bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure of the Notch1-negative regulatory region: implications for normal activation and pathogenic signaling in T-ALL
Authors: Gordon Wendy R. , Roy Monideepa , Vardar-Ulu Didem , Garfinkel Megan , Mansour Marc R. , Aster Jon C. , Blacklow Stephen C.
Published: December 2008

Proteolytic resistance of Notch prior to ligand binding depends on the structural integrity of a negative regulatory region (NRR) of the receptor that immediately precedes the transmembrane segment. The NRR includes the 3 Lin12/Notch repeats and the juxtamembrane heterodimerization domain, the region of Notch1 most frequently mutated in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia lymphoma (T-ALL). Here, we report the x-ray structure of the Notch1 NRR in its autoinhibited conformation. A key feature of the Notch1 structure that maintains its closed conformation is a conserved hydrophobic plug that sterically occludes the metalloprotease cleavage site. Crystal packing interactions involving a highly conserved, exposed face on the third Lin12/Notch repeat suggest that this site may normally be engaged in intermolecular or intramolecular protein-protein interactions. The majority of known T-ALL–associated point mutations map to residues in the hydrophobic interior of the Notch1 NRR. A novel mutation (H1545P), which alters a residue at the crystal-packing interface, leads to ligand-independent increases in signaling in reporter gene assays despite only mild destabilization of the NRR, suggesting that it releases the autoinhibitory clamp on the heterodimerization domain imposed by the Lin12/Notch repeats. The Notch1 NRR structure should facilitate a search for antibodies or compounds that stabilize the autoinhibited conformation.
A Facile Method to Prepare Hollow MCM-41 Microspheres via P(St-MPS)/MCM-41 Core/Shell Composite Microspheres
Authors: Zhao Yansheng , Chen Kai , Liu Yongmei , Guo Meijuan , Ma Xingji , Yuan Guangwei , Shen Yinghua
Published: December 2008

Hollow MCM-41 microspheres were obtained by removing the templates of poly(styrene-γ-methacrylic propyltrimethoxysilane)/MCM-41 [P(St-MPS)/MCM-41] core/shell composite microspheres prepared using P(St-MPS) microspheres contained in soap-free emulsion and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide as cotemplates. XRD, TEM, and IR measurements show that the pore channels of MCM-41 shell were hexagonally ordered and that the diameter of the hollow microspheres and the thickness of the shells were about 260 and 30 nm, respectively.
Gelation of a Composite of Ceramic Fibers and Polypropylene Modified with Maleic Anhydrate in Naphthenic Oil
Authors: Machida Shigeru , Matsuda Yasuhiro , Tasaka Shigeru
Published: December 2008

The physical gelation of isotactic polypropylene in naphthenic oil was drastically enhanced by adding a small amount of ceramic fibers after modification of polypropylene with maleic anhydrate. The micrograph of the gel showed the network of ceramic fibers crosslinked with polypropylene crystals formed by nucleation at the surface of the fibers.
Discrimination et linguicisme au Québec : Enquête sur la diversité ethnique au Canada
Authors: Bourhis Richard Y. , Montreuil Annie , Helly Denise , Jantzen Lorna
Published: December 2008

After defining discrimination and linguicism, the first part of the paper provides a brief overview of employment problems experienced by minority groups in Quebec. Part two offers results from a special analysis of the Ethnic Diversity Survey (2003) dealing with experiencing discrimination in Quebec and in the rest of Canada. Results show that in Quebec, anglophones are more likely to report being victims of discrimination than francophones and language/accent is seen as the main cause of discrimination for both francophones and anglophones. In the rest of Canada skin colour is seen as the main cause of discrimination for anglophones, while francophones see language/accent as the main cause of discrimination. Clearly linguicism is seen as the main cause of discrimination in Quebec for both francophones and anglophones, while this is the case only for francophones in the rest of Canada
The Unbounded German Nation: Dr. Otto Hahn and German Emigration to Canada in the 1870s and 1880s
Authors: Sauer Angelika E.
Published: December 2008

Otto Hahn, un avocat et un organisateur de l’émigration de l’État de Würtemberg en Allemagne, fit partie intégrante du débat allemand sur l’empire colonial, l’identité germanique et l’émigration. Dans cet article, nous suggérons que toute discussion portant sur cette dernière au niveau européen au dix-neuvième siècle doit prendre en considération là où elle a eu lieu dans le contexte de l’expansion coloniale. Hahn était, à bien des égards, un représentant typique du colonialisme émigrationiste. Pourtant, il avait des idées qui déviaient de ce qu’on comprend normalement sous ce terme. Sa fascination toujours plus grande pour le Canada jette une lumière sur la manière dont cette idéologie populaire pouvait s’altérer. Par ailleurs, tout débat sur une identité germanique conçue à un niveau transnational vers la fin du dix-neuvième siècle doit inclure des communautés intellectuelles et spirituelles en tant que sources d’une telle identité, et doit les placer dans le contexte général de la diffusion de la modernité. Enfin, la dernière partie de l’histoire d’Otto Hahn nous permet d’avoir un rare aperçu d’un colonialiste émigrationiste devenu lui-même un émigrant, ce qui nous permet ainsi de concevoir l’émigration comme un moyen de contester et de négocier le nationalisme plutôt que d’y voir une porte de sortie de la communauté nationale.
Where Wnts Went: The Exploding Field of Lrp5 and Lrp6 Signaling in Bone
Authors: Williams Bart O , Insogna Karl L
Published: December 2008

