bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFFECT OF OESTROGEN AND PROGESTERONE ON PITUITARY GONADOTROPHIC CONTENT OF THE CYCLIC HAMSTER
Authors: Keever James E. , Greenwald Gilbert S.
Published: December 2008

Oestradiol cyclopentylpropionate (ECP) and progesterone alter the normal pattern of LH synthesis and release in the mature female hamster. Both compounds also inhibit ovulation, but through different mechanisms. A dose of 50 μg ECP, injected s. c. on day 1 of the oestrous cycle, causes atresia of all vesicular follicles within 48 hours. This is related temporally to a decrease in pituitary LH content. On the other hand, 5 mg progesterone, administered at day 1, does not change the normal pattern of follicular development, but inhibits ovulation by preventing the ovulatory surge of LH on day 4.

The number of healthy antral follicles is halved between days 3 and 4 of the oestrous cycle in untreated controls and animals given 5 mg progesterone on day 1. This coincides with a decrease in pituitary FSH content of both groups. Animals administered 50 μg ECP on day 1 show no decrease in pituitary FSH between days 3 and 4.

Concurrent administration of 50 μg ECP and 5 mg progesterone on day 1 inhibits both synthesis and release of LH, as evidenced by a decreased pituitary content and atrophic ovaries.

The present study indicates that ECP causes atresia indirectly via a decrease in LH synthesis and release during the first two days of the oestrous cycle. Progesterone, however, does not alter the normal pattern of follicular development or pituitary LH content until day 4, at which time the release of LH is blocked.
EFFECTS OF INSULIN ON THE INTACT LEVATOR ANI MUSCLE OF THE RAT
Authors: Arvill A. , Ahrén K.
Published: December 2008

Effects of insulin in vitro on the rate of intracellular accumulation of α-aminoisobutyric acid (AIB) and D-xylose were studied in the intact levator ani muscle prepared as described by Arvill & Ahrén (1966 a). In some of the experiments the effects of insulin were also studied in the intact diaphragm preparation of Kipnis & Cori (1957).

Insulin increased the rate of uptake of AIB and D-xylose in both preparations. A linear dose-response relationship was found within certain dose levels of insulin for the AIB transport in the levator ani preparation. The sensitivity to insulin of the AIB transport was found to be greater in summer than in winter.

Addition of glucose to the incubation medium decreased the rate of penetration of D-xylose into the levator ani muscle but it did not influence the rate of AIB uptake or the effect of insulin on the AIB transport.

A rapid reduction of the insulin activity in the incubation medium was found in the experiments with the diaphragm preparation but not in the experiments with the levator ani muscle.

Insulin was found to cause a flux of water from the extracellular to the intracellular compartments in the diaphragm but not in the levator ani muscle.

The results are discussed and it is concluded that the intact levator ani preparation is very suitable for further experiments concerning the mechanism of action of insulin.
STUDIES ON THE METABOLISM OF CORTICOSTEROIDS IN THE HUMAN FOETO-PLACENTAL UNIT
Authors: Pasqualini J. R. , Wiqvist N. , Diczfalusy E.
Published: December 2008

In two cases undergoing surgical sterilization and interruption of pregnancy, tritium-labelled corticosterone sulphate was injected into the intact foeto-placental circulation at laparotomy and the metabolites recovered from the placenta and various foetal tissues were analyzed. Little hydrolysis of the injected corticosterone sulphate occurred in the placenta and in the various foetal tissues, the bulk of the administered tracer being metabolized in the form of 21-sulphate. No radioactive material was detected in the glucuronide fraction. After enzymic hydrolysis of the ester-sulphate fraction, the following compounds were isolated: 21-hydroxy-pregn-4-ene-3,11,20-trione (placenta, residual foetal tissues), 3α,11β,21-trihydroxy-5β-pregnan-20-one (liver, gastrointestinal tract and placenta), 3β,11β,21-trihydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one (liver), and 6β,11β,21-trihydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione (liver, residual foetal tissues and placenta).

A concept is presented describing the metabolism of corticosterone sulphate in the human foeto-placental unit at midpregnancy.
DIE AUSSCHEIDUNG VON PORTER-SILBER-AKTIVEN 11-DESOXYCORTICOSTEROIDEN BEI GESUNDEN FRAUEN SOWIE AM ENDE DER SCHWANGERSCHAFT UND BEI INTRAUTERINEM FRUCHTTOD
Authors: Dässler C.-G.
Published: December 2008

Urinary Porter-Silber active 11-deoxycorticosteroids were determined in 12 healthy nonpregnant women (mean m = 0.07 mg/24 h; standard deviation s = ± 0.03), 13 patients with intrauterine foetal death in late pregnancy (m = 0.08 mg/24 h; s = ± 0.03) and in 15 women in the last weeks of an intact pregnancy (m = 0.21 mg/24 h; s = ± 0.09). The mean value in late pregnant women was significantly higher than in non-pregnant women (P < 0.001) or in women with foetal death (P < 0.001). The increase may be due to the changed metabolism or to the reduced inactivation into cortisol derivatives caused by pregnancy and/or to the increased production of cortisol. In cases of foetal death in late pregnancy the increase was not to be observed. In 2 pregnant women the increase during pregnancy and the decrease to the level of nonpregnant women after delivery was followed.
EFFECT OF RESERPINE ON PROSTATE GLAND FRUCTOSE
Authors: Thomas John A. , Andrews Richard V. , Hill Marvin F.
Published: December 2008

Small doses of reserpine (2.5 or 5 μg/day for 2, 5 or 11 days) caused significant elevations in fructose levels in the prostate glands of normal mice. This effect was not seen in the castrate mouse. In castrates given 50 μg/day of testosterone, reserpine did increase prostatic fructose levels, but less markedly than in intact mice. Adrenalectomized mice also responded to reserpine less markedly than intact animals.

