bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ASSESSMENT OF UNCONJUGATED OESTRADIOL AND PROGESTERONE SERUM LEVELS THROUGHOUT PREGNANCY IN NORMAL WOMEN AND IN WOMEN WITH HYPERPROLACTINAEMIA. WHO CONCEIVED AFTER BROMOCRIPTINE TREATMENT
Authors: Thomas Chris M. G. , Corbey Rudolph S. , Rolland Rune
Published: December 2008

Peripheral serum levels of unconjugated oestradiol and of progesterone were measured serially throughout the gestational period in 13 uncomplicated pregnancies. The levels of these hormones were compared with those found in the same time course of 13 patients with hyperprolactinaemia who conceived following bromocriptine treatment. Both steroid hormones were measured by radioimmunoassay using highly specific antibodies. The reliability characteristics of the methods are reported. The patterns of change in the serum levels for both hormones allowed the following conclusions:

1. Serum progesterone in the 11–12th week period showed a statistically nificant difference, the values being lower in bromocriptine pre-treated women (P < 0.05). Hyperprolactinaemia thus may cause suppression of progesterone secretion that - at least in part - originates from the corpus luteum of pregnancy around the time of the luteo-placental shift.

2. No statistically significant differences were observed for both oestradiol and progesterone serum levels between the two groups of pregnant women following 12 weeks of duration. Thus, elevated prolactin during the course of pregnancy does not affect the functional steroid parameters of the foeto-placental unit.
RELATION BETWEEN SEX HORMONE BINDING GLOBULIN AND D-NORGESTREL LEVELS IN PLASMA
Authors: Victor Arne , Weiner Erik , Johansson Elof D. B.
Published: December 2008

In order to investigate the effect of changes in sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels on d-norgestrel (d-Ng) levels in plasma, the plasma levels of SHBG and d-Ng were studied during one treatment cycle in 6 women on oral contraceptives containing d-Ng and ethinyloestradiol (EOe2) and in 3 women using subcutaneous silastic rods containing d-Ng concomitantly taking EOe2 for three weeks. A significant positive correlation between the SHBG and d-Ng levels was found in 7 of the 9 subjects studied. The results provide evidence for an in vivo binding of d-Ng to SHBG, a SHBG influence on the metabolic clearance rate of d-Ng and consequently a dependence of the plasma levels of d-Ng on the SHBG concentrations in the plasma. These findings support the concept that the clinically and biochemically observed anti-oestrogenic/androgenic effects observed in women on d-Ng containing medication are due to a displacement of testosterone from SHBG by d-Ng.
GnRH ACTION IN RAT ANTERIOR PITUITARY GLAND: REGULATION OF PROTEIN, GLYCOPROTEIN AND LH SYNTHESIS
Authors: Menon K. M. J. , Gunaga K. P. , Azhar S.
Published: December 2008

The effect of synthetic GnRH on the synthesis of proteins and glycoproteins in the anterior pituitary and in vitro release of LH into the medium was studied. A maximal dose (25 ng/ml) of synthetic GnRH caused optimum release of radioimmunoassayable LH into the medium after 2 h of incubation. A concomitant increase in cyclic AMP accumulation in the tissue and LH in the incubation medium was also observed under the influence of GnRH during different periods of incubation time. Incubation of the rat anterior pituitary with GnRH stimulated the incorporation of [3H]proline into acid precipitable proteins in a time- and dose-dependent manner, similar to radioimmunoassayable LH released into the medium. Similar results were obtained when pituitary was incubated with dibutyryl cyclic AMP. LH, in addition, enhanced the incorporation of [3H]glucosamine and [3H]amine acids mixture into acidprecipitable proteins suggesting that proteins including glycoproteins are synthesized by the rat anterior pituitary under the influence of GnRH. Approximately 10 % of the radioactivity associated with proteins comigrated with radioimmunoassayable LH on the gels. GnRH also enhanced the incorporation of [3H]glucosamine and [3H]amino acid mixture into immunoprecipitable LH. The GnRH-induced incorporation of [3H]proline into anterior pituitary proteins was abolished by specific translation inhibitors.
ACTIVATION OF ANTERIOR PITUITARY. THYROID AND ADRENAL GLAND IN RATS AFTER DISTURBANCE STRESS
Authors: Döhler K.-D. , Gärtner K. , von zur Mühlen A. , Döhler U.
Published: December 2008

Groups of adult male rats were decapitated without anaesthesia 30 seconds or 5, 10, 15 and 60 min after disturbance stress (investigators entering the animal room and moving the cages). The serum concentrations of LH, FSH, TSH, prolactin, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) were measured by radioimmunoassay and corticosterone by a fluorometric method.

With regard to the hormone levels measured in serum obtained within 30 seconds after induction of disturbance stress to resemble most closely the actual unstressed levels of endogenous hormones in circulation, serum corticosterone levels increased within 5 min. indicating that the procedure was stressful to the animals. In addition the serum prolactin and TSH levels were significantly elevated within 5 min, T3 within 60 min. Whereas corticosterone reached peak levels after 15 min. the serum levels of prolactin, TSH and T3 were still rising after 60 min. The FSH levels remained rather stable during the first 10 min. but started to rise during the following 5 min. At 60 min FSH levels were back to normal. Serum LH and T4 showed only minor fluctuations during the experimental period. These results indicate, that not only is the pituitary-adrenal axis stimulated by emotional stress, but also the pituitary-thyroid axis. It also seems, that emotional stress leads to a general activation of pituitary hormone release. Hence, proper care should be taken with regard to animal keeping, handling and the method of blood collection when dealing with rats as experimental animals.
THE INFLUENCE OF HYPOPHYSECTOMY ON NSILA CONCENTRATIONS IN THE DOG: EVIDENCE FOR PARTIALLY PITUITARY-INDEPENDENT REGULATION
Authors: Eigenmann J. E. , Becker M. , Kammermann B. , Zapf J. , Leemann W. , Froesch E. R.
Published: December 2008

Non-suppressible insulin-like activity (NSILA) was determined in 5 dogs before and after hypophysectomy. All NSILA determinations were carried out on serum samples after acidic Sephadex G-50 chromatography by two different assay systems, i. e. a bioassay and a protein binding assay. The levels of NSILA decreased significantly after hypophysectomy and returned to near normal levels after 2 weeks. T3−, T4− and cortisol levels were drastically reduced during the entire period of the experiment. Several GH determinations after hypophysectomy revealed very low levels. Insulin-induced hypoglycaemia failed to provoke a rise of GH levels as late as 4 months after hypophysectomy.

