bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DIFFERING PATTERNS OF ACID PHOSPHATASE AND CATHEPSIN D ACTIVITIES IN THE RAT VENTRAL PROSTATE GLAND DURING CASTRATION-INDUCED PROSTATIC INVOLUTION
Authors: Helminen Heikki J. , Ericsson Jan L. E. , Arborgh Bengt
Published: December 2008

The activities of acid phosphatase and cathepsin D in the rat's ventral prostate lobe were investigated under normal conditions and during castration-induced involution. The specific activities of the acid hydrolases were higher in the prostatic »tissue« fraction than in the »secretion« fraction of the gland, and the total activities of acid phosphatase and cathepsin D in the »secretion« were increased up to about 24 % and 8 %, respectively, of the activities in the whole lobe.

During involution, the specific activities of both hydrolases in the tissue showed a rapid increase, while total activity and activity »per cell« (on a DNA basis) of acid phosphatase declined, while the total activity of cathepsin D remained essentially unaltered at first and ultimately decreased; the activity of cathepsin D »per cell« was first increased and later showed a slight decrease.

Cycloheximide administration retarded the gross atrophy and decrease in protein and DNA content, and was associated with a lowered total, specific and »per cell« activity of cathepsin D, and an »increased« total activity of acid phosphatase. The observations are compatible with an increased de novo synthesis of cathepsin D and a decreased synthesis of acid phosphatase during prostatic involution.

The findings were interpreted as indicating that in the ventral prostate lobe of the rat, acid phosphatase is in part a secretory (and hormonesensitive) enzyme, and in part a »conventional« lysosomal enzyme, while cathepsin D is predominantly an enzyme which is bound to conventional lysosomes.
LIPOLYSIS IN HUMAN ADIPOSE TISSUE: COMPARISON OF HUMAN PITUITARY HORMONES WITH OTHER LIPOLYTIC AGENTS
Authors: Bray George A. , Trygstad Olav
Published: December 2008

Lipolysis was studied in subcutaneous fat from obese and lean individuals. Glycerol was released at similar rates using pieces of fat weighing 40 or 100 mg. Isolated fat cells offered no advantage over segments of fat for the study of lipolysis. The lipolytic effects of epinephrine and norepinephrine were potentiated by phentolamine (an α-adrenergic blocking drug) and blocked by propranolol (a β-adrenergic blocking drug). Isoproterenol-stimulated lipolysis was also blocked by propranolol but was not potentiated by phentolamine. Thyrotrophin and a lipid-mobilizing factor from human pituitaries were lipolytic in vitro. Human growth hormone with or without dexamethasone had no effect on lipolysis.
DISSOCIATION OF GLYCOPROTEIN HORMONES
Authors: Amir S. M.
Published: December 2008

There is growing evidence to indicate that pituitary and placental glycoprotein hormones are comprised of non-identical subunits. Several of these hormones have now been resolved into their constituent subunits. The hormones derived from several species appear to share a polypeptide subunit (α), with identical, or nearly identical, characteristics. Present studies suggest that the biological properties of the native hormones may be predominantly contributed by the β subunit, which also carries specific antigenic determinants, and is structurally unique for each species.
FREE URINARY CORTISOL AS A REPRESENTATIVE STEROID OF THE URINARY PORTER-SILBER-CHROMOGENS
Authors: Stolecke H.
Published: December 2008

In this investigation an attempt was made to find a compound based on urinary steroids which characterise the mean cortisol metabolites. Free urinary cortisol turned out to be useful for this purpose. Thus a positive correlation can be demonstrated under basal conditions as well as after standardized loading tests with metyrapone and β1-24-tetracosactide2). With regard to the lens-effect described in a previous paper and the mechanisms leading to this effect it was considered whether the determination of free urinary cortisol could be used as a sensitive estimation of enhanced adrenal activity, providing this rise in activity led to an increase of the biologically active plasma cortisol fraction. Further studies of free urinary cortisol in pathological conditions other than Cushing's syndrome as well as calculations of ratios of urinary C-17-OHCS and plasma cortisol are necessary, however, in order to evaluate the diagnostic possibilities in use of free urinary cortisol as a parameter.
ADRENOCORTICAL RESPONSE TO NON-EXHAUSTIVE MUSCULAR EXERCISE
Authors: Raymond L. W. , Sode J. , Tucci J. R.
Published: December 2008

Treadmill walking produced a prompt reduction in serum cortisol in 10 of 12 healthy military men. In contrast, two subjects, with pre-exercise tachycardia and apprehension, showed an increase in serum cortisol with treadmill exercise. In each group, the changes produced by exercise were still evident 30 and 60 minutes after the 30-minute treadmill walk. Urine collected before and after exercise contained similar amounts of 11-hydroxy- and 17-hydroxycorticosteroid material. These results may be explained by an increase in cortisol utilization during exercise and/or by a change in its distribution. The data indicate that in the absence of psychic factors, non-exhaustive exercise is not associated with pituitary adrenocortical activation.
THE EFFECT OF SOLDACTONA® (CANRENOATE-POTASSIUM) ON PLASMA TESTOSTERONE AND ANDROSTENEDIONE AND URINARY 17-KETOSTEROIDS AND 17-HYDROXYCORTICOSTEROIDS
Authors: Dymling John-Fredrik , Nilsson Karl Olof , Hökfelt Bernt
Published: December 2008

