bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STUDIES ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SPERMATOGENESIS AND URINARY LEVELS OF FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE AND LUTEINIZING HORMONE IN OLIGOSPERMIC MEN
Authors: Christiansen Peter
Published: December 2008

The urinary excretion of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) was measured by specific bioassays in 122 infertile men from barren couples in order to study the relationship between levels of FSH and LH and the state of the germinal epithelium. The latter was assessed both by determination of the gametic output and by examination of testicular histology, using the testicular biopsy score count method, in which the mean score (MS) is the overall measure of level of spermatogenesis (Johnsen 1970a). A highly significant negative correlation was established between log FSH and both log sperm concentration and MS and also between log LH and MS, but not between log LH and log sperm concentration. Of the 122 infertile men, the 56 who belonged to the heterogeneous idiopathic oligospermia group were studied most intensely. Nineteen of these had elevated urinary FSH levels. The mean FSH level for this group was 2.3 times higher than the mean FSH level for normal males (P < 0.001). Only 5 patients in this group had an elevated urinary LH level and the mean LH level was not different from that of normal men. In this idiopathic oligospermia group there was a significant negative correlation between log FSH and MS, and between log FSH and sperm concentration, but no correlation between log LH and either of the same 2 parameters. No correlation between log FSH and log LH on the one hand and the excretion of oestrogens, androgen metabolites, sperm morphology or motility on the other hand was found. The excretion of testicular and adrenal androgen metabolites (separated by a dexamethasone-suppression test) was normal in the 56 males with idiopathic oligospermia.

It is concluded that there is a close relationship between urinary FSH levels, and to a lesser degree urinary LH levels, and spermatogenesis and that testicular histology is a better parameter for the judgment of the state of the germinal epithelium than the sperm concentration. It is further concluded that analyses of gonadotrophins, especially of FSH, are of value in the differential diagnosis of the infertile man, especially in distinguishing between those who will benefit from a treatment with gonadotrophins and those who will not.
FURTHER STUDIES ON THE NATURE OF THE IMMUNOREACTIVE LUTEINIZING HORMONE-RELEASING HORMONE (LH-RH)-LIKE PEPTIDE IN HUMAN URINE
Authors: Jeffcoate S. L. , Holland Diane T.
Published: December 2008

The chemical nature of the immunoreactive LH-RH-like peptide found in human urine has been investigated using ion-exchange chromatography on carboxymethyl (CM)-cellulose and a radioimmunoassay for LH-RH. A single immunoreactive substance was found in urine after LH-RH administration and in urine samples from untreated subjects. This substance did not have the mobility of either the synthetic decapeptide nor the 3–10 octapeptide on CM-cellulose and the evidence suggests that it may be the 2–10 nonapeptide of LH-RH.
DYNAMIC EVALUATION OF GROWTH HORMONE (GH) AND PROLACTIN (hPRL) SECRETION IN ACTIVE ACROMEGALY WITH HIGH AND LOW GH OUTPUT
Authors: Tolis G. , Kovacs L. , Friesen H. , Martin J. B.
Published: December 2008

Ten patients with active acromegaly were studied. In 9 plasma GH levels failed to suppress after glucose (OGTT), in 8 an increase in serum GH occurred after thyrotrophin releasing hormone (TRH). After L-Dopa, 4 patients showed no change in serum GH, 3 exhibited a decrease and in 3 an increase in serum hGH occurred. With a combined insulin (ITT) and arginine (ATT) test, 2 patients exhibited an increase in hGH, and in 6 no change occurred. Fasting serum GH concentration was less than 11 ng/ml in 5 patients. Basal prolactin (hPRL) levels were normal in all patients including two with galactorrhea. L-Dopa suppressed and TRH stimulated hPRL secretion in all, but the responses which were seen were subnormal. Hydrocortisone infusion in two acromegalics did not affect the prolactin induced increase after TRH but blunted the GH increase after TRH.
THYROID FUNCTION AND TRIIODOTHYRONINE AND THYROXINE KINETICS IN RABBITS IMMUNIZED WITH THYROID HORMONES
Authors: Herrmann J. , Rusche H. J. , Berger M. , Krüskemper H. L.
Published: December 2008

Neck-uptake studies, thyroid scintiscans and triiodothyronine (T3)- and thyroxine (T4)-kinetic studies were performed in normal rabbits and in animals producing antibodies against thyroid hormones. In immunized animals the radioiodide uptake and turnover were increased 3-fold and 6–17-fold, respectively. The thyroid glands were found to be enlarged scintigraphically and showed a denser tracer distribution pattern.

T3 and T4 kinetic data were obtained from 5 rabbits immunized with T3 (ABT3), 4 immunized with T4 (ABT4) and from 5 controls. In T3 immunized animals total T3 in the serum rose from 86 to 59 000 ng/100 ml, in T4 immunized rabbits total T4 increased from 2.5 to 53.8 μg/100 ml. The fundamental principles of regulation were similar in both T3 and T4 immunized rabbits: There were enormous decreases in the total distribution spaces (TDS) as well as in the fractional turnover rates (k), resulting in markedly decreased metabolic clearance rates (MCR). The fall in T3-MCR was directly proportional to the T3 binding activity of the sera. However, striking differences between the respective alterations of T3 and T4 kinetic data were obtained in the immunized animals: T3-MCR fell about 70-fold in ABT3, whereas T4-MCR was diminished 15-fold in T4 immunized rabbits. In both groups of immunized animals T3-TDS decreased more than the T3 fractional turnover, whereas T4-TDS was less affected than k T4. The T3 production rates (PR) were increased 10-fold in ABT3 and 5-fold in ABT4, whereas the increases in T4-PR were of only moderate degree both in ABT3 and ABT4. Using presently available radiochemical methods the metabolic status of immunized rabbits could not be definitely assessed: "clinically" the animals were euthyroid. However, the dialyzable fraction in the serum of both T3 and T4 did not decrease proportionately to the enormous increase in total hormone concentration, so the free hormone concentrations were elevated over the normal. The results of the calculations of the cellular hormonal T3- and T4-clearance were more consistent with a euthyroid state: In ABT4 the cellular metabolism of both hormones was not different from the normal; in ABT3 a 1.7-fold increase in the cellular clearance of T3 was accompanied by a significant decrease of that in T4.
DISSOCIATION OF IN VIVO AND IN VITRO "AUTONOMY" IN A HUMAN ADRENOCORTICAL TUMOUR
Authors: Voigt K. H. , Fehm H. L. , Pfeiffer E. F.
Published: December 2008

The diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome due to "autonomous adrenocortical tumour" has been established in a patient by appropriate examinations (especially dexamethasone suppression test, ACTH stimulation test, ACTH measurement by radioimmunoassay). Isolated cells have been prepared from a piece of the tumour by a trypsin technique so that the action of ACTH on steriodogenesis in these cells could be studied in vitro. Basal production of corticosteroids by the isolated tumour cells was low (0.3 μg ± 0.04/2 h/105 cells). Addition of ACTH induced a dose-dependent stimulation of corticosteroid production. The tumour cells appeared to be unable to produce corticosteroids in the absence of ACTH; maximal production was rather low (1.38 μg ± 0.07/2 h/105 cells). A possible explanation for the discrepancies between endocrine function tests and the results of the in vitro studies is given.
OESTRADIOL-17β UPTAKE IN VITRO INTO THE NUCLEI OF ENDOMETRIUM FROM DIFFERENT REGIONS OF THE HUMAN UTERUS
Authors: Lunan C. B. , Greenz B.
Published: December 2008

Specimens of endometrium from the vault, body and lower body regions of the same human uteri were incubated separately for 30 min in vitro in the presence of 1–6 × 10−9m 3H-oestradiol. Uptake into the nuclei was variable but in general the vault region endometrium was least active in nuclear accumulation of the hormone, especially in secretory phase endometrium.

This suggests that intra-uterine variations found in oestradiol uptake in vivo are due to regional differences in the state of the tissue itself.
5α-ANDROSTENONE IN PERIPHERAL PLASMA OF PIGS, DIURNAL VARIATION IN BOARS, EFFECTS OF INTRAVENOUS HCG ADMINISTRATION AND CASTRATION
Authors: Andresen Ø.
Published: December 2008

5α-Androstenone2) has been measured in pig peripheral plasma by radioimmunoassay (RIA). In 73 mature boars values ranging from 1.2 ng to 54.1 ng per ml plasma with a mean value of 18.3 ng/ml and sd = 15.9 were found. In female pigs and castrated male pigs the mean concentrations were 2.3 ng/ml (n=18) and 1.1 ng/ml (n=19) with sd = 0.8 and sd = 0.3 respectively.

Clear-cut diurnal variations in the concentration of 5α-androstenone in plasma samples from boars were not observed.

Intravenous injection of HCG in boars caused an abrupt rise in the 5αandrostenone level reaching a maximum in 90 min. Twenty-eight hours after the injection a second peak of plasma 5α-androstenone was observed. Following castration of boars the level of 5α-androstenone in peripheral plasma fell within 4 days, to levels found in female pigs.
ANTAGONISM BETWEEN INSULIN AND SELECTIVE ADRENERGIC AGONISTS ON THE GLYCOGEN SYNTHETASE AND PHOSPHORYLASE SYSTEMS OF THE ISOLATED RAT DIAPHRAGM
Authors: Hostmark Arne T. , Grønnerød Ole , Horn Robert S.
Published: December 2008

The antagonism between insulin and selective adrenergic stimulation on the converting systems for glycogen synthetase and phosphorylase has been investigated in the isolated rat diaphragm. Insulin significantly inhibited stimulation by terbutaline and noradrenaline of phosphorylase b to a conversion as well as stimulation of glycogen synthetase I to D conversion by these agents. The inhibition by insulin was stronger on the synthetase system than on the phosphorylase system. The insulin effect was not dependent upon the presence of glucose. In diaphragms from 24 h fasted rats the response of the phosphorylase system to both agonists decreased. Inhibition by insulin of terbutaline stimulated phosphorylase conversion was maintained upon fasting while no effect of insulin against stimulation by noradrenaline could be obtained in diaphragms from fasted rats. The effects of fasting and insulin were not influenced by beta adrenergic antagonists (practolol and butoxamine).

The results indicate a difference in sensitivity of the synthetase and phosphorylase systems to insulin and suggest that noradrenaline and terbutaline influence glycogen metabolism by differing mechanisms.
PHOTOPERIODIC CONTROL OF LH RELEASE IN THE RAM
Authors: Pelletier J. , Ortavant R.
Published: December 2008

The intensity of negative feedback of androgens on hypothalamo-hypophyseal activity was compared in two groups of castrated rams under 8.00 or 16.00 h of daily illumination respectively following a conditioning period.

In experiment I, two groups of 15 rams under each light photoperiod were slaughtered at different times after a 200 mg testosterone propionate (TP) intramuscular injection. Animals receiving the vehicle only acted as controls. The hypophyseal LH concentration, which increases when there is temporary inhibition of the release into the blood, was taken as a criterion of the inhibition due to TP. In both groups of rams the LH concentration increased in the pituitary following TP treatment. A return to the pre-injection level was observed 48 h later only in animals under a 8.00 h light photoperiod, indicating a shorter negative effect of the injection than in the case of rams under 16.00 h light photoperiod.

