bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE ACTION OF SERUM GONADOTROPHIN ON GLUTAMIC-OXALACETIC TRANSAMINASE IN THE RAT OVARY
Authors: Eckstein B. , Paster Z.
Published: December 2008

The mechanism by which glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase (GOT) activity is increased in the rat ovary, following gonadotrophin treatment, was studied. It was found:

Differential centrifugation of ovarian homogenate showed that there was an increased enzyme activity in the supernatant fraction.

The GOT located in the mitochondrial fraction could be activated in vitro by incubating this fraction for several hours. Such treatment did not alter the activity of the enzyme in the supernatant fraction.

Electrophoretic separation of the subcellular fractions showed the presence of the same two isoenzymes both in the mitochondrial and in the supernatant fractions. Only small amounts of the fast moving isoenzyme (GOT II) were present in the supernatant fraction, while the difference in quantity between the two isoenzymes in the mitochondria was less marked. Gonadotrophin stimulation intensified only the slow moving enzyme (GOT I) in the supernatant.

Examination of the electrophoretic mobility of the enzyme released by the mitochondria into the incubation medium after in vitro activation showed that only GOT I was released by this treatment.

The apparent Km for both L-aspartate as well as for α-ketoglutarate in the supernatant fraction remained unaltered by gonadotrophin stimulation, while the apparent Km were changed in the mitochondrial fraction of the hormone treated rats.

These observations led to the hypothesis that gonadotrophin stimulation activates GOT in the rat ovary by transfering a latent mitochondrial GOT to the cell sap.

In previous publications from this laboratory (Eckstein & Shain 1963; Eckstein 1963; and others), it was reported that gonadotrophins with follicle stimulating activity considerably enhance the glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase (GOT) activity in the rat ovary, while purified LH (NIH-LH-Sl) is inactive in this respect.

Isoenzymes* of GOT have been reported for a great variety of organs (Boyd 1961, 1962; Katunuma 1962; Decker & Rau 1963; Fleisker et al. 1960; Augustinsson & Erne 1961). It has been shown (Boyd 1961), that two forms of GOT in the liver can be separated by differential centrifugation. One form adheres to the mitochondria, while the second enzyme is found in the soluble fraction. These two isoenzymes differ in their substrate affinities, pH dependance and electrophoretic mobility. The GOT in the mitochondria is in a latent form, and can be activated by release into the soluble fraction.

The following experiments show that the rat ovary also contains at least two GOT isoenzymes; and that serum gonadotrophin (PMS) probably activates GOT by the release of one enzyme form from the mitochondria into the soluble fraction.
PROGESTERONE AND PROGESTATIONAL COMPOUNDS IN THE TREATMENT OF ADVANCED ENDOMETRIAL CARCINOMA
Authors: Bergsjö Per
Published: December 2008

Various doses of progesterone in oil and of two progestational compounds (17α-hydroxy-19-nor-progesterone caproate and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone p-butoxyphenyl propionate) have been given to 15 patients with recurrent and/or metastatic endometrial adenocarcinoma and to one patient with metastatic cervical adenocarcinoma, for periods of up to 27 weeks. Regression of lung metastases was noted in 4 of 13 patients, softening of pelvic tumour in 2 of 4, and histological alterations of tumour tissue in 4 of 5 patients. In the patient with metastases from a cervical adenocarcinoma, the disease progressed during the treatment. The significance of the observations is discussed.
EARLY EFFECTS OF TESTOSTERONE PROPIONATE INJECTED INTO 5 DAY OLD RATS
Authors: Jacobsohn Dora , Norgren A.
Published: December 2008

The present work deals with problems concerning a) factors influencing gonadal growth in rats during the first two weeks of life and b) the duration of action of 1.5 mg testosterone propionate (testosterone) injected subcutaneously into 5 day old rats (androgenized rats). Five groups of experiments were performed. The results were as follows:

Injection of testosterone to 5 day old males reduced the growth of testes from 5 days after injection onwards.

Semicastration at 1 day after birth was followed within 14 days by a compensatory hypertrophy of the remaining testis. Androgenization did not prevent a compensatory hypertrophy, but the weight of the remaining testis was reduced as compared with uninjected males. Unilateral ovariectomy at 1 day after birth failed to influence the weight of the remaining ovary recorded after 14 days.

Observations on the occurrence of first oestrus and the type of vaginal smears were made in spayed rats receiving ovarian transplants in the anterior eye chamber when 15 days old. Either donors or recipients were androgenized. Testosterone had no effect on the ovaries.

Intervals between injection of testosterone and vaginal opening decreased with advancing age both in intact and spayed rats. When testosterone was given to 5 or 18 day old rats, vaginal opening occurred after about 19 and 4 days, respectively.

The response of mammary glands of spayed rats with or without androgenization indicated that a) testosterone produced an effect when the rats were about 10 days old and b) testosterone was effective for approximately 15 days.
STUDIES ON THE EFFECT OF CORTISOL AND CORTICOTROPHIN ON INCORPORATION OF ADENINE-8-14C INTO THE LYMPHATIC TISSUE NUCLEIC ACIDS
Authors: Brinck-Johnsen Truls , Dougherly Thomas F.
Published: December 2008

