bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DIE BEDEUTUNG VON GONADEN UND HYPOPHYSE FÜR DIE WIRKUNG GONADOTROPER HORMONE AUF DIE SCHILDDRÜSENFUNKTION
Authors: Hasselblatt A. , Ratabongs Ch.
Published: December 2008

The effect of pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMS) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) on the thyroid gland of normal, of gonadectomized and of hypophysectomized infantile rats has been studied. Gonadotrophin treatment stimulated the thyroid of normal and hypophysectomized female rats.

A corresponding effect was not observed in gonadectomized female or in normal and gonadectomized male rats.

These results show that the gonadotrophic hormones stimulate thyroid function indirectly by increasing the hormonal secretion of the ovaries. An intimate functional relationship between the ovaries and the thyroid gland was thus demonstrated.

As the stimulating effect of gonadotrophin treatment was also present in hypophysectomized female rats, it was concluded that the oestrogens act directly on the thyroid gland. Their thyrotrophic action is not mediated by the pituitary gland.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PREDNISONE IN THE TREATMENT OF AMENORRHOEA AND ANOVULATORY HAEMORRHAGES
Authors: Seelen J. C. , Bakker J. H. J.
Published: December 2008

14 patients with amenorrhoea and 11 patients with anovulatory haemorrhages were treated with prednisone.

10 patients showed hirsutism and/or increased 17-ketosteroid excretion indicating a possible adrenocortical dysfunction.

6 of 25 patients developed ovulatory haemorrhages, viz. 4 patients with amenorrhoea and 2 patients with anovulatory bleeding. There was no difference in results between the patients with and those without any signs of a disturbance in the adrenocortical function.

With regard to the condition of the patients it is concluded that prednisone has a therapeutic importance in:

conditions related to congenital adrenocortical hyperplasia,

virtually regular anovulatory haemorrhages,

normo-oestrogenic amenorrhoea.

Since ovarian wedge resection was primarily performed in the successfully treated 4 patients with amenorrhoea, the question arises as to whether the results should not be attributed to the combination of bilateral wedge resection of the ovaries and prednisone treatment. This question is at present under investigation.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF OESTROGENIC ACTION AGAINST EXPERIMENTAL ATHEROMA IN THE COCKEREL
Authors: Campbell R. S. F. , Lawrie T. D. V. , Pirrie R. , Maclaurin J. C. , Moran F.
Published: December 2008

A comparison of the effects of various oestrogenic substances on coronary and aortic atheroma in cholesterol-fed birds has been made.

In general, oestrogenic activity paralleled the ability to regress coronary atherosclerosis but there were exceptions.

Doisynolic acid, in a dose which produced side-effects comparable with oestradiol, did not significantly alter the incidence of coronary atherosclerosis.

Epi-oestradiol, in an experiment of longer duration, and given in a dose which made it a potent oestrogenic substance with typical effects on serum lipids, gonads and sex characters, did not significantly reduce the incidence of coronary atherosclerosis.
NEONATAL CHANGES IN BODY COMPOSITION OF INFANTS BORN TO DIABETIC MOTHERS
Authors: Osler Mogens
Published: December 2008

Total body water in per cent of body weight at birth and at the time of maximum neonatal weight loss (generally 4 or 5 days after birth) is on the average practically unchanged in normal, full-term infants. Infants born to diabetic mothers exhibit a minor, but not significant decrease. This finding does not support the assumption that diab. infants utilize their fat depots to any marked extent to cover their energy requirement during the first few days of life in which they are often starved and that the large water excretion is due to the burning of fat. It agrees, however, with their high protein metabolism (reflected by the high urinary excretion of nitrogen). The reason why fat is not mobilized is discussed, and it is suggested that hyperinsulinism may be present.
REVERSAL OF THE DECIDUAL-INHIBITING EFFECT OF RELAXIN BY AN INACTIVE DERIVATIVE
Authors: Frieden Edward H. , Velardo Joseph T.
Published: December 2008

Relaxin preparations, isolated from the ovaries of pregnant sows, have previously been shown to inhibit the formation of decidua in the uteri of ovariectomized, pseudopregnant rats treated with progesterone. This effect has been employed to study the interaction of an inactive derivative and the native hormone. When an excess of thioglycollate- or mercaptoethanol-inactivated relaxin is administered simultaneously with native relaxin, the inhibitory effect of the latter is nearly completely abolished. Preparations from the ovaries of non-pregnant sows, of low relaxin content, have a similar effect. It is suggested that the ability to inhibit the effects of a protein hormone may be shared by naturally-occurring proteins structurally related to the native hormone.
UNTERSUCHUNGEN ÜBER DEN ZEITLICHEN VERLAUF DER 6- UND 16α-HYDROXYLIERUNG VON ÖSTROGENEN DURCH RATTENLEBERSCHNITTE
Authors: Breuer H. , Nocke Lieselotte , Pangels Gerta
Published: December 2008

17β-Oestradiol and oestrone were incubated with rat liver slices for various times, and the following metabolites were estimated quantitatively: 17β-oestradiol, 6-hydroxyoestrone, 6-hydroxy-17β-oestradiol and oestriol. From the maxima of the time curves it is concluded that the 6-hydroxy-lase of rat liver attacks both 17β-oestradiol and oestrone, whereas the 16α-hydroxylase acts only on 17β-oestradiol.
ROLE OF THE THYROID GLAND IN DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF RENAL HYPERTENSION IN RATS
Authors: Fregly Melvin J. , Cook Kenneth M.
Published: December 2008

The anti-thyroid drugs, thiouracil, propylthiouracil, and methimazole, prevented both development of elevated blood pressure and cardiac hypertrophy usually accompanying kidney encapsulation with latex envelopes. These drugs also reduced elevated blood pressure of rats with hypertension of 13 to 40 weeks' duration prior to drug administration. Addition of desiccated thyroid powder to diet containing an anti-thyroid drug overcame the anti-hypertensive effect of the latter. Withdrawal of thyroid powder only was followed by return of blood pressure to previous low level within 3 weeks.

