bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MILK-EJECTION ACTIVITY (OXYTOCIN) IN THE EXTERNAL JUGULAR VEIN BLOOD OF THE COW, GOAT AND SOW, IN RELATION TO THE STIMULUS OF MILKING OR SUCKLING
Authors: FOLLEY S. J. , KNAGGS G. S.
Published: December 2008

Milk-ejection activity (oxytocin) was assayed in the external jugular vein blood of cows, goats and sows during milking or suckling. The hormone was extracted from blood plasma by gel filtration, followed by lyophilization and then assayed in the lactating guinea-pig by the increase in intramammary pressure after intra-arterial injection.

Serial blood samples were taken during machine milking of cows which had been accustomed to the milking routine and blood sampling procedure. The stimulus most consistently followed by a transient appearance of oxytocin in the jugular vein blood was the application of the teat cups. In some cases, there was a second release of oxytocin, later in the milking process, unrelated to any apparent stimulus. There was no evidence in these experiments of any conditioning of oxytocin release to visual, auditory or olfactory stimuli associated with the milking routine.

Serial blood samples were taken during hand-milking of goats which had been accustomed to the milking routine and blood sampling procedure. Oxytocin was detected in jugular vein blood in only a minority of experimental milkings. Irrespective of whether oxytocin was found in the jugular blood the milk yield at the experimental milking did not differ appreciably from the value to be expected from comparable milkings for the preceding week.

Serial blood samples were obtained from sows during suckling, the animals having been accustomed to the presence of the experimenter and the blood sampling procedure. In most of the experimental sucklings oxytocin was found in the blood. The occurrence of the hormone was transient and it was usually released just before the milk-ejection phase. In most of the cases in which no hormone was detected in the blood the piglets obtained no milk as judged by their behaviour.

The results suggest that in the cow and sow the milk-ejection reflex is a neurohormonal reflex involving the release of oxytocin. On the other hand, in the goat, provided the animals are carefully hand-milked, normal milk yields can be obtained without the release of oxytocin.
INFLUENCE OF OESTRADIOL ON CITRATE ACCUMULATION IN THE UTERUS AND BLOOD OF FLUOROACETATE-TREATED RATS
Authors: ECKSTEIN B. , SHALEM M.
Published: December 2008

The uterus, ovary and kidney of rats treated with fluoroacetate accumulated large quantities of citrate. It was inferred that a citric acid cycle operates in the uterus, ovary and kidney of castrated and normal rats. After the administration of oestrogen, citrate accumulation 3 hr. after fluoroacetate was slightly increased at 24 hr., but much reduced 96 hr. after the oestrogen had been injected.

It is postulated that during the first 24 hr. after oestrogen injection, oxidative respiration by way of the citric acid cycle takes place. Thereafter alternative metabolic pathways may predominate, the citric acid cycle in the uterus being depressed.
PROGESTERONE AND PLACENTAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE SHEEP
Authors: ALEXANDER G. , WILLIAMS D.
Published: December 2008

Pregnant ewes were ovariectomized 3 weeks after mating, and were injected daily with graded doses of progesterone (0·05–1·35 mg./kg.) for the next 6 weeks. A minimum daily dose of 0·15 mg./kg. was found necessary for the regular maintenance of pregnancy. On the 60th day of pregnancy, when the ewes were killed, there was little or no effect of dose of progesterone on foetal weight, weight and number of cotyledons, weight of uterus and membranes or volume of amniotic fluid. However, at the low doses of progesterone the volume of allantoic fluid was about ten times higher than normal, suggesting that progesterone plays some part in the water balance of the conceptus. In treated ewes, the cotyledons tended to be of the bovine type with foetal tissue enveloping the maternal, which suggests that growth of maternal cotyledons may be limited by the absence of ovaries.

It is suggested that the large variations usually observed in the placental size of sheep, are not due to variations in output of ovarian progesterone, and that the normal daily output of the ovine corpus luteum during the first 2 months of pregnancy is equivalent to at least 15 mg. of subcutaneously injected progesterone.
PROLACTIN-LIKE ACTIVITY IN THE PITUITARY GLAND OF THE FROG
Authors: CHADWICK A.
Published: December 2008

Homogenates of the distal lobe and combined intermediate and neural lobes from Rana temporaria and R. esculenta and extracts of these lobes, purified by zone electrophoresis in starch gel or by Sephadex column chromatography, were tested for crop-stimulating activity in the pigeon and lactogenic activity in the rabbit. The response of the pigeon crop to injections of homogenates resembled the reaction produced by purified sheep prolactin, but differed in intensity and in the number of fatty 'granules' present. The response in the rabbit differed considerably from the reaction to sheep prolactin. Milk was absent in spite of extensive proliferation in the gland. Injections of purified fractions of the pituitary extracts yielded similar results.

It is concluded that a prolactin-like principle is present in the frog pituitary in both the distal lobe and the combined intermediate and neural lobes which can initiate a prolactin-like response in both the pigeon and the rabbit but cannot bring about the completion of a typical prolactin reaction.
PRESSOR ACTIVITY IN EXTRACTS OF THE CORPUSCLES OF STANNIUS FROM THE EUROPEAN EEL (ANGUILLA ANGUILLA L.)
Authors: JONES I. CHESTER , HENDERSON I. W. , CHAN D. K. O. , RANKIN J. C. , MOSLEY W. , BROWN J. J. , LEVER A. F. , ROBERTSON J. I. S. , TREE M.
Published: December 2008

Extracts of corpuscles of Stannius from the silver eel have been shown to contain a substance with a powerful pressor action on intravenous injection into the rat. This material resembles mammalian renin in being non-diffusible through cellophane, heat-labile, and destroyed by acidification to pH 2. The effect in the rat differs, however, from that produced by mammalian renin in being more prolonged, and frequently biphasic.