The stimulatory actions of reserpine on sex accessory fructose depends upon both the dose and duration of administration of this alkaloid. These stimulatory actions of reserpine on sex accessory organs occur prior to any loss in testicular weight and might be related to the synergistic activities of ACTH and/or prolactin on prostatic tissue.
THE SPECIFICITY OF THE MOUSE OVARIAN AUGMENTATION ASSAY FOR FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE
Authors: Martin F. I. R. , Peyton Lorraine
Published: December 2008

The specificity of the mouse ovarian augmentation assay for gonadotrophins has been examined. Variations of the augmenting dose of HCG from 12.5 to 100 IU per mouse had no significant influence on the assay characteristics. However, the addition of ovine luteinising hormone to standard gonadotrophins produced a depression of the expected response in all standards tested. Similarly, the assay of mixtures of standard gonadotrophins did not produce the additive response expected from the simultaneous assay of the standards alone. These effects were less marked when pure human pituitary preparations were assayed.

It is concluded that although this assay is sensitive and precise it cannot be regarded as specific for follicle stimulating hormone.
STEROID BIOSYNTHESIS BY ADRENAL AND OVARIAN TISSUE IN CONGENITAL ADRENAL HYPERPLASIA
Authors: Axelrod Leonard R. , Goldzieher Joseph W.
Published: December 2008

Fresh adrenal tissue from a 5 year old boy with congenital adrenal hyperplasia and ovarian tissue from an untreated adult female pseudohermaphrodite were incubated with radioactive steroids. Adrenal tissue incubated with 4-14C-progesterone produced 17-hydroxyprogesterone, 21-deoxycortisol and testosterone in high yield. The ovarian tissue gave evidence of 17-hydroxylating, 20-reducing, 3β-ol dehydrogenase, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and desmolase activities.
THE DIURNAL FLUCTUATION OF ASCORBIC ACID AND PROGESTERONE CONTENTS IN THE OVARIES OF INTACT AND HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED IMMATURE PSEUDOPREGNANT RATS
Authors: de Groot C. A.
Published: December 2008

The ovaries of pseudopregnant immature rats contain less ascorbic acid and more progesterone at 4 p.m. than at 10 and 12 a. m. and 2 p.m. Two days after hypophysectomy, during which time prolactin injections were given to maintain pseudopregnancy, the ascorbic acid content still decreased, while the progesterone content failed to increase. In the intact animals, the increase in progesterone content and part of the ascorbic acid decrease may be explained by a surge of endogenous LH during the afternoon. All effects in the hypophysectomized rats should result from the predominance of catabolic processes.

In intact and in hypophysectomized animals the right ovaries usually weigh less than the left ovaries.
INCREASED EXCRETION OF THYROXINE BY FEEDING ACTIVATED CHARCOAL TO SYRIAN HAMSTERS
Authors: Bergman F. , Halvorsen P. , van der Linden W.
Published: December 2008

Activated charcoal diminished the absorption of radiothyroxine in Syrian hamsters. The absorption of Na131I was diminished when cholestyramine, but not when charcoal was added to the diet. In hamsters injected intravenously with 131I l-thyroxine, body radioactivity decreased more rapidly when the diet was supplemented with charcoal because of greater excretion of radioactivity in the faeces. The histology of the thyroid gland returned to normal in all hamsters which after pretreatment with thyroxine were fed a diet supplemented with charcoal or with cholestyramine, but not in those animals fed an unsupplemented diet.
ANALYSIS OF THE TOPOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION OF THYROID ACTIVITY IN A TELEOST FISH: CARASSIUS CARASSIUS L.
Authors: Frisén Lars , Frisén Marianne
Published: December 2008

Combined autoradiography and X-ray photography has demonstrated that the tissues of the caudal part of the lower jaw and the pronephric region have a considerably larger uptake of radioiodine than other tissues in the immature crucian carp, Carassius carassius L. It is known from previous studies that thyroid follicles occur in these regions.

The pronephric thyroid differs from the mandibular thyroid with regard to radioiodine turnover. On an average, the pronephric thyroid has a larger uptake than the lower jaw thyroid. The relative uptakes varied considerably in the population investigated. The ratio mandibular uptake/total thyroid uptake has been determined at several sampling intervals. The means of these ratios show no significant trend with time, a finding which strongly supports the view that the two regions are variably sized parts of a physiologically homogeneous thyroid gland. The analysis is based on a mathematical model of iodine turnover. The method of comparing complex regression functions (sums of exponential functions) should be widely applicable.

The correlation between the radioiodine content of either region and total thyroid content is low. Thus, it is necessary to study simultaneously all follicle-carrying tissues in fish with more than one aggregation of thyroid elements.

The net radioiodine turnover in the crucian carp indicates a comparatively high degree of thyroid activity and considerably higher than that reported for C. auratus L. This phenomenon is discussed.
INVESTIGATIONS ON THE MELANOPHORESTIMULATING HORMONES IN THE HYPOPHYSIS OF THE FINBACK WHALE (BALAENOPTERA PHYSALUS)
Authors: Hoekstra A. , Burgers A. C. J.
Published: December 2008

Extracts of single hypophyses of the finback whale (Balaenoptera physalus) were exposed to zone electrophoresis on starch, and the electrophoretic samples tested for their melanophore-stimulating activity, using pieces of isolated skin of the lizard Anolis carolinensis in vitro as a test object. It was demonstrated that four different components with melanophore-stimulating activities are present in a single whale hypophysis.

