bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE ADRENAL GLAND IN LIZARDS AND SNAKES
Authors: WRIGHT A. , JONES I. CHESTER
Published: December 2008

The anatomy and histology of the adrenal glands of the West African lizard (Agama agama L.) and of the common grass snake (Natrix natrix L.) are described.

In lizards, 30 days after hypophysectomy, there was considerable degeneration, with a 60% loss in weight, of the adrenal. The chromaffin cells underwent no histological change. Some cortical cells contained large sudanophilic, Schultz-positive lipid droplets, some nuclei remaining normal, others showing intense basophilia and shrinkage. In other cells, the cytoplasm was reduced to a small acidophilic patch, with pyknotic nuclei. The sodium and potassium contents of the blood and muscle of these hypophysectomized animals were within the normal range.

In snakes, the successive histological stages in the degeneration of the adrenal cortex 9–11, 20 and 30–39 days after hypophysectomy are described. Injection of mammalian ACTH allowed the adrenal to maintain a normal histological appearance in hypophysectomized snakes. In addition, these animals, and normal animals similarly injected, showed degenerative areas in the cortex, attributable to over-stimulation. Injections of cortisone and DCA into unoperated animals were followed by degeneration of the adrenal cortex. After unilateral adrenalectomy, the contralateral adrenal was hypertrophic.

The sodium and potassium contents of blood and muscle, together with the water content of the latter, were obtained in all groups of animals. Despite the histological changes induced in the adrenal cortex by the various experimental procedures, there were no profound changes in the distribution of salt-electrolytes in any of the animals. The sodium content of muscle of normal snakes was about twice the value found in vertebrate muscle in general.

The results are discussed in the light of present-day knowledge of the adrenal cortex in vertebrates, especially of the gland in mammals.
THE EFFECT OF RELAXIN EXTRACTS, PROGESTERONE AND OESTRADIOL ON MAINTENANCE OF PREGNANCY, PARTURITION AND REARING OF YOUNG AFTER OVARIECTOMY IN MICE
Authors: HALL KATHLEEN
Published: December 2008

1. 216 mice, spayed on the 14th day of their first pregnancies, were injected daily thereafter with progesterone, either alone, with oestradiol or relaxin extracts or both; no injections were given after parturition. Extracts of relaxin obtained from pregnant rabbit serum and pregnant sow ovaries were used.

2. When given alone, 1 mg/day progesterone maintained pregnancy to full term in 83%, and 0·5 mg/day in only 30% of mice. Parturition was often delayed, prolonged and difficult, with consequent death of the foetus in utero, even when injections were stopped on the 18th day. A high proportion of young were stillborn, and none were reared. The symphysis pubis remained closed and cartilaginous.

3. 1·5 μg/day oestradiol did not synergize the action of progesterone in maintaining pregnancy, but there were fewer delayed deliveries and a higher incidence of live births; a small number of mice reared some of their young. The innominate bones did not separate, but the symphysis was less rigid than when progesterone was given alone.

4. Relaxin extracts had a synergizing action when all three hormones were given together, 0·5 mg/day (but not 0·25 mg) of progesterone then being enough for maintenance of pregnancy in over 80% of mice. The experiments have not established whether oestradiol was necessary for this synergism. There was a positive relation between punctual and normal delivery of live young and potency of the relaxin extracts in producing full pregnancy changes in the pelvis. More mice reared some of their young. None of the hormone combinations used completely compensated for the absence of the ovaries.
ENHANCEMENT BY THYROXINE OF THE ADRENAL-STIMULATING EFFECT OF SOMATOTROPHIC HORMONE
Authors: BOIS P. , SELYE H.
Published: December 2008

Experiments on intact Sprague-Dawley rats indicate that the adrenal enlargement produced by somatotrophic hormone (STH) can be greatly augmented by simultaneous treatment with comparatively small doses of thyroxine. Within a certain dosage range, the corticotrophic effect of STH is even proportionate to the dose of thyroxine given. The adrenal enlargement produced by adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), on the other hand, is not enhanced by concurrent treatment with thyroxine.

Attention is called to the fact that, in rats in which adrenocortical hypertrophy is produced, either by STH plus thyroxine or by ACTH plus thyroxine, many of the changes in the extra-adrenal organs, which are generally considered to be indicative of increased glucocorticoid production (inhibition of body weight gain, splenic atrophy, involution of the thymus and lymph nodes, inhibition of inflammatory exudate formation), do not parallel the increase in adrenal weight.
THE METABOLIC REDUCTION OF 16α-HYDROXY-OESTRONE TO OESTRIOL IN MAN
Authors: BROWN J. B. , MARRIAN G. F.
Published: December 2008

16α-Hydroxyoestrone was administered by intramuscular injection in propylene glycol solution to a normal man and to a postmenopausal woman. In the two experiments 44 and 33% respectively of the administered substance was subsequently excreted in the urine as oestriol. No evidence indicative of the metabolic conversion of 16α-hydroxyoestrone to oestrone or oestradiol-17β was obtained.
ENHANCEMENT BY TRI-IODOTHYRONINE OF RESPONSE TO CORTICOTROPHIN IN ANTERIOR HYPOPITUITARISM
Authors: BROOKS R. V. , HETZEL B. S. , McSWINEY R. R. , PRUNTY F. T. G.
Published: December 2008

Changes in response of the adrenal cortex to corticotrophin caused by the simultaneous intravenous administration of tri-iodothyronine have been studied in two patients with anterior pituitary insufficiency.