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of the aldosterone antagonist Soldactona® on the plasma concentrations of testosterone and androstenedione and the urinary excretion of 17-ketosteroids and 17-hydroxycorticosteroids. In the control samples, a diurnal variation of plasma testosterone similar to that of plasma cortisol was observed. Soldactona® caused a rapid and -marked fall in plasma testosterone and a decrease in the urinary 17-ketosteroids. No appreciable alterations could be demonstrated in the plasma androstenedione or the urinary 17-hydroxycorticosteroids. It is concluded that Soldactona® causes a decreased secretion of testosterone from the testes.
PLACENTAL TRANSFER OF 3H-OESTRIOL-3-SULPHATE-16-GLUCOSIDURONATE AND 3H-OESTRIOL-16-GLUCOSIDURONATE-14C
Authors: Goebelsmann U. , Roberts J. M. , Jaffe R. B.
Published: December 2008

Four human placentas were perfused in situ at midpregnancy, two with biosynthetically prepared 3H-oestriol-16-glucosiduronate-14C (OE3-16Gl) and two with 3H-oestriol-3-sulphate-16-glucosiduronate (OE3-3S,16Gl). The radioactive material recovered from the placentas, perfusates and maternal urine was quantitated and identified. Only 0.8 to 3.7% of the labelled material administered was recovered from urine specimens; the bulk of the labelled material perfused was found in the extracts of placentas and perfusates.

The double-labelled material isolated from the three sources following perfusion with 3H-OE3-16Gl-14C was identified as OE3-16Gl. The 3H/14C ratios measured in these fractions were virtually identical with those of the tracers perfused.

Following perfusion with 3H-OE3-3S,16Gl, three-fourths of the 3H-labelled material recovered from the urine was identified as OE3-3S,16Gl and a small but significant portion of the tritiated material extracted from the placentas and perfusates was shown to be 3H-OE3-16Gl. No significant quantities of unconjugated labelled material could be detected in any of the four placental perfusions.

The data presented provide conclusive evidence that both OE3-16Gl and OE3-3S,16Gl are transferred across the placenta in situ without previous hydrolysis. The placenta in vivo is capable of converting some OE3-3S,16Gl to OE3-16Gl. The latter conjugate remains unhydrolysed.
THE AMYGDALA AND THE CONTROL OF GONADOTROPHIN SECRETION
Authors: Schiaffinin O. , Martini L.
Published: December 2008

In adult male rats, the oxygen consumption of the amygdala is increased following castration and decreased following hypophysectomy. When both operations are performed in the same animal, the metabolic activity of the amygdala is as low as that found following hypophysectomy only. The stimulating effect of castration on amygdalar oxygen consumption can be reversed by administering in vivo, to castrated animals, adequate amounts of testosterone, though testosterone is completely ineffective if added in vitro to the incubation media containing amygdalar tissue taken from castrated animals. In vivo treatment of castrated hypophysectomized animals with LH and FSH increases the metabolic activity of the amygdala; moreover, the in vitro addition of FSH or of LH to amygdalar slices taken from normal animals is capable of increasing the oxygen consumption of this structure to levels similar to those found in the amygdala of castrated animals. None of the experimental manipulations used proved capable of modifying the oxygen consumption of the hippocampus or of the cerebral cortex.
MEASUREMENT OF BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY IN VARIOUS GROWTH HORMONE PREPARATIONS USING A MODIFIED TIBIA TEST
Authors: Baetzner P. , Fehm H. L. , Voigt K. H. , Schleyer M. , Pfeiffer E. F.
Published: December 2008

A simplified version of the tibia test in the hypophysectomized rat for the measurement of the biological activity of growth hormone is described. A rapid, simple and reliable stereotactic method for transauricular hypophysectomy which can be used in immature as well as in adult animals is applied and compared with other techniques.
A METHOD FOR EVALUATING AN EXPERIMENTAL ATHYREOSIS
Authors: Schimmelpfennig K. , Kaul A. , Haberland U.
Published: December 2008

A micro-131I-test is presented which allows an easy separation of completely surgically thyroidectomised experimental animals from animals with aberrant or residual thyroid tissue.

The application of the method is easy and not time-consuming: the total time spent on one animal is approximately 3 min. The method is based on the principle that the 131I storage is measured over the cervical region.

The application of this method gives the following advantages:

When performing studies with proven athyroid rats it is not necessary subsequently to demonstrate athyreosis (histologically, BMR, or PBI).

Time-consuming experiments with animals which are not definitely athyroid can be avoided.

The additional fractionated radio-iodine resection after surgical thyroidectomy, used by many authors to destroy residual thyroid tissue, becomes superfluous. Such a procedure takes 4 to 8 weeks.

The animals may be used after a 5-day-period. This excludes secondary changes like weight loss and disturbed development which have to be taken into consideration when using a radio-iodine resection.
THE ACUTE AND PROLONGED EFFECT OF PORCINE CALCITONIN ON URINE ELECTROLYTE EXCRETION IN INTACT AND PARATHYROIDECTOMIZED RATS
Authors: Sørensen O. Helmer , Hindberg Inge
Published: December 2008

The effect of calcitonin on the urinary excretion of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, and creatinine was studied in intact and parathyroidectomized (PTX) rats.

A single injection of porcine calcitonin was followed by a reduced excretion of calcium and magnesium and an increased excretion of potassium. A phosphaturic effect was observed only in the intact rats. The urinary changes did not depend upon impurities in the preparation used, since similar results were obtained with synthetic porcine calcitonin.

