bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FURTHER STUDIES ON PRENATAL FUNCTIONAL RELATIONS BETWEEN RAT PINEAL GLAND AND EPITHELIUM OF LOWER ILEUM
Authors: Owman Christer
Published: December 2008

It has previously been demonstrated by the author that the developing pineal gland of the rat possesses functional activity during a definite period. Destruction of the active gland in utero regularly causes marked changes in the lower ileum, the epithelial cells being filled with large eosinophilic inclusions of carbohydrate-protein nature. These inclusions are a manifestation of the absorption of muco- or glycoproteins from the amniotic fluid, known to be ingested by the foetus.

In the present study, pinealectomy in utero was performed by electrocoagulation on forty-eight foetuses at certain specific stages. Twenty-six foetuses were sham-operated. For comparison, seventy-two unoperated controls were analyzed.

The stage at which the inclusions first appear after pinealectomy is determined and discussed. Furthermore, the foetuses have been analyzed near the expected term after pinealectomy at different stages. Destruction of the gland before pineal secretory activity causes very marked changes in the ileal epithelium; these are less distinct when the operation is performed during the secretory period. Pinealectomy after the secretory period does not cause any changes in the lower ileum in comparison with sham-operated control foetuses.

Thus, a remote action has been demonstrated for the foetal pineal gland. The function seems to be that of preventing significant intestinal absorption of intact proteins while the foetus is still within the uterus. After birth such absorption is known to occur normally from colostrum. The possible connection of the foetal adrenals to the prenatal pineal function is discussed.
RECHERCHES CONCERNANT LES FACTEURS EXTRAPARATHYROÏDIENS DANS LA TÉTANIE
Authors: Pitis Marcelle , Nicolesco-Catargi Al. , Petresco Stefania , Chivu Viorica , Galu Alexandra
Published: December 2008

In their previous and in their recent investigations the authors demonstrated the action of epinephrine as an aggravating factor, triggering off tetany attacks.

This action of epinephrine may account for the intricate adrenergotetanic attacks encountered in the clinic, an intermediate link of which might be hypoglycaemia.

The epinephrine test as well as induced hypoglycaemia might serve as a diagnostic means not only as regards the combined syndrome but latent tetany as well.
ZUR FRAGE DER WIRKUNG VON OESTRIOL AUF DIE GONADOTROPE AKTIVITÄT DES HYPOPHYSEN-VORDERLAPPENS
Authors: Gitsch E. , Golob E.
Published: December 2008

Following a survey of the literature on the comparative activity of natural oestrogens, in different biological tests, some of the varying results obtained in our preliminary experiments are described.

In the main experiment with oestriol, oestradiol and oestradiolbenzoate ninety infantile female albino rats were used. Three groups of ten animals were used at three dose levels.

The activity levels obtained were compared by means of the simplified Probit Analysis according to Gaddum, and the variations in activity, including the tolerance factors, were formulated.

The activity for oestradiol as compared with oestriol was 2.51 (2.85 upper. 2.18 lower fiducial limit). The activity of oestradiolbenzoate, as compared with oestriol, was 13.2 (14.96 upper, 11.67 lower fiducial limit).

It was found that the relationship between oestradiol and oestriol indicates that oestriol has a central action.
THE EFFECT OF A SALT LOAD AND ALDOSTERONE ON THE ACID-BASE-EQUILIBRIUM AND ON THE ELECTROLYTES IN BLOOD AND URINE OF NORMAL SUBJECTS FOLLOWING CHEMICAL BLOCKADE OF THE ADRENAL CORTEX
Authors: Martini O. , Voigt K. D. , Tamm J. , Dölle W.
Published: December 2008

In four subjects receiving a standard diet the endogenous production of aldosterone and of cortisol was suppressed by the combined administration of dexamethasone and metopirone. The experiments were completed by acute intravenous infusion of NaCl and of NaCl plus aldosterone, respectively. The Na+ and K+ balance, acid-base-equilibrium and steroid excretion were followed up.

Cortisol and cortisone disappeared from the urine after dexamethasone, aldosterone only after additional treatment with metopirone. The ratio free/conjugated 17-OHCS in urine increased significantly. Na+ excretion went up under combined treatment with the two drugs. Intravenously administered aldosterone resulted in a definite but limited Na+ retention associated with a slight increase in K+ excretion. The effective H+ excretion was closely related to the dietary intake of Na+ and K+. The K+/H+ ratio in urine remained unaltered irrespectively of whether aldosterone was added to a NaCl infusion or not. The results obtained in blood were somewhat conflicting. No significant changes in Na+ and K+ were observed throughout the experiment. All four volunteers developed a metabolic alkalosis.
STUDIES ON ESTER SULPHATES
Authors: Boström H. , Franksson C. , Wengle B.
Published: December 2008

A study of the capacity of 3 human adrenals and one adrenal adenoma to sulphurylate various steroids and phenol has been undertaken by the use of 35S-labelled 3′-phosphoadenosine-5′-phosphosulphate (PAPS) and inorganic sulphate. The following observations are described.

Adrenal extracts are able to accumulate a 35S-labelled compound with electrophoretic properties similar to those of 3′-phosphoadenosine-5′-phosphosulphate (PAPS). Data on sulphokinase and over-all sulphurylating activities are given for the following compounds: androsterone, epiandrosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA), aetiocholan-3α-ol-17-one, testosterone, pregnan-3α-ol-20-one, pregnan-3β-ol-20-one, pregn-5-en-3β-ol-20-one, 11-deoxycorticosterone (DOC), 17-hydroxy-11-deoxycorticosterone, 11-dehydrocorticosterone, cortisone, corticosterone, cortisol, aldosterone, oestrone, oestriol and phenol.

