bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFFECTS OF OESTROGENS UPON GLYCOSAMINOGLYCANS IN THE UTERUS OF RATS
Authors: Kofoed Jorge A. , Houssay Alberto B. , Tocci Antonio A. , Curbelo Halina M.
Published: December 2008

Isolation and caracterization of glycosaminoglycans were performed in uteri and salivary glands of castrated and normal female rats and in castrated female rats receiving daily doses of 1 or 10 μg of oestradiol benzoate. The uronic acid concentration in the uterus was increased by castration and decreased by the administration of oestradiol benzoate but due to the changes in uterine weight the uronic acid content of each uterus was decreased by castration and increased by oestradiol benzoate. Chromatographic separation of glycosaminoglycans was performed on cellulose microcolumns. The concentration of each glycosaminoglycan fraction was increased by castration and decreased by oestradiol benzoate. No changes in the uronic acid concentration or total glandular content or in the chromatographic distribution of the fractions were found in the parotid, submaxillary or retrolingual glands.
EXERCISE AS A SCREENING TEST FOR GROWTH HORMONE RELEASE
Authors: Buckler J. M. H.
Published: December 2008

Serial exercise experiments on the same male subject and subsequent standard exercise studies on 8 men showed that it was possible to predict the timing of the output of growth hormone (GH) which resulted from exercise of sufficient severity in these normal subjects. On the basis of these observations single blood samples taken 25–30 minutes after the start of a short period of moderately severe exercise were found to contain elevated levels of GH in 89% of normal male and female subjects tested. It is suggested that this could serve as a method of screening for ability to release GH which would avoid the necessity for the usual more complex procedures.
INTERACTION OF 3H-OESTRADIOL WITH ANTERIOR PITUITARY NUCLEI IN A CELL-FREE SYSTEM
Authors: Friend Jerry P. , Leavitt Wendell W.
Published: December 2008

The uptake and retention of 3H-oestradiol by the nuclear fraction of pituitary homogenate was dependent on factors present in the 800 g-supernatant fraction. The binding of 3H-oestradiol by the nuclear fraction was competitively inhibited by unlabelled oestradiol. The nuclear fraction retained different amounts of 3H-oestradiol following incubation at 4°C, 23°C and 37°C. Significant binding occurred at each temperature, and the rate of uptake was greatest at 37°C. Radioactivity was released rapidly from the nuclear fraction at 37°C, and this could be prevented by lowering the temperature. These studies revealed that there is a cytoplasmic component as well as a temperature-dependent release mechanism which controls oestradiol uptake and retention by the nuclear fraction. Evidence was obtained indicating that the cytoplasmic component is tissue specific.
STUDIES ON A NON-MELATONIN PINEAL ANTI-GONADOTROPHIN
Authors: Benson Bryant , Matthews Mary Jane , Rodin Alvin E.
Published: December 2008

Continuing investigation of pineal gland function indicates that the anti-gonadotrophic activity of this organ cannot be attributed solely to the postulated hormone melatonin, the concentration of which is negligible in the pineal body compared to quantities required to produce unequivocal physiological effects. A non-melatonin antigonadotrophic substance recently isolated from bovine pineal glands was further purified by organic solvent extraction, ultrafiltration and gel filtration. Studies of partial blockage of compensatory ovarian hypertrophy in unilaterally ovariectomized Charles River CD-1 mice indicated that this substance is significantly more potent than melatonin in this test system.
THE EFFECTS OF GONADOTROPHINS ON THE GRANULOSA CELLS OF THE DOMESTIC FOWL
Authors: Dahl Erik
Published: December 2008

The fine structure of ovarian granulosa cells as seen after the administration of gonadotrophins to the domestic fowl is described. The main cytoplasmic changes of the granulosa cells were increase in the size of the Golgi apparatus, increased amount of granular and agranular endoplasmic reticulum, dense bodies, increased number of mitochondria, the presence of annular desmosomes and enlargement of the cells. The alterations observed are consistent with hypertrophy of the granulosa cells.

In comparison with previous investigations on the steroid-producing cells of the corresponding follicles under exactly the same experimental conditions, the present study indicates that the steroid-producing cells of the theca interna primarily seem to be the main target for the effect of gonadotrophins. The locally increased amount of steroids then initiate the early growth of the granulosa cells and the oocyte. Later on, when the granulosa cells have proliferated to form a spherical mass with the ovum at the center, the gonadotrophins also exert their influence on the granulosa cells. Thus gonadotrophin per se is not essential for the early growth of the granulosa cells.
THYROID FUNCTION IN RATS ADMINISTERED EXCESS IODIDE
Authors: Liewendahl K. , Niskanen E. , Gordin A.
Published: December 2008

The effects of excess iodide on the histology and function of the thyroid were studied in rats. A slight increase in thyroid weight and minimal histological alterations were observed. The thyroid function of rats was studied by measuring the serum total and free thyroxine. Excess iodide did not significantly change the concentration of thyroid hormone in the serum and signs of hypothyroidism were not seen. Thus, rats were capable of adaptation to chronic administration of large amounts of iodide. A slight increase in the serum thyrotrophin after prolonged ingestion of excess iodide was measured with both bioassay and radioimmunoassay techniques. The possible role of thyrotrophin in the mechanism of escape from the transient inhibition of iodide on thyroid hormone synthesis is discussed.
CONGENITAL ADRENAL HYPERPLASIA AND DIABETES MELLITUS IN A WOMAN AGED 71 YEARS
Authors: Hoff W. van't , Bicknell E. J.
Published: December 2008

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is described in a patient aged 71 years. Associated diabetes mellitus was thought to be coincidental rather than steroid induced.
INTERDAILY VARIATION IN PLASMA CONCENTRATION OF 11-HYDROXYCORTICOSTEROIDS
Authors: Binder Chr.
Published: December 2008