The effects of cortisol and ACTH in vivo on various mouse lymphatic tissues were studied, using the current techniques for isolation of adenine from nucleic acids and quantitative measurement, including chromatography, spectrophotometry and radioactive tracer methods. The incorporation of adenine-8-14C into both RNA and DNA of lymphatic tissues of intact mice was reduced following prolonged treatment with cortisol or ACTH. In the absence of the adrenals ACTH enhanced the incorporation of adenine-8-14C into the RNA of lymph nodes, spleen and thymus, although a clearcut effect on increased incorporation of the purine into DNA was limited to the spleen. It was concluded that ACTH has an extraadrenal effect on lymphatic tissues.
APPARITION SIMULTANEE D'UNE INSUFFISANCE THYROIDIENNE PRIMITIVE CHEZ DES JUMELLES MONOZYGOTES
Authors: Hennen G. , Dodinval P.
Published: December 2008

Female uniovular twins have developed simultaneously a symptomatology of primary hypothyroidism. This observation suggests the incidence of genetic factors in the aetiology of the disease. Comparison with adrenocortical atrophy could mean that life duration of endocrine glands might be genetically determined.
NORMAL AND DELAYED PSEUDOPREGNANCY IN THE RAT
Authors: Zeilmaker G. H.
Published: December 2008

In rats bearing a transplanted immature ovary under the kidney capsule, the in situ ovaries were removed at oestrus. In spite of this operation the sequence of vaginal oestrous cycles was uninterrupted.

Removal of the in situ ovaries on the morning after copulation was followed by one normal vaginal oestrous cycle. After this experimental cycle, during which no corpora lutea were present, a normal pseudopregnancy was observed. Prolongation of this cycle by postponing removal of the in situ ovaries resulted in the observation that the pseudopregnancy did not occur when the experimental cycle lasted 7 or more days.

It is concluded that copulation triggers off a period of LTH secretion lasting about 8 days and which is independent of the presence of corpora lutea. This period may account for the greater part of the LTH secreted during a normal pseudopregnancy. The copulation stimulus had no direct influence on follicle maturation and subsequent spontaneous ovulation, i. e. FSH and LH secretion.

A single administration of reserpine also induced a prolonged period of LTH secretion. In contrast, the suckling stimulus did not induce prolonged LTH secretion in the absence of corpora lutea.

The oestrous cycle induced by a single administration of ergocornine methanesulphonate during pseudopregnancy was found to be followed by another pseudopregnancy of normal length, in about half the number of cases.
UNTERSUCHUNG ZUR WIRKUNG VON RHODANID AUF DEN JODSTOFFWECHSEL DER MENSCHLICHEN SCHILDDRÜSE
Authors: Reinwein D. , Irmscher K.
Published: December 2008

The effect of various concentrations of thiocyanate in the blood on the iodine metabolism of the thyroid and the renal excretion of iodide was investigated in 39 euthyroid subjects with no goiter. The thiocyanate level in blood was maintained for 14 days.

Increasing thiocyanate concentrations in the blood caused a decreased uptake of 131I from a tracer dose. Only three subjects with concentrations of thiocyanate above 7.2 mg/100 ml showed a demonstrable uptake. Vice versa the serum iodide increased up to 9.6 μg/100 ml.

The absolute iodine uptake of the thyroid was at first stimulated and then inhibited by increasing concentrations of thiocyanate. A complete inhibition could not be found even with a thiocyanate level of 12.6 mg/100 ml. The hormonal phase of the thyroidal iodine metabolism and PB127I remained unchanged in most cases. In only 2 cases was there some indication of activated iodine metabolism.

The renal excretion of iodide was not significantly altered. Since only a euthyroid subject and not a patient with primary hypothyroidism showed increasing inorganic 131I and 127I after thiocyanate, the iodide increase in the serum is assumed to originate mainly from the thyroid.

The dissociatable thyroid iodide amounts to 0.4 mg under the experimental conditions used. On the basis of these results a competitive inhibition of the iodide concentration mechanism of the human thyroid is suggested.
EFFECT OF ETHINYLOESTRADIOL ON PLASMA TESTOSTERONE LEVELS AND URINARY TESTOSTERONE EXCRETION IN MAN
Authors: Forchielli Enrico , Rao Govind S. , Sarda Inder R. , Gibree Norman B. , Pochi Peter E. , Strauss John S. , Dorfman Ralph I.
Published: December 2008

The daily oral administration of one mg of ethinyloestradiol to normal men decreased the mean plasma testosterone from 0.84 ± 0.07 μg per 100 ml to 0.20 ± 0.04 in 21 trials and decreased the urinary testosterone from 63 ± 1.1 μg per day to 8 ± 0.3 in 16 trials.
ON THE MECHANISM OF THE ADRENAL GLAND RESPONSE TO ADRENOCORTICOTROPHIC HORMONE IN HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED RATS
Authors: Staehelin M. , Barthe P. , Desaulles P. A.
Published: December 2008

The adrenal gland response to natural or synthetic adrenocorticotrophic hormone was studied at various periods after hypophysectomy. Adrenal ascorbic acid depletion was observed following the administration of ACTH at all intervals up to 10 days. In contrast, the capacity to respond to ACTH by an increase in corticosterone secretion was rapidly lost. Experiments with rat adrenal slices in vitro showed that the capacity to form corticosteroids following the addition of ACTH or 3′,5′-cyclic-AMP is rapidly lost after hypophysectomy, but that the adrenal slices are still capable of producing corticosterone if NADP and glucose-6-phosphate are added to the medium. It is concluded that the adrenal gland is still capable of responding to the action of ACTH for a considerable time after hypophysectomy, but that due to a metabolic block prior to the formation of NADPH, the adrenal is no longer capable of reacting by a further increase in corticosterone production. In addition, it was found that the effects of ACTH on blood flow and ascorbic acid output were parallel. Both effects were dose-dependent, but independent of any concomitant corticosterone secretion, and persisted during the whole period studied after hypophysectomy.
THE EFFECT OF INTRAPERITONEALLY INJECTED INSULIN, GLUCAGON, GROWTH HORMONE AND CORTISOL ON THE IN VIVO GLYCOGEN SYNTHESIS IN THE MOUSE-DIAPHRAGM
Authors: Clausen Torben
Published: December 2008

Intraperitoneal injection of insulin in doses from 50 to 10 000 μU. produced from 2- to 180-fold increases in the in vivo glycogen synthesis of the intact mouse diaphragm.