Pressor activity has also been demonstrated in extracts of kidneys from freshwater silver eels. Incubation of kidney extract with mammalian renin-substrate produced an angiotensin-like pressor substance.

Both renal and corpuscular extracts had a prolonged pressor effect on intravenous injection into the eel. The identities of these pressor materials have not been finally established.

Removal of the corpuscles of Stannius from freshwater silver eels was followed by a drop in blood pressure to levels normally found in eels adapted to seawater.

The possible existence, in the eel, of a renin-angiotensin system analogous to that existing in mammals is discussed.
PROGESTERONE IN SYSTEMIC BLOOD AND PLACENTAE OF INTACT AND OVARIECTOMIZED PREGNANT GUINEA-PIGS
Authors: HEAP R. B. , DEANESLY R.
Published: December 2008

Progesterone was isolated from systemic and uterine venous plasma and from placental tissue of intact and ovariectomized pregnant guinea-pigs. It was measured quantitatively by fluorescence assay.

Concentrations of progesterone in intact animals rose from a mean value of 64 ng./ml. plasma 11–16 days post coitum (p.c.) to reach their highest values (265 ng./ml.) 30–45 days p.c. and decreased to 140 ng./ml. immediately before parturition. In pregnant guinea-pigs, ovariectomized 28 days p.c. or later, the progesterone levels were lower (75 ng./ml. at 34–35 days p.c., 146 ng./ml. at 40–45 and 50–55 days p.c.) except at the end of pregnancy (165 ng./ml.). During the last 2 weeks of pregnancy the difference in the progesterone levels of the two groups was not statistically significant.

In ovariectomized pregnant guinea-pigs, the progesterone level was high in the uterine vein but low in placental tissue. The mean wet weight of placentae was, however, significantly correlated with systemic progesterone values.
STUDIES ON THE MECHANISM OF NIDATION XXIII. EFFECT OF ERGOCORNINE IN PREGNANT RATS DURING EXPERIMENTALLY INDUCED DELAYED NIDATION
Authors: VARAVUDHI PUTTIPONGSE , LOBEL BERTHA L. , SHELESNYAK M. C.
Published: December 2008

The effects of ergocornine in pregnant rats in which delayed nidation was induced by hypophysectomy and autotransplantation of the pituitary on L1 of pregnancy (i.e. the day following the detection of a copulation plug in the vagina or spermatozoa in the vaginal smear) have been investigated. In the ergocornine-treated animals, no nidation was observed on L13 after a dose of oestrogen triggering implantation had been given on L9. Controls which did not receive ergocornine, or animals which received ergocornine plus progesterone showed implantation sites in a high percentage of cases on L13 after administration of the triggering dose of oestrogen on L9.

No differences were observed between rats in which the pituitary had been transplanted under the kidney capsule and animals in which the pituitary was grafted under the ovarian capsule. In neither case did nidation occur after ergocornine. The possibility is discussed that the action of ergocornine is mediated by the pituitary via the hypothalamus.
THE LOCALIZATION OF [6,7-3H]OESTRADIOL-17β IN RAT UTERUS
Authors: KING R. J. B. , GORDON J.
Published: December 2008

The uptake of [6,7-3H]oestradiol-17β (oestradiol) by the rat uterus in vivo has been studied. By pressing uteri between two glass plates much, but not all, of the epithelium is removed with minimal effect on the underlying stroma and myometrium. This procedure removes 11 % of the DNA, 10·6 % of the radioactivity and about 3 % of the wet weight of the intact uterus, indicating that, as judged from the DNA content, there is no accumulation of [6,7-3H]oestradiol in the epithelium relative to the rest of the uterus. In the epithelium, the major portion of the [6,7-3H]oestradiol was in the soluble fraction although a considerable amount of the radioactivity was associated with the nuclei. Similar results were obtained with nuclei isolated by differential or gradient centrifugation. It has been shown that an interchange of [6,7-3H]oestradiol can occur between the nucleus and cytoplasm and that, under the experimental conditions used, the equilibrium favours the cytoplasm.

Some of the [6,7-3H]oestradiol in the soluble fraction from uterine epithelium was associated with a component of high molecular weight that may be a protein.
DETERMINATION OF THE 11β-HYDROXYLASE ACTIVITY IN MICROGRAM SAMPLES OF TISSUE; ITS QUANTITATIVE HISTOLOGICAL DISTRIBUTION IN THE RAT ADRENAL, AND THE INFLUENCE OF CORTICOTROPHIN
Authors: GRIFFITHS K. , GLICK D.
Published: December 2008

Recent biochemical studies on the functional zonation of the human adrenal cortex suggest that one of the earlier principal effects of corticotrophin (ACTH) on steroid biosynthesis occurs at the fasciculo-reticular border. This report deals with procedures for the study of the 11β-hydroxylase activity in microgram amounts of adrenal tissue and with the distribution of this activity throughout the adrenal cortex of the rat. ACTH administration is shown to stimulate the 11β-hydroxylase activity at the fasciculo-reticular border.
CORTISOL METABOLISM BY THE ISOLATED AND PERFUSED NEWBORN RABBIT LIVER
Authors: SERENI F. , CASTEGNARO E. , PERLETTI L. , SALA G.
Published: December 2008

After perfusion of newborn rabbit liver with [1,2-3H]cortisol two radioactive metabolites were isolated from the perfusate and identified as 3α,11β,17α,21-tetrahydroxy-5β-pregnan-20-one (THF) and 11β,17α,20β,21-tetrahydroxypregn-4-en-3-one (20β-dihydrocortisol). The amount of metabolites recovered in the perfusate of livers of 1-day-old animals was lower than when 11- to 12-day-old animals were used. The results suggest a relative deficiency in the liver of newborn rabbits of the enzyme reducing ring A and the 20-oxo group of cortisol.
EFFECTS OF SOME STEROIDS IN ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES ON THE CLEAVAGE OF RABBIT EGGS IN VITRO
Authors: DANIEL J. C. , COWAN M. L.
Published: December 2008

The effects of the oestrogens and progestins in some common oral contraceptives on the cleavage of fertilized rabbit ova were studied in vitro. Three concentrations (5, 10 and 25 μg./ml.) of each of four progestins (norethynodrel, norethindrone, norethindrone acetate and 17α-hydroxy-6α-methylprogesterone acetate) and of two oestrogens (mestranol and ethinyloestradiol) were tested. All but norethindrone and norethynodrel had some effects on the cleavage of ova. Three effects were seen: complete inhibition of cleavage, slowing or retardation of cleavage, and fragmentation (division of the egg into numerous spherical or ovular bodies).

