bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PURIFICATION AND CHARACTERISATION OF TWO PORCINE HYPOTHALAMIC FRACTIONS WITH LH-RELEASING ACTIVITY: EVIDENCE FOR A SINGLE LH AND FSH-RELEASING HORMONE
Authors: Sandow J. , Enzmann F. , Arimura A. , Redding T. W. , Schally A. V.
Published: December 2008

Two fractions with LH releasing activity were obtained from porcine hypothalami by Enzmann et al. (1972). These fractions were designated E 57 and E 203. By comparison with pure natural LH-RH and synthetic LH-RH, E 203 was identified as purified natural LH-RH. E 57, which has only 25 % of the activity of E 203, was further evaluated for its biological and immunological activity. E 57 has the same ratio of LH/FSH-releasing activity as natural LH-RH. The binding to a specific LH-RH antiserum is identical with that of natural LH-RH and E 203. It is concluded, that E 57 is an artifact of isolation derived from natural LH-RH. These findings can be considered as additional evidence for the identity of the hypothalamic LH and FSH releasing hormone, since both gonadotrophins are stimulated by the two hypothalamic fractions.
THE EFFECT OF APOMORPHINE ON BASAL AND TRH STIMULATED RELEASE OF THYROTROPHIN AND PROLACTIN IN MAN
Authors: Nilsson Karl Olof , Wide Leif , Hökfelt Bernt
Published: December 2008

Studies were performed in two groups of healthy male volunteers to evaluate the effect of apomorphine on the secretion of thyrotrophin (TSH) and prolactin under basal conditions and following the administration of thyrotrophin releasing hormone (TRH).

Apomorphine HCl, administered sc in a dose of 0.75 mg had no effect on the basal levels of plasma TSH or serum prolactin.

The iv injection of 200 μg TRH was followed by an increase in TSH and prolactin in all subjects, with a maximum 20–30 min after the injection. When 0.75 mg of apomorphine was injected sc 30 min before TRH, the increase in prolactin was significantly reduced whereas the TSH response was unaltered.

Our studies indicate that the TRH induced secretion of prolactin in man can be suppressed through a dopaminergic mechanism whereas the secretion of TSH is not influenced.
PITUITARY HORMONES IN WOMEN WITH CHRONIC RENAL FAILURE: THE EFFECT OF CHRONIC INTERMITTENT HAEMO-AND PERITONEAL DIALYSIS
Authors: Ølgaard K. , Hagen C. , McNeilly A. S.
Published: December 2008

Measurements of plasma prolactin (hPr), growth hormone (HGH), thyrotrophin (TSH), luteinizing (LH) – and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were performed in 20 women with chronic renal failure on regular dialysis. There was no significant difference in any of the hormone levels before and after the dialysis and no significant influence of the type of dialysis (haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis) or the time of dialysis. Higher levels of plasma prolactin was found in the women on peritoneal dialysis than in the haemodialyzed women presumably due to the medical treatment.

In the peritoneally dialyzed group four women had irregular menstruations and normal gonadotrophic levels, but elevated hPr and it is suggested that this finding is similar to that seen in the amenorrhoeagalactorrhoea syndrome, where hPr presumably in some way have anti-gonadotrophic actions at the gonadal level.
ACUTE EFFECTS OF EXOGENOUS GROWTH HORMONE IN MAN: TIME- AND DOSE-BOUND MODIFICATION OF GLUCOSE TOLERANCE AND GLUCOSE-INDUCED INSULIN RELEASE
Authors: Adamson Ulf , Cerasi Erol
Published: December 2008

The time and dose dependency of the effects of a 30-min long iv infusion of human growth hormone (GH) on glucose tolerance and glucose-stimulated insulin release was investigated in 19 healthy subjects. Glucose tolerance deteriorated immediately following GH, and the k-value continued to decrease up to 300 min later. A small but significant reduction of glucose tolerance persisted 24 h after GH administration. Significant deterioration of glucose tolerance was observed with the smallest GH dose used (5 μg per kg body weight), increasing the amount of the hormone having no further major influence.

Glucose-stimulated insulin release was significantly inhibited 1 h after administration of a relatively high GH dose (40 μg per kg), both if expressed as mean plasma insulin levels, or as insulin release per magnitude of glucose stimulation (insulinogenic index). In the majority of subjects, insulin release was inhibited also by lower GH doses (5–20 μg GH per kg). However, the mean change with these doses was not statistically significant. The inhibitory effect of GH on insulin secretion seemed to have a duration of several hours. Five hours, but not 24 h, after GH administration (10 μg GH per kg) insulin release was still significantly suppressed.

It is suggested that the initial effect of GH on pancreatic beta cells may be inhibition of insulin release, in contrast with the enhancement of insulin secretion observed during chronic administration of GH.
SYNTHETIC HUMAN CALCITONIN: ANALYSIS OF ANTIBODIES OBTAINED FROM VARIOUS ANIMAL SPECIES AND DETERMINATION OF IMMUNOREACTIVE HORMONE IN HUMAN SERA
Authors: Dietrich F. M. , Hunziker W. H. , Fischer J. A.
Published: December 2008

Antibodies to synthetic human calcitonin (hCT) were developed in rabbits, goats and mice. The free peptide (32 amino-acid residues, Mwt. 3418) was administered together with adjuvant, and the effect of various immunization procedures, as well as of different dose-levels, was evaluated comparatively. Synthetic hCT was found to be a good immunogen for the three animal species examined. The relative importance of various structural parts of the hCT molecule with regard to immunological specificity was determined by reference to the inhibition of the specific binding of 125I-hCT to antibodies by peptide fragments of hCT. All the antisera studied were directed to structural and/or conformational properties of the 11–28 or 11–32 amino acid sequence of hCT. Six different antisera from rabbits and goats were selected for radioimmunological assay of hCT on the basis of their inhibitory dose50-values and immunological specificity. To improve the sensitivity of the radioimmunoassay (RIA), we studied the preparation of radioiodinated hCT and assessed various parameters determining the sensitivity of the assay. Despite all the efforts, CT in human plasma from healthy subjects could not be determined with certainty. The difficulties encountered in the determination of normal levels of circulating CT are discussed in terms of the sensitivity of RIA and non-specific interference of serum factors with RIA.
AMINOGLUTETHIMIDE AND GLUTETHIMIDE: EFFECTS ON 18-HYDROXYCORTICOSTERONE BIOSYNTHESIS BY HUMAN AND SHEEP ADRENALS IN VITRO
Authors: Touitou Yvan , Bogdan André , Legrand Jean Claude , Desgrez Pierre
Published: December 2008

