bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PROGESTERONE CONCENTRATIONS IN THE ARTERIAL PLASMA OF GUINEA-PIGS DURING THE OESTROUS CYCLE
Authors: FEDER H. H. , RESKO J. A. , GOY R. W.
Published: December 2008

The quantities of circulating progesterone and its 20-dihydro metabolites in cyclic female guinea-pigs were estimated by gas chromatography with electron capture detection. Forty-four animals were divided into 13 groups of approximately equal size according to stage of the oestrous cycle. The day on which a lordosis response could be elicited was designated Day 0 of the cycle. In the first few hours of sexual receptivity on Day 0 progesterone levels were 0·36 ± 0·07 μg./100 ml. arterial plasma. The ovaries were pre-ovulatory at this stage. After 5 to 12 hr. of behavioural receptivity progesterone levels dropped to 0·04 ± 0·01 μg./100 ml. plasma, and at the termination of receptivity (just after ovulation) progesterone was almost completely undetectable.

The concentration of progesterone increased gradually after ovulation reaching a peak about Day 9 (0·30 ± 0·05 μg./100 ml. plasma) and then fell to undetectable levels by Day 15. The 20-dihydro metabolites of progesterone were not present in significant quantities at any stage of the cycle.

It is concluded that in guinea-pigs a surge of progesterone occurs approximately 8 to 12 hr. before ovulation and coincides with the onset of oestrous behaviour. The plasma concentration of progesterone at this pre-ovulatory stage is at least as high as that measured at any point during the luteal phase.
DISAPPEARANCE OF HISTOCHEMICALLY-DEMONSTRABLE ADENOSINE TRIPHOSPHATASE AND OF PAS-REACTIVE BASEMENT MEMBRANES IN BLOOD VESSELS IN THE DECIDUA DURING OVUM IMPLANTATION IN MICE
Authors: HALL KATHLEEN
Published: December 2008

Histochemical studies were made of the endometrial blood vessels before and after normal implantation of blastocysts in intact mice and delayed implantation in pregnant, spayed, hormone-treated mice.

Adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity was investigated by the calcium method of Padykula and Herman and the lead method of Wachstein and Meisel, controlled by inclusion of inhibitors and by substitution of other substrates. Paraffin sections were subjected to the periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) technique.

In the endothelium of endometrial blood vessels intense ATPase staining occurred on days 2 to 5 in intact mice and until at least day 9 in spayed mice injected with progesterone alone (no implantation), and in the non-decidual areas after normal (day 6) or induced (days 7–9) implantation. The reaction appeared to be localized in the endothelial plasma membranes, mainly in the basal membrane. The basement membranes of these vessels reacted strongly with PAS.

Within decidual tissue at the implantation sites in both intact and spayed mice ATPase activity was completely absent from all blood vessels. The basement membranes of these vessels gave no reaction with PAS. There was close correlation in distribution and time of appearance between absence of ATPase activity and differentiation of alkaline phosphatase-reactive decidual cells.

The specificity of the vascular reaction with ATP is considered in the light of its behaviour towards enzyme inhibitors and other substrates, and the significance of its disappearance in decidual blood vessels is discussed.
A COMPARISON OF THE METABOLISM IN VITRO OF [7α-3H] DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE SULPHATE AND [4-14C] PREGNENOLONE BY TISSUE FROM A HILUS CELL TUMOUR OF THE OVARY
Authors: FAHMY D. , GRIFFITHS K. , TURNBULL A. C. , SYMINGTON T.
Published: December 2008

Tissue from a hilus cell tumour of an ovary removed from a 58-yr.-old virilized woman was incubated simultaneously with [7α-3H]dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHA sulphate) and [4-14C]pregnenolone. The tissue was chopped and incubated in Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate glucose medium without the addition of cofactors. Both steroids were efficiently metabolized by the tissue; 78·5 and 1·2% of the pregnenolone was converted to androstenedione and testosterone respectively, whereas 34·6% of the incubated DHA sulphate was isolated in the carrier DHA, 41·4% in the androstenedione and 0·5% in the testosterone.
RECOVERY FROM X-RAY IRRADIATION INJURY DURING DELAYED IMPLANTATION IN THE RAT
Authors: HOOVERMAN LOIS L. , MEYER R. K. , WOLF R. C.
Published: December 2008

Whole body X-ray irradiation was administered to rats during experimentally delayed implantation. The effects of a short (1-day) and a long (9-day) interval between irradiation and the induction of implantation were studied.

When one day intervened between irradiation and the induction of implantation, foetal survival decreased with each increase in dose (200–500 r.) and the weights of surviving foetuses were significantly lower than those of the non-irradiated controls.

Foetal survival in rats with a 9-day interval between irradiation and the induction of implantation was not significantly different from that of the controls. Foetal weight was lower than that of non-irradiated controls but greater than that of rats with only a 1-day interval.

It is concluded that the 9-day interval between irradiation and the induction of implantation allows time for repair of irradiation injury.
CELLULAR BEHAVIOUR OF THE VAGINAL EPITHELIUM TREATED WITH TESTOSTERONE PROPIONATE ALONE AND IN COMBINATION WITH DIETHYLSTILBOESTROL
Authors: LADINSKY J. L. , GRUCHOW H. W. , PECKHAM B. M.
Published: December 2008

The kinetics of the vaginal epithelium and changes in vaginal epithelial thickness of ovariectomized female rats under the influence of various doses of testosterone propionate alone and in combination with 0·1 μg. diethylstilboestrol were studied. Testosterone propionate alone in the range of doses used had no effect on cell proliferation, yet the thickness of the vaginal epithelium increased due to mucification resulting in increased cell size. Testosterone propionate in the presence of 0·1 μg. diethylstilboestrol completely antagonized the proliferative effect of the oestrogen. However, the changes of the vaginal epithelial thickness in response to the oestrogen—androgen combination showed no evidence of antagonism, the effects being additive with a synergistic response within the narrow dose response range of 50 to 100 μg. testosterone propionate in the presence of 0·1 μg. diethylstilboestrol. The thickness determinations showed that oestrogen was not inhibited by testosterone, but sustained its action by a mucification effect.
THE INCORPORATION OF TRITIATED URIDINE IN THE UTERUS AND VAGINA OF THE MOUSE DURING EARLY PREGNANCY
Authors: MILLER B. G. , OWEN W. H. , EMMENS C. W.
Published: December 2008

