bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ACTION OF DIETHYLSTILBOESTROL ON MOUSE VAGINAL SIALIC ACIDS (I)
Authors: Carlborg Lars
Published: December 2008

Diethylstilboestrol administered in lower doses than necessary to induce full vaginal cornification in spayed mice, resulted in vaginal mucification. The thickness of the layer of mucous cells was found to be dose dependent; it was low in the controls, reached a maximum at a dose of 0.02 μg, but full cornification and absence of mucification was present at 0.05 μg. Sialic acid was present in the mucoproteins, and determination of the total amount of sialic acid per vagina showed a close relationship to the histologically evaluated degree of mucification. The ratio between total sialic acid per vagina and vaginal weight (»sialic acid concentration«) gave a dose response curve with a λ value of −0.061. The possibility of using this parameter for oestrogen assay is discussed.
THE GROWTH OF THE VENTRAL PROSTATE THE DORSOLATERAL PROSTATE, THE COAGULATING GLANDS AND THE SEMINAL VESICLES IN CASTRATED MALE RATS INJECTED WITH ACTH AND/OR INSULIN
Authors: Tisell Lars-Eric , Angervall Lennart
Published: December 2008

The growth of the ventral and the dorsolateral prostate, the coagulating glands, seminal vesicles and levator ani muscle was studied in castrated male rats after fifteen days of daily injections with ACTH or insulin alone, or in combination. ACTH was given in a dose of 8 IU daily. Insulin was administered in increasing daily doses, i. e. regular insulin up to 8 IU and protamine zinc insulin up to 10 IU.

After ACTH treatment there were variable histological signs of stimulation of the dorsolateral prostate, while the other accessory reproductive organs showed no response. Regular insulin produced no quantitative or morphological changes in the accessory reproductive organs, and no morphological signs of increased secretion of the adrenal steroids. Administration of ACTH and regular insulin in combination stimulated the growth of all the accessory reproductive organs. Protamine zinc insulin produced prolonged hypoglycaemia and morphological signs of increase secretion of adrenal steroids, thus the adrenals became enlarged and the thymus atrophic. Protamine zinc insulin stimulated growth of all the accessory reproductive organs, a stimulation which was further accentuated after combination with ACTH.

Possible mechanisms for the action of insulin on the male accessory reproductive organs are discussed.

The varying response of the different parts of the prostate and the seminal vesicles emphasizes the importance of the simultaneous examination of these organs.
SIALIC ACID CONTENT AND SPERM RECEPTIVITY OF CERVICAL MUCUS IN RELATION TO OESTROGEN EXCRETION FOLLOWING ADMINISTRATION OF FSH
Authors: Carlborg L. , Gemzell C.
Published: December 2008

The cervical mucus was studied with regard to changes in sialic acid content and sperm receptivity. The data were correlated with the urinary total oestrogen excretion in anovulatory women treated with human pituitary gonadotrophins (HPG). With increasing total oestrogen excretion the sialic acid content decreased and the sperm receptivity increased. At a total oestrogen level of about 60 μg/24 h the respective patterns of the curves were reversed and higher values for total oestrogen were actually associated with a decrease in sperm receptivity and an increase in sialic acid content. The possible significance of these observations is discussed.
DECREASED ALDOSTERONE PRODUCTION BY RAT ADRENAL TISSUE IN VITRO DUE TO TREATMENT WITH 9α-FLUOROCORTISOL, DEXAMETHASONE AND ADRENOCORTICOTROPHIN IN VIVO
Authors: Müller Jürg
Published: December 2008

Quartered adrenal glands of rats treated with 9α-fluorocortisol, dexamethasone or adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) for two weeks were found to produce 70–90% less aldosterone in vitro than the adrenal tissue of untreated animals. The same fractional decreases in aldosterone production were observed when the adrenal tissue was incubated under basal conditions or was stimulated by serotonin, potassium ions or ACTH. In rats kept on a sodium-deficient diet, treatment with dexamethasone and ACTH, respectively, impaired aldosterone production to the same extent as in rats on a normal sodium intake, whereas treatment with 9α-fluorocortisol was almost completely ineffective. These results indicate that inhibition of aldosterone secretion by an exogenous mineralocorticosteroid is mediated by changes in sodium balance. On the other hand, high levels of exogenous or endogenous glucocorticosteroids apparently decrease aldosterone production by a yet unknown control mechanism which is independent of sodium intake.
STUDIES ON THE METABOLISM OF CORTICOSTEROIDS IN THE HUMAN FOETO-PLACENTAL UNIT
Authors: Pasqualini J. R. , Lowy J. , Albepart T. , Wiqvist N. , Diczfalusy E.
Published: December 2008

Incubation of labelled pregnenolone with adrenal slices from two midgestation foetuses resulted in the formation of 21-hydroxypregnenolone, but no progesterone was detected. Incubation of labelled 21-hydroxypregnenolone yielded both deoxycorticosterone and corticosterone.

When two midgestation foetuses were perfused with labelled 21-hydroxypregnenolone, deoxycorticosterone and corticosterone were isolated from their adrenals.

In situ perfusion of two midgestation placentas at laparotomy with 21-hydroxypregnenolone yielded large quantities of deoxycorticosterone both in the placentas and perfusates. Following a single cycle perfusion more than 50% of the radioactive material recovered from the placentas and more than 10% of that recovered from the perfusates was in the form of deoxycorticosterone.