The electrophoretic behaviour of three of these components are comparable to that of the MSH's of known chemical structures alpha-, beta-seryl-, and beta-glutamyl-MSH. The electrophoretic behaviour of a fourth component, differs from that of any of the known MSH's.

This component is the most abundant – or has the strongest melanophore-stimulating activity – in comparison with the other components found in the whale.

The possibility that this component is identical with the fat mobilizing factor discovered and isolated by Birk & Li (1963) is suggested.
COMPARISON OF SERUM PROTEIN BOUND IODINE AND THYROXINE BINDING GLOBULIN SATURATION CAPACITY VALUES IN NEGRO AND WHITE SCHOOL CHILDREN: ETHNIC DIFFERENCE
Authors: Starr Paul , Nicoloff John
Published: December 2008

Measurement of PBI values in healthy pre-adolescent Negro school children (N = 437) revealed a mean value of 6.4 ±.06 mg/100 ml while in a similar population of Caucasian children (N = 614) a normal mean value of 5.6 ±.07 mg/100 ml was observed. The difference had a P value <.001. Comparison of 131I T3 red cell uptake values in these two groups demonstrated a significant depression (P <.01) in the Negro children. TBG saturation capacities of Caucasian children were 24.7 ± 0.6 (S.E.M.) for ages 6 to 11 years and 21.3 ± 1.1 for ages 12 to 19 years which were not different from the adult values of 22.9 ± 0.8. In Negro children these values were 28.9 ± 0.7 for ages 6 to 11 and 25.4 ± 1.9 for ages 12 to 19 which were significantly different from their Caucasian counterparts. Adult Negro PBI values of 5.6 ± 0.25 and TBG of 24.5 ± 1.5 were not different from adult Caucasian values. Thyroxine-binding pre-albumin (TBPA) saturation capacities were significantly depressed in pre-adolescents (Caucasian 71 ± 7; Negro 69 ± 4) and adolescents (Caucasian 105 ± 13; Negro 109 ± 19) below the normal adult values but no racial difference was displayed. It is now apparent that racial origin must be a consideration in the evaluation of pre-adolescent and adolescent PBI and 131I T3 red cell uptake results and that TBPA and TBG capacities may normally alter during puberty in a manner independent of each other rather than reciprocally as has been recently proposed.
OVARIAN ASCORBIC ACID DEPLETION TEST FOR LUTEINIZING HORMONE
Authors: Koed Hans Jacob , Hamburger Christian
Published: December 2008

Comparison of the dose-response curves for LH of ovine origin (NIH-LH-S8) and of human origin (IRP-HMG-2) using the OAAD test showed a small, though statistically significant difference, the dose-response curve for LH of human origin being a little flatter. Two standard curves for ovine LH obtained with 14 months' interval, were parallel but at different levels of ovarian ascorbic acid. When the mean ascorbic acid depletions were calculated as percentages of the control levels, the two curves for NIH-LH-S8 were identical. The use of standards of human origin in the OAAD test for LH activity of human preparations is recommended.
THE EFFECTS OF ANDROGENIC-ANABOLIC STEROIDS ON THE RAT ADRENALS ATROPHIED BY CORTISOL
Authors: Linèt O. , Bumba V.
Published: December 2008

Adult male rats were administered 19-nortestosterone phenylpropionate (NTPP), methandrostenolone (MA) (2 mg/100 g/day), cortisol (1 mg/100 g/day) and a combination of these steroids for 10 consecutive days. Cortisol caused a decrease in the adrenal weight on the 5th day and this effect was partially inhibited by NTPP or MA on the 8th and 11th day. The adrenal cholesterol content fell after NTPP on the 5th, 8th and 11th day, after cortisol treatment on the 8th and 11th day, and after MA on the 11th day. The cholesterol depleting effect of cortisol was counteracted only by simultaneous treatment with NTPP on the 11th day. The decrease in wet and dry weight of adrenals and of their nitrogen and protein content induced by the injection of cortisol for 10-days was markedly inhibited by the simultaneous administration of NTPP or MA. Neither of these anabolic-androgenic steroids affected the enhanced water retention in the adrenals caused by cortisol. NTPP or MA alone did not influence the parameters mentioned above.
STUDIES ON THE MECHANISM OF NIDATION. XXXIII.
Authors: Marcus G. J. , Shelesnyak M. C.
Published: December 2008

In an extension of previous studies which had shown that decidual induction in the rat depends on the availability of histamine, the possibility that exposure of the rat uterus to semen influences the availability of histamine in the uterus was investigated. The histamine content of the rat uterus was measured following normal mating (uterus exposed to seminal plasma plus sperm), following mating with vasectomized males (uterus exposed to seminal plasma only) and following electrical induction of pseudopregnancy. Mating with vasectomized males resulted in an elevation of the histamine content of the uterus from the low level characteristic of electrically induced pseudopregnancy to approximately the level characteristic of pregnancy in the preimplantation period. Histamine-release, which occurs at the time of decidual induction in the pregnant rat, did not occur in the uterus of the rats mated with vasectomized males. The elevation in histamine following mating was attributed to importation by cells infiltrating the uterus in response to the stimulus of mating. The non-release of histamine was attributed to the lack of stimulation in the absence of the blastocyst.
CHRONIC EFFECTS OF TRIIODOTHYRONINE ON THYROTROPHIN LEVELS IN THYROIDECTOMIZED RATS
Authors: Bakke J. L. , Lawrence N. L. , Schönbaum E.
Published: December 2008