These findings indicate that:

1) The pituitary gland cannot be the site of synthesis of NSILA.

2) NSILA concentrations in the dog are maintained at a near normal level in the presence of very low growth hormone and thyroid hormone concentrations, so that these latter hormones do not appear to be the only regulatory factors concerned in NSILA synthesis.
HLA ANTIGENS IN GRAVES' DISEASE
Authors: Bech Karine , Lumholtz Bo , Nerup Jørn , Thomsen Mogens , Platz Per , Ryder Lars P. , Svejgaard Arne , Siersbæk-Nielsen Kaj , Hansen Jens Mølholm , Larsen Jørgen Hannover
Published: December 2008

HLA typing of 86 patients with Graves' disease was performed for the A, B, C and D series antigens. An increased frequency of HLA-B8 (47 per cent) and Dw3 (51 per cent) compared with controls (23.7 and 21 per cent, respectively) was observed. The increase of B8 and Dw3 was almost exclusively found in a group of 48 patients with relapse of disease, whereas the frequency of B8 and Dw3 in patients without relapse did not differ significantly from that of the control group. No association with the presence of exophthalmos, thyroid antibodies, or antibodies to Yersinia enterocolitica serotype 3 could be found.
ZINC AND MANGANESE CONTENTS OF MICRO-DISSECTED PANCREATIC ISLETS OF SOME RODENTS
Authors: Havu Niilo , Lundgren Gillis , Falkmer Sture
Published: December 2008

By a flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry procedure, using a graphite furnace, it was possible to assay the contents of zinc and manganese in micro-dissected pancreatic islets of several rodents. Interest was focused upon the islets of guinea-pigs, due to the fact that guinea-pig insulin lacks a histidine residue in the B10 position of the molecule which normally binds zinc (or other heavy metals) in the hexamer formation, probably involved in the storage of insulin.

Both the zinc and manganese contents were too low in the guinea-pig islet parenchyma to be reasonably involved in the storage of insulin in the β-granules. Instead, it was suggested that guinea-pig insulin, like hagfish insulin, might crystallize without access to zinc or other heavy metals. Low zinc and manganese contents were also observed in newborn and diabetic guinea-pigs.

The islet zinc content was high in the Wistar rat, the Chinese hamster, and the spiny mouse. No significant amounts of manganese were found in any of these kinds of islet parenchyma.
INSULIN STIMULATION TESTS IN PITUITARY DEPENDENT CUSHING'S SYNDROME AFTER COMPLETE ADRENALECTOMY
Authors: Croughs R. J. M. , Timmermans H. , Vingerhoeds A. C. M. , Vermeulen A. , Smals A. , Kloppenborg P. W. C. , Meyer J. C.
Published: December 2008

The present study shows that in a group of 6 euadrenal patients, previously treated by complete adrenalectomy for pituitary dependent Cushing's syndrome, the stress stimulus of insulin induced hypoglycaemia is followed by a plasma ACTH response which is of similar magnitude as the response obtained with lysin-vasopressin. Both observations indicate that the central nervous system-pituitary axis is basically normal in pituitary dependent Cushing's syndrome as assessed by insulin induced hypoglycaemia. It is concluded that non-responsiveness of the pituitary-adrenocortical system to insulin induced hypoglycaemia in untreated patients with pituitary dependent Cushing's syndrome does not represent a fundamental defect of the stress mechanism, but is due to hypercorticism per se.
METABOLIC AND HORMONAL EFFECTS OF POST-MENOPAUSAL OESTROGEN REPLACEMENT TREATMENT
Authors: Wallentin Lars , Larsson-Cohn Ulf
Published: December 2008

The influence of daily oral cyclical oestrogen treatment on the plasma lipid and lipoprotein concentrations was studied in post-menopausal females. Ethinyloestradiol (EOe) 0.05 mg was administered to 20 subjects and oestradiol valerianate (OeV) 2 mg to 19 subjects. The women were investigated twice before medication and 1, 3 and 6 months after the start of treatment.

During EOe therapy the total cholesterol (TC) decreased 10 per cent, high density lipoprotein (HDL)-TC and HDL-phospholipid (PL) increased 30–40 per cent, approximated low density lipoprotein (LDL)-TC decreased 30 per cent and triglyceride (TG) increased 30–40 per cent. In the OeV treated group the HDL-TC and the HDL-PL concentrations showed a mean increase of 10–15 per cent after 6 cycles.

Augmented HDL-TC level and/or decreased LDL-TC level is believed to reduce the risk for the development of atherosclerotic disease. Increased TG concentration probably raises the risk for ischaemic cardiovascular disease. Thus the net effect on the development of ischaemic cardiovascular disease due to the changes of plasma lipids induced by EOe 0.05 mg can at present not be evaluated while the plasma lipid changes observed during OeV 2 mg might hypothetically retard the development of atherosclerosis.