Tri-iodothyronine caused increases in urinary excretion of ketogenic steroids and in plasma hydrocortisone. Blood eosinophils fell sharply. In addition, changes in sodium and potassium balance, and fasting blood sugar levels were observed which were consistent with increased activity of the adrenal cortex. Rapid changes in b.m.r., serum creatine and blood cholesterol were those known to be produced by tri-iodothyronine alone; so, to a large extent, was the increased negative nitrogen balance.
EFFECT OF THE CESSATION OF THIOURACIL ADMINISTRATION ON THE CELL POPULATION OF THE THYROID OF RATS
Authors: SANTLER JOYCE E.
Published: December 2008

The thyroid gland of adult male albino rats enlarged during a period of 30 days of thiouracil treatment. During 75 days after cessation of this treatment there was a regression of the enlarged gland, but not to normal values of weight, volume or total cell population. The regression did not, however, involve any appreciable drop in the numbers of follicular cells. Decrease in the volume of follicular tissue was therefore due to shrinkage of individual follicular cells. The stromal cell population decreased, especially during the first 7 days after the withdrawal of thiouracil, and at the end of the experiment the proportion of stromal cells to follicular cells had returned to normal. The first 7 days was also the time of greatest regression in weight, volume and blood vessel space in the thyroid, these values showing only slight further reduction in the groups killed 30 and 75 days after the withdrawal of goitrogen.
FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE IN THE URINE OF PREGNANT WOMEN
Authors: BUTT W. R. , CROOKE A. C. , INGRAM JOYCE D. , ROUND BRENDA P.
Published: December 2008

1. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) has been obtained from the urine of pregnant women.

2. It was prepared by adsorption on kaolin from urine which had been treated with benzoic acid to remove excess human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) and was assayed by the procedure which depends on the increase in ovarian weight of immature mice treated simultaneously with HCG.

3. Preliminary results are given for the assay of FSH in normal pregnancy.
THE MAINTENANCE OF LACTATION IN THE RAT AFTER HYPOPHYSECTOMY
Authors: COWIE A. T.
Published: December 2008

Attempts to maintain lactation in rats, hypophysectomized on the 4th day of lactation, with extracts of ox and rat pituitary and various purified anterior-pituitary hormones (prolactin, growth hormone (GH), adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH)), singly and in various combinations, are described.

Slight replacement effects were seen with pituitary extracts and with prolactin alone (25 i.u. twice daily). Higher milk yields (about 25% of normal) were obtained with a larger dose of prolactin (50 i.u. twice daily). ACTH and/or GH in combination with the lower dose of prolactin (25 i.u. twice daily) enhanced the replacement value of prolactin, but no such synergistic action was seen when they were combined with the higher dose (50 i.u. twice daily). Neither ACTH nor GH, when administered alone, had any replacement value, although a slight replacement was obtained when they were administered together. Intermedin alone failed to maintain lactation. In no case was complete maintenance of lactation achieved, although yields of almost half the normal were obtained in two rats receiving prolactin (25 i.u. twice daily) and ACTH (4 i.u. once daily). No evidence of gross changes in the calorie content of the milk during replacement therapy was obtained.

The difficulties of assessing the degree of maintenance of milk secretion and the possible significance of fragments of anterior-pituitary tissue remaining after hypophysectomy are discussed.
SOME PROPERTIES OF METHYLETHYLSTILBOESTROL
Authors: EMMENS C. W.
Published: December 2008

Some properties of the pro-oestrogen, methylethylstilboestrol (4:4′-dihydroxy-α-methyl-β-ethylstilbene), have been studied in intravaginal tests with ovariectomized mice, using diethylstilboestrol as control. The results show that the slope is steeper and cornification occurs later with the pro-oestrogen, while correlation between the responses of individual mice to the two substances is small. In all these respects, the behaviour of the intravaginally-administered pro-oestrogen resembles that of an injected oestrogen.

These results were computed using three methods—the angular transformation, (0 or 1) scoring and (0, 1 or 2) scoring as explained in the text. They demonstrate the advantages of the two last methods, brought out particularly by the presence of heterogeneity between mice. Although the angular transformation has advantages over the probit transformation in quantal tests, these simple scoring and analytical techniques have even greater advantages and may be used with ease in complex designs.
THE INFLUENCE OF CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHIN ON THE STEROID METABOLISM OF SEXUALLY RETARDED MEN
Authors: HALKERSTON I. D. K. , HILLMAN JANET , PALMER D. , REISS M. , RUNDLE A.
Published: December 2008

The action of chorionic gonadotrophin (CG) on the steroid hormone metabolism of sexually retarded men was investigated.

The increase observed in the excretion rate of 17-ketosteroids (17-KS) was due to a rise in the excretion of the 17α-KS androsterone and aetiocholanolone, and represents the main effect of CG on the excretion pattern of urinary 17-KS.

Other changes in the steroid hormone metabolism after treatment with CG, such as the increase in excretion of oestrogens and corticoids, occur much less regularly, and are regarded as secondary effects of the increased concentration of testosterone in the body fluids.

Attention is drawn to the way in which certain types of sexual retardation and immaturity develop.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN URINARY OESTROGENS AND OESTROGENS PRODUCED IN THE BODY
Authors: BROWN J. B.
Published: December 2008

Oestrone, oestradiol-17β and oestriol were administered by intramuscular injection to two men and four women. The amounts of oestrone, oestradiol-17β and oestriol excreted in the urine as a result of the injections were measured. The figures derived from these injection experiments have been used to speculate on the nature and the amounts of the oestrogens secreted by the ovaries during the menstrual cycle and by the placenta during pregnancy.
THE USE OF SIMPLE THYROID FUNCTION TESTS IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF HYPERTHYROIDISM
Authors: BRUCK ENA K. , GOLDBERG I. J. L.
Published: December 2008

In an examination of the efficiency of seven thyroid function tests in diagnosing and excluding hyperthyroidism, it has been found that three tests, but not less, are as efficient as all seven. The three tests are the BMR, the T index (based on the urinary excretion of 131I) and the protein-bound 131I at 48 hr after the tracer dose.
LACK OF EFFECT OF THYMECTOMY ON THYROID FUNCTION IN WEANLING RATS
Authors: DONIACH I.
Published: December 2008

A tracer dose (2·25 μc.) of 131I was injected intraperitoneally into each of ten thymectomized and ten sham-thymectomized weanling rats. Two days later, and thence daily for 8 days, the radioactivity of the thyroids was measured in vivo and expressed as a percentage of the initial dose. Ten days after the operation all the rats were killed and weighed and their thyroid and adrenal glands also weighed. No difference in 131I turnover in the thyroid or in weights of thyroids and adrenals was found between the two groups.