Cortisol (10−8 mg to 10−1 mg), either alone or in the presence of insulin, had no direct immediate effect on the glycogen synthesis. The blood sugar level at the sampling of tissue did not differ from the controls.

Glucagon was found to stimulate glycogen synthesis. This effect could be ascribed to insulin contamination.

Growth hormone possibly had a weak stimulating effect on glycogen synthesis.

For the assay of insulin in biological fluids, the intraperitoneal technique using mice seems to be of practical value.
ÉTUDES IN VIVO SUR LE MÉTABOLISME DES ANDROGÉNES APRES ADMINISTRATION DE STÉROÏDES INHIBITEURS DE L'OVULATION
Authors: Mauvais-Jarvis P. , Jayle M. F. , Decourt J. , Louchart J. , Truffert J.
Published: December 2008

Normal subjects and hirsute women with micropolycystic ovaries were treated with ethinyl-oestrenol + 3-methoxy-ethinyl-oestradiol (Lyndiol®), in view of studying the action of this compound on the production of androgens and on the urinary excretion of their metabolites.

In normal men, the production of testosterone and the excretion of androsterone and aetiocholanolone are suppressed, whereas the excretion of other 17-ketosteroids and the production of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate are unchanged. Moreover, the luteinizing hormone activity (LH) in plasma is depressed.

It seems that the preparation inhibits specifically the testicular androgen production, by suppressing the hypothalamo-hypophyseal control of LH. Testosterone production and urinary 17-ketosteroid excretion are modified in the same way in women with Stein-Leventhal's syndrome. Physiopathological and therapeutical implications which come from these results are discussed.
EFFECTS OF GROWTH HORMONE AND OF HYPOPHYSECTOMY ON THE RELEASE OF INSULIN FROM RAT PANCREAS IN VITRO
Authors: Bouman P. R. , Bosboom R. S.
Published: December 2008

The release of insulin from ligated rat pancreas in vitro was measured after pre-incubation of the tissue at either high or low glucose concentrations. Insulin release was estimated by determining the glucose uptake of rat hemidiaphragms after joint incubation with the pancreatic tissue. Addition of bovine growth hormone (GH) to the pre-incubation medium in a concentration of 0.1 mg/ml significantly increased the response to glucose stimulation. Pancreatic tissue of hypophysectomized rats failed to respond to GH in vitro, although previous hypophysectomy was shown to reduce the response to glucose stimulation. Pretreatment of hypophysectomized rats with GH in doses which restored the growth rate to normal, caused the reappearance of the effect of GH in vitro. The glucose sensitivity of pancreatic tissue was also increased by pretreatment with GH in vivo alone.

It is concluded from these findings that GH may increase the sensitivity of the β-cells to glucose by direct action. Since hypophysectomy exerts an opposite effect, it is suggested that physiological levels of endogenous GH may be involved in the regulation of insulin release.
EFFECT OF DISTENSION OF UTERUS AND VAGINA ON UTERINE MOTILITY AND OXYTOCIN RELEASE IN PUERPERAL RABBITS
Authors: Fuchs Anna-Riitta , Olsen Paul , Petersen Knud , Pedersen Grete
Published: December 2008

Uterine responses during distension of either the corpus, cervix or vagina were recorded in conscious, unrestrained rabbits at various times (from 1 h to 8 d) after parturition. The recordings were taken by means of a previously inserted intra-uterine balloon. For comparison, responses to intravenously injected oxytocin and adrenaline were also recorded.

There was no indication of a reflex release of oxytocin during these procedures. Distension of either one whole horn with up to 200 ml or one cervix with up to 80 ml of water failed to augment the contractions of the other horn, except in a few cases, when small but uncharacteristic changes in the uterine motility occurred. Vaginal distension produced uterine responses similar to that elicited by adrenaline. Distension of the genital tract is thus considered an inadequate stimulus for reflex release of oxytocin in the rabbit. However, the sensitivity of the method is such that the liberation of smaller amounts than 5 mU cannot be excluded.
SOME ASPECTS OF THE FUNCTION OF OVARIES IN SECONDARY AMENORRHOEA
Authors: Laitinen O. , Pesonen S.
Published: December 2008

The influence of pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (Gestyl®) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (Pregnyl®) was investigated in 11 patients with secondary amenorrhoea. In order to suppress adrenal secretion the patients were given dexamethasone (Decadron®) at the same time.

In addition to the routine clinical investigations, the excretion of oestrogens, pregnanediol, 17-KS, 17-OHCS and gonadotrophin in the urine was estimated before and during the stimulation and suppression tests. Vaginal smears were also studied.

The tests showed that in four patients, androgen secretion from the ovaries was significantly increased. Five patients had an amenorrhoea of hypophyseal and two others of ovarian origin.
METABOLISM OF OESTRIOL-3-SULPHATE AND OESTRIOL-16(17?)-GLUCOSIDURONATE IN PREGNANT WOMEN
Authors: Goebelsmann U. , Eriksson G. , Wiqvist N. , Diczfalusy E.
Published: December 2008

A combination of oestriol-15-3H-3-sulphate (OE3-15-3H-3S) and oestriol-16-14C-16(17?)-glucosiduronate (OE3-16-14C-16(17?)Gl) was administered in the form of a continuous intravenous infusion over 310 and 280 min, respectively, to two women at midpregnancy prior to the interruption of gestation.