A scheme is presented describing the »Δ5 pathway« of corticosteroid biosynthesis in the adrenals of perfused previable foetuses at midgestation.
BONE FORMATION IN HYPERCORTISONISM
Authors: Jowsey Jenifer , Riggs B. Lawrence
Published: December 2008

Bone formation has been reported to be both low and high in hypercortisonism. The present report describes our efforts to elucidate this controversy. Five patients with hypercortisonism were given tetracycline to evaluate both the level and the rate of formation of new bone tissue. Specimens of bone were taken for biopsy. Measurements showed that the rate of formation is normal but the level is low, while resorption of bone is elevated. The study thus established that the abnormality of bone turnover in this disorder is of a depressed level of formation accompanied by increased resorption.
BINDING OF ANDROGEN TO COMPONENTS OF RAT VENTRAL PROSTATE NUCLEI IN VITRO
Authors: Unhjem Olav
Published: December 2008

Following incubation of rat ventral prostate slices with [1,2-3H]testosterone in vitro, radioactive material is found to be associated with the nuclei. Sodium chloride extraction of the nuclei removes macromolecules which might at least partially be responsible for this association. These macromolecules are probably components of the nuclear chromatin. Analyses of the radioactive material indicate that the major portion consists of dihydrotestosterone* and to a lesser extent of testosterone.

All the radioactive material is linked non-covalently to the nuclear components responsible for the association.
ACETATE AND CHOLESTEROL METABOLISM IN THE HUMAN FOETO-PLACENTAL UNIT AT MIDGESTATION.
Authors: Telegdy G. , Weeks J. W. , Lerner U. , Stakemann G. , Diczfalusy E.
Published: December 2008

As the first part of a series of investigations on acetate and cholesterol metabolism, the conversion of acetate to cholesterol was studied in the various compartments of the midgestation foeto-placental unit in perfusion experiments carried out for 90 min at 35–36°C.

Following their removal at laparotomy two complete foeto-placental units were perfused each with 5.0 mCi of uniformly labelled sodium acetate-14C + 5.0 mCi of cholesterol-7α-3H. The study was completed by the separate perfusion of two isolated midgestation foetuses and two midgestation placentas. The doses administered in each of these four last experiments were 2.5 mCi of 14C-labelled acetate and 2.5 mCi of 3H-labelled cholesterol.

Cholesterol was isolated in a radiochemically homogeneous form from each of the tissues studied.

The cholesterol isolated from the placentas, placental perfusates and from the blood bathing the placenta from the maternal side (»maternal perfusates«) contained exclusively 3H-label. On the other hand, the cholesterol isolated from all foetal livers, adrenals, testicles, 3 of 4 residual foetal tissues and 1 out of 4 foetal perfusates also contained significant quantities of 14C-label.

It is concluded, that the midgestation human placenta is not capable of synthesizing cholesterol from acetate, but that the conversion of acetate to cholesterol is a quantitatively significant metabolic pathway in the human foetus at midgestation.
ACETATE AND CHOLESTEROL METABOLISM IN THE HUMAN FOETO-PLACENTAL UNIT AT MIDGESTATION
Authors: Telegdy G. , Weeks J. W. , Archer D. F. , Wiqvist N. , Diczfalusy E.
Published: December 2008

Two complete foeto-placental units were perfused at midgestation with 5.0 mCi of uniformly labelled 14C-sodium acetate plus 5.0 mCi of cholesterol-7α-3H and two isolated foetuses were perfused with 2.5 mCi of 14C-labelled sodium acetate plus 2.5 mCi of cholesterol-7α-3H. The perfusions were carried out at 35–36°C for 90 min. The foetal adrenals, livers, testes and perfusates were analyzed and various labelled steroids were isolated in a radiochemically homogeneous form.

Major quantities of 14C- and 3H-labelled pregnenolone (3β-hydroxy-pregn-5-en-20-one) and dehydroepiandrosterone (3β-hydroxy-androst-5-en-17-one) were isolated from the foetal perfusates, livers and adrenals. Minor amounts of 14C- and 3H-labelled progesterone (pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione) were isolated from the perfusates and adrenals, and 17α-hydroxy-progesterone (17α-hydroxy-pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione) and androstenedione (androst-4-ene-3,17-dione) from the perfusates. Smaller amounts of exclusively 14C-labelled androstenedione were isolated also from the adrenals. No labelled progesterone, androstenedione or testosterone (17β-hydroxy-androst-4-en-3-one) was detected in the testes. Attempts to isolate 20α-dihydroprogesterone (20α-hydroxy-pregn-4-en-3-one) or 20β-dihydroprogesterone (20β-hydroxy-pregn-4-en-3-one) from the perfusates, adrenals and livers failed. No labelled cortisol (11β,17,21-trihydroxy-pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione) or corticosterone (11β,21-dihydroxy-pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione) was detected in the adrenals, and no testosterone, oestrone (3-hydroxy-oestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-one) or 16α-hydroxy-dehydroepiandrosterone (3β,16α-dihydroxy-androst-5-en-17-one) in the perfusates.

Pregnenolone and dehydroepiandrosterone (which were present in approximately equal amounts) accounted for as much as 95% of all steroids isolated from all sources. The bulk of these two steroids was isolated from the perfusates. The 14C/3H ratio of the pregnenolone and dehydroepiandrosterone isolated from the conjugated fraction of the perfusates was much higher than that of the unconjugated compounds.