The results suggest that the anti-hypertensive effect of these drugs is related directly to the hypothyroidism produced rather than to extrathyroidal effects of the drugs. Comparison of potencies of the 3 drugs in terms of anti-hypertensive effect, inhibition of growth rate, increase in testicular size, and increase in thyroid size suggests that propylthiouracil and methimazole are equally potent per unit weight of drug. Thiouracil has approximately half the potency of the other two.
EFFECT OF SEX HORMONES ON EHRLICH MOUSE ASCITES CANCER
Authors: Ahlström C. G. , Jonsson N.
Published: December 2008

Ehrlich mouse ascites cancer grew better during the first 3 days after inoculation in female than in male mice. The difference was only demonstrable on inoculation with small doses of cancer cells and could not be seen when large doses were used. On the 5th day after inoculation no difference could be observed in the growth of the cancer between males and females.

Gonadectomy had no influence on the growth of the cancer.

Testosterone inhibited the growth of the cancer in castrated male mice.

It had no effect on the growth of the cancer in castrated female mice.

Oestradiol did not influence the growth of the cancer in castrated male or female mice.

It is noteworthy that the results obtained in a previous investigation on the growth of the Ehrlich mouse ascites cancer in hamsters revealed a hormonal influence which was only discernible in its natural host during the early growth of the cancer and then only after transplantation of a relatively small number of cancer cells.
A COMPARISON OF PLASMA 17-HYDROXYCORTICOSTEROID LEVELS WITH THE URINARY EXCRETION OF 17-KETOGENIC STEROIDS AND 17-KETOSTEROIDS
Authors: Lingjoerde Per , Kirkeby Knut , Hangård Gunnar
Published: December 2008

Plasma 17-OHCS and urinary excretion of 17-KGS and 17-KS have been compared in 24 patients with chronic polyarthritis, who had been treated for years with corticosteroids. All medication was discontinued 3 days before this investigation. To test the adrenal cortical response the patients were given intramuscular injections of 40 IU of a long-acting ACTH preparation twice daily on 6 consecutive days. Plasma 17-OHCS were determined at 8 a. m. before the first ACTH injection and 3 hours after the injection on the first and sixth treatment days. The urinary concentration of 17-KGS and 17-KS were measured in 24 hour samples on the control day, and on the first and sixth days of treatment.

The results show a greater variation in the 17-KS groups than in the 17-KGS and 17-OHCS groups, the smallest variation being in the 17-OHCS groups. There is a significant increase in all values after the first ACTH injection and a further significant increase after the sixth injection, but the t-values are much larger in the 17-OHCS groups than in the 17-KS groups, while the 17-KGS groups occupy an intermediate position. The plasma 17-OHCS values correlate better with the urinary 17-KGS than with the 17-KS. The correlation between 17-OHCS and 17-KGS is not very good (P > 0.05). There is a negative correlation between 17-OHCS and 17-KS control values, and the correlation after ACTH is very poor. 17-KGS correlate well with 17-KS (P < 0.01).
HORMONES THYROIDIENNES ET METABOLISME DU CHOLESTEROL CHEZ LE POULET
Authors: Michel Raymond , Cabanne Ferdinand , Truchot Roger , Roche Jean
Published: December 2008

3:5:3′-triiodo-l-thyronine (T3), l-thyroxine (T4), 3:5:3′-triiodothyroacetic acetic acid (TA3) and 3:5:3′-triiodothyropropionic acid (TP3) have an hypocholesterolaemic effect in chickens fed on an atherogenic diet. This effect, chiefly observed with the three former drugs, generally continues for a month. After that, we observe a rapid rise in serum cholesterol.

The liver cholesterol and the serum lipids are greatly increased by a prolonged thyroid treatment. This rise is followed by a decrease of liver coenzyme A content. This is due to the utilization of this compound, for the conjugation of the bile acids which are produced at an increased rate by the degradation of the lipids.

Histological analysis have shown that if hypercholesterolaemia is generally responsible for the lipids aortic infiltration, this is not always observed. The anatomo-biochemical correlation is also a process of an extreme complexity.
THE EFFECTS OF RESERPINE ON HISTAMINE TOLERANCE AND ENDOCRINE ORGANS OF THE RAT
Authors: Sackler A. M. , Weltman A. S. , Bradshaw M. , Heilman F.
Published: December 2008

Reserpine administration resulted in a rise in histamine tolerance of male rats as evidenced by a rise in histamine LD50.

This increase in histamine LD50 is characteristic of small doses of reserpine; larger doses resulted in an increased treatment of period mortality, marked endocrine and body weight losses.
OCCURRENCE OF δ5-3β-HYDROXYSTEROIDS IN ADRENAL AND TESTICULAR TISSUE
Authors: Neher Robert , Wettstein Albert
Published: December 2008

Pregnenolone (3β-hydroxy-pregn-5-en-20-one) and 17α-hydroxy-pregnenolone (3β, 17-dihydroxy-pregn-5-en-20-one) have been isolated for the first time from pig adrenals, in which no trace of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA, 3β-hydroxy-androst-5-en-17-one) could be detected. It has been possible, however, to obtain DHA from bovine testes, which in turn contained no 17α-hydroxy-pregnenolone.

