bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GUSTATORY-ALIMENTARY REFLEX INHIBITION OF ALDOSTERONE HYPERSECRETION BY THE AUTOTRANSPLANTED ADRENAL GLAND OF SODIUM DEFICIENT SHEEP
Authors: Denton D. A. , Blair-West J. R. , Coghlan J. P. , Scoggins B. A. , Wright R. D.
Published: December 2008

Several experimental investigators have reported that stimulation of gustatory and alimentary afferents may rapidly influence metabolic and endocrine processes. Changes may precede absorption of materials ingested and anticipate the physiological consequences. A colony of sheep with autotransplanted adrenal glands and a permanent unilateral parotid fistula, have been studied over a perior of 12 years. The effect on corticosteroid secretion of rapid satiation of salt appetite after 24–72 h of sodium depletion has been observed. The animals drank 300–900 mmol of NaHCO3 solution in 5–20 min. Rapid voluntary intake of NaHCO3 caused large evanescent reduction of aldosterone hypersecretion for the 15–36 min following satiation. Aldosterone secretion rebounded by 1 h towards control pre-drinking level. It then fell over 2–5 h to the Na+ replete range as a result of absorption from the gut of the sodium ingested. The satiation inhibition was seen in the majority, but not all sheep who had had a parotid fistula for several years. The effect was reproducible in the one animal over as long as six years.

Analysis of the mechanism showed that it was not due to change of the four factors currently known to be implicated in control of aldosterone secretion viz. plasma [Na], [K], angiotension II and ACTH. The data indicates the action of an unidentified factor in the control of aldosterone secretion - possibly an inhibitor substance originating in the brain.
DIFFERENTIAL DISTRIBUTION OF OESTROGEN RECEPTORS IN SUBFRACTIONS OF OVIDUCT CHROMATIN
Authors: Hemminki Kari
Published: December 2008

DNase II shearing and MgCl2 precipitation of chick oviduct chromatin were applied to prepare fractions which resembled template-active and template-inactive chromatin fraction as described for other tissues. The labelling of these preparations with [3H]oestradiol was studied in short-term tissue cultures. The MgCl2 soluble (∼ template-active) chromatin bound 1.8 times more oestradiol than the MgCl2 insoluble chromatin when immature chicks were used. The proportion was 4.3-fold in oestrogen stimulated chicks and 4.6-fold in laying hens. Similar results were obtained with an oestrogen exchange assay which measured the concentration of endogenous receptors. These data suggest that hormone stimulation is accompanied by a selective activation of oviduct chromatin leading to an enrichment of acceptor sites for oestradiol receptors in the template-active chromatin fraction.
LUTEINIZING HORMONE RESPONSES TO LUTEINIZING HORMONE RELEASING HORMONE, AND GROWTH HORMONE AND CORTISOL RESPONSES TO INSULIN INDUCED HYPOGLYCAEMIA IN FUNCTIONAL SECONDARY AMENORRHOEA
Authors: Hirvonen E. , Seppälä M. , Karonen S.-L. , Adlercreutz H.
Published: December 2008

Luteinizing hormone (LH) responses to luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH), and growth hormone (GH) and cortisol responses to insulin induced hypoglycaemia were studied in 56 women classified into 4 distinct groups of functional secondary amenorrhoea. The groups were: I, self-induced weight reduction (20 patients); II, post pill amenorrhoea (14 patients); III, anorexia nervosa (10 patients); and IV, idiopathic secondary amenorrhoea (12 patients). Only patients with no overlapping anamnestic factors were included.

Group I patients had the most heavily impaired LHRH-LH responses, and the GH response to hypoglycaemia was smaller than in other groups. Cortisol responses were normal. Group II patients showed blunted LH responses and normal GH and cortisol responses. Group III patients showed normal or exaggerated LH responses in the recovery phase of anorexia nervosa, while those two patients who were in the static phase of the illness had impaired responses. GH responses varied greatly. Group IV patients had normal basal levels of LH and normal LH, GH and cortisol responses.

The restoration of LH response is not solely correlated to body mass, since patients recovering from anorexia nervosa showed greater LHRH-LH responses with nutritional rehabilitation at 76% of ideal body weight than patients with self-induced weight reduction at 87% of ideal body weight. In idiopathic amenorrhoea the hypothalamic pituitary axis seems to be practically intact.

The function of hypothalamic-pituitary axis may be impaired selectively in functional amenorrhoea. Corticotrophin releasing hormone function remains intact, and GH-response may be impaired or normal independently of the LH-response to LHRH. In self-induced weight reduction both functions were impaired. These tests are easily carried out with outpatients, and they give more information about the functional state of hypothalamic-pituitary axis than basal analyses of gonadotrophins and oestrogens. However, a single pathologic reading in the LH response is not specific enough to indicate to which group of amenorrhoea the patients belong, but these tests together elucidate the severity of lesion in hypothalamic pituitary axis.
PROLACTIN LEVELS IN THE INSULIN TOLERANCE TEST WITH AND WITHOUT PRE-TREATMENT WITH DEXAMETHASONE
Authors: Osterman P. O. , Fagius J. , Wide L.
Published: December 2008

The serum prolactin response to insulin-induced hypoglycaemia was studied in 20 healthy volunteers. The results of insulin tolerance tests performed after pre-treatment with dexamethasone in a dose of 0.5 mg (0.5-DEX-ITT) and 1.0 mg (1.0-DEX-ITT) were compared with those of a similar control insulin tolerance test (ITT). The serum prolactin levels increased in all but 3 ITT's. In the ITT and 0.5-DEX-ITT the prolactin responses were significantly greater in women than in men. After pretreatment with dexamethasone the basal serum prolactin levels and the prolactin response to hypoglycaemia were significantly decreased compared with those in the ITT. The prolactin response both to insulininduced hypoglycaemia and to dexamethasone showed such a large individual variation that this type of response seems unsuitable for evaluation of the hypothalamo-pituitary function.
RESPONSE OF THE PITUITARY-TESTICULAR AXIS TO LUTEINIZING HORMONE-RELEASING HORMONE IN THE IMMATURE MALE RAT
Authors: Grotjan H. Edward , Johnson Donald C.
Published: December 2008