Only 10 per cent of the changes of lipid and lipoprotein concentrations could be explained statistically by their correlations to the simultaneously occurring alterations in the glucose tolerance and the concentrations of insulin and growth hormone. The dissimilar changes in the lipid parameters in the EOe and OeV groups might be explained by the different oestrogenic potency of the drugs and a dose-response relationship of oestrogen treatment on protein and probably lipoprotein synthesis.
PLASMA 20α-DIHYDROPROGESTERONE, PROGESTERONE AND 17-HYDROXYPROGESTERONE IN NORMAL HUMAN PREGNANCY
Authors: Florensa Emma , Harrison Robert , Johnson Michael , Youssefnejadian Ezat
Published: December 2008

The peripheral plasma levels of 20α-dihydroprogesterone (20α-DHP), progesterone (P) and 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) were measured by radioimmuoassay techniques in 440 samples during normal human pregnancy between weeks 4 and 41. The levels of 20α-DHP in plasma from the 4th to the 6th week were between 6.0 and 6.6 ng/ml. From then until the 21st week the average plasma 20α-DHP concentrations remained at the same level between 4.0 and 6.3 ng/ml; they then rose significantly to and beyond term, levels reaching over 40 ng/ml.

The range of mean plasma concentration of P during the first trimester of pregnancy fell to a nadir in the 9th week (170 ng/ml) then rose with increased gestation until the 39th week (190.4 ng/ml) followed by a slight and not significant drop.

Single measurements of plasma 17-OHP from the 4th to the 6th week of pregnancy gave value between 2.8 and 3.6 ng/ml, but from the 7th week the mean plasma 17-OHP levels gradually declined, then from week 30 the 17-OHP concentration increased to reach a mean level of 7.63 ng/ml in the 41st week.

The ratio P/20α-DHP increased from the 4th (3.5:1) to the 24th week (15.6:1) and then decreased from the 25th week (7.9:1) towards term (3.2:1).
CORRELATION OF PITUITARY AND TESTICULAR RESPONSES TO STIMULATION TESTS IN CRYPTORCHID CHILDREN
Authors: Gendrel Dominique , Roger Marc , Chaussain Jean-Louis , Canlorbe Pierre , Job Jean-Claude
Published: December 2008

LH-RH test and HCG stimulation test were performed in 154 cryptorchid boys aged 1 month to 15 years (64 unilateral and 90 bilateral). Basal plasma LH levels and LH response to LH-RH were significantly lower from infancy to early puberty in cryptorchids compared with controls. Basal FSH levels and FSH response to LH-RH were normal. The post-HCG rise of plasma testosterone was reduced until mid-puberty. A significant positive correlation was found between post-HCG testosterone levels and pre- and post-LH-RH levels of LH. This correlation suggests that testicular maldescent and the decreased ability of Leydig cells to respond to a short course of HCG may result from an early defect or a delay of pituitary LH secretion.
THE EFFECTS OF TESTOSTERONE AND ITS 5α-REDUCED METABOLITES ON PITUITARY RESPONSIVENESS TO GONADOTROPHIN-RELEASING HORMONE (Gn-RH)
Authors: Epstein Y. , Lunenfeld B. , Kraiem Z.
Published: December 2008

The aim of this study was to investigate effects of androgens on gonadotrophin release in response to gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) stimulation in vitro. Hemipituitaries of mature male rats were pre-incubated for 90 min with T, DHT, 3α- or 3β-diol (4 ng or 4 μg/ml medium), and the incubation continued for 240 min after adding Gn-RH (1 ng/ml medium). Gn-RH caused a 4-5-fold rise in the secretion of LH and a 2-fold rise in FSH secretion. The effect of the androgens was dose-dependent. At low levels, T and DHT exerted no effect on Gn-RH-stimulated gonadotrophin release, whereas the two androstanediols (3α- and 3β-diol) augmented the Gn-RH stimulation of both gonadotrophins, though preferentially LH. With high doses of androgens, the results obtained showed: a) no effect of T; b) DHT suppression of the Gn-RH-stimulated FSH release; c) suppression of Gn-RH stimulation by 3α- and 3β-diol regarding both LH and FSH.

It is concluded that T exerts through its reduced metabolites a feedback effect on the pituitary gland responsiveness to Gn-RH stimulation.
SERUM THYROTROPHIN, TRIIODOTHYRONINE AND THYROXINE LEVELS BY RADIOIMMUNOASSAY DURING CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENCE
Authors: García-Bulnes G. , Cervantes C. , Cerbón M. A. , Tudon H. , Argote R. M. , Parra A.
Published: December 2008

Serum thyrotrophin (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) were measured by radioimmunoassay in 165 boys and 171 girls, clinically healthy, aged 6.1 to 16.0 years with normal weight and height, grouped at 12 months' intervals. The TSH values in boys ranged from 5.0 ± 0.6 to 6.1 ± 0.6 μU/ml without significant age differences. In girls, TSH level was 5.3 ± 0.5 μU/ml at the age of 6.0 to 7.0 and 7.4 ± 0.5 μU/ml at the age of 10.1 to 11.0 (P < 0.001). Girls had higher values than boys from 9.1 to 11.0 years (P < 0.025). In boys the T3 level was 182 ± 10 ng/100 ml at age 6.0 to 7.0 and 230 ± 15 ng/100 ml at age 11.1 to 12.0 (P < 0.025). Girls had higher values from the age of 9.1 on (215 ± 12 ng/100 ml), but after 13.1 years they decreased (P < 0.025). Girls had higher T3 levels than boys at age 10.1 to 11.0 (P < 0.025), but this difference disappeared when T3 concentrations in girls of this age were compared to boys aged 11.1 to 12.0. In boys and girls, T4 levels tended to be lower with increasing age (r = −0.860, P < 0.01) and there was a significant difference between the values seen up to 9.0 years and those after 13.1 years (P < 0.025 − < 0.001). Girls had lower values than boys at the age of 8.1 to 9.0; however, this difference disappeared when girls of this age were compared to boys 9.1 to 10.0 years old.