The interdaily variation in plasma concentration of 11-hydroxycorticosteroids (11-OHCS) between 7.30 and 8.30 a. m. was studied in 63 patients in a general medical ward. When tested against the analytical error in every single case it was found that 44 out of 63 patients showed a significant difference between three consecutive morning values. The maximal difference varied from 2.6 to 24 μg 11-OHCS per 100 ml plasma.
INHIBITORY ACTION OF CORTISONE ON TESTOSTERONE-INDUCED GROWTH OF THE VENTRAL PROSTATE, THE DORSOLATERAL PROSTATE, THE COAGULATING GLANDS AND THE SEMINAL VESICLES IN CASTRATED ADRENALECTOMIZED RATS
Authors: Tisell Lars-Eric
Published: December 2008

The weight and histology of the ventral and dorsolateral prostate, the coagulating glands and the seminal vesicles were studied in castrated non-adrenalectomized male rats after sixteen days of daily injections of testosterone propionate and in castrated adrenalectomized rats after daily injections of testosterone propionate alone or in combination with cortisone. Testosterone propionate was given in daily doses of 0.020 mg and cortisone in daily doses of 1 mg, 3 mg or 9 mg.

Testosterone alone induced a less pronounced growth of the dorsolateral prostate, the coagulating glands and the seminal vesicles in castrated non-adrenalectomized than in castrated adrenalectomized rats, suggesting an inhibitory effect of adrenal steroids on the action of testosterone. Cortisone which has a weak androgenic effect when given alone, partially counteracted the testosterone induced growth of the accessory reproductive organs in castrated adrenalectomized rats.
CYCLISCHE SCHWANKUNGEN DER AKTIVITÄTEN VON HYDROXYSTEROID-DEHYDROGENASEN IM CORPUS LUTEUM DES RINDES
Authors: Brandau H. , Brandau L. , Mutzke G.
Published: December 2008

In the bovine corpora lutea periodical activities of the Δ53β-, 3β-, 17β-and 20β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (OHSDH) as well as activities of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate- and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase were measured quantitatively and the alterations throughout the different stages of the cycle were studied. After homogenization of the tissue and fractionate centrifugation the enzyme activities were determined by a standardized optical method. The activities of the Δ53β-, and 3β- and 17β-OHSDH increase slowly during the first 7 days of the cycle, the maximum is reached abruptly on the 12th to 13th day of the cycle. After a striking reduction the activities decline continually to the 19th to 21st day reaching the values detected at the beginning of the cycle. The 20β-OHSDH increases slowly to the maximum on the 15th day of the cycle. Activities of the 3α-OHSDH were obtained only inconsistently. The behaviour of the activities of G6PDH was nearly identical with that of the 3β-OHSDH, while the GAPDH shows only little fluctuations of its activities. The obtained enzyme activity patterns of the maturating and high functional corpus luteum correspond to the well-known data of the biosynthetic function of the bovine corpus luteum. The changes of the amounts of progesterone and 20β-progesterol agree with the course of the activities of the 3β- resp. 20β-OHSDH.
SUPPRESSION OF THE PITUITARY-LEYDIG CELL AXIS AND SEBUM PRODUCTION IN NORMAL MEN BY MEDROXYPROGESTERONE ACETATE (PROVERA)
Authors: Kirschner Marvin A. , Schneider George
Published: December 2008

In four normal men, the pituitary-Leydig cell axis was challenged before and during administration of large doses of medroxyprogesterone acetate (Provera). After 9–10 days of Provera, testosterone production rates decreased from 6.1 to 2.9 mg/day, and a comparable decrease in sebum production was observed. No changes were noted in the metabolic clearance rates of testosterone.

Fluoxymesterone given along with Provera resulted in lower plasma testosterone concentrations than obtained by Provera alone, and sebum production was stimulated. When clomiphene (Clomid) was given along with Provera, there was no stimulation of testosterone production, but a striking increase in sebum production, suggesting that Clomid has a direct effect on sebum independent of its usual stimulatory action on LH and testosterone production. Human chorionic gonadotrophin resulted in brisk increases of plasma testosterone concentrations both before and during Provera treatment.

Since the suppressive effects of Provera on sebum production could be overcome by exogenous and endogenous androgens, and since steroidogenesis remained intact, it seems unlikely that Provera blocks androgens at their peripheral sites of action. It is thus concluded that the suppressive effect of Provera on the pituitary-Leydig cell axis can be explained entirely by its antigonadotrophic properties.
ANTIOESTROGENIC ACTION OF CHLORMADINONE ACETATE
Authors: Rosner J. M. , Macome J. C. , Denari J. H. , De Carli D. N.
Published: December 2008

The action of chlormadinone acetate (CAP) on the uptake of [6,7-3H]-17β-oestradiol in the castrated rat was studied.

It was shown that when CAP is injected, the uptake of 3H-oestradiol diminishes significantly in the uterus and in the anterior pituitary (P < 0.01), whereas the uptake is not modified in the hypothalamus, posterior pituitary, skeletal muscle and plasma.

A significantly (P < 0.01) smaller dose of CAP was required to inhibit the uptake of 17β-oestradiol by the anterior pituitary (27.2 ng) than by the uterus (1000 ng).

Inhibition of oestradiol uptake can be demonstrated when CAP is administered before the oestrogen as well as when it is given subsequent to it (P < 0.01). This suggests the existence of a competitive mechanism between 17β-oestradiol and CAP for specific oestradiol receptors.

When the action of CAP on different fractions of the uterine cell was studied, it was observed that the inhibition of oestradiol uptake occurs exclusively in the nuclear fraction (P < 0.01).