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone and androstenedione were measured by radioimmunoassays in the sera of immature male rats treated with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH). A single dose of 10, 20, 40 or 80 ng of LH-RH produced a prompt increase in serum LH: significant changes in FSH were found only with the two larger doses. Serum testosterone increased to peak levels in 20 to 40 min and returned to control level by 120 min. Changes in androstenedione were temporally similar but smaller in magnitude. Four doses of 20 or 40 ng LH-RH given at 20 min intervals did not increase serum LH or testosterone concentrations above those found with a single injection; FSH was slightly higher after the fourth dose. However, 40 ng LH-RH given every 20 min for 2 h produced a dramatic increase in serum LH and FSH: serum and testicular androgens were also much higher during the second hour. A 2 h stimulation with 80 ng LH-RH given ip at 30 min intervals did not alter the response to the same treatment given 24 h later; i. e., neither the pituitary nor the gonad was primed by previous exposure to increased levels of LH-RH or gonadotrophins. These results suggest that a single pulse of LH-RH produces a predictable response in the animal, but multiple episodic stimuli produce variable responses: testes, on the other hand, produce androgens as long as gonadotrophins are available.
ACTION OF CYCLIC NUCLEOTIDES ON PROTEIN AND RNA SYNTHESIS IN THE THYROID
Authors: Pisarev Mario A. , de Pisarev Diana L. Kleiman
Published: December 2008

Thyrotrophin (TSH) regulates the biosynthesis of thyroid protein and RNA. This action is mediated by adenylate cyclase and cyclic AMP. In the present study the action of cyclic GMP and cyclic CMP was investigated in beef slices. Both cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP significantly increased the incorporation of [3H]uridine into RNA. These effects were blocked by actinomycin D, suggesting that their action is located at a preor at a transcriptional step. The PCA soluble fraction radioactivity followed in parallel with the variations observed in the RNA fraction, supporting the view that cyclic nucleotides may regulate RNA by modulating the nucleotide precursors pool.

Cyclic CMP in concentrations between 0.35 to 1.5 mm progressively decreased the RNA labelling, and the values of the PCA soluble radioactivity again followed those of RNA. Furthermore, cyclic CMP also blocked the in vitro stimulatory action of cyclic AMP on the incorporation of [3H]leucine into protein, and of [3H]uridine into RNA. The present results provide the first information on the action of cyclic AMP on RNA synthesis and suggest that negative signals may also play a part in the regulation of thyroid function.
THE INFLUENCE OF COMBINED CYPROTERONE ACETATE-ETHINYL OESTRADIOL THERAPY ON SERUM LEVELS OF DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE, ANDROSTENEDIONE, AND TESTOSTERONE IN HIRSUTE WOMEN
Authors: Frölich Marijke , Lachinsky Nadia , Moolenaar A. J.
Published: December 2008

Serum levels of dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione, and testosterone in hirsute women suffering from either idiopathic hirsutism or the polycystic ovary syndrome were determined before and during treatment with cyproterone acetate combined with ethinyl oestradiol. During this treatment the hirsutism decreased markedly. In untreated hirsute women serum dehydroepiandrosterone levels do not differ from those in normal women and do not change during therapy; androstenedione levels are higher than normal and decrease markedly during treatment, and the testosterone levels are elevated compared to normals, with a considerable overlap, and show only a tendency to decrease. There is no correlation between dehydroepiandrosterone and androstenedione levels or between androstenedione and testosterone levels in the serum of untreated hirsute women. After 12–14 months of cyproterone acetate-ethinyl oestradiol therapy a linear correlation is found between dehydroepiandrosterone and androstenedione levels. This can be explained by the relatively higher contribution of the peripheral conversion of dehydroepiandrosterone to androstenedione to the occurrence of lower androstenedione levels. The linear correlation between androstenedione and testosterone after treatment, also found in normal women, indicates the restoration of the role of androstenedione as the major peripheral precursor of testosterone.
THE EFFECT OF PITUITARY-ADRENAL MANIPULATIONS UPON URINARY CYCLIC AMP EXCRETION IN MAN
Authors: Perlstein Robert , Kopp Lowell , Tucci Joseph R.
Published: December 2008

The present studies demonstrate that the administration of pharmacologic amounts of ACTH is associated with small but significant increases in urinary cyclic AMP excretion and in urinary cyclic AMP/creatinine ratios which are most likely related to a release of cyclic AMP from adrenocortical tissue. Acute suppression of the pituitary-adrenal axis with dexamethasone and stimulation with metyrapone, however, is not associated with changes in urinary cyclic AMP excretion. These results suggest that physiological levels of ACTH and cortisol contribute little, if any, to the urinary excretion of cyclic AMP in man.
THE PLASMA CONCENTRATIONS OF TESTOSTERONE AND LH DURING THE OVULATION CYCLE OF THE HEN (GALLUS DOMESTICUS)
Authors: Etches R. J. , Cunningham F. J.
Published: December 2008