In experiment II, the inhibitory effect of TP was assessed at two doses, i. e. 300 and 600 mg, by the decrease in the plasma LH level following an intramuscularly injection. In both cases the decrease in LH release was more pronounced in rams under 16.00 h of daily illumination than in those under 8.00 h (mean decrease in LH release: 21.2 and 33.2% respectively in 300 and 600 mg treated rams under 16.00 h daylight as against 9.2 and 14.8% in rams under 8.00 h). Thus it appears that to the intrinsic action of the photoperiod is superposed on a modulatory effect of steroid action on the hypothalamo-hypophyseal activity.

The hypothesis is therefore presented that, in rams a decreasing light photoperiod acts in two ways:

by stimulating the activity of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal system,

by decreasing the intensity of the negative feedback effect of steroids.
INFLUENCE OF PROLACTIN ON THE METABOLISM OF STEROID HORMONES IN RAT LIVER AND ADRENALS
Authors: Gustafsson Jan-Åke , Stenberg Åke
Published: December 2008

The influence of prolactin treatment on the hepatic metabolism of 4-[4-14C]androstene-3,17-dione (in the microsomal and 105 000 × g supernatant fractions) and 5α-[4-14C]androstane-3α,17β-diol (in the microsomal fraction) and on the adrenal metabolism of 4-[4-14C]androstene-3,17-dione was studied in intact and castrated male and female rats with and without concomitant treatment with testosterone propionate. Whereas prolactin gave a significant and specific decrease in the activity of adrenal 5α-reductase by about 20–30 % in both male and female rats no specific effects were noted in the metabolism of steroids in the liver. Neither did prolactin compensate for the relative androgen unresponsiveness characteristic of neonatally castrated male rats. These results suggest that prolactin does not play any significant role in mediating the recently discovered hypophyseal control of sexual differentiation of hepatic steroid metabolism in the rat whereas it may have a function in maintaining sexual differences in alrenal 5α-reductase activity.
INACTIVATION OF LUTEINIZING HORMONE RELEASING HORMONE BY RAT HYPOTHALAMIC L-CYSTINE ARYLAMIDASE
Authors: Kuhl Herbert , Taubert Hans-Dieter
Published: December 2008

The rate of hydrolysis of several aminoacyl-4-nitroanilides by rat hypothalamic arylamidases was investigated. The activity of these enzymes which were mainly found in the 105 000 × g supernatant fraction of homogenates of the hypothalamus and other parts of the brain was shown to depend upon the presence of metal ions and free thiol groups, and to be inhibited by puromycin. As previous investigations had shown that Cys-NA is an appropriate substrate for measuring hormone effects on hypothalamic arylamidases, L-cystine arylamidase and its interaction with various peptide hormones were examined in detail. It could conclusively be shown that this enzyme interacts particularly with oligopeptides. Its activity was competitively inhibited by TRF, oxytocin, lysine vasopressin, and LH-RH. It was also shown that the biological activity of LH-RH and its inhibitory effect on the hydrolysis of L-cystine-bis-p-nitroanilide decreased when it was incubated for various periods of time with the 105 000 × g supernatant of rat hypothalamus homogenate.
THE SPECIFICITY AND APPLICATION OF A RADIOIMMUNOASSAY FOR THE α-SUBUNIT OF LUTEINIZING HORMONE IN MAN
Authors: Hagen C. , McNeilly A. S.
Published: December 2008

A sensitive radioimmunoassay for the α-subunit of LH has been developed. Differences in the immunopotency of LH, FSH and subunit preparations were found and are described in detail. The assay has been applied to the measurement of circulating levels of α-subunit; higher levels of α-subunit were found in post-menopausal than in pre-menopausal women, or men, and a rise in α-subunit was seen after LH-RH but not TRH administration. Elevated levels of free α-subunit were found in foetal cord blood at term.

These results suggest that the α-subunit circulates independently of the intact pituitary and placental glycoprotein hormones.
STUDIES ON HEARING LOSS IN A COMMUNITY WITH ENDEMIC CRETINISM IN CENTRAL JAVA, INDONESIA
Authors: Goslings B. M. , Djokomoeljanto R. , Hoedijono R. , Soepardjo H. , Querido A.
Published: December 2008

An audiometric study was carried out in a community of 642 subjects severely affected by endemic goitre and cretinism. Hearing loss was measured in 34 out of 41 subjects diagnosed as cretins, 92 normal subjects aged 5–20 years from the same community and 54 subjects (also of 5–20 years) living in a nearby control area without endemic goitre. The excess number of hearing defects in the endemic area seems to be entirely due to the process that leads to cretinism. There is no reason to describe deafness and deafmutism in an area with severe endemic goitre as a separate entity. The hearing defect showed a definite greater loss in the higher frequencies than in the lower frequencies and was found in 92 % of the cretins. Deafmutism was present in 5, a loss of more than 60 db in 8, a loss of 40–60 db in 10 cretins. A loss of 20–30 db was found in 2.2 % of normal subjects in the endemic area and 1.8 % of those living in the control area. It is concluded that audiometry is a simple and significant test to establish the presence of the neurological form of endemic cretinism, which is the most prevalent form in most endemias. The differential diagnosis and pathogenesis of the described hearing defect are discussed.
RESPIRATORY ACTIVITY OF OOCYTES ISOLATED FROM OVARIAN FOLLICLES OF THE RAT
Authors: Hillensjö T. , Hamberger L. , Ahrén K.
Published: December 2008

In order to study substrate dependent respiration oocytes were isolated from antrum follicles obtained from ovaries of prepubertal rats. The oocytes used were either surrounded by 1 to 3 layers of granulosa cells (oocyte + corona radiata), or mechanically denuded from surrounding cells (denuded oocytes). By use of Cartesian micro-diver technique the respiratory rate could be determined in single oocyte + corona radiata cell complexes or in samples of a few denuded oocytes. The oocytes were incubated either in an isotonic Tris-HCl buffer or in a hypotonic phosphate buffer. The rate of respiration was determined without addition of exogenous substrate and with addition of different substrates in varying concentrations. Cellular respiration was linear 2–4 h both in absence and presence of substrate.

