bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COMBINATION OF POTASSIUM PERCHLORATE AND PROPYLTHIOURACIL IN THE TREATMENT OF THYROTOXICOSIS
Authors: Røkke K. E. , Vogt J. H.
Published: December 2008

A report is given on 95 thyrotoxic patients treated with a combination of 400 mg propylthiouracil and 400 mg of potassium perchlorate. Perchlorate was stopped when a marked remission of symptoms was obtained, on an average after less than 7 weeks. Euthyroidism was found on an average after 7.2 weeks. The basal metabolic rate, PBI, plasma total cholesterol and weight showed a fairly rapid normalization.

Thirteen of the 95 patients were given radio-iodine therapy shortly before drug therapy was started. The remaining 82 cases were grouped together with the 23 cases previously reported. Of the total of 105 cases, 96 became euthyroid on combined therapy.

For the frequency of side-effects, the thirteen cases mentioned above were included, giving a total of 118 cases. Eight cases showed an increase in goitre size and 15 cases had other side-effects, of which three were granulocytopenia due to propylthiouracil.

The possibility of a higher frequency of mainly minor side-effects on combined therapy has to be balanced against the seemingly rapid and reliable therapeutic effect.

Combined treatment, perhaps with even smaller doses than reported here, can be recommended in selected cases of thyrotoxicosis where a shortening of the thyrotoxic state seems of importance, or possibly where difficulties due to iodine exposure may be anticipated, provided adequate control measures are taken.
STIMULATION OF INSULIN SECRETION BY GLUCAGON AND SECRETIN
Authors: Deckert Torsten
Published: December 2008

Intravenous injection of 1.0 mg glucagon brings about a marked increase in the serum concentration of insulin in normal subjects. This increase sets in before the increase in blood sugar and reaches a peak 2–8 minutes after the injection.

Intravenous injection of 75 units secretin also results in a rapid increase in the serum concentration of insulin in normal subjects. This increase is less marked than that following glucagon and reaches its peak 3–4 minutes after the injection.

It must be assumed that glucagon as well as secretin contribute to the pronounced increase in insulin concentration during oral administration of glucose.
A CORRELATIVE STUDY OF ENDOCRINE RHYTHMS IN RATS
Authors: Retiene K. , Zimmerman E. , Schindler W. J. , Neuenschwander J. , Lipscomb H. S.
Published: December 2008

Several endocrine rhythms have been studied simultaneously in the same group of rats under resting conditions. A parallel circadian periodicity was found for adrenal and plasma corticosterone, pituitary and plasma ACTH, and for the first time, for pituitary vasopressin. These rhythms are typical for nocturnal animals, demonstrating a distinct peak before the onset of darkness and lowest values at the beginning of the light period. An opposite behaviour was found for pituitary TSH in male rats showing a significant fall at the peak time of the other hormones, whereas in female rats this fluctuation was not observed. No CRF-like material could be obtained from hypothalamic tissue under resting conditions. The methods used in this study and the results obtained are discussed together with the relevant literature.
COMPARISON OF THE CONJUGATED METABOLITES OF INTRAVENOUSLY AND INTRADUODENALLY ADMINISTERED OESTRIOL
Authors: Støa Karl F. , Levitz Mortimer
Published: December 2008

The metabolism of oestriol-16-14C(14C-OE3**) and oestriol-15-3H(3H-OE3) was studied in a 28 year-old man with normal liver function, who had undergone cholecystectomy and whose bile was being drained via a Ttube. 14C-OE3 was injected into the duodenum through the T-tube and shortly later, 3H-OE3 was injected into the antecubital vein. Bile and urine were collected continuously at intervals for 30 and 43 hours respectively. Each fraction was assayed. The excretion of 3H was more rapid than that of 14C in both fluids.

Twenty per cent of the injected 3H and 17 per cent of the 14C were found in the bile, while 55 per cent of the 3H and 76 per cent of the 14C were excreted in the urine.

Isolation and identification of the conjugated metabolites were carried out by the use of column chromatography on alumina and celite, paper
OBSERVATIONS ON THE MECHANISM OF INCREASED WEIGHT LOSS DURING METFORMIN ADMINISTRATION IN OBESITY
Authors: Pedersen Jørgen , Olesen E. Svelle
Published: December 2008

In two hospitalized obese, non-diabetic women on a 1250 calorie diet, the administration of metformin increased the rate of weight loss. A rebound effect was observed on withdrawal.

These phenomena could not be correlated to changes in the total weight, dry weight or fat content of faeces or to variations in fluid intake and diuresis. Although faecal losses of fat and dry matter increased with the dose of metformin, the degree of malabsorption was too small to account for any significant part of the weight loss.