The distribution of the sulphokinases in the adrenal adenoma studied did not deviate significantly from that of the normal glands investigated.

The over-all sulphurylating capacity of adult human adrenals with regard to steroids was 33–70 per cent of the corresponding activities of adult human liver, and 14–27 per cent of those of foetal human adrenals. The physiological implications of these results are discussed.
EFFECTS OF CLOMIPHENE ON THE PHYSIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION IN THE RAT
Authors: Roy Somnath , Mahesh Virendra B. , Greenblatt Robert B.
Published: December 2008

Effects of administration of clomiphene on the physiology of reproduction in male and female rats have been studied. The findings suggest that in suitable small doses this agent may stimulate the secretion of gonadotrophins (probably ICSH) from the pituitary gland, while in relatively larger doses, the secretion of hypophyseal gonadotrophins is suppressed. It does not interfere with the action of gonadotrophins on the ovary. This agent has also some oestrogenic and antioestrogenic actions.
THE REPAIR OF POST-PARTUM NECROSIS OF THE ANTERIOR LOBE OF THE PITUITARY GLAND
Authors: Sheehan H. L.
Published: December 2008

The healing of a post-partum necrosis of the anterior pituitary gland begins at about 4 days. The first change is the formation of a narrow layer of secondary atrophy at the inner edge of the live margin zone. There is then an invasion of macrophages which clear the debris from the other marginal zones and finally penetrate to a depth of 1 to 1.5 mm into the infarct. The remaining part of the central dead area becomes condensed and hyalinised in the course of the subsequent year or two.

In the healed stage the remnants of parenchyma must certainly be functioning to their maximum capacity but they do not show any very striking histological changes to correspond to this. The cellular pattern of these remnants can not be correlated with variations in the clinical or pathological picture of prolonged hypopituitarism.
IMMUNOLOGICAL CROSS REACTIONS AMONG GONADOTROPHINS
Authors: Flux D. S. , Li Choh Hao
Published: December 2008

Immunological cross reactions among the three gonadotrophins, ovine interstitial cell-stimulating hormone (ICSH), pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) have been investigated.

The earlier findings in this laboratory that rabbit antiserum to ICSH inhibited the biological activity of PMSG was confirmed. Antiserum to PMSG was found to inhibit ICSH. The biological activity of HCG in hypophysectomized female rats was not inhibited by antiserum to either ICSH or PMSG in these experiments, but other evidence shows that antiserum to ICSH is sufficiently high doses does inhibit the biological effects of HCG.

Both PMSG and HCG showed precipitin reactions with antiserum to ICSH, the amounts of protein precipitated being much less than when ICSH was used. No precipitate was formed when ICSH or HCG was added to antiserum to PMSG.

The antiserum to PMSG contained antibodies to the horse serum proteins that were present as contaminants of the PMSG. These were partly absorbed with horse serum without loss of the anti-PMSG activity.
CUSHING'S DISEASE IN A PATIENT WITH GONADAL DYSGENESIS AND PITUITARY TUMOUR
Authors: Bassøe H. H. , Gadeholt H. , Ronold K. , Støa K. F.
Published: December 2008

A thirty-nine years old woman with primary amenorrhoea and increased excretion of gonadotrophins, developed a chromophobe adenoma in the pituitary gland. Only a few years before she died, the diagnosis of Cushing's disease was made which progressed despite hypophysectomy. Evidence is given for the conclusion, that the patient suffered from ovarian dysgenesis, which secondarily led to hyperfunction and tumour formation of the pituitary gland and also to development of Cushing's disease. It is concluded that patients with hypogonadism should be observed for pituitary tumour formation, and that adequate substitution therapy may prevent formation of pituitary tumours.
A FOUR DAY CORTICOTROPHIN-SUPPRESSION TEST
Authors: Ernest Ingrid , Håkansson Britt
Published: December 2008

A four day ACTH-suppression test was performed in 58 patients showing symptoms often associated with hypercorticism and in 25 cases of Cushing's syndrome. The non Cushing patients suffered from obesity, hypertension, plethora, diabetes and mental disturbances in various combinations and/or conditions related to hypertrichosis and menstrual disorders. Some of them also showed an increased basal excretion of 17-ketosteroids.

Triamcinolone, in doses of 4 mg and 8 mg every six hours or 2 mg of dexamethasone every six hours, induced a good suppression of adrenocortical function in the non Cushing patients. This was demonstrated by chromatographic analysis of 24 different 24-hour urine samples collected on the third or fourth day of the test. In these cases – selected at random from the 58 non Cushing patients – the mean excretion of tetrahydroderivatives of cortisone and cortisol was < 0.3 mg/day (range 0.0–1.2 mg/day). Only traces of dehydroepiandrosterone and 11-oxy-17-ketosteroids were found.

In all cases, 17-ketogenic steroids, Porter-Silber chromogens and 17-ketosteroids were determined by routine methods and the results are discussed with regard to the presence of non specific chromogens. There was no difference in the urinary excretion of steroids during the administration of 16 mg and 32 mg respectively of triamcinolone and of 8 mg of dexamethasone daily.

In 9 of 11 cases of non-tumourous Cushing's syndrome, triamcinolone in a dose of 4 mg every six hours did not suppress the urinary excretion of 17-ketogenic steroids, Porter-Silber chromogens or 17-ketosteroids normally. In two cases, however, there was a normal suppression according to the criteria chosen. In one case of non-tumourous Cushing's syndrome, suppression could not be demonstrated during the administration of triamcinolone in a dose of 16 mg every six hours for four days.