In the uterus of pregnant mice an increase in uptake of tritiated uridine occurs between days 2 and 3 of pregnancy, followed by a further increase from day 4 onwards. Uridine uptake changes in the same manner in pseudopregnant mice up to day 4, but thereafter declines to a minimum at day 6. The non-pregnant horn of the unilaterally pregnant mouse shows the same changes as the uterus of the pseudopregnant mouse. The results suggest that implantation occurs during a period of declining ovarian stimulation of the uterus and that the increased uptake of uridine in pregnant mice is stimulated locally by implantation.
ASSESSMENT OF OVARIAN SECRETION OF OESTROGEN DURING THE OESTROUS CYCLE BY THE USE OF BIOLOGICAL CRITERIA
Authors: BARNEA AYALLA , GERSHONOWITZ T. , SHELESNYAK M. C.
Published: December 2008

Adult female rats were ovariectomized at various stages of the oestrous cycle; configuration of the vaginal smear and uterine wet weights were determined at various time-intervals after operation.

The results suggested that oestrogen secretion is lowest at oestrus and metoestrus, increases gradually during dioestrus, and continues until the evening of pro-oestrus; progesterone is secreted on the afternoon and evening of pro-oestrus.
THE ROLE OF PROGESTERONE IN THE BIOSYNTHESIS OF CORTISOL IN HUMAN ADRENAL TISSUE
Authors: CAMERON E. H. D. , BEYNON M. A. , GRIFFITHS K.
Published: December 2008

The ability of cells from the zona fasciculata and the zona reticularis of the human adrenal cortex to transform labelled pregnenolone and progesterone to cortisol in vitro was investigated. Examination of the 3H:14C ratios of 16α-hydroxyprogesterone, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, 11-deoxycorticosterone and cortisol formed during incubations in vitro suggested that the role of progesterone in the transformation of pregnenolone to cortisol might be a relatively minor one.

An attempt was subsequently made to estimate the relative importance of the biosynthetic pathway to cortisol by way of progesterone in hyperplastic adrenal tissue by a mathematical approach.
CHANGES IN THE SIALIC ACID CONTENT OF THE ACCESSORY GLANDS OF THE MALE RAT
Authors: RAJALAKSHMI M. , PRASAD M. R. N.
Published: December 2008

Sialic acid is secreted by the testis, epididymis, ductus deferens and Cowper's gland of the male albino rat. Castration results in a considerable reduction in the sialic acid content of these organs. Androgen administration to castrated rats elevates the sialic acid levels in Cowper's gland to control values, while that of the other organs is only partially restored. This is probably due to the presence of spermatozoa in the epididymis in the control animals and is supported by the decreased values of sialic acid in animals with ligatures. The physiological integrity of the epididymal canal and Cowper's gland is thus dependent on the circulating levels of androgen.
THE LOCALIZATION OF ADRENALINE-RICH MEDULLARY CHROMAFFIN CELLS ADJACENT TO THE ADRENAL CORTEX
Authors: RUBIN R. P. , COHEN M. S. , HARMAN S. M. , ROER E. M.
Published: December 2008

The residual catecholamine content of the cat adrenal gland after the removal of much of the medulla contained a significantly higher percentage of adrenaline than that of the excised medulla. Fluorescent and phase microscopy showed that in these glands a layer of medullary tissue adjacent to the cortex still remained. The high concentration of adrenaline in chromaffin cells nearest to cortical tissue provides further evidence for the theory that the adrenal cortex acts to facilitate the formation of adrenaline from noradrenaline in the medulla.
PROGESTERONE LEVELS IN THE ARTERIAL PLASMA OF PRE-OVULATORY AND OVARIECTOMIZED RATS
Authors: FEDER H. H. , RESKO J. A. , GOY R. W.
Published: December 2008

The concentrations of progesterone and 20α-hydroxypregn-4-en-3-one in the systemic circulation of 5-day cyclic rats were estimated by gas—liquid chromatography with electron capture detection. Behavioural receptivity (lordosis) was the criterion taken to mark the start of the oestrous cycle. Progesterone levels were highest during the pre-ovulatory period when lordosis was being displayed (3·11 ± 0·41 μg./100 ml. plasma). Several hours later, at the end of the receptive period, the progesterone concentration had declined to 1·18 ± 0·24 μg./100 ml. plasma. Except for a small mid-cycle increase the concentrations throughout the remainder of the oestrous cycle remained below this level until the morning of expected behavioural receptivity, when they rose to 2·14 ± 1·15 μg./100 ml. plasma. The concentration of 20α-hydroxypregn-4-en-3-one did not vary significantly with the cycle.

