bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WEIGHT AND HISTOLOGY OF THE PITUITARY GLAND IN CASTRATED MALE RATS WITH HYPOTHALAMIC LESIONS
Authors: MONTEMURRO D. G.
Published: December 2008

The effect of bilateral electrolytic lesions in the ventral hypothalamus at the coronal level of the posterior ventromedial nucleus and anterior premammillary nucleus on the weight and cytology of the pituitary gland of castrated male Lewis rats was investigated. All castrated rats were carrying successful intrasplenic isologous grafts of neonatal testes. The hypothalamic lesions resulted in a significant inhibition of pituitary hypertrophy in the castrated animals, but did not alter appreciably the cytology of the gland as compared with that of castrated rats without hypothalamic damage. The development of castration cells was not impaired by these lesions.

It is concluded that hypertrophy of the pituitary gland after castration and the development of castration cells are two manifestations of the pituitary response to a low concentration of circulating testicular hormone. The former requires the integrity of the posteroventral hypothalamus while the latter is independent of this hypothalamic region.
THE EXCRETION OF HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHIN IN NORMAL PREGNANCY. AN IMMUNOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION
Authors: CONNON AILEEN F.
Published: December 2008

The haemagglutination-inhibition test was investigated as an immunological method for the assay of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG). The preparation of a potent antiserum to HCG is described. The results of the assay of HCG during normal pregnancy in ten patients are compared with the results of immunological assays from two Swedish laboratories. The mean values and the 95 % confidence limits for the excretion of HCG from the 10th week of normal pregnancy are calculated.
CYTOLOGICAL CHANGES IN THE ADENOHYPOPHYSIS OF THE RABBIT AFTER CASTRATION
Authors: FOSTER C. L. , CAMERON E.
Published: December 2008

An early effect of castration on the cytology of the rabbit adenohypophysis was found to be a hyperplasia of the mucoid cells of the zona tuberalis occurring simultaneously with a degranulation and decrease in the numbers of such cells in the lateral regions of the pars distalis proper.

A recovery from these changes was observed about 4 months after castration. There was then a moderate hyperplasia of the mucoid cells of the pars distalis proper and probably a depletion of mucoid cells in the zona tuberalis.

The possible significance of these findings is briefly discussed.
THE EFFECTS OF N-ETHYLMALEIMIDE AND GLUTATHIONE ON THE ISOLATED RAT UTERUS AND FROG BLADDER WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE ACTION OF OXYTOCIN
Authors: BENTLEY P. J.
Published: December 2008

1. The effect of oxytocin on both the rat uterus and frog bladder is abolished by solutions of 1 mm N-ethylmaleimide (NEM).

2. NEM, however, has a variety of effects on these tissues. It inhibits sodium transport across the bladder, it prevents relaxation of the uterus and the return of water transfer to normal after it has been affected by oxytocin, and it inhibits contraction of the uterus by acetylcholine.

3. Reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH and GSSG) inhibit the action of oxytocin on the uterus reversably and this inhibition is competitive.

4. GSH and GSSG also inhibited the increase in water transfer by oxytocin across the frog bladder, GSSG was more potent. Sodium transport across the bladder was transiently reduced by GSH and decreases by about 50% in the presence of GSSG.

5. The results are discussed in relation to the possible mechanism of interaction of neurohypophysial hormones with their receptors. It is concluded that both S-S and SH groups are present at the receptor sites in both the rat uterus and frog bladder.
EFFECT OF GONADAL HORMONES, GONADOTROPHINS AND THYROXINE ON PLASMA FREE FATTY ACIDS IN THE DOMESTIC FOWL
Authors: HEALD P. J. , ROOKLEDGE K. A.
Published: December 2008

The effects of oestrogens, testosterone, thyroxine, avian and mammalian gonadotrophins and of fasting, on the plasma free fatty acid (FFA) levels in the domestic fowl were investigated. Oestrogen treatment increased the levels of plasma FFA simultaneously with those of the total lipids and lipophosphoprotein in the immature fowl. Testosterone and thyroxine decreased the levels of plasma lipids and of lipophosphoprotein in the laying fowl, but had no effect upon the levels of plasma FFA in either the immature or laying fowl. Gonadotrophins were without effect upon the plasma FFA in the immature pullet but increased the levels in laying or moulting birds, the increases being accompanied by marked follicular growth. Fastings increased the level of plasma FFA in immature birds, but decreased the levels of FFA and total lipid in laying birds. Injections of large doses of hog anterior pituitary extract were without effect on the plasma FFA in conscious immature pullets but induced marked increases in the plasma FFA and a gross lipaemia in the rabbit. It is considered that the increases in plasma FFA found when the bird comes into lay are an indirect result of ovarian stimulation by pituitary hormones.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PROGESTATIONAL ACTIVITY AND CHEMICAL STRUCTURE OF SYNTHETIC STEROIDS
Authors: SUCHOWSKY G. K. , BALDRATTI G.
Published: December 2008

Forty-two synthetic steroids have been studied for which certain relationships between chemical structure and progestational activity could be established. Thus, unsaturation and esterification in pregnane derivatives enhances progestational potency. Of the 4-dehydro derivatives, the 6α-CH3 and the 6α-fluoro compounds were the most active. Progestational potency on oral administration was increased in the 4-hydroxy derivatives. In the group with the 1:4-dehydro configuration, the basic activity of the parent compound was increased only by the introduction of a 6α-chloro or fluoro group. The 4:6-dehydro derivative showed an increase in potency on oral administration of about the same extent on introduction of a 6-chloro, a 6-fluoro or a 6:16α-dimethyl group.