In view of the enzymatic reactions which androgens are known to undergo in adrenal and testicular tissue, these findings strongly support the assumption that DHA is chiefly derived from adrenal 17α-hydroxy-pregnenolone. They also provide reliable evidence in favour of the view that in both adrenal and testicular tissue two pregnenolone-dependent androgen pathways exist, the major adrenal pathway being pregnenolone→ 17α-hydroxy-pregnenolone → DHA → androst-4-ene-3,17-dione, and the major testicular pathway: pregnenolone → progesterone → 17α-hydroxy-progesterone → androstenedione.
ALLYLESTRENOL, A PREGNANCY MAINTAINING ORAL GESTAGEN
Authors: Madjerek Z. , de Visser J. , van der Vies J. , Overbeek G. A.
Published: December 2008

In the search for a pregnancy maintaining steroid allylestrenol has been found orally active in the Clauberg assay, the mouse deciduoma test and in maintaining pregnancy in spayed rats. It has been shown to be practically devoid of androgenic, oestrogenic and gonad- and adrenal-inhibiting properties; no impairment of pregnancy and no influence on the external genitalia of foetuses were observed. Some antioestrogenic activity is present. In chronic toxicity studies in rats and dogs no signs of general toxicity were observed.

Allylestrenol can thus be considered as a pure and complete oral gestagen.
A NEW CLASS OF LONG-ACTING STEROID HORMONE ESTERS
Authors: Diczfalusy Egon
Published: December 2008

A new class of long-acting steroid hormone esters is described. The new compounds are esters of p-alkoxyphenyl propionic acid. By varying the length of the alkoxy group between 3 and 12 carbon atoms, long-acting esters of testosterone, 19-nortestosterone, 17β-oestradiol, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, 11-deoxycorticosterone and cortisone were obtained. When administered to laboratory animals, the intensity and duration of the effect of some of the new esters was greatly superior to that of similar long-acting esters currently used in therapeutics.
EFFECTS OF THYROXINE ON GROWTH OF MAMMARY GLANDS, WHOLE BODY, HEART AND LIVER IN HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED RATS TREATED WITH INSULIN, CORTISONE AND OVARIAN STEROIDS
Authors: Jacobsohn Dora
Published: December 2008

The effect of thyroxine on the growth of mammary glands and other tissues was studied in rats devoid of hypophysial hormones.

1. Experimental procedures permitting prolonged treatment of hypophysectomized rats with thyroxine together with long acting insulin, cortisone, oestradiolbenzoate and progesterone in doses inducing growth were worked out. It was found essential 1) to subject the rats to a fortnight's pretreatment with thyroxine before superimposing the other hormones and 2) to avoid cortisone in doses larger than 0.25 mg daily.

2. Administration of thyroxine with or without cortisone to gonadectomized hypophysectomized rats injected with oestradiolbenzoate and progesterone resulted in a development of end buds whilst other mammary tissues remained atrophic.

3. Thyroxine enhanced the growth reaction of the mammary glands to oestradiolbenzoate and progesterone in gonadectomized hypophysectomized rats treated with insulin and cortisone.

4. Determinations of the weight and length of the body and of the weight of the liver, heart ventricles and adrenal glands showed that thyroxine in the hypophysectomized rats treated with insulin, cortisone and ovarian steroids enhanced the growth of the body and heart ventricles.

5. The observations made in the present work support the view that the growth of the mammary gland is dependent upon the state of the general metabolism.
SUCCINIC DEHYDROGENASE ACTIVITY OF THE THYROID GLAND AS AN INDICATOR OF THE ACTIVITY OF THE THYROID CELLS
Authors: Telkkä Antti , Heikkilä K. J. , Hopsu Väinö K.
Published: December 2008

The thyroid glands of guinea-pigs were stimulated by the administration of methylthiouracil. The histochemically demonstrable succinic dehydrogenase activity was determined by the quantitative tetrazolium method. A marked increase in the enzymatic activity of the stimulated thyroid glands was observed and measured. The quantitative estimation of enzymatic activity is apparently a reliable and sensitive method for demonstrating the activity of the thyroid cells.
INHIBITORY EFFECTS OF ANTIRAT PITUITARY SERUM (APS) ON HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED RATS INJECTED WITH PITUITARY HORMONES
Authors: Anigstein Ludwik , Rennels Edward G. , Anigstein Dorothy M.
Published: December 2008

This study concerns the effects of the rat pituitary antiserum (APS) and of bovine growth-hormone (STH) antiserum upon the organs of hypophysectomized rats. Hormonal stimulation was produced by the injection of rat pituitary homogenate or purified hormones. By using the tibial width test and organ weights, hormonal stimulation and the degree of inhibition by antisera were evaluated. It was found that APS, when injected in conjunction with rat pituitary homogenate into hypophysectomized rats, inhibited the activities of growth and gonadotrophic hormones. Similar inhibitory effect was obtained when APS was injected in conjunction with bovine STH into hypophysectomized rats. Bovine STH antiserum was found to inhibit stimulatory effect of rat pituitary. Serological studies by complement fixation and precipitin tests exhibited specific antibodies in APS and in bovine STH antiserum against their homologous antigens. The Ouchterlony technique revealed some common components in rat and bovine pituitary antigens.
BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF 9,10-ISOMERIC STEROIDS
Authors: Schöler H. F. L. , de Wachter A. M.
Published: December 2008

Progestational activity of four 9β,10α steroids (»retro-steroids«) has been studied. These new compounds have the hydrogen atom on carbon atom 9 in the β position, and the 19-methyl group on carbon atom 10 in the α position, which is the reverse of the normal 9α,10β structure.

The following compounds were subjected to the Clauberg test, both after subcutaneous and oral administration:

I retro-progesterone

II 6-dehydro-retro-progesterone*

III 17α-acetoxy-retro-progesterone

IV 6-dehydro-17α-acetoxy-retro-progesterone.

