bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFFECT OF SERUM GONADOTROPHIN ON DEHYDROGENASES OF THE CITRIC ACID CYCLE IN THE OVARY OF THE RAT
Authors: Eckstein B. , Landsberg R.
Published: December 2008

The succinic, malic and isocitric dehydrogenases in the ovary of immature and mature, normal and serum gonadotrophin injected rats were examined. The Qo2 of these enzymes were markedly enhanced in the gonadotrophin injected rats of both age groups, except in the case of succinic dehydrogenase in the ovary of the immature rats, where a slight non-significant decrease was noted.

It is concluded that in the mature rat ovary, gonadotrophin administration stimulates the activity of all the examined dehydrogenases of the citric acid cycle, whereas in the immature rat ovary, at least the isocitric- and malic dehydrogenases are thus stimulated.
STUDIES ON THE BLOOD VOLUME FOLLOWING HYPOPHYSECTOMY IN MAN
Authors: Falkheden Thomas , Sjögren Björn , Westling Håkan
Published: December 2008

Using 51Cr-labelled red cells, studies on the blood volume were performed before and after hypophysectomy in five patients (three cases of metastatic mammary carcinoma and two cases of acromegaly). In addition, studies were performed only after hypophysectomy in nine patients (two cases of metastatic mammary carcinoma and seven diabetic subjects). All patients were on replacement therapy with cortisone (17,21-dihydroxy-pregn-4-ene-3,11,20-trione) postoperatively, and several cases also received thyroid and sex hormones.

Hypophysectomy was followed by a decrease in the red cell volume, the calculated total blood volume, and the total amount of haemoglobin in the patients studied before and after operation.

The differences in calculated total blood volume and the total amount of haemoglobin between all hypophysectomized patients and a series of control subjects were analyzed on the basis of body weight. The total blood volume and total haemoglobin were significantly reduced in the hypophysectomized group.
QUANTITATIVE STUDIES ON ISOLATED PANCREATIC ISLETS OF MAMMALS
Authors: Hellerström Claes , Hellman Bo
Published: December 2008

Microtitrimetric assays of dipeptidase activity were performed in isolated pancreatic islet tissue from mice. Considerable enzyme activity was found in both the endocrine and exocrine pancreas of normal mice, the enzyme level of the exocrine parenchyma being significantly higher. In obesehyperglycaemic mice with free access to food, isolated islets of Langerhans had a much higher enzyme activity than in normal animals. The increased islet dipeptidase activity in the obese-hyperglycaemic animals may, at least in part, be accounted for by their higher proportion of B cells. The intense insulin synthesis and renewal of B cells in these animals have been considered as alternative explanations. Histochemical staining for leucine aminopeptidase revealed a moderate enzyme reaction in both the endocrine and exocrine pancreatic tissue of normal and obese-hyperglycaemic mice.
ADRENERGIC BLOCKADE AND THYROTOXICOSIS
Authors: Leak David
Published: December 2008

Guanethidine was used to induce adrenergic blockade in a patient with exophthalmic goitre. When a postural fall of blood pressure was attained with a large dose of guanethidine, the abnormal tremor was abolished, the sleeping pulse rate fell and the basal metabolic rate fell to +20% of normal. The addition of methyl thiouracil caused a return of the sleeping pulse rate, basal metabolic rate, body weight and plasma cholesterol to normal levels. Guanethidine alone or in combination with methyl thiouracil did not affect the exophthalmos. Reasons are advanced for suggesting that thyroid hormone acts independently of the increased peripheral sensitivity to the catecholamines in producing many of the signs of thyrotoxicosis. A simple method of recording the tremor in thyrotoxicosis is described.
LOW MOLECULAR WEIGHT CORTICOTROPHIN IN HUMAN PITUITARY GLANDS IN VARIOUS SYSTEMIC AND ENDOCRINE DISEASES
Authors: Currie A. R. , Davies Beryl M. A. , Symington T.
Published: December 2008

It has been suggested that corticotrophin (ACTH) is stored in the human pituitary gland in two chemical forms – a low molecular weight component extractable with trichloracetic acid and a protein or protein-bound component (Currie & Davies 1963).

The absolute and relative amounts of the low molecular weight ACTH have been investigated in 17 single 'fresh' human pituitary glands and they vary widely from case to case – from 0 to 21 IU and from 0 to 100%. The average total ACTH yield in cases without endocrine upset was 23.5 IU (range 7.4–37.8 IU).

Three patients in the series died within 3 days of the onset of an acute severe stress and their glands contained only protein or protein-bound hormone. The gland of a patient who had been on prolonged adrenal steroid therapy but had stopped taking the drug a few days before death gave a similar result.

In two glands from patients with Cushing's syndrome there was a low total ACTH but all the hormone was present in the low molecular weight form.

The other glands studied gave a variable yield of both the low molecular weight and the protein components.

In view of the difficulties of 'controlling' human material it is not possible in man to study the sequence of changes in the chemical state of storage of ACTH resulting from acute or chronic stress but in the cases of acute severe stress of short duration and in Cushing's syndrome the results indicate that the yield of low molecular weight ACTH has physiological meaning.
METABOLISM OF EXOGENOUS DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE IN MAN
Authors: Kirschner Marvin A. , Lipsett Mortimer B. , Wilson Hildegard
Published: December 2008

To study the metabolism of dehydroepiandrosterone, 3 normal subjects ingested 50, 300, and 1000 mg of dehydroepiandrosterone for 3 day periods. Although the fraction of the administered dehydroepiandrosterone that appeared in the urine decreased with increasing doses, the amount of dehydroepiandrosterone excreted approached that seen in adrenal cancer. The excretion of etiocholanolone was greater than that of androsterone at the higher dehydroepiandrosterone levels suggesting increased activity of the enzyme, Δ4-5β-reductase.