The conversion of [1,2-3H] corticosterone to 18-hydroxycorticosterone in vitro was studied on human and animal adrenal tissue homogenates. Human adrenals were surgically resected from a patient with Cushing's disease. Sheep adrenal homogenates were prepared from the pooled glands of 20 animals. Incubations supplemented with a NADPH generating system were performed in order to evaluate the effect of aminoglutethimide and its closely related compound glutethimide on corticosterone 18-hydroxylation in vitro. Increasing concentrations of the two drugs were assayed on both human and animal adrenal homogenates. Aminoglutethimide was clearly found to inhibit corticosterone 18-hydroxylation in sheep adrenal homogenates as a 72.6 % inhibition occurred in the presence of only 0.2 μmole of the drug. Inhibition reached 91.1 % in the presence of 0.5 μmole aminoglutethimide. When added to the human incubated adrenal, a 59.4 % inhibition occurred in the presence of 0.5 μmole aminoglutethimide.

Glutethimide, a sedative of wide clinical usage, was also found to inhibit corticosterone 18-hydroxylation but the inhibitory effect occurred only in the presence of much higher concentrations. In fact, 5.0 μmoles were necessary to obtain a 43.9% inhibition of 18-hydroxycorticosterone synthesis.

This study clearly demonstrates the marked inhibitory effect of aminoglutethimide on corticosterone 18-hydroxylation. Glutethimide, to a lesser extent, also inhibits 18-hydroxycorticosterone synthesis.
EFFECT OF AMPICILLIN ADMINISTRATION ON THE EXCRETION OF TWELVE OESTROGENS IN PREGNANCY URINE
Authors: Adlercreutz H. , Martin F. , Tikkanen M. J. , Pulkkinen M.
Published: December 2008

The excretion of twelve oestrogens in urine, pooled daily from a group of pregnant women, was determined before, during and after ampicillin administration (2 g/day, for 3 days). On the second day of ampicillin administration total oestrogen excretion fell to 67 % of the mean control value, oestriol excretion to 69% and that of the other eleven individual oestrogens to an average of 62 % of the mean control values. In general, on the third day of treatment and on the two post-treatment days this decrease tended to be corrected. The patterns of change in the urinary levels of the individual metabolites provided no clear lead to the basic mechanism of ampicillin impairment of oestrogen excretion. However, as the drug affected all their excretion in more or less the same way as it did that of oestriol, it is possible that ampicillin interferes primarily with their enterohepatic circulation in the mother as has been established with reasonable certainty in the case of oestriol.
ADRENOCORTICAL RESPONSES FOLLOWING SCIATIC NERVE STIMULATION IN RATS WITH PARTIAL HYPOTHALAMIC DEAFFERENTATIONS
Authors: Feldman Shaul , Conforti Nissim , Chowers Israel
Published: December 2008

Studies from this laboratory have demonstrated that the adrenocortical response following sciatic nerve stimulation is completely inhibited in rats with hypothalamic islands, indicating that this response depends entirely on the activation of afferent neural pathways to the hypothalamus. With the purpose of identifying the site of entry of these neural pathways into the mediobasal hypothalamus the effects of partial hypothalamic deafferentations were studied. It was found that in rats with posterior or posterolateral deafferentation the adrenocortical responses were similar to those obtained in intact rats, while anterior and anterolateral deafferentation resulted in a reduction of 62.3 and 53.3 %, respectively. These results would indicate that the sciatic impulses which activate the adrenocortical response involve neural afferents which enter the mediobasal hypothalamus by an anterior pathway.
CHANGES IN OVARIAN AND PITUITARY FUNCTION IN NON-PREGNANT WOMEN DURING THE INFUSION OF PROSTAGLANDIN F2α
Authors: Elias J. A. , Newton J. R. , Collins W. P.
Published: December 2008

The concentrations of prostaglandin F2α, progesterone, oestradiol, LH and cortisol have been determined in serial samples of peripheral venous plasma, before, during and after, the intravenous administration of prostaglandin F2α (50 μg/min, for 5 h) to 8 women in the luteal phase of the ovarian cycle.

The results show that the mean concentrations of prostaglandin F2α and cortisol increased during the infusion by factors of 8.8 and 2.6 respectively. The highest levels of cortisol occurred after 3 h, and were significantly different (P < 0.0005, Student's t-test) from those obtained before the infusion. There were progressive decreases in the concentrations of LH and progesterone. After 3 h the values for LH were significantly lower (P < 0.0025) than those before the administration of prostaglandin F2α, and the lowest mean value was 26 % of the control. The values for progesterone were significantly lower (P < 0.025) after 5 h, and the mean value at this time was 38 % of the control. The pattern of the mean concentration for oestradiol was similar to that for progesterone. The levels of all 5 compounds had returned to normal within 1 h after completion of the infusion. The findings are discussed.
IN VITRO STUDIES ON COLLAGEN METABOLISM IN METAPHYSEAL RAT BONE
Authors: Langeland Norvald , Teig Vigdis
Published: December 2008

In vitro collagen metabolism in metaphyseal bone has been studied during the first few hours and days after the start of in vivo treatment of castrated female rats with various doses of oestradiol-17β. Already during the first 2 h after the start of treatment with oestradiol-17β 2 μg/day and within the first 24 h in the rats receiving 20 μg/day, a reduction of the collagen incorporation rate was demonstrated. The incorporation rates remained at approximately the same reduced level during the following 3 weeks. In rats receiving oestradiol-17β 1 μg/day no such reduced incorporation rate could be demonstrated during the first 36 h after the start of treatment.