The urinary electrolyte excretion was also followed in rats given injections of porcine calcitonin every 3 hours, for 3 days. A marked calciuric effect of the hormone was seen in the intact rats, after a transitory decrease in the excretion of calcium at the start of the treatment. The hypercalciuria could hardly be explained by an increased parathyroid action, but rather by a direct effect of calcitonin on renal tubular function. The excretion of magnesium closely followed that of calcium in both intact and PTX rats. A marked phosphaturic and natriuretic effect of calcitonin was observed during prolonged treatment with the hormone. The changes in serum calcium were followed in intact rats treated in a similar way with repeated injections of calcitonin. A hypercalcaemic peak was seen, when the treatment was interrupted, indicating an increased parathyroid action.
PLASMA CONCENTRATION OF TESTOSTERONE, DIHYDROTESTOSTERONE, TESTOSTERONE-OESTRADIOL BINDING GLOBULIN, AND PITUITARY GONADOTROPHINS IN THE SYNDROME OF MALE PSEUDO-HERMAPHRODITISM WITH TESTICULAR FEMINIZATION
Authors: Tremblay Roland R. , Foley Thomas P. , Corvol Pierre , Park In-Joo , Kowarski Avinoam , Blizzard Robert M. , Jones Howard W. , Migeon Claude J.
Published: December 2008

Twenty patients with the syndrome of testicular feminization have been studied along with a group of normal subjects of both sexes and of comparable ages. Peripheral and gonadal venous blood were analysed for their content in testosterone (T), androstenedione (Δ), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), testosterone-oestradiol binding globulin (TeBG), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Normal or even higher than normal male concentrations of T, Δ, and DHT were observed. An actual secretion of the three androgens by the testis was demonstrated. Elevated levels of serum LH were found despite normal male or higher levels of T, Δ, and DHT. High concentrations of TeBG presumably could alter the dynamics of plasma androgens. The gonadal production of DHT and the normal levels of DHT in peripheral plasma shows that 5α-reductase activity is definitely present in the patients.
CONTINUOUS MONITORING OF PLASMA FSH, LH, HCG AND PLACENTA LACTOGEN DURING HMG-INDUCED OVULATORY CYCLES AND SUBSEQUENT PREGNANCIES
Authors: Czygan P.-J. , Lehmann F. , Breckwoldt M. , Bettendorf G.
Published: December 2008

This study gives a description of the pattern of plasma FSH, LH/HCG, and HPL in four patients with sterility problems suffering from ovarian insufficiency. Plasma values were assayed daily during HMG- and HCG-treatment, in the luteal phase and in the first few weeks of subsequent pregnancy by the dioxane and propanol precipitation radioimmunoassays. From the data obtained the following conclusions may be drawn:

HMG-treatment induces no or only a slight increase in plasma LH as compared with normal follicular phases. A cumulative effect does not become evident, probably due to the short half-life of 21 minutes and 4 hours respectively.

Injection of 10 000 to 15 000 IU HCG causes a marked increase in plasma level above 200 mU/ml and a subsequent depression in 4 to 5 days, corresponding to the long half-life of 5 and 23 hours respectively.

During the five days before the rise in endogenous HCG/LH, values are in the same range or somewhat higher than during HMG-treatment and than in normal luteal phase.

Between the 10th and 11th day after HCG injection a very sharp rise in endogenous HCG is observed, reaching 10 IU/ml within 15 to 20 days.

FSH levels in the treatment period are augmented above the levels observed in normal follicular phases. Though there is no peak around the time of ovulation, a relative high FSH content can be noted.

During the luteal phase FSH-values remain elevated and are higher than in normal cycles. Parallel to the rise in HCG, the FSH falls and is found to be very low during early pregnancy. In one patient with severe ovarian hyperstimulation the FSH concentration was different, with high levels in the first few weeks of pregnancy.

Measurable HPL production was first detectable between day 28 and 32 after the ovulatory HCG peak. By the 10th week of gestation this hormone showed a constant increase. Possible explanations for the differences between the induced and physiological cycles are discussed.
THYROID FUNCTION IN THE PREMATURE AND THE FULL TERM NEWBORN
Authors: Lemarchand-Béraud Th. , Genazzani A. R. , Bagnoli F. , Casoli M.
Published: December 2008

Total and free serum thyroxine, plasma thyrotrophin (TSH) levels and, in some cases, the binding capacity of thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) were measured in normal and premature newborns.

In both groups, an acute release of TSH was observed in the first few hours of life, but this was prolonged over a period of 10 days in the premature newborns. The release of TSH induced, in both groups, an increase of total and free serum thyroxine (T4), reaching thyrotoxic levels. The TBG binding capacity, however, remains normal.

This thyroid hyperactivity at birth reveals an important reserve of TSH in the perinatal period and the great metabolic needs of the foetus on the first day of life.
MODIFICATIONS OF THYROID FUNCTION INDUCED BY CHRONIC ADMINISTRATION OF IODIDE IN THE PRESENCE OF »AUTONOMOUS« THYROID TISSUE
Authors: Ermans A. M. , Camus M.
Published: December 2008

Fourteen patients were studied before and during administration of a daily supplement of 0.5 mg of iodide over a period of 3 to 10 months. Only a slight increase in PBI was observed in three patients with a non-toxic goitre and in two myxoedematous patients under treatment.

The same supplements of iodine induced a marked rise in PBI in four euthyroid patients with a typical thyroid »hot« nodule. In the four cases, the PBI values reached the thyrotoxic range after only a few weeks. These elevated values were maintained throughout the period of iodine administration; data for the thyroxine content of the serum were strictly correlated with the PBI values. The T3-resin test measurements also gave values characteristic of hyperthyroidism. Later on, three of these patients developed definite symptoms of hyperthyroidism, although not until several months after the appearance of the biological picture.

Finally a definite increase in PBI was also observed, albeit to a lesser extent, in five thyrotoxic patients previously treated with radioiodide or with methimazole. A progressive fall in the PBI was found in four patients after iodine supplements were discontinued.