Differences between conditions in vivo and in vitro and the mechanism of these actions of the steroids are discussed.
CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM IN KLINEFELTER'S SYNDROME
Authors: JACKSON I. M. D. , BUCHANAN K. D. , McKIDDIE M. T. , PRENTICE C. R. M.
Published: December 2008

Carbohydrate metabolism has been investigated in eight patients with Klinefelter's syndrome. Seven of the eight had a normal oral glucose tolerance curve; one patient had slightly impaired tolerance. Plasma insulin levels were measured in response to the glucose load and were normal in six and slightly abnormal in two patients; one of the latter had an early increased and the other a delayed insulin response. No definite conclusions are reached regarding the possibility of a significant association between Klinefelter's syndrome and diabetes mellitus.
AN EFFECT OF ANTIDIURETIC HORMONE ON THE FLOW OF BLOOD THROUGH THE VASA RECTA OF THE RAT KIDNEY
Authors: FOURMAN JULIA , KENNEDY G. C.
Published: December 2008

The injection of a fluorescent dye which stained the vessel walls showed the pathway taken by the blood in the renal medulla in rats.

The vasa recta stained in normal rats given water; they did not stain in dehydrated rats nor did they stain in rats given an antidiuretic dose of vasopressin in addition to water.

The vasa recta stained in all rats with diabetes insipidus whether they were given water or dehydrated.

These results suggest that antidiuretic hormone increases water conservation in the medulla by reducing blood flow through the countercurrent system as well as by increasing the permeability of the collecting ducts to water.
HYDROXYSTEROID DEHYDROGENASES IN NORMAL AND ABNORMAL HUMAN TESTES
Authors: BAILLIE A. H. , MACK W. S.
Published: December 2008

3α-, 3β-, 11β-, 16β-, 17β- and 20β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases have been localized histochemically in the Leydig cells of prepubertal and adult human testes; 3α-, 16β- and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases were present in the seminiferous tubules also. A similar pattern was found in cryptorchid testes. In addition 3β-sulphoxy steroids, including DHA sulphate, gave a good colour reaction in human Leydig cells. Testes from oestrogen-treated subjects had no histochemically demonstrable hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases and this applied also to infarcted testes. Testes from a case of Klinefelter's syndrome were found to lack 17β- and 20β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases in the Leydig cells. The biochemical significance of these results is discussed.
DIURNAL VARIATION IN PLASMA GLUCOCORTICOSTEROID LEVELS IN THE HORSE (EQUUS CABALLUS)
Authors: ZOLOVICK A. , UPSON D. W. , ELEFTHERIOU B. E.
Published: December 2008

Thin-layer chromatography, acetylation of reference and unidentified glucocorticosteroids, u.v. absorption and fluorescence induced in sulphuric acid were used to identify cortisol as the major free plasma glucocorticosteroid in the horse (Equus caballus), with cortisone and corticosterone as minor glucocorticosteroids. Deoxycorticosterone was also identified. The plasma ratio for free cortisol: cortisone: corticosterone was 16:8:0·5.

The diurnal variation was determined for all three glucocorticosteroids. The highest levels of cortisol and corticosterone were found at 10.00 hr. (260 and 10·3 μg./100 ml., respectively) and the lowest concentration of cortisol at 02.00 hr. The highest level of cortisone occurred at 02.00 hr. (140 μg./100 ml.), and the lowest appeared at 16.00 hr. (65 μg./100 ml.). The maximum plasma concentration of the combined glucocorticosteroids was found at 10.00 hr. (395·3 μg./100 ml.), and the minimum at 20.00 hr. (219 μg./100 ml.).
LIGHT-MICROSCOPIC OBSERVATIONS ON THE HYPOTHALAMUS AND PITUITARY GLAND OF THE RAT FIXED IN OSMIUM TETROXIDE
Authors: MONTEMURRO D. G.
Published: December 2008

The ventral hypothalamus and the pituitary gland of the rat were examined with the light microscope in sections fixed in an osmium tetroxide solution without further staining. The histology of the neurohypophysis could be observed with remarkable clarity. Herring bodies and axons of the supra-optico-neurohypophysial tract show as grey homogeneous structures. Pituicytes appear as round or variously shaped cells whose cytoplasm is crowded with osmiophilic granules. The granules vary in size from 0·5 to about 2·5 μ, and present either as solid or as ring-shaped black structures. They stained neither with aldehyde-thionine, nor with chrome-alum haematoxylin, nor with the PA-Schiff techniques but stained with Sudan black B. They were found in profusion in the median eminence of the hypothalamus and the infundibular stem in an apparent extracellular location surrounding fibre bundles and capillaries of the hypophysial portal plexus. Two types of cells were identifiable in the supraoptic nucleus of the hypothalamus. Smaller, angular neurones stained densely with osmium and with aldehyde-thionine and larger, more rounded neurones stained only lightly with osmium and did not stain with aldehyde-thionine. A peculiar laminated arrangement of structures in the infundibular recess in the region of the arcuate nucleus was noted.