The bone collagen resorption rate was significantly elevated during the first 3 days of treatment in the animals receiving oestradiol-17β both 1 and 20 μg/day. After this time the resorption rates gradually fell to levels significantly below controls at 3 weeks after start of treatment.
THE INTERACTION OF GROWTH HORMONE, SOMATOMEDIN AND OESTROGEN IN PATIENTS WITH TURNER'S SYNDROME
Authors: Saenger Paul , Schwartz Ernest , Wiedemann Eckehart , Levine Lenore S. , Tsai Mary , New Maria I.
Published: December 2008

Baseline somatomedin activity in seven of eight patients with Turner's syndrome was found to be within normal limits. Somatomedin activity readily suppressed with oestrogen administration. The overall mean serum somatomedin activity during oestrogen therapy (0.87 U/ml, sd 0.15) was significantly lower (P < 0.005) than the mean of the control serum somatomedin activities (1.09 U/ml, sd 0.24). During oestrogen therapy, suggestive elevations of fasting growth hormone levels were noted in five of eight patients. The data indicate that oestrogenic suppression of serum somatomedin was not due to decreased growth hormone secretion and suggest the existence of a negative feedback link between somatomedin and growth hormone.
EFFECTS OF THYROXINE ON T-CELL COUNTS AND TUMOUR CELL REJECTION IN MICE
Authors: Aoki N. , Wakisaka G. , Nagata I.
Published: December 2008

In an attempt to study the effect of thyroxine on peripheral T-cell (thymus derived lymphocyte) counts or immunological functions, inbred C3H/He mice (8–10 weeks old) were injected subcutaneously with thyroxine for more than 3 months. After treatment for 3 months the mice were examined for peripheral T-cell counts, thymic incorporation of tritiated thymidine and rejection of tumour transplants. The number of T-cells was counted by the indirect immunoflourescence method using anti-ΘC3H serum after separation of lymphocytes on "Ficoll-Conray". It was revealed that the peripheral counts of both lymphocytes and T-cells were increased in the thyroxine treated group as compared with the control group, as was reported in the patients with Graves' disease. Thymic incorporation of tritiated thymidine was also found to be significantly increased in the thyroxine treated group. In addition, in order to study T-cell activity of the host, thyroxine treated and control mice were challenged with Ehrlich carcinoma cells at several concentrations (102, 104 and 2 × 106 per mouse). It was found that rejection of tumour transplants was significantly enhanced in the T-cell rich mice. Thus, it is possible that thyroxine affects peripheral T-cell counts and enhances immunological functions of the host.
INFUSIONS OF hFSH AND hLH IN NORMAL MEN
Authors: Kjeld J. M. , Harsoulis P. , Kuku S. F. , Marshall J. C. , Kaufman B. , Fraser T. R.
Published: December 2008

Serial serum assays of immunoreactive FSH before, during and after a 4 h intravenous infusion of human follicle stimulating hormone (hFSH) in five healthy men revealed two disappearance rate constants with corresponding mean half-lives of 2.9 and 50.6 h. The mean distribution spaces calculated for the fast and slow component were 4.36 1 and 75.9 1 respectively. The average value for the metabolic clearance rate was 17.2 ml/min and for the endogenous production rate 50.9 mU/min. Two of the subjects had human luteinizing hormone (hLH) added in the infusions without the FSH kinetics changing.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PREPARATIONS OF OVINE LUTEINIZING HORMONE BY BIOASSAY, IMMUNODOUBLEDIFFUSION, RADIOIMMUNOASSAY, RADIORECEPTOR ASSAY AND POLYACRYLAMIDE GEL ELECTROPHORESIS
Authors: Schlamowitz M. , Cronquist J. , Esfahani M. , Ward D. N.
Published: December 2008

Three preparations of ovine LH were compared for biological potency and by several in vitro parameters. All were found to be heterogenous by immunodoublediffusion and by electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gels. They all also showed similarities and/or differences with respect to their characteristics in immunodoublediffusion, radioimmunoassay, radioreceptor assay, gel electrophoresis and in dye-binding capacity, but in ways that preclude establishing a meaningful correlation between biopotency and the in vitro parameters or even among the in vitro parameters themselves. The implications of these findings for the use of these in vitro parameters for screening and assessing biological potencies of LH preparations and for inferring chemical and/or structural similarities between LH preparations are discussed. Aspects of polymorphism of LH, observed by electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gels, are also discussed.
T3 RESIN UPTAKE IN PROTEIN-CALORIE MALNUTRITION
Authors: Ingenbleek Y. , De Nayer P. , De Visscher M.
Published: December 2008

RT3U3) is significantly elevated (P < 0.001) in the acute stage of kwashiorkor and returns to normal after 2 weeks of appropriate refeeding. RT3U is characterized by a high negative correlation with TBGcap. This negative correlation is maximal on admission (r = −0.88) and gradually declines to normal value (r = −0.63) with clinical recovery. This finding is consistent with the main role attributed to TBG in determining RT3U level.

The collected data emphize the importance of the protein plasma levels in the evaluation of the thyroid function with RT3U in protein-calorie malnutrition.
PROGESTERONE-BINDING GLOBULIN AND TESTOSTERONE-BINDING ACTIVITY IN GUINEA PIG SERUM DURING PREGNANCY: RELATIONSHIP TO PROGESTERONE AND OESTROGENS
Authors: Lea O. A. , Bessesen A. , Støa K. F.
Published: December 2008

Progesterone levels in serum have been determined throughout pregnancy in guinea-pigs by a competitive protein-binding technique, using pregnant guinea pig plasma protein as binding agent. The concentrations of this protein (progesterone-binding globulin, PBG) as well as the testosteronebinding activity (TBA) have been quantitated by means of equilibrium dialysis. In order to correlate these parameters to the endogenous oestrogen production, the urinary oestrogen excretion was recorded.