In order to study the mechanism of the paradoxical potentiating effect of small doses of thyroid hormone on propylthiouracil goiter growth in rats, serum and pituitary thyrotrophin (TSH) titers were measured after small and larger doses of triiodothyronine (T3) in thyroidectomized rats. A small dose of T3, 4 μg daily, sufficient to maintain normal oxygen consumption, caused elevated pituitary and serum TSH titers when compared to controls. Reduced titers of TSH resulted from a larger dose of T3, 16 μg daily. It is concluded that the goitrogenic action of small doses of thyroid hormone is not limited to an interaction peculiar to propylthiouracil administration but may be the result of direct stimulation of increased synthesis and secretion of TSH by the pituitary gland and is seen even in the absence of thyroid tissue or propylthiouracil. It is hypothesized that small amounts of thyroid hormone are necessary for optimal or maximal synthesis and secretion of TSH. These effects may be mediated directly at the pituitary gland or at a suprapituitary level. It was also found that stalk-median eminence TSH titers were significantly increased in the thyroidectomized rats that received a large dose of T3, as compared to those that received no T3, i. e. the effects were the opposite of those seen in the pituitary gland.
LEYDIG CELLS AND EPIDIDYMAL SECRETION IN THE HUMAN FOETUS AND NEONATE IN NORMAL AND COMPLICATED PREGNANCY
Authors: Zondek Lilly H. , Zondek Theodor
Published: December 2008

The number of Leydig cells in the testes of 122 human foetuses and neonates has been related to the secretory activity of their epididymides. Cases of normal and complicated pregnancy have been included in the survey. It was noted that the number of Leydig cells does not appear to correlate with the epididymal secretion either in normal or in complicated pregnancy.
OCCURRENCE AND FUNCTION OF CORPORA LUTEA DURING DIFFERENT FORMS OF ORAL CONTRACEPTION
Authors: Østergaard E. , Starup J.
Published: December 2008

144 fertile women were treated cyclically with a daily dose of 5 mg of 6-methyl-6-dehydro-17α-acetoxyprogesterone (megestrol acetate) + 0.1 mg of 17α-ethynyl-oestradiol-3-methylether (mestranol) for a period of 1 to 24 months. The excretion of pregnanediol on days 21 to 23 never exceeded 0.9 mg/day, and there was no correlation between the excretion of pregnanediol and the length of the treatment period.

In 62 fertile women it was shown by laparotomy, that inhibition of ovulation was extremely reliable when treatment with megestrol acetate + mestranol was initiated at the latest on day 7. If the treatment was started later than day 7 then the inhibition of ovulation was increasingly unreliable, and from day 10 there was no inhibition of ovulation. As could be expected the excretion of pregnanediol on day 23 was invariably low in all patients who did not show any sign of recent ovulation. More surprising was the finding of a low excretion of pregnanediol in 6 patients in whom fresh corpora lutea were found at laparotomy on day 24. This finding might be due either to an impaired function of the corpus luteum or to an influence of the steroids on the metabolism of progesterone or on the analysis used for the determination of pregnanediol. This problem has been the subject of more detailed studies.

16 fertile women underwent laparotomy on days 24 to 26, and in the cycle in which the laparotomy was performed, treatment was initiated on day 10 or later with megestrol acetate only, mestranol only, or the combination of both substances. All patients showed fresh corpora lutea. It was observed that not only megestrol acetate + mestranol, but also megestrol acetate only suppressed the excretion of pregnanediol in the late part of the cycle when treatment was initiated before ovulation, whereas mestranol only caused no decrease in the pregnanediol excretion. If treatment with megestrol acetate + mestranol was started after ovulation then the excretion of pregnanediol was not suppressed, but the luteal phase was shorter than usual. In addition, it was observed in 3 postmenopausal women, that megestrol acetate caused no significant changes in the excretion of pregnanediol following intramuscular administration of progesterone. It is therefore concluded that the low excretion of pregnanediol observed during treatment with megestrol acetate + mestranol in patients showing fresh corpora lutea, is due to an impaired function of the corpus luteum and not to a change in the metabolism of progesterone. Furthermore, it appears that megestrol acetate is responsible for this effect.
EFFECT OF ANDROGENS AND ANABOLIC STEROIDS ON RABBIT URINARY BLADDER AND URETER
Authors: Rasmussen Finn
Published: December 2008

The effect of testosterone propionate and methandrostenolone on the connective tissue components in intact bladder, ureter, and healing linear urinary bladder wounds was studied in male albino rabbits. No morphological changes due to hormone treatment was observed. Treatment with testosterone propionate caused a decrease in the content of water and acid mucopolysaccharides during most of the experimental period, which lasted for 28 days after the production of wounds, and decreased the collagen concentration 28 days after operation. Methandrostenolone showed a growth-promoting action as well as a dubious depressant effect on the water content in the healing wounds, but was without influence on the collagen and acid mucopolysaccharide contents.
EFFECT OF PREGNANCY ON THE RABBIT URINARY BLADDER AND URETER.
Authors: Rasmussen Finn
Published: December 2008

The connective tissue changes in the intact urinary bladder and ureteral tissues, and in healing urinary bladder wounds, were studied in pregnant and non-pregnant female rabbits. Pregnancy caused a significant rise in ureteral water content, but no significant alterations in intact bladder tissue. In the healing wounds, a marked reduction in the content of acid mucopolysaccharides and in the uptake of radiosulphate was observed from the seventh day after operation. At this time, the production of relaxin is known to increase rapidly. A possible relation between the lowered content of acid mucopolysaccharides and hormone production during pregnancy, is discussed.
EINFLUSS VON TESTOSTERON AUF DIE MITOSERATE IN VESIKULARDRÜSEN UNREIFER RATTEN
Authors: Dahnke H.-G. , Mosebach K.-O. , Dirscherl W.
Published: December 2008