Several distinct types of cells in the adenohypophysis were identifiable on morphological grounds: thyrotrophic basophils, gonadotrophic basophils, acidophils and chromophobes. The possibility of a neuroendocrine role of the pituicytes is discussed.
STEROID BIOSYNTHESIS IN VITRO BY TISSUE FROM A GRANULOSA CELL MULTILOCULAR CYSTADENOMA
Authors: GRIFFITHS K. , GRANT J. K. , BROWNING MARGARET C. K. , CUNNINGHAM D. , BARR G.
Published: December 2008

A granulosa cell multilocular cystadenoma was removed from a 7-yr.-old girl who showed breast growth and had a history of almost continuous vaginal bleeding for 9 days. Tissue, which microscopically was shown to consist almost exclusively of granulosa cells, was incubated with [4-14C]-DHA and [7-3H]pregnenolone in Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate solution. The ability of this tissue to synthesize oestrogens from these precursors was investigated. These results and those of pre- and post-operative urinary steroid estimations are discussed in relation to current theories of steroid biosynthesis.
THE EFFECT IN VITRO OF PURIFIED HYPOTHALAMIC EXTRACT ON THE GROWTH HORMONE CONTENT OF THE RAT PITUITARY
Authors: SYMCHOWICZ S. , PECKHAM W. D. , ONERI R. , KORDUBA C. A. , PERLMAN P. L.
Published: December 2008

Anterior pituitaries from young female rats were incubated in Krebs-Ringer solution at 37° for 4·5–5 hr. A purified acetic acid extract of pig hypothalami was added, at various concentrations, to the incubation medium. The results show that the purified hypothalamic preparation increased the growth-hormone content in the supernatant of pituitary homogenates, suggesting an enhancement of hormone synthesis by the hypothalamic preparation. It is also suggested that the hypothalamic extract when incubated with pituitaries causes an increase in the rate of the release of growth hormone with prolonged incubation.
SPECIFICITY OF THE 'TIBIA TEST' IN INTACT IMMATURE FEMALE RATS
Authors: AILABOUNI H. , DIKSTEIN S. , ZOR U. , SULMAN F. G.
Published: December 2008

The effect of hormones on the 'tibia test' in intact immature female rats has been studied. It was found that corticotrophin, hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, oestradiol, thyroidectomy and pancreatectomy inhibit the growth of epiphysial cartilage, while somatotrophic hormone (STH) and, to a lesser extent, insulin, testosterone, thyroxine, triiodothyronine and aldosterone stimulate it. Dehydroepiandrosterone, progesterone, deoxycorticosterone and prolactin did not affect cartilage growth. Consequently, the 'tibia test' in intact immature female rats can only be considered specific for STH if interference with cartilage growth by the above mentioned hormones can be excluded. This does not detract from the usefulness of the 'tibia test' in intact female rats for studies of growth-promoting or growthinhibiting substances.
ONTOGENETIC AND PHYLOGENETIC DISTRIBUTION OF HYDROXYSTEROID DEHYDROGENASES IN THE VERTEBRATE KIDNEY
Authors: BAILLIE A. H. , FERGUSON M. M. , HART D. McK.
Published: December 2008

The human pronephros showed no hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity. The human mesonephros, like piscine and amphibian mesonephroi had 16β- and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity and a possible function of the human mesonephros is suggested. Metanephric kidneys had 3α-, Δ5-3β-, 3β-, 6β-, 16α-, 16β-, and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases; 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase was present in all adult mammalian metanephric kidneys surveyed. 3α-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase was selectively present and very active in the proximal and distal convoluted tubules, particularly of the juxta-medullary glomeruli. This function is thought to be related to the excretion of 3α-ketosteroids. 11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase was confined to the collecting tubules and its possible involvement in the metabolism of cortisol, aldosterone or androgens in the kidney is noted. 17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase may be concerned in the excretion of the sex steroids; it occurs throughout the nephron. Δ5-3β-, 16α-, and 16β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases were not as active histochemically in the kidney as the 3α-, 3β-, 11β- and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases.
THE EFFECT OF CORTISOL ON BODY WEIGHT AND MUSCLE METABOLISM IN THE RAT
Authors: PALMER BEVERLEY G.
Published: December 2008

Treatment of male rats with a single injection of cortisol altered the daily rhythm of weight gain and loss within 12 hr. of the injection, resulting in a net loss of weight after 24 hr. In addition, alterations in skeletal muscle composition and metabolism were studied, especially the changes with time in muscle glycogen content and O2 consumption. Glycogen deposition was detected before the increase in muscle respiration and both effects were maintained when the total amount of muscle steroid had fallen well below the initial value. It is suggested that cortisol has a releasing effect on muscle.
THE INTRANUCLEAR LOCALIZATION OF [6,7-3H]-OESTRADIOL-17β IN DIMETHYLBENZANTHRACENE-INDUCED RAT MAMMARY ADENOCARCINOMA AND OTHER TISSUES
Authors: KING R. J. B. , GORDON J. , COWAN DOROTHEA M. , INMAN D. R.
Published: December 2008

The intranuclear localization of [6,7-3H]oestradiol-17β (oestradiol) has been studied in nuclei from dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA)-induced rat mammary adenocarcinoma, anterior pituitary, uterine epithelium and kidney. The evidence suggests that, with the possible exception of uterine epithelium, most of the oestrogen is associated with an acid-labile nonhistone component of the chromatin. No evidence has been found to suggest that oestradiol is associated with any particular type of chromatin. These results are compatible with the view that oestradiol affects cellular function in some tissues by altering the priming ability of the chromatin DNA.
EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM TREATMENT AND OF LOW CONCENTRATIONS OF THYROID HORMONES ON THE OXYGEN UPTAKE OF TOAD TISSUES
Authors: THORNBURN C. C. , MATTY A. J.
Published: December 2008

Isolated tissues of the toad Bufo bufo (urinary bladder, skin and kidney) were treated in vitro with thyroxine (T4) or tri-iodothyronine (T3) both with and without prior administration of the hormones in vivo. They were incubated at low temperature, and their oxygen consumption studied for 48 hr. Both hormones had little effect in vitro. Pretreatment with T4 in vivo usually lowered oxygen uptake; the effect of pretreatment with T3 varied. The presence of alanine in the incubating medium caused a marked increase in oxygen consumption. A seasonal effect was also found.