After ovariectomy, the 20α-dihydro metabolite disappeared from the circulation within 48 hr. Progesterone, however, was measurable in the plasma even 25 days after ovariectomy. After ovariectomy and adrenalectomy, progesterone was undetectable within 8 hr. It was concluded that under anaesthesia and surgical stress the rat adrenal may release significant amounts of progesterone.
OVARIAN ACTIVITY IN TESTOSTERONE-STERILIZED FEMALE RATS UNDER CONTINUOUS ILLUMINATION
Authors: COLOMBO J. A.
Published: December 2008

Four-day-old female rats were injected subcutaneously with 1·25 mg. testosterone propionate. Some of these rats were divided into two groups when 10–13 days old and others when mature. One group of each age was placed under periodic illumination (p.i.) and the others under continuous illumination (c.i.). Animals undergoing c.i. when immature showed no significant differences concerning the appearance of first oestrus or ovarian or uterine relative weights when compared with the p.i. group on the 60th day of life. Similarly, no differences could be observed in ovarian and uterine absolute and relative weights between the c.i. and the p.i. groups during adult life. The possible mechanisms involved in this phenomenon are discussed.
A RAPID METHOD FOR ESTIMATING OESTROGENS IN URINE USING A SEMI-AUTOMATIC EXTRACTOR
Authors: BROWN J. B. , MacLEOD S. C. , MACNAUGHTAN CAROLINE , SMITH MARGERY A. , SMYTH BARBARA
Published: December 2008

A semi-automatic extractor was developed which processes 12 urines at a time to a stage where 'total' oestrogens can be measured by colorimetry using the Kober reaction (late pregnancy urines) or by fluorimetry using the Kober—Ittrich procedure (non-pregnancy and early pregnancy urines). One worker can complete 12 analyses in 3½ hr. or 24–36 in a working day. The results obtained at oestrogen levels above 1 mg./24-hr. urine were the same as those obtained by a method specific for oestriol. The results obtained from non-pregnancy urines were compared with the sums of oestriol, oestrone and oestradiol obtained by the method of Brown (1955). The mean ratio (± s.d.) of the two values was 1·22 ± 0·31. The comparisons indicated that the short procedure was the more reliable method at levels below 5 μg./24-hr. urine. Values for normal subjects are given. The methods appear to be entirely suitable for assessing oestrogen production by the ovaries, testes, adrenals and placenta.
ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF 20α-HYDROXY-5β-PREGNAN-3-ONE FROM URINE OF PREGNANT WOMEN: GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY OF PREGNANOLONES AND PREGNANEDIOLS
Authors: van der MOLEN H. J. , GROEN D. , ROMMERTS F. F. G. , VAN DER MAAS J. H.
Published: December 2008

20α-Hydroxy-5β-pregnan-3-one was isolated from the extracts of enzyme or acid-hydrolysed pregnancy urine using various chromatographic procedures including gas chromatography Identification of the steroid was based upon: (1) behaviour of the free and acetylated compound, and of the products, following stereospecific enzymatic oxidations, during gas chromatography on different stationary phases, and (2) infrared spectrometry of the compound collected after gas chromatography. The gas-chromatographic behaviour of the isomers of 3-hydroxypregnan-20-one, 20-hydroxypregnan3-one and pregnane-3,20-diol and their acetates is reported.
REGULATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF PLASMA CALCIUM AND INORGANIC PHOSPHATE IN THE EUROPEAN EEL (ANGUILLA ANGUILLA L.)
Authors: CHAN D. K. O. , JONES I. CHESTER
Published: December 2008

The amounts of ionized, complexed and protein-bound calcium and total inorganic phosphate were measured in the plasma of the eel. Groups comprised freshwater, seawater and distilled water eels; treatment with corticotrophin (ACTH), cortisol, aldosterone or oestrogen; adrenalectomized and hypophysectomized eels and those with the corpuscles of Stannius removed. In the intact animal, the amounts of ultrafiltrable and ionic calcium and inorganic phosphate in the plasma were very constant despite wide variation in the electrolyte composition of the external medium. In the freshwater eel, 1 week after removal of the corpuscles of Stannius, there was a rise in the level of ultrafiltrable calcium and a decline in that of inorganic phosphate. At 3 weeks after operation, although total calcium concentration remained elevated, ultrafiltrable and ionic calcium concentrations returned to control values. Adrenalectomy and hypophysectomy of the freshwater eel resulted in a decline in total calcium concentration with change in the levels of ultrafiltrable calcium or inorganic phosphate. In the seawater eel, adrenalectomy or removal of the corpuscles of Stannius resulted in an increase in total and ultrafiltrable calcium concentrations. Injection of ACTH, cortisol or aldosterone did not affect calcium concentrations but gave a slight decline in inorganic phosphate levels. Injection of oestrogen increased total calcium concentration without affecting ultrafiltrable or ionic calcium concentrations. The relationship of the amounts of ultrafiltrable calcium and inorganic phosphate to the solubility product [ultrafiltrable calcium] × [phosphate] is discussed and attention drawn to the importance of protein-binding in calcium homeostasis.
THE EFFECT OF TESTOSTERONE OR OESTRADIOL UPON THE SEXUAL AND ASSOCIATED BEHAVIOUR OF THE ADULT FEMALE RHESUS MONKEY
Authors: TRIMBLE M. R. , HERBERT J.
Published: December 2008

The effect on sexual behaviour of testosterone propionate (1, 5 or 25 mg./day) or oestradiol monobenzoate (50 μg./day) administered to ovariectomized female rhesus monkeys was studied in the laboratory in six females and three males. One milligram testosterone increased the frequency with which the females 'presented' to the males—that is, invited them to mount. But the proportion of these presentations effective in stimulating the male, and the males' sexual activity, remained low. Oestradiol had a similar, but lesser, effect on the females' behaviour but resulted in marked stimulation of the males' mounting activity, and increased the sexual response of the males to the females' sexual presentations. Larger doses of testosterone had a decreasing effect upon the females' presentations, but increased their aggression towards the males; some females became progressively less receptive to the males' attempts to mount. The effects of these hormones on behaviour and on the females' vaginal smears, sexual skins and clitorides were compared. These studies did not finally establish the site of action of administered hormone, but suggested that testosterone may have stimulated the females' receptivity by an action mainly on their central nervous systems, whereas oestrogen increased their sexual attractiveness to the male principally by an action on their genitalia.
SECRETION OF C19-STEROIDS AND OESTROGENS IN THE POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME: PRODUCTION AND SECRETION RATES MEASURED BY ISOTOPE DILUTION IN URINE
Authors: JEFFCOATE S. L. , BROOKS R. V. , LONDON D. R. , SMITH P. M. , SPATHIS G. S. , PRUNTY F. T. G.
Published: December 2008

C19-steroids, testosterone and oestrogen production rates have been measured simultaneously by urinary isotope dilution in a group of 18 patients with polycystic ovaries and in two normal women.