Only in the group of pregnane derivatives did changes of the parent molecule lead to a considerable increase in potency to inhibit ovulation. Since the maintenance of pregnancy in spayed animals is a parameter of progestational activity, it is felt that the results in animals are difficult to compare with those in female patients.
STEROID BIOSYNTHESIS 'IN VITRO' BY GRANULOSA-THECA CELL TUMOUR TISSUE
Authors: GRIFFITHS K. , GRANT J. K. , SYMINGTON T.
Published: December 2008

The metabolism of [4-14C]progesterone and [4-14C]androst-4-ene-3,17-dione (androstenedione) by a granulosa-theca cell tumour of the ovary, 310 g. in weight, removed from a 43-year-old post-menopausal woman has been studied in vitro.

The experiments provided no evidence that the tumour could utilize progesterone as an oestrogen precursor. However, the tumour tissue converted androstenedione to oestrone and oestradiol-17β. The major metabolite of progesterone was 20α-hydroxypregn-4-en-3-one.

These results are discussed in relation to current theories of the synthesis of steroids in the ovary.
OESTROGEN: THE NATURAL STIMULANT OF BODY DEFENCE
Authors: NICOL T. , BILBEY D. L. J. , CHARLES L. M. , CORDINGLEY J. L. , VERNON-ROBERTS B.
Published: December 2008

1. The defence mechanisms of the body are predominantly functions of the reticulo-endothelial system (RES). Stimulation of the RES leads to increased body defence indicated by increased phagocytic activity, raised serum γ-globulin and increased protection of experimental animals against virulent infections. The strongest RES stimulants appear to be oestrogens, natural and synthetic.

2. In the mouse, 0·002 mg. diethylstilboestrol daily is sufficient to produce significant prolongation of survival time against infection.

3. RES activity varies at different stages of the oestrous cycle and of pregnancy in both the rat and the mouse. The stages where the activity is greatest correspond with those in the human subject when the output of oestrogens is increased.

4. The results suggest that oestrogen is the natural stimulant of body defence in both the male and female, the latter having high oestrogen levels when protection against infection is normally most needed.

5. RES stimulation does not rise in step with oestrogenicity, and oestrogenic compounds have two separate biological activities—one which stimulates the RES to raise body defence, and one which acts on the reproductive organs; these two activities are apparently unrelated, although shared by the same molecule.
PERMANENT ISOLATION OF THE ADENOHYPOPHYSIS FROM HYPOTHALAMIC CONTROL IN RATS WITH DIABETES INSIPIDUS
Authors: KENNEDY G. C. , PARKER R. A.
Published: December 2008

Electrolytic lesions in the posterior part of the median eminence of rats caused diabetes insipidus, and aldehyde-fuchsin-positive material disappeared from the infundibular process but not from the hypothalamus. The lesions were consistently followed by infarction of the central pars distalis and depression of the thyroid uptake of radioactive iodine, but the effects on the gonads and adrenal cortex were very variable. Chronic adrenal atrophy occurred in some females in association with recurrent pseudopregnancy, atrophic but hyperluteinized ovaries, and cytological changes in the pituitary similar to those in ectopic grafts. After a short post-operative period of pseudopregnancy other rats recovered normal cycles and had, in general, adrenals of normal weight; their pituitaries resembled ectopic grafts returned to the median eminence. It is suggested that the difference between the two groups of rats with chronic lesions depended on the permanence or otherwise of the damage to the long portal veins. No evidence could be found of a separate corticotrophin-releasing mechanism in the median eminence, nor of any dependence of the secretion of corticotrophin on the release of vasopressin.
THE CHROMATOGRAPHY ON DEAE-CELLULOSE OF PITUITARY EXTRACTS FROM SEVERAL SPECIES
Authors: WALLACE A. L. C. , FERGUSON K. A.
Published: December 2008

The distribution, potency and yield of growth hormone (GH), prolactin, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) activities and the electrophoretic behaviour on starch gel have been studied in fractions obtained by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose of pituitary extracts from man, sheep, ox, pig and whale.

In none of the species examined was the distribution of hormonal activities identical. GH, TSH and FSH in the sheep and ox, and GH and LH in the pig and whale, appeared in corresponding fractions. The prolactin activities from the five species were found in closely similar elution volumes. The hormonal activities of the human extract occurred over a much smaller range of distribution volumes than those of the other species. The GH fractions from all five species and the prolactins from sheep and ox were relatively potent preparations.

Starch gel electrophoresis showed a number of components in all fractions. The distribution of components in corresponding fractions was different for each species, although some components had similar mobilities.

These results add to the growing evidence of the species-specific nature of pituitary hormones and to the information available for evolving comprehensive fractionation systems for each species.
A STANDARD FOR THE LONG-ACTING THYROID STIMULATOR (LATS) IN THE SERUM OF PATIENTS WITH THYROTOXICOSIS
Authors: DORRINGTON K. J. , MUNRO D. S.
Published: December 2008

1. A dry powdered standard for the long-acting thyroid stimulator (LATS) has been prepared and shown to be satifactory when tested, at weekly intervals, over a period of 18 months.

2. The difficulties encountered in earlier attempts to establish the standard are discussed.

3. Although supplies of the LATS standard are limited it is hoped that there will be sufficient to supply it to other laboratories so that substandards may be set up by the methods described in this paper.
STEROID BIOSYNTHESIS IN THE TESTIS OF DOGFISH (SQUALUS ACANTHIAS)
Authors: SIMPSON T. H. , WRIGHT R. S. , HUNT S. V.
Published: December 2008

Incubation of the testis of S. acanthias with [4-14C]progesterone led to the formation of labelled testosterone, 11-deoxycorticosterone, Reichstein's substance S, 20β-hydroxypregn-4-en-3-one, 20β,21-dihydroxypregn-4-en-3-one and 17α,20β,21-tri-hydroxypregn-4-en-3-one. Additional compounds obtained from other incubations were 3β-hydroxy-5β-pregnan-20-one and 17α,20β-dihydroxypregn-4-en-3-one. Each of these compounds was identified by chromatography and by formation of suitable derivatives.