The concentration of progesterone, PBG and TBA showed a sharp rise on days 14–18 of gestation, reaching a maximal level on days 30–44. The progesterone level thereafter declined significantly towards parturition, followed by a sharp drop post partum. PBG and TBA followed a similar course, the decline towards parturition, however, being non significant. Neither progesterone, PBG nor TBA were significantly correlated to the urinary oestrogen excretion.

The concentration of PGB was remarkably high, amounting to 1–2 × 10-5 m during most of the guinea pig pregnancy. This binding capacity generally exceeded the endogenous progesterone concentration by a factor of 20, as calculated on a molar basis. A mean of 64 % of the binding sites was available for testosterone binding, corresponding to a free binding capacity of 400 μg testosterone per 100 ml.
DEMONSTRATION OF ANALOGUES TO THE HUMAN PREGNANCY ZONE PROTEIN IN ANIMALS
Authors: von Schoultz Bo , Stigbrand Torgny , Martinsson Kjell , Holmgren Nils
Published: December 2008

The pregnancy zone protein (PZ) is known to occur in increased amounts during pregnancy and hormonal treatment. Analogues of this human serum α2-globulin were demonstrated in animals by double gel diffusion and immunoelectrophoresis. Direct cross-reactions were found for Rhesus monkey and beagle dog against anti-human pregnancy zone protein. After preparation of an "anti-dog PZ" serum it was possible to demonstrate analogues also in cow and sheep. Thus, the present investigation demonstrates animal analogues to the human pregnancy zone protein, which should be valuable for studies of the biological role of this protein.
BINDING OF IODINATED ANGIOTENSIN CONGENERS TO ANGIOTENSIN II ANTIBODIES
Authors: Fyhrquist F. , Kala R.
Published: December 2008

Antibodies against angiotensin II (A II) were generated in rabbits by immunization with val5-angiotensin II coupled to albumin. All antisera bound significant amounts of 125I-labelled A II hepta (2–8) and hexapeptide (3–8), but angiotensin I (A I) was not bound. High specificity for A II was found in 3 sera out of 10. The other sera showed above 50% crossreaction with hepta- or hexapeptide, or both. No sera were found to crossreact with A I. The amino acids in position 1 and 2 may become additional immunological determinants, providing the basis for the generation of antibodies highly specific for A II. Labelling with 125I using the chloramine method may alter the immunoreactivity of angiotensin congeners. Selected antisera against A II may be used for radioimmunoassays of the biologically active angiotensin "III" (2–8 heptapeptide) and the 3–8 hexapeptide fragment of A II.
INHIBITION OF MID-CYCLE GONADOTROPHIN RELEASE IN HEALTHY WOMEN BY PIMOZIDE AND FUSARIC ACID
Authors: Leppäluoto J. , Männistö P. , Ranta T. , Linnoila M.
Published: December 2008

The effects of pimozide, a drug blocking dopamine receptors, and fusaric acid, an inhibitor of dopamine β-hydroxylase, on mid-cycle release of FSH and LH were studied in 8 healthy women 20–25 years of age. None had used contraceptive drugs for the preceding 10 months.

From the menstrual history and serum LH determinations during the normal cycle, mid-cycle gonadotrophin bursts were predicted for the following three cycles. Two days before and after the expected gonadotrophin surge were regarded as sufficient for the drug tests. Pimozide (initially 2 mg, then 1 mg/day) and fusaric acid (600 mg/day) were administered in a randomized cross-over study.

The mid-cycle LH values were reduced from the control level of 56 ± 10 mIU/ml (mean ± se) to 22 ± 4 mIU/ml by pimozide (P < 0.001) and to 17 ± 5 mIU/ml by fusaric acid (P < 0.001). The serum FSH level was 9 ± 2 mIU/ml on the day of the LH surge and did not change significantly during treatment with either drug. The LH and FSH responses to synthetic LRF (100 μg iv) were not changed by pimozide or fusaric acid. The rise of basal temperature associated with ovulation was not affected by the drugs.

These results suggest that suprapituitary noradrenergic and dopaminergic neurotransmitters are involved in the regulation of mid-cycle gonadotrophin secretion in women.
THE DEGREE OF BONE MINERALIZATION IN HYPERTHYROIDISM ESTIMATED FROM THE PHOSPHORUS TO HYDROXYPROLINE RATIO IN BONE
Authors: Tougaard Lars
Published: December 2008

The proportion between mineral and collagen in bone tissue, "the degree of mineralization", can be evaluated from the phosphorus to hydroxyproline ratio (P/Hypro ratio), determined in bone biopsies. The ratio was measured in 27 unselected hyperthyroid patients. No significant correlation was found between the P/Hypro ratio and the age of the patient, the duration of the disease or the value of serum thyroxine. The mean value of the P/Hypro ratio for the group studied was not significantly different from the normal mean. The results of the study indicate a normal degree of mineralization in the bone of patients with hyperthyroidism.
RAPID SIMULTANEOUS RADIOMMUNOASSAY FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF TRIIODOTHYRONINE AND THYROXINE IN UNEXTRACTED HUMAN SERUM
Authors: Ljunggren Jan-Gustaf , Persson Bertil , Tryselius Monica
Published: December 2008