Conjugation of the C19O2-ketosteroid metabolites of dehydroepiandrosterone was examined at each dose level. The excretion of dehydroepiandrosterone glucuronoside remained a small, constant fraction of the total dehydroepiandrosterone excretion. Similarly, the excretion of androsterone sulfate and etiocholanolone sulfate was a fairly constant but minor fraction of the total excretion of androsterone and etiocholanolone.
EVALUATION OF CHLORMADINONE ACETATE AND OTHER PROGESTOGENS FOR FOETAL MASCULINIZATION IN RATS
Authors: Kraay Russell J. , Brennan David M.
Published: December 2008

Chlormadinone acetate (6α-chloro-pregna-4,6-diene-17α-ol-3,20-dione acetate) was administered subcutaneously to rats in the latter third of pregnancy. In doses up to 10 mg/day it did not produce any foetal masculinization of female pups as judged by the anogenital distance and gross observation of the sex structures. A significant increase in the average anogenital distances was produced by 6α-methyl-17α-hydroxyprogesterone acetate and a marked increase in the number of female pups with abnormally large anogenital distances was observed. 17α-ethyl-19-nortestosterone also increased the frequency of abnormally large anogenital distances in female offspring.
THE INHIBITION OF THE PROLIFERATION OF COWPOX VIRUS IN EMBRYONATED HENS' EGGS BY CORTISONE
Authors: Erichsen Stian
Published: December 2008

Titration of infective particles in the chorioallantoic membranes from embryonated hens' eggs showed that cortisone treatment inhibits the growth of the cowpox virus. This effect was demonstrable not earlier than 48 hours after inoculation, when the dose was 2.5 mg and not earlier than 72 hours when the dose was 0.1 mg. There was no demonstrable effect after 0.01 mg.

The results confirm previous morphological investigations and were interpreted as the results of a general inhibition of the synthesis of virus protein independent of the type of the nucleic acid component of the viruses.
THE CORTISONE-LIKE EFFECT OF 6α=METHYL-17α-ACETOXYPROGESTERONE IN THE ADRENALECTOMIZED MAN
Authors: Camanni F. , Massara F. , Molinatti G. M.
Published: December 2008

An attempt was made to determine whether 6α-methyl-17α-acetoxyprogesterone (MAP) was as active as a glucocorticoid in man, as in experimental animals. This steroid was administered as a substitute for cortisone to 5 patients with definite signs of adrenal insufficiency. The subcutaneous administration of MAP in doses of 100 mg per day caused the prompt and complete disappearance of the symptoms attributable to glucocorticoid insufficiency which had developed when cortisone had been replaced by 9α-fluoro-hydrocortisone. When substitution treatment was carried out with MAP only, compensation was practically the same as with the daily administration of 50 mg cortisone. The glucose-tolerance and the insulin tests demonstrated that MAP administered subcutaneously displayed a marked glycogenetic activity.
EFFECT OF LONG-TERM ADMINISTRATION OF METYRAPONE AND DEXAMETHASONE IN A PATIENT WITH CUSHING'S SYNDROME
Authors: Weber Jan , Ditzel Jørn
Published: December 2008

The effect of long-term administration of metyrapone and dexamethasone in a case of Cushing's syndrome due to adrenocortical hyperplasia has been evaluated. This resulted in a rapid and significant decrease in the plasma cortisol level and in the urinary output of 17-ketogenic steroids, with only an initial increase in the plasma level of compound S. The large dose of metyrapone was well tolerated. Evidence of slight improvement in the clinical condition was observed in the initial part of the trial, but no real remission was obtained. The discrepancy between the biochemical and clinical observations is discussed.
MAINTIEN DE LA GESTATION CHEZ LA LAPINE PAR UN STÉRÉO-ISOMÉRE VOISIN DE LA PROGESTÉRONE (6-DÉHYDRO-RÉTRO-PROGESTÉRONE). ACTION SUR LES FOETUS
Authors: Jost Alfred
Published: December 2008

6-dehydro-retro-progesterone maintains pregnancy in castrated rabbit does, its activity, when given subcutaneously, is similar to that of progesterone (daily dose required: about 5 mg). When given orally pregnancy is maintained only with much higher doses.

The female foetuses obtained under these conditions show no sign of masculinization; their müllerian vaginae, however, show proliferation indicating stimulation. The male foetuses are normal.
COLOUR REACTIONS FOR THE IN SITU CHARACTERISATION OF STEROID OESTROGENS ON THIN-LAYER CHROMATOGRAMS
Authors: Lisboa B. P. , Diczfalusy E.
Published: December 2008

Methods are described for the in situ characterisation of 32 steroid oestrogens on thin-layer chromatograms. The methods are suitable for the detection of a) phenols, b) benzene rings, c) o-dihydroxyphenols, d) unsaturated bonds, e) ketones, f) α,β-diketones and g) individual oestrogens. The sensitivity of the different methods varies with various oestrogens and is between 0.2 and 15.0 μg.
THE AUTORADIOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION PATTERN AFTER ADMINISTRATION OF DIETHYLSTILBOESTROL COMPARED WITH THAT OF NATURAL OESTROGENS
Authors: Bengtsson Gösta , Ullberg Sven
Published: December 2008

The distribution in mice of 14C- and 3H-diethylstilboestrol has been investigated autoradiographically. The results have been compared with those which have been previously reported for natural oestrogens. Many similarities have been demonstrated between the synthetic and natural compounds. Thus a specific accumulation has been observed in the endometrium, the granulosa layer of large ovarian follicles, the adrenal cortex. the interstitial tissue of the testes, and the hypophysis. Natural and synthetic oestrogens differ widely concerning the penetration into and the distribution within the foetus.
AUTORADIOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION STUDIES AFTER ADMINISTRATION OF A MACROMOLECULAR SYNTHETIC OESTROGEN (14C-POLYDIETHYL-STILBOESTROL PHOSPHATE)
Authors: Bengtsson G. , Ullberg S. , Perklev T.
Published: December 2008