It is concluded that previous to and around puberty initiation in both sexes, there is a rise in T3, followed by a progressive decrease in T4 with a rise in TSH only in girls. These changes occurred one year earlier in girls than in boys. These observations may represent transient adaptation responses to the increasing energy needs during periods of rapid growth.
EFFECTS OF BLINDING, PINEALECTOMY AND SUPERIOR CERVICAL GANGLIONECTOMY ON FREE THYROXINE INDEX OF MALE GOLDEN HAMSTERS
Authors: Vriend Jerry , Sackman Jeffrey W. , Reiter Russel J.
Published: December 2008

Blinding young male golden hamsters led to a depression of the plasma free thyroxine index after an 8 week period. Removal of either the pineal gland or the superior cervical ganglia of blind hamsters reversed the effects of blinding on free thyroxine index. No significant effects were observed 2 weeks after treatment. Previously reported effects of blinding, and removal of the pineal gland or the superior cervical ganglia on testicular weight were confirmed. A similar mechanism of pineal inhibition of thyroid function and gonadal function is suggested.
HYPOPHYSIS AND FUNCTION OF PANCREATIC ISLETS
Authors: Sieradzki J. , Schatz H. , Pfeiffer E. F.
Published: December 2008

The effects of the recognized diabetogenic hormones, growth hormone and ACTH, administered in vivo, on (pro-)insulin biosynthesis and secretion in isolated islets of normal rats were studied. Rats were treated with these hormones for 4 weeks. Afterwards, their collagenase-isolated islets were incubated with [3H]leucine for 3 h. (Pro-)Insulin biosynthesis was estimated for the incorporation data into islet protein fractions.

Islets of treated rats released significantly more insulin and incorporated significantly less [3H]leucine into proinsulin and insulin compared with controls when tested at 100 mg glucose/100 ml. At 200 mg glucose/100 ml, no significant differences were found. The findings demonstrate an impact of these hormones on the B-cells derived from normal pancreas of intact rats. The alterations are, however, not very pronounced and can be easily compensated under a strong glucose stimulus. It appears that the mechanisms for (pro-)insulin biosynthesis and release in rats are more resistant against the diabetogenic actions of pituitary hormones than in other species.
COMPARATIVE STUDIES ON THE METABOLISM OF OESTRADIOL IN THE BRAIN, THE PITUITARY AND THE LIVER OF THE RAT
Authors: Ball P. , Haupt M. , Knuppen R.
Published: December 2008

Radioactive oestradiol was incubated with homogenates of hypothalamus, pituitary and liver and slices of cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus, pituitary and liver of ovariectomized rats. 2- and 4-substituted oestrogens were the main metabolites in the brain and were found in the same proportions. In the liver only the 2-substituted oestrogens were the main metabolites, while the 4-substituted ones were of minor quantitative importance. On the basis of wet weight the 2-hydroxylating capacity of the liver was approximately 50 fold greater than that of the brain and the 4-hydroxylating capacity about the same as that of the brain.

Only slight differences in the 2- and 4-hydroxylating capacity of various brain areas were observed, although apparently the hypothalamus and the pituitary were more active in the formation of catecholoestrogens than the cortex and the hippocampus.
EFFECT OF THE DEPLETION OF BRAIN NORADRENALINE ON THE PLASMA FSH AND GROWTH HORMONE LEVELS IN OVARIECTOMIZED RATS
Authors: Endröczi E. , Marton I. , Radnai Z. , Biró J.
Published: December 2008

The electrolytic lesion of locus coeruleus reduced the hypothalamic noradrenaline (NE) content to 28% of the control values and resulted in a marked decrease of the plasma FSH level in ovariectomized rats before puberty. The local microinjection of 6-OH-dopamine into the locus coeruleus led to a reduction in the hypothalamic NE content to 21% of the control level and induced a decrease of the compensatory ovarian hypertrophy and that of the plasma FSH level. The electrolytic lesion of the locus coeruleus or the 6-OH-dopamine treatment failed to influence the plasma growth hormone (GH) level. The observations support the hypothesis that ventral noradrenergic projection is involved in controlling the pituitary FSH secretion.
EXTRATHYROIDAL EFFECTS OF PROPYLTHIOURACIL AND CARBIMAZOLE ON SERUM T4, T3, REVERSE T3 AND TRH-INDUCED TSH-RELEASE IN MAN
Authors: Siersbæk-Nielsen K. , Kirkegaard C. , Rogowski P. , Faber J. , Lumholtz B. , Friis Th.
Published: December 2008

A possible extrathyroidal effect of propylthiouracil (PTU) and carbimazole on serum levels of thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), 3,3′,5′-triiodothyronine (reverse T3) and on thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH) induced thyrotrophin (TSH) release was estimated in 19 patients with severe hypothyroidism treated with T4. During PTU medication a significant decrease in serum T3 from 90 ± 16 (sd) to 79 ± 23 ng/100 ml (P < 0.01) and a reciprocal increase in serum reverse T3 from 51 ± 14 (sd) to 58 ± 20 ng/100 ml (P < 0.025) were found. No significant changes in serum T4, basal serum TSH or response to TRH could be demonstrated. Carbimazole did not change any of the parameters studied.
CYCLIC AMP AND CYCLIC GMP ACCUMULATION IN HAMSTER PRE-OVULATORY FOLLICLES STIMULATED WITH LH AND FSH
Authors: Makris Anastasia , Ryan Kenneth J.
Published: December 2008

Cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP accumulation in hamster pre-ovulatory follicles was determined after in vitro stimulation by LH and FSH. Combined time course and dose response experiments determined that the acute response of the follicles (0–30 min) to LH and FSH was similar with respect to cyclic AMP accumulation. The pattern of cyclic GMP accumulation was, however, distinctly different in LH and FSH stimulated follicles. LH increased follicular cyclic GMP only at the lowest dose (0.005 IU/ml), while higher doses of LH had no effect. In contrast, FSH at all doses stimulated cyclic GMP accumulation. The different cyclic AMP to cyclic relationships generated in the follicles by LH and FSH may be determinants in specificity of hormone action in pre-ovulatory follicles.
GALACTORRHOEA AND HYPOGONADISM ASSOCIATED WITH A RADIOLOGICALLY-INAPPARENT PROLACTIN-SECRETING PITUITARY TUMOUR
Authors: McKenna Terence J. , Glick Alan D. , Cobb Cully A. , Jacobs Laurence S.
Published: December 2008