It is concluded that the midgestation human foetus is capable per se of carrying out the de novo synthesis of major quantities of pregnenolone and dehydroepiandrosterone. It is suggested that in foetal steroidogenesis acetate is utilized predominantly via a conjugated pathway and circulating cholesterol mainly via an unconjugated pathway.
PLASMA INSULIN LEVELS IN NORMAL HUMAN FOETUSES
Authors: Thorell Jan I.
Published: December 2008

Immunoreactive insulin was measured in plasma collected from human foetuses at gestational ages of 15-26 weeks, as well as from their mothers. In the fasting stage, the mean insulin concentration in the foetal heart was 29 μU/ml (range 6-74 μU/ml) and in the umbilical vessels 19 μU/ml (range 10-36 μU/ml. The corresponding maternal value was 11 μU/ml (range 6-30 μU/ml). After giving the mothers a glucose load, the maternal insulin level increased considerably, but no change was found in the foetal plasma. There was no correlation between foetal weight and foetal plasma insulin level.
HORMONAL STIMULATION OF PROTEASE INHIBITOR ACTIVITY IN ENDOMETRIAL SECRETION DURING EARLY PREGNANCY
Authors: Beier Henning M.
Published: December 2008

The influence of oestrogen and gestagen on the protease inhibitor activity in endometrial secretion during early pregnancy in the rabbit was studied by means of fibrin agar electrophoresis and trypsin diffusion. Secretion specimens were obtained by flushing uterine cornua from 24 animals, sacrificed on day 6 post coitum (p. c.). Administration of 17β-oestradiol, progesterone, and both hormones combined enhanced the protease inhibitor activity of endometrial secretion. Uterine specific protease inhibitors have been called uterus-antitrypsins (U-AT1 and U-AT2). Hormonal stimulation of these inhibitors is discussed in relation to their possible involvement in general sterility, retardation of blastocyst development, and failure of the normal implantation mechanisms.
USE OF THE ACHILLES-TENDON REFLEX IN THYROID CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
Authors: Jonckheer M. , Blockx P. , Molter F.
Published: December 2008

The contraction-times of the ankle-jerks of 1454 patients were statistically analysed.

It was found that the mean of the contraction-times of the ankle-jerks in a given group of subjects is highly representative of the net thyroid activity at the end-organ level of this group.

This measurement enabled us to show:

a highly significant difference between euthyroid males and females.

a steadily increasing lengthening of the reflex with age, up to around 40 years old in females, at which time it probably remains constant.

a steadily increasing lengthening of the reflex with age in males, even after 40 years of age.

a significant difference between euthyroid non-goitrous subjects and »euthyroid« goitrous patients, suggesting that the peripheral thyroid state of these latter patients should be reconsidered.

Because the ankle-jerk, used on a statistical basis, is capable of detecting small clinical differences and because of the simplicity of its assessment, it is suggested that this could be utilised as an index of the peripheral thyroid state, together with the other parameters of thyroid metabolism, for the study of thyroid function as a whole.
EFFECTS OF DEXAMETHASONE ON LIPID MOBILIZATION IN THE RAT
Authors: Krotkiewski M. , Krotkiewska J. , Björntorp P.
Published: December 2008

The effects of acute and prolonged dexamethasone administration on adipose tissue lipid metabolism were studied, by injection of dexamethasone into rats in vivo and the investigation of adipose tissue in vitro. While increasing doses of dexamethasone (evaluated 4 hours after injection) resulted in an increase of lipolysis, chronic dexamethasone administration induced significant suppression of lipolysis together with an increase in plasma insulin. When evaluated 4 hours after injection, lipolysis increase was first observed after a dose of 3μg and became progressively more marked when higher doses were used. Re-esterification however, did not contribute to the inhibition of lipid mobilization.

Prolonged dexamethasone administration induced retardation of weight gain and growth, explainable at least in part by a decrease in food intake and a decrease of muscle weight, while the weight of the liver and adipose tissue was unchanged.
ELEKTRONENMIKROSKOPISCHE DARSTELLUNG EINER STEROID-SULPHATASE MIT DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERON SULPHAT IN DER NEBENNIERENRINDE DER RATTE
Authors: Schwarz W. , Spors S.
Published: December 2008

In adrenals of rats steroid-sulphatase (sterol-sulphate sulfohydrolase, EC 3.1.6.2) has been demonstrated with the substrate dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA)- sulphate. Electron microscopically this steroid-sulphatase is located at the tubulus membranes of mitochondria. The intertubular matrix and the outer membrane of mitochondria do not contain any DHA-sulphatase activity.
THE EFFECTS OF SOME ANTIOESTROGENS ON THE UPTAKE OF [6,7-3H]17β-OESTRADIOL BY TISSUES OF THE DOMESTIC FOWL
Authors: Hawkins R. A. , Heald P. J. , Swain M. , Taylor P. D.
Published: December 2008

Groups of laying domestic fowl were injected intramuscularly with doses of 1.2, 2.5 and 10.0 mg DMS (dimethylstilboestrol)/kg body weight for 7 days. No effect on the laying pattern was detected.

The effect of intravenously administered DMS was examined at two dose levels on the distribution of radioactivity after the administration of tritiated oestradiol to the laying hen. At a level of 1 mg/kg body weight, DMS accelerated the rate of clearance of radioactivity from the plasma relative to that in control birds which received only injection vehicle in place of DMS. At the level 10 mg/kg body weight, DMS produced the reverse effect, i. e. a decrease in the rate of clearance of radioactivity from the plasma, with a corresponding, significant increase in the levels of radioactivity in all tissues examined (pituitary, median eminence, cerebral cortex and magnum).

Doses of progesterone and testosterone propionate which would retard oviposition, when administered iv to hens 20 hours prior to the normal time of oviposition, were selected. The immediate effects (1.5 min later) of these compounds on the distribution of radioactivity after the administration of tritiated oestradiol were determined. Neither testosterone propionate (5 mg/kg body weight) nor progesterone (1 mg/kg body weight) affected the clearance of radioactivity from the plasma, and in the remaining tissues examined, only the uptake of radioactivity by the magnum was affected by either hormone: on a blood basis, the uptake of radioactivity in this tissue was depressed by the prior administration of testosterone propionate.
STRAIN VARIATION IN THE ASSAY OF FOLLICLE-STIMULATING HORMONE BY THE OVARIAN AUGMENTATION TEST IN MICE
Authors: Bell E. T. , Christie D. W.
Published: December 2008

Assays of follicle-stimulating hormone from the National Institutes of Health (NIH-FSH-S4) and the Second International Reference Preparation for Human Menopausal Gonadotrophin (IRP-HMG) have been conducted by the mouse ovarian augmentation test in animals of nine strains from five mouse breeders.