The distribution of a macromolecular depot-type stilboestrol compound, polydiethylstilboestrol phosphate labelled with 14C or 3H, has been studied by autoradiography in mice. The blood concentration was high up to four hours after injection but dropped to a scarcely perceptible level after one day. Small foci of radioactivity could be detected in most tissues of the body, particularly tissues containing abundant reticuloendothelial cells such as the liver, spleen, bone marrow and lung. There was also early specific uptake in sites such as the endometrium, the follicular epithelium in large Graafian follicles, corpora lutea, adrenal cortex, and interstitial cells of the testicle – all places in which we have previously observed accumulation of monomolecular diethylstilboestrol. At these sites distribution was uniform. Our results suggest that the reticuloendothelial system serves as a depot for the polymerised polystilboestrol and that monomolecular stilboestrol is slowly released from the depots and then accumulated in the target organs.
EFFECT OF FOLLICLE-STIMULATING HORMONE AND INTERSTITIAL CELL-STIMULATING HORMONE ON SPERMATOGENESIS IN LONG-EVANS RATS HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED FOR SIX MONTHS
Authors: Lostroh Ardis J.
Published: December 2008

The effects of sheep interstitial cell-stimulating hormone (ICSH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) on spermatogenesis were studied in rats of the Long-Evans strain six months after removal of the pituitary gland. The results confirm the contention that sheep ICSH alone is not an effective agent for stimulating repair of the epithelium of the seminiferous tubules of the rat, and that preparations of sheep FSH contain a principle which, in the presence of less than 1 μg of ICSH per day, can stimulate substantial repair. All the effects obtained with gonadotrophin preparations can be accomodated if one assumes that FSH is specifically concerned with some critical step in the evolution of the primary spermatocyte and that androgen is responsible for maintaining a favorable intratubular environment in which the germ cells can develop. A complication encountered in this study was an unexpected variation in the germ cell population of rats that had been hypophysectomized for a period of 6 months; the possibility that residual gonadotrophin may account for this observation is discussed.
STEROID BIOSYNTHESIS IN VITRO BY A VIRILIZING SUPRARENAL TUMOUR
Authors: G. D. Roversi , F. Polvani , A. Bompiani , R. Neher
Published: December 2008

A case of virilizing adrenal adenoma is described. The tumour was incubated with progesterone-4-14C. In the extract the following steroids were identified chromatographically, in order of decreasing quantity and radioactivity: 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, androst-4-ene-3,17-dione, corticosterone (11β,21 -dihydroxy-pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione), cortisol (11β,17,21-trihydroxy-pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione) and 11-deoxycortisol.

This indicates either an increase in 17α-hydroxylation and side chain split, or a partial blockage of 21-hydroxylation, or a combination of both in the tumour tissue.

The absence of the 3β-hydroxy-dehydrogenase demonstrated histochemically in the tumour and the examination of the urinary 17-ketosteroids before and after removal of the neoplasm, suggested the same abnormal biosynthetic pattern in vivo with regard to the level of the endogenous Δ5-precursors.
STOFFWECHSEL VON 16,17-EPI-ÖSTRIOL BEIM MENSCHEN
Authors: Breuer J. A. , Breuer H.
Published: December 2008

After intramuscular injection of 10 mg of 16,17-epi-oestriol into two men, 17-epi-oestriol and 16-epi-oestriol were isolated from urine. Calculated on the basis of the steroid administered, the excretion of 17-epi-oestriol amounted to 2.1% and that of 16-epi-oestriol to 3.5%. Between 33 and 62% of the injected dose were recovered in urine as 16,17-epi-oestriol.
EFFECTS OF 17α-HYDROXY-6α-METHYLPROGESTERONE ACETATE (DEPO-PROVERA) ON URINARY GONADOTROPHINS AND OESTROGENS IN MAN
Authors: Laron Z. , Rumney G. , Rat L. , Naji N.
Published: December 2008

Weekly injections of 17α-hydroxy-6α-methylprogesterone acetate to three patients with gonadal dysgenesis exhibiting high urinary gonadotrophins and one girl with marked enlargement of breasts and high urinary oestrogens, led to suppression of both urinary gonadotrophins and oestrogens in two patients and of oestrogens alone in the third case. There was no significant effect on the urinary 17-ketosteroids or 17-hydroxycorticosteroids.
GYNAECOMASTIA AND DISEASES OF THE THYROID
Authors: Larsson Olle , Sundbom Carl-Martin , Åstedt Birger
Published: December 2008

Coexistent gynaecomastia was observed in 2 patients with thyrotoxicosis and in 1 with an active malignant thyroid adenoma. During treatment of the thyrotoxicosis the gynaecomastia disappeared completely in 1 of the patients. Mastectomy was performed on the other 2 patients.

The pathogenesis of gynaecomastia is discussed on the basis of the findings made in a fairly extensive endocrine study of 2 of the patients, and the possible aetiological factors are discussed.
THE CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF OESTRIOL ESTIMATIONS IN LATE PREGNANCY
Authors: Frandsen V. Aasted , Stakemann Georg
Published: December 2008

Using a method developed by Frandsen the excretion of oestriol has been estimated in several groups of patients with abnormal pregnancies. In all but one of 66 cases of suspected foetal death, the condition of the foetus was predicted correctly.

In two clinically identical groups of patients, one with a low and one with a normal excretion of oestriol, the perinatal mortality was 50% in the first and 6% in the second group respectively.