A 38 year old man was investigated because of impotence, gynaecomastia and galactorrhoea. Hyperprolactinaemia and hypogonadism were documented. Pituitary function was otherwise normal as was tomographic examination of the sella turcica. In the absence of direct evidence of pituitary involvement (hyperprolactinaemia can suppress gonadal function) and to exclude ectopic prolactin production, venous blood was drawn at multiple sites. The highest prolactin levels were found in the superior vena cava and above, indicating an intracranial source. At transsphenoidal hypophysectomy a microadenoma was removed; tumour cells contained typical prolactin secretory granules on electron microscopy.

In the light of this report the appropriateness of dividing hyperprolactinaemia into "tumourous" and "idiopathic" subgroups on the basis of sella size must be reconsidered. Functional tests do not distinguish between the subgroups although prolactin levels tend to be higher when the sella is enlarged. Only a quantitative rather than a qualitative difference may exist between the subgroups.
STUDY OF ADH SECRETION IN ADRENALECTOMIZED RATS AND EFFECTS OF DEXAMETHASONE
Authors: Marchetti Jeannine , Burlet Arlette , Boulangé Michel
Published: December 2008

Urinary ADH (antidiuretic hormone) excretion was determined in adrenalectomized rats which were given a 0.9 % NaCl sodium as drinking water. The animals were adrenalectomized and studied after either 4 or 7 days. In both cases, urinary ADH excretion was twice as high as in sham-operated rats indicating that adrenalectomy enhances ADH release. The ADH content of neurohypophyses (LN) was also measured in these rats: 4 days after adrenalectomy no alteration in the hormonal content could be detected, but an increase of 40 % occurred 7 days later. The accumulation of ADH in the neurohypophysis of these animals suggests that the hormonal synthesis is also increased after adrenalectomy and to a greater proportion than the amount of ADH released.

Urinary ADH excretion returned to normal after administration of pharmacological doses of dexamethasone. Three days of dexamethasone treatment prevented the increase of ADH in neurohypophyses of rats which had been adrenalectomized 4 days before the start of the treatment.

The effects of a glucocorticoid lack and of dexamethasone treatment on the synthesis and release of ADH are discussed; moreover a control of the effects of glucocorticoids on ADH synthesis has to be taken into consideration.
FAMILIAL PARTIAL PERIPHERAL RESISTANCE TO THYROID HORMONES
Authors: Lamberg B.-A. , Rosengård S. , Liewendahl K. , Saarinen P. , Evered D. C.
Published: December 2008

A male aged 21 was found to have elevated serum PBI on several occasions. Further studies revealed clinical euthyroidism with raised serum concentrations of T4, T3 and free T4 with normal hormone binding capacity of the thyroxine binding proteins and normal thyroid-pituitary relationships. The response to TRH was high normal or on one occasion exaggerated. The extrathyroidal thyroxine pool and the daily turnover of thyroxine were considerably above the upper limit of the normal. The subject had no goitre. These findings indicated partial peripheral resistance to thyroid hormones including the pituitary gland. There were no circulating antibodies to thyroglobulin, thyroid microsomes, T4 or T3. A study of the propositus' family revealed an autosomal dominant heredity of this abnormality. Similar findings were found in the brother, mother and the two uncles of the propositus. In these subjects the serum concentrations of T4, T3 and free T4 as well as that of rT3 were raised above the normal. The subjects studied were clinically euthyroid. Goitre was present only in the older members of the family. The response to TRH was usually high normal or at times exaggerated and the basal TSH level seemed to fluctuate during years of follow-up indicating a continuous adjustment of the thyroid function by means of TSH secretion. The mother and the older uncle had previously been treated because of hyperthyroidism. Only the mother had circulating thyroid antibodies and none of the family members had antibodies against T4 or T3. This hereditary condition seems to have a very mild clinical manifestation in this family.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CIRCULATING FREE AND BOUND INSULIN, INSULIN ANTIBODIES, INSULIN DOSAGE AND DIABETIC CONTROL IN INSULIN TREATED DIABETICS
Authors: Asplin C. M. , Hartog M. , Goldie D. J.
Published: December 2008

Free and bound insulin concentrations, blood glucose and anti-insulin antibody binding characteristics have been determined in 100 insulin treated diabetics; median serum free insulin was 11 mU/l when fasting and rose to 30 mU/l after the mid-day meal. Significant correlation between blood glucose and serum free (but not bound) insulin was found. No relationship between insulin antibodies and daily insulin dose or diabetic control were found, nor a relationship between free insulin and antibody characteristics.
EFFECT OF GROWTH HORMONE AND NUTRITION ON THE LEVEL OF SOMATOMEDIN A IN THE RAT
Authors: Takano Kazue , Hizuka Naomi , Kawai Koichi , Shizume Kazuo
Published: December 2008

Somatomedin A was determined by radioreceptor assay of serum from rats with various conditions. The mean value of somatomedin A in 28 day old male rats was 6.2 ± 0.44 U/ml. Following hypophysectomy, serum somatomedin A decreased with a half-life of approximately 6 h. After a single ip injection of human growth hormone into hypophysectomized rats, the levels of somatomedin A increased within 4 h and reached the maximal level between 8 and 24 h. There was a dose-dependent increase of somatomedin A at 24 h after injection of hGH when the injected dose was between 3.2 and 80 μg.