A rapid simultaneous radioimmunoassay for the measurement of triiodothyronine and thyroxine in unextracted human serum is described. The method requires 25 μl serum. Approximately 150 human sera can be tested for triiodothyronine and thyroxine levels in one day by one technical assistant. The triiodothyronine levels in peripheral venous blood in euthyroid subjects and in patients with various thyroid diseases are as follows: euthyroid (50) 115 ± 22 (mean ± sd) ng/100 ml, hypothyroid (20) 33 ± 35 (mean ± sd) ng/100 ml and hyperthyroid (20) 411 ± 142 (mean ± sd) ng/100 ml. The corresponding levels for thyroxine are: 6.9 ± 1.3, 2.0 ± 1.4 and 21.4 ± 5.2 μg/100 ml. The levels of triiodothyronine in the thyroid venous blood are higher (P < 0.05) than in the peripheral venous blood. The levels of thyroxine in the thyroid venous blood was not significantly higher than in peripheral venous blood.
ULTRAMORPHOMETRIC STUDIES OF THE ADRENAL CORTEX OF ADULT RATS AFTER NEONATAL ADMINISTRATION OF SEX STEROIDS
Authors: Mäusle E. , Fickinger G.
Published: December 2008

The outer zona fasciculata of 28 Sprague-Dawley rats, 8 weeks old, was studied by means of ultramorphometry. Four males and 4 females each received 1250 μg of testosterone proprionate (TP) or 300 μg oestradiol benzoate (OeB) on the second day of life. Four males and 4 females in oestrus or dioestrus served as controls.

The controls showed both sex and cyclic differences: in comparison to the males, females displayed a finely dispersed lipoid pattern; enlargement of the nucleus and an increase in the amount of smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) indicated an increased stimulation of the cortex during oestrus.

Neonatal administration of TP in females causes a distinct enlargement of cells with an increase in the volumes of nucleus, mitochondria, liposomes, SER and liposomes. The mitochondria and liposomes show a small-dispersed pattern of distribution. All these function-specific morphometric parameters point to an increased activity of the individual cell. The changes are less pronounced after OeB than after TP.

In the male, neonatal administration of sex steroids results in an alteration of the sizes of the mitochondria and liposomes. The liposomes are distributed finely dispersed. At the same time there is an increase in the lipoid content. According to these parameters, fasciculata cells fulfil the morphological conditions that are a prerequisite for an elevated functional reaction. This change is more marked following OeB than TP.

Sex dimorphism is preserved following neonatal application of sex steroids since the alterations are much more pronounced in females than in males.
OESTRONE, OESTRADIOL AND TESTOSTERONE IN NORMAL AND HYPOGONADAL MEN FOLLOWING LH-RH OR HCG STIMULATION
Authors: Kley H. K. , Nieschlag E. , Wiegelmann W. , Krüskemper H. L.
Published: December 2008

Oestrone, oestradiol-17β and testosterone in serum were measured during a LH-RH infusion test and a Leydig cell function test with HCG in healthy men and in patients with primary or secondary hypogonadism. Following infusion of LH-RH increases of LH (+112%), oestradiol (+62 %) and testosterone (+51 %) were observed in normal men, while oestrone remained unchanged. Of the patients only those with Klinefelter's syndrome showed a significant increase in testosterone and oestradiol after LH-RH infusion. During the Leydig cell function test oestradiol and testosterone exhibited a largely parallel pattern under normal and pathological conditions as well as in subjects with experimental hypogonadism. Augmentations of plasma oestrone were usually smaller than those for oestradiol.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SUBCELLULAR PROLIFERATING MEMBRANES AND MITOCHONDRIA IN DOG THYROID FOLLICULAR CELLS INDUCED BY SYNTHETIC DOUBLE-STRANDED RNA ADMINISTRATION
Authors: Fernandez-Pol J. A.
Published: December 2008

The administration of polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidylic acid [poly(rI:rC)], an interferon inducer and antitumour agent, induced proliferating intracellular membranes as well as a characteristic association between those membranes and mitochondria. The membrane-mitochondrion association was most often observed in small mitochondria lying close to the basal cell membrane.

Although the meaning of this differential response is not known, these findings might be explained by an actual biogenesis of the mitochondria from subcellular membranes induced by poly (rI:rC), either directly or secondary to its toxic effects.
STUDIES ON THE MECHANISM OF SOMATOSTATIN ACTION ON INSULIN RELEASE IN MAN
Authors: Efendić S. , Luft R. , Claro A.
Published: December 2008

Somatostatin in as small a dose as 70 μg given over a period of 90 min to seven healthy subjects inhibited insulin release induced by glucose (500 mg/kg as a bolus ± 20 mg/kg/min). This inhibition seemed to be of competitive nature since the effect was nearly overcome when the glucose dose was raised considerably.

Somatostatin in nine subjects also inhibited insulin release induced by glucagon and tolbutamide, and this inhibition was of the same order of magnitude as that of glucose induced insulin release. Since all these insulinogogues enhance the accumulation of cyclic AMP in the β-cells, it is suggested that the adenylate cyclase-cyclic AMP system might be involved in the action of somatostatin. Somatostatin did not seem to interfere with the glycogenolytic effect of glucagon on the liver.
MULTICOMPONENT GAS CHROMATOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF URINARY STEROIDS EXCRETED BY AN INFANT WITH A DEFECT IN ALDOSTERONE BIOSYNTHESIS
Authors: Shackleton C. H. L. , Honour J. W. , Dillon M. , Milla P.
Published: December 2008

The urinary steroids excreted by an infant with a salt-wasting syndrome due to a suspected defect in the 18-oxidation of corticosterone have been analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The excretion of tetrahydroaldosterone was low (3.5 μg/24 h) whilst the excretion of 3α, 11β,21-trihydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one (allo-tetrahydrocorticosterone) and other corticosterone metabolites was high (total about 2 mg/24 h). The excretion of cortisol metabolites was apparently normal for age (total about 2 mg/24 h) but 3α,11β,17α,21-tetrahydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one (allo-tetrahydrocortisol) rather than tetrahydrocortisone, was the major component of the group.

The excretion of an 18-hydroxycorticosterone metabolite 3α,18,21-trihydroxy-5β-pregnane-1 1,20-dione (18-hydroxytetrahydroCompound A) was higher than normal for infants of this age (between 50 and 200 μg/24 h), suggesting that the defect was in 18-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase rather than 18-hydroxylase. In addition, 18-hydroxytetrahydrocorticosterone, another metabolite of 18-hydroxycorticosterone was tentatively identified and it was found that the rate of excretion of this compound was of similar magnitude to 18-hydroxytetrahydroCompound A.