It is concluded that oestriol estimations are frequently of great value to the clinician.
ADRENAL CORTICAL RESPONSE TO INSULIN-INDUCED HYPOGLYCAEMIA IN THE RAT.
Authors: Kraicer Jacob , Logothetopoulos John
Published: December 2008

Using plasma corticosterone as an index of adrenal cortical activity, the response to a single subcutaneous injection of Insulin was characterized. The thirtieth, and even the sixtieth daily period of hypoglycaemia induced by this short-acting insulin preparation induced as great an increase in plasma corticosterone as that produced by the first injection. Animals previously »adapted« to daily periods of hypoglycaemia induced by Protamine Zinc Insulin, showed no such »adaptation« to a subsequent period of hypoglycaemia induced by Insulin (Toronto). A hypothesis is presented to »explain« these findings.
THE EXCRETION OF OESTRONE, PREGNANEDIOL AND PREGNANETRIOL IN BREAST CANCER PATIENTS
Authors: Nissen-Meyer Roar , Sanner Tore
Published: December 2008

The urinary excretion of oestrone, pregnanediol and pregnanetriol has been determined in a series of postmenopausal breast cancer patients receiving no endocrine treatment.

The steroid excretion was studied both in relation to the age of the patients as well as in relation to the time elapsed since the last menstrual cycle.

The results indicate that after an initial slow decrease from the age of the menopause onward, the excretion of oestrone and pregnanediol increases again. A new maximum was found in the group 10 – 15 years after the menopause. The excretion of pregnanetriol, however, remains relatively constant after a more rapid fall during the first few years after the menopause.
CHLORMADINONE ACETATE, A NEW HIGHLY ACTIVE GESTATION-SUPPORTING AGENT
Authors: Brennan David M. , Kraay Russell J.
Published: December 2008

Chlormadinone acetate was submitted to a battery of biological test procedures, and its endocrinological actions were compared with those of progesterone and medroxyprogesterone acetate. It is a highly active oral progestational agent, being 10 times as active as any presently available compound. Chlormadinone also is as effective in maintaining pregnancy in ovariectomized rabbits as medroxyprogesterone acetate. Although the compound is a strong anti-oestrogen, it is a weak gonadotrophin inhibitor when compared with medroxyprogesterone acetate by the classical procedures. The compound does possess adrenal suppressive potential, which is somewhat less than that exerted by medroxyprogesterone acetate.
A CLINICAL STUDY OF THE POSTULATED ANTAGONISM BETWEEN GLUCOCORTICOIDS AND VITAMIN D
Authors: Jackson W. P. U. , Dancaster C. P.
Published: December 2008

Present knowledge and theory concerning the postulated antagonism between the glucocorticoids and vitamin D is first considered.

Attempts at assessment of cortisone/calciferol antagonism were made in 3 groups of subjects. First, the effect of cortisone was observed in 4 normal volunteers who were taking large doses of calciferol. Then calciferol, in doses ranging from 100 000 units to 400 000 units daily, was given to hypoadrenal subjects and to sufferers from hypercortisolism (Cushing's syndrome), in order to observe whether dysadrenalism would alter the sensitivity to the vitamin.

Results indicate that cortisone did not appear to counteract the observed effects of calciferol while the vitamin was being taken concurrently.

Hypoadrenal subjects were not more sensitive to the vitamin, nor were hyperadrenal subjects less sensitive than normal.

Finally, the expression of the [BB]incomplete antagonism[AB] between cortisone and vitamin D is summarised.
OVARIAN PROGESTERONE SECRETION DURING THE OESTROUS CYCLE, PREGNANCY AND LACTATION IN DOGS
Authors: Telegdy G. , Endröczi E. , Lissák K.
Published: December 2008

The concentration of progesterone in the ovarian venous blood of female dogs varied between 0.13 and 2.70 μg/h per ovary and per kg body weight, in the different phases of the oestrous cycle. There was no evidence of progesterone secretion in the absence of the corpus luteum. The highest values of progesterone secretion were detected in the early stage of pregnancy (12.9-16.2 μg/h per ovary and per kg body weight). In the course of pregnancy, a gradual decrease in progesterone secretion was found which fell below detectable amounts 48 hours after parturition. The ovarian venous blood did not contain any progesterone in the presence of a corpus luteum of lactation. There was some progesterone in the extracts of placental tissue, however, though in much smaller quantities than in the human placenta.
RELATIVE ORAL ANABOLIC TO ANDROGENIC ACTIVITY RATIOS OF ANDROISOXAZOLE, ETHYLESTRENOL, METHYLANDROSTENOLISOXAZOLE AND TESTOSTERONE
Authors: Arnold Aaron , Potts Gordon O. , Beyler Arthur L.
Published: December 2008

Androisoxazole, 17α-methylandrost-4-en-17β-ol[2,3-d]isoxazole, 17α-ethyl-19-nor-estra-4-en-17β-ol and testosterone were evaluated experimentally for anabolic activity by means of nitrogen balance studies and for androgenic activity on the basis of increase weight of the ventral prostate gland in a 10-day assay. Under these conditions their anabolic:androgenic activities relative to methyltestosterone (= 1.0) and ratios were: androisoxazole (1.55/0.22) 7.0, methylandrostenol-isoxazole (1.2/0.15) 8.0, ethylestrenol (1.7/0.21) 8.1 and, of historical interest, testosterone (0.38/0.57) 0.67. The first three agents thus are intermediate in degree of dissociation of anabolic and androgenic properties between methyltestosterone and the more promising isoxazole-conjugated and pyrazole-conjugated (stanozolol) agents discussed previously.
EFFECT OF OVINE GONADOTROPHINS AND ANTISERUM TO INTERSTITIAL CELL-STIMULATING HORMONE ON THE TESTIS OF THE HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED RAT
Authors: Lostroh Ardis J. , Johnson Ruth , Jordan C. W.
Published: December 2008