The plasma concentrations of testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) were measured by radioimmunoassay during the ovulation cycle of the hen. The baseline concentrations of testosterone were 100 to 250 pg/ml and the maximum concentration of 904 pg/ml was observed 8 h before ovulation. The maximum pre-ovulatory concentration of LH of 2.0 ng/ml, which was approximately twice the basal concentration, was observed 6 h before ovulation. The possibility that testosterone is the ovarian excitation hormone which initiates the ovulation-inducing surge of LH is discussed.
MAMMOTROPHIC ACTIVITY IN RAT AMNIOTIC FLUID
Authors: Peters J. M.
Published: December 2008

Mammotrophic activity was present in rat amniotic fluid collected on days 13, 15 and 19 of pregnancy. The mammotrophic activity in the fluid was equivalent to that in the maternal serum on day 15, but is was lower on day 19. The effect of the amniotic fluid was similar to that of human placental lactogen on the rat mammary gland in vitro. The prolactin concentration in the amniotic fluid was low (approximately 1 ng/ml).
PREVENTION BY MELATONIN OF SHORT DAY INDUCED ATROPHY OF THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEMS OF MALE AND FEMALE HAMSTERS
Authors: Reiter R. J. , Vaughan M. K. , Waring P. J.
Published: December 2008

Male and female hamsters were exposed to natural photoperiodic and temperature conditions beginning on November 13 and groups of hamsters were necropsied either on January 15 or on April 10. Throughout the study, half of the hamsters (control hamsters) received subcutaneous implants of beeswax (25 mg) every other week while the other half received beeswax pellets containing 1 mg melatonin. Control beeswax-treated males necropsied in January had atrophic testes and accessory sex organs while the uteri of the control females were infantile in appearance. Melatonin treatment prevented the atrophic responses of the testes and accessory sex organs in males and the uteri in females. Melatonin-treated hamsters killed in January also had higher plasma levels of immunoreactive LH while in females both pituitary and plasma levels of LH were elevated after melatonin treatment. By April 10, the testes and accessory organs of control males and the uteri of control females had regenerated to the adult condition and these organs were comparable in size to those in melatonin-treated hamsters. The pituitary glands of control males contained slightly more LH and much more FSH than the pituitaries of melatonin-treated males. Melatonin-treated females necropsied in April had pituitary and plasma levels of LH and FSH similar to those in beeswax-treated females killed at the same time. The data show that chronic melatonin treatment prevents atrophy of the reproductive organs of male and female hamsters which is associated with the shortened days of the winter.
BLINDING AND PINEALECTOMY IN MALE HAMSTERS: EFFECTS OF PINEAL INDOLES AND P-CHLOROPHENYLALANINE ON TESTES, SEMINAL VESICLES, PITUITARY AND ADRENAL GLANDS
Authors: Bush Francis M. , Seibel Hugo R.
Published: December 2008

No antigonadotrophic (AGT) activity was found after injecting 5 methoxytryptophol (5 MTPH) or both serotonin and melatonin simultaneously in normal male hamsters or hamsters subjected to blinding, pinealectomy, or both surgical procedures. Treatment with these indoles did not induce changes in weights of testes, seminal vesicles, pituitary or adrenal glands. Reproductive organs in hamsters blinded by enucleation atrophied in spite of daily consumption of the vasodilator, Apresoline. Feeding of p-Chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) revealed this antagonist to be mildly toxic. PCPA seemed to interfere in the hypophyseal-adrenal axis: these hamsters lost the most weight, pituitary glands were enlarged and some hyperactivity occurred in the hamsters.
PROSTAGLANDIN MEDIATED NATRIURESIS DURING GLUCAGON INFUSION IN DOGS
Authors: Olsen Uffe Bang
Published: December 2008

Ten μg/min glucagon infused intravenously for 30 min in conscious dogs (weight 15–25 kg) is shown to increase renal prostaglandin activity and to produce a natriuretic effect, which is impaired by indomethacin pretreatment. Cardiac output, heart rate, renal blood flow and urine cAMP excretion are similarly increased in non-pre-treated and indomethacin pre-treated dogs. Glucagon infusion does not consistently change plasma renin activity in non-pre-treated dogs, while the renin secretion is almost totally blocked when glucagon is administered to dogs that are pre-treated with indomethacin.

The results are consistent with the view that the natriuretic response to glucagon is largely dependent upon increased renal blood flow. An addition tubular prostaglandin mediated and possible anti-aldosterone effect is, however, also involved.
THE SIZE OF GROWTH HORMONE GRANULES IN PITUITARY ADENOMAS PRODUCING ACROMEGALY
Authors: Landolt Alex M. , Rothenbühler Verena
Published: December 2008

Measurements of the diameters of large numbers of granules in electron micrographs of pituitary adenomas in cases of acromegaly do not show that a typical size exists which allows of the retrospective diagnosis of the hormone secreted by the tumour. The granule diameters found in single cases show a normal distribution. The average values determined in 19 unselected cases of acromegaly range between 160 and 342 nm. They are also normally distributed about the mean for the entire group which is 238 nm. With histo-immunological electron microscopic techniques hGH can be demonstrated in small, medium and large granules. The size of hormone granules is determined by functional factors such as the speed of hormone synthesis and hormone release but not by the type of hormone secreted.
ALTERED RESPONSIVENESS TO HYPOPHYSIOTROPHIC HORMONES OF PERIFUSED RAT PITUITARY TUMOURS
Authors: Carlson Harold E. , Mariz Ida K. , Briggs Jacqueline E. , Daughaday William H.
Published: December 2008