Because of the varying degrees of suppression found in Cushing's syndrome, the diagnostic conclusions drawn from the ACTH-suppression test should be made with caution. Marked variation in the basal excretion of steroids adds to the difficulties as do the limitations of the test imposed by unspecificity of the methods used in evaluating the adrenocortical function.
FUNCTIONAL HETEROGENEITY OF THE THYROID AND POSSIBLE PRESENCE OF IODOTYROSINE-LIKE COMPOUNDS IN NORMAL SERUM
Authors: Wiener J. D.
Published: December 2008

After the administration of 131I to normal animals or human subjects, labelled thyroxine and triiodothyronine, but at most traces of labelled iodotyrosines can be detected in the serum. However, several investigators using various methods claim to have found considerable amounts of one or both of these iodotyrosines when assaying the stable (non-radioactive) iodinated compounds in the serum.

Considering the available evidence as convincing for the present, an attempt has been made to explain this discrepancy. A schematic model of the thyroidal iodine metabolism is proposed, based on (a) the hypothesis that the iodotyrosines are present in the circulation in a »masked« form (i. e. protected against deiodination), and (b) the known functional heterogeneity of the thyroid tissue. This heterogeneity should be of a qualitative as well as quantitative nature.

As the physical decay rate of 131I is short in comparison with the turnover rate of the masked iodotyrosine pool, an isotope equilibrium experiment with rats was carried out, using the long-lived isotope 125I. The results of this experiment, viewed together with those of a similar investigation published by others, seem to lend support to the proposed mechanism.

The presence of non-negligible amounts of a diiodotyrosine-like compound in normal rat serum seems fairly well established.
PITUITARY LACTOGENIC HORMONE RELEASE DURING ONSET OF PSEUDOPREGNANCY IN INTACT RATS
Authors: Herlyn U. , Geller H.-F. , Berswordt-Wallrabe Ilse v. , Berswordt-Wallrabe R. v.
Published: December 2008

The release of lactogenic hormone (LGH) was studied at the onset of pseudopregnancy in 90 rats. The LGH-content of the pituitary glands was determined by the pigeon crop sac assay. Glass rod stimulation of the cervix during vaginal oestrus was followed by a significant decrease in the LGH-content of the pituitary glands, thus demonstrating a correlation between LGH-release and beginning pseudopregnancy.

Anaesthesia by Nembutal almost prevented this effect of cervical stimulation.
STUDIES ON THE METABOLISM OF C-21 STEROIDS IN THE HUMAN FOETO-PLACENTAL UNIT
Authors: Pion R. , Jaffe R. , Eriksson G. , Wiqvist N. , Diczfalusy E.
Published: December 2008

In situ perfusion of human midterm placentas with labelled pregnenolone and 17α-hydroxypregnenolone was carried out. Following perfusion with pregnenolone in two experiments, 80 and 90 per cent of the radioactive material recovered from the placenta and 25 and 29 per cent of that recovered from the perfusate was progesterone. These figures accounted for 17 and 13 per cent of the perfused dose. Perfusion with 17α-hydroxypregnenolone in three experiments indicated that 87, 66 and 73 per cent of the radioactive material recovered from the placentas and 48, 44 and 52 per cent of that found in the perfusates was 17α-hydroxyprogesterone. These figures represent 26, 17 and 17 per cent of the perfused material.

Several polar metabolites of both pregnenolone and 17α-hydroxypregnenolone were also detected, but in amounts insufficient for their identification.

It is suggested that conversion of circulating 3β-hydroxy-Δ5-precursors into α,β-unsaturated 3-ketones may be a major pathway in the placental synthesis of progesterone and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone.
UNILATERAL ADRENALECTOMY FOLLOWED BY PITUITARY IRRADIATION IN CUSHING'S DISEASE; WITH OBSERVATIONS ON CORTISOL SECRETION AFTER THERAPY
Authors: van Seters A. P. , Jenny M. , Querido A.
Published: December 2008

Nineteen out of 38 patients with Cushing's disease were successfully treated by unilateral adrenalectomy and post-operative pituitary irradiation. Follow-up periods ranged from 1 to 11 years, with an average of 5.7 years. Determinations of cortisol secretion were performed in 13 patients as part of the follow-up study for the evaluation of the therapeutic result. In 11 patients, the secretion rates varied between 12.4 and 30.9 mg/24 h, values which are considered normal. Unilateral adrenalectomy followed by pituitary irradiation is advocated as the primary treatment in patients suffering from Cushing's disease without serious complications.
CLINICAL FEATURES OBSERVED IN PATIENTS WITH AN UNEXPLAINED LOW CORTISOL BINDING CAPACITY
Authors: De Moor P. , Steeno O. , Hendrikx A.
Published: December 2008

Clinical and biochemical studies have been made on sixty-one untreated patients with a low cortisol binding capacity (C. B. C.), as determined by a gel filtration technique, and no hypoproteinaemia or dysproteinaemia. Characteristic signs and symptoms were found. In the female group, obesity (65 per cent) sometimes suggesting Cushing's disease, diabetes or prediabctes (59 per cent), menstrual disturbances (55 per cent) and hypertension (46 per cent) were the most conspicuous findings. In adult men, diabetes or prediabetes (62 per cent), obesity (29 per cent) and hypertension (29 per cent) were noted. Twelve out of sixteen boys with an unexplained low C. B. C. had disorders of adolescent development, i. e. gynaecomastia (56 per cent), »pseudo-Froehlich« syndrome (44 per cent) and cryptorchidy (20 per cent).