We studied the influence of testosterone on the rate of mitosis in the seminal vesicles of immature Sprague-Dawley rats. In contrast to castrated mature rats the rate is significantly increased nine hours after a single injection of testosterone (100 μg) already. Extrapolation leads to the assumption of an immediate action. The quotient of the rates of mitosis between treated and untreated rats reaches a constant value in about 20 hours after a single injection of the hormone. The influence of testosterone on the rate of mitosis shows qualitatively the same course as the influence on the incorporation of 14C thymidine into the DNA, though a mathematical calculation does not show any quantitative conformance.
A METHOD FOR THE SIMULTANEOUS DETERMINATION OF PROGESTERONE, ANDROSTENEDIONE, TESTOSTERONE AND DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE SULPHATE IN BIOLOGICAL FLUIDS
Authors: Aakvaag Asbjørn , Fylling Petter
Published: December 2008

A method is presented for the simultaneous determination of progesterone, androstenedione, testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate in biological fluids. The method has been applied for the investigation of the secretion of these compounds by the ovary as well as their concentration in ovarian cyst fluid and peripheral plasma.

The concentrations of the three androgens were all found to be higher in ovarian venous plasma than in peripheral plasma, and are thus shown to be secreted by the human ovary.

High concentrations of progesterone were found in the ovarian vein blood when a corpus luteum was present. In some cases progesterone was also found to be secreted by the ovary during the follicular phase.

The data are discussed and found to be in agreement with the suggestion that progesterone and androgens are secreted by different anatomical compartments of the human ovary in vivo.
VASCULAR CONNECTIVE TISSUE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF OESTROGENS.
Authors: Lorenzen I. , Schiff M.
Published: December 2008

The effect of conjugated equine oestrogen (Premarin®, in the following abbreviated to P) on experimental aortic arteriosclerosis as well as on the normal aortae of male albino rabbits was studied. Arteriosclerosis was induced by injections of noradrenaline and L-thyroxine. Using morphological as well as biochemical methods, no effect of P could be demonstrated on the mucopolysaccharides and collagen of the normal rabbit aortae. Nor did P affect the extent of the gross and microscopic arteriosclerotic changes. A slight increase in the total content of collagen in the P injected group with arteriosclerosis possibly indicated a slightly more extensive vascular damage and subsequent arterial repair in the P group.
HODEN-MORPHOLOGIE UND -FUNKTION UNTER DER EINWIRKUNG VON PMS UND HCG BEI GLEICHZEITIGER ANTIANDROGEN-BEHANDLUNG
Authors: Neumann F. , Steinbeck H. , Elger W. , von Berswordt-Wallrabe R.
Published: December 2008

The influence of the antiandrogen 1,2α-methylene-6-chloro-pregna-4,6-dien-17α-ol-3,20-dion-17-acetate (= Cyproterone acetate)** on testes and accessory sexual glands was investigated in intact immature, intact adult and hypophysectomized adult rats treated with PMS or HCG, respectively. Within the testis, the antiandrogen failed to affect the gonadotrophinmediated stimulation of the Leydig cells. On the other hand, it depressed spermiogenesis as well as the accessory sexual gland weights. From histologic pictures it could be seen that Cyproterone acetate exerted its depressing effect on spermiogenesis and accessory sexual glands in the presence of highly stimulated and thus testosterone producing Leydig cells. It is concluded that Cyproterone acetate does not interfere with gonadotrophins directly but only with secondary androgen-mediated effects of gonadotrophins by means of a competitive block of androgen-receptors within the target organs.
MELANOCYTE-STIMULATING AND CORTICOTROPHIC ACTIVITIES IN HUMAN FOETAL PITUITARY GLANDS
Authors: Kastin Abba J. , Gennser Gerhard , Arimura Akira , Miller M. Clinton , Schally Andrew V.
Published: December 2008

Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) and corticotrophin (ACTH) activities were determined in the pituitary glands of 24 human foetuses ranging in gestational age from 11 to 23 weeks. Both hormonal activities were present in every pituitary gland examined. The foetal developmental factors were significantly correlated as were the MSH and ACTH activities. Although the mU per mg of ACTH correlated negatively with development, no correlation between MSH and development was found.
ALTERATIONS OF ALDOSTERONE BIOSYNTHESIS BY RAT ADRENAL TISSUE DUE TO INCREASED INTAKE OF SODIUM AND POTASSIUM
Authors: Müller Jürg
Published: December 2008

Three groups of rats received respectively the following drinking fluids for two weeks: sucrose 5%; NaCl 0.154 m + sucrose; KCl 0.154 m+ sucrose. Aldosterone biosynthesis by quartered adrenal glands of these animals was studied under various in vitro conditions. Adrenals from rats drinking sucrose alone produced significantly more aldosterone under all conditions of incubation than adrenals from rats drinking NaCl, which produced more corticosterone and deoxycorticosterone. Tissue from animals drinking NaCl converted less unlabelled progesterone, 11β-hydroxyprogesterone, deoxycorticosterone and corticosterone to aldosterone and incorporated less tritiated pregnenolone, progesterone, deoxycorticosterone and corticosterone into aldosterone. Adrenals from rats drinking KCl produced less aldosterone than adrenals from rats drinking sucrose under basal conditions but not under stimulation by ACTH or potassium ions. In both groups, the production of corticosterone and of deoxycorticosterone was the same under various test conditions. These results indicate that a high sodium intake inactivates one or both enzymes essential for the conversion of corticosterone to aldosterone, whereas a high potassium intake has no significant effect on these later steps of aldosterone biosynthesis.
THE INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT HORMONES ON BONE FORMATION IN RATS
Authors: Bohr H. H.
Published: December 2008