Since growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (Prl) secretion by human pituitary tumours is often influenced by the hypophysiotrophic hormones thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH) and somatostatin (SRIF), we have examined the responses of several transplantable rat pituitary tumours to these substances in a perifusion apparatus. The MStT/W15 tumour did not alter its secretion of GH and Prl in response to TRH, SRIF, or a partially purified porcine hypothalamic extract containing GH-releasing activity; normal rat pituitaries show clear responses to each of these substances. Theophylline and dibutyryl cyclic AMP each provoked increased GH and Prl release from the tumour. A second specimen of the MStT/W15 tumour and a specimen of the MStT/W5 tumour behaved in a manner identical to the original MStT/W15, showing no response to TRH or SRIF, but releasing both GH and Prl when theophylline or dibutyryl cyclic AMP was given. The MtT/F4 tumour increased its secretion of GH in response to TRH, 10 μg/ml, and theophylline, but no effect was seen with lower concentrations of TRH or with SRIF; Prl secretion by the F4 tumour was increased by theophylline, but TRH and SRIF had no effect. The autonomy demonstrated in these experimental tumours may be due to a loss of specific hypophysiotrophic hormone receptors or of secretory activating mechanisms.
DIURNAL RHYTHM OF VASOTOCIN IN THE PINEAL OF THE MALE RAT
Authors: Calb Maria , Goldstein R. , Pavel S.
Published: December 2008

The pineal content of arginine vasotocin in the male rat is subject to diurnal changes, having a high value around noon and a low value around midnight. Since in rats exposed to 24 h constant light the pineal content in arginine vasotocin decreases, and in the rats exposed to 24 h constant darkness the pineal content in arginine vasotocin increases, it appears that during the night both the synthesis and release of arginine vasotocin is enhanced.
FIVE CASES OF ABSENCE OF IODIDE CONCENTRATING MECHANISM
Authors: Toyoshima K. , Matsumoto Y. , Nishida M. , Yabuuchi H.
Published: December 2008

Five cases, 2 males and 3 females, with absence of iodide concentrating mechanism are reported. Three of the five subjects are siblings and the eldest sister has no symptom to account for the cretinism. All 5 cases have improved clinically following the administration of potassium iodide and 4 cases are still in a euthyroid state without any adverse effects during a half to more than 4 years. This study suggests that the absence of iodide concentrating mechanism might be erroneously diagnosed as athyroidal cretinism or adolescent non-toxic diffuse goitre, and may at times not show any clinical symptoms.
THE INTERRELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN SERUM 25-HYDROXYCHOLECALCIFEROL, SERUM PARATHYROID HORMONE AND BONE CHANGES IN ANTICONVULSANT OSTEOMALACIA
Authors: Mosekilde Leif , Christensen Merete Sanvig , Lund Birger , Sorensen Ole Helmer , Melsen Flemming
Published: December 2008

Serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-HCC) and serum parathyroid hormone (iPTH) were measured in 59 randomly selected adult epileptic outpatients receiving chronic anticonvulsant therapy. Quantitative morphometric analysis of iliac crest biopsies was performed. A mild degree of osteomalacia was found which was inversely correlated to dietary vitamin D intake. Serum 25-HCC was reduced in the epileptic patients compared to a control group, although dietary intake of vitamin D was higher than the mean daily intake in the Danish population. Serum 25-HCC was positively correlated to dietary vitamin D intake, but not correlated to the severity of bone changes, indicating that other factors than circulating 25-HCC are responsible for the development of anticonvulsant osteomalacia. Serum 25-HCG was inversely correlated to serum iPTH in patients with a low dietary calcium intake. The mean value of serum iPTH was not increased, and there was no correlation between serum iPTH and bone morphometry.
OESTROGEN FORMATION FROM C19 PRECURSORS IN HUMAN CHORIOCARCINOMA IN CULTURE
Authors: Schut Herman A. J. , Townsley John D.
Published: December 2008

A cloned cell line of human choriocarcinoma was evaluated as a model of human placental oestrogen production. Oestrone formation from dehydroepiandrosterone (D), D-sulphate (DS) or 4-androstenedione (A) was ≦ 5% of oestradiol-17β (Oe2) formation. Oe2 formation from D and A was similar (100–150 pmole/h/107 cells); that from DS was 10 times less. Omitting serum from the medium increased Oe2 yield from DS 4-fold; addition of albumin restored these yields to control values (P > 0.05, t-test), presumably by binding DS. N6,02′-dibutyryl-adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphoric acid and theophylline treatment for 72 h stimulated (P <0.01) Oe2 formation from D (36 %), DS (66%) and A (183 %). In intact cells, sulphatase activity, Oe2 formation from D and Oe2 formation from DS equalled those in homogenates (P > 0.05) but Oe2 formation from D was greater than that from DS in both systems (P < 0.001), indicating a deficiency of sulphatase relative to subsequent enzymes of oestrogen synthesis. Steroids, at concentrations previously shown to inhibit placental sulphatase or 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, did not inhibit choriocarcinoma enzymes. Except for its relative sulphatase deficiency and insusceptibility of oestrogen synthesizing enzymes to steroid inhibitors, choriocarcinoma appears to be a useful model of placental oestrogen synthesis.
EFFECT OF α-MSH ON THE TYROSINASE ACTIVITY AND THE RATE OF MELANIN ACCUMULATION OF MELANOMA CELLS IN VITRO
Authors: Lee Teh H. , Lee Mang S.
Published: December 2008

A stimulation of the tyrosinase activity was observed when melanoma cells isolated from transplantable mouse melanomas were incubated at 37°C for 6 h in the presence of 1–10 × 10−6 m α-MSH. All strains of mouse melanomas studied (B-16, Cloudman S-91 and Harding-Passey), exhibited similar responses. It was also observed that the intact cellular structure of melanoma cells was not required for the ability to respond to α-MSH. The stimulation of the enzymic activity was accompanied by an increase of the rate of incorporation of radioactivity into melanin from L-[U-14C]tyrosine, indicating an enhanced melanogenesis of tumour cells under in vitro conditions.
DECREASED BONE SENSITIVITY OF THYROIDECTOMIZED RATS TO THE CALCAEMIC EFFECT OF 1,25-DIHYDROXYCHOLECALCIFEROL
Authors: Pavlovitch H. , Presle V. , Balsan S.
Published: December 2008