In women, the urinary 17-ketosteroids and glucocorticoids were elevated, though the latter values were only slightly above normal; there was a negative and significant correlation between 17,21-dihydroxy-20-ketosteroids and 17-hydroxy-corticoids. In the group of male adults, an increase of urinary glucocorticoids was observed, whereas the excretion of 17-ketosteroids was normal. Both groups showed rather low 8 a. m. unconjugated plasma corticoid levels.

The low cortisol binding capacity in these patients was found to be independent of adrenocortical function, excess of weight, or technical artefacts. The response to oestrogens (endogenous or exogenous) was clearly defective.

Whether the low plasma cortisol binding capacity itself is the cause of the clinical and biochemical findings observed in these patients, remains to be elucidated.
TESTICULAR FEMINIZATION
Authors: Philip J. , Sele V.
Published: December 2008

Genetic and hormonal studies were carried out on a family in which three sibs presented the complete syndrome of testicular feminization (T. F.). In addition to the seven features, by which the general picture of this condition was described by Morris (1953), three other now well known signs are added: 1) the high malignancy risk, 2) the hereditary nature and 3) the XY karyotype. The patients are described according to this 10 point-scheme and it is suggested that male pseudohermaphrodites in general should be so described.

The three sibs of this family all have the karyotype 46/XY and now 15 cases of T. F. of which some were relatives with the karyotype XY are recorded in the literature. As however 2 cases (13 %) were found with other karyotypes, more cases must be investigated before a definite conclusion can be drawn about the association of this karyotype with the syndrome.

Linkage studies were carried out in collaboration with Dr. Ruth Sanger and Dr. R. R. Race. No close linkage was found between the gene for T. F. and the X-linked genes for the Xg blood groups. Furthermore no close linkage was found between the gene for T. F. and the autosomal genes for the MNSs, Lutheran and Duffy blood group systems for which the family segregated informatively.

A suppression test of 17-ketosteroids with cortisone-acetate was carried out in one case which indicated that the gonad was an abnormal ovary or a testis. Absence of hair growth in T. F. is discussed on the basis of the hypothesis of Wilkins and Morris, that the tissues are non-responsive to the androgens produced by the gonad.
THE EFFECT OF D-LYSERGIC ACID DIETHYLAMIDE ON THE MELANOPHORES OF THE TOAD BUFO ARENARUM UNDER DIFFERENT EXPERIMENTAL CONDITIONS
Authors: Iturriza Fermín C.
Published: December 2008

Parenteral administration of D-lysergic acid diethylamide in doses of 0.1 mg per animal, produced bleaching of the skin in dark adapted Bufo arenarum toads.

No melanophore-concentrating activity of lysergic acid was found in vitro.

The bleaching effect of the drug can also be demonstrated in toads with destruction of the hypothalamic-hypophysial pathway. It is therefore assumed that lysergic acid does not act on the pars intermedia via the hypothalamus.
STUDIES ON SALIVA IN MENSTRUATING, PREGNANT AND POST-MENOPAUSAL WOMEN
Authors: Kullander S. , Sonesson B.
Published: December 2008

Saliva from normally menstruating, pregnant and post-menopausal women was collected by catheterizing the excretory duct of the submandibular gland. The saliva was studied for rate of secretion, water content and the crystallization pattern. In addition the spontaneous secretion of saliva as well as the secretion stimulated by histamine and by pilocarpine were studied.

The observations can be summarized as follows:

Histamine had no effect on the rate of secretion, while pilocarpine increased the secretion considerably.

In fertile women, the rate of spontaneous and histamine-stimulated secretion was somewhat higher during the secretion phase of the menstrual cycle than during the proliferation phase. No significant difference was found between the water content of the saliva in the two phases.

In pregnant women there was a decrease in the rate of secretion as compared with normally menstruating women. In the post-menopausal women the decrease in secretion of saliva was still more marked.

In pregnant women the crystallization pattern of the saliva was coarser than in menstruating women. After the menopause the crystallization pattern was still coarser and in one case no crystallization occurred at all. No constant differences were observed between the patterns during the proliferation and secretion phases, respectively.
RENAL FUNCTION AND KIDNEY SIZE FOLLOWING HYPOPHYSECTOMY IN MAN
Authors: Falkheden Thomas , Wickbom Ingmar
Published: December 2008

Measurements of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal plasma flow (RPF) were performed in close connection with roentgenographic estimation of kidney size, before and after hypophysectomy, in 10 patients (four cases of metastatic mammary carcinoma, five cases of diabetic retinopathy and one case of acromegaly).

Hypophysectomy was regularly followed by a decrease in GFR and RPF. In most cases, a reduction in the roentgenographic kidney size was also observed. However, the changes in the roentgenographic kidney size and calculated kidney weight after hypophysectomy were smaller and occurred at a slower rate than the alterations in GFR and RPF. The results favour the view that, primarily, the decrease in GFR and RPF following hypophysectomy is essentially functional rather than due to a reduced kidney mass.
DIE WIRKUNG VON HYPOPHYSENHORMONEN AUF DAS IN DIE MILZ IMPLANTIERTE OVAR
Authors: Fels E. , Foglia V. G. , Rivera Cortés L. M.
Published: December 2008

The atrophy of the intrasplenic ovarian graft or that of the graft's tumour, produced by the hypophysectomy may be avoided by the application of chorionic and serum gonadotrophins.

Also somatotrophin has a positive effect, almost equal to gonadotrophins with regard to the tumour; its action upon the non tumorous graft is much slighter.

While combining gonadotrophins with somatotrophin, the percentage of non atrophic grafts increases twice as much in comparison with the sole application of somatotrophin, but remains much inferior to the results obtained by the injection of gonadotrophins only.