Bone formation in rats has been evaluated by means of measurement of the retention in the bones of radioactive calcium given continuously with the food and determinations of the growth rate by means of repeated tetracycline labelling. In relation to age the retention of radioactive calcium in per cent of the intake varies in a manner similar to the growth and the increase in body weight in normal rats showing a rapid fall from the age of 3 to 6 months and from then on diminishing only slowly. During treatment with methyl-prednisolone growth practically stops and the retention of radioactive calcium is markedly reduced. At the same time a substantial loss in body weight takes place while the intake of food is comparatively little reduced. Treatment with methyl-androstenolone-oenanthat (Primobolan®) causes an increase in growth rate and weight gain. The retention of radioactive calcium was increased in 6 months old animals, although not in animals 9 months of age. This anabolic hormone did not, however, counteract the effect of methyl-prednisolone. No influence of growth or retention of radioactive calcium was observed following treatment with hog growth hormone (Somatropin®) or ovine prolactin (Prolaktin®).
DRY, VERTICAL WICK CHROMATOGRAPHY FOR DETERMINATION OF SERUM GROWTH HORMONE
Authors: Yde Hans
Published: December 2008

A modification of the chromatographic method for determination of growth hormone using vertical »dry« chromatography with Whatman 3 MC paper is described. This inexpensive and rapid technique gives a better separation of free from antibody-bound growth hormone than previously published chromatographic techniques. It also gives good reproducibility, with an average recovery percentage of 104. There are high values in acromegalics and unmeasurable values in hypophysectomized patients. The values obtained are independent of antibody concentration.
BIREFRINGENT CRYSTALS IN HUMAN THYROID
Authors: MacMahon H. Edward , Lee Ho Yong , Rivelis Clara F.
Published: December 2008

A histological examination of 500 thyroid glands from unselected autopsies confirmed the earlier observation of Günther and Richter that anisotrophic crystals are commonly found in the thyroid gland. They may be found at all ages and in both sexes. They may be found in premature infants as early as colloid appears in the follicle. These crystals are most abundant in the elderly. They tend to disappear in thyroid glands badly damaged by disease. They have been identified as calcium oxylate monohydrate. Similar crystals are not seen in any other organ in the body. Their presence is an enigma.
EFFECT OF THE EXPERIMENTAL DECIDUOMA ON STEROID HYPERTENSION IN THE RAT
Authors: Moore H. C. , Biliczki F. P.
Published: December 2008

Experimental deciduomas which are maintained for 5 to 6 days do not lower the blood pressure in steroid hypertensive rats. In animals maintained longer only the metrial gland of the deciduoma survives but this too does not have a hypotensive action.

It is concluded that the maternal decidual reaction in pregnant hypertensive rats is not responsible for the fall of blood pressure when this occurs at an equivalent time of gestation of up to 10 or 11 days and that the metrial gland is not responsible for the fall of blood pressure at whatever time the fall occurs during gestation.
STUDIES ON THE THYROID ACTIVITY IN THE MOUSE
Authors: Melander Arne , Rerup Claus
Published: December 2008

The thyroid activity of NMRI mice injected with 131I was studied by repeated measurements of blood 131I, plasma protein bound 131I (PB131I) and non-protein-bound 131I (NPB131I) concentrations.

It was demonstrated that

PB131I constituted about 90% of the total plasma 131I, and that PB131I and NPB131I were eliminated in parallel according to a first order reaction, with a half-life of about five days,

a single dose of 20 μg thyroxine (T4) was followed by low PB131I and NPB131I levels for three days; a fall in the PB131I was observed within two hours. A single dose of 20 mU thyrotrophin (TSH) was followed by raised PB131I and NPB131I levels within two hours,

hypophysectomized mice, either treated or not treated with T4, had high NPB131I levels, and showed blood 131I levels above those of T4 treated intact mice, although they all had equally low PB131I levels. Cortisone treated hypophysectomized mice, however, had blood 131I, PB131I and NPB131I levels of the same low order as was observed for T4 treated intact mice. Corticosteroid treatment of normal mice did not measurably influence the PB131I but depressed the NPB131I levels,

acute exposure of normal mice to cold or heat was followed by increased and decreased PB131I levels, respectively, but induced no change in the PB131I in hypophysectomized or T4 blocked mice. No alteration in the total plasma protein concentration was noted in normal mice after similar changes in temperature.

It is suggested that, in the NMRI mouse,

the PB131I level, rather than the blood 131I level, is a useful, though indirect, index of the circulating TSH level, whereas the NPB131I mainly represents inorganic radio-iodine, derived from thyroid hormone deiodination,

a high T4 dose induces a total loss of circulating TSH for three days, and that a normal TSH secretion is re-established within another two days,

hypophysectomy is, in addition to the loss of TSH, followed by high inorganic iodine levels, mainly due to a lack of circulating corticosteroids,

corticosteroids do not influence TSH secretion but increase the elimination of inorganic iodine from the blood in both normal and hypophysectomized mice,

acute exposure to cold or heat is followed by an increased and a decreased TSH secretion, respectively, brought about – at least in part – by changes in the central nervous control of the pituitary-thyroid axis.
STOFFWECHSEL VON 16-OXO-ÖSTRON IN ZELLFRAKTIONEN DER MENSCHLICHEN PLACENTA
Authors: Lehmann Wolf-Dietrich , Breuer Heinz
Published: December 2008

The reductive metabolism of 16-oxo-oestrone (3-hydroxy-Δ 1,3,5(10)-oestratriene-16,17-dione) has been studied in the 10 000 × g supernatant fraction, in the cytoplasmic fraction (100 000 × g supernatant) and in the microsomal fraction of human placenta. All metabolites formed from 16-oxo-oestrone were identified by paperchromatography and by various microchemical reactions.