The calcaemic response of thyroidectomized parathyroid transplanted rats to a single dose of biosynthetic 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (50 ng) injected into a jugular vein, was evaluated. The animals were fed a vitamin D-free, low calcium diet. Compared to sham-operated and to thyroidintact parathyroid transplanted rats thyroidectomized animals had a significantly reduced calcaemic response to 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol, Daily supplementation with d,l-thyroxine (100 μg/rat) during the experimental period restored a normal response. The increase in serum calcium concentration after 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol injection was similar in thyroidectomized bilaterally nephrectomized animals, and in thyroidectomized kidney-intact rats. The results suggest that in thyroxine depleted rats, the sensitivity of bone to the calcaemic effect of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol is decreased.
MITOCHONDRIAL REDOX COMPONENTS OF HUMAN ADRENOCORTICAL STEROID HYDROXYLASES UNDER PHYSIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS AND IN FOCAL HYPERPLASIA OF THE ZONA FASCICULATA
Authors: deAlvare Louis R. , Kimura Tokuji , Singhakowinta Amnuay , Honn Kenneth V. , Chavin Walter
Published: December 2008

Cytochrome P450, aa3 and adrenodoxin were characterized in human adrenocortical mitochondria. Human adrenodoxin demonstrated a distinctive electron paramagnetic spectrum exhibiting anisotropic g values indicative of axial symmetry. The observed g values were g // =2.027, g⊥ =1.940. Adrenodoxin content of crude human adrenal mitochondria was 0.65 ± 0.01 nmol/mg of mitochondrial protein and was in a stoichiometric 1:1 molar ratio with cytochrome P450. Mitochondrial cytochrome P450 (0.62 nmol/mg mitochondrial protein) and aa3 (0.19 nmol/mg mitochondrial protein) levels were determined in a normal human adrenal. A patient receiving ACTH (3d) demonstrated a doubling of P450 content, while cytochrome aa3 levels remained unchanged. ACTH plus hydrocortisone therapy (3d) increased both P450 and aa3 levels, however 24 h hydrocortisone therapy alone was without effect. An area of focal hyperplasia of the zona fasciculata also demonstrated P450 and aa3 levels elevated above the contralateral and normal human adrenal levels. The possibility of hormonal control of human adrenal mitochondrial cytochromes P450 and aa3 is suggested.
EXOGENOUS HORMONE UPTAKE AND RETENTION IN THE RAT UTERUS AT THE TIME OF OVO-IMPLANTATION
Authors: Sartor P.
Published: December 2008

The uterine uptake of tritiated hormones, oestradiol and progesterone, was studied at the time of ovum implantation in the rat. Macromolecular dyes such as trypan blue were used to distinguish implanted sites from the unimplanted ones.

A differential uptake was found between the implanted and unimplanted sites in normal 6th day pregnant females.

Oestradiol was retained more at the unimplanted sites, whereas its half-life was approximately the same at the two levels. On the other hand progesterone was found in greater amounts in the implanted sites due to a difference in half-life for each site (30 min for unimplanted sites, 40 min for implanted ones during the first 30 min following injection). When endogenous oestradiol retention was suppressed by ovariectomy, higher uptake of [3H]oestradiol in unimplanted sites was not found.

These results suggest a heterogeneity in the binding sites of oestradiol in the pregnant uterus.
PERIPHERAL AND CENTRAL ANDROGENIC STIMULATION OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR OF CASTRATED MALE RATS
Authors: Hamburger-Bar Rachel , Rigter Henk
Published: December 2008

The effects of androgens on the maintenance and restoration of sexual behaviour (mounts, intromissions and ejaculations) of castrated male rats were studied. In the maintenance study the rats were treated during 5 weeks, starting one day following castration. Testosterone propionate maintained sexual behaviour at an almost normal level. The androgenoestrogen intermediate 19-hydroxytestosterone propionate was unable to prevent the decline in the number of ejaculations over the weeks although this hormone maintained the post-ejaculatory refractory period in those rats that ejaculated and also maintained normal sexual latencies.

In the restoration study administration of testosterone propionate during 7 weeks to long-term castrated rats restored sexual behaviour to normal. 19-Hydroxytestosterone propionate treated rats displayed mounts but no other signs of sexual behaviour. The 5α-reduced androgen dihydrotestosterone propionate did not restore sexual behaviour. Testosterone propionate and dihydrotestosterone propionate stimulated peripheral target organs; 19-hydroxytestosterone propionate was ineffective in this respect. It has been suggested that testosterone might stimulate sexual behaviour in rats in two ways, i. e., via its aromatization to oestradiol in the brain, and by stimulating growth of peripheral tissues via its 5α-reduction to dihydrotestosterone. In support for this view we have found that the combination of 19-hydroxytestosterone propionate and dihydrotestosterone propionate was effective in restoring the full pattern of sexual behaviour in castrated male rats.
COMPARISON OF EFFECTS OF C19 (ANDROSTENE OR ANDROSTANE) STEROIDS ON SERUM GONADOTROPHIN CONCENTRATIONS AND ON ACCESSORY REPRODUCTIVE ORGAN WEIGHTS IN GONADECTOMIZED, ADULT MALE RATS
Authors: Verjans H. L. , Eik-Nes K. B.
Published: December 2008