These observations indicate that chronic iodine supplementation leads to marked over-production of thyroid hormones in two pathological conditions characterized by the presence of autonomous thyroid tissue. It is concluded that, in the absence of an adequate feed-back control mechanism, the amount of dietary iodine may be one of the main regulatory factors involved in thyroid activity in human subjects.
MECHANISM OF THE HYPOCALCAEMIC ACTION OF PARENTERALLY ADMINISTERED MAGNESIUM
Authors: Nielsen S. Pors , Jørgensen F. Schønau
Published: December 2008

Subcutaneous injection of 300 μmol magnesium raised the serum magnesium to 4.00 mmol/l after 30 min in 150 g male rats and reduced the serum calcium concentration by 0.17 mmol/l after 60 min. Magnesium also acutely diminished the serum concentration of 45Ca given three weeks previously. The administration of magnesium did not reduce the serum concentration of 45Ca and did not increase the rate of disappearance of 45Ca from the serum, when subcutaneous or intravenous labelling took place 180–210 min before the magnesium injection. The magnesium-induced hypocalcaemia therefore cannot be explained by an increased removal of calcium from the circulation. The results are compatible with the hypothesis that the magnesium-induced hypocalcaemia is caused by the release of calcitonin.

Injections of 300 μmol magnesium chloride at 12 h intervals for 72 h trebled the 24 h renal excretion of both 40Ca and 45Ca given three weeks previously. The 24 h renal excretion of hydroxyproline was unaltered. Thus there was no indication that the intermittent magnesium injections produced any long-term inhibition of the turnover of bone matrix and bone mineral.
A SENSITIVE, PRECISE RADIOIMMUNOASSAY OF SERUM INSULIN RELYING ON CHARCOAL SEPARATION OF BOUND AND FREE HORMONE MOIETIES
Authors: Albano J. D. M. , Ekins R. P. , Maritz G. , Turner R. C.
Published: December 2008

A radioimmunoassay method for the measurement of plasma insulin is described relying on activated charcoal for the separation of free and bound fractions. The technique illustrates the application of theoretical precepts designed to maximise assay precision in all radioimmunoassay and other saturation assay techniques.

In addition, because particular emphasis has been placed on ensuring that, as far as is possible, all incubation mixtures are similar as possible other than in hormone concentration, non-specific effects appear to have been essentially eliminated. The technique yields a mean normal fasting value of 5.3μU/ml (range 2–14 μU/ml). Its sensitivity is such that 10 μl samples of serum (or plasma) may be assayed.
UNTERSUCHUNGEN ÜBER DIE TETRAHYDROALDOSTERON AUSSCHEIDUNG IM KINDESALTER DURCH GASCHROMATOGRAPHIE MIT ELEKTRONENEINFANGDETEKTOR (ECD)
Authors: Solc J. , Knorr D.
Published: December 2008

Tetrahydroaldosterone-(THAldo)-glucuronide is the most important metabolite of aldosterone in the urine. According to Nicolis & Gabrilove (1969) we developed a GLC method for the determination of THAldo. The method includes the following steps: Enzymatic hydrolysis, extraction with ethylacetate, formation of γ-lactone, first TLC, formation of heptafluorobutyrate (HFB), second TLC, gas liquid chromatography (GLC) with electron capture detector (ECD), correction for losses by the internal 3H-THAldo standard.

As little as 3 ng/sample can be detected with a coefficient of variation of < 10%.

The paper presents more than 300 THAldo determinations during infancy and childhood. At the age of 5–30 days there is a significant (P < 0.01) peak of the THAldo excretion. The biological meaning of these high THAldo values in the early days of life is not clear at the present time. The peak is independent of the nutrition.

After the age of 12 months the mean THAldo excretion is about 30 μg/m2/d. There is a circadian rhythm with a peak in the late morning. The dependence of the THAldo excretion on the sodium intake in childhood is the same as in adults. After potassium loading there is likewise a strong increase in the THAldo excretion. In a child suffering from Addison's disease we found about 30% of the substituted aldosterone as THAldo-glucuronide in the urine.

As well angiotensin as ACTH induce an increase of the THAldo excretion. After dexamethasone there is a decrease of THAldo excretion indicating again an ACTH dependence of the aldosterone secretion.

Children suffering from nephrotic syndrome during the active phase of the disease show very high values of THAldo in the urine. Under treatment with corticosteroids the THAldo excretion decreases depending on the remission. Treatment with both furosemide and potassium induces again a sharp increase of the THAldo excretion.
PLASMA ALDOSTERONE DETERMINATION WITH 35S-p-TOLUENE-SULPHONIC ANHYDRIDE
Authors: Scholer D. , Riondel A. M. , Manning E. L.
Published: December 2008

The double isotope derivative method for plasma aldosterone, (Bojesen & Thuneberg 1967), has been applied to human peripheral plasma. 35S-p-toluene-sulphonic anhydride was used as the labelled reagent (100–150 mCi/mEq.) and 3H-aldosterone (30 Ci/mm; 0.05 ng added to each sample) as indicator. The initial derivative (aldosterone-21-35S-tosylester) was transformed to its 11,18-γ-lactone and finally to its 3-dinitrophenylhydrazone. Purification was achieved by 1 paper chromatography and 4 thin-layer chromatographies. The overall-recovery was 10 ± 2.7 (sd)%, n = 134. The non-specific blank was 0.053 ± 0.044 (sd), when determined on water samples, and 0.068 ± 0.034 (sd) ng/5 ml, when determined on adrenalectomised human plasmas (non-specific water blank of the same series: 0.064±0.037 (sd) ng). The addition of a known amount of aldosterone to a plasma resulted in a linear relationship over the range examined: y = (0.947 ± 0.013) × + 0.696, P = 0.000, and aldosterone from 1.0 to 5.0 ng was measured with an accuracy of 95%. Replicate measurements of different volumes of the same plasma from 1.0 to 7.5 ml showed a calculated regression line of y = (0.148 ± 0.005) × −0.01, P = 0.002. Replicate measurements of the same plasma (n = 8) gave a mean value of 0.14±0.01 (sd) ng, a range between 0.13 and 0.15 ng and a coefficient of variation of 7%. Thus, it was possible to determine a peripheral plasma level of 7 ng/100 ml in 2 ml plasma and a level of 3.5 ng/100 ml in 4 ml plasma.
STEROID EXCRETION AND BIOSYNTHESIS, WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO 16-UNSATURATED C19 STEROIDS, IN CASES OF TESTICULAR FEMINIZATION AND IN A MALE PSEUDOHERMAPHRODITE
Authors: Gower D. B. , Bicknell D. C.
Published: December 2008