Wnt signaling has emerged as a central regulator of skeletal modeling and remodeling. Loss- or gain-of-function mutations in two Wnt co-receptors, Lrp5 and (more recently) Lrp6, have drawn attention to the importance of the Wnt pathway in bone biology. This review summarizes our current understanding of how the Wnt pathway operates on bone and the implications this has for skeletal physiology and drug discovery. Over the past 9 yr, rapid advances have been made in our understanding of the cellular targets for Wnt signaling and of the important regulatory molecules in this metabolic pathway. Both canonical and noncanonical signaling pathways seem to be important for mediating the effects of Wnt in bone. A rapidly expanding catalog of genetically engineered mice has been used to establish the importance of downstream effector molecules (such as β-catenin) in the Wnt pathway, as well as the critical role of endogenous inhibitors of Wnt signaling (such as Dkk1 and sclerostin) in bone metabolism. Indeed, regulation of sclerostin in osteocytes is emerging as an important final pathway for regulating bone anabolism in response to diverse trophic stimuli, from mechnotransduction to the anabolic actions of PTH. From the outset, it had been assumed that the effects of Wnt signaling in bone were caused by direct actions in osteoblast precursors, osteoblasts, and osteocytes. However, startling recent findings have challenged this view and suggest that a key target, at least in mice, is the duodenal enterochromaffin cell. There, Wnt signaling transduced by Lrp5 regulates serotonin synthesis, which acts in an endocrine fashion to regulate bone cell metabolism. It will take time to reconcile this new information with the considerable body of information we already have regarding the actions of Wnt in bone. The Wnt pathway has rapidly emerged as a therapeutic target for drug discovery. Neutralizing antibodies and small-molecule inhibitors of endogenous Wnt inhibitors have shown early promise as bone anabolic agents. However, given the central role of the Wnt pathway in regulating growth and development in extraskeletal tissues, as well as our still rudimentary understanding of how this signaling cascade actually affects bone metabolism, considerable work will be needed to ensure the safety of these new therapies.
Array CGH in the routine diagnostic work-up of mental retardation1
Authors: Heinrich Uwe , von Voss Hubertus , Rost Imma
Published: December 2008

Array CGH (Comparative Genomic Hybridisation) analysis has become an essential part of the diagnostic work-up of mental retardation in children. Using BAC- (Bacterial Artificial Chromosome) array CGH, a follow-up examination on chromosomally inconspicuous children with mental retardation (n=194) revealed in 20 patients (10.4%) a chromosomal imbalance as the cause of retardation. In a small pilot study on ten patients, we were able to demonstrate the benefit of applying a second, oligonucleotide-based array CGH platform as a reliable and rapid validation tool for ambiguous CGH results, in particular, if duplications were suspected (cross validation). Based on our own experience and that of other groups, a stepwise approach for the diagnosis of mental retardation in children involving a combination of BAC- and oligonucleotide array CGH as well as fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) is recommended.
Procalcitonin: Importance for the diagnosis of bacterial infections1
Authors: Christ-Crain Mirjam , Schuetz Philipp , Huber Andreas R. , Müller Beat
Published: December 2008

In contrast to calcitonin which is primarily synthesized in the thyroid, procalcitonin is a prohormone which is synthesized in many different tissues of infected organs. To diagnose mild, localized, or early infections an assay needs to have a functional assay sensivity of approximately 0.02 μg/L. We demonstrated that procalcitonin modifies the outcome of respiratory infections with regard to minimizing the use of antibiotics and duration of antibiotic treatment. High concentrations, especially over time, indicate high risk of a severe outcome. In this respect, procalcitonin is superior to other infection markers, such as C-reactive protein. High procalcitonin levels can also be found in non-bacterial diseases, such as malaria, severe trauma, burns, and medullar carcinoma of the thyroid. Procalcitonin, as a marker, has improved the diagnosis of bacterial infections. However, procalcitonin needs to be used in conjunction with other laboratory markers, clinical examination, and medical history.
COMPARISON OF VARIOUS METHODS FOR THE CHEMICAL ASSAY OF CORTICOIDS IN URINE
Authors: Sprechler Mogens
Published: December 2008

Since 1949 about 10,000 urinary corticoid analyses have been performed routinely in our laboratory. The method used for this purpose was described in 1950 (Sprechler). We determine the corticoids which can be extracted from the urine with chloroform immediately after acidification to pH 1. The extract is washed with sodium hydroxide and water, a Girard separation is performed, and finally the reducing power of the ketonic fraction is measured by means of the phosphomolybdic acid reagent reaction.

During the last few years two other chemical reactions have been used for comparison: The formaldehyde and the Porter-Silber method. After a thorough examination of the above methods a standard technique was followed. In the formaldehyde method a microdiffusion in a Conway unit was used instead of distillation of the formaldehyde following the oxidation with periodic acid. The calibration curve was corrected for loss of material by taking the standard doses of DOC through all the procedures of the method. A micromodification of the Porter-Silber method was chosen.

Furthermore attempts were made to determine how specific the chromatographic procedure is in the determination of steroids in urinary extracts. For this purpose the Florisil column was used, and the technique described by Nelson & Samuels was followed.