The respiration of isolated toad bladder was stimulated by a wide range of concentrations of thyroxine in vitro, and there were two peaks of stimulation.
THE STIMULATORY EFFECT OF PARACETAMOL AND ITS DERIVATIVES ON GROWTH AND THE RAT TIBIA TEST
Authors: DIKSTEIN S. , GROTTO M. , ZOR U. , TAMARI M. , SULMAN F. G.
Published: December 2008

Paracetamol (N-acetyl-p-aminophenol) given i.p. in doses of 3–20 mg./kg./24 hr. stimulated epiphysial cartilage growth in intact female rats. This stimulation was not a result of increased food intake. It may be mediated by the adrenal gland, since paracetamol stimulated cartilage growth in thyroidectomized but not in adrenalectomized rats. Of 12 paracetamol derivatives tested, most did not affect cartilage growth or were less active than paracetamol. A structure-activity relationship could be established. Our results suggest that the mechanism of the stimulatory effect of paracetamol on growth may be twofold: the drug probably stimulates somatotrophin (STH) production and/or potentiates STH action on growth.
ADRENALINE FORMATION IN NORADRENALINE-STORING CHROMAFFIN CELLS IN VITRO INDUCED BY CORTICOSTERONE
Authors: COUPLAND R. E. , MacDOUGALL J. D. B.
Published: December 2008

Organ cultures of extra-adrenal chromaffin cells obtained from 2-day-old rabbits were prepared in a medium composed of horse serum and Medium 199. Corticosterone, 10 μg./ml., was added to half the cultures; the remainder served as controls. After 6 days the explants were examined histochemically by light and electron microscopy or were homogenized and assayed for adrenaline and noradrenaline.

There was a marked increase in the concentration of adrenaline in the corticosterone-treated explants, accompanied by light and electron microscopic histochemical evidence for adrenaline storage. Mixtures of adrenaline- and noradrenaline-storing chromaffin granules were observed in the same chromaffin cell in corticosterone-treated specimens. The control cultures showed little change.

These findings are in keeping with the hypothesis that the local concentration of adrenocortical steroids is an important factor in determining whether chromaffin cells synthesize and store adrenaline or noradrenaline. At a concentration of corticosterone similar to that found in the adrenal venous sinuses of the normal rabbit substantial quantities of adrenaline appear in cells which normally almost entirely store noradrenaline.
URINARY 17-HYDROXYCORTICOSTEROIDS MEASURED BY GAS-LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY
Authors: MURPHY D. , WEST H. F.
Published: December 2008

A method is described for the estimation of a group of cortisol metabolites in urine, namely tetrahydrocortisone, tetrahydrocortisols, cortols, cortolones and their glucosiduronic acids using gas-liquid chromatography for the final separation and measurement. The metabolites of cortisol analogues in therapeutic use do not interfere with the measurement. In normal individuals the figures for 24 hr. excretion were on average 20 % lower than those obtained by the 'total '17-hydroxycorticosteroids method of Appleby, Gibson, Norymberski & Stubbs (1955). The mean deviation from the mean of duplicate estimations was 3·5% (1–10%) and amounts less than 1 mg./24 hr. were easily detected, though at these levels the precision is thought to be ± 25 %. The use of the method in a variety of clinical conditions is described and discussed.
THE EFFECT OF THE ANTI-ANDROGEN 1,2α-METHYLENE-6-CHLORO-Δ4,6-PREGNADIENE-17α-OL-3,20-DIONE-17α-ACETATE (CYPROTERONE ACETATE) ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE MAMMARY GLANDS OF MALE FOETAL RATS
Authors: NEUMANN F. , ELGER W.
Published: December 2008

Treatment of pregnant rats with an anti-androgen (1,2α-methylene-6-chloro-Δ4,6-pregnadiene-17α-ol-3,20-dione-17α-acetate, 'cyproterone acetate') from the 13th day of pregnancy resulted in female organogenesis of the mammary glands, including the formation of nipples in the male foetuses and feminization of other male sexual characters. The continued development of the nipple primordium was also seen in all the subsequent foetal and postnatal stages even after termination of the treatment.

A more marked development of the foetal mammary tissue as compared with that of male controls was noted in the proximal areas of the mammary cord process between the 19th and the 21st day in male foetuses whose mothers had received the anti-androgen. In male foetuses of treated mothers, a further proliferation of the glandular tissue was also found after birth.

The role of androgens in the development of the mammary glands is discussed. It seems likely from our findings that the androgens of a male foetus inhibit the development of the mammary glands, emphasizing that for mammary development before puberty female gonadal hormones are not necessary.
THE EFFECTS OF STRESS ON THE GROWTH RATE AND FOOD AND WATER INTAKE OF RATS
Authors: IMMS F. J.
Published: December 2008

The effects of four types of stress (daily subcutaneous injection of 0·9 % NaCl solution, a forced choice, water gavage, and surgical trauma) on the growth rate, food and water intake, and water excretion of albino rats have been investigated. These stresses caused a slowing of growth which was apparently not associated with decreased food and water intakes. There were, however, some changes in water excretion which varied with the type of stress. Since food consumption was unchanged during stress whereas the rate of growth decreased it is concluded that the rate of oxidative metabolism was increased.
THE EFFECT OF TESTOSTERONE AND PROGESTERONE ON THE RESPONSE OF THE RETICULO-ENDOTHELIAL SYSTEM AND REPRODUCTIVE TRACT TO OESTROGEN IN THE MALE MOUSE
Authors: NICOL T. , VERNON-ROBERTS B. , QUANTOCK D. C.
Published: December 2008

In intact and orchidectomized animals testosterone had no effect on the reticulo-endothelial system (RES) when administered alone; it potentiated the stimulant effect of 17β-oestradiol on the RES, but had no effect on the RE stimulation produced by diethylstilboestrol. Progesterone was a mild RE stimulant; it had no effect on the RE stimulation produced by 17β-oestradiol or diethylstilboestrol.

