was less than 1:10.

The appearance of chemically demonstrable amounts of testosterone and androstenedione in the testes of young bull calves coincided with the onset of an active process of fructose and citric-acid production by the seminal vesicles. Between the 2nd and 6th month of life, the weight, fructose level and citric-acid level of the seminal vesicles increased at an exponential rate, and this sharp increase in the activity of the seminal vesicles was accompanied by a similarly sharp increase in the testosterone content of the testes. In adult bulls, differing widely in age and breed, the testicular content of testosterone was significantly correlated with the weight, fructose content and citric-acid content of the seminal vesicles.
MAMMOGENIC ACTIVITY OF MIROESTROL
Authors: BENSON G. K. , COWIE A. T. , HOSKING ZENA D.
Published: December 2008

The mammogenic potency of miroestrol, an oestrogenic substance isolated from the tuberous roots of the leguminous plant Pueraria mirifica, was estimated as 0·70 (with 5% fiducial limits of 0·40 and 1·18) relative to oestradiol in the ovariectomized rat, and as 2·2 (with 5% fiducial limits of 1·2 and 4·9) relative to oestrone in the mouse. The effects of miroestrol on the body weight and weights of the endocrine glands, with the exception of the thyroid in the rat, were qualitatively similar to those of oestradiol and oestrone. In the rat oestradiol (0·1 μg/day) inhibited the increase both in body weight and thyroid weight that occurred after ovariectomy, whereas miroestrol (0·1 μg/day) inhibited only the increase in body weight.
THE EFFECT OF 5-HYDROXYTRYPTAMINE AND OF MONOAMINE OXIDASE INHIBITORS ON SEXUAL MATURITY
Authors: ROBSON J. M. , BOTROS M.
Published: December 2008

The administration of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) to immature female mice inhibts the development of sexual maturity, as shown by opening of the vagina and the occurrence of vaginal oestrus. The weight of the sex organs of treated animals is well below that of controls. There is little or no effect on body growth. Given to mature female mice, the drug depresses the weight of the sex organs. These effects are not due to decreased sensitivity of the gonads to gonadotrophin, or of the uterus and vagina to oestrogen. Similar effects have been obtained with iproniazid and other amine oxidase inhibitors, all hydrazides. Iproniazid produced a marked increase in the weight of the spleen with deposits of pigment giving a positive Prussian blue reaction.

5-HT and iproniazid produced much less striking effects when given to immature male mice; there was with both drugs a significant increase in the weight of the adrenals.
THE EXCRETION OF INDIVIDUAL 17-KETOSTEROIDS BY NORMAL FEMALES
Authors: JAMES V. H. T.
Published: December 2008

The urinary excretion of individual 17-ketosteroids by a series of eighteen normal female subjects has been determined using enzyme hydrolysis and quantitative paper chromatography. The results are compared with those obtained by other workers, and their significance is discussed. In two cases, the results of stimulation with adrenocorticotrophic hormone were studied; the most striking effect was a disproportionate increase in the excretion of dehydroepiandrosterone.
MECHANISM OF ACTION OF OXYTOCIN IN RETARDING MAMMARY INVOLUTION: STUDY IN HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED RATS
Authors: MEITES J. , HOPKINS T. F.
Published: December 2008

On the 4th day after parturition lactating rats were hypophysectomized and their litters removed. Control rats were injected only with physiological saline for the next 10 days, and showed pronounced regression of the mammary parenchyma and no secretion. When oxytocin was injected together with prolactin and adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) for 10 days, mammary secretion, often with duct engorgement, was observed in twenty-two out of twenty-four rats, whereas only three out of fourteen rats given prolactin and ACTH showed slight secretory activity. Lobule-alveolar structure was significantly better preserved in the former rats. The combination of oxytocin, prolactin and cortisol acetate was also more effective than prolactin and cortisol acetate in maintaining secretory function and in retarding mammary involution. These results in hypophysectomized rats, as well as similar findings previously reported by us in intact rats, demonstrate that the favourable effects of oxytocin in maintaining secretory activity and retarding mammary involution are exerted directly on the mammary gland.
A SIMPLE METHOD FOR THE SEPARATION OF PREGNANETRIOLS BY SPREAD-LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHY
Authors: STÁRKA L. , MALÍKOVÁ JITKA
Published: December 2008