Finally we have investigated the glucuronide-bound corticoids in urine in a smaller series of objects.
TUMOURS OF THE HYPOPHYSIS AND THE THYROID IN MICE
Authors: Mühlbock O.
Published: December 2008

Hypophyseal tumours in mice develop after prolonged treatment with oestrogens, after injection of radioactive iodine in doses which destroy the thyroid tissue and after prolonged treatment with thiouracil-derivatives. The tumours of the hypophysis only occur in certain strains of mice and hence the genetic constitution is of importance. The origin of this difference between strains has hitherto remained completely obscure. The hypophyseal tumours in mice seen following administration of oestrogens and those observed after destruction of the thyroid gland are morphologically similar. They consist of cells staining blue to varying degrees, and they may thus be termed amphophile tumours. The possible mechanism of development of the hypophyseal tumours has been discussed.
ON THE EFFECT OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS AND GOITRE ON AORTIC HISTOPATHOLOGY AND MUCOPOLYSACCHARIDE CONTENT
Authors: Uotila U. , Levonen E. , Raekallio J.
Published: December 2008

The effect of goitre on aortic mucopolysaccharides in sclerotic and nonsclerotic subjects was studied by histological and biochemical methods. Atherosclerosis alone lowers the quantity of aortic acid mucopolysaccharides. Goitre alone shows a tendency to increase the mucopolysaccharide content of the aorta. Goitre accelerates the effect of atherosclerosis in decreasing the aortic mucopolysaccharides, i. e. fibrosing and sclerosing effect. Histological observations reveal that atherosclerosis is characterized, in all groups, by fatty degeneration of intima and inner elastic membrane and destruction of the elastic connective tissue, and in the process of repair the mucopolysaccharides increase. In connection with the ensuing collagenization, the mucopolysaccharides decrease. It is suggested that goitre by hypo- or hyperfunction causes metabolic disturbances in the aortic wall and thus promotes atherosclerosis.
PITUITARY GONADOTROPHIN INHIBITION BY SUBCUTANEOUSLY ADMINISTERED STEROIDS
Authors: Kincl Fred A. , Ringold Howard J. , Dorfman Ralph I.
Published: December 2008

The anti-gonadotrophic activity of various new steroids was assessed by a parabiosis assay method using a normal female and a castrated male rat. 4-Chloro-17α-methyl-19-nortestosterone and 2α-methyl-17β-hydroxy-19-norandrostan-3-one showed a relatively high anti-pituitary activity and a high levator ani effect, while the stimulation of the seminal vesicles and prostate were minimum. 2α-Fluoro-17α-ethynyltestosterone and 2-benzoyloxymethylene-17α-methyl-17-β-hydroxyandrostan-3-one possess a disproportionately high anti-pituitary activity.
DIE INITIALE VERTEILUNG VON RADIO-C IN MAUS UND RATTE NACH VERABREICHUNG VON TESTOSTERON-4-14C
Authors: Dirscherl W. , Mosebach K.-O.
Published: December 2008

The distribution of testosterone-4-14C was studied in castrated male albino mice and in one normal male albino rat. Physiological amounts of the steroid were injected intraperitoneally and the specific activities nc/mg carbon during the first four hours after application determined.

Ten minutes after injection, substantial differences of activity in the various organs could be observed; they were levelled off after about two hours. Before the onset of excretion, there was a relative accumulation of activity in the genito-urinary tract whereas the activity of the blood was below the average from the beginning.

Observations by other researchers regarding the liver as being the major organ for the accumulation of testosterone can be confirmed. The same holds true for the assumption of an enterohepatic circle.

Furthermore, the activities of protein fractions of various organs were estimated.
EFFECT OF OESTRADIOL CYCLOPENTYLPROPIONATE ON SERUM AND LIVER LIPIDS AND AORTIC 35S-SULPHATED MUCOPOLYSACCHARIDES IN COCKERELS FED NORMAL OR ATHEROGENIC DIET
Authors: Kowalewski K.
Published: December 2008

Effect of a single dose of 5 mg oestradiol cyclopentylpropionate on lipids of serum and liver and on 35S-sulphated mucopolysaccharides of aorta in 3 week old cockerels was studied. Birds were fed normal or cholesterol rich diet. Significant rise of serum and liver lipids was observed in birds on the 7th day after the dosage of hormone and this effect of oestradiol was not modified by the quality of diet. Significant increase of 35S-uptake by sulphated mucopolysaccharides of the aorta was observed in cockerels treated with oestradiol, or given cholesterol diet alone.
INTERACTIONS OF OESTRONE AND TESTOSTERONE ON MAMMARY GLANDS OF MALE RABBITS
Authors: Bengtsson B. , Norgren A.
Published: December 2008

The effect of testosterone and oestrone on the mammary glands of castrated male rabbits was studied. Testosterone propionate was used in daily doses from 0.5 to 80 mg. The doses of oestrone ranged from 0.05 to 25 μg per day. Mammary glands were examined after 14, 28 or 56 days of injections.

1) Testosterone in doses below 20 mg failed to affect the mammary glands. With 40 or 80 mg a distinct, though abnormal growth reaction was consistently obtained.

2) Oestrone in doses lower than 0.5 μg did not stimulate mammary growth. With 0.5 μg and higher doses extensive growth of the mammary glands occurred. Stunted growth and secretion were found in the mammary glands of rabbits injected with 12.5 or 25 μg oestrone.

3) Testosterone in doses of 1 or 5 to 10 mg depressed or abolished the response of the mammary glands to 0.5 μg oestrone. When testosterone, in doses ineffective when given alone, was added to at least 3.125 μg oestrone, the mammary glands developed alveoli. The abnormalities produced by the highest doses of oestrone studied were exaggerated by the addition of testosterone.