All four compounds were orally active.

In the subcutaneous route the maximum effect (comparable total dose of progesterone 10 mg), was obtained for the compounds I, II, III and IV with total doses of 5 mg, 1 mg, 1 mg and 0.5 mg, respectively. In the oral route these figures were respectively 50 mg, 10 mg, 2.5 mg and 1.25 mg (compared with progesterone 10 mg s. c.). Compound IV was within the 95% confidence limit 3.5–12.6 times orally more active than progesterone s. c.
ISOLEMENT ET QUELQUES CARACTERISTIQUES D'UNE GONADOTROPHINE URINAIRE DE MÉNOPAUSE HOMOGÈNE A L'ELECTROPHORÈSE
Authors: Bourrillon R. , Got R. , Marcy R.
Published: December 2008

A new method for preparation of Human Menopausal Gonadotrophin involves successively alcoholic precipitation, kaolin adsorption and chromatography on ion exchangers. A highly active material is obtained which corresponds to 1 mg per litre of urine and has an activity of 1 mouse uterus unit at a dose of 0.003 mg. This gonadotrophin possesses both follicle stimulating and luteinizing activities in hypophysectomized female rats, by histological study. It contains 13 % hexose, 10% hexosamine and 8.5 % sialic acid.

A further purification, by zone electrophoresis on starch, gives a final product, biologically active at 0.001 mg, which behaves as an homogenous substance in free electrophoresis with mobility −4.76 × 10−5 at pH 8.6.
COMPORTEMENT MÉTABOLIQUE DU RAT HÉPATECTOMISÉ
Authors: Béraud Th. , Vannotti A.
Published: December 2008

A diffuse liver lesion (hepatitis) produced an increase of the organic iodine compounds of the blood without an increase of the basal metabolic rate. By measuring the oxygen consumption of the rat after thyroidectomy and hepatectomy, it was shown that the basal metabolism does not respond any more to the injection of triiodothyronine.

Six hours after the radiotriiodothyronine injection, strong retention of hormone in the blood was noticed, a weaker one in the kidney and in the myocardium. This retention is accompanied by a diminution of the urinary elimination. The chromatographic analyses allowed to explain that this was not only due to a slackening of the catabolism with accumulation of triiodothyronine in the circulation and in the tissues, but also to an alteration of the hormonal catabolism. Among the metabolites were found in particular monoiodotyrosine and the glucuronic acid conjugates of triiodothyronine. The kidney compensates the absence of the liver by carrying out the conjugation with glucuronic acid which generally occurs in the liver; the monoiodotyrosine would be the product of a scission, at the periphery, of triiodothyronine. These two processes of degradation explain, at least partly, the absence of a metabolic response after the triiodothyronine injection in the hepatectomized rat.
ENDOCRINE HISTOLOGY AS AFFECTED BY PLANE OF NUTRITION IN PREGNANT GILTS »SUS SCROFA L.«
Authors: Hafez E. S. E. , Ensminger M. E. , Eshiet N. E.
Published: December 2008

Pigs were reared on two planes of nutrition (high and low) for ten successive generations. Gilts of F10 were slaughtered 38 and 100 days post coitum. The adrenal, pituitary and thyroid glands were dissected out and fixed in formalin. Serial cross sections of the endocrine glands were mounted and stained with eosin-haematoxylin-azure II. The histological characteristics of these organs were studied microscopically (900 ×).

1.

a. The plane of nutrition for ten successive generations (ten years) had no statistically significant effect on the weight of the adrenal glands or on the granulation of the nucleus and cytoplasm.

b. The plane of nutrition had no statistical significant effect on cell count in zona glomerulosa of the 100-day pregnant group. In the 38-day group. there were significantly more cells in the zone glomerulosa of the high plane gilts. In the zona fasciculata-reticularis the high plane group had significantly more cells than the low plane group. This probably indicates greater activity among the gilts on high level. Level of feeding had no significant effect on the medulla.

c. There were no statistical significant differences in the size of nucleus of adrenal.

d. Plane of nutrition had a significant effect on the height of the zona glomerulosa of the 38-day pregnant gilts. There were no significant differences in respect to the height of zona fasciculata-reticularis and the medulla.

2.

a. The plane of nutrition had no significant effect on the weight of the pituitary gland.

b. There were no significant effects of plane of nutrition in respect to number of small beta cells, large beta cells, chromophobes, and acidophiles. There was, however, some evidence of acidophiles being the most numerous cell type.

3. Plane of nutrition had no significant effect on either the weight of the thyroid gland, height of epithelium or amount of stored colloid and height of colloid.
DER EINFLUSS DES ANORGANISCHEN BLUTJODES AUF DEN JODUMSATZ DER MENSCHLICHEN SCHILDDRÜSE
Authors: Reinwein D. , Klein E.
Published: December 2008

In 26 euthyroid persons without goiter the influence of various concentrations of iodide in blood on the iodine metabolism of the thyroid was investigated. This iodide level in blood was maintained for 7 days.

1. At a normal iodide level in blood of about 0.8 μg/100 ml the average iodine uptake of the thyroid was 13.3 μg/h.

2. Increasing iodide concentration in blood caused depressed uptake of 131I from a tracer dose as well as decreased T/S ratio. With the exception of 3 cases there was no uptake above 20 μg/100 ml.

3. The absolute iodine uptake of the thyroid depending on the concentration of iodide in blood was stimulated by moderate increases, but inhibited respectively blocked by higher ones. At a middle iodide level of 6.1, 15.1, 34.4 and 86.4 μg/100 ml of the absolute iodine uptake amounts to 82.0, 32.7, 2.0 resp. 2.1 μg/h.