A method for the determination of urinary pregnanetriol is described which, by utilizing many features of the Fotherby & Love modification (1960) of Stern's method (1957) and by separation of pregnanetriol isomers by spread-layer chromatography of alumina, enables individual pregnanetriols and pregnanediol to be measured concomitantly.
A METHOD FOR THE ISOLATION OF MIROESTROL FROM PUERARIA MIRIFICA
Authors: JONES H. E. H. , POPE G. S.
Published: December 2008

1. A method is described for the isolation of miroestrol from Pueraria mirifica in about 50% overall yield.

2. Details of the oestrogenic potency of two derivatives of miroestrol are given.

3. Evidence is presented for the existence of a second, more water-soluble oestrogen in P. mirifica, and preliminary results are given of assays for oestrogen content of various parts of the P. mirifica plant and of other species of Pueraria.
VARIATIONS IN THE WEIGHT OF THE ADRENAL GLANDS OF THE FIELD VOLE, MICROTUS AGRESTIS
Authors: CHITTY HELEN
Published: December 2008

1. Mean weights are given for the adrenal glands of 1167 male and 806 female voles from naturally fluctuating populations at Lake Vyrnwy, Wales, during 1952–58.

2. Although the mean standardized adrenal weights of both males and females varied from year to year, no consistent relationship with population trend could be found, except that females from expanding populations tended to have the heaviest adrenals.

3. The adrenal weights increased seasonally each year from low values in the spring to maxima in midsummer and decreased again to low values in the autumn.

4. This fluctuation was exhibited not only by breeding animals but also by those that were sexually immature. It therefore seems unlikely that the seasonal enlargement is entirely a direct effect of gonadal activity, though it may be due to changes in social behaviour during the breeding season.

5. In each month the adrenals of pregnant or lactating females were heavier than those of nulliparous animals of the same body weight.
PROTEIN BINDING OF CORTISOL IN HEALTH AND IN PREGNANCY
Authors: BOOTH MOLLIE , DIXON P. F. , GRAY C. H. , GREENAWAY J. M. , HOLNESS N. J.
Published: December 2008

The binding of plasma cortisol to transcortin at 37° c was studied in normal men and in non-pregnant and pregnant women. The mean concentrations of transcortin were 8, 11·5 and 14 × 10−7 moles/l. and the percentages of the binding sites occupied by cortisol were 45, 24 and 40%, respectively. The mean values of the equilibrium constants were 2·9, 1·8 and 4·6 × 107 l./mole, suggesting that there might be a qualitative difference in transcortin from the three groups. The mean concentration of diffusible cortisol was 1·12 μg./100 ml. in men and 0·65 μg./100 ml. in non-pregnant and pregnant women.

The significance of these findings is discussed.
X-RAY STERILIZATION OF IMMATURE FEMALE RATS
Authors: MANDL ANITA M. , ZUCKERMAN S.
Published: December 2008

1. Judged by the absence of germ cells, direct X-irradiation of ovaries of weanling rats at a level of 3150 and 4400 r leads to sterilization. Sterilization was often incomplete following exposure to 2200 r.

The animals were kept under observation for 12 weeks after irradiation. Daily vaginal smears were taken after the rupture of the vaginal closure membrane.

The age at which the vagina opened was about the same in animals sterilized at the age of 21–29 days as in their litter-mate controls. The rupture of the closure membrane was somewhat delayed in animals exposed to 4400 r at 18–20 days, and in unilaterally ovariectomized animals exposed to 4400 r at 23–26 days.

Complete atrophy of the uterus did not occur within the experimental period of 12 weeks. The degree of involution corresponded to that of the ovaries.

Changes in body weight and the weight of the pituitary and thymus were similar to those observed in adult rats following X-ray sterilization.