The salt balance of the infant has been successfully controlled by salt administration (77 mEq./24 h) and treatment with Fludrocortisone (0.5 mg/day).
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OESTROGEN, PROSTAGLANDIN F2α AND HISTAMINE IN DELAYED IMPLANTATION IN THE MOUSE
Authors: Saksena S. K. , Lau I. F. , Chang M. C.
Published: December 2008

Treatment of pregnant mice ovaricctomized on day 3 (23.00-2330 h) with progesterone (1 mg/day/mouse, from day 4 through 11 post coitum (p.c.)) and oestrogen (single injection of 0.05 αg on day 8 p. c.) induced implantation in all the animals. Implantation was inhibited in animals following three subcutaneous injections of indomethacin given on the morning and afternoon of day 8 and the morning of day 9 p. c. A single injection of histamine on day 8 p. c. partially compensated the effect of indomethacin. A complete reversal of the antifertility effect of indomethacin was achieved following intraperitoneal administration of histamine (2 αg at noon of day 8 p. c.) and PGF2α (20 μg on the morning and afternoon of day 8 p. c.). This study suggests that in the mouse uterus indomethacin impairs the physiological changes which are required for the decidual cell formation and implantation. It is likely that an injection of oestradiol in the progesterone treated ovariectomized mice triggers the release of PGF2α and histamine and that these compounds are involved in the chain of events leading to implantation of the blastocysts.
UTILIZATION OF DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE AND ITS SULPHATE FOR OESTROGEN PRODUCTION BY PREGNANT BABOONS (Papio papio)
Authors: Townsley John D.
Published: December 2008

The effect of varying maternal circulating 3β-hydroxy-5-androsten-17-one (D) and its sulphate (DS) on urinary oestrogen (Oe) excretion by baboons was determined between 65 and 174 days gestation (term = 184 days). Oe (mainly oestrone) was determined by radioimmunoassay after enzymic hydrolysis of conjugates. Increments in Oe were estimated from the difference between Oe during 5 days pre- and post-treatment. Oestradiol-17β (5 mg in 5.0 ml saline-ethanol, 1:1) administered iv increased (P < 0.001) Oe by 2.46 ± 0.71, 7 (mean, mg ± sd, number of experiments). The response to 100 mg D (3.20 ± 1.50, 7) was greater (P < 0.001) than that due to 100 mg DS (0.03 ± 0.75, 7). The response to DS was not different from that due to saline-ethanol alone (-0.05 ± 0.27, 5). Betamethasone (9α-fluoro-11β,17,21-trihydroxy-16β-methyl-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione) administration (3 mg bi-daily, im) caused an approximately 90% reduction in Oe within 4 days. In animals treated chronically with betamethasone the response due to 100 mg D (2.74 ± 1.04, 5) was again greater (P < 0.001) than that due to 100 mg DS (0.10 ± 0.09, 5). ACTH (8 U or 40 U, im, N = 11) produced a variable but not significant mean change in Oe at either dose level. Metyrapone (300 mg every 4 h for 6 doses) increased (P < 0.005) Oe (0.77 ± 0.48, 5). It is concluded that in normal pregnant animals and those treated with betamethasone, in which endogenous levels of D and DS are presumably reduced, D is preferentially used over DS for oestrogen production. Variations in DS availability do not produce marked changes in oestrogen production. This suggests that rapid increases in oestrogen production, as occur for example close to term, may result from increased availability of D rather than DS. The variable responses to ACTH and the increase in Oe following metyrapone administration are compatible with significant foetal contributions of oestrogen precursors, the production of which is under ACTH control.
INFLUENCE OF SUCKLING AND OF SUCKLING FOLLOWED BY TRH OR LH-RH ON PLASMA PROLACTIN, TSH, GH AND FSH
Authors: Jeppsson S. , Nilsson K. O. , Rannevik G. , Wide L.
Published: December 2008

Ten women were studied during the first post-partum week. Suckling for 20 min induced a marked increase in plasma prolactin, reaching a maximum within 0–25 min after the end of suckling and then returning to pre-suckling levels after 120 min. Suckling induced no changes in plasma thyrotrophin (TSH), growth hormone (GH) or follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). The iv injection of 200 μg of thyrotrophin releasing hormone (TRH) immediately after suckling resulted in an additional increase in plasma prolactin and a rise in TSH. When given 120 min after suckling TRH was followed by increased plasma levels of prolactin and TSH, which for both hormones were of a magnitude comparable to the TRH induced increment seen immediately after suckling. Thus, suckling did not inhibit the effect of TRH on the release of TSH. These studies indicate that TRH is probably not involved in the suckling induced increase in prolactin secretion.

The mean plasma FSH level was below the limit of detection before and after suckling. Neither plasma FSH nor prolactin showed any appearant changes following the iv injection of 25 μg of luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LH-RH), when given immediately after and 120 min after suckling.