Serum somatomedin A was significantly decreased after 24 h of fasting to the same levels as after hypophysectomy. However the changes in serum rGH between fasting rats and fed rats did not show any significant differences. After different intakes of diets with different composition for 32 days, the mean levels of serum somatomedin A were 14.5 ± 2.2, 6.22 ± 0.4, 2.5 ± 0.3 and 13.0 ± 1.1 U/ml when control-, high protein-, high carbohydrate-low protein- and high fat diets were given respectively. There was a positive correlation between the per cent increase in weight and the serum level of somatomedin A.

These results indicate that not only growth hormone but also adequate food intake is required for the generation of somatomedin.
URINARY EXCRETION OF THYROXINE AND TRIIODOTHYRONINE IN DIFFERENT THYROID FUNCTION STATES IN MAN
Authors: Rogowski Preben , Siersbæk-Nielsen Kaj , Hansen Jens Mølholm
Published: December 2008

Urinary thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) have been measured by radioimmunoassay using trapping and separation on small Sephadex® columns. Serum concentrations of total and free T4 and T3 and endogenous creatinine clearance was also estimated. In 67 euthyroid controls the 24 h urinary T4 excretion varied in parallel with age dependent changes in renal function from mean 1788 to 1051 ng. Urinary T3 also decreased with age from mean 635 to 280 ng/24 h. Mean urinary clearance of T4 varied from 40.4 to 22.1 ml/min and T3 clearance from 160 to 107 ml/min parallel with creatinine clearance. The corresponding mean creatinine clearance values varied from 95 to 57 ml/min. In 24 hyperthyroid patients urinary T4 and T3 were highly increased, dependent on elevated free hormones in the serum to mean 3505 and 3865 ng/24 h. The corresponding T4 and T3 clearance mean values were 16.7 and 90.0 ml/min. In 7 untreated hypothyroid patients very low urinary T4 and T3 values were found on average 139 and 60 ng/24 h. Estimation of urinary thyroid hormones can be used for diagnostic purposes but is of limited practical importance. The physiology of thyroid hormone excretion in urine is complex. Both hormones are excreted by glomerular filtration of free hormones including tubular excretion and reabsorption.
EVIDENCE FOR EXTRATUMOURAL STORAGE OF CATECHOLAMINES IN PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA PATIENTS
Authors: Hengstmann J. H. , Dengler H. J.
Published: December 2008

Following the removal of a pheochromocytoma in three female patients the daily excretion of catecholamines and their metabolites was still considerably elevated for about one week. The excretion rates declined during this period with half-lives of 1.8 to 10.9 days for catecholamines and 2.1 to 4.7 days for metanephrines, vanilmandelic acid, and vanilglycol.

The cumulative urinary excretion of catecholamines and their metabolites following surgical removal of the tumour was nearly as high as the catecholamine content of the pheochromocytomas.

This large amount of catecholamines must have been located outside the tumour, most probably within the sympathetic nerve, where it is subject to release following physiological stimuli.

Furthermore, this fact may provide an explanation for hypertensive crises in pheochromocytoma patients.
RADIOIMMUNOASSAYS OF TETRAHYDROALDOSTERONE (TH-ALDO) IN HUMAN URINE
Authors: Kohl K.-H. , Vecsei P. , Abdelhamid S.
Published: December 2008

Specific antisera against tetrahydroaldosterone (TH-Aldo) were raised in two white New Zealand rabbits. 3α,5β-TH-aldo-20-oxime-bovine-serum albumin complex was used as antigen. The resulting titers were 1:18 000 and 1:16 000. Except tetrahydrocortisol (THF) (0.23%) and tetrahydro-18-hydroxy-11-dehydrocorticosterone (18-OH-THA) (3.2 %), all steroids and steroid metabolites gave negligible cross-reactions. Immunograms of the paper chromatograms made from the n-butanol-extract of the urines, as well as after β-glucuronidase treatment and dichlormethane extraction, were studied to further define the specificity of the antiserum. Antibody H1 (used in this study) reacted with aldosterone-18-gluc., a TH-aldosterone-glucuronide (probably the 21-glucuronide) and an unidentified less polar material.

Two methods were developed:

a) TH-Aldo-glucuronidc(s) estimation after ethylacetate pre-extraction as a rapid screening test of endogenous aldosterone production.

b) estimation of TH-aldosterone using one chromatographic system.

The results of method a) showed a significant correlation with the values obtained by technique b). Normal values (method b) were 25.88 ± 16.50 μg/24h (range 9.5–64.8 μg/24h).

A significant correlation was also shown between the TH-aldo (technique b) and 18-gluc. values.
A RADIOIMMUNOASSAY OF OESTRONE IN PLASMA. PLASMA LEVELS OF OESTRONE AND OESTRADIOL IN OOPHORECTOMIZED RHESUS MONKEYS DURING TREATMENT WITH SUBCUTANEOUS IMPLANTS CONTAINING OESTRONE
Authors: Axelsson O. , Englund D. E. , Luukkainen T. , Johansson E. D. B.
Published: December 2008

A highly specific antiserum to oestrone was used to develop a sensitive radioimmunoassay. Plasma was generally analysed without prior separation of the oestrogens. A small amount of plasma (0.1–0.2 ml) was extracted once with diethyl ether.

The above and previously described radioimmunoassays were used to estimate plasma levels of oestrogens in oophorectomized monkeys treated with subcutaneous oestrone implants. Three monkeys received a rod containing 40 mg of oestrone. The rods were kept in place for about one year. The release rates from the rods were calculated. The oestrone plasma levels were initially high (370–500 pg/ml). In about 3 months they had fallen to a level of 50–100 pg/ml which was maintained till the removal of the rods. A rise in the oestradiol plasma levels was also observed. It is concluded that rods are suitable for administration of oestrone.
PROLACTIN AND THE REGULATION OF 20α-DIHYDROPROGESTERONE SECRETION OF THE SUPER-LUTEINIZED RAT OVARY DURING LUTEOLYSIS INDUCED BY A PROSTAGLANDIN F2α ANALOGUE
Authors: Torjesen P. A. , Dahlin R. , Haug E. , Aakvaag A.
Published: December 2008

Twenty-five day old female rats were treated with pregnant mare's serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) to achieve a state of luteinization. Eight days after the HCG administration luteolysis was induced by a subcutaneous injection of 5 μg of the prostaglandin F2α analogue cloprostenol (Estrumate®, ICI 80996).

