bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFFECT OF IRRADIATION DURING FOETAL LIFE ON THE SUBSEQUENT STRUCTURE AND SECRETORY ACTIVITY OF THE GONADS
Authors: BEAUMONT HEATHER M.
Published: December 2008

Pregnant rats were exposed to 100r. acute X-irradiation at 13·5, 15·5, 17·5 and 19·5 days post coitum (p.c.). The offspring were killed 100 days after birth, and records were made of their body weight and the weights of the pituitary, adrenal glands, ovaries and uterus (or testes and accessory sex organs).

The results of quantitative studies of the population of germ cells confirmed that radiosensitivity of the germinal elements of the female foetus is maximal at 15·5 days p.c. In contrast, the male germ cells become increasingly radiosensitive as pregnancy advances (17·5–19·5 days p.c.).

Severe depopulation of oocytes appears to be associated with a slight decline in the secretory activity of the ovary. The endocrine function of the testis is not affected by exposure to 100r., a dose sufficient to cause almost complete elimination of germinal cells.
STUDIES ON THE BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF VARIOUS GONADOTROPHIN PREPARATIONS
Authors: SCHMIDT-ELMENDORFF H. , LORAINE J. A. , BELL E. T.
Published: December 2008

Several gonadotrophin preparations from different sources have been investigated for biological activity using a number of assay methods including highly specific tests for both follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). In the great majority of assays the results obtained were expressed in terms of the International Reference Preparation (I.R.P.).

The FSH activity of NIH-FSH was seventy times higher and its LH activity thirty times higher than that of the I.R.P. The specific activity of NIH-LH was high, the material being approx. 2000 times more potent than the I.R.P. Material prepared from human pituitary tissue contained the highest FSH activity of any preparation tested. Its LH activity was considerably lower than that of NIH-LH.

Pergonal had ten times more FSH and five times more LH activity than the I.R.P. Pregnant mares' serum gonadotrophin contained, in addition to its FSH activity, a considerable amount of LH activity, the ratio FSH/LH being 2.10. The international standard for human chorionic gonadotrophin was shown to be a relatively weak LH preparation, being only slightly more active than the I.R.P.

Results obtained by the mouse uterus test did not appear to bear any constant relationship to results obtained by specific methods for either FSH or LH.
COMPARISON BETWEEN THE EFFECTS OF INTRAVENOUS AND INTRAPORTAL VASOPRESSIN IN NORMAL RATS, MALNOURISHED RATS, AND RATS TREATED WITH CARBON TETRACHLORIDE
Authors: SCHNIEDEN H.
Published: December 2008

In normal rats intravenous vasopressin produces a greater effect on blood pressure than the same dose given intraportally. Following treatment with carbon tetrachloride the response following an intraportal injection approximated to that following an intravenous injection. Supplementation of the diet with methionine, vitamin B12, or choline chloride did not restore to normal the responses to vasopressin of rats injected with carbon tetrachloride. In malnourished rats an intraportal injection of vasopressin raised the blood pressure almost to the same levels as that obtained by giving the same dose intravenously.
THE EFFECT OF HYALURONIDASE AND CORTISOL ON THE INACTIVATION OF VASOPRESSINS BY RAT KIDNEY SLICES
Authors: SMITH M. W.
Published: December 2008

1. Rat kidney slices inactivated 8-arginine vasopressin 1·23 times as fast as 8-lysine vasopressin and 2·14 times as fast as 2-phenylalanine-8-lysine vasopressin. The rate of inactivation became dependent upon the initial concentration of these peptides when this reached 8–11 μg./ml. There was a positive correlation between the apparent first-order rate constants of these vasopressins and their pressor potency per mg. peptide.

2. 8-Arginine vasopressin was not inactivated by hyaluronidase but rat kidney slices inactivated 8-arginine vasopressin 1·25 times as fast when testicular hyaluronidase was present.

3. Slices of rat kidney taken 7 days after bilateral adrenalectomy inactivated 8-arginine vasopressin at the same rate as those taken from normal animals. Cortisol sodium succinate did not affect the rate of 8-arginine vasopressin inactivation by normal rat kidney slices, but there was no increased rate of inactivation when hyaluronidase, 8-arginine vasopressin and cortisol sodium succinate were incubated together with normal rat kidney slices.
SEX HORMONES IN FISH. THE OESTROGENS OF COD (GADUS CALLARIAS)
Authors: GOTTFRIED H. , HUNT S. V. , SIMPSON T. H. , WRIGHT R. S.
Published: December 2008

Mature ova of cod have been found to contain oestradiol-17β in a concentration of approx. 4·8 μg./kg. corresponding to a weight of 5·3 μg./fish. Oestrone has been found in a concentration of 1 μg./kg. or approx. 1·1 μg./fish. Immature ova contain, at most, only traces of these compounds. No other phenolic steroids could be identified. The ovarian sac has been found to contain only oestradiol in a concentration corresponding to an approximate weight of 0·4 μg./fish. No oestrone or oestriol could be identified in the gonads of male cod; the trace in this organ of material resembling oestradiol was insufficient for identification.
ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF 6β, 17α, 21-TRIHYDROXY-6α-METHYL-Δ4-PREGNENE-3,20-DIONE (21-ACETATE) FROM THE URINE OF HUMAN SUBJECTS TREATED WITH 6α-METHYL-17α-ACETOXYPROGESTERONE
Authors: CASTEGNARO E. , SALA G.
Published: December 2008

A new tetrazolium reducing compound, present as a conjugate which could be hydrolysed by β-glucuronidase, has been isolated from the urine of normal men and women and oophorectomized-adrenalectomized women, all of whom had received 100 mg./day 6α-methyl-17α-acetoxyprogesterone (MAP) either subcutaneously or orally. Detailed studies of its characteristics, including degradation reactions, ultraviolet and infrared spectra, combined with studies on known steroids, suggest that the new compound is 6β,17α,21-trihydroxy-6α-methyl-Δ4-pregnene-3,20-dione (21-acetate).