After incubation of 16-oxo-oestrone with the 10 000 × g supernatant in the presence of ATP, NAD+ and nicotinamide, 16-oxo-17β-oestradiol, oestriol and 16-epi-oestriol were detected as metabolites. When 16-oxooestrone was incubated with the cytoplasmic fraction and NADH or the NADPH-generating system, the following compounds were formed: 16α-hydroxyoestrone, 16β-hydroxyoestrone, 16-oxo-oestradiol-17β, oestriol and 16-epi-oestriol. The time course of the incubation revealed that 16α- and 16β-hydroxyoestrone were reduced rapidly to oestriol and 16-epi-oestriol, respectively; after 30 min of incubation, the two 16,17-ketols had completely disappeared. Incubation of 16-oxo-oestrone with the microsomal fraction in the presence of NADH or the NADPH-generating system yielded 16-oxo-17β-oestradiol, oestriol and 16-epi-oestriol.

The results obtained demonstrate that the cytoplasmic fraction contains – in addition to the already known 17β-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase – a 16β- as well as a 16α-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase. The highest activity is shown by the 17β-enzyme, followed by the 16β- and 16α-enzyme. In the microsomal fraction, there are also present a 17β- and a 16β-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase; however, no 16α-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase could be detected. On the basis of kinetic experiments, it is concluded that pronounced differences exist in enzyme activity and substrate specificity between the cytoplasmic and the microsomal 17β-hydroxysteroid
oxidoreductase of human placenta.
THE LIPID-MOBILIZING EFFECT OF SOME PITUITARY GLAND PREPARATIONS
Authors: Trygstad Olav , Foss Irene
Published: December 2008

A comparison has been made of some physicochemical and metabolic characteristics of a human growth hormone preparation with somatotrophic and adipokinetic-diabetogenic activity (r.HGH), of a purified r.HGH with potent somatotrophic effect but negligible adipokinetic-diabetogenic effect in the fed animal (t.STH), and a human pituitary-hyperglycaemic and lipid-mobilizing factor (LMF) which was prepared from the crude pituitary extract prior to the preparation of t.STH and was without somatotrophic activity.

The t.STH was separated into two bands on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and an additional band was observed for r.HGH in the area of the single band obtained for LMF. The r.HGH, t.STH, and LMF preparations had maximum optical absorption at 278 mμ up to pH 10. At a more alkaline pH the absorption spectrum of t.STH was unchanged, whereas an additional absorption peak at 290 mμ appeared for r.HGH and LMF. Tentative molecular weights determined by Sephadex gel filtration were in the range of 25 000 for r.HGH, 21 000 for t.STH, and 5500 for LMF.

The t.STH had a significantly higher growth promoting activity in the tibia test than r.HGH. LMF had no such activity in doses of 1 mg. The adipokinetic effect in fed rabbits was strong for LMF and r.HGH, but negligible for t.STH, which, however, caused an increase of nonesterified fatty acids in animals deprived of food. The in vitro lipolytic effect on human fat, obtained from fasting females, for LMF, r.HGH, and t.STH was on a per weight basis in the ratio of 100:10:1, respectively. In rabbits daily injections of r.HGH and LMF, but not t.STH, induced a hyperglycaemia which continued for 9 and 23 days respectively. Rabbits given daily injections of r.HGH and LMF got a diabetic response of blood glucose after injection of adrenalin and prednisone, although an increased sensitivity to insulin. In contrast to this, a single injection of LMF gave a decreased sensitivity to insulin in the rabbit. Rabbits treated with t.STH behaved as untreated controls.

Preparative ultracentrifugation of r.HGH dissolved in physiological saline gave a precipitate with the characteristics of t.STH, and a supernatant with potent hyperglycaemic-adipokinetic effect in rabbits. It was furthermore possible to subdivide r.HGH into t.STH and an adipotrophic component by acetone precipitation and Sephadex gel filtration.

It is discussed whether the r.HGH is an aggregation product of t.STH and a hyperglycaemic-adipokinetic agent, or whether the r.HGH is original and made up of these two components.
CHORIALES GONADOTROPIN IM PLASMA DER ARTERIA UND VENA UMBILICALIS
Authors: Berle Peter , Schultze-Mosgau H.
Published: December 2008

The concentration of HCG in 60 specimens of plasma of the artery and vein of the umbilical cord was examined. The mean value in the artery was 0.252 IU/ml plasma, whereas the concentration in the vein was 0.388 IU/ml plasma. The difference between the two values (ratio 1.5/1) is statistically significant. In Rh-incompability a marked elevation of the HCG-concentration was demonstrated in the artery and in the vein as well. In mild toxaemia, however, the HCG level in the umbilical vein was normal. Possibly, the higher HCG-concentration in the blood of the erythroblastotic newborn depends upon an increased production of HCG in the placenta.
HYPOTHALAMISCHE LH-FREIGABE-FUNKTION UND CLOMIPHEN
Authors: Schneider H. P. G. , Staemmler H.-J. , Straehler-Pohl K. , Sachs L.
Published: December 2008

Direct action of clomiphene citrate on the hypothalamic LH-releasing function was demonstrated by the increase of plasma LH following subcutaneous clomiphene injection into the ovariectomized rat. Simultaneous administration of clomiphene and exogenous LH-releasing factor does not increase plasma LH compared with injection of either clomiphene or LH-RF; thus clomiphene seems to have no major influence on LH-synthesis of the pituitary gland. There is no interaction between exogenous LH-RF and clomiphene.
DIE FLUOROMETRISCHE BESTIMMUNG VON TESTOSTERON, EPITESTOSTERON UND ANDROST-4-EN-3,17-DION NACH DÜNNSCHICHTCHROMATOGRAPHISCHER ISOLIERUNG AUS DEM HARN
Authors: Hubl W. , Schollberg K.
Published: December 2008

The authors describe a simple method for determining testosterone, epitestosterone and androstenedione.