Eighty and 66 per cent, respectively, of the administered 3H-labelled material and 87 and 83 per cent, respectively, of the 14C-labelled material was recovered within 24 hours from the urine of the two subjects.

3H-labelled OE3-3S and both 3H- and 14C-labelled OE3-16(17?)Gl and oestriol-3-glucosiduronate (OE3-3Gl) were isolated from the urine of both patients in a radiochemically homogeneous form. No 14C-labelled material was found in the OE3-3S isolated.

During the continuous infusion period, some 26 per cent of the urinary 3H-labelled material was excreted as OE3-3S, 68 per cent was present as OE3-16(17?)Gl and 6 per cent as OE3-3Gl. Corresponding proportions of the 14C-labelled urinary material were: 97 per cent OE3-16(17?)Gl and 3 per cent OE3-3Gl.

During the postinfusion period, the pattern of urinary conjugates showed a marked change: only 2 per cent of the 3H-labelled material was excreted as OE3-3S, 31 per cent was OE3-16(17?)Gl and as much as 67 per cent was OE3-3Gl. Corresponding figures for the 14C-labelled material were: 33 per cent OE3-16(17?)Gl and 67 per cent OE3-3Gl.

No radioactive oestrogens other than OE3 were detected.

The endogenous urinary oestriol (OE3) excretion during the 24 hours of experiment (expressed in OE3-equivalents) was: 0.086 mg OE3-3S, 1.87 mg OE3-16(17?)Gl and 1.57 mg of OE3-3Gl in the first subject and 0.13 mg OE3-3S, 3.01 mg OE3-16(17?)Gl and 1.53 mg of OE3-3Gl in the second patient.

From the relationship between the specific activities of the injected and isolated oestriol conjugates the amount of OE3-3S and OE3-16(17?)Gl reaching the maternal circulation during 24 hours was calculated. On basis of these values it is concluded that in midpregnancy the bulk of oestriol conjugates in the blood consists of glucosiduronates rather than of sulphates and that OE3-3Gl is a quantitatively important urinary metabolite not only of circulating OE3, but also of OE3-3S and OE3-16(17?)Gl.
UPTAKE OF RADIOACTIVE OESTROGENS IN THE CHICKEN OVIDUCT AND SOME OTHER ORGANS
Authors: Jonsson C.-E. , Terenius L.
Published: December 2008

The distribution of radioactivity in the body of one week old pullets following injection of tritiated oestradiol and hexoestrol has been investigated. A few hours after the injection of either oestrogen, the oviduct had about twice the radioactivity of skeletal muscle, per unit wet weight. The uptake of hexoestrol in the oviduct showed further evidence of specificity in being depressed by the simultaneous administration of oestradiol or hexoestrol. In similar experiments oestradiol uptake in the oviduct showed no evidence of saturation. An oestrogen antagonist, MER-25, did not inhibit oestradiol uptake by the oviduct. The Bursa Fabricii showed no selective uptake. Absorption of tritiated oestradiol from a subcutaneous oil depot was inhibited by the presence in the depot of carrier oestradiol.

Comparison of the results with those published by others for the mammalian uterus reveals a parallelism between the relative insensitivity of the oviduct to oestrogen stimulation and its relative weak affinity for oestrogens. There is also a parallelism between the inability of MER-25 to block oestrogen stimulated oviduct growth completely and its inability to affect oestrogen accumulation by the oviduct. In both these respects the oviduct differs from the uterus.
STEROIDAL INDUCTION OF THE PREMATURE GROWTH SPURT IN PREPUBERTAL BOYS FOR EXCESSIVE HEIGHT
Authors: Whitelaw M. James , Foster Thomas N. , Graham William H.
Published: December 2008

Five prepubertal males ranging in age from 8–11 and whose estimated heights were all over 195 cm were treated by the induction of a premature puberty with testosterone oenanthate 200 mg twice monthly for 9 months in 4 and 5 months in one. During the first 8 months their linear growth increase ranged between 13.7 and 6.4 cm. There was also a corresponding sharp increase in weight of as much as 17.24 kg in one patient. The bone age advanced 51 months in a 9 year old boy, while in the eldest, age 11, the advance was only 24 months. There is a definite lag in the radiological evidence of epiphyseal acceleration for the first 3–4 months of anabolic therapy. After discontinuation of therapy, evidence of acceleration may persist for a like period. The final height of 4 boys is far under the estimated height on the Bayley table, the fifth is still not determined. Genital development and secondary sex characteristics were noted after the first month of therapy. The growth spurt induced by testosterone oenanthate duplicated that normally seen in the 12–14 year old boy. There is no psychic disturbance by the induction of puberty.
DIFFERENCES IN GROWTH AND THYROID FUNCTION OF PEKIN AND MUSCOVY DUCKS EITHER UNTREATED OR TREATED WITH STILBOESTROL
Authors: von Faber Hans , Häussermann Wolfgang
Published: December 2008

Pekin ducks grow faster and show a faster and higher thyroidal 131I uptake than Muscovy ducks. Treatment with a total of 15 mg stilboestrol during the first 4 weeks had no effect on growth, thyroid weight or thyroidal 131I uptake in male or female Pekin ducklings. In male Muscovy ducklings the same treatment caused a marked inhibition of growth, a decrease in thyroid weight and a lowered thyroidal 131I uptake. Thyroxine, administered simultaneously in physiological doses, did not prevent inhibition of growth. It is therefore concluded that this inhibition is not due to the lowered thyroid function.
INCREASE IN THE MASS OF THE ADRENAL GLOMERULAR ZONE IN HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED RATS SUBJECTED TO STRESS
Authors: Miller Richard A.
Published: December 2008