The production of total C19-steroids remained high in seven patients under dexamethasone suppression, suggesting a major ovarian contribution. In eight it did not remain high, suggesting a major adrenal contribution.

The rate of testosterone production was usually normal under dexamethasone. The rate of oestrogen production was not subnormal and even occasionally raised.

Ovarian wedge resection produced a good clinical response in 75% of the observations, and C19-steroid production fell. The latter was not so evident if there was no clinical response. Testosterone production was usually reduced. Oestrogen production rate changed irregularly.

Administration of human pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone caused a concurrent increase in C19-steroids, testosterone and oestrogen production in four out of five patients.

The inadequacy of the urinary isotope dilution technique, in attempting to measure testosterone secretion and interconversion of testosterone and androstenedione in these patients, has been stressed and discussed.

Some correlations have been established with direct observations on ovarian steroid metabolism in certain patients reported elsewhere.
THE EFFECT OF PROPYLTHIOURACIL AND 131I ON RAT THYROID CHROMOSOMES
Authors: SPEIGHT J. W. , BABA W. I. , WILSON G. M.
Published: December 2008

Rat chromosomes prepared from thyroid cells grown in culture did not differ from those described for other tissues of this species. The incidence of thyroid cells with abnormal chromosomes was not increased by giving propylthiouracil to rats for 15 weeks.

The thyroid chromosomes were damaged by injection of 1–25 μc of 131I. The damage persisted in the unstimulated thyroid for 15 weeks.

Administration of propylthiouracil to rats after 131I caused significant reduction in the frequency of thyroid cells with radiation-damaged chromosomes.
SOME EFFECTS OF UNILATERAL CRYPTORCHISM AND VASECTOMY ON SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE PUBESCENT RAM AND BULL
Authors: SKINNER J. D. , ROWSON L. E. A.
Published: December 2008

The effects of cryptorchism were studied in pubescent lambs and calves by rendering the animals unilaterally cryptorchid soon after birth. The testis, epididymis, vas deferens and ampulla were smaller on the cryptorchid side but there was no difference as regards the seminal vesicles or bulbourethral glands. The histological appearance of the cryptorchid testis resembled that of the prepuberal normal testis; gonocytes survived in the cryptorchid testis for 16 weeks, but the supporting cells did not differentiate into Sertoli cells. When cryptorchid testes were returned to the scrotum after 8 weeks, some recovery of spermatogenesis was evident 8 weeks later, and testicular androgen concentration appeared to be normal again. In the cryptorchid testis there was a decrease in Δ5-3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity and lipid content in the interstitial cells. In lambs, the absolute content of testicular androgen but not the concentration was reduced about ten times; the lower content could therefore be accounted for by the reduced size of the gonad. In the calf androstenedione remained the predominant androgen in cryptorchid testes up to 16 weeks of age but not in a testis cryptorchid for 16 weeks, from 32–48 weeks of age. The ampulla on the cryptorchid side was not only smaller, but contained also less fructose and citric acid; a similar effect could be produced by vasectomy. Presumably some testosterone must normally pass along the vas deferens into the testicular fluid and influence in this way the development of the ampulla.
PREMATURE AFTER INFUSION OF CORTISOL INTO PARTURITION CORTICOTROPHIN OR FOETAL LAMBS
Authors: LIGGINS G. C.
Published: December 2008

Continuous and prolonged administration of corticotrophin (ACTH) to single foetal lambs at gestational ages of 88–129 days was followed by parturition on the 4th–7th day of the infusion. At birth, the foetal adrenal glands weighed at least as much as those of normal lambs at term. Infusions of cortisol into the foetus at a rate of 50 mg./24 hr. was followed by premature parturition within 5 days. Prolonged administration of the same doses of ACTH or cortisol to pregnant ewes and of oestradiol-17β to a foetus did not cause parturition. These observations indicate that the pituitary-adrenal system of the foetus may play an active part in the initiation of parturition in the ewe.
INDUCTION OF OVULATION IN SHEEP BY INTRA-ADENOHYPOPHYSIAL INFUSION OF HYPOTHALAMIC EXTRACTS
Authors: DOMÁNSKI E. , KOCHMAN K.
Published: December 2008

The follicle-stimulating hormone releasing factor (FSH-RF) and luteinizing hormone-releasing factor (LH-RF) activity in sheep hypothalamic extracts and their action on the release of gonadotrophins from the pituitary gland has been studied by the infusion of extracts of the stalk and median eminence (SME) directly into the adenohypophysis of ewes in various phases of their non-cycling quiescent sexual period. The intra-adenohypophysial infusion of hypothalamic extracts during mid-anoestrus elicited no ovarian response, while similar infusion of the same extracts in the late phase of anoestrus, e.g. in the last 2–4 weeks before the onset of the breeding season, induced the growth and rupture of ovarian follicles as well as development of corpora lutea. This ovulatory response provides indirect but strong evidence for the ability of hypothalamic extracts to release gonadotrophins (FSH as well as LH) from the pituitary gland. The seasonal differences in the response of ewes to intra-adenohypophysial infusions of hypothalamic extracts suggest that the sensitivity of the adenohypophysis to the hypothalamic releasing factors varies during the year.
ADRENAL FUNCTION IN BREAST CANCER: THE DISTRIBUTION OF CORTISOL IN PATIENTS WITH EARLY OR ADVANCED BREAST CANCER AND IN NORMAL WOMEN
Authors: JENSEN V. , DESHPANDE N. , BULBROOK R. D. , DOOUSS T. W.
Published: December 2008

The distribution of cortisol in patients with early or advanced breast cancer and in controls was studied, using a two-compartment model for analysis. The patients with advanced breast cancer had significantly raised pool sizes. There were no significant differences in the ratio of two pools found for patients and controls. This suggests that there are no abnormalities in the transfer processes.