The effect of subcutaneous administration of graded doses of C19 (androstene or androstane) steroids on serum levels of LH and FSH and on weights of accessory reproductive organs in gonadectomized, adult male rats were investigated. The C19 steroids were administered during 7 days in doses of 100, 50, 25, 12.5 or 6.25 μg per 100 g body weight per day. With the amounts of steroids used, 5α-dihydrotestosterone and 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol had a high potency in preventing the rise of serum gonadotrophin concentrations and in curbing the decrease of weights of ventral prostates and seminal vesicles following orchidectomy. 5α-Androstane-3β,17β-diol showed no such effects. Positive feedback effects on serum gonadotrophins in castrates were observed following injection of certain doses of some steroids. Effects of steroids on accessory reproductive organs did not always correlate with those on gonadotrophic function of the hypothalamic-pituitary unit.
EVIDENCE FOR A DOPAMINERGIC COMPONENT IN THE SERIES OF NEURAL EVENTS THAT LEAD TO THE PRO-OESTROUS SURGE OF LH
Authors: Clemens James A. , Tinsley Frank C. , Fuller Ray W.
Published: December 2008

The possible participation of dopamine in the neural events that lead to the pro-oestrous surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) was investigated utilizing a dopaminergic ergoline derivative (lergotrile mesylate). Administration of reserpine (2.0 mg/kg, ip) to rats on the day of pro-oestrus depicted brain dopamine and norepinephrine and prevented the LH surge and ovulation. Administration of lergotrile mesylate prior to or at the same time as reserpine prevented the inhibitory effects of reserpine on LH release and on ovulation in about half of the animals. When lergotrile mesylate was given on the morning of pro-oestrus, the LH surge was advanced. The results indicate that there is a dopaminergic component in the series of neural events that precede the surge of LH on prooestrus, and that the dopaminergic stimulus precedes the LH surge by about 4–5 h.
CHANGES IN SERUM LEVELS OF THYROXINE AND THYROXINE-BINDING PROTEINS (TBG, TBPA, ALBUMIN) INDUCED BY VENOUS STASIS
Authors: Jacobsen B. Brock , Petersen B. , Andersen H.
Published: December 2008

Serum concentrations of thyroxine (T4), thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG), thyroxine-binding pre-albumin (TBPA) and albumin were determined in 21 healthy, young subjects before and after a brief venous stasis in two experiments: 1) 3 min stasis induced by a sphygmomanometer with constant pressure 20 mmHg above the diastolic blood pressure and 2) 2 min stasis induced by an arm tourniquet of rubber.

In both experiments the serum T4 level was significantly rised (mean 9 %) after venous compression. Increases of the same magnitude were observed for serum TBG, serum TBPA and serum albumin. The serum concentrations of the free constituents - sodium and creatinine - remained unchanged, whereas the haemoglobin concentration increased (mean 8%). This haemoconcentrating effect of venous stasis seemed to be more pronounced in females than in males. Our data emphasize the need for protein correction procedures when total serum T4 is measured.
ANTIFERTILITY PROPERTIES OF BOVINE PINEAL EXTRACTS: REDUCTION OF OVULATION AND PRE-OVULATORY LUTEINIZING HORMONE IN THE RAT
Authors: Orts R. J. , Kocan K. M. , Johnson R. P.
Published: December 2008

Bovine pineal glands were extracted with acetic acid and partially purified on Sephadex G-25. Three fractions, F3, F4 and F5, were each administered to cycling female rats for 4, 2 or 1 day prior to ovulation to determine their effects on fertility, ovulation and the pro-oestrous surge of luteinizing hormone (LH). The incidence of pregnancy and the mean number of foetuses were reduced in animals after treatment with F3 or F4 but not in those treated with F5. Each of the F3 and F4 fractions significantly reduced the mean number of ova shed and the pre-ovulatory concentration of serum LH. The F5 fraction caused a moderate reduction of the pro-oestrous rise of serum LH but had no significant effect on ovulation. The data suggest that fertility in rats can be reduced by more than one substance of low molecular weight present in bovine pineal extracts through a modifying effect on LH secretion and subsequent ovulation.
EFFECT OF PROLACTIN INHIBITORY AGENTS ON THE ECTOPIC ANTERIOR PITUITARY AND THE MAMMARY GLAND IN RATS
Authors: Gräf K.-J. , Horowski R. , El Etreby M. F.
Published: December 2008

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the biological effectiveness of two highly potent prolactin (PRL) inhibitors, lisuride hydrogen maleate (LMH) and 2-Br-α-ergocryptine (CB-154), in the absence of hypothalamic factors acting directly at the level of the anterior pituitary. Hypophysectomized female rats bearing 4 transplanted pituitaries beneath the kidney capsules were treated with oestradiol benzoate (OeB) and progesterone (P) with or without simultaneous administration of LHM or CB-154 for 22 days in order stimulate or inhibit lobulo-alveolar growth of the mammary glands. In addition to the investigation of the mammary glands by DNA determination and assessment of the histological pictures, the aim of this study was directed towards the influence of the substances tested at the level of the anterior pituitary remote from the hypothalmus. In this connection the changes in the different cells within the ectopic pituitaries as revealed by immunoenzyme-cytochemical studies were investigated.