The formation of 21-hydroxylated steroids does not necessarily imply that 21-hydroxylation normally takes place in the testis tissue; it may merely reflect the presence of spermatozoa with their associated enzymes.

There is slight evidence of seasonal variation in the steroid-modifying capacity of the dogfish testis.
STUDIES ON THE GROWTH OF THE GOAT KID AFTER HYPOPHYSECTOMY
Authors: TINDAL J. S. , YOKOYAMA A.
Published: December 2008

A quantitative study has been made of the effects of hypophysectomy on the growth of the young goat kid. Four pairs of castrated male twins and two pairs of intact female twins were used. The heavier member of each pair was hypophysectomized at the age of 25–39 days and animals were killed when 8½–9½ months old. Hypophysectomy significantly retarded the rate of body growth and prevented normal development of the ruminal mucosa. The thyroid glands of the hypophysectomized animals were more inactive than those of the controls, the adrenal cortices were less well developed, the livers were vacuolated, and in the females the uteri and vaginae were smaller. One of the two hypophysectomized females was found to be an intersex, with 'ovaries' composed of testicular tissue, while the ovaries of the other hypophysectomized female contained Graafian follicles.
3β-HYDROXYSTEROID DEHYDROGENASE IN THE FOETAL MOUSE LEYDIG CELL
Authors: BAILLIE A. H. , GRIFFITHS K.
Published: December 2008

Five male foetal mice were killed daily from the 11th day of gestation until term, the 21st day. Sections of testis from every animal were incubated with three steroid substrates to demonstrate 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase histochemically. The substrates were (1) 3β-hydroxypregn-5-en-20-one (pregnenolone), (2) 3β,17α-dihydroxypregn-5-en-20-one (17α-hydroxypregnenolone), and (3) 3β-hydroxyandrost-5-en-17-one (DHA). With pregnenolone as substrate 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity was demonstrable from the 11th day, when the testis is first histologically recognizable, until the end of gestation. Using 17α-hydroxypregnenolone, no 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity was present in the foetal testis. With DHA as substrate weak activity was first seen in the testis of the 15-day foetal mouse, and increased steadily thereafter. These findings are thought to support the concept of substrate-specific 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases.
EFFECT OF LUTEAL HORMONE ON THE BEHAVIOUR OF HYPOTHALAMIC NEURONES IN PSEUDOPREGNANT RATS
Authors: CROSS B. A. , SILVER I. A.
Published: December 2008

A polygraphic recording method was used to study unit activity in the hypothalamus (mainly the lateral hypothalamic area) and thalamus (mainly N. anteroventralis and N. ventralis) in adult female rats under light urethane anaesthesia.

The percentage of hypothalamic neurones excited by mechanical probing of the cervix in rats, 7–11 days pseudopregnant, was only one-fourth of that previously observed in cyclic rats, and a fourfold increase was procured by removing the pseudopregnant ovaries before commencing unit recording. In the ovariectomized rat initially responsive hypothalamic neurones ceased to be excited by cervix stimuli 30 min. after the i.v. injection of 400 μg. progesterone and regained their responsiveness in 1 hr.

Only small differences were recorded in the percentage of hypothalamic neurones excited by pain or cold stimuli on the tail in cyclic, pseudopregnant and ovariectomized pseudopregnant rats. There was likewise little change in the small percentage of neurones inhibited by the test stimuli in the presence or absence of pseudopregnant ovaries.

The percentage of thalamic neurones excited by cervical stimuli in pseudopregnant rats was not depressed below that of ovariectomized animals. The findings are thought to indicate that exogenous or endogenous progesterone selectively depresses the excitation of hypothalamic neurones by stimuli from the genital tract.
A COMPARISON OF THE HEAT STABILITY OF LONG-ACTING THYROID STIMULATOR AND HUMAN THYROID-STIMULATING HORMONE
Authors: McGIVEN A. R. , ADAMS D. D. , PURVES H. D.
Published: December 2008

Studies of the heat stability of a human antibody against thyroglobulin showed that after heating at 70° for 10 min. its potency was reduced to 2% of the initial value. Similarly, the potency of a preparation of long-acting thyroid stimulator (LATS) was reduced to significantly less than 10% by this treatment, whereas the potency of a human thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) preparation was reduced only to 45%, with a lower fiducial limit of 26% for P = 0·05.

It is concluded that LATS is less stable to heat than is TSH. LATS did not differ from the antibody in heat stability.
THE EFFECTS OF THE DURATION OF TREATMENTS WITH OESTROGEN AND PROGESTERONE ON THE HORMONAL INDUCTION OF MAMMARY GROWTH AND LACTATION IN THE GOAT
Authors: COWIE A. T. , COX C. P. , FOLLEY S. J. , HOSKING ZENA D. , NAITO M. , TINDAL J. S.
Published: December 2008

The effects of the duration of hormonal treatments for inducing mammary growth and lactation were studied in ovariectomized goatlings. The injection periods were 35, 70 or 140 days for each of three hormone treatments. Treatment H: hexoestrol (0·5 mg./day); treatment HP: hexoestrol (0·5 mg./day) and progesterone (70 mg./day) and treatment HHP: treatment H for the first 40% of the period followed by treatment HP for the rest of the period. One half-udder was removed from each goat at the end of the injection period for histological examination, i.e. just before milking was started, and the other half after the peak of lactation had been attained.