4) The observations indicate a complicated interplay between the actions of testosterone and oestrone on the mammary gland of the rabbit. The interactions between testosterone and oestrone are presumably different from those observed between progesterone and oestrone.
VASCULAR CONNECTIVE TISSUE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF THYROXINE
Authors: Lorenzen lb
Published: December 2008

Biochemical and histological changes in the aortic wall of rabbits were demonstrated following injection of epinephrine and l-thyroxine during 2 weeks. The widespread gross and microscopic changes were accompanied by an increase in hexosamine content and uptake of 35S labeled sodium sulphate, and an increased calcium content, whereas the collagen content, assessed by determination of hydroxyproline, was reduced. Comparison with the effect of epinephrine injections alone showed that thyroxine intensified the damaging effect of epinephrine on the vessel wall and induced more pronounced mucopolysaccharide changes in the aortic wall, presumably acting as a link in the healing processes.
COMPARISON OF THE EFFECTS OF VARIOUS GOITROGENS ON THE BIOSYNTHESIS OF THYROID HORMONES IN VITRO
Authors: Iino Shiro
Published: December 2008

The effect of various goitrogens on in vitro biosynthesis of thyroid horhomes was studied. The compounds in decreasing order of relative activity to completely inhibit DIT formation were 1-methyl-2-mercaptoimidazole (MIA), thiouracil (TU); propylthiouracil PTU) and goitrin; thiourea and methylthiouracil (MTU). Those in decreasing order of relative activity to completely inhibit MIT formation were MIA; PTU, MTU, TU and thiourea; goitrin. Of the compounds tested MIA was thus the most potent inhibitor of the rat thyroid gland in vitro. The conversion of monoiodotyrosine to diiodotyrosine was more sensitive to every goitrogen than the iodination of tyrosine to form monoiodotyrosine. The modes of action of these antithyroid drugs seemed to be approximately the same, except for goitrin, which showed very weak inhibition of MIT formation. Progoitrin, the precursor of goitrin, did not seem to possess any antithyroid activity.
A BIOLOGIC CONCEPT OF ADRENOCORTICAL FUNCTION
Authors: Gabrilove J. Lester
Published: December 2008

A hypothesis is presented to explain the abnormalities and syndromes seen in congenital adrenocortical hyperplasia and to unify the syndromes of adrenocortical hyperfunction seen in the human adult. It is suggested that phylogenetically only sex hormones were originally elaborated by the adrenal cortex. Subsequently, the adrenal cortex acquired the ability to convert progesterone to corticosterone and aldosterone in order to facilitate renal conservation of sodium. Still later the process of 17 hydroxylation and presumably corticotrophin secretion were evolved. The relation of this hypothesis to adrenocortical hyperfunction is discussed.
SENSITIZATION BY CHLORIDE DEFICIENCY TO CORTICOID-INDUCED CARDIAC NECROSES
Authors: Bajusz Eörs , Selye Hans
Published: December 2008

The effects of variations in dietary chloride intake upon the cardiotoxic effect of fluorocortisol and/or certain Na-salts were studied. It was observed that overdosage with fluorocortisol, NaHCO3, Na-citrate, Na-glutamate or Na-succinate is well tolerated by rats kept on synthetic diets. However, combined administration of fluorocortisol and the same Na-salts produces massive and sometimes fatal myocardial necroses when the chloride content of the diet is lowered from a basic 0.953 % to 0.035 %. It appears that chloride deficiency selectively sensitizes the heart muscle to this potentially cardiotoxic electrolyte-steroid interaction.
STRENGTH OF CALLUS IN FRACTURED HUMERUS OF RAT TREATED WITH ANTI-ANABOLIC AND ANABOLIC COMPOUNDS
Authors: Wiancko K. B. , Kowalewski K.
Published: December 2008

Anti-anabolic action of a lathyrus factor (BAPN) and of cortisone and anabolic action of androgenic steroids Dianabol (17α-methyl-17β-hydroxy-androsta-1,4-dien-3-one) and Ora-Testryl (9α-fluoro-11β-hydroxy-17α-methyltestosterone) on the healing of fractured humeri in rats was investigated. Tensile strength of healing callus measured at 1st, 2nd and 3rd week after fracture was determined to assess the difference in action between the compounds studied. Healing bones were also studied histologically.

Significant decrease of tensile strength of callus was observed in BAPN treated rats at 2nd and 3rd week after fracture. Less marked decrease was noted in cortisone treated animals. Certain delay of new bone formation was notable, histologically, in callus of animals treated with anti-anabolic compounds.

Both androgens studied were found to increase significantly tensile strength of callus at 1st and 2nd week after fracture. Increase of tensile strength was associated with marked stimulation of new bone formation and calcification of callus, observed on histological preparations.
THE EFFECT OF RESERPINE ON THYROXINE DEGRADATION AND THYROTROPHIN SECRETION
Authors: Yamazaki E. , Slingerland D. W. , Noguchi A.
Published: December 2008

In m ce toxic doses of reserpine were required to reduce significantly the fractional rate of turnover of radiothyroxine. Reserpine did not reduce the effect of exogenous thyrotrophin in increasing the release of thyroidal radioiodine (as measured by blood radioactivity). The return to a normal rate of release of thyroidal radioiodine following a single injection of thyroxine was questionably delayed, certainly not expedited, by reserpine. Reserpine probably does not antagonize thyroxine or thyrotrophin directly but may rather suppress the secretion of thyrotrophin.
OESTROGEN METABOLISM IN WOMEN WITH CIRRHOSIS OF THE LIVER
Authors: Lyngbye Jørgen , Mogensen Erik F.
Published: December 2008

The urinary excretion of oestrogens was studied before and after administration of oestradiol in five patients with cirrhosis of the liver. The results were compared with values observed in two control subjects and with the results obtained by other authors. The capacity of converting oestradiol-17β into oestriol was found to be impaired in two very ill patients. The discrepancy between the results obtained by biological and by chemical methods is discussed.
EXCRETION DES STEROIDES CHEZ DES FEMMES PRESENTANT UN VIRILISME PILAIRE ASSOCIE A DES TROUBLES DU CYCLE MENSTRUEL
Authors: Jayle M. F. , Scholler R. , Mauvais-Jarvis P. , Métay S.
Published: December 2008

The authors present 39 observations of hirsutism or hairy virilism associated with important disturbances of the menstrual cycle and in whom they find no abnormality of the steroid secretion of adrenocortical origin. The observations included 20 cases of amenorrhoea and 19 cases of spaniomenorrhoea or hypomenorrhoea with ovular cycle.