There was a significant correlation between the exit rate from the intravascular pool and the production rate of cortisol, showing that there is no major extrahepatic metabolism of this hormone in both controls and in breast-cancer patients.
THE EFFECT OF A HIGH-FAT DIET ON GLUCOSE, INSULIN SENSITIVITY AND PLASMA INSULIN IN RATS
Authors: BLÁZQUEZ E. , QUIJADA C. LOPEZ
Published: December 2008

The influence of the diet on the levels of insulin was studied in rats on a high-fat diet. Plasma and glucose insulin concentrations of a control group and of rats on a high-fat diet were compared, and so was the insulin concentration in the pancreas of the two groups.

The mean plasma insulin concentration in the control group was 40 μ-u./ml. and that of insulin extracted from the pancreas was 2·5 μg./100 mg. tissue; plasma glucose was 156 mg./100 ml.

The animals fed on a high-fat diet showed diabetic features. The mean plasma insulin level was 9 μ-u./ml., and plasma glucose increased to 210 mg./100 ml. The insulin concentration in the pancreas was not significantly different from that in the controls. In vitro the epididymal fat and the diaphragm of the high-fat-diet group were less sensitive to insulin than the same tissues in the control group.
INFLUENCE OF RESERPINE ON THE PITUITARY CONTENT OF MELANOCYTE-STIMULATING HORMONE AND ON HYPOTHALAMIC FACTORS WHICH AFFECT ITS RELEASE
Authors: TOMATIS MARIA E. , TALEISNIK S.
Published: December 2008

The melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) content of whole toad pituitary glands decreased upon treatment with reserpine. With daily injections the values remained low for 1 week but regained normal levels after 2 weeks in spite of an increased secretion of MSH as indicated by darkening of the skin. In rats a drop in pituitary MSH content also occurred after reserpine injection but normal values were found after 7 and 14 days of treatment.

MSH-releasing factor found in stalk-median eminence tissue of normal male rats was not present in the reserpine-injected animals, but after 7 days of treatment an increase in MSH-release-inhibiting factor (MSH-R-IF) was demonstrated. MSH-R-IF was also found to have increased in female castrated rats after 2 days of treatment with reserpine.

It is concluded that reserpine permits the secretion of pituitary MSH by blocking the release of MSH-R-IF, which accumulates in the hypothalamic neurones.
CROSS-REACTION IN RADIOIMMUNOASSAY BETWEEN HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHIN AND PLASMA FROM VARIOUS SPECIES
Authors: BAGSHAWE K. D. , ORR A. HILARY , GODDEN JENNIFER
Published: December 2008

Radioimmunological cross-reactions between human chorionic gonadotrophin and heterologous plasma and pituitary extracts from various species have been examined. Where serial dilutions of a sample do not yield a curve parallel with similar dilutions of the reference standard, quantitative estimations are not possible, but relative potencies can be determined. Such relative potencies against purified heterologous gonadotrophins may be useful for the study of species whose gonadotrophins have not been purified adequately for isotopic labelling in a species-specific radioimmunoassay.
METABOLISM OF [14C]NORGESTREL IN MAN
Authors: LITTLETON P. , FOTHERBY K. , DENNIS K. J.
Published: December 2008

[14C]Norgestrel was administered to seven human subjects and 43% of dose was excreted in the urine within 5 days; the biological half-life of the radioactivity was 24 hr. Enzymic hydrolysis released only 32% of the the urinary radioactivity and a further 25% was excreted as sulphate conjugates. The metabolites excreted in the urine were much less polar than those following the administration of the related compounds, norethisterone or lynestrenol. The 3αOH,5β and 3βOH,5β isomers of the tetrahydronorgestrel (13β-ethyl-17α-ethynyl-5β-gonane-3α,17β-diol) were isolated from urine and identified by mass spectrometry and thin-layer and gas—liquid chromatography. Plasma radioactivity decreased more rapidly than after the administration of norethisterone and lynestrenol. About 2% of the administered dose was converted to acidic compounds. There was no apparent difference in the rate of excretion of radioactivity or in the metabolites after either oral or intravenous administration of norgestrel.
STUDY OF THE SPECIFICITY OF THE STEROID-BINDING β-GLOBULIN IN HUMAN PLASMA
Authors: HEYNS W. , van BAELEN H. , De MOOR P.
Published: December 2008

The specificity of the steroid-binding β-globulin obtained from pregnancy plasma was studied by comparing the [6,7-3H]oestradioldisplacing effect of various steroids in a system consisting of a solution of the protein and Sephadex G-10. It seems that steroid binding is not limited to oestradiol or to testosterone but that most 17β-hydroxysteroids are bound to a similar degree.
RADIOAUTOGRAPHIC STUDIES ON THE LOCALIZATION OF 125I-LABELLED HUMAN LUTEINIZING AND GROWTH HORMONE IN IMMATURE MALE RATS
Authors: DE KRETSER D. M. , CATT K. J. , BURGER H. G. , SMITH G. C.
Published: December 2008

Twenty-day-old male rats were injected intraperitoneally with either human luteinizing hormone (HLH) or human growth hormone (HGH) labelled with 125I. The localization of these hormones 1–2 hr. after injection was examined under the light microscope after radioautography.