When given after suckling as indicated above, TRH induced no changes in plasma GH or FSH and similarly LH-RH was without influence on plasma GH and TSH.
RADIOIMMUNOASSAY OF RAT PROLACTIN AND ITS USE IN MEASURING PROLACTIN PRODUCTION BY CULTURED PITUITARY CELLS
Authors: Haug E. , Gautvik K. M.
Published: December 2008

A sensitive and specific radioimmunoassay has been developed for rat prolactin (rPRL), employing the double antibody solid phase technique for the separation of free and antibody-bound [125I]rPRL. The anti-serum was raised in rabbits and showed no cross-reaction with rat growth hormone (rGH), follicle stimulating hormone (rFSH), luteinizing hormone (rLH) and thyrotrophin (rTSH). The immunosorbent (sheep anti-rabbit IgG bound to cellulose) showed a surprisingly high binding of [125I]rPRL, but not of the other iodinated anterior pituitary hormones. Addition of serum to the incubation mixtures prevented the binding between [125I]rPRL and the immunosorbent. Three different clonal strains of pituitary cells have been examined for production of rPRL, rLH and rTSH, both in the basal state as well as after treatment with thyrotrophin releasing hormone (TRH) and gonadotrophin releasing hormone (LH/FSH-RH). Monolayer cultures of two of the cell strains produced and secreted rPRL spontaneously, and they showed a 2-fold increase in rPRL production after treatment with TRH (3·10−7 mol/1). The third cell strain did not produce rPRL spontaneously, or after treatment with TRH. None of these cell strains could be stimulated to produce rTSH by treatment with TRH. Treatment of the same three cell strains with LH/FSH-RH (1.2·10−6 mol/1) failed to induce production of rLH, and there were no changes in production of rPRL. Prostaglandins E1 and E2 (3·10−8 mol/1) and oestradiol-17β (10−7–10−10 mol/1), however, stimulated the production of rPRL. The effects of TRH and prostaglandins E1 and E2 were observed within 24 h of treatment, while the first effect of oestradiol-17β was seen after 3 days. These results suggest that the stimulatory effect of oestradiol-17β on rPRL production differs from that of TRH and prostaglandins.
STUDIES ON THE MECHANISM OF ACTION OF POTASSIUM IODIDE ON THYROID PROTEIN BIOSYNTHESIS
Authors: Pisarev Mario A. , Aiello Leonardo O.
Published: December 2008

Potassium iodide (KI) has been shown to have an antigoitrogenic action and to inhibit in vivo thyroid protein biosynthesis. Beef thyroid slices were used to clarify further the mechanism of action of KI. Incubations were performed in Krebs-Ringer-bicarbonate (KRB) buffer under 95% O2 and 5% CO2. KI caused a slight decrease in the uptake of [3H]leucine by the tissue. When labelled leucine incorporation into protein was measured it was found that 10−6 m KI caused a marked inhibition. Increasing concentrations of KI up to 10−3 m did not further increase this inhibition. This effect of KI was reduced by simultaneous addition of 0.5 mm KClO4 or 1 mm methylmercaptoimidazole (MMI). In several experiments it was found that equimolar amounts of thyroxine (T4) or triiodothyronine (T3) were more potent than KI in inhibiting thyroid protein biosynthesis.

In double labelled studies KI decreased [3H] leucine incorporation into thyroid soluble proteins and into immunoprecipitable thyroglobulin (Tg) while it did not modify that of [14C]galactosamine.

When tissue specificity was examined, KI failed to alter [3H] leucine incorporation into proteins either in the liver or in the submaxillary gland. The present results indicate that intracellular KI is necessary to exert its effect on protein synthesis, and that this effect is mediated through a organic form of iodine, probably iodothyronines. This action of KI is specific for the thyroid gland.
DRUG CONTROL OF CUSHING'S SYNDROME
Authors: Child D. F. , Burke C. W. , Burley D. M. , Rees Lesley H. , Fraser T. Russell
Published: December 2008

Eighteen patients with Cushing's syndrome (16 pituitary-dependent Cushing's disease, 1 ectopic ACTH syndrome, 1 primary adrenal adenoma) were given a combination of aminoglutethimide and metyrapone, with the object of controlling cortisol overproduction using less toxic doses than would be required with each drug alone. A preliminary trial of this combination using doses of aminoglutethimide of 1 g or more a day was assessed over 2 weeks. Control of cortisol overproduction and clinical improvement was achieved but side effects led to withdrawal of the drugs in 6 out of the 12 patients. A lower dose trial of this combination over 2 weeks, using 750 mg/day of aminoglutethimide also controlled cortisol overproduction and side effects led to drug withdrawal in only 2 out of 6 patients. Four of these patients were successfully controlled with even lower doses (500-750 mg/day of aminoglutethimide) for longer periods (26 days–1 year). This low regimen which consists of aminoglutethimide 500–750 mg daily, metyrapone 2 g daily, dexamethasone 0.5 mg b. d. and fludrocortisone 0.1 mg daily, is useful for preparing patients for operative treatments and may be used as a long-term treatment of milder cases.
UPTAKE AND METABOLISM OF SEROTONIN BY RAT ADRENAL TISSUE IN VITRO
Authors: Trost Bernhard N. , Müller Jürg
Published: December 2008

After incubation of separate zones of rat adrenals with radioactively labelled serotonin - at concentrations at which the amine had been previously shown to stimulate aldosterone biosynthesis - the tissue radioactivity was several times higher in the capsular ("zona glomerulosa") than in the decapsulated portions of the glands. High doses of unlabelled serotonin diminished the accumulation of radioactivity, but only when added simultaneously with the tracer. In the course of the incubation, radioactive 5-hydroxy-3-indoleacetic acid, i. e. the deaminated metabolite of serotonin, rapidly appeared in the medium. Most of the radioactive material accumulated by the adrenal was recovered in the cytosol fraction and was no longer identical with serotonin, but consisted mainly of 5-hydroxy-3-indoleacetic acid and another, unidentified metabolite. Unaltered serotonin was found in capsular adrenal tissue extracts only when a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (nialamide) had been added to the incubation medium. Rapid uptake and metabolism thus appeared to be the predominant features of the interaction of incubated adrenal tissue with serotonin. These events may have obscured the possible binding of very small amounts of serotonin to receptor sites. The observed accumulation of radioactivity in adrenal tissue was mainly due to delayed outflow of intracellularly formed metabolite, since 5-hydroxy-3-indoleacetic acid was neither taken up by incubated adrenals nor bound by adrenal cytosol. No evidence of serotonin storage in the zona glomerulosa was found in these studies.
OVARIAN BIOCHEMICAL COMPETENCE FOLLOWING GONADOTROPHIC DEPRIVATION FROM BIRTH
Authors: Kraiem Z. , Eshkol A. , Lunenfeld B. , Ahrén K.
Published: December 2008

Normal ovarian morphogenesis is impaired by the absence of gonadotrophic hormones from birth. In the present study, the following question was asked: Does gonadotrophic deprivation also affect ovarian biochemical competence?