It is suggested that MAP in vivo undergoes hydroxylation at C-21 in the absence of ovarian and adrenal tissue which up to the present have been considered essential for this metabolic process.
THE INSULIN ACTIVITY OF BOVINE AND OVINE BLOOD PLASMA
Authors: CUNNINGHAM N. F.
Published: December 2008

The acid—ethanol extraction procedure described by Baird & Bornstein (1957) has been shown to extract from bovine and ovine blood plasma material having an insulin-like action in vitro in the rat diaphragm assay.

The amounts of insulin activity extracted from plasma of non-pregnant cows and sheep generally indicated plasma insulin levels of from 100–500 μu./ml. plasma. Plasma insulin activity did not appear to be related to plasma glucose level in these animals.

Insulin activities of 100 μu./ml. plasma, or less, were found in two cows soon after parturition, in some pregnant sheep bearing twins round about the time of parturition, in four acetonaemic cows and in three of six sheep with pregnancy toxaemia.
THE EFFECTS OF SPECIES, STRAIN AND SEX IN THYMOLYTIC TESTS OF BETAMETHASONE, DEXAMETHASONE AND OTHER STEROIDS
Authors: ATKINSON R. M. , PRATT M. A. , TOMICH E. G.
Published: December 2008

Cortisol, prednisolone phosphate and the free alcohols and 21-phosphates of betamethasone and dexamethasone have been compared for thymolytic activity by the oral and subcutaneous routes in both sexes of two strains of rats and two strains of mice. The relative potency of betamethasone and dexamethasone differed with the route of administration and the sex, strain and species of animal employed. In female mice of the A2G strain, betamethasone was as potent as dexamethasone; in male mice of this strain, and in both sexes of GFF mice, WAG rats and PVG rats, betamethasone was much less potent than dexamethasone.
THE EFFECTS OF SOME ANTI-INFLAMMATORY SUBSTANCES ON CARRAGEENIN-INDUCED GRANULOMATA
Authors: ATKINSON R. M. , JENKINS LESLEY , TOMICH E. G. , WOOLLETT E. A.
Published: December 2008

Carrageenin pellets, implanted subcutaneously in adrenalectomized rats, produced in 5 days compact, easily dissected granulomata. Accepted anti-inflammatory steroids administered as single daily subcutaneous injections or in the diet, but not as single daily oral doses, reduced the granuloma wet weight. The relative anti-inflammatory activities of cortisol, prednisolone and betamethasone, administered subcutaneously or in the diet, duplicated their relative clinical values. The relative activity of dexamethasone to cortisol was three times that reported on patients. Corticosterone acetate was weakly active in this test, desoxycorticosterone acetate increased granuloma weight, and oestrone, mepyramine maleate, mersalyl, progesterone, norethandrolone, testosterone propionate and Pitressin were inactive.
THE RELATION BETWEEN NATURAL FECUNDITY AND RESPONSE TO FOLLICLE-STIMULATING HORMONE
Authors: McLAREN ANNE
Published: December 2008

A study was made of the response to induced ovulation of female mice from strains in which the spontaneous ovulation rate had increased as a result of artificial selection for litter size. In response to standard doses of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) within the physiological range, the number of eggs shed differed significantly among the three strains tested, in the direction expected on the basis of their spontaneous ovulation rates. This indicates that the principal effect of selection has been to increase the sensitivity of the ovary to FSH. In one strain, the possibility remains open that there may also have been some increase in the amount of FSH available.

In response to larger doses of FSH, females from the strain with the highest spontaneous ovulation rate shed significantly fewer eggs than the other two groups. Selection must therefore have altered the shape of the dose-response curve, increasing the ovarian response at low levels of hormone and decreasing it at high levels.
EFFECT OF AN ANABOLIC STEROID (METHANDIENONE) ON PITUITARY-ADRENAL FUNCTION IN THE HUMAN
Authors: WYNN V. , LANDON J. , JAMES V. H. T.
Published: December 2008

The effect of methandienone administration on urinary steroid excretion has been studied in subjects with normal pituitary-adrenal function and in patients with various endocrine diseases.

In the control subjects, a marked suppression of urinary 17-KS and 17-OHCS excretion occurred, which persisted throughout even prolonged periods of methandienone administration. Upon cessation of methandienone treatment a prompt rise in urinary steroid excretion occurred, on occasions to levels slightly higher than those seen before treatment.

Similar results were obtained in subjects with acromegaly and Cushing's syndrome, but in patients with anorexia nervosa and a low basal steroid excretion, the suppressive effect of methandienone was less marked.

During treatment with methandienone, pituitary response to metopirone was depressed, but adrenal response to corticotrophin was unaltered.

It was concluded that methandienone diminishes the rate of production of adrenocortical steroid by inhibiting corticotrophin production or release. Unlike the inhibition observed during treatment with glucocorticoids, it was not associated with atrophy of the adrenal glands.
THE FLUORIMETRIC DETERMINATION OF PROGESTERONE IN HUMAN PLASMA DURING PREGNANCY AND THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE
Authors: SHORT R. V. , LEVETT IRIS
Published: December 2008

The fluorescence reaction for progesterone described by Touchstone & Murawec (1960) has been used to determine the concentration of progesterone in nineteen samples of peripheral blood from pregnant women, and in seventeen samples of peripheral blood from women during the course of the menstrual cycle.

There was good agreement between the ultraviolet and fluorescent estimates of progesterone in all the samples from pregnant women.