Two groups of 50 mice from each colony were used to assay NIH-FSH and the Second IRP-HMG. In the experiment with NIH-FSH dosages of 37.5 to 300.0 μg were given together with 40 IU human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) in three or five sc injections over three days. When the Second IRP-HMG was assayed dosages of 0.19 to 1.5 IU were administered in five injections with 20 or 40 IU HCG.

Little or no ovarian weight increase occurred following NIH-FSH in six out of nine colonies. In the remaining three the index of precision (λ) was very high. Following administration of the Second IRP-HMG a greater increase in ovarian weight occurred but a satisfactory slope was noted in only three colonies. The λ figures were generally lower than with NIH-FSH.

It is concluded, that under the conditions used, six out of the nine colonies were not suitable for the assay of FSH by the ovarian augmentation test. Further work would be required to study the reliability criteria of the assay in the remaining three colonies.
EFFECT OF DIFFERENT DOSES OF PREDNISOLONE AND ADRENOCORTICOTROPHIC HORMONE (ACTH) ON LYMPHATIC LUNG CLEARANCE AND ON EXPERIMENTAL SILICOSIS
Authors: Göthe Carl-Johan
Published: December 2008

The effect of three doses of prednisolone and ACTH respectively on the weight of the body, the lungs and the hilar lymph nodes was studied on rats killed one month after the intratracheal (i.t.) injection of 50 mg of fine-particulate quartz. The prednisolone was administered via the drinking water, and the ACTH was injected intraperitoneally during the period between the i.t. injection of quartz dust and the killing of the animals.

Prednisolone causes the rats to become cachectic and reduces the weight of the hilar lymph nodes. It also retards the transport of quartz dust from the lungs via the lymphatics. All these effects increase with increasing doses of prednisolone. However, its effect on the lung weight is insignificant.

ACTH does not affect the body weight, but retards the weight increase of the lungs and the hilar lymph nodes. These effects increase with increasing doses of ACTH, and seem to be connected with an ability of ACTH to promote the clearance of quartz dust from the lungs and hilar lymph nodes. The method used, however, does not make it possible to differentiate quantitatively between any ACTH effects on the bronchogenie and lymphatic lung-clearance mechanisms. Available data, however, indicate that the stimulation of the dust transport from the lungs and hilar lymph nodes is, at least to some extent, related to the lymphatic system.
QUANTITATIVE UNTERSUCHUNGEN ÜBER DEN JODIDTRANSPORT IN ENDEMISCHEN KRÖPFEN UND GESUNDEN SCHILDDRÜSEN
Authors: Riccabona G. , Obendorf L. , Huber P.
Published: December 2008

In a series of in vitro studies an attempt was made to quantitate thyroidal iodide transport in goitres and normal thyroid glands. All the specimens were obtained from patients living in an endemic goitre area. The iodide transport capacity was shown to be higher in normal thyroid tissue than in goitres. These findings in diseased glands represent an obvious impairment of the adaptation mechanism to iodine deficiency, and can explain the growth of goitres when iodide supply is only slightly diminished.

As thyroidal iodide transport is known to be related to the energy metabolism of the thyroid gland, it is suggested, that disturbances of thyroidal energy and phospolipid metabolism might be responsible for the observed insufficiency of the thyroidal iodide pump in endemic goitres.
KARYOMETRIC STUDIES ON THE REACTIVITY OF THE ADRENAL CORTEX OF NEWBORN RATS
Authors: Mitro A. , Palkovits M.
Published: December 2008

Karyometric studies of cell nuclei in the zona glomerulosa and zona fasciculata of the rat adrenal cortex were carried out on the 1st to the 7th day of life following single administration of formalin, electric shock, ACTH, DOCA, cortisol and adrenaline. A formalin injection, given on the day of birth, evoked a rise in the volume of adrenocortical nuclei even in the group of rats two days old. This indicates that there is already a functionally active pituitary-adrenal axis in the early postnatal period. The response to formalin stress or to the administration of ACTH, DOCA and cortisol is similar in both adrenocortical zones, i. e. in zona glomerulosa and the zona fasciculata during the first four days of postnatal life. This may be connected with a low degree of differentiation of both zones. Starting with the 5th day, a differentiated response to exogenous stimuli in the individual zones, similar to that in adult animals was found.
FURTHER STUDIES ON THE UPTAKE OF ANDROGEN BY SOME ORGANS OF THE MALE RAT
Authors: Tveter Kjell J.
Published: December 2008

[1,2-3H]Testosterone with a specific activity of 42.3 Ci/mmole was injected intramuscularly to adult castrated male rats. There was a selective uptake of radioactivity by the prostate, where a high and prolonged accumulation of radioactive material was found, in contrast to the much lower uptake by muscle tissue.

The influence of castration on the uptake was investigated. In the ventral prostate, the uptake was 205% higher in animals castrated 24 h previously than in non-castrated animals. The corresponding values for the lateral prostate, the coagulating glands and the seminal vesicles were 120%, 165% and 213% respectively. The uptake by the dorsal prostate was only about 23% higher one day after orchidectomy. The uptake by muscle was apparently not influenced by castration.