Prolactin has no effect at all, neither upon the graft nor upon the tumour once developed.
VERMINDERTE OESTROGEN-AUSSCHEIDUNG IN DER SCHWANGERSCHAFT NACH SUBTOTALER ADRENALEKTOMIE
Authors: Hammerstein J. , Nevinny-Stickel J.
Published: December 2008

The uneventful course of pregnancy in a patient who had undergone subtotal adrenalectomy for Cushing's Syndrome 16 months prior to the onset of pregnancy is reported. The urinary steroid excretion was followed throughout pregnancy; during the last three weeks before delivery daily determinations were carried out. The 17-ketosteroid output was somewhat elevated in this period as compared with non-pregnant values, while no change in the excretion of 17-hydroxysteroids was observed; the pregnanediol values were within the low normal range for the relevant periods of pregnancy. The most striking feature was a significantly low excretion of oestriol, oestrone and oestradiol-17β throughout the last three weeks ante partum, the output of the total oestrogens did not exceed 5 mg per day. The results are discussed with regard to the rôle of the maternal and foetal adrenals in placental steroidogenesis.
TESTOSTERONE PRODUCTION AND METABOLIC CLEARANCE RATES WITH VOLUMES OF DISTRIBUTON IN NORMAL ADULT MEN AND WOMEN
Authors: Horton R. , Shinsako J. , Forsham P. H.
Published: December 2008

The complex aspects of androgen steroid metabolism make it important to investigate the relationship between the production rate of testosterone from analysis of a urinary metabolite and the production rate of steroid in the plasma. The plasma production rate of testosterone was estimated by the product of metabolic clearance rate (M. C. R.) and mean plasma concentration and this was compared with the urinary production rate by analysis of specific activity of a urinary metabolite, testosterone glucuronoside. The M. C. R. following single injection of tritiated testosterone calculated according to the method of Tait was 980 1/d S.D.±120 in 5 normal males and 760 and 840 1 in 2 females. The product M. C. R. and mean plasma testosterone indicates a plasma or inner pool production rate of 6.9 mg/d in normal male and maximum 0.8 mg/d in adult female. The urinary production rate was determined by injection of tritiated testosterone, enzyme hydrolysis of urine, chromatographic isolation of testosterone and its oxidized derivative, and determination of the cumulative specific activity. The urinary production rate was 6.5 mg S. D. ±1.9 in male and 1.9 mg/d S. D. ± 0.9 mg in normal female. 1 % of injected tracer was excreted as testosterone glucuronoside. The plasma production and urinary production rates in the male were quite similar, however the discrepancy in the female suggests that approximately 1 mg of testosterone precursor is converted to testosterone in a second compartment not in equilibrium with plasma testosterone.
WATER AND ELECTROLYTE CONTENT OF SKELETAL MUSCLE IN ACROMEGALY
Authors: Palmieri Genaro , Ikkos Denis
Published: December 2008

Measurements of the fat, water, sodium, potassium and chloride content of muscle were performed in biopsies obtained from nine unselected acromegalic patients. The water, sodium and chloride contents were normal, while the potassium content was significantly increased (P < 0.01) by eight per cent. These results were interpreted as showing that the intracellular sodium content of the muscle is normal in acromegaly and that there is no extracellular oedema in this disease.
CUSHING'S SYNDROME FOLLOWING PARTIAL ADRENALECTOMY AND COMPLETE HYPOPHYSECTOMY
Authors: Sullivan W. A. , Hydovitz Jerrold D. , Rosomoff H. , Danowski T. S.
Published: December 2008

A third episode of Cushing's syndrome developed in an adult male who had undergone subtotal adrenalectomy and then complete hypophysectomy in temporarily successful treatment of two earlier episodes. Judging from necropsy findings, this final recurrence was not the result of incomplete pituitary ablation or regeneration of pituitary remnants. Extrasellar pituitary or other ACTH secreting tissue could not be identified, but the patient's marked melanosis suggested its presence with consequent excesses of ACTH or MSH. However, irrespective of whether such excesses did or did not exist, it is clear that the third episode of Cushing's syndrome resulted from hyperfunction of the small adrenal remnant.
ALDOSTERONE- AND CORTISOL SECRETION RATES IN INFANTS AND CHILDREN WITH CONGENITAL ADRENAL HYPERPLASIA SUGGESTING DIFFERENT 21-HYDROXYLATION DEFECTS IN »SALT-LOSERS« AND »NON SALT-LOSERS«
Authors: Degenhart Herman J. , Visser Hendrick K. A. , Wilmink Rineke , Croughs Wim
Published: December 2008

Aldosterone- and cortisol secretion rates were determined in nine infants and children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (21-hydroxylation defects), three with the salt-losing type. Aldosterone secretion rates were determined before and after salt-deprivation for 4–6 days, using the double isotope dilution technique of Kliman & Peterson (1960). Cortisol secretion rates were determined before and on the third day of stimulation with ACTH-gel, 2 × 60 IU per day, using the method described by Cope & Black (1958).

Aldosterone secretion rates were normal in the »non salt-losers« (60–125 μg/24 h) and rose after salt-deprivation (100–380 μg/24 h). Extremely low values were found in the three patients with the salt-losing type (< 10 μg/24 h) and during salt-deprivation no increase was observed. Cortisol secretion rates before ACTH were in the normal range for all patients (4.2–34 mg/24 h; 12–33 mg/m2/24 h) except for one infant with the salt-losing type (< 0.5 mg/24 h). ACTH raised cortisol secretion rates in all »non salt-losers« (17–104 mg/24 h), but the increase was less than could be expected under normal conditions and the relative defect in the biosynthesis of cortisol was demonstrated in this way. Cortisol secretion rates after ACTH in the »salt-losers« were distinctly lower as compared with the »non salt-losers«.