In general the longer the injection period the sooner were peak milk yields obtained, the interval from the beginning of the injection period to the peak yield ranging from 32 to 41 weeks. With treatment H the best yields were obtained from goats treated for only 35 days, the best yields with treatment HP were from goats treated for 140 and 70 days. On the basis of the total milk yield for the first 24 weeks of lactation, the treatment giving the highest yields was HP for 140 days; then, in descending order of efficacy, came HP for 70 days, H for 140 days, H for 35 days, HHP for 140 days, HHP for 70 days, H for 70 days, HHP for 35 days and HP for 35 days.

With the exception of treatment H for 140 days, in which lactogenesis was induced during the injection period, the half-udders removed at the peak of lactation were significantly heavier than their contralateral halves removed before milking was started. Considerable growth of glandular tissue had occurred during lactation, i.e. after the hormonal treatments had ended. It is presumed that this growth is the result of the milking stimulus acting by way of the anterior pituitary; since the goats were ovariectomized ovarian hormones cannot have been involved.
THE DAILY ADRENAL RHYTHM IN EQUATORIAL AMERINDIANS
Authors: SIMPSON H.
Published: December 2008

The circadian rhythm of urinary 17-hydroxycorticosteroid (17-OHCS) excretion in Europeans and Equatorial Amerindians has been compared. The precise daily habits of the Equatorial Amerindians did not result in a more marked rhythm of 17-OHCS excretion. Amerindian men and women excreted much less 17-OHCS than their European counterparts; the difference is still substantial when body weight is taken into consideration. The rhythm of 17-OHCS excretion in Amerindians had a minimum and maximum corresponding to their early reveille and bedtime confirming the importance of environmental stimuli in setting the timing of the rhythm.
HISTOCHEMICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECTS OF OESTROGEN, PROGESTERONE AND RELAXIN ON GLYCOGEN, AMYLOPHOSPHORYLASE, TRANSGLYCOSYLASE AND URIDINE DIPHOSPHATE GLUCOSE-GLYCOGEN TRANSFERASE IN UTERI OF MICE
Authors: HALL KATHLEEN
Published: December 2008

(1) The effects of combinations of oestrogen, progesterone and relaxin on glycogen content, and on amylophosphorylase, transglycosylase and uridine diphosphate glucose-glycogen glucosyl transferase activities in the corpus uteri of intact and ovariectomized virgin mice were investigated by histochemical techniques.

(2) Glycogen and the enzyme activities were localized to myometrial and arterial muscle fibres, mobilized leucocytes when present, and luminal and glandular epithelium. Transglycosylase activity was not found in glandular epithelium and no information was obtained about UDPG-glycogen synthesis in epithelium or in leucocytes; otherwise the distribution of the three activities appeared to be similar.

(3) In untreated ovariectomized mice no glycogen was detected in vivo and phosphorylase activity was low. In untreated intact mice little histochemically detectable glycogen was found in myometrial muscle at any stage of the cycle and almost no UDPG-synthesized glycogen; amylophosphorylase activity appeared to be increased during pro-oestrus and oestrus.

(4) Oestrogen produced increased amounts of glycogen in vivo and stimulated phosphorylase activity in both muscle layers in intact and ovariectomized mice; UDPG-glycogen synthesis was probably also increased.

(5) Relaxin had no detectable effect on myometrial glycogen or on phosphorylase activity in non-primed ovariectomized mice, but both were increased when relaxin was given to oestrogen-primed ovariectomized mice or to intact mice at pro-oestrus or oestrus. Only small increases were detected in UDPG-glycogen synthesis.

(6) In both intact and ovariectomized oestrogen-primed mice progesterone had a differential action on the two layers of the myometrium: it increased both glycogenolysis and phosphorylase activity in the longitudinal fibres, but inhibited phosphorylase activity in the circular fibres without resulting in glycogen synthesis in vivo. Results on UDPG-glycogen synthesis were inconclusive. Simultaneous administration of relaxin prevented the inhibitory action of progesterone on glycogen and phosphorylase activity in the circular muscle layer and UDPG-glycogen synthesis was also high in these mice.

(7) No consistent effects of the hormones were detected on glycogen or enzyme activities in arterial muscle.

(8) The histochemical tests visualized total phosphorylase activity but gave no information about hormonal influence on phosphorylase a and b ratios.
IMMUNOLOGICAL STUDIES OF A BOVINE GROWTH HORMONE PREPARATION
Authors: WALLACE A. L. C. , SOBEY W. R.
Published: December 2008

The NIH-B2-GH preparation of ox growth hormone (GH) was separated by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose into six fractions. Five of these fractions when assayed in hypophysectomized rats showed GH activity ranging in potency from 0·25 to 2·5 times the starting material. Growth activity could not be correlated with the concentration of any single component revealed by starch gel electrophoresis.

Antisera produced to NIH-B2-GH had antihormone activity and produced two precipitin lines in Ouchterlony diffusion tests. One of these lines was associated with serum γ-globulin and was shared by all five fractions. The other line was present in only two of the fractions, and these contained the more anionic components.