The concentrations of the following steriods were measured in the urine of four patients with testicular feminization (TF) syndrome and of one male pseudohermaphrodite: 5α-androst-16-en-3α-ol (3α-androstenol), 5β-androst-16-en-3α-ol (aetiocholenol), 5,16-androstadien-3β-ol (androstadienol), androsterone, aetiocholanolone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA) and testosterone. Elevated levels of 3α-androstenol, androsterone, aetiocholanolone and DHA were found in the urine of two TF patients studied. The third TF patient and the male pseudohermaphrodite were excreting normal amounts for adult females of the three 16-unsaturated C19 steroids, although androgen output was raised. Decreases in the excretion of these steroids occurred after removal of the testes. Administration of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) and corticotrophin (ACTH) to one TF patient resulted in two- to four-fold increases in urinary 16-unsaturated C19 steroids. The excretion of the three 17-oxosteroids measured, particularly androsterone and aetiocholanolone, increased after HCG and to a lesser extent after ACTH administration.

In preparations of testes removed from three TF patients androstadienol (1-8%) was formed from pregnenolone. 4,16-Androstadien-3-one (androstadienone) was obtained in greater yield (0.2–1.33%) from progesterone than from pregnenolone (0.1–0.48%) although in the histologically normal testis from the pseudohermaphrodite, pregnenolone proved to be the more efficient precursor of androstadienone. Testosterone gave rise to no 16-unsaturated C19 steroids when incubated under identical conditions. The biosynthesis of testosterone in TF testis preparations was achieved normally from both pregnenolone and progesterone, in keeping with a defect in target organ insensitivity rather than in androgen formation. The possible significance of these findings and of the formation of large amounts (19%) of DHA from pregnenolone in TF testis is discussed.
EFFECTS OF PROGESTERONE AND PROLACTIN ON THE SECRETORY ACTIVITY AND THE NUCLEIC ACID CONTENT OF THE MAMMARY GLAND OF PREGNANT RABBITS
Authors: Denamur R. , Delouis C.
Published: December 2008

Progesterone injected daily at different stages of pregnancy in the rabbit, reduces or temporarily blocks mammary secretion measured on the 24th day either by the incorporation of [14C] glucose into lactose or by the [12C] lactose content of mammary tissues. Progesterone does not affect the number of mammary cells, as determined by the DNA content of the mammary gland, while the quantity of RNA is only reduced if the hormone is injected from the beginning of pregnancy. These results suggest that progesterone has an inhibitory effect on secretory activity, which mainly takes place during the first two thirds of pregnancy.

From day 19, twice daily administration of 12.5 IU of prolactin stimulates milk secretion and increases the content of nucleic acids measured on the 24th day. Progesterone (5 mg twice daily) does not prevent these lactogenic effects, nor does it modify the increase in uncleic acids caused by prolactin treatment. Despite the continued presence of progesterone, prolactin has the same qualitative properties in pregnant rabbits deprived of their gonads or pituitary as it has in intact rabbits. Hence prolactin plays an essential role in the mammogenesis and lactogenesis occurring during pregnancy in the rabbit.

In addition, our studies show that ovarian secretions other than progesterone are effective under normal conditions of pregnancy, since the administration of progesterone in ovariectomized pregnant rabbit does not allow normal mammary growth despite the maintenance of pregnancy.
STEROID HORMONE CONCENTRATIONS IN BLOOD PLASMA FROM RESIDENTS OF ZAMBIA, BELONGING TO DIFFERENT ETHNICAL GROUPS
Authors: Briggs Michael H. , Briggs Maxine
Published: December 2008

Using competitive protein binding assays, the concentrations of progesterone, oestradiol, testosterone and cortisol have been measured in blood plasma from groups of men and women living in Zambia, but having European, African or Asian origins. All subjects were in apparent good health. For the women, blood was taken in both follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycles. In a separate study, the diurnal variation in cortisol was examined. Oestradiol concentration was higher in blood from African men than from men of the other two groups. Asian women showed the lowest luteal phase plasma oestrogen level. African men had lower mean testosterone in plasma than the other groups, while African women had higher results. There were no ethnic differences in progesterone concentrations. Plasma cortisol was significantly higher in African subjects of both sexes than for the other groups, while the diurnal variation in plasma cortisol was much reduced in the Africans.
STUDIES ON THE RAT OVARIAN AUGMENTATION METHOD FOR FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE
Authors: Christiansen Peter
Published: December 2008

The rat ovarian augmentation method for the quantitative determination of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) has been systematically studied. Assays with different strains and in rats of different ages have been performed, as well as assays with hypophysectomized rats. The effects of variations of the injection schedule and in the amounts of HCG used for augmentation have been examined. Accordingly some modifications of the original method of Steelman & Pohley (1953) have been made. The best results were obtained with 26–28 days old rats of the SS strain (breed of Statens Seruminstitut, originating from the Wistar strain), weighing 45–55 g, and injected twice daily sc for 3 days, with autopsy on the 4th day. The most suitable dose of HCG for augmentation was 20 IU as the total dose per rat. A 3 + 3 design with 3 rats per dose gave a satisfactory precision, the index of precision being between 0.10 and 0.15. The sensitivity was about 2 IU of the 2. IRP-HMG.