Rabbit antiserum to ovine ICSH was administered to male Sprague-Dawley rats 2 months after hypophysectomy; further atrophy of the testis ensued. The interstitial tissue, the Sertoli cells, and the germ cells were adversely affected by the treatment. In the absence of gonadotrophins and exogenous androgen, spermatogenesis was nearly arrested. Ovine ICSH repaired the interstitial tissue and stimulated mitotic activity among the spermatogonia. Ovine FSH (NIH-FSH-S-1), containing approximately 1% ICSH activity, stimulated spermatid formation. When antiserum to ICSH was injected together with the FSH, no maturation divisions or spermatids were observed. The combination of FSH and ICSH, 100 μg of each per day injected for a period of 21 days, stimulated extensive and uniform tubular repair and advanced spermiogenesis to the acrosome phase; an enhancement in the secretion of androgen also was effected when FSH was given in combination with ICSH.
INACTIVATION OF ARGININE- AND LYSINE-VASOPRESSIN BY SLICES FROM DIFFERENT ZONES OF THE RAT KIDNEY AND BY RAT LIVER SLICES
Authors: Thorn N. A. , Willumsen N. B. S.
Published: December 2008

A method was developed for studying the inactivation of antidiuretic hormone in slices from different zones of the rat kidney. The essential features of the method are: The use of thin slices from 4 zones: outer cortex, inner cortex, outer medulla and papilla which are incubated aerobically with the hormone in a medium that has a composition essentially the same as rat extracellular fluid, including a calcium concentration of 2.5 mmol.

The inactivation of arginine- and lysine-vasopressin by these slices at 25° C and 37° C for 2 hours was studied. All zones inactivated both vasopressins, but the most marked inactivation activity per mg dry tissue was found in the papillary zone. High concentrations of sodium chloride in the incubation medium did not affect the inactivation of vasopressin by papillary slices.

The amounts of arginine- and lysine-vasopressin (expressed in rat pressor units) which were inactivated per mg dry tissue in the different zones during the incubation period were equivalent. Similar results were found in experiments on the inactivation of the two hormones by liver slices. These findings are discussed in relation to the problems of the site of action of antidiuretic hormone and the difference in the antidiuretic response to arginine- and lysine-vasopressin which is found after i. v. injection in the rat.
QUANTITATIVE ASPECTS OF RELEASE OF OXYTOCIN BY SUCKLING IN UNANAESTHETIZED RABBITS
Authors: Fuchs Anna-Riitta , Wagner Gorm
Published: December 2008

A method of estimating oxytocin output following physiological stimuli is described which is applicable to experiments in conscious, undisturbed and unrestrained animals. The method consists of recording the uterine responses in puerperal rabbits with a permanently inserted intrauterine balloon as an index of neurohypophysial activation.

Previous work has been confirmed on the essential role of oxytocin in milk ejection in rabbits. Only negligible amounts of milk are obtained by the young without any endogenous or exogenous oxytocin, but normal release of oxytocin can occur in spite of diminished or completely inhibited milk flow.

The amount of oxytocin released during suckling depends on the strength of the stimulus in a characteristic fashion, and the strength of stimuli again depends both on the number of young suckling simultaneously and on their physical maturity.

In the early puerperium (up to 3–4 days post-partum) each suckling young evokes a response comparable to that of 0.5–1.0 mU of oxytocin injected intravenously, whether suckling alone or together with its litter-mates. Only a few grams of milk are removed by each young at that time. After this period, the suckling of 1 or 2 young separately still elicits the release of only a small amount of oxytocin (1–2 mU), but during suckling of a whole litter from 50 to 100 mU are liberated, which corresponds to 10–15 mU for each young. The full milk yield can only be obtained by each young while suckling simultaneously with the whole litter.

The amount of oxytocin released is independent of the duration of suckling, of the quantity of milk available, and of the milk flow. Once lactation has been established, the oxytocin output during suckling on an »once-daily« regime remains fairly constant at least for a large part of the lactation period. It is possible that at the end of the lactating period, the amount secreted during suckling is increased to about 250 mU or even more.
THE EFFECT OF ETHYL ALCOHOL ON THE RELEASE OF OXYTOCIN IN RABBITS
Authors: Fuchs Anna-Riitta , Wagner Gorm
Published: December 2008

The release of oxytocin by suckling was demonstrated in unanaesthetized rabbits by recording the uterine motility of the lactating animal by means of a previously inserted intrauterine balloon. The amount of oxytocin released was found to correspond to 1–2 mU intravenously injected oxytocin per each young suckling separately, and to 50–100 mU oxytocin when a whole litter was suckling simultaneously. Ethanol administered either intravenously or orally was found to inhibit this release of oxytocin by suckling. The dose of alcohol necessary for complete inhibition increases with increasing strength of stimulus. Release of 10 mU oxytocin or less could be inhibited by 0.8 g ethanol per kg body weight, whereas 2.0 g/kg body weight was necessary to prevent the secretion of oxytocin by a stimulus, which normally results in the release of about 50–100 mU. Occasionally 3.0 g/kg was needed to inhibit the release of about 100 mU oxytocin.