Both types of oocyte preparations were unable to utilize glucose as substrate. Lactate stimulated slightly the respiration of the denuded oocyte while pyruvate and oxalacetate increased markedly the respiratory activity of both types of oocyte prepararations. Succinate had an influence on the oocyte + corona radiata only when the hypotonic medium was used while it was easily utilized in both media by the denuded oocyte.

In a preliminary series of experiments the in vitro influence of bovine luteinizing hormone (LH) on the cellular respiration was studied. Both in presence and absence of corona radiata a significant decrease in oxygen uptake was registered, consistently appearing within 30 min after the addition of the hormone. As the relationship of this phenomenon to ovum maturation was not studied, the possible biological meaning remains to be elucidated.
DNA AND PROTEIN SYNTHESIS OF PROSTATIC CULTURES IN RELATION TO HISTOLOGICAL RESPONSE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF TESTOSTERONE AND ITS METABOLITES
Authors: Johansson R. , Niemi M.
Published: December 2008

Testosterone as well as dihydrotestosterone and 5α-androstane-3β,17β-diol were capable of maintaining, in rather low concentrations (0.02, 0.02 and 1.0 μg/ml, respectively), the histological structure of the rat ventral prostate in organotypic tissue culture. By means of histometrical analysis testosterone and dihydrotestosterone were found to be active in lower concentrations (0.05 μg/ml) than androstanediol. In addition to the visual evaluation of the structure of the explants their total DNA and protein content was measured as well as their rate of incorporation of tritiated thymidine and leucine. In a concentration of 1 μg/ml the response of the ventral prostate culture was almost equal to all the steroids. Androstanediol, however, caused no stimulation in lowest concentrations (0.02–0.1 μg/ml) and was not toxic in the highest concentrations (100 μg/ml) at which testosterone and dihydrotestosterone were definitely cytolytic. When the serum from the culture medium was omitted even hormone concentrations close to the physiological level (0.003 μg/ml) could stimulate thymidine and leucine incorporation into the cultured ventral prostate.
FURTHER STUDIES ON ENZYMIC INACTIVATION OF LUTEINIZING HORMONE – RELEASING HORMONE (LH-RH) BY PEPTIDASES IN THE RAT HYPOTHALAMUS
Authors: Griffiths E. C. , Hooper K. C. , Hopkinson C. R. N.
Published: December 2008

Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) is known to be inactivated by peptidases in the rat hypothalamus with consequent loss of LH-releasing ability. To make a further study of the peptidases' action on the decapeptide, synthetic LH-RH and its [1–9NH2] analogue were incubated with the supernatant hypothalamic fraction containing the enzyme activity. Using an assay system measuring gonadotrophin release in ovariectomized/steroid-primed rats, both LH-RH and the [1–9NH2] analogue were found to be inactivated to different extents after incubation with the fraction, the analogue completely losing both LH- and FSH-releasing activity, and the releasing hormone almost completely losing its LH- and totally losing its FSH-releasing activity. The findings extend the initial studies by showing that the peptidases can remove both the decapeptide's intrinsic LH- and FSH-releasing activity and that these enzymes act on LH-RH at a site other than the C-terminal glycinamide, since they are able to inactivate the [1–9NH2] analogue lacking this residue.
INFLUENCE OF ACUTE ADMINISTRATION OF HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE AND ALPHA-MSH ON PLASMA CONCENTRATIONS OF ALDOSTERONE, CORTISOL, CORTICOSTERONE AND GROWTH HORMONE IN MAN
Authors: Birkhäuser M. , Gaillard R. , Riondel A. M. , Zahnd G. R.
Published: December 2008

The effect of acute administration of human growth hormone (HGH) and of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) on plasma aldosterone, cortisol, corticosterone and growth hormone has been studied in normal man and in patients with panhypopituitarism. There is no acute effect of exogenous HGH on plasma levels of aldosterone, cortisol and corticosterone in normal man and in patients with panhypopituitarism. The plasma level of immunoreactive HGH measured during acute HGH infusion in man does not seem to be proportional to the doses administered in our study. Alpha-MSH raises the concentration of plasma HGH, but this stimulation is not dose-dependent. Aldosterone, cortisol and corticosterone concentrations are not influenced by the elevation of HGH mediated by alpha-MSH in normal man. Although in some patients with panhypopituitarism an elevation of plasma aldosterone concentration following alpha-MSH infusion is observed, it is unlikely that MSH is directly involved in the acute regulation of aldosterone secretion in healthy subjects.
BIOLOGICAL ACTION OF THE LIPOTROPHIC PEPTIDES A AND B FROM PIG PITUITARY GLANDS
Authors: Weisweiler P. , Schwandt P.
Published: December 2008

In vitro lipolysis was stimulated by porcine pituitary peptides A and B in the rabbit, rat, mouse, and guinea pig. The minimal effective doses were calculated from log dose response curves for free fatty acids and free glycerol liberation. The rabbit was most sensitive responding to 0.008 μg/ml (1.4 pm/ml) peptide A and 0.06 μg/ml (5.3 pm/ml) peptide B respectively. Minipig adipose tissue showed no reaction up to a peptide concentration of 100 μg/ml.

After intravenous injection of either peptide at the concentration of 50 μg/kg, FFA and free glycerol increased rapidly in the rabbit with maximal concentrations at 30 min, returning to near normal concentrations after 240 min. Blood glucose concentrations increased continuously in spite of hyperinsulinaemia with a peak concentration at 60 min and complete normalisation after 2 h.