It is suggested that the more cationic growth-active components present in bovine and ovine GH preparations do not readily produce precipitating antibodies and that this may complicate the results of precipitin and gel diffusion tests when heterogeneous GH preparations have been used to prepare the antisera.
3β-HYDROXYSTEROID DEHYDROGENASE ACTIVITY IN THE MOUSE OVARY
Authors: FERGUSON M. M.
Published: December 2008

Sections of ovaries from 30 Swiss white mice were incubated with ten steroid substrates to demonstrate 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity histochemically. The substrates were: (1) 3β-hydroxypregn-5-en-20-one (pregnenolone), (2) 3β,17α-dihydroxypregn-5-en-20-one (17α-hydroxypregnenolone), (3) 3β-hydroxyandrost-5-en-17-one (DHA), (4) 3β,17β-dihydroxyandrost-5-ene (androstenediol), (5) 3β-sulphoxypregn-5-en-20-one (pregnenolone sulphate), (6) 3β-sulphoxy-17α-hydroxypregn-5-en-20-one (17α-hydroxypregnenolone sulphate), (7) 3β-sulphoxyandrost-5-en-17-one (DHA sulphate), (8) 3β-acetoxypregn-5-en-20-one (pregnenolone acetate), (9) 3β-acetoxyandrost-5-en-17-one (DHA acetate), and (10) 3β-acetoxy-17β-hydroxyandrost-5-ene (androstenediol acetate).

Pregnenolone, 17α-hydroxypregnenolone, DHA and androstenediol gave a colour reaction in the corpora lutea, interstitial tissue, theca interna and stroma of all ovaries examined. The granulosa of many follicles, some thought to be atretic, also contained diformazan granules. 17α-Hydroxypregnenolone did not give as intense a reaction as the other free steroids.

No diformazan was deposited with DHA sulphate as substrate. Pregnenolone sulphate and 17α-hydroxypregnenolone sulphate were used by the same tissues as were the free steroids, although they were much less well utilized.

Utilization of 3β-acetoxy derivatives was similar to that of the free steroids.
AMPHIBIAN CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ADRENAL CORTEX OF THE AFRICAN LUNGFISH (PROTOPTERUS SP.)
Authors: JANSSENS P. A. , VINSON G. P. , JONES I. CHESTER , MOSLEY W.
Published: December 2008

Cells set about the renal tributaries of the post-cardinal veins of lungfish displayed staining properties similar to those generally characteristic of adrenocortical tissue in tetrapod vertebrates. Furthermore, the reactions of these cells in the lungfish, during aestivation and in the free-living forms, after injections of adrenocorticotrophic hormone, cortisol or hydroxylase inhibitor, metyrapone (Metopirone, Ciba), paralleled those occurring in the adrenal cortex of a variety of animals after equivalent treatment. Tissue, separated from the kidney so as to contain these cells, was capable of converting, in vitro, progesterone to corticosterone whilst control renal tissue had this capacity to only a negligible degree. On these grounds, it is suggested that these cells, in cord-like groups of three to ten, situated by the post-cardinal veins between renal and peri-renal tissue are true adrenocortical cells. The arrangement and nature of these cells are very similar to the adrenocortical tissue of amphibians, particularly adult urodeles and developmental stages of anurans. These findings are discussed in relation to the possible pattern of the evolution of the adrenal gland.
THE EFFECT OF A SINGLE INJECTION OF DIETHYLSTILBOESTROL OR PROGESTERONE ON THE HAMSTER OVARY
Authors: GREENWALD G. S.
Published: December 2008

A single injection of 0·25 mg. stilboestrol or 5 mg. progesterone at metoestrus (day 1) affected follicular development in the hamster ovary in different ways. Stilboestrol induced widespread follicular atresia but apparently did not interfere with the release of ovulating hormone at the end of the oestrous cycle. The atresia produced by stilboestrol appears to be mediated by changes in the levels of circulating gonadotrophin rather than by a direct effect on the ovary. This was demonstrated by injecting pregnant mare serum on day 1 of the cycle followed by stilboestrol treatment at various times thereafter. Under these circumstances the ovulation rate was only reduced below control values when stilboestrol was injected on day 1.

Progesterone given on day 1 of the cycle did not interfere with the maturation of healthy Graafian follicles but acted on the terminal stages of follicular growth by blocking ovulation. After a single injection of progesterone, the life span of antral follicles was prolonged to 8–9 days. The ovulation-inhibiting effects of progesterone given on day 1 of the cycle were overcome by the injection of human chorionic gonadotrophin on day 4. Thus, progesterone blocked ovulation indirectly by preventing release of ovulating hormone from the anterior pituitary.

The effects of shifting the single injection of stilboestrol or progesterone to the other days of the oestrous cycle are also considered.
ALDOSTERONE SECRETION BY DOGS DURING THE DEVELOPMENTAL PHASE OF GOLDBLATT HYPERTENSION
Authors: McCAA CONNIE S. , RICHARDSON T. Q. , McCAA R. E. , SULYA L. L. , GUYTON A. C.
Published: December 2008

The hypothesis that experimental renal hypertension results from increased activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system has been tested by determining aldosterone secretion in six dogs during the rising phase of pressure in Goldblatt hypertension. Hypertension was produced by placing a Goldblatt clamp on one kidney followed by removal of the second kidney. The animals were kept on a normal diet with a constant sodium and potassium content. The mean control blood pressure was 127 ± 6 (s.e.m.) mm. Hg and the pressure in the hypertensive stage 169 ± 5 mm. Hg. Control aldosterone secretion was 29·1 ± 7·0 μg./24 hr., but fell to 8·6 ± 1·1 μg./24 hr. in the 1st week after application of the clamp during which the arterial pressure was rising to hypertensive levels. After the blood pressure had reached its maximum value, the rate of aldosterone secretion had risen slightly to 14·5 ± 2·7 μg./24 hr. These results show that the rate of aldosterone secretion is not necessarily increased during the developing phase of benign renal hypertension.
THE GLUCOSE UPTAKE INDUCED IN RAT HEMIDIAPHRAGMS BY INSULIN IN THE PRESENCE OF HUMAN ALBUMIN
Authors: ASHTON W. L.
Published: December 2008

The distribution of glucose uptake induced in rat hemidiaphragm by insulin in the presence of albumin was tested to examine whether synalbumin-insulin antagonism is distributed as a continuous or trimodal variable. The results are consistent with a trimodal distribution, but further studies are required to confirm or refute this conclusion.
OESTROGEN AND THE EARLY STAGES OF HEXADIMETHRINE NECROSIS OF THE ANTERIOR PITUITARY AND ADRENAL CORTEX
Authors: CARROLL R. , KOVÁCS K. , TAPP E.
Published: December 2008

Infarction of the anterior pituitary and adrenal cortex caused by hexadimethrine in experimental animals was found to be variable in incidence and extent. Pretreatment with oestrogen made the lesions more severe and almost of constant occurrence.