Both testosterone and oestrogen caused weight increase in the levator ani of orchidectomized animals; progesterone had no effect. Testosterone and progesterone had no effect on the myotrophic action of 17β-oestradiol, but both compounds inhibited the myotrophic effect of diethylstilboestrol.

The results show that in the male, as in the female, the action of oestrogen on the RES is independent of its action on the reproductive tract, although these two biological activities are contained in the same molecule.
COMPARISON OF AN IMMUNOASSAY AND BIOASSAY OF INSULIN IN SHEEP PLASMA
Authors: DASH JANET A. , LINDSAY D. B.
Published: December 2008

Insulin concentrations were determined in sheep plasma using a radio-immunoassay and a bioassay (rat epididymal fat pad) technique. Both methods indicate an increase in plasma insulin after intravenous injection of insulin or glucose into sheep, followed by a decline as glucose levels return to normal. With both methods, plasma levels before injection are comparable with values reported for human plasma. However, the response of the fat pad to sheep plasma was fully inhibited by anti-insulin serum; acid ethanol extraction did not increase the apparent level of insulin; the concentrations indicated by the fat-pad method correspond with values that have been obtained with the diaphragm assay. No evidence has been found for a bound form of insulin in sheep plasma. There was no potentiation by sheep plasma of the response of the fat pad to crystalline insulin.
UNIT ACTIVITY IN THE HYPOTHALAMUS, SEPTUM AND PREOPTIC AREA OF THE RAT: CHARACTERISTICS OF SPONTANEOUS ACTIVITY AND THE EFFECT OF OESTROGEN
Authors: LINCOLN D. W.
Published: December 2008

The frequency characteristics of the neuronal activity in the hypothalamus, septum and preoptic area of the forebrain were recorded with stereotaxically orientated steel microelectrodes in adult female rats under light urethane anaesthesia.

An exponential type of relationship was observed between the mean discharge rate of units and the frequency with which they were encountered in all areas. Thus, 40–60 % of units had firing rates of less than 1 spike/sec. and only 10–15% had rates exceeding 6/sec. However, units with a mean discharge rate of 2–4/sec. contributed most to the total spike activity. The form of the interspike interval distributions was found to vary with mean firing rate, and the variability of the interspike interval decreased as the firing rate of the unit increased.

The levels of 'spontaneous' activity in the anterior hypothalamic, preoptic and septal areas of rats with light-induced persistent oestrus were lower than those observed after ovariectomy. The administration of 10 μg. oestradiol benzoate/day to the ovariectomized animals depressed the levels of activity towards those observed in the persistently oestrous animals. Reciprocal effects were observed in the lateral hypothalamic area, i.e. decreased activity in the ovariectomized rats.

The results are discussed in relation to unit recording procedures and the feedback effects of oestrogen.
THE SPECIFIC ACTIVITY OF PLASMA CORTISOL IN SHEEP DURING CONTINUOUS INFUSION OF [1,2-3H2]CORTISOL, AND ITS RELATION TO THE RATE OF CORTISOL SECRETION
Authors: PATERSON J. Y. F. , HARRISON F. A.
Published: December 2008

Tritium-labelled cortisol was infused intravenously for about 4 hr. into sheep with autotransplanted left adrenal glands. The specific activity of plasma cortisol became constant about 2 hr. after beginning the infusion, and in almost all experiments, the rate of cortisol secretion and the concentration of cortisol in plasma were constant during the remainder of the period of infusion.

The rate of cortisol turnover was calculated as the ratio of the rate of infusion of labelled cortisol and the constant specific activity which was attained during infusion. Within the limits of experimental error, the calculated rate of cortisol turnover in 55 experiments was equal to the simultaneously measured rate of cortisol secretion.

In sheep which were accustomed to handling, the rate of cortisol secretion was about 12 μg./min. and the concentration of cortisol in plasma was about 18 μg./l. The rate of cortisol secretion did not change during pregnancy in ewes, but there was a decrease in the concentration of cortisol in plasma in the last 2 weeks before lambing.
UTERINE DECIDUOMA INDUCTION: COMPARISON OF DIRECT MECHANICAL TRAUMA WITH SYSTEMIC PYRATHIAZINE
Authors: WRENN T. R. , BITMAN J. , WOOD JOAN R.
Published: December 2008

Uterine deciduoma induction in rats by the systemic administration of the antihistamine, pyrathiazine, was compared with induction by intraluminal scratching. Intraperitoneal injection of pyrathiazine hydrochloride (25 mg.) was effective as a deciduoma inducer in 52 % of the animals.

Intrauterine scratching resulted in a higher water content of the uterus than pyrathiazine treatment. Differences in histamine concentration of the uteri were not significant, but there were differences in tissue permeability, determined by the uptake of trypan blue. Tissue permeability was measured ½, 1½ and 4 hr. after deciduoma induction. A diphasic pattern of increased tissue permeability was observed in the pyrathiazine-treated rats which duplicated the characteristic response of inflammation and injury, suggesting that systemically given pyrathiazine evoked the decidual reaction as a result of injury to the uterus.
THE VALUE OF RATS WITH HEREDITARY HYPOTHALAMIC DIABETES INSIPIDUS FOR THE BIOASSAY OF VASOPRESSIN
Authors: JONES J. J. , LEE J.
Published: December 2008

The pituitary glands of 11 rats (six females and five males, weighing 140–200g.) with hereditary hypothalamic diabetes insipidus (DI) were found to contain oxytocin but no vasopressin.