The results obtained support the classical view of a neuroendocrine regulation of mammary gland growth and the importance of oestrogens, P and PRL within this system. Both ergot derivatives LHM and CB-154 were able to antagonize the stimulatory effect of OeB combined with P on the mammary gland. With regard to the mechanism of action of LHM and CB-154 it is concluded that both substances act via a direct action on dopaminergic receptors within the ectopic anterior pituitary.
THE THYROTROPHIN RESPONSE TO THYROTROPHIN RELEASING HORMONE DURING TREATMENT IN PATIENTS WITH GRAVES' DISEASE
Authors: Haug E. , Frey H. M. M. , Sand T.
Published: December 2008

Thyrotrophin releasing hormone (TRH) tests were performed at 4 or 8 weeks intervals, after the initiation of anti-thyroid treatment in 15 patients with Graves' disease. All TRH tests were negative as long as the serum levels of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) were elevated, and normalization of the serum levels of these hormones always occurred before the response to iv TRH was restored. In 13 patients the time from the patients for the first time were registered as biochemically euthyroid varied from 0–9 months (mean 3.1 months), before normal TRH response was restored. Two patients were still TRH non-responsive at the end of the study, even though they had been biochemically euthyroid for as long as 17 and 18.5 months. The TRH test, therefore, is not helpful in the evaluation of the effect of anti-thyroid treatment in patients with Graves' disease.

There was an increase in the serum level of thyrotrophin (TSH) from 3.4 ± 0.3 (sem) to 4.3 ± 0.5 (sem) ng/ml (P <0.05), and a decrease in the serum level of total T4 from 19.4 ± 1.1 (sem) to 5.8 ± 0.8 (sem) μg/100 ml in 13 patients from the first examination until the last time they were examined before restored TRH response. This finding shows that the pituitary gland has retained its ability to synthesize and secrete TSH even though no TSH could be released by iv TRH. In 6 TRH non-responsive patients with Graves' disease, serum TSH levels were suppressed from 2.5 ±1.2 (sem) ng/ml before the administration of a single dose of 3 mg T4 orallly, to 0.9 ± 0.2 (sem) ng/ml, 7 days after the T4 administration. Thus, the negative feed-back effect on the pituitary gland of the thyroid hormones is operating in these patients.

This finding indicates that the TRH non-responsiveness in euthyroid patients with Graves' disease is not due to pituitary depletion of TSH, since the negative feed-back effect of the thyroid hormones is operating normally.
LONG-TERM TURNOVER OF THYROID IODINE IN THE RAT AS STUDIED BY THE ISOTOPIC EQUILIBRIUM METHOD
Authors: Bastiani Paul , Simon Claude
Published: December 2008

A long-term kinetics study was made in rats in a steady state for iodine metabolism and receiving either 5 μg iodine (group 5) or 50 μg iodine (group 50) daily. By using the isotopic equilibrium method, the value of the renewed fraction was followed during at least 120 days in the thyroglobulin (Tg) and the lysosomes of the thyroid and in the plasma hormones.

For both groups, only part of the total iodine pool in the Tg as well as in the lysosomes is directly available for secretion. Furthermore, the direct precursor pool of iodine for secretion in the lysosomes is dependent on the daily iodine intake (1.3 times greater in group 50 than in group 5) while the Tg iodine supply in the colloid is not (80 % of the total Tg iodine pool for both groups).

An iodine pool with a very slow turnover is present in the lysosomes (about 50 % in each group), in the Tg of group 5 (more than 15 %) and probably in the Tg of group 50 (less than 5 %). Thus, the distribution of such a pool between lysosomes and Tg is dependent on the daily iodine intake.

The very slow iodine pool is probably not accumulated into the follicles, since every studied pool is in steady state. It is practically not secreted since hormones in the plasma are entirely renewed. Again, it is practically not deiodinated since the thyroid iodide pool is also entirely renewed. These three criteria are valuable for both groups.

Although one cannot entirely exclude its participation in secretion, it is postulated that the major part of this pool is re-cycled without deiodination. Both lysosome-lysosome and lysosome-colloid pathways of re-cycling have been postulated. The second pathway is supposed to increase when the daily iodine intake is decreased.
INCREASED SERUM PROLACTIN IN DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS; CORRELATION BETWEEN SERUM SODIUM AND SERUM PROLACTIN CONCENTRATION
Authors: Hanssen Kristian F. , Torjesen Peter A.
Published: December 2008

In 8 patients with diabetic ketoacidosis, serum prolactin was measured and found to be elevated (24.8 ± 10.2 ng/ml, mean ± sem). After correction of the ketoacidosis, the prolactin level decreased to 10.9 ± 6.4 ng/ml (normal range men 4.9 ± 0.8, women 5.1 ± 1.6 ng/ml). The scatter of prolactin values was wide. A study of the correlation between the serum prolactin values and chemical parameters that are altered in diabetic ketoacidosis was therefore undertaken. Serum prolactin values did not correlate well with the serum bicarbonate concentration or serum osmolality. However, a significant negative correlation between log serum prolactin concentration and serum sodium concentration was demonstrated (r=−0.61, P<0.001).

It is suggested that serum prolactin may possibly participate in sodium retention in man as has been demonstrated in studies on animals.
EXTREMELY HIGH LEVELS OF CORTICOSTEROIDS AND LOW LEVELS OF CORTICOSTEROID BINDING MACROMOLECULE IN PLASMA OF MARMOSET MONKEYS
Authors: Yamamoto S. , Utsu S. , Tanioka Y. , Ohsawa N.
Published: December 2008

Marmoset monkeys were shown to have extremely high resting plasma corticosteroid levels compared to those of macaque monkeys and humans. A major component of corticosteroids seems to be cortisol. Levels of total 11-deoxy-17-KS in plasma of marmoset monkeys were very low (<0.01–0.04 μg/ml). Following the injection of ACTH, plasma corticosteroid levels of marmoset monkeys increased by 18–62% (at 1 h), and by 62–160% (at 2 h). Concentrations of plasma corticosteroid binding macromolecule in marmoset monkeys were extremely low (< 10 nm). It was suggested that in these monkeys, the majority of plasma corticosteroids exists in non-protein bound forms.
SERUM DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE AND DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE SULPHATE IN BABOON (PAPIO PAPIO) PREGNANCY
Authors: Townsley John D. , Pepe Gerald J.
Published: December 2008