Competition with oestrogens for specific protein receptors might be the common mechanism of action of the different manifestations of the effects of CAP.
THE CONTENT OF CASEIN IN LACTATING MAMMARY GLANDS OF THE RAT
Authors: Tan W. C. , Goldsmith I. J. , Young Stretton
Published: December 2008

The conventional casein (phosphoprotein) assay by the rennin-Ca++ method precipitated for the most part non-phosphoproteins from the supernatant fluid of homogenised lactating mammary glands. The discrepancy was revealed by the determination of the phosphate content from the rennin-Ca++ precipitated proteins. Phosphate assay after the rennin-Ca++ precipitation should be used to give a more accurate estimation of the casein content.
PLASMA CORTISOL, CORTICOSTERONE AND NON-PROTEIN-BOUND CORTISOL IN EXTRACORPOREAL CIRCULATION
Authors: Uozumi T. , Manabe H. , Kawashima Y. , Hamanaka Y. , Monden Y. , Matsumoto K.
Published: December 2008

The response of plasma cortisol, corticosterone and non-protein-bound cortisol in the extracorporeal circulation was investigated in 14 patients. The pre-perfusion levels of plasma cortisol, corticosterone and non-protein-bound cortisol were significantly elevated. During and immediately after perfusion, the levels of cortisol and corticosterone were found to decrease significantly from the pre-perfusion levels, while the percentage of non-protein-bound cortisol was shown to increase significantly. This indicates a marked decrease in cortisol binding capacity of plasma during extracorporeal circulation. Moreover in 200 plasma samples, it was demonstrated that the cortisol level increased markedly and the cortisol binding capacity decreased slightly during and shortly after major surgery without perfusion. It is concluded that stressful situations in major surgery with or without perfusion are associated with markedly increased levels of biologically active non-protein-bound cortisol. The elevated level of non-protein-bound cortisol in surgery seems to be dependent on the increase in the level of plasma cortisol as well as on the decrease in the cortisol binding capacity of plasma. Although the increased plasma cortisol plays the most important role in surgery with no perfusion, the decreased cortisol binding capacity may be the more effective factor involved during perfusion.
PLASMA RENIN ACTIVITY IN PANHYPOPITUITARISM
Authors: Murakami M. , Takeda R. , Morimoto S. , Hirasawa K. , Uchida K. , Nakabayashi H. , Nishizawa C. , Noto M. , Hasatani K. , Usukura N.
Published: December 2008

The response of plasma renin activity (PRA) to sodium restriction, furosemide and ACTH administration were studied in six patients with panhypopituitarism of various causes and in a patient with Addison's disease. In all the patients with panhypopituitarism, the basal levels of PRA were within normal limits and the responses of PRA and sodium homoeostasis to sodium restriction and furosemide administration were not significantly different from those of normal subjects. On the other hand, in an Addisonian patient the basal level of PRA was very high and this was further increased with a decrease in the serum level of sodium and an increase in the serum level of potassium after one day of sodium restriction. The administration of 1 mg of synthetic β1–24 ACTH every 12 hours for 2 days caused an increased plasma 11-OHCS and urinary 17-OHCS. with a decrease of sodium and an increase of potassium loss in the urine but failed to change PRA in patients with panhypopituitarism. In the Addisonian patient, ACTH did not influence the levels of plasma 11-OHCS, urinary 17-OHCS, PRA as well as serum and urinary electrolytes.

From these results it is suggested that ACTH does not directly act on renin secretion and that PRA can adequately respond to various stimuli such as sodium restriction and furosemide administration in a condition of ACTH deficiency.
UTERINE UPTAKE OF [6,7-3H] OESTRADIOL IN THE PRESENCE OF INTRAUTERINE CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICE IN CYCLIC AND PREGNANT RATS
Authors: Labhsetwar Anant P. , Perser N.
Published: December 2008

Uterine uptake of tritiated oestradiol was studied on each of the 4 days of the oestrous cycle and of the first 5 days of pregnancy in rats fitted unilaterally with an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD). The uptake (dpm/g wet weight) was maximal in the control horn on Day 3 of the cycle and pregnancy. On an average the IUD-bearing horn accumulated more radioactivity than the control horn both during the cycle and pregnancy. It is postulated that the IUD either induces formation of or activates the uterine receptors which specifically bind oestrogen, resulting in an increased exposure of the IUD-bearing horn to endogenous oestrogen. A possible relevance of this finding to the contraceptive effects of the device through the mediation of prostaglandin release is discussed.
DEXAMETHASONE-BLOCKADE OF INCREMENTAL RESPONSE OF PLASMA PROGESTERONE TO CERVICAL DILATION OR VASOPRESSIN INFUSION IN EARLY HUMAN PREGNANCY
Authors: Fylling Petter
Published: December 2008

The effect of dexamethasone on the peripheral plasma levels of progesterone was investgated in pregnant women during the first trimester. Neither oral treatment (2.5 mg × 4 for two days) nor intramuscular injection (24–64 mg) had any depressant effect in otherwise untreated women.

The incremental response in the plasma progesterone levels consistently seen in women subjected to continuous dilation of the uterine cervix or vasopressin infusions, was markedly reduced by dexamethasone treatment.
EGG DEVELOPMENT IN THE GOLDEN HAMSTER FED ETHINYLOESTRADIOL
Authors: Noske I. , Davis B. K.
Published: December 2008

Ethinyloestradiol (10–50 μg) fed 1–4 days before mating delays first cleavage in up to 50 % of fertilized hamster eggs. This delay was not attributable to altered mating behaviour and fertilization appeared uneffected in ova recovered from treated animals one day after mating. It is suggested that early (possibly intrafollicular) development of the egg may be affected by this steroid, since it exerts an effect when given one day prior to mating, but appears to be without effect when administered on the day of mating.
EFFECT OF POTASSIUM INTAKE ON THE FINAL STEPS OF ALDOSTERONE BIOSYNTHESIS IN THE RAT
Authors: Baumann Klaus , Müller Jürg
Published: December 2008