The concentrations found during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle were in general lower than those found during the luteal phase. In one woman who was sampled repeatedly during the course of a menstrual cycle, there was a well defined rise in the level of progesterone in the blood after the expected date of ovulation.
STUDIES BEARING ON THE NATURE OF ANDROGYNY
Authors: FERRIMAN D. , PAGE B. H. , NEWNHAM R.
Published: December 2008

Hair growth, biacromial and bi-iliac diameters were studied in a control group of 140 women. Hair growth showed significant correlation with biacromial diameters (P < 0·01) but not with bi-iliac diameters.

The 24 hr. urinary excretions of oestriol, oestrone and oestradiol were estimated in two to four menstrual cycles, during the phase before the ovulatory rise, in thirty-five women. Twenty were hirsute and fifteen had high bi-iliac diameters. Two of the latter had unusually high rates of oestrogen excretion but otherwise there was no difference between the groups. Despite wide variations between individuals, oestrogen excretion was relatively constant from cycle to cycle in nearly all the subjects.
URINARY GONADOTROPHINS IN POST-MENOPAUSAL WOMEN
Authors: BROWN P. S.
Published: December 2008

Urinary gonadotrophins from post-menopausal patients were tested by two methods of bioassay.

Measured by the response of the mouse uterus, the daily excretion of total gonadotrophin in the less severely disabled patients ranged from 10 to 200 mg. equivalents of HMG 20A. Patients with active rheumatoid arthritis showed similar levels but some patients with severe disability due to anorexia, reticulosis or anaemia excreted very little gonadotrophin.

The gonadotrophins were also measured in terms of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) using the ovarian response in mice treated with excess human chorionic gonadotrophin. It was found that they differed strikingly from HMG 20 A in being relatively more potent in the assay for FSH. This suggests that they contained relatively more FSH.

The day-to-day fluctuation in the excretion of total gonadotrophin was compared with the differences between duplicate estimations. There were considerable quantitative fluctuations which could not be explained by the experimental errors. There was little evidence of major fluctuation in the quality of the gonadotrophins when this was assessed in a similar way.
THE EFFECT OF CORTISOL AND CERTAIN SYNTHETIC STEROIDS ON THE PERMEABILITY OF SYNOVIAL MEMBRANE IN THE RABBIT
Authors: SHARP G. W. G.
Published: December 2008

1. An investigation of the effects of cortisol and certain synthetic steroids on the permeability of synovial membrane has been carried out by studying the rate of absorption of phenolsulphonphthalein from the talocrural joints of rabbits.

2. Cortisol, betamethasone, dexamethasone and prednisolone all decreased the permeability of synovial membrane to approximately the same extent. Fluorohydrocortisone had no detectable effect.

3. The implications of these observations with regard to structure-activity relationships, physiological significance and mechanism of action are discussed.
GONADOTROPHIC AND THYROTROPHIC CELLS OF THE PITUITARY GLAND OF THE FERRET
Authors: HOLMES R. L.
Published: December 2008

The regional distribution of types of cell in the pars distalis of the ferret's pituitary gland has been described. Seasonal variations in cytology, and the effect of thyroidectomy and gonadectomy have been studied.

The gonadotrophic cells contain coarse PAS-positive granules, and are distributed widely throughout the gland. In anoestrous animals they are poorly granulated, and become almost totally degranulated after ovariectomy. PAS-positive cells which also stain with Alcian blue appear to be thyrotrophic in function, and become degranulated after thyroidectomy. They occur throughout most of the gland, but especially in ventral and rostro-lateral regions.

Pregnancy, or treatment of ovariectomized animals with oestrogen, is followed by the appearance of numerous cells equivalent to the 'carminophils' of the cat.
IODIDE METABOLISM OF THE THYROID AND MAMMARY GLANDS DURING LACTATION IN SHEEP
Authors: FALCONER I. R.
Published: December 2008

Seven ewes and nine lambs were used for a study of thyroid function and 131I metabolism during lactation.

Carrier-free 131I was injected intramuscularly into the ewes, and its distribution into the thyroid, blood and milk studied in detail for 30 hr. From 30 hr. until 400 hr. less frequent blood and milk samples were taken, and thyroid count rates measured.

Blood was analysed for protein-bound iodide (PBI), protein-bound and total 131I; milk for total 131I.

From these data a number of parameters of thyroid function were calculated.

The rate constant for thyroid 131I release, and the PBI levels, showed no difference between lactating and non-lactating ewes. Thyroid 131I uptake was reduced, due to mammary competition.

Milk:serum 131I ratios varied between 29:1 and 92:1. The mammary gland was shown to be more than three times as efficient as the thyroid at removing iodide from the blood stream.
INTERACTIONS BETWEEN OESTRADIOL AND PROGESTOGENS IN THE UTERUS OF THE MOUSE
Authors: MARTIN L.
Published: December 2008

Progesterone and various nor-steroids did not prevent oestrogenic interruption of early pregnancy in the mouse, although they inhibited other oestrogen-induced changes in the uterus and vagina. It is suggested that the relationship between oestrogen and progesterone is not one of simple molecular competition.
INTERRUPTION OF EARLY PREGNANCY IN THE RABBIT BY A SINGLE INJECTION OF OESTRADIOL CYCLOPENTYLPROPIONATE
Authors: GREENWALD G. S.
Published: December 2008

Female rabbits were injected i.m. with various doses of oestradiol cyclopentylpropionate (OECP) immediately after coitus. The percentage of embryonic deaths 8 days post coitum after a single injection of 25, 50, 100 or 250 μg. of OECP was, respectively, 86, 97, 100 and 100%. However, the cornua of rabbits receiving as much as 100 μg. of OECP had normal 3 to 4 + progestational proliferation 8 days after mating.