After administration of 15 mg of dexamethasone or 9α-fluoro-16α-methyl-prednisolone in five consecutive days, they have ascertained the existence of an appreciable amount of residual 1 7-ketosteroids, values of which were significantly increased, as compared with those found in normal women, whom presented a hairy virilism of adreno-cortical origin with normal or moderately increased values of 17-ketosteroids.

Moreover, most of these subjects showed an abnormal increase of the phenolsteroids, bearing most often on the oestriol fraction.

The authors deem that these abnormalities of the excretion of the residual 17-ketosteroids and phenolsteroids after suppression of corticotrophin activity by dexamethasone is caracteristic of the ovarian origin of the hairy virilism.
ISOLIERUNG UND QUANTITATIVE BESTIMMUNG DER 4 EPIMEREN ÖSTRIOLE NACH INJEKTION VON 16α- UND 16β-HYDROXYÖSTRON BEIM MENSCHEN
Authors: Nocke W. , Breuer H. , Knuppen R.
Published: December 2008

Isolation and quantitative estimation of the four epimeric oestriols following the injection of 16α- and 16β-hydroxyoestrone in man.

7.4 mg 16α-hydroxyoestrone were administered by intramuscular injection to a normal man. Three phenolic metabolites were isolated from urine and identified as oestriol, 17-epioestriol and 16-epioestriol. The total excretion in urine amounted to 1.762 mg oestriol, 0.031 mg 17-epioestriol and 0.163 mg 16-epioestriol.

When 10.0 mg 16β-hydroxyoestrone diacetate were administered to a normal man, the following metabolites were isolated and identified: 16-epioestriol, 16.17-epioestriol and oestriol. The total excretion in urine was 1.377 mg 16-epioestriol, 0.086 mg 16,17-epioestriol and 1.332 mg oestriol. These findings confirm previous experiments with human liver slices and show that in addition to a 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase a 17α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase is present in man. It should be noted, however, that the amount of 17α-hydroxy-compounds excreted in urine was much smaller than that of 17β-hydroxy-compounds.
TRANSPORT OF CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHIN (HCG) IN BLOOD
Authors: Nagy D. , Gáti I. , Keller G.
Published: December 2008

It has been shown by preparative electrophoresis that in the pregnancy serum HCG is transported in the beta globulin fraction. The linkage is believed to be adsorptive in nature.
THE EFFECT OF ADRENALECTOMY ON THE URINARY EXCRETION OF HISTAMINE IN THE RAT
Authors: Angervall L. , Bjurö T. , Westling H.
Published: December 2008

The urinary excretion of histamine was followed in female rats after adrenalectomy or sham operation.

The urinary histamine in adrenalectomized rats kept on saline showed a progressive increase from the 4th postoperative day. In rats kept on water the urinary histamine was unchanged until the 8th day when an increase took place.

At 7 to 16 days after adrenalectomy, the high urinary histamine level in rats kept on saline could be lowered by changing over to water as drinking fluid. The substitution of saline instead of water had the opposite effect on the urinary histamine excretion.

Cortexone did not prevent the increase in urinary excretion of histamine in adrenalectomized rats kept on saline.

Cortisone and cortisol caused an immediate increase in urinary histamine levels in adrenalectomized rats on saline with a subsequent slow reduction. Sham operation induced a small temporary increase in the urinary histamine.
URINARY STEROIDS IN PREGNANT WOMEN BEFORE AND AFTER CORTICOTROPHIN
Authors: Steinbeck A. W. , Theile Helen
Published: December 2008

Women in the 27th to 37th week of pregnancy were studied. The administration of corticotrophin did not consistently increase the urinary output of steroids and the actual outputs after corticotrophin were lower than for a comparable sample of normal subjects. Also, there was a dissociation between plasma and urine steroids, which is not a constant feature of Cushing's syndrome.
ZUR EXTRARENALEN WIRKUNG VON MINERALOCORTICOIDEN
Authors: Wahle Hans , Dirscherl Wilhelm
Published: December 2008

The possible extrarenal action of mineralocorticoids has been investigated on the larva of the lamprey (Petromyzon planeri, Bloch; »lamper eel«). The chorda sheath of this animal yields cell-free connective tissue which promised to be valuable for demonstrating a hormone dependant interstitial shifting of electrolytes. Muscle as a prevalent cellular tissue served for investigating the intracellular shifting of electrolytes.

The effect of fluorohydrocortisone and of cortisone – in the presence and absence of potassium – was investigated by adding the hormones to the water in which the animals were kept. With fluorohydrocortisone, interstitial electrolyte shifts (loss of sodium, retention of potassium) could be observed only in the presence of potassium. In the absence of potassium, fluorohydrocortisone caused an intracellular sodium retention.
THE DISAPPEARANCE RATE OF PLASMA CORTICOIDS IN PATIENTS WITH SUPPRESSED ADRENOCORTICAL PRODUCTION
Authors: De Moor Pieter , Hinnekens Marc
Published: December 2008

Using a new fluorimetric assay method, values of cortisol (11β,17,21-trihydroxy-pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione) removal rates and apparent distribution volume (A. D. V.) similar to those previously described in the literature were found after administration of pharmacological doses of cortisol. The above mentioned parameters are only slightly influenced by the oestrogens normally produced in premenopausal women or by old age. In cases of obesity there is an increased plasma removal of cortisol but the A. D. V. remains normal; this may represent an effect opposite to the starvation effect described recently. After adrenal production is blocked, the removal of the endogenous corticosteroids is slower than after administration of pharmacological doses of cortisol. This is apparently due to a better »protection« at low plasma cortisol levels by the transcortine mechanism.
DIE METABOLITE IM MENSCHLICHEN HARN NACH VERABREICHUNG VON 17α-AETHINYL-19-NORTESTOSTERON (NORAETHISTERON)
Authors: Langecker H.
Published: December 2008