The release of oxytocin by high doses of acetylcholine injected intravenously into atropinized rabbits was also demonstrated. An oxytocic response corresponding to about 5 mU oxytocin occurred after 10 mg of acetylcholine given intravenously. This release could be inhibited by previous administration of 0.8 g/kg body weight of ethanol.
ANTI-OESTROGENIC ACTIVITY IN YELLOW PINE NEEDLES (PINUS PONDEROSA)
Authors: Cook H. , Kitts W. D.
Published: December 2008

The anti-oestrogenic activity of yellow pine needles was assessed using the laboratory mouse and rat. The feeding of a concentrated aqueous pine needle extract to immature female mice resulted in a significant decrease in uterine weight. The concentrate did not bring about this effect when 0.04 μg/g diethylstilbestrol (D. E. S.) was present in the feed although at the 0.02 μg/g level of D. E. S., anti-oestrogenic effects were noted. The effect of oestrone on uterine tissue was diminished by the simultaneous subcutaneous injection of aqueous pine needle extract into immature female rats. The active substance was eluted from a celiteaqueous concentrate mixture with equal effectiveness by either ethyl acetate or ethyl alcohol. Suggestions as to the mode of action of the anti-oestrogen are given.
UNTERSUCHUNGEN ÜBER DIE 17β-HYDROXYSTEROID-DEHYDROGENASE DER MENSCHLICHEN NEBENNIERENRINDE
Authors: Breuer H. , Dahm K.
Published: December 2008

17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases have been found to be present in the cytoplasma fractions of normal and hyperplastic human adrenal cortex. A 10 fold purification of the enzymes was achieved by precipitation with ammonium sulphate (40–80 % saturation). With testosterone as substrate both enzymes possess similar specific activities; NAD as well as NADP can act as cofactors.

The 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase obtained from the hyperplastic adrenal cortex shows a pH optimum at 8.4; the Michaelis-Menten constant for testosterone was found to be 9.8 × 10−4 m. The enzymatic activity is markedly inhibited by SH blocking agents. The physiological significance of the adrenal 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase is briefly discussed.
EFFECT OF STEROIDS ON MUSCLE
Authors: Faludi Georgina , Mills Lewis C. , Chayes Zev W.
Published: December 2008

Myopathy was induced in dogs with large doses of anti-inflammatory steroids (cortisol, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, dexamethasone and triamcinolone). Weight loss and muscle atrophy occurred in all groups except the control group but was most pronounced in the triamcinolone-treated dogs. There was a marked difference between the treated groups in decrease of muscle size (occurring the least with cortisol) and also in fiber thickness of muscle tissue (changing the least methylprednisolone and diminishing the most triamcinolone).

The diagnosis of steroid myopathy could be made by clinical observation, electromyography and biopsy. The only specific histological change detectable was the diminished size of muscle fiber. Further investigation is necessary to understand the pathogenesis and to explain the peculiar localization of the myopathy.
OBSERVATIONS ON THE METABOLIC DISTURBANCES, GROWTH AND BEHAVIOUR OF YOUNG GOATS AFTER TRANSECTION OF THE PITUITARY STALK
Authors: Daniel P. M. , Prichard Marjorie M. L.
Published: December 2008

In young goats section of the pituitary stalk, with the insertion of a plate to ensure permanent separation of the pituitary gland from the hypothalamus, led to the development of metabolic disturbances including a severe hypoglycaemia. These complications were largely avoided by giving hormone replacement therapy for the first few weeks after operation.

The growth of the body and of the target organs (thyroids, adrenals, gonads) was greatly retarded during the first 2 to 4 months; after this the animals increased in size and weight more normally, but the target organs remained very small. The protein-bound iodine content of the serum was low. The blood picture was essentially normal. Although the clinical condition of the goats improved noticeably after a few months their activity continued to be reduced and their behaviour subdued by comparison with normal goats.

The difference in the condition of twin goats, in one of which a plate was not inserted, is described.
STUDIES ON THE PARATHYROIDS IN ALLOXAN DIABETIC RATS
Authors: Hansson C. Göran
Published: December 2008

The parathyroids were studied in rats with uncontrolled alloxan diabetes of about 14 days duration unaccompanied by ketonuria. The diabetic rats exhibited a significant enlargement of the parathyroid volume as compared with nondiabetic controls. Furthermore, karyometric determinations revealed significantly larger nuclei of the parathyroid cells in the diabetic rats. The urinary excretion of calcium and phosphorus was increased and the serum phosphorus level reduced in the diabetic rats as compared with the controls, whereas no difference between the groups was observed in the serum calcium level. In the diabetic rats, marked adrenal hyperplasia combined with thymus atrophy was demonstrated, indicating increased adrenocortical activity. The increased parathyroid volume is discussed against the background of the altered metabolism of calcium and phosphorus and the increased adrenocortical activity.
GROWTH AND FUNCTION OF THYROID GRAFTS IMPLANTED IN THE RAT BRAIN
Authors: Yasumura S. , Knigge K. M.
Published: December 2008

Brain-engrafted thyroid tissue was found to be histologically and functionally similar to that of a normal in situ thyroid. The graft always contained a rich plexus of peri- and interfollicular vessels which anastomosed quite freely with the vascular bed of surrounding neural structures. Radioautographs and chromatographic analysis of graft tissue demonstrated the uptake of 131I and the active incorporation of iodide into thyroid hormone and its precursors (T4, MIT, DIT). Electrophoretic examination of serum from thyroidectomized-implanted animals established the presence of thyroxine in peripheral blood and its association with the normal thyroxine-binding serum albumin components. These various lines of evidence suggest that the venous effluent of thyroid grafts provides adjacent brain areas with a higher than normal thyroid hormone titer. The results are discussed with reference to the applications and the limitations of this technique in neuroendocrine studies.
PLASMA ANDROGENS IN WOMEN
Authors: Lamb E. J. , Dignam W. J. , Pion R. J. , Simmer H. H.
Published: December 2008

In a group of 20 normal non-hirsute females age 17 to 38, 18 nonhirsute patients with varied genito-urinary disorders, 8 oophorectomized and/or adrenalectomized patients plasma testosterone was measured by the method of Finkelstein et al. (1961). Conjugated androsterone and conjugated DHEA were determined by a modified method of Migeon & Plager (1955).