Major sites of localization of labelled LH were the interstitial cells of the testis and the proximal convoluted tubule of the kidney. Some hormone was also present in adipose tissue, hepatic parenchymal cells, the mesothelial lining of the peritoneum and underlying macrophages. HGH was localized principally in the proximal convoluted tubule of the kidney with some hormone present in liver, adipose tissue, and the suprarenal cortex.
PLASMA AND TISSUE INSULIN CONCENTRATIONS IN FOETAL AND POSTNATAL RABBITS
Authors: MILNER R. D. G.
Published: December 2008

Tissue and plasma insulin concentrations were measured in foetal and postnatal rabbits. Insulin was detected in 18-day foetuses and pancreatic insulin concentrations from the 22nd day of foetal life onwards were similar to one another. Insulin was detected in foetal plasma from the earliest time that foetal blood could be collected: 20 days. Foetal plasma insulin levels did not change significantly with the length of gestation but maternal levels were lower on day 30 than on day 20. There was a positive maternofoetal plasma insulin gradient on day 20 and a negative gradient on day 30.
EFFECT OF OVARIAN STEROIDS AND NEUROHYPOPHYSIAL HORMONES ON THE OVIDUCT OF THE VIVIPAROUS LIZARD, KLAUBERINA RIVERSIANA
Authors: LaPOINTE J. L.
Published: December 2008

Arginine vasotocin was consistently more potent than oxytocin in its ability to elicit contractions of the oviduct of the viviparous Island Night Lizard, Klauberina riversiana, in vitro, regardless of whether the animals had previously received oestrone, progesterone or long photoperiods for 10–20 days, sufficient to produce marked effects on body, oviduct, or fat body weight.
THE EFFECT OF PROGESTERONE ON RECORDED PARTURITION AND ON OXYTOCIN SENSITIVITY IN THE SHEEP
Authors: HINDSON J. C. , SCHOFIELD BRENDA M. , WARD W. R.
Published: December 2008

Intra-uterine pressure changes were recorded at the end of pregnancy and during parturition in eight ewes by means of endo-radiosondes implanted in one uterine horn some weeks previously. Recordings were made at frequent intervals so that the progress of parturition could be carefully monitored. When the early stages of parturition were established, a single injection of 80 mg. progesterone in oil was made in six ewes. As a result, parturition was delayed and the intra-uterine pressure waves declined or were abolished. Delivery of the lambs occurred up to 7 days later. In two ewes the injection was given somewhat later during parturition and, in these animals, the depressant effect of progesterone was much less. The increased intra-uterine pressure waves which followed digital examination of the cervical canal were abolished for more than 20 hr. in all eight ewes. Determination of threshold doses of oxytocin showed wide variations and revealed no more than a general trend of increasing myometrial sensitivity with approaching parturition, a trend which was temporarily reversed in five ewes by the injection of progesterone. The eight ewes delivered 13 viable lambs and one dead lamb.
OBSERVATIONS ON THE TIME OF ACTION AND THE PATHWAY OF THE UTERINE LUTEOLYTIC EFFECT OF THE GUINEA-PIG
Authors: BLAND K. P. , DONOVAN B. T.
Published: December 2008

Total hysterectomy of the guinea-pig before the 14th day of the oestrous cycle allowed the maintenance of the corpora lutea whereas if this procedure was performed on or after the 15th day the corpora lutea usually regressed at the normal time. The luteolytic action of the uterus in this species therefore takes effect during the 14th and 15th days after oestrus. Selective severing of the connexions between the uterus and the ovary suggested that this luteolytic effect is mediated via the main utero-ovarian blood vessels at least in the tubal region although a lymphatic pathway has not been eliminated.
THE EFFECT OF PROGESTERONE, GLUCOSE-6-PHOSPHATE DEHYDROGENASE, ADRENOCORTICOTROPHIC HORMONE AND METYRAPONE ON ADRENOCORTICAL SECRETION OF RAT ADRENAL GLANDS CULTURED UNDER HYPERBARIC OXYGEN
Authors: COUPLAND R. E. , BISWAS S. , MacDOUGALL J. D. B.
Published: December 2008

Exposure of organ cultures of rat adrenal glands to hyperbaric oxygen at 2 atm. increases steroid output during the first 24 hr. but the secretion rate falls after that time. This reduction is partially prevented by the addition of progesterone and during the period 24–48 hr. completely prevented by the addition of progesterone together with glucose-6-phosphate, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate.

Addition of bovine and synthetic adrenocorticotrophin to cultures maintained in hyperbaric oxygen results in a further increase in steroid secretion during the period 0–6 hr. Addition of metyrapone results in a reduction in the output of corticosterone, 18-hydroxycorticosterone and aldosterone.
STUDIES ON THE VARIABILITY OF URINARY OESTRIOL AND PREGNANEDIOL OUTPUT DURING PREGNANCY
Authors: KLOPPER A. , WILSON G. , COOKE I.
Published: December 2008

The output of oestriol and of pregnanediol during normal pregnancy varies considerably from day to day. This variability detracts from the clinical value of these assays. The variability is reduced if urine collections are made for longer periods of time but such long collections have little clinical application. An attempt was made to reduce the high variability of 4 hr. urine collections by standardizing conditions such as rate of urine secretion, posture and activity. The results of such 4-hourly 'steady state' collections were compared with the results obtained from corresponding 24 hr. and 48 hr. collections. It was concluded that under standardized conditions the 4 hr. collection was very little more variable than the 24 hr. one and gave comparable results.
ACTIONS OF VASOPRESSIN AND ALDOSTERONE ON THE TOAD BLADDER: INHIBITION BY ETHACRYNIC ACID
Authors: BENTLEY P. J.
Published: December 2008

Ethacrynic acid inhibited short-circuit current (SCC, Na transport) across the toad bladder. Some structural analogues had similar effects and their potency varied with their ability to combine with SH groups. The Na-K ATPase inhibitor ouabain was more effective than ethacrynic acid and its action and that of ethacrynic acid was additive.

The natriferic and hydro-osmotic effects of vasopressin were inhibited by ethacrynic acid (10−5 and 10−4m); the antagonism was competitive at 10− and 10−4 m (but not at 10−3 m). Certain analogues of ethacrynic acid also exhibited this effect but it was not clearly related to their SH-combining ability.