The early stages of the lesions were studied in rats from 1 to 6 hr. after the administration of hexadimethrine. The local vasospasm which caused the infarction in the adrenal cortex seemed to pass off in 2 or 3 hr. and to be followed by a failed reflow which produced much haemorrhage. On the other hand, it appears that there was little or no reflow into the dead anterior pituitary during the first 6 hr. Necrotic changes did not develop within that period in animals pretreated with oestrogen but secondary thrombosis occurred in vessels of the marginal zones of the necrotic anterior pituitary after about 12 to 24 hr.
CORTICOSTEROID SECRETION IN THE MONOTREME TACHYGLOSSUS ACULEATUS
Authors: WEISS MAGDA , McDONALD I. R.
Published: December 2008

Corticosteroid secretion and excretion by the Australian monotreme Tachyglossus aculeatus was investigated by assay of peripheral blood, adrenal venous blood, urine and faeces.

Free corticosteroids could be demonstrated in only one out of five samples of peripheral whole blood, in which trace amounts of cortisol and corticosterone were detected at concentrations of the order of 0·1–0·2 μg./100 ml.

Quantitatively, the major corticosteroid detected in adrenal venous blood of three males and one female was identified as corticosterone, at concentrations of 8–25 μg./100 ml. whole blood. Lesser amounts of cortisol were detected in samples of adrenal venous blood from two males and the female, the ratios 'F:B' being 0·25 and 0·40 in the males, and 0·13 in the female. The highest rate of corticosterone secretion was only 2·6 μg./100 mg. adrenal/hr. or 1·17 μg./kg. body weight/hr.

No free or conjugated corticosteroids were detected in either urine or faeces. Zimmermann chromogens were found in both urine and faeces, and total daily excretion varied unpredictably from undetectable levels to a maximum of only 25 μg./kg. body weight/day.
THE RELATION BETWEEN FREE CORTISOL IN URINE AND 'URINARY FREE 11-HYDROXYCORTICOSTEROIDS' AS MEASURED BY FLUORESCENCE
Authors: ESPINER E. A.
Published: December 2008

The relation between free cortisol in urine and 'free Δ4·3 keto-11-hydroxycorticosteroids' has been explored by measurements in sixty urine samples. Free cortisol was measured by a method which involved paper chromatography and incorporated an internal isotopic standard to correct for losses. A rapid and simple technique, measuring fluorescence in ethanolic sulphuric acid, was used to determine the free 11-hydroxycorticosteroids. Although there was a good correlation between the two measurements (r = 0·96), the percentage contribution to the free 11-hydroxycorticosteroids made by true cortisol was small (mean 33 %) and varied from 8 to 73 % in different urine samples.
STUDIES ON ARTIFICIAL CRYPTORCHIDISM: THE HISTOLOGICAL APPEARANCES OF UNILATERAL AND BILATERAL ABDOMINAL TESTES IN THE RAT
Authors: CLEGG E. J.
Published: December 2008

Comparison of the findings in this investigation with those in naturally occurring cryptorchidism indicates that whereas under the latter circumstances degenerative changes only occur at puberty, in the experimental condition they may be seen at all ages. It is suggested that this difference is due to inherent defects of the testis in naturally occurring cryptorchidism.

Comparison of the abdominal testes of unilaterally and bilaterally cryptorchid rats indicates that the testes are developmentally more mature in the latter and it is suggested that this difference is due to the circulation of greater amounts of gonadotrophins. This assumption is supported to some extent by findings in the adenohypophyses of such animals: castration cells appear to be more frequent in bilateral cryptorchids.

The conclusion is drawn that although simple androgen deficiency may explain the various changes which occur in the reproductive system and adenohypophysis of cryptorchid animals, deficiency of a hormone produced by the seminiferous tubules cannot be excluded completely; the findings also indicate that this hormone is more likely to be produced by the germ cells than by the Sertoli cells.
THE EFFECT OF ANAESTHESIA ON MILK YIELD AND MAINTENANCE OF LACTATION IN THE GOAT AND RAT
Authors: YOKOYAMA A. , ÔTA K.
Published: December 2008

The effect of anaesthesia on lactation was studied in the lactating goat and the lactating rat.

Cyclopropane was used in the goat. All goats were milked once daily in the morning. The experimental and the control periods started on Monday and ended on Saturday; the control period was usually followed immediately by the experimental period. Average milk yields in eight experimental periods in three goats ranged from 91·4 to 108·3%, with a mean of 101·4±1·84% (s.e.) of those in the corresponding control periods.

The increase in intramammary pressure, which occurred 30–40 sec. after the start of milking of the contralateral teat in the normal lactating goat, was not observed during milking under anaesthesia.

Lactating rats were anaesthetized with sodium pentobarbitone. Six or eight pups were placed with the mother to suckle the teat for 2 hr. in the morning. This suckling regime was continued for 5 days. No increase in the body weight of litters was obtained when the litter suckled under anaesthesia. When oxytocin was injected into the anaesthetized mother, a gain in litter weight was observed during the experimental period, although it was smaller than in the controls.