Mean baseline values in normal females were.11±.06 μg/100 ml testosterone, 11.8±5.5 μg/100 ml conjugated androsterone, and 29.5±15.5 μg/100 ml conjugated DHEA. No significant response to HCG could be seen. Dexamethasone affected the conjugated DHEA significantly, but did not seem to affect conjugated androsterone or testosterone.

The non-hirsute patients showed essentially the same pattern. An effect of dexamethasone on the levels of conjugated androsterone was demonstrated.

Oophorectomized women had baseline values for the conjugates in the range of normals. Testosterone, however, was low with an average of.016 μg/100 ml. In the adrenalectomized patients no androgens were detectable.
EFFECT OF ADRENALINE AND VASOPRESSIN ON THE UTERINE RESPONSE TO OXYTOCIN IN CONSCIOUS RABBITS
Authors: Fuchs Anna-Riitta
Published: December 2008

The effect of simultaneous injections of adrenaline and oxytocin and of vasopressin and oxytocin upon the uterus of intact, unanaesthetized puerperal rabbits has been studied using intrauterine balloons which could be left in situ for several days.

Moderate doses of adrenaline (5-25 μg) did not inhibit the effect of simultaneously administered oxytocin on the uterus. The effect of oxytocin appears superimposed upon the uterine response to adrenaline. When low doses of oxytocin are used a delay of the oxytocic effect occurs.

Vasopressin (lysine-8-vasopressin) in a proportion up to 1:1 had no effect or only slightly modified the effect of simultaneously administered oxytocin. No potentiation of the response to oxytocin was observed but some incoordination of the contractions as well as slight increase in uterine tone occurred in late puerperium. When present in a proportion of 10:1, vasopressin completely prevented the effect of oxytocin, the uterine response being similar to that seen after the same dose of vasopressin alone, namely a long lasting inhibition of uterine motility after a short initial excitatory period. However, more than 50 mU of vasopressin were necessary to elicit any inhibitory effect. Even larger doses of vasopressin (250 mU) that alone or together with ten times less oxytocin would have caused a strong inhibition, did not affect the response to equal doses of oxytocin.
OESTRADIOL METABOLISM IN THE PREVIABLE HUMAN FOETUS AND IN THE FOETO-PLACENTAL UNIT
Authors: Haynes R. C. , Mikhail G. , Eriksson G. , Wiqvist N. , Diczfalusy E.
Published: December 2008

Five normal previable foetuses were perfused with tracer amounts of oestradiol-4-14C and the metabolism of the compound was investigated. This study was completed by 3 experiments in which the oestradiol-4-14C was introduced in situ into the intact foeto-placental unit via the umbilical circulation.

More than 80 per cent of the radioactive material present in the various foetal organs in both types of experiments was in a conjugated form. In contrast, in the placentas, less than 10 per cent of the total radioactivity present was in a conjugated form.

The bulk of the radioactive material present in the foetal tissues was identified as oestradiol 3-sulphate and oestrone sulphate. In addition, two minor fractions were detected in the perfused foetuses, one of which behaved in countercurrent distribution studies as »glucosiduronates«; the other resembled »sulphates«. The oestrogen moiety of these two fractions was neither oestradiol nor oestrone, but it appeared to be a complex mixture. Although some radioactive material was found which closely resembled oestriol, it was not possible to detect oestriol with certainty.

No glucosiduronate-like material was found in the foetal tissues following the injection of oestradiol-4-14C into the intact foeto-placental unit. Also the quantity of the »sulphate-like« material different from oestradioland oestrone sulphates was greatly reduced:

A number of unconjugated metabolites were also detected, among which oestrone was identified.

A perfusion experiment with an anencephalic foetus indicated that this foetus was capable of forming conjugated metabolites from oestradiol-4-14C.

The results obtained do not favour the view that oestriol is a major and instantaneously formed foetal metabolite of oestradiol. On the other hand, they lend additional support to the concept that oestrogens reaching the foetus are extensively sulphurylated by the foetus and that these oestrogen sulphates are hydrolysed by the placenta before transfer of the oestrogen moiety to the maternal circulation.
TEMPORAL ASPECTS OF DECIDUAL CELL REACTION
Authors: von Berswordt-Wallrabe Ilse , Geller H. F. , Herlyn U.
Published: December 2008

The decidual cell reaction (DCR) was studied in a total of 60 rats. Pseudopregnancy was induced during vaginal (late) oestrus, either by cervical glass rod stimulation or by daily injections of 1 mg of a lactogenic hormone (LGH) preparation. The antimesometrial aspect of the right uterine horn was traumatized on day 4 of pseudopregnancy. All animals of both groups reacted with massive and almost identical deciduoma formation, as measured by dry fat free tissue (DFFT) and histological examination.
MYXOEDEMA COMA
Authors: Nielsen Preben Elling , Ranløv Poul
Published: December 2008

Two fatal cases of myxoedema coma are reported. Case 1 was a woman who had, 4 months previously, undergone thyroidectomy and found to have Hashimoto's goitre. Case 2 was a 81-year-old widow with no previous history of thyroid disorder.

Seventy cases reported in the literature are reviewed, and the symptoms and signs, autopsy findings, and treatment of myxoedema coma are discussed on the basis of 41 definite cases.

It is apparent that cold was the most important precipitating factor, since nearly all the cases occurred during the winter months. Whether infection induces coma cannot be decided with certainty. There is no evidence that myxoedema coma is caused by or complicated by an accumulation of carbon dioxide, hypoglycaemia, or hypotension. All the patients had a low serum sodium, but normal serum potassium.