Incubated capsular adrenal glands (»zona glomerulosa«) of potassiumdeficient rats converted approximately 30 times less tritiated corticosterone to aldosterone and 18-hydroxycorticosterone than capsular adrenals of potassium-replete rats. This difference was demonstrable over a large range of substrate concentrations. Capsular adrenal mitochondria of potassium-deficient rats also incorporated considerably less tritiated corticosterone into aldosterone and 18-hydroxycorticosterone than mitochondria of potassium-replete rats. Conversion to both corticosteroid fractions increased within 4 hours and became normal within 24 hours of resumed potassium intake. On the other hand, potassium intake only marginally affected the ratio of 18-hydroxycorticosterone formation to aldosterone formation by capsular adrenals and had no effect on the conversion of tritiated deoxycorticosterone to 18-hydroxydeoxycorticosterone and 18-hydroxycorticosterone by decapsulated adrenals (»zona fasciculata-reticularis« These findings indicate that potassium intake enhances 18-hydroxylase activity selectively in the zona glomerulosa of the rat adrenal cortex, but yield no information concerning an effect on 18-hydroxydehydrogenase activity. Kinetic data suggest that the potassium-induced increase in 18-hydroxylase activity is most likely due to de novo enzyme synthesis.
EFFECT OF POTASSIUM INTAKE ON THE FINAL STEPS OF ALDOSTERONE BIOSYNTHESIS IN THE RAT
Authors: Baumann Klaus , Müller Jürg
Published: December 2008

Incubated capsular adrenal glands (»zona glomerulosa«) of potassiumdeficient rats converted 57% less tritiated deoxycorticosterone to 11β-hydroxycorticosteroids and 45 % less tritiated cortexolone to cortisol than the capsular adrenals of potassium-replete rats. A similarly decreased conversion of cortexolone to cortisol was observed when capsular adrenal mitochondria were incubated. Potassium deficiency resulted in only a slight decrease in the rate of 11β-hydroxylation by decapsulated adrenals (»zona fasciculata-reticularis«). These findings indicate that the 11β-hydroxylase activity of the zona glomerulosa of the rat adrenal cortex is dependent on the potassium intake but to a lesser extent than 18-hydroxylase activity.

We had previously observed that potassium deficiency induced a decreased production of aldosterone, an unchanged corticosterone output and an increased deoxycorticosterone output by capsular adrenals incubated with stimulating agents. The same alterations in endogenous corticosteroid production could be induced in vitro by the addition of a selective inhibitor of 18-hydroxylation (Su 8000) to the incubation medium. On the other hand, metopirone, i.e. an inhibitor of both 11β- and 18-hydroxylation, diminished corticosterone as well as aldosterone output by capsular adrenals. These results suggest that an increased deoxycorticosterone output by capsular adrenals may be due not only to a decrease in 11β-hydroxylase activity but may also be indirectly related to a decreased conversion of corticosterone to 18-hydroxycorticosterone and aldosterone.
EFFECT OF HCG ON PLASMA PROGESTERONE DURING THE LUTEAL PHASE OF THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE AND DURING PREGNANCY
Authors: Runnebaum B. , Holzmann K. , Münstermann A.-M. Bierwirth-v. , Zander J.
Published: December 2008

The influence of intravenous HCG infusions lasting for 2 hours on the peripheral plasma progesterone concentrations was investigated in healthy women on day 5 during the hyperthermic phase of the menstrual cycle and during week 6–19 and 31–39 of pregnancy. During the luteal phase the peripheral plasma progesterone level can be increased, on an average, up to 70 % with 5000 IU and up to 250 % with 20 000 IU. The highest plasma progesterone concentrations were reached about 8 hours after the beginning of the HCG infusion. In some experiments significantly elevated progesterone concentrations were still observed 20 hours after starting the HCG infusion. The results of intravenous HCG stimulation experiments during early pregnancy (10 000–20 000 IU) and during late pregnancy (5000–20 000 IU) showed no marked changes in the peripheral plasma progesterone concentrations.
CONNECTIVE TISSUE CHANGES IN THE RABBIT URINARY BLADDER AND URETER DURING PREGNANCY
Authors: Rasmussen Finn
Published: December 2008

The urinary bladder and ureters from 8 normal and 40 pregnant rabbits were studied histologically, and also by acid glycosaminoglycan analysis. No morphological changes could be demonstrated. In the later stages of pregnancy the water content was found to be lowered, and a decrease in hexosamine and uronic acid contents in bladder walls was demonstrated on the 28th day of pregnancy. It is believed that the changes are due to a hormonal influence.
EVIDENCE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF A PINEAL-ADRENAL AND A PINEAL-THYROID AXIS
Authors: DeFronzo Ralph A. , Roth Willard D.
Published: December 2008

The effect of the rat pineal on the adrenal and thyroid were examined utilizing organ weight and the RNA to DNA ratio as an index of synthetic activity. Pinealectomy was found to increase adrenal activity as measured by the RNA to DNA ratio (P < 0.01) irrespective of ovarian involvement. Melatonin was found to inhibit adrenal activity as measured by the RNA to DNA ratio (P < 0.05). Pinealectomy alone was followed by a significant increase in thyroid weight (P < 0.01). Administration of melatonin to pinealectomized, ovariectomized animals had the opposite effect (P < 0.04).
STUDIES ON THYROIDAL COLLOID PINOCYTOSIS USING A DOUBLE ISOTOPE TECHNIQUE
Authors: Pisarev Mario A. , Altschuler Noe , DeGroot Leslie J.
Published: December 2008