The course of the curves for human and ovine FSH are found to be identical.

The reproducibility of the method during 1 year has been studied and is satisfactory.
THE RAT OVARIAN AUGMENTATION METHOD FOR FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE
Authors: Christiansen Peter
Published: December 2008

The specificity of the rat ovarian augmentation method (Steelman & Pohley 1953) for follicle stimulation hormone (FSH) has been studied. The addition of luteinizing hormone (LH), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), prolactin, ACTH and human growth hormone (GH) did not influence the ovarian response either to ovine or to human FSH. Urine extracts from 2 infants gave no positive response with a dose of one 24 hour urine sample per rat, indicating that inert material in the urine extracts does not influence the ovarian response.
SHORT-TERM EFFECTS OF CASTRATION AND STARVATION UPON PITUITARY AND SERUM LEVELS OF LUTEINIZING HORMONE AND FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE IN MALE RATS
Authors: Root Allen W. , Russ R. David
Published: December 2008

Serum and pituitary levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were measured by radioimmunoassay in intact and castrated juvenile (21 days) and adult male rats. The effect of total starvation upon the gonadotrophin response to castration was also investigated in adult animals. In rats castrated at 21 days of age, serum and pituitary levels of LH were elevated by 7 days and increased progressively for 4 weeks. Serum concentrations of FSH also increased within 7 days and remained stable thereafter. Pituitary FSH levels initially declined and then increased. In adult animals serum LH and FSH concentrations increased after castration. Pituitary LH values also increased, while FSH levels remained stable for 14 days after operation. Serum FSH concentrations were consistently decreased in starved-intact animals. Starvation partially inhibited castration-induced release of LH without affecting pituitary LH or FSH synthesis or FSH release.
RECOVERY OF INITIALLY SUPPRESSED THYROIDAL RADIOIODINE UPTAKE DURING LONG-TERM ANTITHYROID TREATMENT OF EUTHYROID VOLUNTEERS AND HYPERTHYROID PATIENTS
Authors: Studer H. , Lips B. , König M. P. , Bucher H. J. , Rohner R. , (Berne) H. Kohler , (Lausanne) Th. Lemarchand-Béraud
Published: December 2008

Carbimazole in daily doses of either 15 or 45 mg acutely depressed the thyroidal 131I-uptake (measured at 2, 8 and 24 hours after administration of the tracer) in 34 healthy human volunteers. Fourteen of these subjects were kept on carbimazole for four weeks. A gradual recovery of the radioiodine uptake was observed in every individual. By the end of the fourth week the 24 h uptake had risen by 100% over the value observed with acute suppression in the 15 mg carbimazole group (i. e. from 5.7 to 11.4%) and by 500% in the 45 mg carbimazole group (i.e. from 2.7 to 15.8%). The corresponding figures for the 8 h uptake were 100 to 250% and for the 2 h uptake 40 to 60%. In three individuals the uptake in the fourth week of carbimazole treatment was distinctly higher than the pretreatment control values. Thus the acute suppression of a complete blocking dose of carbimazole on thyroidal radioiodine uptake is partially or even totally overcome within a few weeks of chronic treatment. It is therefore possible, in human subjects, to produce experimentally a high thyroidal radioiodine uptake by antithyroid drug treatment alone, in the absence of concomitant severe iodine deficiency. This finding may have a bearing on the interpretation of radioiodine studies carried out on endemic goitre.

Comparable findings were obtained in 23 hyperthyroid patients treated with carbimazole for a mean of 28 weeks.

In order to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for the later rise of an acutely carbimazole suppressed uptake, the serum PB127I and TSH concentration was measured at weekly intervals. Whereas the PBI fell both in this and in another series of volunteers by the end of the fourth week of carbimazole treatment, no significant change in serum TSH concentration was measurable by radioimmunoassay. Nevertheless, the hypothesis is put forward that a biologically significant increase in serum TSH concentration had occurred, which was not detectable by the radioimmunoassay techniques available at the present time. There are indeed reasons to suspect that biologically important variations in TSH secretion may occur which fail to bring the serum TSH concentration beyond the normal range defined by radioimmunoassay.
INHIBITORY EFFECT OF METYRAPONE ON GLUCOSE UTILIZATION BY BRAIN AND MUSCLE AND ON INSULIN RELEASE BY THE PANCREAS
Authors: Bruno O. D. , Metzger Patricia , Malaisse W. J.
Published: December 2008

The effect of metyrapone on in vitro glucose metabolism in the rat muscle and brain, and on insulin secretion by the rat pancreas was investigated. In the presence of increasing concentrations of metyrapone ditartrate, there was a significant progressive reduction in glucose uptake by incubated hemidiaphragms and in the glucose uptake and oxidation by incubated brain pieces. The insulin output by incubated pieces of pancreas was also significantly inhibited by metyrapone ditartrate. A clear dose-action relationship is shown between the residual glucose uptake by the muscle and the uptake or oxidation of glucose by the brain on one hand, and the logarithm of the corresponding metyrapone ditartrate concentration on the other.