»Salt-losing« and »non salt-losing« types of congenital adrenal hyperplasia as a result of 21-hydroxylation defects in the biosynthesis of cortisol and aldosterone represent two different genotypes. The results of these studies also suggest that both groups of patients represent biochemically two different types of the same disorder. This could be explained by two different genetically controlled changes in the 21-hydroxylation process, resulting in a different defect in the hydroxylation of progesterone and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone.
PROGESTIN AND NUCLEIC ACIDS CONTENT OF CORPORA LUTEA DURING MULTIPLE PREGNANCY IN BEEF CATTLE
Authors: Hafez E. S. E. , Estergreen V. L. , Foster R. J.
Published: December 2008

Forty-two nulliparous Hereford heifers were injected with PMS and HCG, bred, palpated per rectum to detect ovulation time and slaughtered at 3, 30, 45, 60, 75, or 90 days post ovulation. The ovaries were collected and the corpora lutea dissected, weighed, and analyzed for progesterone, pregn-4-en-20β-ol-3-one, DNA and RNA content. The corpora lutea of singly ovulating animals averaged 50 % heavier than the corpora of animals having multiple ovulations, but the total weight of luteal tissue was 2 to 9 times greater for those having multiple ovulations. Progesterone and total progestins per animal were significantly higher in the corpora lutea of cows that had multiple ovulations. The concentration of total progestins in the luteal tissue was significantly different between single and multiple ovulating heifers while progesterone concentration was not. The progesterone and total progestins in luteal tissue differed significantly with the highest levels at 30 to 45 days, and the lowest at 3 days. The concentration of DNA and RNA and the DNA/RNA ratio were not affected by the number of corpora lutea. The results were discussed in relation to foetal survival in multiple pregnancy in the bovine.
STUDIES ON GROWTH HORMONE SECRETION IN RATS WITH THE HYPOPHYSIS AUTOTRANSPLANTED TO THE KIDNEY CAPSULE
Authors: Hjalmarson Å. , Ahrén K.
Published: December 2008

The secretory capacity of the pituitary gland, autotransplanted to the kidney capsule, was studied with special regard to the secretion of growth hormone (GH). Body weight, body length, tibial epiphyseal width and the mammary gland development after testosterone stimulation were studied.

Body growth and tibial epiphyseal width were markedly reduced in the rats with transplanted hypophysis, but not as much as in the hypophysectomized controls. After injections of 0.25 mg testosterone propionate daily for 10 days, only a few groups of alveoli were seen in the mammary glands of the transplanted rats. These observations show that there is a considerable deficiency of GH in rats with the pituitary gland autotransplanted to the kidney capsule. However, the development of a few alveoli in the mammary glands is in favour of the theory that a small amount of GH is secreted from the transplanted pituitary tissue.

Injections of a purified vasopressin preparation (Pitressin) in the rats with autotransplanted hypophysis did not influence body growth, tibial epiphyseal width or mammary gland development. Further, no effect of Pitressin was seen on the tibial epiphyseal cartilage of rats with intact pituitary gland as has been reported by Del Vecchio et al. (1958) and Hiroshige & Itoh (1960). These experiments therefore do not support the view that vasopressin acts as a GH releasing factor.
SOME ASPECTS OF THE FUNCTION OF FSH- AND LH-LIKE HORMONES IN NORMAL AND HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED FEMALE RATS, IN CONNECTION WITH RESERPINE ADMINISTRATION
Authors: Grönroos M. , Mäkinen E. , Lahtinen K. , Tirri R.
Published: December 2008

The effect of reserpine on the secretion of FSH and LH was studied as well as the role of the peripheral effect of reserpine after hypophysectomy.

The results in the unoperated animals suggest that reserpine inhibits the pituitary secretion of both FSH and LH. Both these hormones combined with reserpine had a very different biological effect than was seen without reserpine. HCG (LH-like) and particularly PMS (FSH-like) hormones combined with reserpine caused definite enlargement of the ovaries.

In the hypophysectomized groups, the effect of the PMS and HCG hormones administered together with reserpine or without it was the same with regard to the weight of the ovaries, but not with regard to their histological picture. On the basis of these results, reserpine may be said to have a peripheral effect although the nature of its mechanism of action is difficult to state. Reserpine probably affects the ovaries by inhibiting the follicular cycle and, consequently, the formation of new and more mature follicles.
STUDIES WITH GLUCOSE 6-PHOSPHATE DEHYDROGENASE FROM HUMAN PLACENTA
Authors: Betz George , Warren James C.
Published: December 2008

Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.49) has been purified from the supernatant fraction of human placenta. Pregnenolone and dehydroepiandrosterone are inhibitors of a non-competitive type, with respect to NADP+. 17β-oestradiol was an inhibitor of the reaction but only at high concentrations (2 · 10−5 m). 17α-oestradiol at the same concentration was a more potent inhibitor. Several other steroids, both natural and synthetic, were inactive as inhibitors even at 10−5 m. The stability of the enzyme was increased by concentration and by the presence of NADP+ and NADPH at physiologic concentrations. Removal of bound NADP+ caused inactivation which could be almost completely reversed by exposure to physiologic levels of NADP+ (10−5 m). This cofactor induced reactivation was not retarded by 17β-oestradiol, 17α-oestradiol, or dehydroepiandrosterone at 10−5 m. These observations militate against inactivation of placental glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase as an important mechanism of steroid action in vivo.
ANTIOESTROGENIC ACTIVITY IN FAHLI CLOVER HAY AND OAT HAY
Authors: Adler J. H.
Published: December 2008

The presence of oestrogen inhibitory activity in oat hay (Avena sativa) and Fahli clover hay (Trifolium alexandrinum var. Fahli) has been established.