The metabolites of 17α-ethynyl-19-nortestosterone were determined in the urine of 5 postmenopausal women. Only a small fraction of the unchanged compound and a small amount of Δ4-3-ketosteroids which still carry the ethynyl group at carbon 17 as well as traces of steroid alcohols are excreted. Ethinyloestradiol was identified by paper chromatography. The inhibitory effect of the 17-alkylation on steroid metabolism is discussed.
COMPETITION OF CADMIUM FOR ZINC IN RAT TESTIS AND DORSOLATERAL PROSTATE
Authors: Gunn Samuel A. , Gould Thelma Clark , Anderson W. A. D.
Published: December 2008

Cadmium has been shown to produce acute destruction of testes and permanent sterility in male rats with doses which apparently do not damage other tissues. Since this testicular injury could be prevented, at least temporarily, by the simultaneous administration of large doses of zinc it appeared that cadmium was exerting its toxic effects by virtue of competition for essential sites normally occupied by zinc. The results of this paper show that the capacity of the testis and dorsolateral prostate to take up administered 65Zn is depressed by the presence of cadmium. Former studies have shown that in both testis and dorsolateral prostate the amount of 65Zn taken up is under hormonal (I. C. S. H. or androgen) control. In contrast the 65Zn uptake of the ventral prostate, which is not under I. C. S. H. or androgen control, is not altered by the presence of cadmium. Cadmium does not interfere with the reproductive capacities of female rats, nor does it cause any alteration of 65Zn uptake by ovary or uterine tract tissues. In view of the selective interference of cadmium with 65Zn uptake of only testis and dorsolateral prostate, it appears that the zinc complexes of these two organs, both of which are under I. C. S. H. or androgen control, differ from the zinc complexes of other organs.
CONTRIBUTION A L'ETUDE DE LA FORMATION D'ANDROGENES PAR L'OVAIRE
Authors: Seeman A. , Saracino R. T.
Published: December 2008

A comparison between the level of the 17-ketosteroids in the blood of the ovarian vein and the peripheral blood has been achieved. A very important difference (138 μg ± 38.1) in favour of the level in the ovarian vein is demonstrated.

Furthermore the bilateral castration or the wedge resection of the ovary, in patients studied, is shown to be followed by a very important decrease in the level of the 17-ketosteroids in the peripheric blood.
THE NEPHROTIC SYNDROME
Authors: Björklund S.-I. , Jensen C. C.
Published: December 2008

Seven children with the nephrotic syndrome were treated with corticotrophin.

In all cases the treatment resulted in remission. The methods used and the observations on the excretion of steroids are reported.
FURTHER STUDIES OF THE METABOLISM OF OESTRADIOL IN MAN
Authors: Fishman Jack , Bradlow H. Leon , Zumoff Barnett , Hellman Leon , Gallagher T. F.
Published: December 2008

Oestradiol-17β labeled with tritium in the α orientation of C-17 was administered intravenously to two women. Oestrone, oestradiol, oestriol and 3α-hydroxypregnan-20-one were isolated from the urine and the isotope incorporated into these metabolites was measured. The results supported the prior conclusion that oestradiol is rapidly oxidized in vivo and that oestrone serves as the immediate precursor of oestriol. A possible explanation is offered for the presence of trace quantities of isotope in oestriol and 3α-hydroxypregnan-20-one.
THE EFFECT OF ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF NORETHISTERONE IN OLIGOSPERMIC MALES
Authors: Apostolakis M.
Published: December 2008

The effect of norethisterone (20 mg daily per os for 25-70 days) in 6 oligospermic males has been studied. As a result of this treatment:

1) The gonadotrophin excretion in all subjects fell significantly within two weeks and remained low as long as the steroid was administered.

2) In two cases a significant decrease of 17-ketosteroid excretion occurred, the other four subjects remaining, however, virtually unaffected in this respect.

3) No statistically significant effect on 17-hydroxycorticosteroid and oestrogen excretion could be demonstrated.

4) Azoospermia was observed in 5 subjects, the sixth also showing a substantial decrease in spermatozoa concentration.

5) It was further observed that the decrease of gonadotrophin excretion preceded (4 cases), or coincided (2 cases) with the reduction of the sperm count. In no single case did the diminution of the spermatozoa concentration in the semen precede the fall in the amount of gonadotrophin in the urine.

6) No effect on the concentration of fructose in the sperm plasma was noted.
FURTHER EVIDENCE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF SEVERAL ACTIVE COMPONENTS IN SHEEP PITUITARY INTERSTITIAL CELL-STIMULATING HORMONE
Authors: Jutisz Marian , Squire Phil G.
Published: December 2008

Studies of the chromatographic behaviour of ovine interstitial cell-stimulating hormone (ICSH) on hydroxylapatite have confirmed and extended the concept of the existence of a multiplicity of physico-chemically distinguishable protein components possessing equal biological activity.
EXPERIMENTAL INDUCTION OF MAMMOGENESIS AND LACTOGENESIS IN THE DWARF MOUSE
Authors: Pissott Lillian E. , Nandi Satyabrata
Published: December 2008

The response of the mammary glands to exogenous hormones was studied in genetically hormone-deficient intact dwarf mice. Some ductal growth was observed after the administration of thyroxin alone or in combination with ovarian and adrenocortical steroids. Combinations of steroids without thyroxin did not induce appreciable growth of the mammary gland. Addition of pituitary somatotrophin or mammotrophin to the combinations containing steroids and thyroxin resulted in further ductal stimulation and some alveolar development.