The high embryonic mortality resulted from disturbances in the rate of egg transport through the oviduct. Thus, with 25 μg. OECP most of the ova were expelled from the reproductive tract 48 hours post coitum, whereas with 250 μg ova were retained at the ampullary-isthmic junction of the tube for at least 5 days. Under these circumstances, small viable blastocysts developed in 4 days, but 24 hr. later all eggs were degenerating.

These experiments suggest that embryonic death indirectly results from administration of OECP and that the hormone only briefly disrupts postovulatory development of the reproductive tract.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN URINARY ANDROST-16-EN-3α-OL AND URINARY 11-DEOXY-17-OXOSTEROID EXCRETION
Authors: BULBROOK R. D. , THOMAS B. S. , BROOKSBANK B. W. L.
Published: December 2008

1. There is a very high correlation between the amounts of urinary androstenol and those of dehydroepiandrosterone, androsterone and aetiocholanolone in women with metastatic breast cancer.

2. In spite of this correlation, which implies a common precursor, tritiated dehydroepiandrosterone or testosterone are not metabolized to androstenol at the periphery (maximum conversion: 0·4% of injected dose) in amounts sufficient to account for the urinary androstenol.

3. As a means of evaluating 'androgen status' androstenol assays do not appear to be more useful than those of the 11-deoxy-17-oxosteroids.
CORTISOL AND CORTISONE IN SALIVA OF PREGNANCY
Authors: GREAVES M. S. , WEST H. F.
Published: December 2008

The concentration of cortisol and cortisone in mixed saliva has been measured in normal non-pregnant women, normal pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy and pregnant ones with mild toxaemia in the third trimester. The ratio of cortisol to cortisone was 1:4 for the non-pregnant and 1:5 for the pregnant women. The mean concentration of cortisol for the pregnant subjects was twice that of the non-pregnant and the mean concentration of cortisone three times that of the non-pregnant women. Filtration studies showed no significant binding of cortisol or cortisone in the saliva.

It is concluded that the raised concentration of cortisol and cortisone in saliva indicates a raised concentration in the cells of the salivary gland. If this rise is common to the connective tissues generally it provides a reasonable explanation for the remission of rheumatoid arthritis experienced by some patients in the latter months of pregnancy.
STANDARDIZATION OF THE BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF HUMAN PITUITARY INTERSTITIAL CELL-STIMULATING HORMONE IN TERMS OF HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHIN
Authors: LOSTROH A. J. , SQUIRE P. G. , LI C. H.
Published: December 2008

The biological activity of purified human interstitial cell-stimulating hormone (ICSH) has been standardized in terms of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG), by means of the ventral prostate test in hypophysectomized male rats and by means of the interstitial cell repair test in hypophysectomized female rats. In the ventral prostate assay, human ICSH injected in saline, unlike HCG, gave a very flat dose-response curve; injected in 16% gelatin, the two hormones gave dose-response curves that were indistinguishable from each other; the estimated potency of the ICSH preparation was equivalent to 500 i.u./mg. In the interstitial repair test, a total dose of 1·4 μg. of human ICSH effected repair similar to that obtained with 0·7 i.u. of HCG, i.e. 1 mg. of ICSH was equivalent to 500 i.u. of HCG. Thus, the potency of purified human ICSH can be estimated in terms of HCG by either of the two assays, and comparisons between different ICSH preparations can be made on this basis.
OBSERVATIONS ON A HAEMAGGLUTINATION—INHIBITION TECHNIQUE FOR ESTIMATING HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE
Authors: O'CONNOR P. J. , SKINNER L. G.
Published: December 2008

The haemagglutination—inhibition technique has been examined as a method of estimating human growth hormone (HGH) and the need for rigid standardization of the procedures involved is stressed.

Examination of antisera to a Raben type preparation by immunodiffusion and haemagglutination—inhibition procedures showed the presence of antibodies to albumin and γ-globulin as well as to HGH. The presence of these contaminating antibodies did not appear to interfere with the endpoints obtained in the haemagglutination—inhibition reactions.

Within its limitations the technique has been found suitable for the assay of solutions of purified HGH. The mean level of HGH in six normal adult human sera was estimated as 261 ± 23·6 μg./l. (± s.e.) which is similar to the values obtained by other workers, but the validity of this mean value is questioned.
THE PREPARATION OF SHEEP GROWTH HORMONE
Authors: WALLACE A. L. C. , FERGUSON K. A.
Published: December 2008

Growth hormone has been prepared from sheep pituitary glands by chromatography of a simple buffer extract on DEAE-cellulose. The preparation appears to be free of other anterior pituitary hormones but shows two main components when analysed by starch gel electrophoresis. These components appear similar to those present in standard preparations of ox growth hormone.

Sheep growth hormone prepared by this method is not significantly less active than purified ox growth hormone when compared by the tibial-epiphysial cartilage response in hypophysectomized rats.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF A FEEDBACK MECHANISM BETWEEN THE OVARY AND THE DIENCEPHALIC-HYPOPHYSIAL SYSTEM IN THE RAT
Authors: PRESL J. , HORSKÝ J. , HENZL M. , JIRÁSEK J.
Published: December 2008

With the object of obtaining basic information concerning the establishment of the feedback mechanism between the ovaries and the diencephalic-hypophysial system (DHS), changes in the gonadotrophic activity and histological structure of the anterior pituitary lobe were determined in groups of rats 21 days following ovariectomy on the day of birth or at 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 and 50 days.

It was shown that the gonadotrophic activity of the hypophysis of spayed females and non-spayed controls differed using the criterion of uterine weight of the recipient, following ovariectomy at birth. After spaying at the age of 5 days the difference was also statistically significant using the criterion of ovarian weight. Histological investigation showed that in animals ovariectomized at days 1 and 5 there was an increase in PAS-positive mucoid cells in the adenohypophysis with a distinct PAS-positive Golgi zone in the pale centre of the cytoplasm.