2. Treatment with gonadotrophins immediately after X-irradiation (at the age of 19–24 days) led to a less rapid breakdown of the vaginal closure membrane in rats exposed to 4400 r than in either similarly treated litter-mates exposed to 3150 r or their non-irradiated controls.

3. Treatment with gonadotrophins during the 5 days preceding X-irradiation (at the age of 23–26 days) was followed by an increase in subsequent secretion of oestrogen, as judged by the pattern of vaginal smears and the weight of the uterus.
THE EFFECT OF 5-HYDROXYTRYPTAMINE AND OF AN AMINE OXIDASE INHIBITOR ON EXPERIMENTAL DECIDUOMATA IN MICE
Authors: LINDSAY D. , POULSON E. , ROBSON J. M.
Published: December 2008

Investigations were carried out to study the mechanism by which 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors interfere with pregnancy, using the experimental decidual reaction in mice.

The results suggest that both 5-HT and an amine oxidase inhibitor, HP. 1325 (2,2′-(p-phenylenedioxy)-di-(ethyl hydrazinium (1+) chloride)), interfere with the endocrine activity of the ovary, particularly the corpus luteum, since their toxic effects on deciduomata are reversed by progesterone. In addition, 5-HT also has a direct toxic effect on decidual tissue.
THE FAILURE OF THE ADRENALS TO RESPOND TO COLD STRESS DURING THIAMINE DEFICIENCY
Authors: BHAGAT B. , LOCKETT MARY F.
Published: December 2008

1. The adrenal glands of thiamine-deficient mice weighed more than those of normal mice and responded to adrenocorticotrophic hormone, but not to cold stress, by further hypertrophy.

2. Concomitant effects of thiamine deficiency were: (a) absence of change in pain threshold; (b) increased tolerance to intravenously injected acetylcholine; (c) increased storage of adrenaline in the adrenals; (d) decreased sensitivity of the vascular bed to noradrenaline but not to adrenaline.

3. Injections of adrenocortical extract prolonged the lives of thiamine-deficient animals exposed to a cold environment.
PANCREATIC ISLET CELLS IN THE NORMAL AND CoCl2-TREATED GUINEA-PIG. A FINE STRUCTURAL STUDY
Authors: ESTERHUIZEN A. C. , LEVER J. D.
Published: December 2008

1. The islets of Langerhans were studied by light and electron microscopy in the normal and cobalt chloride (CoCl2)-treated guinea-pig.

2. Within the guinea-pig islets, the α cells occur singly or in groups. The β cells are present in large majority and the α/β-cell ratio is normally 1:5.

3. In electron micrographs the α granules are smaller, more electron dense and more homogeneous than the β granules, many of which may have an eroded 'moth-eaten' appearance.

4. Scantily granulated forms of both α and β cells are common but in normal islets the agranular 'C' cells of Bensley (1911) were not identified.

5. Following a single intravenous injection of CoCl2 (25 mg./kg. body weight):

(a) No adverse changes were detected in the α cells; in fact the staining for tryptophan by the post-coupled benzylidene method was more intense 2½ hr. after treatment.

(b) By 24 hr. after injection many of the β cells appeared to be adversely affected as indicated by some degree of inter-membranous mitochondrial vacuolation, partial degranulation, cytoplasmic vacuolation and the appearance of cytoplasmic lipid droplets.

(c) The exocrine tissue showed dilatation of its endoplasmic reticulum and a general reduction in the clear definition of cytoplasmic membranes in electron micrographs.

6. After two CoCl2 injections a reduced number of secretory granules was observed in many of the α cells, and in some of these cells degenerative changes similar to those reported in the β cells (5b above) could be detected.

7. In all CoCl2-treated guinea-pigs, the following additional cytological features were noted:

(a) A preponderance of the small-sized over the larger secretory granules in many α cells.

(b) Long double membranous sheets of granular endoplasmic reticulum in the α cells.

(c) Short bristle-like processes extending into intercellular spaces from the surfaces of a few α cells.

(d) The presence of cells lacking any specific secretory granules. These features are discussed.

8. The fine structure of the pancreatic vasomotor nerves is described and discussed.