The natriferic and hydro-osmotic effects of caffeine and cyclic AMP were not changed by 10−4 m-ethacrynic acid.

Ethacrynic acid (10−4 m), which does not affect basal sodium transport in bladders pretreated for studying the action of aldosterone, prevented the initiation of the increase in sodium transport by aldosterone but was without effect when added to a toad bladder already under the influence of aldosterone. This suggests that ethacrynic acid interferes with metabolic processes underlying the action of aldosterone. Dihydroethacrynic acid which has no SH-binding activity was without effect.
EFFECTS OF GASTRIN ON THE RELEASE OF INSULIN IN VITRO
Authors: LERNMARK A. , HELLMAN B. , COORE H. G.
Published: December 2008

Several investigations in vivo and in vitro have shown that gastrointestinal hormones stimulate insulin secretion. Whether gastrin also has such an effect was tested both with the isolated mouse pancreas and with micro-dissected pancreatic islets from obese-hyperglycaemic mice. A fairly low concentration of human synthetic gastrin I (0·15 μg./ml.) was found to inhibit the stimulation of insulin release normally obtained with increasing glucose concentrations. However, when a higher concentration of gastrin was tested on the isolated pancreas in the presence of a low glucose concentration there was a stimulation of insulin secretion.
STUDIES OF METYRAPONE RESPONSES IN PATIENTS WITH PITUITARY DISEASE
Authors: CUSHMAN P. , HILTON J. G.
Published: December 2008

Intravenous 8 hr. metyrapone tests were performed in 12 patients with probable pituitary tumours. Plasma 17-hydroxycorticosteroids and substance S concentrations were measured, and the concentrations of 11-deoxycortisol present after 8 hr. of continuous metyrapone administration were employed as the quantitative criterion of responsiveness. Plasma 11-deoxycortisol, undetectable at the start, rose at 8 hr. to 10·1 ± 1·5 s.e. (range 6–14) μg./100 ml. in the 15 normal control subjects. Three patterns of pituitary adrenal function were seen in the patients. Group I (three cases) had secondary adrenal insufficiency. A second group (five cases) was normal by all tests. The third group of patients (four cases) had normal baseline plasma and urinary corticosteroids but was distinguished from the normal subjects by subnormal 11-deoxycortisol levels after metyrapone. Two subjects had also subnormal responses to corticotrophin (ACTH), indicating partial secondary hypoadrenalism. In the two others whose response to ACTH stimulation was normal, impairment of ACTH release would not have been suspected without the metyrapone test. It is in the detection of this type of patient with occult pituitary insufficiency that tests with metyrapone may be of great value.
TISSUE CULTURE OF EQUINE OVARIAN CELL TYPES: CULTURE METHODS AND MORPHOLOGY
Authors: CHANNING CORNELIA P.
Published: December 2008

Equine granulosa and other cell types have been cultured for up to 70 days in a medium containing 15% horse serum, 30% medium '199' and 55% Hanks's solution.

Granulosa cells harvested from large (3–6 cm. in diameter) vascular follicles of mares in oestrus grew in epithelioid colonies. Cell division and hypertrophy lasted for 7 days with the greatest amount of hypertrophy occurring during the first 3–4 days in culture. Within 3 days the cytoplasm increased in size and acquired eosinophilic granules and lipid droplets; nuclei acquired distinct chromatin material and nucleoli. Cells harvested from small follicles grew in fibroblastic stellate colonies and underwent hypertrophy and hyperplasia but did not show any of the cytoplasmic characteristics of the cultures of granulosa cells obtained from the large follicles. Heterogeneous fibroblastic cells grew from explants of stromal and thecal tissue from days 5 to 20 of culture.
STUDIES ON TISSUE CULTURE OF EQUINE OVARIAN CELL TYPES: EFFECT OF GONADOTROPHINS AND STAGE OF CYCLE ON STEROIDOGENESIS
Authors: CHANNING CORNELIA P.
Published: December 2008

Granulosa cells were harvested from follicles of mares at various stages of the oestrous cycle and maintained in a tissue culture medium containing 15% horse serum, 30% medium '199' and 55% Hanks's solution. Between days 4 and 10 of culture the granulosa cells harvested from small follicles (1–2 cm. diam.) of mares in the midluteal phase of the cycle secreted an average of 0·36 pg. progesterone/cell/day. Cells harvested from large follicles of mares in the late and/or early oestrous stage of the cycle secreted an average of 29·5 pg. progesterone cell/day; the cells harvested from the large vascular follicles found at oestrus secreted an average of 173 pg./cell/day. The small, poorly vascularized follicles found adjacent to the large vascular follicles of mares in oestrus yielded cells which secreted less progesterone than those from the larger follicles.

Addition of 5 to 10 i.u. human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG)/ml. at each medium change (every 2–3 days) or for the first 4 days of culture brought about a marked stimulation of progesterone secretion in cultures of ' mid-luteal phase' cells which was maximal after 4 to 7 days.

Pregnenolone was converted primarily to progesterone, 20α-hydroxypregn-4-en-3-one and 17-hydroxyprogesterone; the metabolism was not significantly altered by the addition of a mixture of 10 i.u. HCG plus 10 i.u. pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG). Cells harvested from mares in oestrus converted pregnenolone to progesterone in a higher yield compared with cells harvested from mares in the midluteal phase of the cycle. Addition of 10 i.u. HCG/ml. or PMSG plus HCG (10 i.u. each/ml.) stimulated aromatization of testosterone by 'midluteal phase' cultures but not by 'oestrous phase' cell cultures.