Following homogenization of the coagulating glands and the dorsal and ventral prostate, some of the radioactivity in the 105 000 × g supernatant fraction 1 h after the administration of [1,2-3H] testosterone in vivo was associated with macromolecules. In the lateral prostate an interaction between radioactive material and soluble macromolecules was only found in vitro.
URINARY TESTOSTERONE, OESTROGEN PRODUCTION RATE AND URINARY OESTROGEN IN CHROMATIN POSITIVE KLINEFELTER'S SYNDROME
Authors: Gabrilove J. L. , Nicolis G. L. , Hausknecht R. U.
Published: December 2008

In seven patients with the chromatin positive form of Klinefelter's syndrome, the urinary excretion of testosterone was markedly decreased. In contrast the oestrogen production rate and the urinary excretion of oestrogen were normal. These findings indicate that there is an altered conversion of androgen to oestrogen in patients with this disorder.
ON THE GLYCOLYTIC CONVERSION OF TRIOSEPHOSPHATES IN THE PANCREATIC ISLETS AND ACINI OF NZO MICE
Authors: Brolin Sven E. , Berne Christian
Published: December 2008

Methods based on Lowry's microtechniques were developed for measuring the enzymatic activities of phosphoglyceromutase and phosphopyruvate hydratase in pancreatic islets and acini. These determinations complete the activity pattern of glycolytic triosephosphate degradation. The activities were found to be much higher than in the initial part of the glycolysis and significantly higher in the islets than in the acini. The enzymatic equipment of the islets seems to meet the requirements for the degradation of triosephosphates from both the initial glycolytic steps and the shunt. Our results are in accordance with and further support the view that the islets possess a high capacity for glucose metabolism.
PREGNANCY MAINTENANCE IN PROTEIN DEFICIENT RATS
Authors: Callard Ian P. , Leathem James H.
Published: December 2008

Animals fed a protein free diet (PFD) without steroid therapy failed to maintain pregnancy. Injection of 0.5 μg oestrone and 6 mg progesterone daily between days 3 and 20 or days 3 and 12 of pregnancy allowed 100% pregnancy maintenance. Restriction of the steroid injection regime to between days 7 and 9 of gestation reduced pregnancy maintenance to 36%. Prolactin (50 IU subcutaneously twice daily) allowed 78% pregnancy maintenance. The evidence suggests that protein deprivation acts rapidly during early pregnancy to reduce hypophysial secretion of the hormones necessary for pregnancy maintenance, specifically prolactin.
IN VITRO UPTAKE OF TRITIATED OESTRADIOL BY THE RAT ANTERIOR HYPOTHALAMUS DURING THE OESTROUS CYCLE
Authors: Kato Junzo
Published: December 2008

The anterior, middle and posterior hypothalamus, the cortex cerebri, the anterior hypophysis, and the diaphragm of postpubertal rats at different phases of the oestrous cycle were incubated in vitro with tritiated 17β-oestradiol. Uptake of radioactivity by the anterior hypothalamus at prooestrus and oestrus was lower than that at dioestrus. In contrast no fluctuation in the concentration of the radioactivity in the other parts of brain, the hypophysis and muscle was observed during the oestrous cycle. These in vitro findings are consistent with the in vivo observations of cyclic changes in phase with the oestrous cycle of the amount of radioactive oestradiol taken up by the anterior hypothalamus following the injection of tritiated oestradiol (Kato et al. 1969b). Thus it is further suggested that the oestradiol receptor in the anterior hypothalamus of the rat is involved in the physiological regulation and maintenance of cyclic changes in the hypothalamo-pituitary system through the mechanism of action of feedback of oestrogen.
VASOPRESSIN CONTENT AND NEUROSECRETORY MATERIAL IN THE HYPOTHALAMO-NEUROHYPOPHYSEAL SYSTEM OF RATS UNDER DIFFERENT STATES OF WATER METABOLISM
Authors: Vilhardt Hans
Published: December 2008

Rats were subjected to different degrees of dehydration and overhydration and the vasopressin content of the hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal system was examined. Histological preparations of neurohypophyseal tissue were used to estimate changes in neurosecretory material.

As expected, dehydration caused a depletion of the hormone in the system. It was also found that overhydration caused an accumulation of hormone in the neural lobe, but no increase in the hypothalamic nuclei. The amount of stainable material seemed to vary in parallel with the changes in hormone content.

On the basis of the marked accumulation of hormone in the neural lobe during acute overhydration, an estimate of the rate of production of vasopressin was attempted. It was found to be much higher than the rate of secretion. This might indicate the existence of a considerable hormone breakdown in the neurohypophysis.
A RADIOIMMUNOASSAY FOR PARATHYROID HORMONE IN MAN
Authors: Lequin R. M. , Hackeng W. H. L. , Schopman W.
Published: December 2008

With a guinea-pig antiserum against bovine PTH, human PTH could be measured in plasma. PTH-levels were expressed in terms of equivalents b/PTH per ml. In normal, adult subjects the mean plasma PTH concentration was 140 pg b-PTH eq./ml with a range of non-detectable (< 70) to 200 pg b-PTH eq./ml.

Patients with primary hyperparathyroidism showed overlap with the normal range; in secondary hyperparathyroidism the levels were usually far higher.

The PTH levels in patients with a variety of disorders involving calcium metabolism were studied.
EFFECTS OF CONTINUOUS DAILY ADMINISTRATION OF 0.5 mg OF CHLORMADINONE ACETATE ON THE PLASMA LEVELS OF PROGESTERONE AND ON THE URINARY EXCRETION OF LUTEINIZING HORMONE AND TOTAL OESTROGENS
Authors: Larsson-Cohn U. , Johansson E. D. B. , Wide L. , Gemzell C.
Published: December 2008

Daily determinations of the plasma level of progesterone and the urinary excretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and total oestrogens were performed in 6 subjects during one control cycle, immediately followed by three cycles of daily treatment with 0.5 mg of chlormadinone acetate continuously.