The process of secretion of the thyroid hormone involves several steps: pinocytosis of thyroglobulin, fusion of the colloid droplets with the lysosomes, digestion of thyroglobulin by a cathepsin, dehalogenation of tyrosines and release of thyronines into the blood stream. The present paper describes a double isotope technique for studying the first two steps. Thyrotrophin (TSH) administration to rats increased the radioactivity present in all fractions, specially in the 15 000 × g pellet. When the subcellular distribution of acid phosphatase was determined, the highest specific activity was found in this fraction, thus indicating the presence of lysosomes. The content of radioactive materials in the 15 000 × g pellet was analyzed by trichloroacetic acid precipitation and by ascending paper chromatography using n-butanol:ethanol:ammonium hydroxide (5:1:2;v/v) as solvent system. The results obtained showed that 90% of the radioactivity was protein bound and strongly suggest that this material is thyroglobulin.
EFFECT OF 3′:5′-CYCLIC AMP ON NUCLEAR AND MITOCHONDRIAL RNA SYNTHESIS OF RAT ADRENOCORTICAL CELLS
Authors: Nussdorfer G. G. , Mazzocchi G.
Published: December 2008

The effect of 3′:5′-cyclic AMP (cAMP) on the incorporation of 3H-uridine into adrenocortical cells of hypophysectomized rats was investigated by high resolution autoradiography. The quantitative analysis of autoradiographs shows that cAMP, like ACTH, enhances the tracer incorporation into both nuclei and mitochondria. These findings are discussed in relation to the results of various investigations, indicating that cAMP functions as an intracellular mediator of the long-term trophic action of ACTH on the adrenal cortex.

It is suggested that the mechanism of this action of cAMP consists in the stimulation of both nuclear and mitochondrial RNA synthesis. Furthermore, the possibility that the trophic action of ACTH on the adrenal gland involves other intracellular mediators, as well as cAMP, is suggested.
EFFECT OF OESTROGEN AND PROGESTERONE ON THE RELEASE OF LUTEINIZING HORMONE IN PSEUDOPREGNANT RATS
Authors: Caligaris L. , Astrada J. J. , Taleisnik S.
Published: December 2008

The administration of 20 μg oestradiol benzoate to rats on the 4th day of pseudopregnancy caused a rise in serum luteinizing (LH) concentration on the following day. This effect of oestradiol benzoate was reduced when the animals were ovariectomized at the time of the steroid injection. The response was restored by injection of progesterone with oestradiol benzoate thus showing the importance of progesterone for the mechanisms which trigger off the release of LH.
VERGLEICHENDE UNTERSUCHUNGEN ÜBER DEN STOFFWECHSEL VON [4-14C] PROGESTERON IN DER FETALEN HAUT UND IN DER HAUT DES ERWACHSENEN
Authors: Mickan Harald
Published: December 2008

The metabolism of [4-14C] progesterone in human adult and foetal skin was investigated in vitro under identical experimental conditions.

5α-Pregnanedione and 20α-dihydroprogesterone were isolated and identified in all the experiments. In addition 3β-hydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one, 6β-hydroxyprogesterone and tentatively 6β-hydroxy-20α-dihydroprogesterone could be identified in the experiments with foetal skin.

5α-Reductase was shown to be most active in both foetal and adult skin. 5β-saturated products were not detectable. These experiments demonstrate a significant capability of foetal skin in the metabolism of progesterone.
EVALUATION OF VARIOUS METHODS FOR THE ASSAY OF CYTOPLASMIC OESTROGEN RECEPTORS IN EXTRACTS OF CALF UTERI AND HUMAN BREAST CANCERS
Authors: Jungblut P. W. , Hughes Sharon , Hughes A. , Wagner R. K.
Published: December 2008

A calf uterus extract and a human mammary cancer extract were assayed for cytoplasmic oestrogen receptors by six different methods. Highest and almost identical yields were obtained by agar gel electrophoresis and Sephadex chromatography, followed by the charcoal technique (62%, 49%), glass bead adsorption (17%, 41%), density gradient centrifugation (16%, 30%) and protamine precipitation (10%, 23%).
KLINISCHE BEURTEILUNG EINER NEUEN METHODE ZUR BESTIMMUNG DES SERUM-TRIJODTHYRONINS
Authors: Schreiber Bernhard E. , Ortner Hugo M. , Leb Georg , Eber Otto
Published: December 2008

An assay of stable 3,5,3′-triiodo-L-thyronine (T3) in serum of 54 patients was performed, using a new simple chromatographic procedure. With samples of 5 ml serum, the lower detection limit was 0.04 μg/100 ml. The total time required for a complete analysis was less than 3 hours, which was accomplished by partial automatization of the procedure. The range of the T3-concentration was 0.22 ± 0.05 (sd) μg/100 ml in 18 normal subjects, 0.67 ± 0.3 in 15 thyrotoxic patients and 0.08 ± 0.04 in 8 patients with hypothyroidism. Among 13 patients with normal serum thyroxine (T4) levels after thyroid surgery owing to thyrotoxicosis, there were 3 with marked increases in serum T3. In spite of normal T4-levels, symptoms of hyperthyroidism were still present in these patients. It is concluded, that serum T3-determinations may be useful for diagnosing cases of hyperthyroidism where clinical findings do not correspond with serum T4 or PBI-findings.
NUCLEAR SIZE CLASSES IN FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATES FROM TOXIC GOITRES
Authors: Nilsson Göran
Published: December 2008