These findings do not support the speculation that loss of thymic function may be a causal factor in the development of thyroid carcinoma after irradiation of the upper thorax and neck in infancy.
THE EXTRACTION AND ESTIMATION OF HUMAN URINARY PARATHYROID HORMONE
Authors: DAVIES BERYL M. A.
Published: December 2008

A benzoic acid adsorption method for the extraction of parathyroid hormone (PTH) from 48 hr samples of human urine has been devised. Evidence for the hormonal nature of the extracts is given and recovery experiments with the benzoic acid method are reported.

Biological testing was based on the renal action of PTH (i.e. increase in urinary inorganic phosphate). Human urinary extracts were assayed against 'Parathormone' by means of a urinary phosphate assay in mice [Davies, Gordon & Mussett, 1955]. The activity of the benzoic acid extracts in liberating calcium from bone was not tested, since it was expected that the amount present in normal 48 hr samples of human urine would be too small to be detected by existing assays for the calcium-mobilizing effect of PTH.

The urinary excretion of PTH was compared in a small series of normal and pathological cases. Assuming 'Parathormone' to contain 100 'phosphate units' (P.u.) per ml., mean values for human urinary excretion of PTH as P.u./24 hr, were:

Normal (5 subjects): 60·4 (range 47–72).

Confirmed hyperparathyroidism, with concurrent uraemia (4 subjects): 121·2 (range 103–146).

Hypoparathyroidism (4 subjects): amount too small to be assayed (assay insensitive to 24 hr urine extracts containing <30 P.u.).
CONGENITAL ADRENOCORTICAL HYPERPLASIA WITH GIANT CELLS IN A TWELVE-YEAR-OLD CHILD
Authors: LOEWENTHAL M. , LESZYNSKY HANNAH E. , MARCUS M. , ZONDEK H.
Published: December 2008

The case of a 12-year-old female pseudohermaphrodite is reported in whom masculinization had reached such a degree as to suggest, on clinical grounds, homologous precocious puberty in a boy. Among the male accessories a well-developed prostate was found. Other outstanding features in the clinical picture were: marked hypertension with associated morphological changes in the cardiovascular system, skeletal and other somatic abnormalities suggestive of atavistic rudiments, excessive mental retardation and a diffuse brownish pigmentation of the skin. At autopsy bilateral adrenocortical hyperplasia involving all three zones was found. Microscopically, a conspicuous feature was the presence of numerous 'giant-like' and some genuine giant cells, mainly in the zona fasciculata. Such cells have so far only been observed in adrenocortical malignancy, during embryonic life and in very young infants. The significance and nature of the histological findings are discussed.
THE EFFECT OF SOME ANABOLIC STEROIDS ON THE EXCRETION OF URINARY GONADOTROPHINS
Authors: CLAYTON BARBARA E. , PRUNTY F. T. G.
Published: December 2008

1. The mouse uterus test has been used to determine the urinary excretion of total gonadotrophin. Patients likely to have a consistently high excretion of gonadotrophins were used for study.

2. One patient was treated with 17α-methyl androstane-3α: 17β-diol, and urinary gonadotrophin was unchanged.

3. 17α-Methyl-androst-5-ene-3β: 17β-diol and 17α-ethyl-19-nortestosterone in doses used therapeutically to produce nitrogen retention do not depress urinary gonadotrophin, although in sufficiently high dosage they may possibly do so.

4. In one of two patients treated with testosterone propionate the excretion of urinary gonadotrophin was depressed.
A TARGET-THEORY INTERPRETATION OF THE DOSE-RESPONSE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OESTROGEN AND FUNCTIONAL DIFFERENTIATION OF THE MAMMARY GLAND IN SPAYED MICE
Authors: IVERSEN S.
Published: December 2008

The development of functional differentiation in the mammary gland in spayed mice after application of oestrogen is interpreted as being the result of a two-hit mechanism. This interpretation makes possible the simultaneous assay of oestrogen and prolactin.
THE EFFECT OF SEX HORMONES ON THE ADRENAL GLAND OF THE MALE RAT
Authors: GOMPERTZ D.
Published: December 2008

Oestradiol dipropionate enhances the effect of both endogenous and exogenous adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) on the weight of the adrenal glands of the male rat. Methyl testosterone has the opposite effect. It is concluded that sex hormones exert their effect by modifying both hypophysial secretion of ACTH and adrenocortical sensitivity to ACTH.
OESTROGEN FUNCTION IN ESTABLISHED LACTATION IN THE COW
Authors: HUTTON J. B.
Published: December 2008

In a series of six experiments the effect on milk yield and composition of injecting oestradiol monobenzoate (OB) at five dose levels has been studied on seventy-six cows of the Ayrshire, Guernsey, Friesian and Shorthorn breeds.