These data may help to explain some clinical and experimental findings, i. e. the simultaneous occurrence of hyperglycaemia, signs of cerebral dysfunction and also of growth hormone release after the administration of metyrapone in vivo.
STIMULATION OF IMMUNOREACTIVE INSULIN AND HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE RELEASE BY ADMINISTRATION OF ARGININE IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
Authors: Waldhäusl W.
Published: December 2008

The effect of arginine hydrochloride (30 g), given twice at 90 min intervals, on the release of immunoreactive insulin and of human growth hormone was studied in healthy subjects (HS), in diabetics without and with various degrees of retinopathy and in acromegalics.

The insulinogenic index estimated by the ratio of μU IRI per ml/mg per 100 ml of blood glucose was maximal in HS after the first administration of arginine. It was highest in acromegalics and diminished in all the diabetic subjects.

The release of human growth hormone as estimated by the mean sum of increments above the basal levels (x̄ + sem) during period I and II was 80.2±15 ng/ml and 59.0±18 ng/ml in HS (n = 7), 38±8.6 ng/ml and 36±16.3 ng/ml in diabetics without retinopathy (n = 9), 4.2±0.4 ng/ml and 19±7 ng/ml in insulin treated diabetics with retinopathy (n = 9), and 22.7±10.7 ng/ml and 46±10.5 ng/ml in orally treated diabetics with retinopathy (n = 7). Patients suffering from proliferative retinopathy (n = 9) exhibited values of 32.8±10.6 ng/ml during period I and 43.5±10.6 ng/ml during period II. The secretory response of HGH to arginine in acromegalics (n = 6) was not significant.

The data reported suggest an impaired secretory capacity for the release of human growth hormone to the administration of arginine in patients with diabetic retinopathy. The observations do not support the hypothesis that an exaggerated release of HGH plays a role in the development of diabetic retinopathy.
ADRENAL 17-HYDROXYCORTICOSTEROID SECRETION IN THE DOG IN RESPONSE TO ETHANOL
Authors: Suzuki T. , Higashi R. , Hirose T. , Ikeda H. , Tamura K.
Published: December 2008

Conscious dogs were infused intravenously with ethanol in doses of 0.7 and 1.0 g/kg. The adrenal venous blood samples were collected before and after the infusion of ethanol and analysed for 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OHCS). After the infusion of 0.7 g/kg (subanaesthetic dose) of ethanol the adrenal 17-OHCS secretion rate showed either a slight increase or no change. After the infusion of 1.0 g/kg (anaesthetic dose) of ethanol the adrenal 17-OHCS secretion rate increased markedly and reached 1.21±0.15 (mean±sem) μg/kg/min, while it was 0.09±0.023 μg/kg/min before the infusion.
HYPERGONADOTROPHIC HYPOGONADISM WITH ANOSMIA
Authors: Males James L. , Schneider Robert A.
Published: December 2008

A 58 year old male with anosmia and primary testicular failure is described. The presence of anosmia did not preclude the secretion of elevated levels of gonadotrophin suggesting that in hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism with anosmia (Kallmann's syndrome) the hypogonadotrophism is not the result of anosmia alone, but that other, probably hypothalamic, factors are involved. The patient described phenotypically resembled Klinefelter's syndrome, but no chromosomal abnormality was detected. To our knowledge, hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism associated with anosmia has not previously been reported, and thus may represent a heretofore unrecognized clinical entity.
INTRAPERITONEAL TEST OF INSULIN ACTIVITY ON THE RAT DIAPHRAGM IN VIVO: FACTORS CONTROLLING THE VARIABILITY OF RESPONSE
Authors: Young D. A. B. , Balant L.
Published: December 2008

Rafaelsen's intraperitoneal assay of insulin in rats, where the effect measured is the increased incorporation of [U-14C] glucose into diaphragm glycogen, is extremely sensitive and has important advantages over techniques using muscle preparations in vitro, as well as over the more usual techniques in vivo. To make the test more precise and more reproducible from day to day, the optimal conditions have been derived from an examination of each of the principal steps of the technique and from an analysis of the data obtained over a period of 51/2 years. For comparative purposes, the response to a single concentration of insulin, 1 mU/ml, was examined throughout. The principal factors affecting the variability of response are (a) nutritional state of the rats, and (b) weight range of the animals. The proportion of experiments having high relative standard deviations was substantially reduced by fasting the rats for 24 h before the test, and ensuring that they were adequately fed immediately before the fast. It was found that insulin sensitivity changes appreciably with body weight over the complete weight range used (70 to 120 g before fasting) and, consequently, although correcting for variations in body weight reduces variability, the weight range within an individual experiment should be kept as small as possible.
EFFECT OF TWO CONSECUTIVE ACUTE STIMULI ON PLASMA ALDOSTERONE
Authors: Katz Fred H. , Romfh Peggy , Smith Judith A.
Published: December 2008

The increase in plasma aldosterone and reduction in plasma renin activity induced by 30 to 60 minutes of mildly pressor angiotensin II infusion in man can be largely abolished when recent prior stimulation of the adrenal cortex by upright posture has been applied. A similar prevention of the ACTH-induced increase in plasma aldosterone can be achieved by previous upright ambulation. These results indicate the intermittent refractoriness of aldosterone secretion and that care must be exerted in the timing of any tests of aldosterone stimulation.
INFLUENCE OF LIVER RESECTION AND REGENERATION ON SOMATOMEDIN (SULPHATION FACTOR) ACTIVITY IN SERA FROM NORMAL AND HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED RATS
Authors: Uthne Knut , Uthne Turid
Published: December 2008

Somatomedin (SM) activity has been studied in the plasma of normal and hypophysectomized rats following partial hepatectomy.

In normal rats a rapid disappearance of SM-activity was observed reaching a 75 per cent decrease 4–6 hours after surgery.