The results of these experiments show that a feedback mechanism between the ovaries and the DHS becomes established at an age between (21–x) and (26–x) days, where x is the period necessary for the development of demonstrable post-castration changes in the anterior lobe. In view of the reported initiation of ovarian oestrogen production, the hypothesis is discussed that the feedback mechanism begins to function during very early post-natal life.
OVULATION IN THE RABBIT: THE TIME OF FOLLICULAR RUPTURE AND EXPULSION OF THE EGGS, IN RELATION TO INJECTION OF LUTEINIZING HORMONE
Authors: HARPER M. J. K.
Published: December 2008

Fifty-five mature oestrous does were injected intravenously with luteinizing hormone (LH) and subsequently killed between 9 hr. 52 min. and 14 hr. 30 min. after injection. At autopsy the number of freshly ruptured follicles was counted and was expressed as a percentage of the total number of follicles (ruptured and unruptured) counted, that had undergone pre-ovulatory swelling. This method of calculating 'percentage ovulation' gave results which agreed very closely with previously reported data. The calculation showed no ovulation by 10 hr., 50% ovulation between 10½ and 10¾ hr., and 100% ovulation by 14 hr. after the injection of LH.

In thirty-nine out of these fifty-five does a special study was carried out to determine in what position (in the ruptured follicle, on the surface of the ovary or in the Fallopian tube) the eggs from the ruptured follicles were recovered in relation to the time elapsing after LH injection. Between 10½ and 11½ hr. after injection about 17% of the eggs were found either still inside the ruptured follicle, or within the cumulus oophorus protruding from the follicle or adhering to the ovarian surface. However, at 11½–13 hr. after injection only 3·6–5·9% were still in the follicle or on the ovarian surface. From 13 hr. after LH injection all the eggs recovered were found in the Fallopian tube. These results suggest that not all the eggs are ejected from the follicle at the time of rupture, and that some appreciable time may elapse between follicular rupture and entry of eggs into the tube.
EFFECT OF RELAXIN ON THYROID FUNCTION IN THE RAT
Authors: PLUNKETT E. R. , SQUIRES B. P. , HEAGY F. C.
Published: December 2008

1. Relaxin administered to intact female rats at oestrus stimulated an increase in 24 hr. uptake of 131I by the thyroid gland.

2. In oestrogen-treated spayed rats, relaxin stimulated increases in 24 hr. thyroidal uptake of 131I, thyroid weight and plasma PB131I to levels which were significantly higher than in the oestrogen treated controls.

3. The effect of relaxin on the thyroid was not observed in oestrogen-treated hypophysectomized female rats or in hypophysectomized rats on a maintenance dose of TSH.

4. It is concluded that relaxin causes an increase in size of the thyroid and uptake of radioactive iodine (RAI) in oestrogen-primed animals by means of an increased production of TSH. Two mechanisms by which TSH production may be stimulated under these experimental conditions are discussed.
ANALYSIS OF STEROID METABOLITES BY GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY
Authors: CHAMBERLAIN J. , KNIGHTS B. A. , THOMAS G. H.
Published: December 2008

1. Steroids have been chromatographed on columns coated with neopentylglycol adipate (NPGA), the fluoralkyl silicone polymer QF-1 and the methyl silicone polymer SE-30. The ΔRmg values for various functional groups have been calculated for these chromatographic systems. In particular, the relative elution properties of 3-hydroxysteroids, their acetates and their trimethylsilyl ethers, have been investigated.

2. Androsterone, its 5β-epimer and dehydroepiandrosterone can be separated as their trimethylsilyl ethers on NPGA. Using this method, these three 17-oxosteroids have been detected in human and monkey urine.

3. A system of analysis, based on ΔRmr values, has been applied to the identification of the metabolites found in human and rhesus pregnancy urine. The levels for progesterone metabolites in the urine of pregnant monkeys were found to be extremely low in comparison with those in women.
THE OESTROGENS OF THE SOW IN EARLY PREGNANCY: ACCUMULATION OF OESTRONE IN THE ALLANTOIC FLUID
Authors: LUNAAS T.
Published: December 2008

The concentration of oestrogens was estimated by chemical methods in ovarian, placental and foetal tissues and in allantoic fluid obtained from sows at a stage of early pregnancy when increased amounts of oestrone are excreted in the urine (25–30 days after breeding). Relatively high levels of oestrone, as characterized by additional chemical procedures, were found in the allantoic fluid. Most of the oestrone in the allantoic fluid was present in an ether insoluble form. The levels of oestradiol-17β in the tissues examined seemed to be negligible.

The origin of urinary oestrone excreted in the sow during early pregnancy is discussed.
HYDROXYLATION OF 11-DEOXYCORTICOSTERONE BY ADRENALS OF VARIOUS ANIMAL SPECIES
Authors: GRIFFITHS K.
Published: December 2008

The metabolism of 11-deoxycorticosterone (DOC) in vitro by homogenates of adrenal glands from various species has been studied.

Homogenates of 'non-fatty' adrenal glands, especially those prepared from golden hamster adrenals, were shown to possess an active 19-hydroxylating enzyme system. In the case of the golden hamster adrenal, approximately 30% of the added DOC was converted to 19-hydroxy-11-deoxycorticosterone (19-OH-DOC). Negligible transformation was observed using homogenates prepared from 'fatty' adrenal glands, similar to the type found in man. 19-OH-DOC was, however, formed from DOC by a homogenate of a human foetal adrenal gland.