The doses ranged from 6·25 to 100 mg, and all produced increases in the percentage of non-fatty solids. These changes were due mainly to increases in the protein, lactose and ash fractions and persisted for periods of several weeks. When more than 25 mg OB were injected, fat percentages also increased and milk yields declined. At the 12·5 mg level, significant increases occurred both in the yields of fat (lb.) and non-fatty solids (lb.). These results indicated that galactopoietic responses could be obtained only within a restricted dose-range, the limits of which were affected by stage of pregnancy and differences in breed.

The considerable similarity which exists between these results and the changes occurring in the milk of pregnant cows during a normal lactation suggests that the latter are probably determined by a progressive rise in blood oestrogen levels as pregnancy advances. The results are discussed in relation to the effect of pasture oestrogens on milk composition and with regard to the possibility of improving the quality of milk by oestrogen administration.
THE EFFECT OF ADRENALECTOMY ON THE CIRCULATING LEVEL OF ADRENOCORTICOTROPHIC HORMONE IN THE RAT
Authors: COX G. S. , HODGES J. R. , VERNIKOS JOAN
Published: December 2008

The concentration of adrenocorticotrophic hormone in the blood of rats was estimated at various time intervals after the removal of the adrenal glands. The hormone was not detectable until 10 days after the operation. Its concentration rose to a maximum value 3 weeks after adrenalectomy and this high circulating level was maintained for at least another 2 weeks. There were no significant differences between the results obtained using hypophysectomized and hydrocortisone-treated rats for the bioassay procedures.
URINARY OESTROGENS AND NEURAL 17-OXOSTEROIDS IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN BANTU WITH AND WITHOUT HEPATIC DISEASE
Authors: BLOOMBERG B. M. , MILLER KLARA , KEELEY K. J. , HIGGINSON J.
Published: December 2008

A comparison of oestrogen and neutral 17-oxosteroid excretion in normal Bantu and White subjects shows that the Bantu tends to have a higher total oestrogen excretion, a different oestrogen fractional pattern, and a lower total 17-oxosteroid excretion. In disease there are further differences in oestrogen pattern, the Bantu excreting more oestradiol-17β. 17-Oxosteroids are uniformly decreased and reach very low levels in primary carcinoma of the liver. White cirrhotic patients show an increase in the oestriol fraction. These differences in oestrogenandrogen metabolic balance may be of importance in view of the different disease patterns in the two racial groups.
MAMMARY GLAND GROWTH IN MALE MICE OF THE CHI STRAIN AFTER HYPOPHYSECTOMY AND CASTRATION
Authors: FLUX D. S.
Published: December 2008

Castrated hypophysectomized male mice of the CHI strain showed a small response in mammary duct growth to injections of oestrone and progesterone. A greater degree of duct growth resulted from the use of growth hormone (GH) in addition to these steroids, and formation of alveoli in addition to duct growth followed treatment with the steroids and prolactin. A greater degree of mammary development, with duct growth and the presence of many alveoli, was seen in mice treated with the steroids and both prolactin and GH.

In contrast to the females of this strain, which normally produce ten mammary glands, the males had variable numbers, ranging from none to five.
MODIFICATION OF THE OESTROUS CYCLE OF THE MOUSE BY EXTERNAL STIMULI ASSOCIATED WITH THE MALE
Authors: WHITTEN W. K.
Published: December 2008

1. It has been demonstrated in three strains of mice, one heterozygous and two inbred, that the oestrous cycle, as determined by vaginal smears, was shorter in the presence of a male than when males were absent.

2. When female mice were removed from males during metoestrus the duration of the ensuing cycle was the same as that observed in the absence of males. This indicates that the effect of stimuli received during one cycle was not carried over to the next.

3. The cycle was shortened when a male was present for the 48 hr following the start of metoestrus. When the period of exposure was reduced or postponed for 24 hr after metoestrus the shortening observed was not significant.

4. When a male was placed in a basket within the female's cage pseudopregnancy was not observed, but the incidence of abnormal cycles was reduced.

5. The duration of pseudopregnancy was not altered by the presence of a male.
THE PRODUCTION OF EXOPHTHALMOS BY ANDROGENS IN TWO SPECIES OF TELEOST FISH
Authors: MATTY A. J. , MENZEL D. , BARDACH J. E.
Published: December 2008

Exophthalmos was produced by the androgens methyl testosterone and testosterone phenylacetate, but not by oestradiol dipropionate, in two species of teleost fish, Sparisoma squalidum and Scarus croicensis. Marked exophthalmos was produced by l-thyroxine and 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine in the above two species and also in Bathystoma aurolineatum. The thyroidal origin of exophthalmia in fish is discussed.
HUMAN URINARY GONADOTROPHINS
Authors: BROWN P. S.
Published: December 2008

Urinary gonadotrophins were assayed in terms of the reference substance HMG20A by methods believed to measure follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) directly and interstitial cell stimulating hormone (ICSH) indirectly.

In normal girls aged 10–11 and 14–15 years urinary FSH was equivalent to 26 and 14 mg HMG20A/1. Gonadotrophin from the older girls was qualitatively similar to HMG20A, but that from the younger girls contained relatively little ICSH. Relative deficiency of ICSH also occurred in some older girls with delayed puberty. Young girls with precocious isosexual development resembled older girls of the 14- to 15-year group by excreting gonadotrophins qualitatively like HMG20A but in smaller amounts.

In normal boys the maximum urinary FSH was only 8·8 mg/l., p: and there was no evidence of relatively low concentrations of ICSH before normal pubertynor when it was abnormally delayed.