Hypertriglyceridaemia and hypocalcaemia were observed in both lipotrophin and control groups. Furthermore, the saline injected rabbits also displayed a slight increase of glucose, FFA, and free glycerol plasma concentrations towards the end of the experiments, suggesting stress stimulated lipolysis. The insulinotrophic effect of both peptides was verified by the fact that injection of lipid emulsion plus heparin led to a comparable increase in FFA and glucose, but to no change in insulin concentrations.
THE ROLE OF REDUCED GLUTATHIONE IN THYROGLOBULIN PROTEOLYSIS IN VITRO
Authors: Pisarev M. A. , Dumont J. E.
Published: December 2008

During the process of secretion of the thyroid hormones, stored thyroglobulin (Tg) is digested within the lysosomes. An acid protease has been found, but this enzyme hydrolyses Tg at a relatively slow rate and has a low pH optimum (3.6). Since previous work has shown a stimulatory effect of reduced glutathione (GSH) on Tg digestion the following studies have been performed.

Homogenates were obtained from dog thyroid and total homogenate or different subcellular fractions were used as enzyme source. Labelled thyroglobulin (125I) was purified from prelabelled dog thyroid and its hydrolysis, judged from the increase in butanol soluble radioactivity, was studied. The greatest stimulatory effect of GSH on Tg hydrolysis was found around pH 5.6. When butanol soluble radioactivity was considered as a function of incubation time and tissue concentration a linear relationship was found. GSH effect was evident at 2 mm. Subcellular distribution studies showed that the GSH-stimulated proteolytic activity was mainly found in the 15 000 × g pellet. Labelled Tg hydrolysis was progressively decreased with increasing amounts of non-labelled purified Tg. GSH also stimulated labelled insulin hydrolysis, but failed to alter haemoglobin or casein degradation. GSH could also be replaced by other reducing agents, like cysteine or dithiothreitol. The significance of these findings is discussed in relation to the process of thyroid hormone secretion.
SECRETION OF PROGESTERONE BY HUMAN OVARIES PERFUSED IN VITRO
Authors: Fukunishi H. , Mickan H. , Zander J.
Published: December 2008

A system for the perfusion of isolated human ovaries is described. Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate buffer (pH 7.4) containing glucose, sodium lactate and pyruvate was perfused at a flow rate of 5–8 ml/min at 37°C through the ovarian artery. Oxygen uptake, LDH-activity, pH and progesterone secretion were determined as parameters of viability of the perfused organ. Our results demonstrate that a relatively simple system used for perfusion was able to preserve ovarian function for at least two hours. This experimental design should not be regarded as physiological but in addition to other experimental approaches it might provide information on the physiology of the human ovary. Though lower values of progesterone secretion than in vivo were found, a correlation of secretion and functional stage of the ovaries could be demonstrated.
EFFECTS OF THE LUTEINIZING HORMONE ON BLOOD FLOW IN THE FOLLICULAR RABBIT OVARY, AS MEASURED BY RADIOACTIVE MICROSPHERES
Authors: Janson Per Olof
Published: December 2008

Previous reports on the ovarian hyperaemia induced by luteinizing hormone (LH) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) were based largely on direct observations and semi-quantitative methods. An accurate quantitation of ovarian blood flow changes would contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms for and physiological significance of this rapid effect of the hormones.

In the present study ovarian blood flow was determined before and after a single intravenous injection of LH to anaesthetized, post-pubertal virgin rabbits, using 15 ± 5 μm microspheres, labelled with Ytterbium-169 and Scandium-46. Two min after administration of 100 μg of bovine LH a significant decrease in ovarian vascular resistance was noted. The response was even more pronounced after 20 min. Pre-treatment of the animals with an adrenergic β-receptor blocker did not diminish the LH induced ovarian vasodilatation. The vasodilatation appeared specific to the ovary, as indicated by simultaneous determinations of blood flow and vascular resistance in other organs and tissues.

The microsphere technique is considered to be the method of choice for future studies of the mechanism of the LH induced ovarian vasodilatation.
STUDIES ON 17β-HYDROXYSTEROID DEHYDROGENASE IN HUMAN ENDOMETRIUM AND ENDOMETRIAL CARCINOMA
Authors: Pollow K. , Lübbert H. , Jeske R. , Pollow B.
Published: December 2008

Kinetic parameters, substrate specificity and stability of a cytoplasmic 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase of human secretory endometrium were studied. Using oestradiol as substrate, oestrone formation was found to be linear with time and the concentration of protein. The optimum temperature was 40°C and the optimum pH 9.5. For the reduction of oestrone the optimal pH was 6. With NADP the maximal velocity was about 1/3 of that with NAD (0.23 nmoles/mg protein/10 min). The Km for oestradiol was 3.3 × 10−6 m. Testosterone and androstenedione also served as substrates but they were interconverted more slowly than oestradiol and oestrone. Sulphhydryl groups were shown to be essential for catalysis. The enzyme is cold sensitive but cold inactivation can be reduced by NAD, NADP, oestradiol or glycerol.
ORGAN-SPECIFIC ONTOGENESES OF STEROID HORMONE METABOLIZING ENZYME ACTIVITIES IN THE RAT
Authors: Ghraf Rüdiger , Vetter Ulrich , Zandveld Jeane Marie , Schriefers Herbert
Published: December 2008

The development and sexual differentiation of 11β- and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activities was investigated in the liver, kidney, adrenal and gonads of rats over a period of 15–120 days of life.

11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in the adrenal and ovary was at the limit of detectibility at all the stages of life investigated. In the liver, kidney and testis the enzyme activity is restricted to the microsomal fraction and demonstrates an age-dependent development; in the liver, kidney and in the gonads it is additionally characterized by a sexual differentiation to higher values in the male sex.