Lactogenesis could be induced in the mammary glands of dwarf mice by injecting an initial hormone combination which would result in lobuloalveolar development and following this by a combination of pituitary and adrenocortical hormones which induces milk secretion. The most effective treatment for the induction of lactogenesis was oestradiol-17β + progesterone + cortisol acetate + mammotrophin + somatotrophin + thyroxin followed by mammotrophin + somatotrophin + cortisol acetate. Mammotrophin and somatotrophin were observed to be equally effective in inducing mammogenesis and lactogenesis in the dwarfs.

The response of the mammary gland of the dwarf mouse to exogenous pituitary hormones (excluding thyroxin-containing combinations) seems similar to that of hypophysectomized mice of various strains in which the mammary cancer incidence is high in virgin as well as breeding females.

The significant growth of mammary glands as a result of thyroxin treatment alone and the increased mammogenic effect of thyroxin-containing steroid combinations suggest that thyroxin promotes manufacture and/or release of somatotrophin and gonadotrophin from the anterior pituitary glands of dwarf mice.
GROWTH HORMONE AND RADIO-SULFATE INCORPORATION IN COSTAL CARTILAGE
Authors: Collins Elliott J. , Baker Vernon F.
Published: December 2008

The characteristics and nature of the effect of growth hormone on the incorporation of radio-sulfate into the costal cartilage of hypophysectomized rats has been studied. The time-response studies indicate that a reliable estimation of growth hormone activity can be ascertained within a 24 hour period, and a reproducible dose-related response can be obtained at dosage levels ranging from 12-48 μg. Growth hormone stimulates the synthesis of organic sulfates and accumulation of inorganic sulfates within 48 hours.
TREATMENT OF UNDESCENDED TESTIS WITH HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHIN
Authors: Bergstrand C. G. , Qvist O.
Published: December 2008

During the period 1953 to 1960, 52 boys with cryptorchism were treated with human chorionic gonadotrophin. The majority of patients were treated after the age of eleven. The material presented is in several respects a selected one as patients with retractile testes and with mechanical obstruction to the descent were as far as possible excluded. The total dose of gonadotrophin varied between 6600 and 17400 IU which is considered a moderate dose. The results was satisfactory with regard to testicular position, size and consistency in only 10 patients or expressed in terms of individual testes in 16 cases. Factors that may have influenced the incidence of descent are discussed.
DETERMINATION OF PLASMA TESTOSTERONE
Authors: Oertel Georg W.
Published: December 2008

A chemical method for the determination of testosterone in plasma is described. In this method testosterone is separated by paper chromatography. After further purification by chromatography on aluminum oxide a micro modification of the reaction of Koenig et al. (1941) is applied for quantitation. By the present procedure as little as 0.2 μg testosterone can be determined with adequate accuracy in appropriate plasma volumes.
ADRENAL STEROID SYNTHESIS IN AMYLOID DEGENERATION LOCALISED EXCLUSIVELY TO THE ZONA RETICULARIS
Authors: Ofstad J. , Lamvik J. , Støa K. F. , Emberland R.
Published: December 2008

In a 47-year-old male suffering from bronchiectasis, pulmonary fibrosis and renal amyloidosis, post-mortem examination of the adrenals revealed amyloid degeneration of the zona reticularis, the other adrenocortical zones being apparently intact.

A thorough analysis of the endocrine functions during the last period of his life showed an abnormally low production of C19-steroids, even following corticotrophin stimulation. The formation of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids was found to be normal, while, on the other hand, the aldosterone excretion was elevated. These findings may imply that the synthesis of adrenal C19-steroids takes place in the reticular zone, while the C21-steroids apparently can be formed predominantly in the zona fasciculata.
RELATIVE THYMOLYTIC ACTIVITIES OF CORTISOL AND PREDNISOLONE DERIVATIVES IN THE ADRENALECTOMIZED RAT
Authors: Dorfman Ralph I. , Dorfman Adeline S. , Agnello E. J. , Figdor S. K. , Laubach G. D.
Published: December 2008

A two-day assay using immature male adrenalectomized rats, is described for the determination of thymolytic activity of steroids which has a mean index of precision of 0.26.

The relative potencies of 14α-hydroxy, Δ6-dehydro, and certain water soluble derivatives of cortisol and prednisolone are reported.
THE ANABOLIC, ANDROGENIC AND ANTIGONADOTROPHIC PROPERTIES OF FIVE SYNTHETIC 19-NORTESTOSTERONE ANALOGS
Authors: Perrine J. W.
Published: December 2008

The anabolic, androgenic and antigonadotrophic properties of 19-nortestosterone analogs were assessed in parabiotic rats. The steroids studied possessed the 17α-side chains: methyl, ethyl, propyl, vinyl or ethynyl. The materials were administered subcutaneously to the castrated male partner in amounts of 50 mg/rat/day, beginning the day the animals were parabiotically united, and continued for 10 days.

An increase or decrease in the length of the two carbon side chain at the 17α-position reduced both the anabolic/androgenic ratio and the ability to inhibit gonadotrophins. Antigonadotrophic activity was maximal when the 17α-side chain was an ethynyl configuration; however, none of the 19-norsteroids tested was as active as testosterone in inhibiting ovarian growth.