The physiological and statistical significance of the demonstrated qualitative differences in urinary gonadotrophins is discussed.
CAPACITATION OF RABBIT SPERMATOZOA
Authors: NOYES R. W. , WALTON A. , ADAMS C. E.
Published: December 2008

The capacity of rabbit spermatozoa to penetrate the zona pellucida of the ovum has been reported to depend upon pre-conditioning within the reproductive tract of the oestrous female. The present experiments show that spermatozoa can be capacitated in the uteri and uterine tubes of rabbits ovariectomized 1 month previously, in the isolated colon or bladder of male and female host rabbits, and in the anterior chamber of the eye and glandula vesicularis of male hosts. Spermatozoa were partially capacitated when they were confined within the excised uterine horns of a rabbit, and when they were suspended with strips of endometrium in saline solution at room temperature. Capacitation was not obtained when spermatozoa were confined in a cellophane dialysis bag within the intact uterus of an oestrous host, in the excised uterus of a sheep, or when they were suspended in saline with red blood cells or with dead spermatozoa.
THE INSULIN ACTIVITY OF PROTEIN FRACTIONS OF NORMAL HUMAN SERUM
Authors: RANDLE P. J. , TAYLOR K. W.
Published: December 2008

Protein fractions of normal human serum have been prepared by zone electrophoresis and their effect on the uptake of glucose by isolated rat diaphragm investigated. The uptake of glucose by isolated diaphragm is increased by the slower moving portion of the albumin peak, but not by the more rapidly moving part; from this it is concluded that serum albumin itself does not stimulate glucose uptake. Some stimulation of glucose uptake was also found with the β- and γ-globulin fractions. Since added ox insulin (131I-labelled or unlabelled) appears to migrate in the region of the slower moving portion of the albumin fraction it is suggested that the stimulating effect of this portion of the albumin fraction is due to circulating insulin. The stimulating effect of serum albumin prepared by fractional precipitation also appears to be due to insulin.
THE EFFECT OF PROLACTIN ON URINARY GONADOTROPHIN ASSAYS
Authors: LORAINE J. A. , DICZFALUSY E.
Published: December 2008

The influence of prolactin on the assay of human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) has been studied. Various bioassay methods were used and the experiments were conducted in two independent laboratories.

In hypophysectomized immature male rats the response of the ventral lobe of the prostate to HMG was not affected by simultaneous administration of prolactin. It was concluded that, in the case of urinary extracts, prolactin did not interfere with the specificity of this test for interstitial cell stimulating hormone activity.

Valid assays of HMG by the rat uterus and mouse uterus tests could be obtained in the presence of relatively large quantities of prolactin.

When HCG was assayed by the rat uterus test and by tests depending on the enlargement of the accessory reproductive organs in male rats, simultaneous administration of prolactin did not affect the results obtained.

In immature male rats prolactin did not prevent the regression of the accessory organs which occurs after castration.
ADRENOCORTICAL HYPERFUNCTION WITH SUDDEN ONSET OF HIRSUTISM
Authors: BUSH I. E. , MAHESH V. B.
Published: December 2008

1. The investigation of a young girl who suddenly developed hirsutism is described.

2. Mild hirsuties of the legs had been noticed for 2 years, but a sudden increase in rate of growth of hair and the appearance of hair on her abdomen and around her nipples had occurred 4 months before examination.

3. The onset of hirsutism coincided with the onset of difficulties in a love affair.

4. The patient's excretion of steroids was investigated both before treatment and during treatment with oral cortisone and/or prednisone, and intramuscular corticotrophin (ACTH). The first series of tests were carried out while the patient was living her normal life, the second in hospital. The patient had a pattern of steroid excretion characteristic of many cases of idiopathic hirsutism and similar to that found in congenital pseudohermaphrodites with adrenal hyperplasia, although quantitatively different from the latter type of case. The excretion of C19-11-deoxy-17-ketosteroids (17-KS) was moderately raised, that of C19-11-oxy-17-KS greatly, and that of C21 metabolites of cortisol slightly raised. The excretion of 11 β-hydroxyandrosterone was greatly raised and the ratio 11 β-hydroxyandrosterone/11 β-hydroxy- and 11-ketoaetiocholanolone greatly increased, so that it lay outside the normal range for women. No suppression of adrenocortical secretion was achieved with cortisone while the patient was living normally, but was achieved with prednisone when she was in hospital. Unlike cases of congenital adrenocortical hyperplasia, the patient showed a rapid and considerable increase in the excretion of cortisol and its normal C21 metabolites when ACTH was given.

5. A 24 hr urine sample from the patient's twin sister showed the same abnormality of the C19-11-oxy-17-KS in their 5α/5β ratio (above), but the excretion rates of all 17-KS were about one-half of those found in the patient. The twin suffered from mild acne vulgaris only.

6. The estimated content of cortisol and 11 β-hydroxyandrostenedione in a sample of adrenal venous blood agreed reasonably well with the ratio of these substances calculated from the urinary estimations of their metabolites by a treatment similar to that of Dorfman [1954b]. It is concluded that over a certain range of excretion rates, Dorfman's type of treatment is valuable in inferring adrenocortical secretion rates, although more work is needed to establish the errors of such methods.

7. The clinical and biochemical findings are interpreted as supporting the hypothesis that hirsutism in this patient was due to an increase in adrenocortical secretion rate caused by emotional tension, coupled with a slight inherited abnormality in the ratio cortisol/androgens in her adrenocortical secretion. It is suggested that idiopathic hirsutism may commonly arise by this or similar mechanisms, the abnormal cortisol/androgen ratio giving no clinical signs until some factor causes an increase in adrenocortical secretion rate.
THE BIOSYNTHESIS OF THYROXINE AND 3:5:3′-TRIIODOTHYRONINE IN LARVAL AND ADULT TOADS
Authors: SHELLABARGER CLAIRE J. , BROWN JUDITH R.
Published: December 2008

1. A study has been made of the compounds synthesized by and present in the thyroid gland of larval and adult Xenopus laevis using radioactive iodine and chromatography.