The weights of the several zones of the adrenal cortex and the medulla were calculated from their areas in the midsection of adrenals from hypophysectomized rats injected with carbon tetrachloride, with formalin, or fed a low sodium diet, for varying periods of time. It was found that the glomerular zone of the rats so stressed was significantly heavier than that of hypophysectomized controls. The data suggest that the glomerular zone can be stimulated to enlarge by stress in the absence of the pars distalis and corticotrophin.
STUDIES ON THE MECHANISM OF NIDATION. XVII. HISTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF DECIDUALIZATION IN THE RAT
Authors: Lobel Bertha L. , Tic Liliane , Shelesnyak M. C.
Published: December 2008

Studies were made on histochemical aspects of uteri induced to decidualize following the application of specific inhibitors of various stages of decidualization: oestrogen antagonist, and antihistamine and following the withdrawal or suppression of progesterone. In all cases decidualization was grossly impaired. Following application of the oestrogen antagonist, decidual foci did not acquire phosphatase activity. Under the influence of an antihistamine, some foci of decidualization were induced, but did not develop. Likewise, when progesterone was withdrawn on the day of induction, decidualization did not take place. Suppression of progesterone when decidualization was already established, either by ovariectomy or by administration of ergocornine, gave histochemically similar results: haemorrhage, leucocytic infiltration, breakdown of decidual tissue with loss of alkaline phosphatase and ATP-ase activities and a rise of acid phosphatase activity.

The histochemical findings add support to the postulated mechanism of decidualization which incorporates an oestrogen surge and consequent sensitization of the uterus; a histaminogenic induction of decidualization and progesterone requirement for support. They also confirm the ergocornine disturbance of progesterone status.
RESIN UPTAKE OF 131I-LABELLED TRIIODOTHYRONINE AFTER ADMINISTRATION OF IODINE
Authors: Bois-Svensson Ingeborg , Einhorn J. , Wicklund Harriet
Published: December 2008

The effect of administering large doses of inorganic and organic iodine on the PBI, thyroidal uptake of radioiodine and the resin sponge uptake of 131I triiodothyronine has been studied on 38 euthyroid subjects. The resin sponge uptake is unaffected by large doses of iodine, which depress the thyroidal uptake and affect the result of the PBI test.
FRACTIONATED 131I THERAPY IN LARGE TOXIC GOITRES
Authors: Säterborg N.-E. , Einhorn J.
Published: December 2008

The results of, and complications associated with, 131I therapy in 123 cases of hyperthyroidism with large nodular toxic goitre are reported. The results improved with the size of the first dose, but the frequency of early reactions also increased with the dose.

Fractionated radioiodine therapy is recommended in the management of patients with large nodular toxic goitre and tracheal compression or severe hyperthyroidism. The results for 34 patients treated by this method and followed up for at least one year are reported.
EFFECT OF THYROID HORMONES, SOMATOTROPHIN, INSULIN AND CORTICOSTEROIDS ON SYNTHESIS OF COLLAGEN IN GRANULATION TISSUE BOTH IN VIVO AND IN VITRO
Authors: Mikkonen Leena , Lampiaho Kirsti , Kulonen E.
Published: December 2008

The effect of hormonal factors on the collagen synthesis in experimental granulation tissue of rats was studied (1) in vivo by assessing the development of the tensile strength and (2) in vitro by measuring the capacity of collagen synthesis from 14C-proline by incubated granuloma slices. The hormonal agents were either administered in vivo or added to the incubation media.

When hormones were given in vivo, only cortisol affected the tensile strength of the granuloma markedly, but when the capacity of collagen synthesis was assessed, it was found that somatotrophin slightly increased and thyroxine decreased the synthesis. The effect of glucocorticoids, if any, was to increase the conversion of labelled proline into hydroxyproline.

In those experiments in which the hormonal factors were added to the incubation media, thyroxine and particularly insulin, increased the incorporation of 14C-proline into collagen. Somatotrophin decreased the incorporation of proline in these experiments, presumably by artifact reactions.
IMMUNOBIOLOGIC STUDIES ON THE MOLECULAR INDIVIDUALITY OF THYROTROPHIN AND LUTEINIZING HORMONE
Authors: Selenkow Herbert A. , Saravis Calvin A. , Garcia Antonio M.
Published: December 2008

Currently available preparations of thyrotrophin and luteinizing hormone contain biologically active and immunologically detectable quantities of both hormones. Several immunologic techniques correlated with biologic assay were used to determine whether bovine TSH and LH were each part of a single protein molecule or were two separate moieties. By studies of immunodiffusion, haemagglutination of sensitized erythrocytes and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis, it was shown that antibodies to TSH and LH appeared to be distinct and separable. It was further demonstrated that the biologic neutralizing capacity of antibodies to TSH were not measurably altered following removal of antibodies to LH. These studies favour the concept that TSH and LH are distinct and that antibodies to each can be separated from the other. These studies are also consistent with previous reports that TSH and LH are immunologically related and suggest the possibility that they might share a biologically active peptide »core«. The limitations of immunologic procedures and the difficulties inherent in currently available biologic assays of TSH and LH render premature any final statement on the separability or individuality of these hormones. Final confirmation must await chemical determinations of their individual structures.
EPIDEMIOLOGIC ASPECTS OF THYROTOXICOSIS
Authors: Greenwald Isidor
Published: December 2008

The rate of increase in the number of cases of thyrotoxicosis in Copenhagen and in all of Denmark rose at constant rates from 1931 to 1937 and at a rate of 49 or 50 per cent per year over the preceding year from 1941 to 1944.