The control cycles were ovulatory according to the parameters investigated. Two of the women showed a normal LH excretion pattern in all treatment cycles. The four other subjects also had periodical variations in the LH excretion but no distinct midcycle peaks occurred. The mean oestrogen excretion was increased in all three treatment cycles but the difference was satistically significant only in the last two cycles.

Compared with the treatment cycles, the sum of progesterone values was significantly decreased in the first two cycles.

Chlormadinone acetate in this dose had no thermogenic effect. Three of the subjects showed bleeding irregularities which had no clear connection with the hormone variations measured in the study.

It is suggested that the low levels of progesterone might be due to a defective corpus luteum function.
STEROIDOGENESIS IN EQUINE TESTIS
Authors: Oh Ran , Tamaoki Bun-ichi
Published: December 2008

When the cell-free homogenates (supernatant fluid at 800 × g) and the supernatant fluid at 10 000 × g of equine testis were incubated with 4-14C-labelled progesterone and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, radioactive androstenedione and testosterone were isolated as the metabolites. Oestrone was also produced by the same equine testicular preparation from the above mentioned C-21 steroids, androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone, while 17β-oestradiol was obtained from the testosterone which had been incubated as the substrate. In addition to the androgens and the oestrogens which were obtained as the metabolites, 19-hydroxyandrostenedione, 20α-dihydroprogesterone and androst-5-ene-3β,17β-diol were identified as the metabolites by thin layer chromatography, chemical derivation procedures, and isotope dilution methods in the course of recrystallization.

The testicular 19-hydroxylase and aromatizing enzyme system were found to be concentrated intracellularly in the microsomal fraction (10 000-105 000 × g precipitate), while the 20α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase which preferably converted progesterone into 20α-dihydroprogesterone were exclusively found in the soluble fraction or the supernatant fluid at 105 000 × g.

The role and mechanism of aromatization by equine testicular preparations are discussed in relation to those of the placental microsomal aromatase.
IN VITRO INFLUENCE OF OESTRADIOL ON SUCCINATE-SUPPORTED STEROID 11β-HYDROXYLATION BY RAT ADRENAL HOMOGENATES
Authors: Fonzo Domenico , Nelson Don H.
Published: December 2008

Studies of the in vitro effect of oestradiol on 11β-hydroxylation by homogenates of rat adrenal have been carried out. Previous studies indicated increased 11β-hydroxylation by adrenals from animals treated in vivo by oestrogens. An increase in 11β-hydroxylation was noted with the addition of oestrogen when the reaction was supported by succinate. The effect was seen, however, only when rate-limiting amounts of succinate were used. In the presence of saturating amounts of succinate which presumably produce a high rate of electron flow to the hydroxylating pathway, no stimulation was produced by the oestrogen. The amount of oestrogen needed to produce the effect noted in vitro would suggest that this is a pharmacologic rather than a physiologic effect of oestrogens on 11β-hydroxylation, although binding of oestrogen could result in the high levels locally in vivo which were found necessary to produce stimulation in vitro.
AN UNUSUAL TYPE OF HYPOKALAEMIC ALKALOSIS WITH A DISTURBANCE OF RENIN AND ALDOSTERONE
Authors: Desmit E. M. , Cost W. S. , Brown J. J. , Fraser R. , Lever A. F. , Robertson J. I. S.
Published: December 2008

3 patients with an unusual type of hypokalaemic alkalosis are described. The findings in these patients are compared with those in similar cases reported by Bartter and others (Bartter's syndrome). It is stressed that all of the abnormalities found in Bartter's syndrome may occur in sodium deficiency in the absence of organic disease.

The pathogenesis of the syndrome in our patients is uncertain but several possibilities are discussed. These include an apparently new aetiological hypothesis, a partial block in the adrenocortical response to stimulation by angiotensin.
EFFECTS OF LOW CONCENTRATIONS OF THYROID STIMULATING HORMONE: PHARMACOLOGICAL EXPERIMENTS IN VITRO
Authors: Desbarats-Schönbaum M.-L. , Sellers E. A. , Laansoo Malle , Koves Eva , Schönbaum E.
Published: December 2008

In guinea pig thyroid tissue incubated at 25°C for forty hours the binding (organification) of iodide appears to be the step most sensitive to TSH. Binding is independent of uptake in this system and physiological doses of TSH can stimulate binding while uptake is partially inhibited. At a suitably low concentration of PTU, the addition of TSH can counteract the effect of this drug. At less than maximal concentrations, the effects of TSH and theophylline (a phosphodiesterase inhibitor) are additive, which supports the hypothesis that TSH acts by stimulating the production of cyclic 3′,5′-AMP. The effect of TSH appears to be exerted equally on any iodide present in the thyroid at the beginning of, or taken up during, incubation in vitro. In this system deiodination has been excluded as a major complicating factor.
ABOLITION OF MAGNESIUM-INDUCED HYPOCALCAEMIA BY ACUTE THYRO-PARATHYROIDECTOMY IN THE CAT
Authors: Nielsen S. Pors
Published: December 2008

Intravenous infusion of isotonic magnesium chloride into young cats with a resultant mean plasma magnesium concentration of 7.7 meq./100 g protein was followed by a significant lowering of the plasma calcium concentration in 90 minutes. The rate of decrease of plasma calcium is consistent with the hypothesis that calcitonin is released by magnesium in high concentrations. There was no decrease in the plasma calcium concentration in cats of the same weight thyroparathyroidectomized 60 min before an identical magnesium chloride infusion or an infusion of isotonic sodium chloride at the same flow rate. The hypercalciuric effect of magnesium could not account for the hypocalcaemic effect of magnesium. Plasma magnesium concentration during magnesium infusion into cats with an intact thyroid-parathyroid gland complex was slightly, but not significantly higher than in acutely thyroparathyroidectomized cats.
EFFECT OF OESTRONE-PELLET IMPLANTATION ON PLASMA LEVELS OF PROLACTIN
Authors: van der Gugten A. A. , Sala M. , Kwa H. G.
Published: December 2008