2. Tadpoles undergoing active metamorphosis produced thyroxine and trace amounts of 3:5:3′-triiodothyronine. Less thyroxine and no triiodothyronine was detected in tadpoles approaching the end of metamorphosis, and neither compound was detected in tadpoles in early stages of metamorphosis. Adult toads produced thyroxine and trace amounts of triiodothyronine. The presence of monoiodotyrosine and diiodotyrosine was a constant finding.

3. It is suggested that the synthesis of thyroid hormones in amphibia is similar to that in other vertebrates.
STUDIES ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OVARIAN HORMONES AND UTERINE INFECTION
Authors: BROOME A. W. J. , LAMMING G. E.
Published: December 2008

Bacterial cultures contained within semi-permeable membrane sacs placed in the uterus of cows or in one uterine horn of rabbits developed normally, and the rate of bacterial growth was not influenced by the ovarian activity of the test animal. Similar cultures placed directly into the control uterine horn of rabbits were eliminated in oestrous animals. This showed that bacteria grow satisfactorily in the uterine fluids of both oestrous and dioestrous animals provided they are isolated from the uterine endometrium.

The ovarian status of the animal did not influence the growth of bacteria in washings obtained from the uteri of both cows and rabbits when tested in vitro. No differences could be detected in the rate of growth of bacteria in extracts of uteri from oestrous and pseudopregnant rabbits. Injections of pilocarpine to increase the rate of flow of uterine secretions failed to influence the susceptibility of pseudopregnant rabbits to uterine infection.
THE IDENTIFICATION OF PREGNANEDIOL IN LIQUOR AMNII, BILE AND FAECES
Authors: KLOPPER A. I. , MACNAUGHTON M. C.
Published: December 2008

Pregnanediol (5β-pregnane-3α:20α-diol) was isolated from liquor amnii and from faeces and identified by the ultraviolet spectrum of its solution in sulphuric acid. The steroid isolated from bile after injection of progesterone was identified by melting points and the quantitative relationship between injected progesterone and the biliary excretion of pregnanediol was determined.
SEX STEROIDS IN THE LUNGFISH (PROTOPTERUS ANNECTENS OWEN)
Authors: DEAN F. DOROTHY , JONES I. CHESTER
Published: December 2008

The ovaries of the lungfish (Protopterus annectens Owen) were examined for sex steroids.

Extracts produced a positive response in the mouse uterine weight test. Processing by paper chromatographic methods indicated the presence of oestriol, oestrone, a trace of oestradiol-17β and progesterone, but not enough material was available for their definitive chemical demonstration. The possible significance of these results is discussed.
SOME EFFECTS OF SULPHYDRYL COMPOUNDS ON KETO-ACID METABOLISM IN EXPERIMENTAL DIABETES MELLITUS
Authors: KENNEDY G. C. , HILL LISA E.
Published: December 2008

A raised blood concentration of α-keto-acids was observed in rats during the early stages of alloxan diabetes, and at a later stage after the injection of cortisone. Dimercaprol (B.A.L.) increased the keto-acid level both in normal and in diabetic rats, and its action was synergistic with that of cortisone. Insulin raised the keto-acid level only in early diabetes or in established diabetes after cortisone treatment.

The combination of B.A.L. and cortisone raised the blood sugar as well as the blood ketoacids in intact rats. After the adrenals were removed the hyperglycaemic action of the combined treatment disappeared, but the effect on keto-acid level persisted.

Glutathione had a similar action on carbohydrate metabolism to B.A.L., but in equivalent doses was much less toxic. Lipoic acid reduced the blood level of keto-acids and opposed the action of B.A.L.

The possible site of action of these substances is discussed.
CORPORA LUTEA IN SENILE VIRGIN LABORATORY RATS
Authors: MANDL ANITA M.
Published: December 2008

The maximum size of the corpora lutea in senile virgin rats exceeds that of the corpora lutea of ovulation of young animals, and corresponds to that usually associated with pseudopregnancy or mid-pregnancy. The larger size of these corpora lutea is due to enlargement of the individual luteal cells and not to an increase in their number.
A QUANTITATIVE STUDY OF OOCYTES IN YOUNG AND OLD NULLIPAROUS LABORATORY RATS
Authors: MANDL ANITA M. , SHELTON MARGARET
Published: December 2008

The population of oocytes in the ovaries of the rat decreases slowly and continuously throughout middle and old age. The proportion of oocytes diagnosed as 'atretic' declines as the total number of oocytes diminishes.

Reproductive capacity declines before the 'stock' of oocytes is exhausted.
URINARY OESTROGENS OF ADRENAL ORIGIN IN WOMEN WITH BREAST CANCER
Authors: BROWN J. B. , FALCONER C. W. A. , STRONG J. A.
Published: December 2008

1. The effect of the administration of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) before and after adrenalectomy on the excretion of oestrone, oestradiol-17β and oestriol in the urine has been studied in twelve patients with recurrent or metastatic breast cancer.

2. When the adrenals were intact the intravenous infusion of ACTH for 48 hr produced a three- to ninefold increase in the output of urinary oestrogens. Adrenalectomy completely abolished this response.

3. Adrenalectomy reduced the excretion of oestrogens.

4. There was no apparent correlation between the response of the disease to adrenalectomy and the output of urinary oestrogens.