4. The hormonal phase of the thyroidal iodine metabolism remained in most cases unchanged by the one week's iodide medication. In two cases only an activated iodine metabolism was suggested. The hormonal iodine concentration in blood never showed a thyrogenic increment.
RELEASE OF INSULIN FROM ISOLATED RAT PANCREAS IN VITRO
Authors: Bouman P. R.
Published: December 2008

Krebs-Ringer solution in which pancreatic tissue of normal rats had been previously incubated, did not stimulate the glucose uptake of the isolated rat diaphragm. An increased glucose uptake was observed, however, after adding incubate of pancreatic tissue from rats in which the pancreatic ducts had been ligated 6 weeks prior to the experiment. Glucose uptake in the isolated diaphragm was also increased by joint incubation with pancreatic tissue of normal rats. Diaphragmatic glucose uptake was not stimulated by joint incubation with pancreatic tissue of alloxan-diabetic rats. It was concluded that insulin is released from pancreatic tissue under in vitro conditions. Unless muscular tissue is present, this insulin is completely inactivated, presumably by proteolytic pancreatic enzymes.
IDENTIFICATION OF THE ANTIDIURETIC SUBSTANCE IN HUMAN URINE
Authors: Mayer Frederick S.
Published: December 2008

1. The urine of human subjects voided after smoking has been extracted by a method employing adsorption on zinc ferrocyanide and the extracts tested for the antidiuretic activity of arginine vasopressin by the intravenous assay method of Jeffers et al. with modifications by Dicker.

2. Smokers' urine extracts had an antidiuretic activity of approximately 100 mU of arginine vasopressin per litre of urine.

3. The pattern of the antidiuretic response of the urine extracts with regards to the dose-response relationship and duration of action was identical with that elicited by the U. S. P. reference standard of arginine vasopressin.

4. Upon paper chromatography by the descending method with the butanol-acetic acid-water system, the urine extract showed an Rf value identical to that of another sample of arginine vasopressin.

5. The antidiuretic substance excreted in human smokers' urine is arginine vasopressin, the hormone from the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland.
THE INFLUENCE OF VITAMIN C ON EOSINOPHIL RESPONSE TO ACUTE ALCOHOL INTOXICATION IN RATS
Authors: Vanha-Perttula T. P. J.
Published: December 2008

The effect of ethyl alcohol on the circulating eosinophil cells has been studied in female albino rats. An intoxicating dose of alcohol caused a marked depletion of circulating eosinophils which was most clearly evident four hours after the administration of the alcohol. The initial values were not reached before 24 hours had elapsed. Intraperitoneal injection of vitamin C 12 hours prior to the alcohol administration very effectively prevented this eosinopenic reaction. The mechanism of regulation of the eosinophil cells in the circulation has been discussed in the light of previous results and of those obtained in this study.
ASSAY OF CORTICOTROPHIN PREDNISOLONE PRETREATMENT INSTEAD OF HYPOPHYSECTOMY IN THE ADRENAL ASCORBIC ACID DEPLETION TEST
Authors: Hamburger Christian
Published: December 2008

The inhibitory effect of various corticosteroids and synthetic analogues on the stress-induced release of corticotrophin was measured in adult male rats by means of the adrenal ascorbic acid depletion test. All the compounds examined were active, dexamethasone and prednisolone being the most effective inhibitors.

A single subcutaneous injection of a microcrystalline aqueous suspension of prednisolone (1.5 mg per rat), given about 2 hours before left-sided adrenalectomy, blocked completely the adrenal ascorbic acid depletion. Quantitative assays of a purified corticotrophin preparation were carried out with hypophysectomized and prednisolone-treated intact rats. The latter were less sensitive to corticotrophin, but the slopes of the calibration curves and the standard deviations appeared to be the same in both instances.

It is concluded that it is feasible to replace the surgical hypophysectomy by prednisolone pretreatment in the ascorbic acid depletion test for corticotrophin.
Molecular genetics of thyroid diseases
Authors: Ledent Catherine , Parma Jasmine , Dumont Jacques , Vassart Gilbert , Targovnik Hector
Published: December 2008

Ledent C, Parma J, Dumont J, Vassart G, Targovnik H. Molecular genetics of thyroid diseases. Eur J Endocrinol 1994;130:8–14. ISSN 0804–4643

Over the past 20 years, recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid technology has led to the cloning of three major thyroid specific protein genes (thyroglobulin, thyroperoxidase and thyrotrophin receptor), which happen to be also the main thyroid autoantigens implicated in thyroid diseases. In this context, the impact that molecular genetics has had on the understanding of aetiopathogeny and diagnosis of thyroid diseases is summarized, with special emphasis on a recently discovered genetic mechanism responsible for toxic nodules. One fruitful outcome of the basic research on thyroid-specific gene expression has been the possibility of targeting the expression of a series of genes to the thyroid in transgenic mice. The result is the availability of mouse models mimicking human thyroid diseases such as destructive hypothyroidism, hyperactive thyroid adenomas and thyroid cancers exhibiting varying levels of differentiation.