In all the organs investigated the cytoplasmic and microsomal fractions contain 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity; the activities are very low in the microsomal fraction of the kidney and in the cytosol of the testis. In all the organs the enzyme activity of at least one cell fraction displays an age-dependent development. The only activities, not demonstrating an ontogenesis are those of the cytosol of the adrenal and those of the microsomal fraction of the kidney. The age-dependent development is accompanied by a sexual differentiation of the enzymes activities. The only exception is the microsomal activity of the liver. The female sex shows the higher activity in the kidney, adrenal and gonads; whereas the male animal shows the higher activity only in the cytosol of the liver.

The developmental processes of 11β- and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase have the following properties in common:

In the immature phase (day 15–30) the activities of the enzymes develop either very rapidly to manifold higher values or remain constant at the low neonatal level; no sexual differentiation of the enzymes activities occurs at this stage of life. The rapid increase in activity is found only in the liver and kidney, that is in the steroid hormone catabolizing organs. It does not occur in the steroid hormone producing glands.
ACCUMULATION OF ALPRENOLOL IN SOME POLYPEPTIDE HORMONE PRODUCING CELLS AND IN MELANIN-CONTAINING TISSUES
Authors: Slanina Premysl , Tjälve Hans
Published: December 2008

The distribution of the β-adrenergic-receptor blocking drug alprenolol labelled with 3H was studied in mice by whole body autoradiography. The most characteristic feature in the distribution pattern was the accumulation in endocrine cells within the pancreatic islets, the adrenal medulla, the pituitary gland and some cells of the thyroid, presumably representing the parafollicular cells. A high accumulation was also observed in melanin-containing tissues.
ORGAN CULTURE OF HUMAN SOMATOTROPHIC PITUITARY ADENOMAS: ULTRASTRUCTURE AND GROWTH HORMONE PRODUCTION
Authors: Peillon F. , Gourmelen M. , Donnadieu M. , Brandi A. , Sevaux D. , Pham Huu Trung M. T.
Published: December 2008

Ten somatotrophic adenomas removed from acromegalic patients and fragments of the non-tumoural surrounding pituitary were submitted to organ culture for periods of up to one month.

Electron microscopic observation shows that these tumours retain their histological differentiation throughout the culture period. The cell morphology of the cultured tumours remains essentially unchanged and in particular the secretory granules keep their initial size (150 and 130 nm). However the granules disappear gradually so that most of the cells look chromophobic by the 4th week of culture, and numerous lysosomes as well as autophagic figures appear at the same time.

The hGH concentration in the culture medium has been measured of 4 adenomas. It is very high (10-fold greater than that from non-tumoural pituitary medium) during the first week (range 200–300 μg/ml).It still remains very high in the same experiments until the second week of culture in one experiment (200 μg/ml). After incubation of cultures with 3H-leucine, 3H-hGH is obtained in the medium giving evidence of hormone synthesis by adenoma cells in culture. 3H-hGH represents 40 % of 3H-proteins in the culture medium and gives the same elution pattern as standard hGH on Sephadex G 100 chromatography.

A certain degree of correlation is observed between morphological and biological results: the greatest hGH production is obtained from explants which maintain the best histological appearance.
INHIBITION OF PROLACTIN SECRETION BY LERGOTRILE MESYLATE: MECHANISM OF ACTION
Authors: Clemens James A. , Smalstig E. Barry , Shaar Carl J.
Published: December 2008

Lergotrile mesylate (2-chloro-6-methylergoline-8β-acetonitrile, methanesulphate salt) was shown to be a potent inhibitor of prolactin secretion in vivo and in vitro. The dopamine receptor blocker, pimozide, was able to reverse the inhibitory effect of lergotrile mesylate (LM) on prolactin release from rat pituitaries in vitro. Alpha-adrenergic or beta-adrenergic receptor blockers were unable to antagonize the action of LM on prolactin release. These findings indicate that ergolines such as LM inhibit prolactin release from pituitaries by activating an adenohypophyseal dopamine receptor. LM is currently undergoing clinical trial as a prolactin inhibitor and a dopamine agonist.
ROLE OF GROWTH HORMONE IN THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE PROPYLTHIOURACIL-INDUCED GOITROGENESIS BY SMALL DOSES OF THYROXINE
Authors: Ching Melvin C. H. , Schalch Don S. , Lebda Nancy J. A.
Published: December 2008

The potcntiation of the propylthiouracil (PTU)-induced goitrogenesis after chronic administration of small doses of thyroid hormone has been attributed to the high circulating level of thyrotrophin (TSH) or to the re-instatement of insulin. In re-examining this problem radioimmunoassayable concentrations of TSH, thyroxine (T4), insulin, and growth hormone (GH) were observed in sera of rats at sequential intervals after surgical or chemical thyroidectomy and after thyroidectomy and replacement therapy with GH or T4. In addition, TSH, GH or a combination of both hormones were injected into hypophysectomized recipients in a further attempt to delineate the effect of either hormone on the thyroid. As expected, the rate of body growth was inversely proportional to the apparent severity of the hypothyroidism achieved in the several experimental groups. Goitrogenesis was enhanced after T4 treatment but evidently was not the exclusive result of increased blood levels of TSH or insulin. Evidence is presented that suggest the enhancement of goitrogenesis may be a growth phenomenon involving the additive or synergistic action of GH and TSH and possibly of other hormones.
THE INFLUENCE OF ANDROGENS ON PROTEIN SYNTHESIS BY CULTURED RAT EPIDIDYMAL TUBULES
Authors: Blaquier Jorge A.
Published: December 2008