The antioestrogenic effect was demonstrated by the inhibition of uterine weight increase in rats (Astwood test) in response to oestradiol injected together with the above mentioned plant extracts.

The extraction procedures are described in detail and the possible biological implications of antioestrogenic and oestrogenic activity in fodder plants is discussed.
A PRACTICAL METHOD FOR ESTIMATION OF URINARY PREGNANEDIOL AND ALLOPREGNANEDIOL USING THIN LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHY
Authors: Sulimovici S. , Lunenfeld B. , Shelesnyak M. C.
Published: December 2008

A method is described for the assay of urinary pregnanediol and allopregnanediol which employs acid hydrolysis of pregnanediol glucuronide, ascending thin-layer chromatography and spectrophotometric quantitation of the eluted pregnanediol and allopregnanediol. The reliability of the method was established by analysis of infra-red and UV absorption spectra, melting point determination, recovery experiments, duplicate assays and comparison with the Klopper method. The method has advantages in that it is rapid and requires small urine samples.
THE CORPUS LUTEUM-HYPOPHYSIS RELATIONSHIP.
Authors: Rothchild Irving
Published: December 2008

The effect of LH on the corpora lutea of adult hypophysectomized rats bearing autotransplanted hypophyses was studied. Treatment with LH or with control solutions was begun two weeks after operation, and continued for 10 or 24 days. The effect on luteal size was determined mainly from the weights of the corpora, while the effect on the maintenance of progesterone secretion was determined from the response of the vagina and uterus to 3 injections of oestradiol benzoate (EB) of 50 μg each.

Ten days of LH treatment induced a significant reduction in the size of the corpora and the degree of progesterone secretion. FSH had the opposite effect; boiling LH destroyed the effect. The degree of luteolysis was directly related to the dose of LH. Luteolysis was not due to discontinuation of treatment, since it occurred to the same extent, regardless of whether the rats were observed 9 days after cessation of treatment, or were continuously treated for 24 days and autopsied on the day after the last treatment. The corpora of both control and LH-treated rats tested with EB were larger than those of equivalent rats not tested with EB.

The specificity of the effect, and its possible mechanism and relationship to naturally occurring luteolysis were discussed.
THE CORPUS LUTEUM-HYPOPHYSIS RELATIONSHIP.
Authors: Rothchild Irving , Schwartz Neena B.
Published: December 2008

The corpora lutea of pseudopregnant rats reached their approximate maximum size by 14 days, and were in well advanced regression by 28 days, after ovulation. Progesterone treatment (2, 5 or 10 mg/day) did not affect luteal growth, and progesterone treatment, either alone or combined with hypophyseal homotransplantation, did not prevent luteal regression. In hypophysectomized rats bearing hypophyseal autotransplants, however, progesterone treatment was not associated with luteal regression. In the progesterone-treated intact pseudopregnant rats, the maintenance of follicle growth, the presence of vaginal mucification, and the maintenance of hypophyseal LH potency at a level equivalent to that of cyclic rats at prooestrus, indicated that at least a basal rate of LH secretion was probably maintained. Treatment of pseudopregnant rats with 5 μg oestradiol/day for 28 days reduced the incidence of luteal regression only to 69 %, and with 20 μg/day to 60 %, although treatment with 50 μg/day reduced it to 11 %. Pseudopregnant rats, bearing one or two hypophyseal homotransplants, treated for 28 days with oestradiol (5 μg/day), showed a partial (one transplant) or complete (two transplants) maintenance of luteal growth. There was a direct relationship between luteal size and the duration of dioestrus. LH secretion, as judged by the growth of follicles, and hypophyseal LH potency, was markedly depressed by oestradiol (5 μg/day) treatment.

The combination of oestradiol (5 μg/day) with progesterone (2, 5, or 10 mg/day) treatment for 28 days maintained luteal growth in almost 100 % of the rats (30/31 rats). LH secretion was apparently depressed as much as with oestradiol treatment alone. LH treatment (5 μg/day or more) of oestradiol-progesterone treated rats induced luteal regression uniformly. The combined hormone treatment did not maintain luteal growth in hypophysectomized rats. The extent to which these results support the possibility that progesterone can maintain LTH secretion was discussed.
METABOLISM OF 17β-OESTRADIOL-4-14C IN EARLY INFANCY
Authors: Hagen A. A. , Barr M. , Diczfalusy E.
Published: December 2008

The urinary metabolites of intramuscularly administered 17β-oestradiol-4-14C were studied in three infants born with multiple malformations.

Of the radioactive material recovered from the urine less than 5 per cent was in an ether-soluble (»free«) form. Following enzyme hydrolysis, an average of 46 per cent became ether-extractable. Of the remaining material all but some 2 per cent was butanol-soluble.

The pattern of urinary metabolites was similar in all subjects. Oestrone, 17β-oestradiol and possibly 2-methoxyoestrone accounted for less than 5 per cent of the total urinary radioactive material. Oestriol, 16α-hydroxyoestrone and 16-oxo-17β-oestradiol comprised an important group of metabolites, representing together some 20 per cent of the total. However, the quantitatively most important metabolite was a hydroxylation product somewhat more polar than 2-hydroxyoestriol. This compound accounted for 16 per cent of the total.