Gilbert Vassart, Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire, Faculté de médecine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Campus Erasme, 808 route de Lennik, 1070 Bruxelles, Belgium
Cellular alterations in pituitary tumors
Authors: Spada Anna , Vallar Lucia , Faglia Giovanni
Published: December 2008

Spada A, Vallar L, Faglia G. Cellular alterations in pituitary tumors. Eur J Endocrinol 1994;130:43–52. ISSN 0804–4643

In the last few years, molecular studies on pituitary adenomas have yielded evidence supporting a primary pituitary origin of these tumors. Although the existence of genomic alterations in tumoral cells is strongly suggested by the fact that almost all pituitary adenomas are monoclonal in origin, structural genetic abnormalities such as rearrangement, deletion or mutation, which could result in transcriptional activation, have been identified in a minority of tumors. As far as the possible loss of anti-oncogenes in pituitary tumors is concerned, gene alterations have not been found in the p53 nor in the retinoblastoma gene, while loss of chromosome 1 1q13 sequences, which contain the deduced location of the yet uncloned MEN-1 gene, has been reported in a subset of GH-secreting adenomas. With regard to the activation of dominant oncogenes in the process of tumor formation, activating mutations of either the Gs α-subunit or the ras gene have been identified in a large proportion of GH-secreting adenomas and in individual particularly invasive tumours, respectively. Promoting agents such as hypothalamic neurohormones and growth factors may be required for the selective growth of genetically altered cells. In this respect, it is worth noting that receptor/postreceptor alterations occurring in pituitary tumors may cause an increased action of stimulatory neurohormones with growth promoting properties as well as defective action of inhibitory inputs.

Anna Spada, Institute of Endocrine Sciences, Pad. Granelli Ospedale Maggiore IRCCS, via F Sforza 35, Milano 20122, Italy
Urinary profile of androgen metabolites at different stages of pubertal development in a population of sporting male subjects
Authors: Dehennin Louis , Delgado Antonio , Pérès Gilbert
Published: December 2008

Dehennin L, Delgado A. Pérès G. Urinary profile of androgen metabolites at different stages of pubertal development in a population of sporting male subjects. Eur J Endocrinol 1994;130:53–9. ISSN 0804–4643

In this cross-sectional study on 140 subjects, several testosterone and epitestosterone metabolites have been analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry associated with stable isotope dilution, a technique requested for doping analysis in general, and detection of exogenous testosterone supply in particular. Urinary excretions of luteinizing hormone, testosterone and epitestosterone glucoronides and sulfates, as well as glucuronides of 5-androstene-3β,1 7α-diol. 5α- and 5β-androstane-3α,1 7α-diol and the corresponding 17β-isomers, present similar patterns of increase throughout pubertal development, from stage 1 up to stage 5. Excretion levels are significantly different in general between stages 1, 2, 3 and 4, the highest percentage increase being observed between stages 3 and 4. None of the ratios of testosterone to epitestosterone glucuronides are beyond the threshold value of 6, where testosterone abuse by athletes is suspected. No particular pubertal stage exceeded this critical value with a probability higher than p=0.006, a value that was determined on the whole population. This is consistent with the non-significant differences between correlation slopes of regression curves, relating either testosterone or epitestosterone glucuronide to chronological age. The ratio of testosterone glucuronide to luteinizing hormone increases significantly throughout puberty and this might be a limitation to the widespread use of this ratio for the detection of testosterone misuse. Other ratios, such as testosterone glucuronide to epitestosterone (glucuronide + sulfate), glucuronides of testosterone to 5-androstene-3β,1 7α-diol, glucuronides of epitestosterone to 5-androstene-3β,1 7α-diol and epitestosterone glucuronide to sulfate, which have been suggested as efficient complementary criteria for the detection of testosterone and/or epitestosterone self-administration, have non-significant interstage variability, except between stages 3 and 4.

L Dehennin, Fondation de Recherche en Hormonologie, 67 Boulevard Pasteur, 94260 Fresnes, France
Effect of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG)/follicle-stimulating hormone treatment versus hCG treatment alone on testicular descent: a double-blind placebo-controlled study
Authors: Hoorweg-Nijman Jantine JG , Havers Hester M , Delemarre-van de Waal Henriette A
Published: December 2008

Hoorweg-Nijman JJG, Havers HM, Delemarre-van de Waal HA. Effect of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG)/follicle-stimulating hormone treatment versus hCG treatment alone on testicular descent: a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Eur J Endocrinol 1994;1 30:60–4. ISSN 0804–4643

The medical treatment of retentio testis remains controversial because of ineffectiveness and/or adverse events. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) seems to influence the spontaneous descent of the testis; furthermore, it induces luteinizing hormone (LH) receptors. Therefore, we performed a double-blind placebo-controlled study to investigate the effect of FSH with human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) versus hCG alone in retentio testis patients. Twenty-two boys with retentio testis were investigated, excluding retractile testis. Group A (N= 14: four with bilateral and 10 with unilateral retentio testis; mean age 3.1 5 years) was treated with 150 IU of FSH twice a week for 2 weeks followed by 1 50 IU of FSH and 250 IU of hCG (half the recommended World Health Organization dose) twice a week for another 4 weeks. Group B (N = 8: two with bilateral and six with unilateral retentio testis: mean age 3.3 years) was treated with 250 IU of hCG twice a week for 6 weeks. Testicular position, volume and consistency as well as the appearance of the scrotum and the penile length were determined at the start of the treatment as well as at weeks 2.4.6 and 12 by two independent investigators. Blood investigation consisted of measurements of LH, FSH, testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin. Successful descent was considered when the testis reached a mid- or low scrotal position. In group A, 6/18 testes descended successfully. In group B, 6/10 testes descended. Of the unsuccessfully treated patients, six of group A and three of group B underwent surgery. Of these patients, 6/8 testes of group A and all testes of group B showed anatomical abnormalities, which could explain the lack of hormonal response. There were no significant differences in hormonal parameters between the two groups. In both groups no serious adverse events were mentioned or observed. In conclusion, half the recommended WHO dose of hCG is sufficient to reach successful descent in 43% of treated patients, with no serious adverse events; this response rate is in agreement with the literature. Follicle-stimulating hormone does not seem to have an additional effect on the success rate, and most of the unsuccessfully treated patients showed anatomical abnormalities at operation.