Examination of the statistics of mortality show a regular shift to the older age groups. Analysis shows that the women 55 to 84 years old in 1956 to 1960, at which time they furnished 85 per cent of all deaths (of females) from thyrotoxicosis had, in 1941–1943, 1922–1924 and 1903–1912, been in the age group that furnished the greatest morbidity.

Two alternative but not mutually exclusive hypotheses are suggested. (1) The German occupation in 1941 to 1944 precipitated the appearance of symptoms of a disease that had long been dormant in a large number of women. (2) Refugees in the 1930's and the occupation in 1941 introduced one or more new strains of a »specific unknown agent of unknown nature« (Meulengracht).
EFFECT OF A SINGLE GLYCOCORTICOID INJECTION ON THE FIRST DAY OF LIFE IN RATS
Authors: Fachet J. , Palkovits M. , Vallent K. , Stark E.
Published: December 2008

A single large dose of glycocorticoid injected in the rat on the first day of life produces a fatal cachectic condition which is very similar to the wasting syndrome which follows post-neonatal thymectomy. After smaller doses the survival time is longer and the mortality rate is less. Body weights, weights of thymus, spleen and adrenals are lower in treated rats than in non-treated control littermates. So is the number of small lymphocytes in the peripheral blood and in the lymphoid organs.
ÉTUDE IN VITRO DU MÉTABOLISME DES HYDRATES DE CARBONE DANS LE LEUCOCYTE CIRCULANT DU COBAYE TRAITÉ À LA CORTISONE
Authors: Antonioli J. A. , Vannotti A.
Published: December 2008

1.

The metabolism of suspensions of circulating leucocytes has been studied after intramuscular injection of a dose of 50 mg/kg of a corticosteroid (cortisone acetate). The suspensions were incubated under aerobic conditions in the presence of a glucose concentration of 5.6 mm. Glucose consumption, lactate production, and variations in intracellular glycogen concentration were measured.

After the administration of the corticosteroid, the anabolic processes of granulocyte metabolism were reversibly stimulated. Glucose consumption and lactate production increased 12 hours after the injection, but tended to normalize after 24 hours. The glycogen content of the granulocytes was enhanced, and glycogen synthesis during the course of the incubation was greatly stimulated. The action of the administered corticosteroid is more prolonged in females than in males.

The injection of the corticosteroid caused metabolic modifications which resemble in their modulations and in their chronological development those found in circulating granulocytes of guinea-pigs suffering from sterile peritonitis. These results suggest, therefore, that, in the case of acute inflammation, the glucocorticosteroids may play an important role in the regulation of the metabolism of the blood leucocytes.
OVULATORY DISCHARGE OF GONADOTROPHINS INDUCED BY HYPOTHALAMIC STIMULATION IN CASTRATED MALE RATS BEARING A TRANSPLANTED OVARY
Authors: Moll J. , Zeilmaker G. H.
Published: December 2008

Castrated young adult inbred male rats bearing ovarian transplants were subjected to electrical stimulation of the hypothalamus. This was done in order to investigate whether discharge of ovulatory amounts of gonadotrophins could be induced in such male animals by this procedure. Bilateral stimulations with unipolar electrodes and a DC current of 1.5 mA applied during 10 seconds induced in the ovarian grafts histological changes indicating the discharge of ovulatory amounts of gonadotrophins. In animals killed one day after stimulation these changes consisted of displacement of the ova towards the centre of the follicles with loosening of the cumulus oophorus. In one animal the ova had left the follicles. In animals killed three days after stimulation numerous young corpora lutea could be observed. These results were obtained with electrode tips either close to the median eminence, or in the preoptic area. Shamstimulations were ineffective.

Some of the experimental animals received progesterone pretreatment. This rendered the stimulations ineffective, if continued until the day preceding stimulation, but seemed without effect on the results of stimulation, if two or three days without progesterone preceded the stimulations.
EFFECTS OF ADRENALECTOMY ON THE PARATHYROIDS IN NEPHRECTOMIZED RATS
Authors: Hansson C. Göran
Published: December 2008

Rat parathyroids were studied both after nephrectomy and after combined nephrectomy and adrenalectomy. As early as 24 hours after nephrectomy there were morphological indications of increased parathyroid activity in the form of increased glandular volume and enlarged cell nuclei. The corresponding changes after combined nephrectomy and adrenalectomy were less marked and the total serum calcium was higher than after nephrectomy only. These observations suggest that the adrenals could induce a change in calcium homeostasis opposite to that of the parathyroids.
THE EFFECTS OF MORPHINE AND OTHER NARCOTICS ON THYROID FUNCTION IN MICE
Authors: Redding Tommie W. , Bowers Cyril Y. , Schally Andrew V.
Published: December 2008

Several drugs from the morphine, pethidine and morphinan series were evaluated with respect to their action on the pituitary secretion of thyrotrophin (TSH). This action was measured by the release and the uptake of 131I by the thyroid gland of mice. Daily administration of 500 μg of morphine, codeine, dihydromorphinone, levorphan, dextrorphan or meperidine significantly depressed the uptake of 131I by the thyroid gland within five days. Single injections of 500 μg of either dihydromorphinone or levorphan increased the thyroidal uptake of 131I The thyroids of hypophysectomized mice, pretreated with 131I and thyroxine, failed to respond to injections of these drugs. Daily administration of these drugs for five days failed to change pituitary content of TSH from the control level, or to effect a change in the turn-over rate of exogenous radiothyroxine. These results suggest that these drugs do not exert direct action on the thyroid but act on thyroid function through their effect on the hypothalamus-pituitary axis.
A FLUORIMETRIC DETERMINATION OF UNCONJUGATED CORTISOL IN HUMAN URINE AFTER PAPER CHROMATOGRAPHY
Authors: Pal S. B.
Published: December 2008