The method employs enzymatic hydrolysis for glucuronide conjugates, Girard-partition, thin-layer chromatography using alumina and polyamide and fluorometric quantitation of the eluted steroids.

By means of TLC on polyamide it is possible to separate (testosterone + epitestosterone) from the other C19-steroids. The complete separation of testosterone from epitestosterone is obtained by TLC on alumina as well as on silicagel G.
HYPOTHALAMO-PITUITARY-ADRENAL FUNCTION IN HYPERCORTICOSTEROID STATES
Authors: Livanou T. , Ferriman David , Corns Michael
Published: December 2008

Results from hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal function tests are reported in four patients with Cushing's syndrome. The results of the metyrapone and stress tests are compared with those in other corticosteroid states. It is tentatively concluded that the hypothalamic centres concerned in the response to stress are more sensitive to high levels of circulating steroids, than those subserving the feed-back mechanism.
NODULÄRE HYPERPLASIE UND ADENOME DES HYPOPHYSENVORDERLAPPENS BEI HYPOTHYREOSE
Authors: Mösli P. , Hedinger Chr.
Published: December 2008

Autopsies were performed on three older patients, two with primary myxoedema and one cretin, who had received little or no thyroxine treatment. The anterior lobe of the pituitary gland showed hypertrophy and nodular hyperplasia of the sparsely granulated mucoid cells (which could be characterized partly as S2-, delta-, gamma-, beta2-cells) and the large chromophobes and even in two cases adenomas. There is probably a relation between these changes in the pituitary gland and the hypothyroidism. The few published cases of pituitary adenomas in the presence of primary hypothyroidism are tabulated. The development of hyperplastic and adenomatous changes is chiefly explained as a consequence of a decrease in the feedback of thyroid hormone to the pituitary gland and the hypothalamic centres resulting in a hyperstimulation of the TSH-producing cells. The relative rarity of nodular hyperplasia and adenomas in connection with long standing hypothyroidism is not yet clear.
BIOASSAY OF ANTIGONADOTROPHIC SERA
Authors: Robyn C. , Diczfalusy E. , Finney D. J.
Published: December 2008

A bioassay method is proposed for the estimation of the gonadotrophin neutralising potency of antisera. The theoretical basis and the statistical principles involved are described. A unitage is proposed for expressing the potency of antigonadotrophic sera.
GONADOTROPHIN PATTERNS IN MALE AND FEMALE RATS:
Authors: Boyd Robert , Johnson Donald C.
Published: December 2008

The effects of various doses of testosterone propionate (TP) upon the release of luteinizing hormone (LH or ICSH) from the hypophysis of a gonadectomized male or female rat were compared. Prostate weight in hypophysectomized male parabiotic partners was used to evaluate the quantity of circulating LH. Hypophyseal LH was measured by the ovarian ascorbic acid depletion method.

Males castrated when 45 days old secreted significantly more LH and had three times the amount of pituitary LH as ovariectomized females. Administration of 25 μg TP daily reduced the amount of LH in the plasma, and increased the amount in the pituitary gland, in both sexes. Treatment with 50 μg caused a further reduction in plasma LH in males, but not in females, while pituitary levels in both were equal to that of their respective controls. LH fell to the same low level in partners of males or females receiving 100 μg TP.

When gonadectomized at 39 days, males and females had the same amount of plasma LH, but males had more stored hormone. Pituitary levels were unchanged from controls following treatment with 12.5, 25 or 50 μg TP daily, but plasma values dropped an equal amount in both sexes with the latter two doses.

Androgenized males or females, gonadectomized when 39 days old, were very sensitive to the effects of TP and plasma LH was significantly reduced with 12.5 μg daily. Pituitary LH in androgenized males was higher than that of normal males but was reduced to normal by small amounts of TP. The amount of stored LH in androgenized females was not different from that of normal females and it was unchanged by any dose of TP tested.

Results are consistent with the conclusion that the male hypothalamic-hypophyseal axis is at least as sensitive as the female axis to the negative feedback effects of TP. Androgenization increases the sensitivity to TP in both males and females.
ADRENAL HYPERAEMIA CAUSED BY CORTICOTROPHIN
Authors: Maier F. , Staehelin M.
Published: December 2008

Using 131I-labelled serum albumin it was found that in hypophysectomized rats, ACTH caused an increase in the adrenal blood content. This increase was particularly marked after the administration of a long acting ACTH preparation, which caused the blood content of the adrenals to rise from about 25% of the adrenal weight to 40—50%. The period during which this hyperaemia was maintained, increased with increasing doses of Zn-ACTH. Repeated doses of the free peptide also had a cumulative effect.
ADRENAL RESPONSES TO CORTICOTROPHIN IN THE PRESENCE OF AN INHIBITOR OF PROTEIN SYNTHESIS
Authors: Maier René , Staehelin Matthys
Published: December 2008

The effect of cycloheximide, an inhibitor of protein synthesis, on the response of the rat adrenal to ACTH was studied. Cycloheximide blocks corticosteroidogenesis in vivo and in vitro, but does not affect the increase in adrenal blood flow in vivo. When the corticosterone production of adrenal slices was studied after ACTH stimulation in vivo, it was found that adrenal slices from rats pre-treated with cycloheximide, secreted corticosterone just as efficiently as adrenal slices from control animals. It is concluded that cycloheximide does not block the primary action of ACTH but that it inhibits subsequent enzymatic processes taking place in the mitochondria. The hypothesis is put forward that the increase in adrenal blood flow induced by ACTH might be due to prostaglandins which could be formed from unsaturated fatty acids released by the cleavage of cholesterol esters.