Nuclear size classes of the type originally described by Jacobj were studied in biopsy smears prepared from fine needle aspirates of toxic goitres and a small series of non-toxic goitres and normal thyroids. In every specimen a minor number of nuclei were found to form one or occasionally two size classes clearly different from the bulk of the nuclei, which were of fairly uniform size. The existence of separate nuclear size classes was confirmed by plotting the nuclear diameter distribution curves based on measurements of 150–200 nuclei from each specimen. The nuclei in the main size class proved, on the average, larger in toxic goitres than in non-toxic goitres or normal thyroids. Large nuclei in size classes distinct from the bulk of the nuclei corresponded closely to nuclei in separate classes with a distinctly higher DNA-content as judged from a comparative cytophotometric and karyometric investigation and they were therefore called HDC-nuclei (High DNA-content Class nuclei). Such nuclei proved more common in toxic goitres than in non-toxic goitres and normal thyroids. Among the toxic goitres they were especially common in the presence of LATS-activity, lymphoid infiltration in the goitre, or relapse of hyperthyroidism. In those toxic goitres, which were rich in HDC-nuclei, hyperthyroidism was found to have a particularly marked tendency to recur after treatment with thiocarbamide drugs.
ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHIC CHANGES DURING AND AFTER TREATMENT OF HYPERTHYROIDISM
Authors: Siersbæk-Nielsen K. , Hansen J. Mølholm , Schiøler M. , Kristensen M. , Støier M. , Olsen P. Zander
Published: December 2008

EEG and thyroid function tests have been studied in 32 hyperthyroid patients before, during and after antithyroid treatment. EEG abnormalities such as increase in alpha rhythm, slow rhythms, spikes and sharp waves and fast activity were found in 81% of the patients before treatment. A statistically significant correlation was found between the degree of EEG abnormalities and the severity of hyperthyroidism. During treatment and the period of observation which was extended to an average of 2½ year, a slight decrease in the occurrence of all abnormalities was observed, but even in the period 24–36 months after the start of the therapy, 65% of the patients still had abnormal EEG's. These persistent abnormalities in EEG suggest that hyperthyroidism might cause irreversible damage to the brain cells. It should be realized that hyperthyroidism may be the cause of considerable EEG abnormalities however not only in the acute state of the disease but also several years after an otherwise successful antithyroid treatment.
ON ADRENOCORTICAL STEROID BIOSYNTHESIS IN VITRO
Authors: Kahnt F. W. , Nehern R.
Published: December 2008

Following a discussion of the potential modification of the neogenesis of corticosterone and cortisol from the endogenous precursor cholesterol in vitro all possible types of modifications have been realized: I. Corticosterone stimulation; II. Cortisol stimulation; III. Total stimulation; IV. Total inhibition; V. Cortisol inhibition; VI. Corticosterone inhibition. Most of the substances involved belong to the class of 3- and 4-mono-substituted pyridine derivatives. Of particular interest are the corticosterone blockers of type VI which lead to a concomitant stimulation of cortisol formation. The effects of one of these corticosterone blockers on various labelled precursors suggest the existence of two different 21-hydroxylases, one for 17α-deoxy- and another for 17α-hydroxy-C21-steroids. A possible mechanism of action of these compounds and the pathological equivalents of the resulting enzyme deficiencies are discussed.
METABOLISME DE LA TESTOSTERONE PAR LES CANAUX DE WOLFF DE L'EMBRYON DE RAT
Authors: Weniger J.-P. , Zeis A.
Published: December 2008

Wolffian ducts from 17½-day-old rat embryos were cultivated in vitro in the presence of [4-14C] testosterone. The most important metabolite, if not the single one, was dihydrotestosterone, which was identified by recrystallization to constant specific activity. The discussion turns on the role dihydrotestosterone may play in normal Wolffian duct development. In parallel studies, testosterone was found to be converted into dihydrotestosterone, androsterone, androstanedione and 5α-androstan-3α,17β-diol by the kidney. Androsterone and androstanedione were metabolites of testosterone in the liver.
EINE EINFACHE METHODE ZUR BESTIMMUNG DER KAPAZITÄT DES CORTICOSTEROIDBINDENDEN GLOBULINS IM PLASMA
Authors: Pirke K. M. , Stamm D.
Published: December 2008

The capacity of the corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG) in serum was determined under equilibrium conditions based on the partition of cortisol between CBG, albumin and an adsorbent. A simplified mathematical model was used to calculate the optimal range of serum dilution, cortisol concentration and Florisil. To one ml of a 1:10 diluted serum 1 μg cortisol, a trace amount of 3H-cortisol and 40 mg Florisil are added. After reaching the equilibrium at 4°C the radioactivity of the supernatant is measured and the cortisol concentration is calculated. This procedure is repeated, but instead of the whole serum an albumin solution correspondent to the concentration in the individual sample is used. The CBG capacity is calculated by substracting the albumin bound from the whole serum bound cortisol fraction. The reliability of the proposed method was established by analysing the samples also by equilibrium dialyses. The correlation coefficient was 0.98, the regression line y = 0.97x. The average CBG capacity of normal males and females was 22.1 μg cortisol/100 ml (n = 13), of oestrogen treated females 49.6 (n = 7).
BLASTOCYST PROTEASE AND IMPLANTATION: EFFECT OF OVARIECTOMY AND PROGESTERONE SUBSTITUTION IN THE RABBIT
Authors: Denker H. W.
Published: December 2008

Protease activity in the rabbit trophoblast is demonstrated by a substrate film technique. The dissolution of egg coverings and the penetration of the trophoblast into the uterine epithelium are accompanied by a sharp maximum of proteolytic activity. After ovariectomy at 6 days post coitum, blastocysts are unable to dissolve egg coverings and to implant. These eggs do not have normal values of protease activity and a normal histochemical pattern of its distribution. Following progesterone application in ovariectomized does, enzyme activity and implantation processes are normal. The possible involvement of uterine protease inhibitors in the hormonal regulations is discussed.
STUDIES ON ISOLATED SECRETORY GRANULES FROM BOVINE NEUROHYPOPHYSES
Authors: Vilhardt Hans , Tøndevold Erik , Larsen Kirsten
Published: December 2008

Isolated secretory granules from neural lobes of bovine hypophyses were incubated with tritiated lysine-vasopressin. Gradient centrifugation of these granules showed a difference in the distribution on the gradient of labelled vasopressin as compared with endogenous vasopressin, suggesting a heterogeneity of the granules in the homogenate.