No relationship was observed between the 11β-hydroxylating activity of the adrenal homogenate, and the reported cortisol/corticosterone ratio found in the adrenal venous blood of various animals.
ORAL AND RECTAL THYMOLYTIC ACTIVITIES OF SOME ANTI-INFLAMMATORY STEROIDS IN WEANLING RATS
Authors: PRATT M. A. , ATKINSON R. M. , WOOLLETT E. A. , TOMICH E. G.
Published: December 2008

Various anti-inflammatory steroids and some of their phosphates, acetates and hemisuccinates have been assayed on intact weanling rats for thymolytic activity by the oral and rectal routes. The percentages of rectal over oral activity were: cortisol and its esters, 19–35; prednisone alcohol, 47; prednisolone and its esters, 29–53; betamethasone and its esters, 73–105; dexamethasone and its esters, 71–82. The 21-acetates of cortisol, prednisolone, betamethasone and dexamethasone had higher ratios of rectal to oral activity than did the parent alcohols and other esters. Prednisolone had a lower ratio to its esters than did cortisol, betamethasone and dexamethasone.

The results are compared with published information on the rectal absorption of anti-inflammatory steroids in man.
A STUDY OF VARIOUS INDICES OF ADRENOCORTICAL ACTIVITY DURING 23 DAYS AT HIGH ALTITUDE
Authors: MACKINNON P. C. B. , MONK-JONES M. E. , FOTHERBY K.
Published: December 2008

1. Four men and three women ascended by télépherique and helicopter from 1000 to 4333 m. where they remained for 23 days.

2. Measurements of urinary 17-hydroxycorticosteroids, 17-oxosteroids, pregnanediol and pregnanetriol and circulating eosinophils were made at sea level and at high altitude.

3. An attempt was also made to measure changes in emotional activity by means of the palmar sweat index (PSI). This index was assessed at intervals throughout the day at sea level and at high altitude, and in response to adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and a self-imposed stress.

4. Within 24 hr. of acute exposure to high altitude urinary 17-hydroxycorticosteroids increased whilst circulating eosinophils decreased; by the 5th day both were returning to sea-level values. The output of 17-oxosteroids was lower by the 5th day at high altitude and subsequently increased; pregnanediol and pregnanetriol levels remained unchanged.

5. PSIs throughout the day become progressively lower as the length of stay at altitude increased. The response to ACTH at sea level and high altitude appeared to be similar but the response to a self-imposed stress was longer in duration at high altitude than at sea level.
GONADOTROPHIC RESPONSE OF THE OVARIES OF THE ALBINO MOUSE FOLLOWING CHRONIC LOW-INTENSITY GAMMA IRRADIATION
Authors: HUNTER J. D. , KRISE GEORGE M.
Published: December 2008

Immature female albino mice were exposed to 60Co irradiation at rates of 20 r. and 40 r./day to total doses of 250,500,750 and 1000 r. Those irradiated at 40 r./day during the 1st week of life showed only one-third of the normal increase in uterine and ovarian weight after injection of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) when 25 days old. No further decline in response was seen when the total dose was increased from 250 to 1000 r. Irradiation at 20 r./day to total doses of 500 r. produced little change in normal HCG response.

In contrast, sexually mature adults exposed at 40 r./day to total doses of 1000 r. showed little response to HCG.

Histological examination of ovaries from immature mice exposed to doses of 250, 500 and 1000 r. at 40 r./day revealed a depopulation of primary oocytes and early maturing follicles as well as a notable decrease in ovarian size.
ACTION OF PINEAL EXTRACTS ON THE GONADS AND THEIR FUNCTION
Authors: REISS M. , DAVIS R. H. , SIDEMAN M. B. , MAUER I. , PLICHTA E. S.
Published: December 2008

The action of pineal extracts on the genital system of several species of laboratory animals has been investigated. Determination of the phosphorus turnover in the genital organs of treated animals proved to be a significant guide to the action of pineal preparations. Doses of pineal extracts lower than those required for weight changes sufficed to produce changes in phosphorus metabolism.

Apparently contradictory results encountered originally were explained when findings were evaluated on the basis of the age of the test animal and the type of extract used. Thus, in immature and/or hypophysectomized animals, crude aqueous extracts stimulate the genital system, whereas in mature intact animals the same extract often has an inhibitory effect on the same organs. The inhibitory effect could be measured also in immature mice treated with gonadotrophic hormone and this proved useful in short-term experiments.

Crude glandular suspensions apparently contain both inhibitory and stimulatory principles. Partial separation of these was achieved through the use of trichloracetic acid, the supernatant fluid having predominantly inhibitory action while the stimulatory substance was found mainly in the precipitate.
THE INHIBITORY ACTION OF NATURAL AND SYNTHETIC GLUCOCORTICOIDS ON ADRENAL STEROIDOGENESIS AT THE ADRENAL LEVEL
Authors: FEKETE GY. , GÖRÖG P.
Published: December 2008

Experiments are described which show that the in vitro synthesis of corticosterone under the influence of ACTH is inhibited by hydrocortisone, prednisolone and dexamethasone and that the relative potency of these three substances corresponds to their relative clinical anti-inflammatory activity.

It is suggested that a direct adrenal inhibitory mechanism plays a physiological and pharmacological role, in addition to the regulatory mechanism controlling adrenal steroid function mediated by the pituitary.
THE EFFECTS OF HIGH TEMPERATURE ON GONADOTROPHIN SECRETION IN THE MALE COMMON FROG (RANA TEMPORARIA) DURING AUTUMN
Authors: VAN OORDT P. G. W. J. , LOFTS B.
Published: December 2008

The pars distalis of the pituitary, the testes, thumb pads, seminal vesicles and thyroids were studied in common frogs (Rana temporaria) kept at 20–24° c for 4, 6 and 8 weeks respectively from 11 October. They were compared with those of control animals kept at normal outdoor temperatures during the same periods.