The DI rats could not always be distinguished from rats without diabetes insipidus (non-diabetes insipidus, NDI rats) by measurement of their daily urine volume.

Stimulation of the neurohypophysis by fall in arterial pressure (haemorrhage, methacholine) or by nicotine, released vasopressin in NDI rats to produce a sustained antidiuresis, but in the DI rats there was only a transient fall in urine flow which did not outlast the hypotension.

The DI rats were about twice as sensitive to vasopressin as NDI rats. As assay preparations they have the advantage that they cannot respond to vasopressin-releasing stimuli.

Prolonged administration of Pitressin tannate in oil increased maximum urinary osmolality in DI rats, but failed to increase their sensitivity to intravenously injected vasopressin.
THE EFFECTS OF PROGESTERONE ON BODY WEIGHT AND COMPOSITION IN THE RAT
Authors: HERVEY ELIZABETH , HERVEY G. R.
Published: December 2008

The effects of progesterone administration on the weight and composition of the body have been studied in rats. Female rats injected with 5 mg. progesterone/day initially gained weight at an average rate of 2 g./day, compared with 0·4 g./day for controls. When treatment was continued for a month or more their weight stabilized at 40–50 g. above the control level. The bodies of the progesterone-treated rats contained increased amounts of water, fat and solids other than fat. These effects were smoothly related to the dose of progesterone.

In terms of percentage composition, fat increased at the expense of the other two constituents. The composition of the fat-free solids did not change, but the proportion of water in the fat-free body increased. About a tenth of the gain of live weight was accounted for by an increase in the contents of the alimentary tract. The composition of the rest was equivalent, typically, to 43% lean tissue, 26% water additional to that in the lean tissue, and 31% fat.

Male rats treated with progesterone showed no changes other than a small gain of water.

It seems likely that in females progesterone reproduces the changes in body composition which occur in pregnancy. The gain of lean tissue seems to reflect increased growth it, and the accumulation of fat, may both be consequences of the production of a positive energy balance.
ANDROGEN PRODUCTION IN HYPOGONADAL MEN
Authors: JEFFCOATE S. L. , BROOKS R. V. , LIM N. Y. , LONDON D. R. , PRUNTY F. T. G. , SPATHIS G. S.
Published: December 2008

1. Various parameters of androgen metabolism have been studied in a group of 11 hypogonadal men. They included the rates of: 17-oxosteroid excretion, total production of C-19 steroids, secretion of testosterone and total production of testosterone (including testosterone converted peripherally from other steroids). The concentrations of testosterone and androstenedione were also measured in peripheral and testicular venous plasma. In addition the effects of stimulation and suppression of adrenocortical function and of testicular stimulation were studied.

2. The patients were divided into three groups according to clinical features, gonadotrophin excretion and testicular histology and an attempt was made to correlate these tests with the steroid studies.

3. Patients with poorly developed secondary sexual characteristics had a low testicular secretion of testosterone. There was also an indication that in these cases the adrenal gland contributed significantly to the plasma testosterone.

4. Methods involving estimations of androgens in blood are shown to be of more value than estimations in urine. In some instances anomalous results were obtained for the rates of secretion of testosterone. The possible significance of these anomalies is discussed.
INHIBITION BY METHYLENEDIANILINE OF TESTICULAR 17-OXOSTEROID SECRETION STIMULATED BY HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHIN
Authors: YAMASHITA K.
Published: December 2008

The effect of methylenedianiline on the increased testicular 17-oxosteroid secretion caused by human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) was studied in dogs.

A single i.v. administration of 20 i.u. HCG/kg. produced a marked increase in the secretion of testicular 17-oxosteroids. The increase in the secretion occurred within 15 min. after the injection and was sustained during the 4 hr. of observation. At the maximum rate of secretion, an i.v. injection of 25 mg. or 100 mg./kg. of methylenedianiline caused a substantial diminution in testicular 17-oxosteroid secretion. This decrease occurred within 15 min. after the injection; the response was reversible. The effect is believed to be due to a block of androgen biosynthesis in the testis.
THE RATE OF UPTAKE OF LOCALLY APPLIED OESTRADIOL AND OESTRONE BY THE VAGINAL EPITHELIUM OF THE OVARIECTOMIZED MOUSE
Authors: POLLARD IRINA , MARTIN L.
Published: December 2008

The rate at which oestrogens reached their sites of action was investigated by the local application of dimethylstilboestrol at short intervals after the local application of each oestrogen. Receptor occupation appeared to be complete within 2–4 min. of the application of oestradiol-17β and of oestrone and in some cases with oestradiol within 1 min. However, such was the degree of variability between experiments that more precise estimates were not possible. These findings are discussed in relation to the mode of action of the oestrogens.
PREVENTION OF IMPLANTATION IN RATS BY I.C.I. 46,474: ROLE OF HISTAMINE
Authors: HARPER M. J. K.
Published: December 2008

Implantation was largely prevented in rats given a single dose of I.C.I. 46,474 on day 4 of pregnancy. Aminoguanidine bicarbonate given on days 2–5 inclusively prevented this effect in intact, but not in adrenalectomized rats. Neither histamine dihydrochloride nor dl-histidine prevented the effect of I.C.I. 46,474 on implantation. Histidine, but not histamine, prevented the action of aminoguanidine in intact pregnant rats given I.C.I. 46,474.