The administration and the withdrawal of metformin produced changes in body weight similar to those provoked by restriction of calories, or selective carbohydrate restriction and re-alimentation, respectively.

Since such rapid shifts in weight are largely due to changes in water-balance, it is highly probable that metformin reduces the amount of body water. The mechanism involved may concern a decrease in carbohydrate metabolism as well as an increase in that of fat.
THE UPTAKE OF 17β-OESTRADIOL IN BREAST TISSUE OF FEMALE RATS
Authors: Sander Sten
Published: December 2008

The uptake of radioactivity in breast tissue after the injection of tritiated oestradiol in rats has been studied. The breast tissue accumulates more radioactivity per unit wet weight than skeletal muscle and fat, for at least 4 hours. The uptake of radioactivity does not, however, reach the high levels observed in the uterus. On the other hand, the uptake pattern found in the breast tissue corresponds to previous findings in other oestrogen responsive organs.

The uptake of radioactivity by breast tissue in castrated rats is higher than in control animals with their ovaries intact. It is also found that simultaneous injection of non-radioactive oestradiol reduces the uptake of radioactivity. These findings may be explained as a competitive effect between non-labelled and labelled oestradiol.

The accumulation of oestradiol observed may be consistent with the idea of a direct effect on breast tissue.
DOUBLE ISOTOPE DILUTION DERIVATIVE TECHNIQUE FOR TESTOSTERONE GLUCURONOSIDE IN URINE
Authors: New Maria I. , Gross Joel M. , Peterson Ralph E.
Published: December 2008

A double isotope dilution derivative technique for the determination of testosterone glucuronoside in urine has been developed. This is a highly specific and sensitive method which is applicable to the measurement of testosterone in submicrogram amounts in urine and other biological fluids. This method has been used to study normal prepubertal and pubertal males, normal females and subjects with gonadal dysgenesis, Cushing's syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, idiopathic hirsutism, Addison's disease and hypogonadism. The patients were studied after stimulation and suppression of gonads or adrenal glands to delineate the source of the androgen and its physiological control mechanism. The testosterone production of normal males determined by the method presented herein corresponds to results of others.
THE EFFECT OF VASOPRESSIN AND OXYTOCIN ON THE FUNCTION OF PITUITARY AUTOGRAFTS IN RATS
Authors: Stolzenberg Sidney J. , Faulkner Lloyd C. , Hansel William
Published: December 2008

Mature cycling female rats received pituitary autografts beneath the kidney capsule or were hypophysectomized only. Intraperitoneal injections of vasopressin at the level of 3 or 4 IU twice daily into rats with autografts caused an increase in adrenal weights after 45 (P < 0.01) and 70 (P < 0.01) days of treatment. There was an increase in the width of the combined zona fasciculata and reticularis observed after 70 days (P < 0.01). These results were accompanied by a decrease in ovarian weight after 45 (P < 0.01) and 70 (P < 0.01) days of vasopressin treatment. The decrease in ovarian weight was due to histologic regression of corpora lutea. Similar injections of vasopressin into hypophysectomized rats for 45 days were without effect on the ovaries or adrenals. Intraperitoneal injections of 3 or 4 IU oxytocin twice daily for 45 days in rats bearing pituitary autografts had no effect on adrenal weight or histology and caused a non-significant decrease in ovarian weight but had no effect on ovarian histology. However, after 70 days of treatment with oxytocin, there was an increase in adrenal weight (P < 0.01) which could not be attributed to an effect on the zona fasciculata-reticularis. There was a decrease in ovarian weight (P < 0.01), similarly attributable to a regression of the corpora lutea.

None of the treatments affected uterine weight or histology or thyroid histology in either rats with pituitary autografts or in animals that were simply hypophysectomized. None of the treatments had any obvious effect on the cytologic appearance of the pituitary graft. It is suggested that effective treatments modified the secretory pattern of pituitary grafts.
CHANGES IN UTERINE RNA FOLLOWING STIMULATION WITH 17β-OESTRADIOL
Authors: Unhjem Olav , Attramadal Arne , Sölna Jostein
Published: December 2008

RNA from non-stimulated and 17β-oestradiol-stimulated uteri and from livers of ovariectomized rats was extracted by a phenol procedure. The extracts were tested for biological activity in vivo by direct application on the uterine epithelium. Only extracts from hormone-activated uteri induced epithelial hypertrophy. Pre-incubation of active extracts with RNase abolished this activity, as did ether washing of the extracts. Active extracts were fractionated on a column of Sephadex G-100 gel into 3 fractions. Testing showed that hypertrophy of the epithelial cells was caused by constituents of the second fraction only.
THE LIPID-MOBILIZING EFFECT OF SOME PITUITARY GLAND PREPARATIONS
Authors: Trygstad Olav
Published: December 2008

An inhomogeneous human pituitary lipid-mobilizing factor (LMF) different from somatotrophin and adrenocorticotrophin has previously been prepared. The extraction of LMF deprived fat-mobilizing effect of the simultaneously prepared growth hormone. Subcutaneous injection of LMF in rabbits caused hypocalcaemia and hyperglycaemia in addition to the adipokinesis.