In conclusion, a species specificity in the importance of the milk ejection response for the removal of milk has been demonstrated. The fact that milk secretion continued normally in the goat milked under the anaesthesia suggests that the secretion of the pituitary hormones concerned with the maintenance of milk secretion continues in the absence of the milking stimulus. In the rat, although milk secretion was maintained at a subnormal level by oxytocin replacement under anaesthesia, it was not possible to draw a final conclusion as to whether the suckling stimulus is dispensable for the maintenance of milk secretion.
OESTROGENS IN THE BLOOD OF THE COW
Authors: POPE G. S. , JONES H. E. H. , WAYNFORTH H. B.
Published: December 2008

Extracts of jugular-vein blood of pregnant cows and of cows in oestrus were treated with methanolic HCl and phenolic fractions prepared. Assay by the mouse uterine-weight method failed to detect oestrogen in fractions from cows in oestrus or 2–3 months pregnant but indicated the presence of oestrogen, equivalent to about 1 μg. of oestrone/l. in blood from cows 5–6 months pregnant and about 7 μg./l. in blood from cows 7–9 months pregnant.

The activity of the phenolic fraction from blood of late pregnancy was shown to be due mainly to oestrone, most of which had been present in the blood as a water-soluble derivative.

Similar fractions from blood of cows in oestrus, assayed by the tetrazolium method of Martin, showed a total of 1–10 ng./l. (expressed as oestrone) activity being in the non-ketone and ketone fractions.
INSULIN SENSITIVITY AND CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM OF RATS WITH HYPOTHALAMIC OBESITY
Authors: TUCKER JANET , TRETHEWEY J. , STEWART G. A. , NEVILLE R. W. J. , HANLEY T.
Published: December 2008

A fixed dose of glucose, irrespective of body weight, used for i.v. glucose tolerance tests in rats with hypothalamic obesity and in non-obese control rats caused almost identical blood glucose increments in both kinds of rats, and the K values (coefficients of glucose assimilation) were not significantly different. Glucose doses proportional to body weight caused much larger increments of blood glucose in the obese animals but the K value was not significantly different from that for the controls.

On the other hand, the insulin sensitivity of obese rats was found to be less than that of control rats when a fixed dose of the hormone was given. When the insulin dosage was proportional to body weight, the fall of fasting blood glucose produced in the obese animals was not significantly different from that in the control group. In vitro, the diaphragm muscle of the obese animals was insensitive to the action of insulin as compared with controls. There was no evidence of insulin insensitivity of the obese animals' adipose tissue; the very low metabolic activity of the adipose tissue of both the control and obese animals may have been responsible. The interpretation of these findings is discussed in the light of similar work in human obesity.
THE MECHANISM OF THE INDUCTION OF OVULATION BY OESTROGENS
Authors: DÖCKE F. , DÖRNER G.
Published: December 2008

To study the positive feed-back mechanism by which oestrogen induces corpus luteum formation, electrolytic lesions were placed in different parts of the anterior hypothalamus of prepubertal female rats which were then injected with oestradiol benzoate. Ovarian luteinization did not occur when the main parts of the suprachiasmatic nuclei or of the medial preoptic area had been destroyed.

Oestradiol benzoate was implanted stereotaxically into the brain and the anterior pituitary of immature female rats. Whereas 1/25 of the subcutaneously effective dose had to be implanted into the anterior hypothalamus, 1/100 of the peripherally effective dose introduced into the adenohypophysis was sufficient to induce corpus luteum formation in most of the treated animals.

The results suggest that, although the anterior hypothalamus is necessary for this positive feed-back mechanism, the anterior pituitary may be the main site of action of oestrogen.

Oestrogen may increase the hypophysial sensitivity to the hypothalamic gonadotrophin-releasing factor. Thus an enhanced gonadotrophin secretion may result, sufficient for the induction of ovulation. The possibility is discussed that this positive feed-back mechanism is also essential for the induction of ovulation in women.
ORAL AND INTRAVENOUS SUPPRESSION TESTS IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF CUSHING'S SYNDROME
Authors: JAMES V. H. T. , LANDON J. , WYNN V.
Published: December 2008

Adrenocortical suppression tests, based on the fall in urinary 17-hydroxy-corticosteroid excretion during the oral administration of dexamethasone, were found to be of value in the diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome, but less useful in differentiating bilateral adrenal hyperplasia from adrenal tumour. Such tests have the disadvantage of requiring accurate urine collections and of taking several days to perform. A test is described, based on the decrease in plasma cortisol concentration during i.v. infusion of dexamethasone at a rate of 1 mg./hr. The results obtained in 12 patients with Cushing's syndrome and bilateral adrenal hyperplasia differed from those found in control subjects in that there was a delay between the start of the infusion and the fall of plasma cortisol, and the rate of fall was less rapid. The values found after 180 min., expressed either as μg./100 ml. or as a percentage of the resting level, differed significantly (P < 0·001) in the two groups. The test proved valuable as an aid to the diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome, was easy to perform, and could be completed in 3 hr.