It is concluded that the metabolism of 17β-oestradiol in early infancy is characterized by extensive hydroxylation reactions. This pattern of metabolism may indicate one of the mechanisms by which the foetus is protected against steroids with high biological activity.
ÖSTROGENBESTIMMUNG IM HARN BEI GEBURTSHILFLICHEN FRAGEN IM VERGLEICH ZU ANDEREN DIAGNOSTISCHEN METHODEN
Authors: Georgakopoulos P. A.
Published: December 2008

The urinary excretion of oestriol during normal pregnancy has been determined with Ittrich's direct method (i.e. without extraction). The mean excretion curve and the limits of the normal variations are presented. The diagnostic significance of oestriol estimation is compared with other diagnostic methods in various common obstetrical problems. The comparison between the urinary oestriol concentration and amnioscopy findings in 9 cases of postmaturity shows that the oestriol estimation gives a better forecast of subsequent events. Levels of oestriol excretion below 2 mg/d in the last trimester of pregnancy indicated foetal death in utero in 9 cases in which the radiological signs were absent. These were present in 2 other cases in which the normal levels of oestriol concentration indicated an undisturbed pregnancy. In 10 suspected cases of missed abortion the values of oestriol excretion proved to be in agreement with the results of the immunologic Pregnosticon and Ortho pregnancy tests. In 6 other cases in which there was disagreement the oestriol values reflected the placental activity more accurately. The cause of the disagreement has been investigated. The practical advantages of Ittrich's method are evaluated.
THE INFLUENCE OF A SINGLE HIGH DOSE OF OESTRADIOL BENZOATE ON THE ICSH-CONTENT IN THE SERUM OF GONADECTOMIZED MALE AND FEMALE RATS
Authors: Swelheim T.
Published: December 2008

A single injection of 50 μg oestradiol benzoate, administered at 11 a.m. to adult female rats which had been spayed 14 days previously and had since been treated with 0.5 μg oestradiol benzoate daily, led to an increase in the ICSH-content of the serum, which was determined 29 hours after the injection. In an identical experimental design a decrease in the ICSH-content of the serum was found in adult male rats. ICSH-determinations were carried out by the ventral prostate assay. A stimulating effect upon the ventral prostate of oestrogen present in the serum used for the above determinations was excluded. At the time when the changes in the serum were established, there were no demonstrable changes in the ICSH-content of the anterior pituitary gland in both sexes. The existence of a fundamental sex difference in the response to a single high dose of oestrogen is suggested.
THE THYMOLYTIC ACTIVITY OF 6- AND 9-HALOCORTICOIDS AND RELATED STEROIDS
Authors: Dorfman Ralph I. , Holton P. G. , Kind Fred A.
Published: December 2008

Adrenalectomized rats were used for the determination of the relative potency of various 6- and 9-halo substituted corticoids administered subcutaneously or by gavage using thymus weightas the endpoint. By subcutaneous injection, fluocinolone acetonide was the most active corticoid at 700 times that of cortisol. This compound was also the most active corticoid by the gavage route and was judged to be 570 times as active as the standard cortisol.

The introduction of the 16,17-acetonide and 16,17-acetone 21-acetate groups into 17α,21-dihydroxy-9α,11β-dichloropregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione increased the activity by a factor of 42 and 100, respectively. The introduction of the δ1 double bond into 6α-fluoroprogesterone 16,17-acetonide caused an increase of 10-fold in thymolytic activity assessed by the subcutaneous route
EINFACHE FRAKTIONIERUNG FREIER ZIMMERMANN-CHROMOGENE BEI NICHTSCHWANGEREN UND SCHWANGEREN FRAUEN
Authors: Dässler C.-G.
Published: December 2008

The excretion of free 17-ketosteroids has been studied in 10 pregnant and 10 nonpregnant women. Urine extracts were chromatographed on silicagel and separated in C19O2- and C19O3-steroids, as described by Goldzieher & Axelrod (1962). The excretion values remained relatively constant in the two groups and in one patient with severe toxaemia. The results indicate that the excretion of free 17-ketosteroids does not reflect the known metabolic changes of adrenal hormones in pregnancy. – A female patient with tumour of the adrenals showed a 27-fold increase in the C19O2-fraction and a 10-fold increase in the C19O3-fraction.
ON THE ANTIDIURETIC ACTIVITY OF PHE2-LYS8-VASOPRESSIN IN THE RAT
Authors: Nielsen Aage Theil
Published: December 2008

The antidiuretic activity of phe2-lys8-vasopressin and lysine vasopressin was compared in experiments on hydrated rats. Doses were expressed in pressor units according to the labelled potency of commercial preparations. With either of two techniques, 1) intravenous injection into rats under ethanol anaesthesia and 2) subcutaneous injection into conscious rats, phe2-lys8-vasopressin was the more potent. Using technique 2), the estimated relative potency was about 3. The discrepancy between this and previous results of other investigators who found phe2-lys8-vasopressin less active in antidiuretic tests, is probably due to the use of different strains of rats.
SECRETION OF FSH AND LH IN THE PSEUDOPREGNANT RAT
Authors: van Rees G. P. , de Groot C. A.
Published: December 2008

The pituitary LH- and FSH-content was estimated in rats made pseudopregnant by electrical stimulation of the cervix uteri; serum FSH was also estimated. An increase in both FSH- and LH-content was found, which was largest in the pituitary glands collected on the 7th day of pseudopregnancy. A similar increase in pituitary LH-content could be induced in normal adult female rats by a course of injections of 5 mg of progesterone daily. Serum FSH-levels did not show any clear-cut changes during pseudopregnancy, but rose at the end of it. In the discussion a connection is made between the similarity of the result of progesterone treatment and pseudopregnancy on one hand and between the ovulation-inhibiting effect of progesterone and its ability to increase pituitary FSH-and LH-levels on the other.