A method for the estimation of unconjugated cortisol concentration in human urine is described. Using highly sensitive fluorimetric assay after paper chromatographic purification of cortisol, it is possible to quantitate the amount of endogenous cortisol excreted in 24 hours urine, after steroid suppression and corticotrophin stimulation (ACTH). According to this method, normal values (30 males and 30 females aged between 18–50 years) are 35.8–120 μg/24 hours; fluorimetric recoveries of cortisol from urine are 82.5–95.4% and radioactive recoveries are 74.8–88.6%. A trained person can perform 12 determinations in 5 working days.
THE MECHANISM IN INHIBITION OF OVULATION IN ORAL CONTRACEPTION. I.
Authors: Stamp J.
Published: December 2008

A review is given of previous investigations on the excretion of pituitary gonadotrophins during treatment with gestagens, oestrogens or the combination of both. In the present study 14 fertile, 7 menopausal, and 9 oophorectomized women were treated with 6-methyl-6-dehydro-17α-acetoxyprogesterone (megestrol acetate) + 17α-ethynyl-oestradiol-3-methyl-ether (mestranol) for a period of 3 to 61 weeks. The fertile women were given 5 mg of megestrol acetate + 0.1 mg of mestranol cyclically, and the menopausal and oophorectomized women were given the same dose of megestrol acetate + mestranol continuously. The excretion of total pituitary gonadotrophins was determined at short intervals during treatment and during the period following cessation of treatment. There was a significant suppression of the total pituitary gonadotrophins in 22 out of the 30 patients, and in 19 patients the excretion became undetectable. This marked suppression of total gonadotrophins occurred after 2 to 60 weeks of treatment (an average of 15 weeks). The gonadotrophin output reached pre-treatment levels 2 to 7 weeks (an average of 4 weeks) after the treatment was discontinued.
THE EFFECT OF LONG-TERM ADMINISTRATION OF CORTISOL AND SOME ANDROGENIC-ANABOLIC STEROIDS ON THE RAT ADRENALS
Authors: Linèt O. , Bartovà A.
Published: December 2008

The effect of administration of some androgenic-anabolic steroids, as well as of cortisol and a combination of these steroids on the rat adrenals was investigated. 19-nortestosterone phenylpropionate (NTPP), methandrostenolone (MA) and dimethylandrostanolone (DMA) in a daily dose of 2 mg/100 g did not affect the adrenal weight and the corticosterone content, while the cholesterol level decreased. Cortisol 2 mg/100 g/day caused atrophy of this organ, accompanied by a marked reduction in cholesterol, ascorbic acid and corticosterone. NTPP or MA combined with cortisol caused an increase in adrenal weight, while cholesterol and corticosterone remained unchanged. DMA produced a similar effect except that it did not affect the adrenal atrophy caused by the administration of cortisol. An increase in the ascorbic acid level was observed in the group of animals receiving NTPP and cortisol as compared with the group treated with cortisol alone. 1,2α-oxido-androstane-3,17-dione, a compound without any androgenic-anabolic properties, but possessing some anticorticoid activity, given in a daily dose of 300 μg/100 g, normalized the cholesterol level in adrenals when combined with cortisol, but did not affect the decreased corticosterone level, caused by cortisol.
STUDIES ON THE ESTIMATION OF URINARY PREGNANETRIOL DURING PREGNANCY AND CHILDHOOD
Authors: Harkness R. A. , Love D. N.
Published: December 2008

The excretion of pregnanetriol in the urine of pregnant women was investigated using a modified method based upon the oxidation of pregnanetriol to aetiocholanolone with sodium metaperiodate. The Zimmermann reaction was then employed to estimate the aetiocholanolone produced. The reliability criteria of the present method have been investigated. The increased specificity of the method enables a more accurate estimate to be made of urinary pregnanetriol in pregnancy. An increase in the urinary levels of the compound occurred after the 30th week of pregnancy reaching a maximum at about the 36th to 37th week. The present method has also been applied to the urine of a small number of children as well as adult men and women. Studies on 2 adrenalectomized men and on a pregnant adrenalectomized woman suggest that the testes and the foeto-placental unit may be sources of the precursors of urinary pregnanetriol.
INDUCTION OF DECIDUOMA IN RABBITS: THE EFFECT OF DOSE OF PROGESTERONE, TIME OF TRAUMA, NATURE OF TRAUMA AND ROLE PLAYED BY OESTROGENS
Authors: Elton Richard L.
Published: December 2008

The role played by progesterone, type of uterine trauma, and time of uterine trauma on deciduogencsis was investigated in immature oestrogen primed rabbits. Progesterone, administered alone, in daily doses of 8 or 16 mg produced the most consistent hormonal support of the uterine response. Traumatization of the uteri mechanically, with a silk thread placed in the lumen of the uterus on the 7th or 8th days of progesterone treatment, was the most effective stimulus for initiating the decidual response followed by chemical stimuli. Essentially no decidual responses were obtained when the uteri were traumatized after the 9th day of progesterone treatment.

Increasing the amount of oestrogen during the priming period or during the first 5 days, or for 14 days, along with progesterone did not increase the time period during which deciduoma could be stimulated. Administration of oestrogen from the 10th to 14th day permitted DCR in uteri traumatized on the 10th day of progesterone treatment. Possible mechanisms to explain this effect were discussed.
THE RELATIONSHIP OF GONADOTROPHIN EXCRETION TO OVULATION DURING THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE
Authors: Bell E. T. , Mukerji S. , Loraine J. A. , Lunn S. F.
Published: December 2008

Serial determinations of urinary gonadotrophins, oestrogens and pregnanediol have been performed in one cycle from each of seven normally menstruating women. In all cycles there was evidence of ovulation as judged by steroid excretion although the actual time at which this event occurred varied considerably between individuals.