5. These findings are discussed with particular regard to the limitations of the assay method employed.
THE CAPACITY OF PLASMA FOR BINDING VASOPRESSIN IN PREGNANT AND NONPREGNANT HUMAN SUBJECTS
Authors: HIPSLEY E. H. , McKELLAR J. W.
Published: December 2008

Plasma samples from pregnant women were found to have the capacity to bind vasopressin and prevent its destruction by the enzymic activity which develops in human plasma during pregnancy. The existence of this vasopressin-binding capacity offers an explanation for the control of diuresis during human pregnancy. This capacity was revealed by boiling and it may be associated with a protein.
THYROID PROTEIN-BOUND IODINE OF A TELEOST FISH (SCARUS GUACAMAIA)
Authors: MATTY A. J.
Published: December 2008

The protein-bound iodine (PBI) content of the thyroid of a teleost fish has been estimated and has been shown to vary with age and sex. The total thyroidal PBI/g body weight increases with age. The relationship between plasma PBI and thyroid PBI has been investigated and is discussed.
PITUITARY-ADRENAL RELATIONSHIPS IN THE RETARDATION OF MAMMARY GLAND INVOLUTION BY OXYTOCIN
Authors: BENSON G. K.
Published: December 2008

After adrenalectomy and removal of the pups from rats on the 4th day of lactation, administration of oxytocin for 9 days had little or no effect in inhibiting mammary gland involution. However, simultaneous treatment with 9α-fluorocortisol (FC) resulted in a significant maintenance of mammary gland tissue. Prolactin had an appreciable effect in retarding mammary involution, in the absence of the adrenals, but this effect was not enhanced by concomitant administration of FC, which, given alone, had only a slight effect in adrenalectomized animals. Prolactin and growth hormone (GH) together had a marked synergistic effect.

In intact rats only comparatively slight effects on maintenance of the mammary gland were observed following treatment for 9 days with either FC or adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), and ACTH failed to enhance the action of prolactin and GH.

The apparent failure of oxytocin to induce release of prolactin in adrenalectomized rats cannot be explained solely on a metabolic or nutritional basis. It is suggested that either the release of stored prolactin is inhibited in the absence of the adrenals, or that the production of prolactin is adversely affected.
IN VITRO EFFECT OF PARATHYROID GLAND EXTRACT UPON THE ULTRAVIOLET ABSORPTION OF REDUCED COENZYME II (TPNH)
Authors: REICHERT L. E. , L'HEUREUX M. V.
Published: December 2008

Reduced triphosphopyridine nucleotide (TPNH) incubated with parathyroid gland extract (Injection Parathyroid, Lilly & Co.) for 6hr at pH 7·4 and at room temperature exhibits a reduction in u.v. absorption at 340 mμ. No correlation could be shown to exist between this decrease in absorbing capacity of TPNH at 340 mμ and the calcium-mobilizing activity of the extract.

Dialysis of the active extract against distilled water or treatment with ethanol-diethyl ether or with formaldehyde resulted in a marked reduction or virtual elimination of biological activity, and in a marked reduction in the ability of the treated preparation to affect the absorbing capacity of TPNH at 340 mμ. Inactivation of the calcium-mobilizing principle of the extract by pepsin resulted in a preparation which retained its ability to affect the u.v. absorption of TPNH. Dialysis of the pepsin-inactivated extract against distilled water or treatment with ethanol-diethyl ether decreased this spectrophotometric effect.
THE USE OF 2-3-5-TRIPHENYLTETRAZOLIUM CHLORIDE IN THE BIOLOGICAL ASSAY OF OESTROGENS
Authors: MARTIN L.
Published: December 2008

The reduction of 2-3-5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride in the vaginal epithelium of the mouse is shown to form a suitable basis for a highly sensitive assay of oestrogens. The method is as sensitive and precise as those utilizing mitosis and epithelial thickness, with the added advantage of extreme simplicity.
ALLOXAN DIABETES AND IN VITRO PROTEIN BIOSYNTHESIS IN RAT LIVER MICROSOMES AND MITOCHONDRIA
Authors: KORNER A.
Published: December 2008

1. Mitochondria and microsomes isolated from livers of alloxan-diabetic rats incorporate less radioactive amino acid into their proteins in vitro than the corresponding subcellular particles prepared from livers of normal rats.

2. Most of the decrease in incorporation of amino acids shown by the microsome system prepared from alloxan-diabetic rats is caused by alterations in the ability of the microsomes to assemble amino acids into polypeptide chains, but some depressing effect on the ability of the soluble fraction of the liver cells to prepare acids for incorporation is also found in alloxan-diabetic rats.

3. Treatment of alloxan-diabetic rats with insulin restored towards normal the depressed ability of both mitochondria and microsomes to incorporate amino acids into protein in vitro.

4. Treatment of alloxan-diabetic rats with small doses of growth hormone increased the incorporation of amino acids into protein by mitochondria and microsomes in vitro, but treatment of the rats with larger doses of growth hormone resulted in further depression of the in vitro incorporating ability of both subcellular particles.
INDUCTION OF OVULATION IN MICE WITH PLACENTAL GONADOTROPHINS
Authors: LAMOND D. R.
Published: December 2008

The ovulation response was measured, by the recovery of tubal ova, in mature dioestrous albino mice after single injections of gonadotrophin, using three preparations of pregnant mares' serum (PMS) and three of human chorionic material (HCG). The dose-response lines were parallel over a limited part of the range, and similar joint action of PMS and HCG was demonstrated within these limits. Higher doses of HCG inhibited ovulation, whereas higher doses of PMS induced superovulation.