Autopsy was carried out on 25 patients. A remarkable number showed signs of auto-immune thyroid disorder, 5 having Hashimoto's goitre, 4 severe lymphoid infiltration in the thyroid gland, and one Riedl's goitre. Thirteen out of 17 patients who survived or improved temporarily during treatment had been given 1-triiodothyronine (TIT). Out of the 24 patients who died only 9 had received TIT. The average dose was more than twice as high in 17 patients who survived or showed temporary improvement as in 24 patients who died. Warming was tried in a number of cases, but without any convincing effect. All the patients who survived had received steroid medication, and — in addition to TIT — steroid therapy seems to be indicated in the treatment of these patients.
IS THERE ANY FUNDAMENTAL DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ENDEMIC AND SPORADIC NON-TOXIC GOITRE?
Authors: De Visscher M. , Beckers C. , de Crombrugghe B. , Herveg J. P.
Published: December 2008

Epidemiological and pathological investigations as well as clinical and biochemical studies all suggest that there is no fundamental difference between endemic and sporadic goitre.
THE EFFECTS OF VARIOUS GOITROGENS ON THE DETERMINATION OF THE RELATIVE POTENCY OF THYROID BY THE GOITRE PREVENTION ASSAY
Authors: Wiberg G. Stuart , Carter John R. , Stephenson Norman R.
Published: December 2008

It is well known that thiouracil and its derivatives not only block the synthesis of thyroid hormones but also alter the peripheral metabolism of thyroxine and triiodothyronine. Other goitrogens such as thiourea, thiocyanate and perchlorate do not have this extra-thyroidal effect. Hence the measurement of endogenous thyroid function namely »thyroxine secretion rate« as determined by the goitre-prevention response is affected by thiouracil but not presumably by the other goitrogens. The purpose of the present study was to see what effect different goitrogens had on the estimation of the relative potency of thyroid powder by the goitre prevention assay. The biological activities of pork and beef thyroid samples relative to a house standard were determined in a series of bioassays which used various goitrogens. Assays employing either thiouracil, thiourea, aminotriazole or perchlorate led to statistically equivalent potency estimates and indicated that the pork thyroid was significantly more active than the beef thyroid on the basis of the total iodine content. However, the slope of the log dose-response lines were significantly affected by the different goitrogens. When the relative potencies of pork and beef thyroid were computed on the basis of the triiodothyronine content, the three preparations had equivalent activity for each of the goitrogens. Thiocyanate proved to be toxic at the dose level employed and a valid assay was not possible.
EPIDEMIC THYROIDITIS
Authors: Hintze G. , Fortelius P. , Railo J.
Published: December 2008

A type of subacute thyroiditis occurring epidemically in a factory in Helsinki was observed in 44 cases. In every case the thyroiditis followed an acute infection of the upper respiratory tract. The variation in incidence during one and a half years was in good agreement with that of the acute infection. Since Helsinki is in an endemic goitre region, the fact that the disease was of the migrating type was of great diagnostic importance. In all cases but one, the nodules have persisted. One case of asymptomatic thyroiditis was seen. In the majority of the patients the thyroid gland had been carefully palpated before the thyroiditis occurred, and in all cases the condition was followed up by the same investigator. Special attention was paid to changes in the iodine metabolism, the serum cholesterol, the electrophoretic distribution pattern of the serum proteins, and the circulating thyroid auto-antibodies. In many cases needle biopsy of the thyroid gland was performed. Thyroid function invariably returned to normal with time, although one patient remained in a hypothyroid state for about a year. In no cases were thyroid auto-antibodies found. For the beta-globulin fraction, the electrophoretic distribution pattern of the serum proteins gave values which were still not normalized in any case, and only in two cases was the alpha2-fraction normalized. The needle biopsy, when thyroid tissue was obtained, showed almost the same picture as in endemic goitre, but in some specimens nonspecific inflammatory changes were seen. Prednisolone relieved the symptoms, but did not affect the course of the disease. According to the present observation this type of epidemic thyroiditis would seem to represent a form of nonspecific subacute thyroiditis.
IDENTIFICATION OF RING D α-KETOLIC OESTROGENS IN THE URINE OF NEWBORN INFANTS
Authors: Thorsen T. , Støa K. F. , Aarskog D.
Published: December 2008

Determination of the total α-ketolic fraction in separate 24-hour urine samples, as well as chromatographic identification of 16α-hydroxy-oestrone and 16-oxo-17β-oestradiol in pooled urine from newborn infants, has been carried out. The results obtained are a corroboration of the conclusions drawn from previous investigations on the oestrogen metabolism of the foetus and the newborn.
FURTHER EVIDENCE FOR A FAT MOBILIZING EFFECT OF ANDROGENS
Authors: Laron Zvi , Kowadlo-Silbergeld Avivah
Published: December 2008

Groups of starved female rats were treated with either testosterone propionate, 19-norandrostenolone phenylpropionate (Nandrolone, Durabolin) or bovine growth hormone (BGH). The effect of these hormones on the concentration of the plasma unesterified fatty acids (UFA) was then studied in blood withdrawn from the heart daily. As controls groups of rats were treated with either oil or saline, i. e. the vehicles for the above named hormones. It was found that both testosterone and Nandrolone caused a marked increase in plasma UFA concentrations, similar to the effects obtained by growth hormone.

Accepting UFA as an index of the metabolic activity of adipose tissue, it is concluded that testosterone and its less androgenic derivative Nandrolone possess fat mobilizing properties. In view of the fact that during puberty in boys the subcutaneous fat tissue decreases as compared with girls and that eunuchs have a tendency to obesity, it is suggested that androgens play an active physiological role in adipose tissue metabolism.