JJG Hoorweg-Nijman, Department of Paediatrics, Free University Hospital. PO Box 7057, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Effect of peptide nicking in the human chorionic gonadotropin β-subunit on stimulation of recombinant human thyroid-stimulating hormone receptors
Authors: Yoshimura Masayoshi , Pekary A Eugene , Pang Xuan-Ping , Berg Loretta , Cole Laurence A , Kardana Andrew , Hershman Jerome M
Published: December 2008

Yoshimura M, Pekary AE, Pang X-P, Berg L, Cole LA, Kardana A, Hershman JM. Effect of peptide nicking in the human chorionic gonadotropin β-subunit on stimulation of recombinant human thyroid-stimulating hormone receptors. Eur J Endocrinol 1994;130:92–6. ISSN 0804–4643

It is now generally accepted that human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) has thyroid-stimulating activity. Heterologous forms of the hCG molecule occur in the purified preparations extracted from urine of pregnant women and patients with trophoblastic diseases. This work was undertaken to determine the effect of peptide nicking in the hCG-β subunit on its thyrotropic potency. Using Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing functional human thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptors, we examined the effect of nicked hCG on cyclic AMP (cAMP) production and receptor binding. The effect of human leukocyte elastase (hLE), a nicking enzyme, on standard hCG also was examined in the cAMP assay and on receptor binding. We studied five hCG preparations extracted from the urine of normal pregnancy (CR-127 and P8) and trophoblastic diseases (C2, C5 and M4). Two preparations (C2, 96% nicked and M4, 100% nicked in the β44–49 region) showed about a 1.5-fold potency of standard hCG CR-127, which is also 20% nicked in the same region. Non-nicked hCG (P8) had the weakest potency among all of the samples tested. Treatment of standard hCG with hLE increased the cAMP response about two-fold. Dose-dependent displacement of bovine [125I]TSH by standard hCG and hLE-digested hCG was observed and was almost identical. We have confirmed the increased in vitro thyrotropic activity of hCG nicked in the β-intercysteine loop on recombinant human TSH receptors. These data suggest that peptide heterogeneity of the hCG molecule may modulate the in vivo thyrotropic activity of hCG in pregnant women and patients with trophoblastic diseases.

Jerome M Hershman, Endocrinology-W111D, West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California 90073, USA
Synthesis and characterization of anti-idiotypic anti-T4 antibodies
Authors: Juge-Aubry CE , Liang Hong , Lang Jochen , Barlow John W , Burger Albert G
Published: December 2008

Juge-Aubry CE, Liang H, Lang J, Barlow JW, Burger AG. Synthesis and characterization of anti-idiotypic anti-thyroxine antibodies. Eur J Endocrinol 1994;130:107–12. ISSN 0804–4643

We injected rabbits with purified monoclonal murine immunoglobulin (IgG1) or polyclonal anti-thyroxine antibodies (anti-T4) and polyclonal anti-triiodothyroacetic acid (anti-Triac) antibodies to stimulate the production of anti-idiotypic antibodies. Purified immunoglobulins from all five rabbits immunized with monoclonal primary antibodies were able to inhibit the interaction between [125I]T4 and the primary antibody. The preimmune sera were inactive. This effect was not due to endogenous T4 contamination or contamination with the injected primary antibody. Half-maximal inhibition of binding of primary antibody with anti-idiotype was between 1.6 and 30 μg of total immunoglobulins. Addition of normal mouse IgG1 did not alter the inhibitory effect of the anti-idiotypic antibody. suggesting that this effect is specific. These anti-idiotypic antibodies reacted differently with different polyclonal antibodies, reflecting the heterogeneous nature of polyclonal antibody populations. Polyclonal antibodies were less effective in stimulating anti-idiotypic antibody production. One polyclonal anti-T4 and one anti-Triac antibody produced weak anti-idiotypic antibody that had to be used at a concentration of > 600 μg of total immunoglobulins to be inhibitory. Both inhibited the binding of T4 to the monoclonal anti-T4 antibody. However, they were ineffective in inhibiting the function of their own antigen, the polyclonal anti-T4 or anti-Triac antibody. We tested the most potent anti-idiotypic antibodies for their ability to compete with T4 for other T4-binding proteins. Specific inhibition of T4 binding to thyroid-binding globulin was observed with half-maximal effect at approximately 450 μg of total IgG. The antibody was negative when tested against Transthyretin, rat liver deiodinase type I, triiodothyronine cell uptake and liver cytoplasmic triiodothyronine binding. In conclusion, the technique described herein allows production of anti-idiotypic anti-T4, which can be useful in the characterization of the range of iodothyronine-binding sites involved in thyroid hormone action.

AG Burger, Unité de la Thyroïde, Hôpital Cantonal Universitaire, 1211 Genève 4, Switzerland
Identification and characterization of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and IGF-II/mannose-6-phosphate (IGF-II/M6P) receptors in bovine adrenal cells
Authors: Weber Matthias M , Kiess Wieland , Beikler Thomas , Simmler Pia , Reichel Martin , Adelmann Barbara , Kessler Ulrike , Engelhardt Dieter
Published: December 2008

Weber MM, Kiess W, Beikler T, Simmler P, Reichel M, Adelmann B, Kessler U, Engelhardt D. Identification and characterization of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and IGF-II/mannose-6-phosphate (IGF-II/M6P) receptors in bovine adrenal cells. Eur J Endocrinol 1994;130:265–70. ISSN 0804–4643