In other experiments the release from the granules to the medium of the tritiated hormone and of endogenous arginine-vasopressin was studied under various experimental conditions. Addition to the medium of calcium with or without ATP did not affect the release of hormone from the granules. ATP alone had no significant effect on the granular release of hormone. However, in the presence of an ATP-regenerating system (pyruvate kinase + phosphoenolpyruvate) ATP caused a slight, but significant increase in the release of endogenous vasopressin, whereas the release of labelled hormone was unchanged.

Increasing the pH of the incubation medium caused an increased release of hormone from the granules. A similar effect was observed when the medium was cooled or when the osmolality was changed.
EFFECTS OF LITHIUM-CHLORIDE ON THE ISLETS OF LANGERHANS IN GUINEA-PIGS
Authors: Petersson Birger , Shopsin Baron
Published: December 2008

Daily lithium-chloride injections were given for about one month to guinea-pigs. Caryometric analyses of the nuclear size in the pancreatic islet cells revealed a marked increase in the nuclear size in the A1-cells, while there were no changes in the A2- and B-cells.
THE EFFECT OF NEONATAL ANDROGEN ON THE ACTIVITY OF CERTAIN ENZYMES IN THE RAT HYPOTHALAMUS
Authors: Griffiths E. C. , Hooper K. C.
Published: December 2008

The activity of enzymes inactivating oxytocin in the hypothalamus changes with stimuli known to release gonadotrophins and may be related to luteinizing hormone-releasing factor (LH-RF) release (Frith & Hooper 1971a,b; Griffiths & Hooper 1972). In the work presented here, enzyme activity was determined following neonatal testosterone treatment to assess any changes in the hypothalamic control of LH secretion. Supernatant and particulate fraction activities in female rats were depressed to male levels following injection on day 3; supernatant activity after injection on day 10 was also slightly decreased. These findings suggest that masculinization of the mechanisms controlling LH secretion in the hypothalamus, produced by neonatal testosterone, is caused by changes in LH-RF metabolism and that these peptidases in the rat hypothalamus are responsible for this metabolism.
THE POSSIBLE MODE OF ACTION OF PROSTAGLANDINS
Authors: Chatterjee Amar
Published: December 2008

The administration of 500 μg PGF2α on day 5 of pseudopregnancy (day of uterine traumatization) caused luteolysis as well as lysis of the deciduoma between 72–96 h. When the PGF2α was postponed to day 6, 7 or 8 of pseudopregnancy instead of day 5, the regressive changes were found to be relatively less intense. Replacement of an exogenous prolactin (500 μg/rat) or hydroxyprogesterone caproate (1 mg/rat) for 4 consecutive days (day 5 to 8) consistently prevented the luteolytic effects of PGF2α. The possible mode of action of PGF2α is discussed.
SOME OBSERVATIONS ON THE GONADOTROPHIN INHIBITING AND ANTI-PROGESTATIONAL PROPERTIES OF 20α-DIHYDROPROGESTERONE
Authors: Labhsetwar Anant P.
Published: December 2008

20α-dihydroprogesterone (20α-OH-P) was administered for 10 days either alone (2 or 4 mg/rat, sc) to explore its biological properties or in combination with progesterone (2 or 4 mg/rat, sc) to test its potential as an antiprogestin. When administered alone to intact rats the hydroxylated steroid, unlike progesterone, failed to disturb the oestrous cycle, cause ovarian or uterine atrophy, mucify the vagina or significantly modify pituitary stores of LH or FSH. In unilaterally spayed rats, 20α-OH-P proved ineffective in decreasing ovarian compensatory hypertrophy. Thus the loss of progestational properties in 20α-OH-P was associated with diminution in gonadotrophin-inhibiting properties. When administered to animals primed with oestrogen, 20α-OH-P exerted either an additive or synergistic effect on the trauma-induced deciduomata in bilaterally spayed rats and on the progestational proliferation in the immature rabbit. 20α-OH-P by itself had no significant effect under these conditions. In no instance did the hydroxylated steroid antagonize the effects of progesterone. In the pregnant rats bilaterally spayed and maintained on suboptimal doses of progesterone (1 mg/rat/day), simultaneous administration of 20α-OH-P (2 mg/day) did not antagonize the pregnancy supporting effect of progesterone. Thus under the conditions of these experiments 20α-OH-P failed to manifest any antiprogestin potential. It appears that 20α-OH-P may play a physiological role by potentiating or augmenting the effect of progesterone on decidualization.
METHODOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE RADIOIMMUNOASSAY OF HUMAN THYROTROPHIN
Authors: Gordin Ariel , Saarinen Pirkko
Published: December 2008

An account is given of a methodological study of the double-antibody radioimmunoassay of human TSH, using highly purified labelled human TSH as tracer.

It was shown that conventional paper electrophoresis was not adequate for studying the purity of labelled human TSH. When polyvinylchloride (Pevikon®) electrophoresis was used, four subfractions could still be separated, even though, on paper electrophoresis, the material seemed to be homogeneous. Only two of the four Pevikon fractions were immunoreactive. Purification of labelled human TSH by Pevikon electrophoresis also improved the sensitivity of the assay.

Specific activities of about 100 mCi/mg gave the highest initial binding capacity, produced least damage to the labelled hormone and showed the best stability of the tracer without influencing the sensitivity of the method.

In different storage conditions, labelled human TSH was found to be most stable at −20°C and diluted 1/100.

Only in pregnancy did the addition of HCG seem necessary.