Dehydroepiandrosterone (D) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DS) concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay in peripheral sera of non-pregnant, pregnant (55 days to term) and newborn baboons and in umbilical sera of animals delivered by Caesarean section close to term. D concentrations (mean ± sd, μg/100 ml, N) in non-pregnant animals (1.61 ± 1.32, 23) were not different (P > 0.05) from those during pregnancy (1.80 ± 1.21, 101). DS concentrations, expressed as unconjugated D, in non-pregnant (13.5 ± 6.0, 23) and pregnant (15.1 ± 7.5, 101) animals were also similar (P > 0.05). However, both D (P < 0.01) and DS (P < 0.005) levels increased with gestational age such that serum D (2.46±1.39, 23, P < 0.05) and DS (18.9 ± 5.7, 23, P < 0.001) levels between 150 and 180 days gestation were greater than in non-pregnant animals. These increases may be important since oestrogen production rises rapidly during late gestation and both D and DS can serve as oestrogen precursors. In both non-pregnant (P < 0.005) and pregnant (P < 0.001) animals D and DS concentrations (ratio 1:8) were correlated. Cord serum D levels (2.4 ± 1.4, 5) were not different from those of maternal serum (P > 0.05), while cord DS levels (40.3 ± 14.8) were greater (P < 0.001) than those of maternal serum. This may reflect rapid equilibration of D but not DS between foetal and maternal circulations. In sera from neonates, D (19.4 ± 14.6, 8) and DS 567 ± 570, 8) concentrations were greater (P < 0.001) than those in maternal serum, indicating marked post-partal changes in clearance or production of both compounds. The high levels of D and DS in cord and newborn sera are compatible with the view that the baboon foetus makes appreciable contributions of oestrogen precursors in pregnancy.
PLASMA LH AND FSH RESPONSE TO LRH AND PLASMA TESTOSTERONE LEVELS IN BOYS WITH IRREGULAR PUBERTY
Authors: Dickerman Zvi , Bar-Haim Yehuda , Prager-Lewin Ruth , Kaufman Haiuta , Laron Zvi
Published: December 2008

Nineteen boys with irregular puberty (IP), defined as a discrepancy of two or more pubertal stages between the criteria for genitalia and that for pubic hair, were subjected to a standard LRH test (50 μg/m2, iv) and the response of gonadotrophins as well as the basal levels of plasma testosterone, LH and FSH were compared to those of boys with normal, regular puberty.

When the results were plotted against the pubertal stage for genitalia (Pg), it was found that in the boys with IP the basal plasma testosterone levels were lower and the response of plasma LH to LRH stimulation lesser than in the controls. However, when these parameters were plotted against the pubertal stage for pubic hair (Ph) it was found, that in the boys with IP the plasma testosterone levels were significantly higher and the response of both LH and FSH stimulation greater than in the control group.

It was concluded that irregular puberty in boys may be regarded as a normal variation. The delayed development of sexual hair and penile length, and retarded pubertal growth spurt and bone age maturation seen in these boys, with normal testicular development, may be explained by a temporary reduced peripheral sensitivity to androgens and a compensatory effort by the pituitary, manifested in increased secretion of LH and testosterone, relatively to their pubertal stage for pubic hair.
A COMPARISON OF THE EFFECT OF TSH, GH AND PROLACTIN ON THE RENAL IODIDE EXCRETION IN UNRESTRAINED RABBITS
Authors: Vadstrup Steen
Published: December 2008

The immediate effect of graded iv doses of heterologous TSH, GH and prolactin on the renal iodide excretion was studied in unrestrained rabbits with implanted Geiger Müller detectors.

Both TSH and GH lowered the fractional excretion rate of iodide. The duration of the effect was significantly correlated to the magnitude of the administered dose. The lowest dose with a significant effect was 10–20 mU TSH and 50 mU GH. Prolactin had no similar effect even in high pharmacological doses.

An effect similar to that of small TSH doses was recorded following administration of 20–40 μg TRH iv.

The immediate effect of GH on the iodide excretion accords with previous reports about a similar effect on sodium excretion and suggests, that the effect of GH and TSH on the iodide excretion is secondary to a general effect on kidney function.

The demonstration, that the effect is present in unrestrained animals after administration of physiological doses indicates, that the effect is not only of pharmacological significance, but may also have physiological significance.
SPORADIC NON-TOXIC GOITRE
Authors: Parker J. L. W. , Ratcliffe J. G. , Alexander W. D.
Published: December 2008

Thirty-six patients with non-toxic goitre were reviewed after a mean period of 13 years. Initially 19 patients were iodine deficient (Group I) and 17 had normal plasma inorganic iodine (Group II). In general the iodine deficient patients had larger goitres, developed more complications (26 % became hyperthyroid, hypothyroid or required partial thyroidectomy), and required more treatment. There were marked changes in thyroid function tests. In both groups thyroid uptake fell and PII rose though the final PII remained significantly lower in Group I patients. Thyroid and renal iodide clearance fell significantly in Group I patients only. In both groups the final mean total serum T3 levels were abnormally elevated whereas the mean PBI levels did not change significantly during the period of study and the final mean total T4 concentrations were normal.

All goitres became smaller and there were no complications in patients whose goitre became impalpable. No cases of malignancy and no postoperative recurrences of goitre were observed.

It is suggested that the incidence of complications in those patients who persist with palpable goitres is sufficient to merit follow-up of this group.