In some patients with Cushing's syndrome, the administration of synthetic glucocorticoids appeared to result in an increased urinary steroid excretion. A transient increase in plasma cortisol levels was also observed in some of these patients during the early period of dexamethasone infusion. It is thought that this finding reflects an alteration in steroid metabolism induced by dexamethasone and fluorocortisol.
SOME FACTORS AFFECTING THE RESPONSE OF THE IMMATURE MOUSE TO PREGNANT MARE SERUM GONADOTROPHIN AND HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHIN
Authors: LANG D. R. , LAMOND D. R.
Published: December 2008

Deprivation of food for 24–48 hr. before the injection of gonadotrophin into mice reduced mean uterine weights and the slopes of the dose-response lines; the effect was greater with human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) than with pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin. Age and time of weaning relative to the injection of gonadotrophin, and the number of experimental mice per cage, also affected the uterine weight response. Age and weight influenced the number of ovulations after injections of HCG. Fasting for 48 hr. before the priming injection reduced numbers of ovulations as compared with a restricted diet or fasting for 48 hr. after priming. The time of day of the priming and ovulatory injections influenced the number of ovulations, injections in the afternoon resulting in more ova than injections in the morning.
STEROID SYNTHESIS IN VITRO BY TUMOUR TISSUE FROM A DYSGENETIC GONAD
Authors: GRIFFITHS K. , GRANT J. K. , BROWNING MARGARET C. K. , WHYTE W. G. , SHARP JESSIE L.
Published: December 2008

A tumour of a dysgenetic gonad was removed from an 18-yr.-old girl, who had presented with primary amenorrhoea and poor breast development. Examination showed clitoral hypertrophy, and chromosome analysis showed a normal male 46/XY karyotype. Microscopically, cells of both ovary and testis were recognized in the tumour. Incubation of the tissue with [4-14C]progesterone in Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate solution showed its capacity to synthesize testosterone and oestradiol-17β. 16α-Hydroxyprogesterone was also formed during the incubation.
THE EFFECTS OF OESTROGEN: ANDROGEN INTERACTION ON THE RETICULO-ENDOTHELIAL SYSTEM AND REPRODUCTIVE TRACT
Authors: NICOL T. , VERNON-ROBERTS B. , QUANTOCK D. C.
Published: December 2008

(1) Oestrone, oestriol, 17β-oestradiol, ethinyloestradiol, oestradiol monobenzoate, diethylstilboestrol, 4-hydroxy-α,β-diethyldibenzyl (HDB), dienoestrol, hexoestrol, triphenylethylene and tri-p-anisylchloroethylene (TACE) stimulated the reticulo-endothelial system (RES) in intact male and in ovariectomized female mice.

(2) Testosterone propionate inhibited the vaginal smear response to all the above oestrogenic compounds. It also inhibited the RE stimulation produced by oestrone, oestriol, ethinyloestradiol, oestradiol monobenzoate, triphenylethylene and TACE but had no effect on RE stimulation by diethylstilboestrol, HDB, dienoestrol or hexoestrol; it markedly potentiated the stimulant effect of 17β-oestradiol on the RES.

(3) The effect on the RES of oestrogen: androgen interaction does not appear to be dependent on the type of androgen used.
THE INTERACTION IN THE IMMATURE MOUSE OF POTENT OESTROGENS WITH COUMESTROL, GENISTEIN AND OTHER UTERO-VAGINOTROPHIC COMPOUNDS OF LOW POTENCY
Authors: FOLMAN Y. , POPE G. S.
Published: December 2008

Interaction in the immature mouse of potent oestrogens with the weak utero-vaginotrophic (UV) compounds, coumestrol, genistein, dimethyl-stilboestrol, norethisterone acetate and megestrol acetate though sometimes additive at very low doses appeared to be essentially antagonistic at higher doses.

In particular, the weak oestrogens coumestrol and genistein, found in certain plants, markedly inhibited the UV action of potent oestrogens, e.g. oestradiol-17β, oestrone and diethylstilboestrol and this effect may account in part for the anti-oestrogenic activity of extracts of these plants.

Some differences in the ability of different oestrogens to promote uterine growth relative to vaginal growth were observed.
THE PLASMA CONCENTRATIONS OF FREE AND PROTEIN-BOUND CORTISOL IN HYPOPROTEINAEMIA
Authors: LEONARD P. J. , D'ARBELA P. G.
Published: December 2008

The plasma level and percentage of bound cortisol were measured in sixteen African subjects with hypoproteinaemia of varying aetiologies. When compared with a control group it was found that the percentage of the steroid bound was significantly reduced but that the total cortisol level did not differ from that found in the control subjects. This resulted in a significant increase in the absolute level of free cortisol in the hypoproteinaemic subjects. Attention is drawn to the striking similarity between many of the physical and biochemical changes seen in kwashiorkor and those found in Cushing's syndrome.
CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM AND PITUITARY FUNCTION IN GONADAL DYSGENESIS (TURNER'S SYNDROME)
Authors: JACKSON I. M. D. , BUCHANAN K. D. , McKIDDIE M. T. , PRENTICE C. R. M.
Published: December 2008

An oral glucose tolerance test was performed in eight patients with gonadal dysgenesis and in two a diabetic response was found. The plasma insulin levels were estimated in response to the glucose load and were abnormal in five out of the six patients examined.

The blood sugar response to the standard insulin tolerance test was normal in six patients and showed increased insulin sensitivity in two. Plasma cortisol concentration was measured in response to the hypoglycaemia induced by insulin and in seven out of the eight patients rose considerably indicating a normally functioning pituitary-adrenal system.

The sera of all eight patients were examined for auto-antibodies and were essentially negative.

Possible reasons for the abnormalities in carbohydrate metabolism are discussed and it is suggested that gonadal dysgenesis may predispose to diabetes.
FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS OF AN ASSAY IN VITRO FOR PROLACTIN
Authors: EVANS ANNE J.
Published: December 2008

The release in vitro of β-glucuronidase from rat testicular homogenates under the influence of ovine and bovine prolactin has been investigated further.

A micro modification of the original assay method has been developed, with improved specificity, sensitivity and precision.

Assay results were reproducible over 2½ yr. and were in good agreement with bioassays for prolactin and luteotrophic activity.