Rat epididymal tubules maintained in organ culture for 3 days respond to the addition of androgens to the culture media (testosterone and dihydrotestosterone 1 × 10−5 m and 1 × 10−7 m) with an increased incorporation of amino acids into acid-insoluble material. Significant androgenic stimulation is observed only 24 h after addition of hormone, while an inhibitory effect is found at earlier periods. The stimulation seems to be specifically produced by androgens; it is blocked by cyproterone acetate and is not elicited by oestradiol-17β or corticosterone. The process appears to involve RNA synthesis since actinomycin D suppresses the stimulatory effect of androgen. Evidence suggests that cAMP production is not a primordial step in the response to androgen since dibutyryl cAMP did not mimick the androgenic effect, theophylline did not potentiate the response and α,β-methylene ATP, which competitively inhibits adenyl cyclase, failed to alter the androgenic effect. Radioactive testosterone and dihydrotestosterone added to the culture media showed a preferential intranuclear localization as well as extensive metabolism. DHT was found to be the principal intranuclear steroid.
GROWTH IN MONOLAYER CULTURE OF RAT PITUITARY CELLS WHICH SYNTHETIZE AND RELEASE ACTH
Authors: Lang R. E. , Hilwig I. , Voigt K. H. , Fehm H. L. , Pfeiffer E. F.
Published: December 2008

Cultures of rat pituitary gland cells were developed to study biosynthesis and release of ACTH. ACTH measurement was accomplished by radioimmunoassay. ACTH release was observed following stimulation with theophylline and cAMP in a dose-dependent manner. Biosynthesis was demonstrated by incorporation of 3H-phenylalanine into the hormone, employing a double antibody technique.
ACUTE SUPPRESSIVE EFFECT OF HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE ON BASAL INSULIN SECRETION IN MAN
Authors: Adamson Ulf , Cerasi Erol
Published: December 2008

The acute effects of human growth hormone (GH) on the basal levels of glucose and insulin in blood were investigated in 11 healthy men. GH doses of 5, 10, 20, and 40 μg/kg body weight were given iv as a constantrate infusion over 30 min, and resulted in peak hormone levels (30 min) of 20.5 ± 1.0, 48.5 ± 2.2, 108.2 ± 4.5, and 229.2 ± 14.6 ng/ml, respectively. There was a small (max 9.8 ± 2.6 %) but significant decrease in the blood glucose level, observed already at 15 min after the beginning of the GH infusion and persisting up to 90 min. The highest dose of GH induced the most marked changes, but there was otherwise no clear correlation between dose and effect. The basal plasma insulin levels showed a more marked (max 16.0 ± 4.7 %) decrease which was not correlated, in time or in magnitude, with the changes in blood glucose. In some subjects, in whom no significant decrease in blood glucose was observed, plasma insulin still demonstrated a similar fall (max 20.2 ± 7.6 %). Neither were these changes in plasma insulin correlated to the dose of GH within the range used in this study. The findings suggest that the early, insulin-like effect of GH on blood glucose is distinct from its effect on the pancreas. The latter is a suppressive one, consistent with earlier findings on glucose-induced insulin release.
THE CONCENTRATION OF PROSTAGLANDIN F2α IN MATERNAL PLASMA, FOETAL PLASMA AND AMNIOTIC FLUID DURING PREGNANCY IN WOMEN
Authors: Johnson D. A. , Manning P. A. , Hennam J. F. , Newton J. R. , Collins W. P.
Published: December 2008

The concentration of prostaglandin F2α has been determined in serial samples of peripheral venous plasma from women at defined times during labour, and studied in detail throughout two consecutive uterine contractions. In addition, the same compound has been measured in single samples of uterine venous plasma, cord venous plasma, and amniotic fluid in groups of patients during early and late pregnancy, labour and at delivery of the baby.

The results from the analysis of peripheral venous plasma show that there is considerable individual variation in the concentration of prostaglandin F2α during labour (mean ± sd, 33.1 ± 11.6 pg/ml). However, it is not possible to establish a definite correlation with either the latent or accelerated phases or with the time of delivery. Furthermore, there is no apparent temporal relationship between the concentrations in peripheral venous plasma and the contractile state of the uterus as assessed by external tocography.

In early pregnancy (16th to 20th week) the concentration of prostaglandin F2α (pg/ml, mean ± sd) in peripheral venous plasma is 26.3 ± 4.3 and in amniotic fluid 32.7 ± 26.5. At the 36th week to the start of labour the corresponding values are 27.1 ± 8.1 and 110.0 ± 73.8. At the same time the levels in cord plasma and uterine venous plasma are 100.4 ± 74.9 and 87.9 ± 55.0 respectively. During labour there is a significant increase (P < 0.005, Student's t-test) in the concentration in amniotic fluid (335.1 ± 171.0).

The results are discussed in relation to the possible role of prostaglandin F2α in the process of parturition.
PARADOXICAL EFFECT OF SALMON CALCITONIN ON SERUM CALCIUM: STUDIES IN INTACT AND THYROPARATHYROIDECTOMIZED MEN AND DOGS
Authors: Mohamadi Mahmood , Becker Kenneth L. , Bivins Leonard E.
Published: December 2008

Total serum calcium of normal men, a hypoparathyroid man, two thyroparathyroidectomized men, and intact and thyroparathyroidectomized dogs were studied at multiple intervals following the acute administration of synthetic salmon calcitonin.

Calcitonin produced marked fluctuations in serum calcium in one normal man and a biphasic hypocalcaemic response in another. In four of five intact dogs, calcitonin caused absolute or relative hypercalcaemia. In contrast, administration of calcitonin to thyroparathyroidectomized dogs caused a hypocalcaemia with less fluctuations and with no periods of hypercalcaemia.