The failure of aminoguanidine to reverse the effects of I.C.I. 46,474 in adrenalectomized rats indicates that I.C.I. 46,474 does not prevent implantation by virtue of its anti-histaminic activity.
OVULATION IN IMMATURE RATS TREATED WITH OVINE FOLLICLE-STIMULATING HORMONE: FACILITATION BY PROGESTERONE AND INHIBITION BY CONTINUOUS LIGHT
Authors: MEYER R. K. , McCORMACK C. E.
Published: December 2008

Ovulation in immature rats induced by daily subcutaneous administration of sheep follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) was prevented by appropriately timed injection of phenobarbitone or by exposure to continuous light. Progesterone produced ovulation in light-blocked rats and in rats kept in standard lighting which had received a non-ovulatory dose of FSH.

These findings are interpreted to mean that ovulation produced by these preparations of FSH was due to a release of ovulating hormone from the pituitary gland. It is suggested that slight luteinizing hormone activity in an FSH preparation produces ovulation by causing the secretion of progesterone which then facilitates the release of ovulating hormone from the pituitary gland.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE CONCENTRATION OF CORTICOSTEROIDS IN AVIAN PLASMA AND NASAL GLAND FUNCTION
Authors: MACCHI I. A. , PHILLIPS J. G. , BROWN PATRICIA
Published: December 2008

Nasal gland salt secretion and plasma corticosteroid concentrations in wing venous plasma were measured at 15 min. intervals after intravenous loading of male ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) with 154 mm- or 500 mm-NaCl and gulls (Larus argentatus) of undetermined sex with 500 mm-NaCl. Plasma corticosteroids were measured by fluorimetry, Na+ and K+ in nasal fluid by flame photometry, and changes in plasma volume of the duck by dye dilution. Age and/or seasonal variations in plasma corticosteroid concentrations were observed in the duck. Corticotrophin (10 i.u./kg. in the duck and 20 i.u./kg. in the gull) caused a progressive rise in plasma corticosteroid concentrations in both species. The nasal glands began to secrete in both species within 15 min. after loading with 500 mm-NaCl but in the gull the secretion rate reached a peak earlier and declined more rapidly. Although no clear relationship between adrenocortical and nasal gland functions was found in either species, comparison of changes in plasma corticosteroid concentrations and plasma volume in the duck under both conditions of saline loading supported this connexion.
THE URINARY EXCRETION OF 11-DEOXY-17-OXOSTEROIDS AND 17-HYDROXYCORTICOSTEROIDS BY NORMAL JAPANESE AND BRITISH WOMEN
Authors: BULBROOK R. D. , THOMAS B. S. , UTSUNOMIYA J. , HAMAGUCHI E.
Published: December 2008

The excretion of urinary 17-hydroxycorticosteroids and 11-deoxy-17-oxosteroids by normal British and Japanese women has been compared. British women excreted more 17-hydroxycorticosteroids than Japanese women but the difference disappears if corrections are made for body weight. Young British women excreted more 11-deoxy-17-oxosteroids than Japanese women of comparable age. This difference remains after correction for differences in body weight. Japanese women aged 40–59 yr. had a significantly higher ratio of androsterone to aetiocholanolone than British women of the same age.
HORMONAL CONTROL OF THE HEN'S OVULATION CYCLE
Authors: BULLOCK D. W. , NALBANDOV A. V.
Published: December 2008

The ovarian ascorbic acid-depletion assay has been used to determine the luteinizing hormone (LH) content of plasma at different times in the laying cycle of the hen. The existence of three peaks of LH release preceding ovulation was confirmed and no fourth peak was determined. By injection of an anti-adrenergic drug (dibenzyline) to prevent ovulation, all three releases of LH were inhibited.

Preceding the missed ovulation leading to a pause in the laying cycle, no peaks of plasma LH were found. These results provide direct evidence on which theories for the hen's ovulation cycle can be assessed.
THE EFFECT OF ADRENALECTOMY ON THIOACETAMIDE-INDUCED HEPATIC NECROSIS
Authors: CROOK LAURA E. , REES K. R. , VARCOE J. S.
Published: December 2008

It has been confirmed that adrenalectomy protects the rat against the hepatotoxic action of thioacetamide. This protective effect may be reversed by hydrocortisone injections and it is concluded that the removal of the adrenal cortex rather than the absence of the medulla plays the major role in this protective action.
THE EFFECT OF CHORIOCARCINOMA ON SERUM THYROID HORMONE-BINDING CAPACITY
Authors: GODDEN JENNIFER D. , GARNETT E. S. , SOMMERVILLE I. F. , BAGSHAWE K. D.
Published: December 2008

Thyroid hormone binding capacity in serum was measured indirectly by a [131I]tri-iodothyronine (T3) resin uptake method in 36 patients with trophoblastic tumours.

A low [131I]T3 resin uptake (raised thyroid hormone-binding capacity) was found in approximately one-third of the patients but none showed clinical or other evidence of hypothyroidism. There was no correlation between [131I]T3 resin uptake test and gonadotrophin excretion. The results suggest that the increased thyroid-hormone binding capacity found in some patients with trophoblastic tumours may be related to oestrogen secretion and further study is required to establish this.
THE ENTRY OF ASCORBIC ACID INTO THE CORPUS LUTEUM IN VIVO AND IN VITRO AND THE EFFECT OF LUTEINIZING HORMONE
Authors: STANSFIELD D. A. , FLINT A. P.
Published: December 2008

Judged from the exchange rate between luteal and plasma ascorbic acid there appears to be no compartmentalization of ascorbic acid within the corpus luteum. Evidence is presented to show that the uptake of ascorbic acid into slices of superovulated rat ovary is an energy-dependent process which is inhibited by luteinizing hormone (LH) by means of its stimulatory effect on progesterone synthesis. The results are discussed in relation to the adrenal cortex and methods involving ascorbic acid depletion used in the assay of corticotrophin and LH.