Eight female and eight male rats were castrated at the age of 8 to 10 weeks. Four spayed and four orchidectomized rats received one oestrone/cholesterol pellet (200 μg oestrone) on the day of operation (day 0), a second pellet on day 11 and a third on day 23. The remaining animals received four oestrone/cholesterol pellets at these times. The fluctuations in the prolactin levels in the circulation induced by the oestrogen challenges in these animals were followed during 31 days by radioimmunoassays performed on days 3, 7, 9, 14, 15, 17, 23, 24, 25, 28 and 31.

The results suggested that the homoeostatic mechanism regulating plasma levels of prolactin was capable of withstanding the three time-spaced oestrogen challenges only in the spayed animals receiving the lower doses of oestrogen, since it allowed the mean values of the prolactin levels to remain fairly constant during the first 4 weeks. The levels in this group rose to much higher levels only on day 31.

The higher doses of oestrone in the spayed rats and both dose levels of oestrone in the orchidectomized animals apparently resulted in a primary break-down of the homoeostatic mechanism, since the prolactin levels in the animals of these groups rose to much higher levels either on day 7 or on day 9. This was followed by a period during which the prolactin levels appeared to be more or less under control, until a second and probably definitive failure of the homoeostatic mechanism allowed the mean levels to rise sharply again.
AUTORADIOGRAPHIC STUDIES ON NUCLEAR DNA AND RNA SYNTHESIS IN THE ADENOHYPOPHYSIS OF CASTRATED RATS
Authors: Städtler F. , Stöcker E. , Dhom G. , Tietze H. U.
Published: December 2008

DNA and RNA synthesis was studied autoradiographically; 5 groups of cells were observed in the adenohypophysis of rats (gonadotrophs, thyrotrophs, acidophils, small and large chromophobes) 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks following castration and the results compared with those obtained in control animals. The proliferation of cells in the anterior lobe of the hypophysis, determined by the incorporation of isotopically labelled 3H-thymidine into the nuclei of parenchymal cells, increases by 6 fold about two weeks after castration and returns to a normal level eight weeks after the operation. The number of silver grains/μm2 nuclear area =mean silver grain density (SGD) shows a doubling of the DNA-synthesis rate (= new formation/unit of time) two weeks following castration. This result agrees with a shortening of the DNA synthesis time – and very likely also of the G2 phase and the length of mitosis – to such an extent as to be characteristic for rapidly proliferating tissues. This effect on the mode of proliferation is reversible and normalized by the end of the experiment, i. e. eight weeks following castration. After the operation there is a more marked proliferation of the gonadotrophs than the chromophobic cells.

RNA synthesis as measured by the incorporation of 3H=cytidine into the cell nucleus increases continuously in the nuclei of all cell groups throughout the whole period investigated. On the other hand, the average nuclear area diminishes. This dissociation of the extent of RNA synthesis and the nuclear size is discussed.
METABOLIC AND ENDOCRINE ASPECTS OF THE WHIRLER MUTATION IN MALE MICE
Authors: Weltman A. Stanley , Sackler Arthur M.
Published: December 2008

Body weight, metabolic rate, locomotor activity and alterations in endocrine organ activity were noted in recessive homozygous male whirler mice and the phenotypically »normal« heterozygotes. Representative populations of the two types were studied at different age levels. In general, body weights of the whirler mice were consistently and significantly lower. Open-field locomotion studies similarly indicated heightened locomotor activity. Total leukocyte and eosinophil counts were either markedly or significantly lower in the homozygous vs. heterozygous whirler groups.

Evaluation of relative organ weights showed significantly increased adrenal weights in whirler mice sacrificed at 14 weeks and 11 months of age. These changes were accompanied by involution of the thymus. Thus, the varied data indicate persistent increased metabolism and adrenocortical activity during the life-span of the whirler mice. Seminal vesicle weight decreases in the whirler males at 11 months suggest lower gonadal function. The findings are in accord with previous studies of alterations in metabolic rates and endocrine function of homozygous whirler vs. heterozygous female mice.
SERUM THYROXINE IN THE EARLY PHASE OF SUBACUTE THYROIDITIS
Authors: Christiansen N. J. B. , Siersbæk-Nielsen K. , Hansen J. E.M. , Christensen L. Korsgaard
Published: December 2008

Serum thyroxine (T4) and other thyroid function tests were studied in 14 patients with subacute thyroiditis and compared with the same parameters in 32 patients with untreated thyrotoxicosis. The mean values of serum T4 and protein-bound iodine (PBI) were found to be elevated to the same extent in the two groups and the calculated T4 iodine did not differ significantly from the PBI in any of the groups. The resin-T3-test and the basal metabolic rate (BMR) mean values were significantly lower in patients with subacute thyroiditis than in patients with thyrotoxicosis. The serum T4 determination based on competitive protein-binding was not influenced by other organic iodinated products, and our results indicate that the elevated serum PBI in subacute thyroiditis is largely due to T4. The lower BMR in patients with subacute thyroiditis is possibly explained by a difference in the thyroxine binding protein (TBP) binding capacity and free T4 in the serum between patients with subacute thyroiditis and those with thyrotoxicosis.
THE ROLE OF ADENOSINE 3′,5′-CYCLIC MONOPHOSPHATE AND CATECHOLAMINES IN THE PIGMENT MIGRATION PROCESS IN XENOPUS LAEVIS
Authors: van de Veerdonk F. C. G. , Konijn Th. M.
Published: December 2008

The mediating role of 3,5-AMP in the MSH induced pigment dispersion, is demonstrated in several ways. The amount of 3,5-AMP in darkened skins is about twice the amount present in lightened skins. Inhibition of 3,5-AMP degradation by theophylline results in a dispersion of the pigment granules. Inhibition of 3,5-AMP synthesis by acetylcholine prevents dispersion of the granules in the presence of MSH.