Newborn mice were treated daily with an antiserum neutralizing endogenous circulating gonadotrophins. At the age of 14 days, ovaries from these mice and control littermates were incubated in the presence and absence of gonadotrophic preparations; cAMP and lactic acid levels were then measured in tissue and incubation medium. Ovaries from antigonadotrophin treated and control mice had the same basal levels, per mg tissue, of cAMP and lactic acid. Moreover, the levels increased to approximately the same extent following in vitro gonadotrophic stimulation: an increase in cAMP of 8–10-fold (using a preparation with an hLH:hFSH ratio of 1:1) or 2½-fold (using a preparation with an hLH:hFSH ratio of 1:5), and about a 2-fold increase in lactic acid (using oLH).

The acute effect of gonadotrophins on ovarian glycolysis, reported up till now only in the rat ovary, is the first such demonstration in mice. The results also indicate that despite impaired morphogenesis, the enzymatic systems necessary for ovarian glycolysis (as measured by lactic acid production) and cAMP formation can develop without gonadotrophic participation. Furthermore, ovarian capacity to respond to hormonal stimulation is acquired post-natally, as shown by refractoriness to gonadotrophic stimulation during the first week of life. Finally, post-natal gonadotrophic exposure does not seem an essential requirement, at least as measured by the above parameters, for acquiring ovarian competence to respond to hormonal stimulation.
SERUM 5α-DIHYDROTESTOSTERONE AND TESTOSTERONE CHANGES WITH AGE IN MAN
Authors: Lewis J. G. , Ghanadian R. , Chisholm G. D.
Published: December 2008

Serum 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and testosterone (T) were measured in 98 normal adult men aged between 20–80 years, separating T and DHT by thin layer chromatography and using a sensitive and reliable radioimmunoassay. In three age groups between 20–40, 40–60 and 60–80, the means ± sem for serum DHT were 84 ± 4, 79 ± 3 and 67 ± 3 (ng/100 ml) respectively. The corresponding values for testosterone were 559 ± 25, 491 ± 25 and 475 ± 28 (ng/100 ml). A significant decrease was observed in the DHT level of the 60–80 years age group compared to either the 20–40 (P < 0.01) or the 40–60 (P < 0.02) age groups. There was a moderate decline in the testosterone level of the 60–80 years age group compared to 20–40 years (P < 0.05) but there were no significant changes in the testosterone levels between other groups.
SOMATOMEDIN A IN HUMAN SERUM, DETERMINED BY RADIORECEPTOR ASSAY
Authors: Takano K. , Hall K. , Ritzén M. , Iselius L. , Sievertsson H.
Published: December 2008

Somatomedin A was determined by radioreceptor assay in serum from patients with various disorders. The mean values of somatomedin A in serum from 20 adult subjects, 21 patients with acromegaly, and 17 patients with hypopituitary dwarfism were 1.08 ± 0.08, 3.02 ± 0.33 and 0.44 ± 0.03 U/ml, respectively. In children below 2 years of age, low levels were found (mean 0.40 ± 0.04 U/ml). Normal levels were found in patients with Turner's syndrome and primary hypothyroidism, increased levels in uraemic patients, and decreased levels in Laron dwarfs.
STUDIES ON THE POSTPONED GROWTH HORMONE SECRETION FOLLOWING THE INFUSION OF SOMATOSTATIN
Authors: Lucke C. , Höffken B. , von zur Mühlen A.
Published: December 2008

It is well known and also confirmed in this study that somatostatin (growth hormone inhibiting factor, GHIF) prevents the nocturnal GH secretion, as long as the peptide is infused. Following the infusion a rapid rise in GH levels is seen in sleeping subjects with peak values of 26.8 ± 9.7 ng/ml compared to 31.7 ± 4.7 ng/ml (± sem) in control nights.

Delayed GH peaks were seen even in the absence of slow wave sleep. No postponed GH rise was observed when subjects fell asleep again. These data demonstrate that the postponed nocturnal GH peak does not represent a rebound phenomenon to a previous trigger mechanism but is acutely sleep induced.
THE IMPORTANCE OF GROWTH HORMONE AND LIOTHYRONINE IN INDUCED HYPOCALCAEMIA IN HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED ANIMALS
Authors: Sørensen O. Helmer , Lund Birger , Kølendorf Klaus
Published: December 2008

The resistance to hypocalcaemia induced by synthetic salmon calcitonin (SCT) was studied in intact and hypophysectomized rats. The recovery from hypocalcaemia was greatly impaired in the latter group, but this was normalised by small doses of purified human growth hormone (GH). The initial hypocalcaemic response to SCT was delayed in the hypophysectomized rats. This was not affected by treatment with GH, but normalised by substitution with liothyronine. We conclude that GH accelerates the recovery from hypocalcaemia in hypophysectomized animals, perhaps by a stimulation of parathyroid activity, while thyroid hormone accelerates the initial hypocalcaemic response to SCT, probably by restoring the reduced rate of bone resorption.
WHISKY: A NEW PROVOCATIVE TEST FOR CALCITONIN SECRETION
Authors: Dymling John F. , Ljungberg Otto , Hillyard Carmel J. , Greenberg Peter B. , Evans Imogen M. A. , MacIntyre lain
Published: December 2008

Oral whisky is a potent stimulus of calcitonin secretion. Peak increments of immunoreactive calcitonin are observed within 15 min after the ingestion of 50 ml of whisky; the magnitude of the response is similar to that observed during a four-hour calcium infusion. This procedure has several advantages over standard methods of stimulating calcitonin release in patients at risk of developing medullary carcinoma of the thyroid, and this is shown by a study in a large family with familial chromaffinomatosis.