The following effects of high temperatures were noted:

(1) In the distal lobe of the pituitary a regression of the γ-cells and increased secretory activity of the β-cells.

(2) In the testes formation of cholesterol-positive lipids in interstitium and Sertoli cells, disintegration of sperm bundles, and spermatogenesis.

(3) In the thumb pads a regression of the epidermis and in the seminal vesicles a reduction of the epithelium. The thyroids remained unaffected.

Comparing these results with each other and with those of earlier experiments by the same authors, it was concluded that high temperatures diminished the ICSH activity of the pituitary and thus caused a reduction in the production and secretion of male sex hormone, and degenerative changes in the Sertoli cell-sperm bundle system. Moreover, high temperatures were believed to accelerate the FSH activity of the pituitary resulting in the disappearance of old remnants of sperm bundles and Sertoli cells, and subsequent spermatogenesis.

The internal rhythm, regulating the sensitivity of the germinal epithelium to gonadotrophin, was thought to manifest itself by a varying demand for FSH and a seasonal refractoriness of the primary spermatogonia to this hormone. Each of these two factors makes it impossible to transform the discontinuous spermatogenetic cycle of Rana temporaria into a continuous cycle.
THE UPTAKE OF TRITIATED OESTROGENS BY VARIOUS ORGANS OF THE OVARIECTOMIZED MOUSE FOLLOWING INTRAVENOUS ADMINISTRATION
Authors: STONE G. M. , BAGGETT B. , DONNELLY R. B.
Published: December 2008

The incorporation pattern of tritiated oestradiol from 2 min. to 16 hr. after intravenous injection was studied in tissues either responsive or non-responsive to oestrogens. The reactive tissues, such as uterus, vagina and liver, differ from the non-reactive in their capacity to incorporate more steroid and retain significantly higher levels for at least 16 hr. Some differences were also observed between the early incorporation patterns of tritiated oestrone and oestradiol in these responsive tissues. Oestrone disappeared more rapidly from the uterus and in the liver reached higher levels than oestradiol.
POST-COITAL CYTOLOGICAL CHANGES IN THE ADENOHYPOPHYSIS OF THE NON-PAROUS RABBIT
Authors: FOSTER C. L.
Published: December 2008

The basiphil ('mucoid') cells of the adenohypophysis of the non-parous female rabbit were studied at varying times after coitus. A progressive reduction in the number of granulated mucoid cells in the dorsolateral regions of the pars distalis proper was observed. No significant changes were noted either in the mucoid cells of the zona tuberalis or in the rather large angular and strongly AF-positive cells of the median and lateral regions of the pars distalis proper.

It is suggested that the decrease in cell numbers was due to a loss of specific granules, accompanied by the release of LH.
COMPARISON OF THREE TECHNIQUES FOR THE FLUORIMETRIC DETERMINATION OF PLASMA CORTICOSTEROIDS
Authors: De MOOR P. , STEENO O.
Published: December 2008

The previously reported method (De Moor, Steeno, Raskin, Hendrikx & De Tremerie, 1959) for the fluorimetric determination of plasma corticosteroids (cortisol plus corticosterone) has been further simplified and compared with two more elaborate methods intended to determine cortisol more specifically (Van der Vies, 1961; Braunsberg & James, 1962). For normal subjects there is a good relation between results obtained by the simplest method and those obtained by the two others. On the other hand, the latter two techniques give less specific fluorescence and higher reagent blanks. The background fluorescence of the simplified assay has been further studied and was found to lie between 1 and 1·5 μg./100 ml.
EFFECTS OF OESTRADIOL ON WATER UPTAKE AND α-AMINOISOBUTYRIC ACID ACCUMULATION BY UTERI OF HEPATECTOMIZED RATS
Authors: DANIELS J. R. , KALMAN S. M.
Published: December 2008

Adult Long Evans rats were ovariectomized and, one month later, were subjected to partial hepatectomy. Immature Long Evans rats were either partially hepatectomized in one step, or complete hepatectomy was accomplished by a two-stage operation which included ligation of the inferior vena cava followed by a partial evisceration. The response of these animals to injected oestradiol was compared with that of sham-operated controls by observing uptake of water by the uterus in vivo, and also by estimating the ability of surviving uterine fragments to accumulate radioactive α-amino-isobutyric acid in vitro. It was found that partial or complete hepatectomy did not abolish the response of the uterus to oestradiol. These results seem to exclude an essential role for the liver in the early response of a target organ to an oestrogenic hormone.
THE EFFECT OF CORTICOTROPHIN ON THE ACTIVITY OF MAMMALIAN EPIDERMAL MELANOCYTES
Authors: SNELL R. S.
Published: December 2008

1. The effect of a commercial preparation of corticotrophin (Acthar gel, Armour Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.) on the melanocytes and melanin in the skin of the anterior abdominal wall and areola has been studied in pure black and pure red male guinea-pigs. The hormone was injected subcutaneously in a dose of 0·4 i.u. once daily 5 days/week for 1 month.

2. The hormone produced a marked reduction in the amount of melanin in the melanocytes; the greatest effect was seen in the skin of the anterior abdominal wall. In half the specimens the amount of free melanin was also reduced. There was a tendency for a slight increase of the length and complexity of the dendritic processes. A statistical analysis of the melanocyte counts showed no change.