These results demonstrate that the in vivo environment as well as the in vitro conditions influence the steroidogenic activity of equine granulosa cell cultures.
IN-VITRO STEROIDOGENESIS BY AN UNDIFFERENTIATED EMBRYONAL CELL SARCOMA OF THE OVARY
Authors: DESHPANDE N. , JENSEN V. , BULBROOK R. D. , BOESEN E.
Published: December 2008

Tritiated pregnenolone, 17α-hydroxypregnenolone, progesterone, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, testosterone and androstenedione were incubated separately with homogenates from an undifferentiated embryonal cell sarcoma obtained from an 11-yr.-old girl. [3H]Pregnenolone and [3H]17α-hydroxypregnenolone were converted to [3H]oestradiol-17β in larger proportion than [3H]progesterone and [3H]17α-hydroxyprogesterone. The steroidogenesis in the sarcoma was very similar to that reported for the theca cells of the human ovarian follicle.
EFFECT OF CALCITONIN ON SERUM INORGANIC SULPHATE AND ON THE DISAPPEARANCE OF INJECTED RADIOACTIVE SULPHATE IN THE RAT
Authors: MARTIN T. J. , HARRIS G. S. , MELICK R. A.
Published: December 2008

In an investigation of the possible role of calcitonin in the metabolism of glycosaminoglycans it was found that the hormone increased the rate of disappearance from serum of [35S]sulphate injected into rats. No excessive deposition of radioactive sulphate was found in bone, kidney, liver or ventricular myocardium of calcitonin-treated rats.

Calcitonin also rapidly lowered serum inorganic sulphate levels. Both effects were prevented by previous nephrectomy, leading to the conclusion that calcitonin acts on the kidney to promote the excretion of inorganic sulphate.
A COMPARISON OF THE IN-VITRO ACTIONS OF THYROID-STIMULATING HORMONE AND CYCLIC 3′,5′-ADENOSINE MONOPHOSPHATE ON THE MOUSE THYROID GLAND
Authors: ENSOR JANICE M. , MUNRO D. S.
Published: December 2008

In the in-vitro assay of Brown & Munro (1967) thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) increased the release of radioactive iodine from mouse thyroid glands labelled with 131i during life. Paper chromatography showed that TSH increased the 131I-labelling of thyroxine and tri-iodothyronine both in the culture medium and in hydrolysates of the thyroids.

Cyclic 3′,5′-adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP) also increased 131I release in this assay and increased the 131I-labelling of thyronines in the culture medium. The effects on thyroid hydrolysates were less striking.

Theophylline potentiated the influence of TSH and cyclic AMP in the assay and, by itself, increased 131I release and the labelling of iodothyronines in the thyroid without altering the distribution of 131I in the culture medium.

The implications of these results are discussed.
GLYCOGEN IN THE NORMAL HUMAN TESTIS: A HISTOCHEMICAL AND HISTOENZYMATIC STUDY
Authors: FABBRINI A. , RE M. , CONTI C.
Published: December 2008

Histological and histochemical investigations were carried out on the testes of normal subjects in order to define the distribution of glycogen and some related enzymes.

Intratubular glycogen is abundant in the prepubertal stage; it diminishes strikingly with the beginning of puberty, reappears during the period of complete sexual maturation, and the highest increase is found in the tubules in involution. Glycogen is abundant at some stages of spermatogenesis and almost completely absent in others.

Glycogen is mainly, but not exclusively, localized in the Sertoli cells. 1–4 Amylophosphorylase and 1–4, 1–6 transglucosidase are present in the tubule as well as in some extratubular structures. It is not possible to demonstrate the presence of either UDPG-glycogen transferase or glucose-6-phosphatase.
THE EFFECT OF LYSINE VASOPRESSIN AND HYPOTHALAMIC EXTRACTS ON THE RATE OF CORTICOSTERONE SECRETION IN RATS TREATED WITH DEXAMETHASONE AND PENTOBARBITONE
Authors: CHEIFETZ P. N. , GAFFUD N. T. , DINGMAN J. F.
Published: December 2008

The effects of lysine vasopressin (LVP) on the rate of secretion of corticosterone and on its concentration in the peripheral plasma have been compared. A dose of 80 m-u. LVP was required to increase the peripheral plasma concentration of corticosterone, whereas as little as 80 μu. produced a significant increase in the rate of corticosterone secretion. A log—dose response curve has been constructed between 80 and 800 μu. LVP using the secretion rate assay. The effect of hypothalamic extracts on corticosterone secretion in the intact rat was readily detected and a diurnal difference of hypothalamic activity in adrenalectomized rats was found. Extracts of rat cerebral cortex were ineffective in increasing the secretion rate of corticosterone in the dexamethasone—pentobarbitone-treated rat; hypothalamic extracts from intact rats and LVP in doses of 0·1 and 0·8 m-u. showed no corticotrophin(ACTH)-like activity as demonstrated by the measurement of corticosterone secretion in the hypophysectomized rat.

Although the measurement of corticosterone secretion in rats pretreated with dexamethasone and pentobarbitone does not fulfil all the criteria for a bioassay for ACTH-releasing factor, it is a very sensitive technique for the detection of the effects of LVP on the activation of the pituitary-adrenal system and can be used to study changes of ACTH-releasing activity in hypothalamic extracts.
BINDING CHARACTERISTICS OF TRANSCORTIN IN HUMAN PLASMA IN NORMAL INDIVIDUALS, PREGNANCY AND LIVER DISEASE
Authors: KEANE P. M. , PEARSON JEAN , WALKER W. H. C.
Published: December 2008

The binding characteristics of transcortin have been measured in 16 normal individuals, 10 pregnant women, five subjects taking oral contraceptives or on oestrogen therapy and in six patients with advanced liver disease. The affinity of transcortin for cortisol as measured by its equilibrium constant was found not to differ significantly between the normal individuals and the rest. The transcortin capacity was greatly increased in pregnancy and by oestrogen therapy but was normal in the cirrhotics studied.

Despite the increase in total plasma cortisol in pregnancy, the unbound plasma cortisol concentration was only slightly raised and no increase was noted in the oestrogen-treated group.

One of the 'normal' group was found to be transcortin deficient with low total plasma cortisol but the concentration of unbound cortisol and the rate of cortisol secretion were normal.