We have identified and characterized insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and IGF-II/mannose-6-phosphate (IGF-II/M6P) receptors in bovine adrenal cells. Iodine-125-labeled IGF-I ([125I]IGF-I) binding was characteristic of the IGF-I receptor, and binding kinetics as well as receptor densities were similar in cortical and medullary membranes. Scatchard analysis of [125I]IGF-I binding to cultured adrenocortical cells showed a single class of high-affinity binding sites with a Kd of 1.4 nmol/l and an average of 150 000 binding sites/cell. Affinity cross-linking experiments displayed a band at an apparent molecular weight of 135 kD, corresponding to the size of the α-subunit of the IGF-I receptor. In analogy, the binding of [125I]IGF-II to bovine adrenal membranes was characteristic of the IGF-II/ M6P receptor and no differences between cortical and medullary membrane fractions were found. Scatchard analysis revealed a single class of high-affinity binding sites in adrenocortical cells with a Kd of 1.1 nmol/l and an average of 280 000 binding sites/cell. The identity of the IGF-II/M6P receptor was confirmed by western blotting of adrenocortical membranes with an anti-IGF-II/M6P receptor antibody and by affinity cross-linking of adrenocortical cells with labeled IGF-II. In conclusion, we have identified and characterized IGF-I and IGF-II/M6P receptors in bovine adrenocortical as well as medullary cells. In both regions of the bovine adrenal gland the IGF-II/M6P receptor is much more abundant than the IGF-I receptor.

Matthias M Weber, Medizinische Klinik II, Klinikum Groβhadern, Marchioninistraβe 15, 81377 München, Germany
Effects of long-term treatment with the gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog nafarelin in patients with non-functioning pituitary adenomas
Authors: Colombo Paolo , Ambrosi Bruno , Saccomanno Katia , Bassetti Monique , Cortelazzi Donatella , Faglia Giovanni
Published: December 2008

Colombo P, Ambrosi B, Saccomanno K, Bassetti M, Cortelazzi D, Faglia G. Effects of long-term treatment with the gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog nafarelin in patients with non-functioning pituitary adenomas. Eur J Endocrinol 1994;130:339–45. ISSN 0804–4643

The supposed origin of non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPA) from gonadotrophs prompted us to investigate the effects of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analog nafarelin on hormonal and tumoral parameters in eight patients with NFPA, previously unsuccessfully operated and all hypogonadal. Nafarelin was administered intranasally for 1 year to all patients. Four patients received a dose of 1200 μg/day; the remaining four received 800 μg/day for 3 months, which was subsequently increased to 1200 μg/day. Basal gonadotropin and α-subunit (αSU) levels were low–normal. In four patients (nos. 1,2,3,5) nafarelin significantly lowered luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, and also folliclestimulating hormone (FSH) in three of them (nos. 1,2,3). Persistent FSH stimulation occurred in three patients (nos. 6,7,8), with a transient slight LH increase only in patient no. 8. In one patient (no. 7), αSU levels were persistently stimulated. Hormonal responses to an acute GnRH test during nafarelin administration were generally blunted when compared to the pretreatment responses. Immunofluorescence results, obtained before treatment in five adenomas (nos. 2,3,4,6,7), had been as follows: positive for FSH-β in all; negative for LH-β in all, except a few positive cells in case no. 4; positive for αSU in three (nos. 2,3,7). No changes of visual field and tumor size occurred in any patient during treatment. However, one patient who showed a persistent increase in FSH levels exhibited left palpebral ptosis after 12 months of therapy and underwent a second transsphenoidal surgery. In conclusion: NFPA behave heterogeneously in terms of hormonal responses to GnRH analog therapy; long-term nafarelin treatment was unsuccessful in reducing the size of NFPA; and stimulation rather than inhibition of gonadotropin levels may suggest discontinuance of GnRH analog therapy in NFPA.

Paolo Colombo, Istituto di Scienze Endocrine, Ospedale Maggiore IRCCS-Pad, Granelli, via F. Sforza 35, 20122 Milano, Italy
Effect of pericardiocentesis on circulating concentrations of atrial natriuretic hormone and arginine vasopressin in dogs with spontaneous pericardial effusion
Authors: Stokhof Arnold A , Overduin Lisette M , Mol Jan A , Rijnberk Ad
Published: December 2008

Stokhof AA, Overduin LM, Mol JA, Rijnberk A. Effect of pericardiocentesis on circulating concentrations of atrial natriuretic hormone and arginine vasopressin in dogs with spontaneous pericardial effusion. Eur J Endocrinol 1994;130:357–60. ISSN 0804–4643

Factors regulating the secretion of atrial natriuretic hormone (ANH) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) have not been elucidated fully. In several studies the release of these peptides has been studied by inducing both increased atrial pressure and atrial distension. A few studies employ cardiac tamponade, allowing the effect of atrial pressure and atrial stretch to be studied separately. In eleven dogs with spontaneous cardiac tamponade the effect of pericardiocentesis on circulating concentrations of ANP and AVP was studied. Pericardiocentesis was followed by a prompt rise in (non-elevated) plasma ANH concentrations from 21.6 ± 7.3 to 65.4 ± 17.1 pmol/l (mean ± sem). The initially slightly elevated AVP concentration of 5.5 ± 1.5 pmol/l declined following pericardiocentesis to 2.1 ± 0.5 pmol/l. In three dogs the systolic arterial pressure was measured indirectly and the central venous pressure was measured with a fluid-filled catheter. Before and after pericardiocentesis arterial pressure readings did not change significantly. Central venous pressure values showed an immediate very steep significant decrease after centesis. It is concluded that ANH release is primarily regulated by stretch and not by atrial pressure, that plasma AVP concentrations are moderately elevated in cardiac tamponade and that in cardiac tamponade pericardiocentesis causes a rapid decline in plasma AVP concentration.

Arnold A Stokhof, Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Yalelaan 8, 3584 CN Utrecht, The Netherlands