In Xenopus laevis the dispersion reaction is stimulated by catecholamines. This stimulation is brought about by adrenergic receptors. Using adrenergic receptor blocking agents, some insight in the stimulation has been obtained in larval as well as in adult animals.

Finally, an attempt has been made to explain the pigment aggregation by an intensified breakdown of 3,5-AMP by the enzyme phosphodiesterase.
STUDIES ON THE METABOLISM OF CORTICOSTEROIDS IN THE HUMAN FOETO-PLACENTAL UNIT
Authors: Pasqualini J. R. , Marfil J. , Gamier F. , Wiqvist N. , Diczfalusy E.
Published: December 2008

A mixture of deoxycorticosterone-1,2-3H (21-hydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione) and corticosterone-4-14C (11β,21-dihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione) was injected in two cases at laparotomy into the intact foeto-placental circulation 15 minutes prior to the interruption of gestation. Metabolites present in the placenta and various foetal tissues were separated and isolated in a radiochemically homogeneous form.

In the two experiments, 58 and 86 per cent, respectively, of the administered radioactive material was recovered from the placenta plus foetal tissues; only 2 and 4 per cent, respectively, was recovered from the urine. The only compound possessing both 3H and 14C label was corticosterone isolated from the adrenals.

The following 3H-labelled metabolites were isolated: 3α,21-dihydroxy-5β-pregnan-20-one (liver, intestines, residual foetal tissues), 20β,21-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (placenta and residual foetal tissues), 3β,21-dihydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one (liver), 3,20-dioxo-4-pregnen-21-yl-sulphate (liver, intestines, lungs, kidneys, adrenals and residual foetal tissues).

The following 14C-labelled metabolites were isolated: 21-hydroxy-4-pregnene-3,11,20-trione (placenta, liver, lungs, kidneys, residual foetal tissues), 3α,11β,21-trihydroxy-5β-pregnan-20-one (liver, intestines, residual foetal tissues), 11β-hydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dion-21-yl-sulphate (liver, intestines, lungs, kidneys, adrenals and residual foetal tissues).

The results indicate that the foetal adrenals convert a part of the circulating deoxycorticosterone to corticosterone. It is concluded that the reductive metabolism of deoxycorticosterone in the liver of the midgestation foetus differs qualitatively and quantitatively from that of corticosterone. A concept is presented describing the metabolism of deoxycorticosterone and corticosterone in the foeto-placental unit at midgestation.
ADRENOCORTICAL FUNCTION IN THE AGED, ASSESSED BY THE RAPID CORTICOTROPHIN TEST (SYNACTHEN®)
Authors: Blichert-Toft B. , Blichert-Toft M.
Published: December 2008

15 aged subjects, average age 81 years, were exposed to maximum corticotrophin stimulation. A single intravenous dose of 250 μg Synacthen was administered, and the changes in the plasma cortisol level were measured over the next 4 hours. 10 young subjects were included as controls.

Both absolutely and relatively, the aged showed a completely adequate response. The maximum rise in cortisol concentration was observed 120 min after stimulation and was amounted to 24 μg/100 ml in the aged and 20.2 μg/100 ml in the young subjects. A significant difference in the level of the stimulation curve in the two age groups could not be demonstrated. The question is discussed whether the uniform rise in the plasma cortisol concentration in the young and the aged can be taken to support the theory of a reduced cortisol synthesis in the latter group.
THE EFFECT OF THE URINARY GONADOTROPHIN INHIBITOR ON THE RAT UTERINE WEIGHT RESPONSE TO HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHIN
Authors: Hipkin L. J.
Published: December 2008

A urinary extract (GIM), which previously had been shown to inhibit small doses of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) in the mouse uterus assay, was tested in the rat. In this species, GIM caused an increase in the basal uterine weight and potentiated the response to 0.1 IU HCG. Similar results, and in addition augmentation of the activity of 0.2 IU HCG, were obtained in rats injected with carbon tetrachloride or starved. GIM inhibited the activity of 0.8 IU and 1.6 IU HCG. This was thought to result from the difference in mean final body weight between the GIM and the control groups.

The results support the hypothesis that GIM causes a non-specific stress reaction. In rats the effect of this is to increase endogenous gonadotrophin secretion. This contrasts with the results previously reported for mice, which suggest that stress suppresses endogenous follicle-stimulating hormone release.
EFFECT OF HIGH DOSES OF OESTROGEN AND PROGESTERONE ON THE NORADRENALINE CONTENT OF THE SHORT ADRENERGIC NEURONS INNERVATING THE MALE GENITAL TRACT OF THE RAT
Authors: Owman Ch. , Sjöberg N.-O. , Sjöstrand N. O. , Swedin G.
Published: December 2008

The effect of prolonged treatment with high doses of oestrogen and/or progesterone on the amount of adrenergic transmitter in the short adrenergic neurons of the male reproductive tract of castrated rats has been studied by chemical determinations and histochemical demonstration of noradrenaline. Oestrogen, progesterone, or a combination of both, had no overt effect on the total content or on the concentration of noradrenaline in the male genital organs. The results are discussed in the light of recent findings that the content of the noradrenaline transmitter in the short adrenergic neurons to the female genital tract is markedly influenced by these female sex hormones.