The mean TSH value in healthy subjects was 3.6 ± 1.4 μU/ml (mean±sd) with a range from 1.6 μU/ml to 8.8 μU/ml.
UPTAKE OF SEX STEROIDS BY THE HYPOTHALAMUS AND ANTERIOR PITUITARY OF PRE- AND NEONATAL RATS
Authors: Tuohimaa Pentti , Niemi Mikko
Published: December 2008

Male and female rat foetuses taken two days before birth, newly born or when 2 days old were injected subcutaneously with tritium labelled testosterone or oestradiol. One hour later the accumulation of radioactivity in the cerebral cortex, hypothalamus and anterior pituitary of the foetuses was studied by means of a microcombustion technique in order to process the samples for liquid scintillation spectrometry. The anterior pituitary accumulated the highest amount of radioactivity i. e. about twice the amount recovered in the brain. No difference was found in the radioactivity of the hypothalamus as compared to that of the cerebral cortex. Both steroids were accumulated equally in the tissues investigated. The retention of the radioactivity was higher in the neonatal than in adult rats. However, no sex difference was observed in the binding capacity of the hypothalamus or the pituitary gland of the newly born animals.
FATTY ACID COMPOSITION OF SERUM LIPIDS IN HYPER- AND HYPOTHYROIDISM
Authors: Kirkeby Knut
Published: December 2008

The fatty acid composition of cholesterol esters, phospholipids, and triglycerides of the serum has been studied in groups of hyperthyroid and hypothyroid women and also in control material matched for age.

In hyperthyroidism, a decrease in the proportions of linoleic acid and an increase in the proportions of some saturated and mono-unsaturated fatty acids were observed. When absolute concentrations were considered, it appeared that the decrease in linoleic acid was almost equivalent to the entire decrease in total fatty acids in the serum of the hyperthyroid patients.

In hypothyroidism no changes were noted in the proportions of linoleic, saturated and mono-unsaturated fatty acids, and the absolute concentrations reflected the general increase in serum lipids.

It is believed that these findings may be explained by the changes in lipid turnover which are known to occur in disturbances of thyroid function. In hyperthyroidism, they lead to a linoleic acid deficiency, while a sparing effect must be operating in hypothyroidism. The finding of relatively high linoleic acid values combined with hyperlipaemia in hypothyroidism seems to be characteristic of the condition, since other types of hyperlipaemia are almost invariably combined with low percentages of linoleic acid.

Results regarding arachidonic and eicosatrienoic acid are consistent with increased synthesis in hyperthyroidism, and decreased synthesis in hypothyroidism.
FATTY ACID COMPOSITION OF SERUM LIPIDS FOLLOWING A SINGLE INTAKE OF THYROXINE
Authors: Kirkeby Knut
Published: December 2008

Studies of serum lipids and of the fatty acid composition of the main fractions were performed in a 17-year-old girl following a large single oral intake of 1-thyroxine.

Cholesterol and phospholipids values decreased markedly. These changes were followed by pronounced disturbances in the fatty acid composition of these fractions, with a lowering of linoleic acid, and an increase in arachidonic acid percentages. Other changes were increased oleic acid in the cholesterol esters, and increased eicosatrienoic acid in the phospholipids. The changes were in accordance with findings made in patients with long standing thyrotoxicosis. They support the hypothesis that increased synthesis of arachidonic from linoleic acid contributes to the linoleic acid deficiency seen in thyrotoxicosis.

The serum lipids and values for fatty acid composition showed a tendency to return to the original levels within 10 to 15 days. However, in the phospholipids some of the very long-chained fatty acids decreased during the 40-day observation period.
CONCENTRATIONS AND FATTY ACID COMPOSITION OF SERUM LIPIDS FOLLOWING SERIOUS COMPLICATING ILLNESS IN HYPOTHYROIDISM
Authors: Kirkeby Knut
Published: December 2008

Studies on serum lipids and their fatty acid composition have been carried out in 3 patients with untreated hypothyroidism, who also suffered from acute complicating diseases. It was found that the hypothyroid patients reacted to the acute complicating disease in the same way as euthyroid subjects, i. e. with a lowering of serum cholesterol and phospholipids, and disturbances in fatty acid composition. Very low values of linoleic acid percentages were found following one week of complicating disease, contrary to findings made in hypothyroid patients without any complicating diseases.

The changes in fatty acid composition indicate a very active re-synthesis of lipoproteins. It is suggested that the unknown factor responsible for lipoprotein degradation in acute illness also activates their re-synthesis, since the formation and turnover of lipoproteins in hypothyroidism are usually low.
INSULIN ANTIBODY FORMATION
Authors: Andersen O. Ortved
Published: December 2008

The investigation shows that in a group of fifty-one patients with diabetes mellitus treated with pure porcine insulin preparation, administered as crystal suspension of protamin-insulin, 76 per cent formed antibodies reacting with insulin. None of the patients in the observation period developed insulin resistance. No sex difference was demonstrated in the antibody formation, similarly, it was not possible to demonstrate a stimulation or accentuation in the antibody formation in connection with catarrhal infections. It was demonstrated that younger patients formed more antibodies than the older patients. Furthermore, a correlation was demonstrated between the antibody titre and the insulin dosage/kg weight. With the method used it was possible to demonstrate antibodies after 1–3 months of insulin treatment. The antibody titre attained a maximum level after insulin treatment for 4–9 months, after which it remained unchanged, probably as a consequence of afferent enhancement. It was found that the magnitude of the antibody titre was probably secondary to the size of the insulin dosage, and that because of the close correlation between regulation and insulin dosage, the influence of inadequate regulation could not be excluded. On the other hand, the magnitude of the antibody titre seemed to be without any importance for the regulation of diabetes, and in non-resistant diabetics to be without importance in determining the size of the insulin dosage.