It is possible that some of the paradoxical responses of serum calcium induced by exogenous calcitonin are due to overcompensation by parathyroid hormone. However, other mechanisms may be involved. Our findings indicate that when the disturbing influence is sufficiently great, the control of serum calcium is not as well modulated as previously suspected. In addition, our findings of paradoxically hypercalcaemic responses to calcitonin indicates that the pathophysiologic interpretation of serum calcium at any single moment in time following the administration of this hormone to either intact or thyroparathyroidectomized men or dogs is a precarious endeavour.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SERUM PROGESTERONE AND SERUM UNCONJUGATED OESTRADIOL-17β IN UNABORTED HYDATIDIFORM MOLE
Authors: Dawood M. Yusoff
Published: December 2008

Both serum progesterone and serum unconjugated oestradiol-17β (Oe2) were measured by competitive protein binding assay and radioimmunoassay respectively in 42 cases of unaborted hydatidiform mole. Serum human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) was measured by a haemagglutination-inhibition technique. In 26 cases of intact molar pregnancies without theca lutein cysts (TLC), serum progesterone ranged from 18.0 to 289.0 ng/ml with a mean ± standard error of the mean (sem) of 65.9 ± 13.1 ng/ml; serum Oe2 ranged from 4.0 to 37.0 ng/ml with a mean ± sem of 17.9 ± 1.9 ng/ml; serum HCG ranged from 60 to 1920 IU/ml with a mean ± sem of 531.5 ± 105.7 IU/ml. In contrast, 16 cases of intact molar pregnancies with TLC had serum progesterone ranging from 34.1 to 288.0 ng/ml with a mean ± sem of 134.1 ± 2.4 ng/ml; serum Oe2 ranging from 1.7 to 76.3 ng/ml with a mean ± sem of 31.5 ± 5.3 ng/ml; serum HCG ranging from 320 to 2560 IU/ml with a mean ± sem 1400 ± 196.2 ng/ml. The differences between the mean of these three hormones in hydatidiform mole with and without TLC were significant (progesterone: P < 0.005; Oe2: P < 0.0125; HCG: P < 0.005). There was a significant correlation between serum HCG and serum Oe2 (coefficient of correlation r =+0.3565, P < 0.0125) and between serum Oe2 and serum progesterone (r = +0.3787, P < 0.0125). There was no significant difference in the mean levels of serum progesterone, Oe2 and HCG in hydatidiform mole with and without subsequent malignant sequelae. The mean ratios of Oe2/progesterone were essentially similar in moles with and without TLC and with and without malignant sequelae. The significance of these findings are discussed.
INHIBITION OF PLACENTAL 3β-HYDROXY-STEROID DEHYDROGENASE BY NATURALLY OCCURRING STEROIDS. A POTENTIAL MECHANISM REGULATING OESTROGEN SYNTHESIS FROM UNCONJUGATED PRECURSORS
Authors: Townsley John D.
Published: December 2008

We have proposed that inhibition of placental steroid 3-sulphatase by endogenous steroids may regulate oestrogen synthesis during human pregnancy. The possibility that an additional regulatory mechanism, involving the placental 3β-hydroxy-steroid dehydrogenase (SDH), may also be operative has now been examined. Inhibitory effects of naturally occurring steroids on SDH activity were determined from the reduction in initial rate of conversion of 3H-dehydroepiandrosterone to non-digitonin precipitable products by 10 000 × g supernatant from homogenates of human term placentae. The apparent Km for dehydroepiandrosterone was 0.33 × 10−6 m. Δ4-3-Oxo products of SDH action (4-androstene-3,17-dione, app. Ki = 0.60 × 10−6 m; progesterone, app. Ki = 1.5 × 10−6 m) were the most potent inhibitors and appeared to act non-competitively. Δ5-3β-Hydroxy alternative substrates were less inhibitory and in the case of pregnenolone (app. Ki = 4.5 × 10−6 m) behaved competitively. 11β-, 16α-, 17α- or 21-hydroxylation and epimerization of 3β- or 17β-hydroxyl functions of inhibitors decreased their activity. It is concluded that inhibition of both sulphatase and SDH by endogenous steroids may provide complementary methods of regulating placental oestrogen synthesis in vivo. The SDH mechanism may regulate oestrogen synthesis from unconjugated precursors, either formed within the placenta or derived from the circulation. The major potential inhibitors appear to be Δ4-3-ketones, acting non-competitively, and formed within the placenta. In the sulphatase mechanism alternative substrates of extraplacenta origin, acting competitively, are the major potential inhibitors controlling utilization of conjugated precursors.
FUNCTION OF MYOMETRIAL GRAFT AT TIME OF PARTURITION IN THE RABBIT
Authors: Wagner Gorm
Published: December 2008

Thirteen rabbits equipped with ear chambers containing myometrial grafts were studied during late pregnancy, spontaneous and induced parturition and early puerperium. Spontaneous electrical activity of the graft was recorded by means of F.-M. telemetry transmission in the unrestrained animals. Furthermore the reaction to intravenously injected oxytocin (threshold determination) was recorded daily. During the last 5 days before spontaneous delivery increasing spontaneous activity of the tissue was observed. During the same period the response to oxytocin increased. Concomitantly with the delivery of the litter a period of rhythmic activity was observed. This period had a sudden onset and lasted 12–55 min, while the delivery itself only lasted 6–16 min. Similar activity patterns could be evoked in the early post-partum period by 100 mU oxytocin given iv. In 3 rabbits, doses from 80–300 mU oxytocin induced complete delivery. During the 48 hours' period after delivery spontaneous activity (single spikes and series of bursts) was observed. The response to oxytocin was further increased. It is concluded that as the graft is not influenced by nervous regulation, mechanical influence or local humoral factors the spontaneous parturition and the change in excitability must therefore be due to one (or more) systemic, humoral factor(s).