In animals treated with 2-Br-α-ergocryptine (BEC), administration of cloprostenol decreased serum progesterone levels from 580 to 20 ng/ml in 5 h and progesterone remained low for the next 18 h. The serum levels of 20α-dihydroprogesterone (20α-DHP) and prolactin (PRL) remained at pre-treatment values (20α-DHP 85 to 170 ng/ml; PRL less than 5 ng/ml) throughout the observation period.

When animals treated with both BEC and cloprostenol were given PRL 5 h after the prostaglandin injection, an increased 20α-DHP level (630 ng/ml) was found 23 h after the cloprostenol administration, while the progesterone level was decreased (70 ng/ml). These findings were similar to the observations following cloprostenol treatment alone.

The study indicates a causal relationship between the increase in the serum levels of PRL and 20α-DHP observed after PGF2α induced luteolysis in rats with superluteinized ovaries.
SERUM-TESTOSTERONE DURING ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF TESTOSTERONE IN HYPOGONADAL MEN AND TRANSSEXUAL WOMEN
Authors: Føgh Marie , Corker Charles S. , McLean Helen , Petersen Ivan Bruunshuus , Philip John , Skakkebæk Niels E.
Published: December 2008

Testosterone tablets of crystal size 2–5 μm were administered orally for 10 dags to 3 human subjects with low endogenous serum testosterone (se-T) levels. Fifty mg testosterone increased se-T slightly, while one daily dose of 200 mg maintained the se-T level within normal range for men for more than 12 h. No cumulative effect was seen.

Seven further subjects with low androgen production ingested 100 or 200 mg testosterone of crystal size 125–400 μm. Blood samples were taken frequently during the 24 h period following administration of the testosterone and se-T levels determined. Testosterone levels in serum increased in 6 patients and was maintained within the normal male range for 5–7 h. In one subject a slight but significant increase in se-T was observed although the level did not reach the normal male range.

Although it has been shown that it is possible to use orally administered testosterone to maintain se-T levels in the normal male range, the convenience to the patient must be balanced against the cost and possible side effects of the large doses required.
GROWTH-HORMONE DEPENDENCE OF NON-SUPPRESSIBLE INSULIN-LIKE ACTIVITY (NSILA) AND OF NSILA-CARRIER PROTEIN IN RATS
Authors: Kaufmann U. , Zapf J. , Froesch E. R.
Published: December 2008

The effects of hypophysectomy and subsequent growth hormone (GH) treatment on the serum levels of NSILA and of its binding protein were studied in rats.

After hypophysectomy NSILA levels fall to 6 % of the normal. Under GH treatment they rise slowly to 65 % of normal after 12 d. In parallel with the changes of serum NSILA, [35S] sulphate incorporation into costal cartilage in vitro is markedly decreased in hypox animals and restored towards the normal by GH treatment. The relative binding activity of [125I] NSILA-S of serum "stripped" from endogenous NSILA is also reduced after hypophysectomy to approx. 30 % of normal, i. e. to a lesser extent than serum NSILA levels. This concentration of binding protein is sufficient to bind trace amounts of labelled NSILA-S. The half-life of an intravenously injected tracer of [125I]NSILA-S is not significantly decreased in hypox animals. Substitution with GH results in a rise of the relative binding activity to normal after 12 d.

Chromatography of serum, equilibrated with [125I]NSILA-S tracer, on Sephadex G-200 at neutral pH reveals different radiochromatographic patterns for serum from hypox and normal rats: In hypox rats the main peak of radioactivity appears at 60 % bed volume, in normal rats between 45 and 50 %. During GH treatment this main peak shifts from 60 back to 45–50 %.

The distribution of binding activity is similar for normal and hypox rat serum after chromatography on Sephadex G-200 at acidic pH. Furthermore, the binding characteristics of "stripped" hypox and normal serum are identical. This suggests that the same binding protein is present in the normal and hypox rat serum in different molecular forms. It is concluded that GH is a major factor regulating the level of NSILA and of its binding protein in the rat.
LONG-TERM CONTROL OF THYROTOXICOSIS WITH THE BETA-BLOCKER SOTALOL - A MODEL OF UNTREATED HYPERTHYROIDISM?
Authors: Wahlberg Peter , Carlsson Sten-Anders
Published: December 2008

Five patients with hyperthyroidism and no goitre were treated only by beta blockade with sotalol. All but one became clinically euthyroid, although the thyroid hormone values in their sera remained high. The TSH response to intravenous TRH remained absent. One patient had fluctuating thyroid hormone values, one has had borderline values for 20 months, one had a hormonal recovery within 6 months, one became clinically thyrotoxic and was switched to carbimazole, and one who had first been treated with carbimazole and had a relapse of high hormone values at 3 months and of clinical symptoms within 9 months after cessation of carbimazole treatment became clinically euthyroid with beta blockade.

Sotalol offers a symptom control of hyperthyroidism without lowering the thyroid function, and thus makes it possible to study the long-term hormonal pattern of hyperthyroidism without suppression of thyroid hormone secretion. The results show that the course of hyperthyroidism may vary in duration and pattern. TRH stimulation may cause none or a small TSH response even when the disease is in hormonal remission. The cause of this phenomenon is discussed.