Assays of »total gonadotrophic activity« by the mouse uterus test were conducted in two subjects. In only one woman was a midcycle peak noted. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) was measured in five cycles. In four, levels tended to be higher at midcycle than at any other time although a definite peak of excretion was noted in only two of these. In the fifth subject FSH excretion was relatively constant throughout the period of investigation.

Luteinising hormone (LH) was estimated in four cycles. In two a definite peak of excretion occurred but in only one was this closely associated with ovulation. In the remaining two women the midcycle LH peak was less pronounced.

No definite correlation could be demonstrated between the excretion of FSH, LH and »total gonadotrophic activity« on the one hand and urinary steroid output on the other.
EFFECT OF STEROIDS AND COFACTORS ON THE ACTIVITY AND STABILITY OF HUMAN PLACENTAL GLUTAMATE DEHYDROGENASE
Authors: Peterson Dale M. , Warren James C.
Published: December 2008

Glutamate dehydrogenase (EC 1. 4. 1. 3.) has been purified approximately 3700 fold from human placenta. The effects of sex hormones and co-factors on the activity and stability of this preparation have been studied. NAD+ was noted to activate this enzyme at high concentrations while NADP+ did not. Mg2+ was shown to be a competitive activator of glutamate with NADP+ as cofactor and an uncompetitive inhibitor of glutamate with NAD+ as cofactor. With NAD+ as cofactor, steroids at concentrations physiological for placenta had no effect on activity while significant inhibition of initial velocity by 1.0 μm oestrone and 17β-oestradiol and 2.0 μm progesterone was seen with NADP+ as co-factor. The stability of the enzyme was uneffected by several steroids alone at 20 μm concentrations. The stability of the enzyme was markedly decreased by NADPH but natural steroids at physiological concentrations failed to potentiate this cofactor induced instability. Mg2+ ion, ATP and ADP at physiological concentrations, on the other hand, clearly protect the enzyme against NADPH. These observations militate against steroid effects on stability but do not exclude steroid inhibition of activity with NADP+ as cofactor as a possible mechanism of steroid action, at least in placenta.
RESPONSE OF THE ADRENAL CORTEX DURING EXCHANGE TRANSFUSION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE LOW CORTISOL/CORTISONE RATIO IN THE NEONATAL PERIOD
Authors: Buus Ole , Bro-Rasmussen Frede , Trolle Dyre , Lundwall F.
Published: December 2008

By means of a specific isotope technique the individual corticosteroids were determined in the blood samples successively collected during an exchange transfusion.

It is shown that in five infants the adrenal cortex responds by a marked increase in the plasma cortisol concentration. The cortisone concentration is almost constant during the exchange transfusion, but is essentially higher than in normal adults.

Our earlier investigations have shown that the cortisol/cortisone ratio in the mother at the time of delivery is about 11, while it is 0.7 in the infant. During the exchange transfusion an increase is seen in the ratio caused by the increase in cortisol concentration.

In the course of some hours after termination of the exchange transfusion the cortisol/cortisone ratio again falls to a value near that observed before the exchange transfusion.
IMMUNOASSAY OF HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHIN
Authors: Brody Sam
Published: December 2008

The assay of human chorionic gonadotrophin by means of a quantitative graded-response procedure based on complement fixation has been described in detail. The unit of 50% haemolysis (C′H50) has been applied. Only 2.5 C′H50 units have been used. The advantage of such balanced amounts of complement as compared with multiple C′H50 units has been discussed.

Human chorionic gonadotrophin in a number of serum samples has been estimated against a reference standard by means of four-point assays and the results have been submitted to statistical analysis according to the principle of orthogonal contrasts. Several indices of precision were computed to evaluate the precision of the method.

A comparison of these indices of precision with those characterizing several highly precise bioassay procedures is presented.
CLINICAL EXPERIENCE WITH PRIMARY HYPERPARATHYROIDISM: EVALUATION OF TREATMENT
Authors: Goldsmith Richard E. , Zalme Elisabeth , Weinstein Aaron S.
Published: December 2008

Forty-four patients with »operatively proven« hyperparathyroidism were evaluated to decide 1) whether or not the diagnosis could be substantiated by some postoperative observations other than the gross anatomic diagnosis of the operative specimen and 2) what the long term value of operative treatment would be. It was found that an immediate and significant fall in urinary phosphorus excretion best documented the diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism. Over intervals up to 10 years, follow-up of the patients suggested a favourable response of the disease to operative treatment.
PLACENTAL TRANSFER OF INSULIN-131I IN GUINEA PIGS IMMUNIZED AGAINST INSULIN
Authors: Thorell Jan I.
Published: December 2008

The placenta is considered to be impermeable or only slightly permeable to insulin. Insulin antibodies are transferred from mother to foetus in man and in guinea pigs. The passage of insulin-131I from mother to foetus was studied in guinea pigs with and without antibodies against insulin. Antibody-bound insulin-131I was recovered in plasma from foetuses of immunized pregnant guinea pigs, at intervals of more than 5 hours after the injection of insulin-131I to the mother. The foetal levels of insulin-131I were rather low, the highest recorded value being 27% of the maternal plasma concentration. This peak was reached 32 hours after the injection. No insulin-131I was found in the foetuses of non-immunized guinea pigs.