The double injection technique (priming followed by ovulating injections) was examined in experiments of factorial design in immature normal and immature hypophysectomized mice. Both PMS and HCG may be used as priming or ovulatory substances in normal mice, though the equivalent doses are different for the two functions. The optimal time interval between priming and ovulatory injections, the effect of time from weaning and the response of two additional strains of mice were also examined.
THE EFFECTS OF OESTROGENS AND ANTI-OESTROGENS ON EARLY PREGNANCY IN MICE
Authors: MARTIN L. , EMMENS C. W. , COX R. I.
Published: December 2008

The capacity of various oestrogens and anti-oestrogens to inhibit early pregnancy in the mouse has been compared. Both classes of compound are effective, but there remains some doubt as to the mode of action of the latter, since they are also oestrogenic (or pro-oestrogenic) in high doses. However, differences exist between the relative potency of dimethylstilboestrol (DMS, the most potent anti-oestrogen tested) and oestradiol as anti-fertility agents, and their relative potency as oestrogens. Differences also exist between their capacities to interrupt pregnancy in single doses. It is therefore concluded that DMS, at least, probably acts by virtue of its anti-oestrogenic activity.
ESTIMATION OF 'PROGESTIN' BY THE HOOKER-FORBES METHOD
Authors: FLUX D. S.
Published: December 2008

A dose-response line for the Hooker-Forbes test using progesterone dissolved in arachis oil and CHI mice was determined and the results were compared with those of Iselstöger & Ploberger [1955] who used a modified technique and mice of a different strain. Over a limited range of concentrations of progesterone the response was linear or close to linear. The method is likely to be most useful for detecting 'progestin' and for estimating progestational activity approximately in terms of progesterone. For the latter purpose comparison of the median effective doses would be better than a comparison of doses causing positive responses in all or almost all mice tested. However, it seems that, because of the steep dose-response line with CHI mice, use of the latter method would probably give estimates of reasonable accuracy if sufficient mice were used at each dose level.
EFFECT OF DIET, OF 3:5-DIIODO-D-THYRONINE AND OF 3:5-DIIODO-4(4′-HYDROXY PHENOXY) PHENYL ACETIC ACID ON THE FORMATION AND REGRESSION OF ATHEROSCLEROTIC LESIONS IN THE RAT
Authors: CUTHBERTSON W. F. J. , ELCOATE P. V. , IRELAND D. M. , MILLS D. C. B. , SHEARLEY PATRICIA
Published: December 2008

1. Atherosclerotic lesions can be made to develop or regress in the albino rat by treatments that, respectively, elevate or depress the serum cholesterol concentration.

2. After young rats had been given a new diet for 45–72 days, the degree of atherosclerosis attained was related to the new serum cholesterol level and was independent of the previous degree and severity of atherosclerosis.

3. Regression of lesions established for about 1 month occurred if the serum cholesterol level was lowered, either by changes in the diet or by administering 3:5-diiodo-d-thyronine (DT2). The relation between serum cholesterol level and Sudan score (see p. 70) appeared to be independent of the method used for lowering the serum cholesterol level.

4. Regression of lesions established for about 6 months occurred if the serum cholesterol level was lowered either by changes in the diet or by administering DT2, but the rate of regression was slower than when the lesions had been present for a short time only.

5. When the serum cholesterol levels of rats given an atherogenic diet for 6 months had been reduced to normal values by feeding stock diet, the rats still had a high degree of atherosclerosis. When stock diet containing DT2 was then fed, there was no increase in the rate of regression of lesions over that obtained on the stock diet alone.

6. Dietary administration of different amounts of 3:5-diiodo-4(4′-hydroxy phenoxy) phenyl acetic acid (DIAC) or DT2 to groups of rats maintained on a diet containing cholesterol and cholic acid over a 9-month period resulted in a reduction of serum cholesterol levels to an extent roughly related to the dose of drug given. Liver cholesterol levels were also reduced in the older animals. Arterial atheroma was reduced by both compounds to an extent proportional to the dose administered.

Both compounds, at all dose levels, increased the rate of growth of animals compared with that of controls. Both compounds depressed liver weights at all dose levels and increased the weight of the pancreas at the higher dose levels, if these weights were expressed per 100 g/body weight.
THE INFLUENCE OF THE THYROID GLAND ON THE CATABOLISM OF 131I-LABELLED HOMOLOGOUS γ-GLOBULIN IN THE GUINEA-PIG
Authors: FARTHING C. P. , GERWING JULIA , SHEWELL JENNIFER
Published: December 2008

1. Removal of the thyroid glands from guinea-pigs had no significant effect on the biological half-life of injected homologous 131I-labelled γ-globulin, or on the catabolic rate of the same material expressed as percentage intravascular protein broken down per day.

2. Administration of thyroxine to guinea-pigs decreased the biological half-life of injected 131I-labelled γ-globulin from 8·3 days in control animals to 5·6 days: the catabolic rate was correspondingly increased from 17·4±1·3% to 22·1 ± 3·4% intravascular protein per day.

3. Prolonged thyroxine treatment tended to increase serum globulin levels, particularly the γ-globulin. It is suggested that there must be a greatly increased synthesis of γ-globulin accompanying the increased catabolism of this material in hyperthyroid guinea-pigs.
REVERSAL OF DIURNAL LEUCOCYTE VARIATIONS IN MAN
Authors: SHARP G. W. G.
Published: December 2008

1. An investigation of the diurnal variations of circulating leucocytes has been carried out at Spitsbergen under constant conditions of diet, activity and lighting.

2. The effect of reversal of the activity-sleep pattern on the diurnal variations was studied, and the reversal of lymphocyte, eosinophil and basophil periodicity occurred in less than 3 days. The neutrophil periodicity was reversed in from 3 to 6 days.

3. The periodicity is ultimately dependent upon habit and activity.

4. The neutrophil variations appear to be controlled by a mechanism different from that of the other leucocytes.

5. The diurnal variation in adrenocortical activity is assumed to have reversed in response to the activity-sleep reversal.