No significant change in ovarian or uterine weight was observed in the nonparabiotic animals given 167 mg of 17α-ethyl-19-nortestosterone per day for three days.
EFFETS DE LA FLUOXYMESTERONE ET DE LA METHYLTESTOSTERONE APPLIQUEES PAR VOIE ORALE CHEZ LE RAT MALE HYPOPHYSECTOMISE
Authors: Krähenbühl Ch.
Published: December 2008

Fluoxymesterone and methyltestosterone, given by oral route, display the following properties in the male hypophysectomized rat:

The activity of fluoxymesterone, as compared with that of methyltestosterone, shows a ratio of 9 : 1 in the bulbocavernosus muscle, 5 : 1 in the seminal vesicle, and 1 : 1 in the ventral prostate, all these three sites being androgenic receptors; the activity ratio in the levator ani muscle, an anabolic receptor, is 16 : 1.

Whereas methyltestosterone does not exert any significant action on the testicles when given in a dose that is definitely androgenic, fluoxymesterone produces growth of the gonad and multiplication of the cells of the seminiferous tubules when administered in a threshold dose as regards effect on the sexual adnexa. This spermatogenic effect, which is of very variable degree, leads in some cases to the formation of mature spermatozoa; it represents a reactivation and not merely a maintenance of this process.

These observations shed fresh light on the action of these two androgens, indicating a qualitative difference between them.
PERINATAL MORTALITY IN DIABETIC PREGNANCY
Authors: Brandstrup Ebbe , Osler Mogens , Pedersen Jørgen
Published: December 2008

The length of treatment in the ward during the latter part of pregnancy has a considerable influence on the perinatal mortality in diabetic pregnancy. Thus, in the present New Series (1946–1960) comprising 486 babies the mortality decreased from 29 to 18 and 12 per cent respectively, when the series was divided in three groups with increasing length of treatment in hospital.

The prognosis for the baby born of a diabetic mother is best in the foetal age group 252–266 days and the birth weight group 3500–3950 g. In the total series of 643 babies (1926–1960) 106 babies fulfilled both criteria, and only one of these babies died. The good result in this group did not depend on the length of treatment during the later part of pregnancy, in contradistinction to the mortality outside the favourable group.

An attempt to define maternal factors which might determine the baby being born just with the ideal weight and age was unsuccessful. At the present the cause of the low »inborne« mortality of this group is unknown. From a practical point of view it is of interest that whenever a baby of a diabetic mother is born with a foetal age of 252–266 days and a birth weight of 3500–3950 g it is practically certain that it will not die during the neonatal period.
FAMILIAL DIABETES AND PERINATAL MORTALITY IN INFANTS OF DIABETIC MOTHERS
Authors: Nygaard A. , Felbo M. , Pedersen J.
Published: December 2008

In a study of 173 pregnancies in 130 diabetic mothers of White's groups B, C and D who had received long-term treatment during pregnancy, the authors found cases of diabetes – in addition to the mother – in the maternal family, in the father and his family, or in the maternal as well as paternal family in a total of 100 pregnancies (57 %). The perinatal mortality was only slightly – and not significantly – higher among infants whose families included other diabetics than the mother. This higher mortality was found only among male infants of whom there was a preponderance in pregnancies with familial diabetes, but this was also not statistically significant. Thus, the result indirectly indicates that the primary cause of the high mortality among the infants of diabetic women must be the fact that the foetus develops in a diabetic environment.
EXCRETION OF OESTRIOL IN THE URINE IN NEWBORN BOYS AND GIRLS AND IN CASES OF CONGENITAL DISLOCATION OF THE HIP
Authors: Borglin N. E.
Published: December 2008

The excretion of oestriol (oestra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3,16α,17β-triol) in the urine during the first few days of life was determined in 21 healthy boys and 23 healthy girls. The excretion was found to vary widely not only between different individuals but also from day to day in one and the same individual. The excretion of oestriol was on the average highest in both sexes on the second day of life. After the third day the excretion fell rapidly. No difference was found between the sexes during the first three days of life. The excretion of oestriol in 18 newborns with congenital dislocation of the hip was of the same order as that in normal infants.
EFFECT OF LYSERGIC ACID DIETHYLAMIDE ON ADRENOCORTICAL AND ADRENAL MEDULLARY FUNCTION IN THE DOG
Authors: Ganong William F. , Goldfien Alan , Halevy Al , Davidson Julian M. , Boryczka Angela
Published: December 2008

The effect of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) on adrenal cortical and medullarv function in anaesthetized dogs has been determined by measuring the output of 17-hydroxycorticoids and epinephrine and norepinepbrine in the adrenal vein before and after the administration of 50 μg/kg of LSD or control injections of saline. A slight rise in 17-hydroxycorticoid secretion was observed following LSD administration; epinephrine and norepinephrine secretion values did not differ significantly from the low values found in the controls. The increase in 17-hydroxycorticoid secretion produced by a subsequent laparotomy and the administration of corticotrophin was unaffected by LSD.
STUDIES ON LUTEINIZING HORMONE RELEASE AND INHIBITION
Authors: Giuliani G. , Martini L. , Pecile A. , Fochi M.
Published: December 2008

Secretion of LH, as measured by ovarian ascorbic acid depletion in mature female rats with luteinized ovaries, is induced by pitressin and adrenaline. Other drugs (pitocin, histamine, acetylcholine, serotonin, salycilate, insulin) and stress procedures (formalin, ether anaesthesia, unilateral and total adrenalectomy, laparatomy, asphyxia and electric shock) are without effect in this test.

No LH activity is detectable by the ovarian ascorbic acid method in 0.5 ml of serum of normal female rats; LH becomes detectable in 0.5 ml of serum 2 weeks after castration; high titers of blood LH are observed in female animals which have been castrated for more than 12 months.

No LH is present in the blood of female castrated rats treated with progesterone.