3. It is concluded that in the intact mammal corticotrophin inhibits melanogenesis probably indirectly by the release of cortisol from the suprarenal gland.
THE RATIO OF ANABOLIC TO ANDROGENIC ACTIVITY OF 7:17-DIMETHYLTESTOSTERONE, OXYMESTERONE, MESTANOLONE AND FLUOXYMESTERONE
Authors: ARNOLD A. , POTTS G. O. , BEYLER A. L.
Published: December 2008

The ratios of the relative anabolic and androgenic activities, based on assays measuring nitrogen retention and on the increase in weight of the ventral prostate gland of rats, are presented for the following steroids: 7α:17α-dimethyltestosterone (4·2:1·3 = 3·2); oxymesterone (4-hydroxy-17α-methyltestosterone) (1·8:0·36 = 5·0); mestanolone (17α-methylandrostanolone) (0·8:1·0 = 0·8); and fluoxymesterone (9α-fluoro-11β-hydroxy-17α-methyltestosterone) (3·8:1·4 = 2·7). The degree of dissociation of the two activities appears to be considerably less than that reported earlier for certain 19-nor steroids and some heterocyclic steroids of current clinical interest.
HYPOPHYSECTOMY IN PREGNANT GOATS, AND SECTION OF THE PITUITARY STALK IN PREGNANT GOATS AND SHEEP
Authors: COWIE A. T. , DANIEL P. M. , PRICHARD MARJORIE M. L. , TINDAL J. S.
Published: December 2008

Pregnant goats hypophysectomized between the 38th and 120th days of the gestation period aborted 3–9 days after operation. Pregnant goats subjected to section of the pituitary stalk between the 44th and 129th days of gestation aborted between the 6th and 17th days after operation. On the other hand, section of the pituitary stalk in pregnant sheep between the 42nd and the 90th days of gestation did not interfere with the pregnancy. In both goats and sheep the operation of stalk section included the insertion of a plate to form a barrier between the cut ends of the stalk.

The only goats which did not abort were two of the hypophysectomized group in which some anterior lobe tissue, adjacent to the stalk, had not been removed, and one stalk-sectioned goat in which the plate had moved after insertion, allowing the cut ends of the stalk to join up.
THE ESTIMATION OF CORTISOL AND CORTISONE IN BOVINE AND OVINE PLASMA
Authors: SABA N.
Published: December 2008

The quantitative estimation of cortisol and cortisone in ruminant jugular vein plasma using the soda fluorescence reaction on paper is described. For plasma volumes of 50 ml. or less a partial purification of the plasma extract on a florisil column gave a fraction pure enough for paper chromatography and fluorimetry. The method was used to determine plasma concentrations of adrenal steroids in wethers after injections of either ACTH or cortisol acetate. Extracts from 100 ml. or more of plasma required a further step, namely gradient elution chromatography, to give fractions suitable for fluorimetry on paper. Satisfactory recoveries from 100 ml. plasma of 1 μg. and 0·5 μg. cortisone and cortisol were obtained.

The cortisol concentration in pooled bovine plasma was 0·5 μg./100 ml. and that for ovine plasma 1·45 μg./100 ml. In both cases cortisone was just detectable. Corticosterone could not be detected in bovine plasma.
THE EFFECT OF ORALLY ADMINISTERED GESTAGEN ON THE ANAPHYLACTIC REACTIONS IN RATS
Authors: SZONTÁGH F. E. , VARGA L. , BARDÓCZY Á. , FÖLDI M.
Published: December 2008

The effect of a gestagen (lynoestrenol) on anaphylactic reactions was investigated in rats and the effect of intracutaneous and intravenous re-injection of horse serum used as antigen was examined.

Gestagen treatment intensified the cutaneous reaction, decreased the rectal temperature and caused death in 50 % of the animals. In control rats the intravenous re-injection of the antigen only caused a slight decrease in rectal temperature without killing any of them.

It is suggested that the markedly increased sensitivity of rats, a species normally resistant to anaphylactic reactions, may be due to the inhibitory effect of the administered gestagen on pituitary gonadotrophin secretion.
PANCREATIC AND SERUM INSULIN IN THE NEW ZEALAND STRAIN OF OBESE MICE
Authors: SNEYD J. G. T.
Published: December 2008

The insulin content of the pancreas and the insulin-like activity of the blood serum are considerably higher in mice of the New Zealand obese strain than in normal controls.

The rate of glucose uptake by adipose tissue and hemi-diaphragms incubated in the absence of added insulin did not differ significantly in tissues from obese and normal mice and the stimulation of glucose uptake caused by addition of insulin was similar in tissues from the two strains. Insulin extracted from the pancreas of New Zealand obese mice stimulated glucose uptake by adipose tissue and muscle from obese mice to the same extent as an equivalent amount of porcine insulin.
THE THYROMIMETIC EFFECTS OF D-TRICHLOR-THYRONINE
Authors: OAKLEY N. W. , ADADEVEOH K. , WISE P.
Published: December 2008

Various aspects of thyroid activity of a non-iodine-containing thyroid analogue, 3:5:3′-trichloro-d-thyronine (d-trichlor-thyronine = d-ClT3) have been studied and compared with those of 3:5:3′-triiodo-l-thyronine (l-triiodo-thyronine = l-T3).

As judged by the suppression of radio-iodine uptake in normal subjects, d-ClT3 is about six thousand times less active than l-T3 as an inhibitor of TSH production. Acute loading tests in hypothyroid patients showed that, judged by the effect on b.m.r., d-ClT3 is over 1600 times less potent than l-T3. Maintenance studies in hypothyroid patients showed that d-ClT3 at a dosage of 90 mg./day for 1 month achieved only partial restoration of the euthyroid state, and failed to maintain it in patients previously receiving other replacement therapy; this is 1500 times the minimum maintenance dose of l-T3. It was, however, found that the blood cholesterol levels fell to, or remained within, normal limits in all cases, suggesting that, like many other d-isomers, d-ClT3 has a relatively high hypocholesterolaemic potency.

There is no evidence that d-trichlor-thyronine possesses greater pituitary-suppressive than calorigenic potency; it is therefore unlikely to be of value in the treatment of Graves' disease.