The remaining lobes, 30 per cent of the total livers, left after hepatectomy gained in weight and were fully restored after 5–6 days. The SM-activity in the plasma from these rats slowly returned to normal level at the same rate as restoration of the resected liver tissue.

In hypophysectomized rats a 35 per cent increase in relative liver weight (weight of liver in per cent of body weight) was observed 6 days after surgery in spite of the absence of the pituitary gland. Partially hepatectomized hypophysectomized rats given a pharmacological dose of human growth hormone were found to produce 40 per cent less SM-activity than control hypophysectomized rats when injected 24 hours after surgery. Administration of cycloheximide to hypophysectomized rats before growth hormone administration totally inhibited the production of SM-activity. It is concluded that the production of somatomedin in the rat is dependent on a normal liver function and that somatotrophic hormone is not an absolute necessity in the regenerating process.
SECONDARY HYPERPARATHYROIDISM IN YOUNG RATS GIVEN PROLONGED TREATMENT WITH CALCITONIN
Authors: Sørensen O. Helmer , Hindberg Inge , Madsen S. Nistrup
Published: December 2008

Bone resorption, intestinal absorption of calcium, and urinary calcium excretion were studied in young rats given prolonged calcitonin treatment. The animals soon developed a resistance to the hypocalcaemic effect of calcitonin, probably due to a secondary hyperparathyroidism. In one of the experiments the rats were given 45Ca 2 weeks before the start of the calcitonin treatment in order to label the deep parts of bone. The release of isotope from bone was inhibited after the first injections of the hormone, but even after a few days of calcitonin treatment no differences could be detected between the treated animals and their corresponding controls. An increased release of isotope from bone was registered as soon as the treatment was interrupted, indicating the presence of a secondary hyperparathyroidism.

No conclusive changes could be detected in the intestinal absorption of calcium.

A transitory reduction in the excretion of calcium in the urine was followed by a considerable loss of calcium.
THE EFFECT OF INSULIN INDUCED HYPOGLYCAEMIA ON PLASMA RENIN ACTIVITY AND URINARY CATECHOLAMINES BEFORE AND FOLLOWING CLONIDINE (CATAPRESAN®) IN MAN
Authors: Hedeland H. , Dymling J.-F. , Hökfelt B.
Published: December 2008

The present study was concerned with the relation of catecholamine production and plasma renin activity. The catecholamine production was measured as the urinary excretion of noradrenaline and adrenaline. Thirteen subjects were studied under basal conditions and also following insulin induced hypoglycaemia both before and during treatment with the imidazoline derivate clonidine.

Before clonidine, hypoglycaemia produced a marked increase in catecholamine production and an elevation of plasma renin activity. These parameters were significantly correlated.

Treatment with clonidine markedly suppressed noradrenaline production and plasma renin activity. Adrenaline production showed a minor decrease.

During clonidine treatment insulin induced pronounced hypoglycaemia. In spite of this the increase in adrenaline production and plasma renin activity was less marked as compared to that before clonidine. There was no longer any significant correlation between catecholamine production and plasma renin activity.

Our results indicate that sympathetic amines liberated from the adrenal medulla and/or the sympathetic nerve endings can stimulate renin production.
ASPECTS OF CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM IN NEWBORN INFANTS OF DIABETIC MOTHERS. IV
Authors: Mølsted-Pedersen Lars , Wagner Lise , Klebe Joachim G. , Pedersen Jørgen
Published: December 2008

The plasma concentration of free fatty acids (FFA) was studied in 18 diabetic and in 12 non-diabetic mothers and in their infants. FFA was determined in the maternal and umbilical blood at birth and again in the umbilical venous blood about 3 hours later. At that time an iv glucose load was given, and the FFA concentration was determined after 1 and 2 hours respectively. Furthermore, the FFA concentration was determined on the 5th day of life after 4 hours' fasting and 1 hour after an iv glucose load. The plasma glucose was determined every 10 minutes and K values were calculated at birth as well as on the 5th day of life.

The maternal FFA concentration was higher in diabetics, but of the same low level in the 2 groups of neonates. The maternal-umbilical FFA ratio in diabetics was 2.5 as against 1.8 in normal subjects. A positive correlation between maternal FFA concentration and the infants' birth weight was demonstrated in both groups of infants.

In infants of diabetic mothers the increase in plasma FFA over the first 3 hours as well as the decrease following the glucose load was much smaller than in the non-diabetic group. On the fifth day of life there was no significant difference between the two groups of infants either in the level of the fasting FFA concentration or in the steep decrease after the glucose injection.
ROLE OF DIFFERENT PRECURSORS IN THE SYNTHESIS OF LIVER GLYCOGEN DURING CORTISOL ADMINISTRATION
Authors: Kendysh I. N. , Moroz B. B.
Published: December 2008

The rate of label incorporation of various precursors into liver glycogen and exhaled carbon dioxide was investigated in rats 3, 6, 24 and 48 hours after cortisol injection. The glycogen concentration in the liver attained its maximum 24 hours after the hormone injection, whereas the total radioactivity of glycogen from [1-14C] glucose, [1–3-14C] lactate and [1,2-14C] glycerol reached the highest level during 3 to 6 hours and then remained within the subnormal limits 24 hours after the injection. The label incorporation from [1-14C] glycine into liver glycogen reached a maximum 6 to 24 hours after the hormone injection, coinciding in time with the maximum increase of the glycogen concentration in the liver. Hence, amino acids play a more important role in glycogen formation as compared with other precursors; thus they seem to be the main substrates in cortisol-induced gluconeogenesis. Cortisol produced no effect on [1,2-14C] glycerol oxidation, but the hormone increases oxidation of other labelled substrates involved in exhaled carbon dioxide.