The duration of hyperthyroidism cannot be forecast by present methods, and this should be borne in mind when patients are treated with antithyroid drugs for this disorder.
EFFECT OF ANTITHYROID TREATMENT ON CALCIUM-PHOSPHORUS METABOLISM IN HYPERTHYROIDISM I: CHEMICAL QUANTITIES IN SERUM AND URINE
Authors: Mosekilde Leif , Christensen Merete Sanvig , Melsen Flemming , Sørensen Niels Schwartz
Published: December 2008

The effect of antithyroid treatment on the disturbed calcium-phosphorus metabolism in hyperthyroidism was studied in 16 patients. Elevated serum concentrations and urinary excretions of calcium and phosphorus were almost normalized 4 weeks after the start of medical treatment. Serum immunoreactive parathyroid hormone was decreased in the hyperthyroid state and became normal after medical treatment. Serum alkaline phosphatase levels were elevated throughout the study with an increase to a maximum peak after 8 weeks of antithyroid treatment. Urinary hydroxyproline excretion was initially markedly increased and fell rapidly during therapy. The observed changes suggest decreased bone resorption and increased bone formation with deposition of bone mineral after antithyroid treatment.

Alterations in the serum albumin concentration during the investigation period influenced the total serum calcium concentration. Using albumin adjusted serum calcium values no hypocalcaemia was found during medical treatment or after a subsequent subtotal thyroidectomy.
ENDOCRINE EFFECTS OF LITHIUM
Authors: Transbøl I. , Christiansen C. , Baastrup P. C.
Published: December 2008

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of hypothyroidism in a sample of lithium-treated manic-depressive outpatients who had been under treatment for several years. The sample included 86 patients, 70 females and 16 males, who had been treated for an average of 80 months. One-hundred-and-five blood donors, 58 females and 47 males, aged from 21 to 70 years, served as a reference population for the determinations of serum triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine-resin uptake (T3RU), the free T3 and T4 indices (FT3I and FT4I) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).

Raised TSH levels occurred in 20 patients (23 %), all females, and all but one being over the age of 40 years. This prevalence of 19 cases of hypothyroidism among 56 females over 40 years of age (34 %) contrasted sharply with one single case in the remaining 30 patients (P < 0.001). Highly significant reductions (P < 0.001) of FT3I3I and FT4I were observed in the 20 patients with raised TSH levels, in whom log TSH also correlated very closely with FT3I and FT4I (r=−0.73 and −0.86, respectively, P <0.001). The remaining patients had average normal values of T4, FT4I and TSH, but slightly depressed levels of T3 (P < 0.05) and FT3I (P <0.01), possibly reflecting decreased peripheral deiodination of thyroxine.

Our data suggest, that cases of hypothyroidism continue to appear as treatment continues. Determination of TSH is recommended at 6 to 12 months intervals in manic-depressive patients undergoing long-term lithium therapy.
EFFECT OF ACTH AND DEXAMETHASONE ON THE DIURNAL RHYTHM OF UNCONJUGATED OESTRIOL IN PREGNANCY
Authors: Reck G. , Nowostawskyj H. , Breckwoldt M.
Published: December 2008

The present study is concerned with the role of maternal cortisol in regulating diurnal rhythm of unconjugated oestriol in 9 pregnant women. Blood was drawn at 30 min intervals between 5 p. m. and 3 a. m. In 5 patients endogenous ACTH-secretion was simultaneously suppressed by 12 mg dexamethasone over 48 h. Between 8 p. m. and 2 a. m., 0.25 mg ACTH1-24 (Synacthen®) was infused into the subjects. Free oestriol was measured by radioimmunoassay, and the total plasma cortisol by the protein binding method.

Patients without dexamethasone demonstrated high oestriol levels (21.5 ± 9 ng/ml) and episodic secretion between 5 p. m. and 8 p. m. At the same time cortisol concentrations were relatively low (274.1 ± 66 ng/ml). Ninety min after starting ACTH-infusion, plasma oestriol decreased in negative correlation to rising cortisol (r = −0.916, P < 0.001). Between 11 p. m. and 2 a. m. oestriol levels were significantly below the control values (12.9 ± 3 ng/ml, P < 0.001) and were associated with high cortisol levels (887 ± 312 ng/ml). Episodic oestriol production did not occur during the period of elevated cortisol levels.

Under dexamethasone both oestriol (2.1 ± 1.2 ng/ml) and cortisol values (36.5 ± 24 ng/ml) were markedly suppressed. Only cortisol production could be stimulated during ACTH-infusion (374 ± 80 ng/ml), whereas oestriol concentration remained in the range of the controls (1.91 ± 0.5 ng/ml). These results suggest that diurnal rhythm of unconjugated oestriol is predominantly regulated by feed-back action of maternal cortisol on the foetal hypothalamus.
THE TIME COURSE CHANGE AFTER CASTRATION IN SHORT-LOOP NEGATIVE FEEDBACK CONTROL OF LH BY HCG IN WOMEN
Authors: Miyake A. , Aono T. , Kinugasa T. , Tanizawa O. , Kurachi K.
Published: December 2008

The time course of change in the suppressive effect of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) on luteinizing hormone (LH) and/or LH-β following castration was studied by a specific LH-β radioimmunoassay. At 14–50 days after castration 8 women were given 10 000 IU of HCG in a single intramuscular injection (group 1), 5 women were given 2000 IU of HCG in the same way (group 2), and 5 were injected with saline as controls (group 5). In addition, 5 women 6–15 months (group 3) and 7 women 3–8 years (group 4) after castration were given 10 000 IU of HCG. The serum concentrations of HCG in groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 reached peak levels of 209.4, 44.1, 210.6 and 238.6 mU/ml, resepctively, 4 h after the HCG injection. The serum LH concentration in group 1 was reduced significantly (P < 0.01) by HCG administration, but the reductions in the LH levels in groups 2, 3 and 4 after HCG injection were not significantly different from that of the controls. These findings suggest that the threshold of the short-loop negative feedback control of LH in women changes with time after castration.