The preparation procedure which resulted in a homogeneous LMF is reported. When examined for purity by electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel the material migrated as a single band. The LMF is probably a polypeptide with a molecular weight in the range of 2100 determined by ultracentrifugation. It is a potent adipotrophin in rabbits, and a concentration of 0.001 μg/1.1 ml gave a significant release of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) from human subcutaneous fat pads also. No in vitro lipolysis occurred in normal albino mouse or rat fat, whereas concentrations of 0.01–0.1 μg/1.1 ml had lipolytic effect on fat pads from obese yellow mice and from hypophysectomized rats. In addition to the increase of serum NEFA in rabbits, the purified LMF gave a prolonged hyperglycaemia which persisted for nine days following a single subcutaneous injection of 0.5 mg, but it had no influence on the serum calcium level.

Evidence is presented suggesting that the lipolytic mechanism for LMF resembles more closely that of adrenocorticotrophin than of somatotrophin. The LMF may be of physiological importance and is perhaps related to a human pituitary diabetogenic adipotrophin. A possible mechanism for the acute and prolonged hyperglycaemia in rabbits is discussed.
ANDROST-5-ENE-3β,17β-DIOL IN OVARY OF POST-MENOPAUSAL HYPEROESTROGENIC WOMEN
Authors: Pesonen S. , Ikonen M. , Procopé B-J. , Saure A.
Published: December 2008

The ovaries of ten patients, at least one year after the post-menopause, were incubated with two Δ5-C19-steroids and also studied histochemically. All these patients had post-menopausal uterine bleeding and increased oestrogen excretion of the urine. The urinary estimations of gonadotrophins, 17-KS, 17-OHCS and pregnanediol were carried out on all patients. Vaginal smears were read according to Papanicolaou, and the endometrium and ovaries were studied histologically.

The incubation experiments indicate the presence of Δ5-3β-hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase. When androst-5-ene-3β,17β-diol was used as precursor the formation of testosterone occurred without any concomitant production of DHA and/or androstenedione. This seems to indicate the possible role of the Δ5-pathway in the formation of testosterone by post-menopausal ovarian tissue.

The histochemical reactions indicated a reducing activity on NADH, lactate and glucose-6-phosphate, in certain corpora albicantia, atretic follicles and in diffuse thecoma regions in the cortical layer of the ovary. Steroid-3β-ol-dehydrogenase and β-hydroxybutyrate-dehydrogenase were found only at the edges of certain corpora albicantia, in some individual stroma cell groups and in some atretic follicles.

Our studies, both biochemical and histochemical, suggest that the observed increase in the urinary oestrogens of the patients studied might in part at least, be of ovarian origin. This opinion is also supported by the postoperative oestrogen values.
STUDIES ON THE AROMATISATION OF NEUTRAL STEROIDS IN PREGNANT WOMEN
Authors: Reynolds J. W. , Mancuso S. , Wiqvist N. , Diczfalusy E.
Published: December 2008

3β,17β-Dihydroxy-androst-5-en-16-one-4-14C (16-oxo-Δ5-DIOL) has been biosynthesized and four placentas were perfused in situ at midpregnancy with tracer amounts of this compound in combination with dehydroepiandrosterone-7α-3H.

Exclusively 3H-labelled oestrone (OE1) and 17β-oestradiol (OE2) and exclusively 14C-labelled 17β-hydroxy-androst-4-ene-3,16-dione (16-oxo-T), 3,17β-dihydroxy-oestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-16-one (16-oxo-OE2) and oestra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3,16β,17β-triol (16-epi-OE3) were isolated in a radiochemically homogeneous form from the placentas as well as from the perfusates. In addition, 16α,17β-dihydroxy-androst-4-en-3-one (16α-HO-T) and oestriol (OE3) were isolated from the placentas, but not from the perfusates. Among the 16-substituted compounds isolated, 16-oxo-OE2 was the quantitatively most important one in the placentas and 16-oxo-T in the perfusates.

Crystallisation with authentic carrier indicated the absence of any androst-5-ene-3β,16α,17β-triol (Δ5-TRIOL), 3β,16α-dihydroxy-androst-5-en-17-one (16α-HO-DHA), 16β,17β-dihydroxy-androst-4-en-3-one (16β-HO-T) and 3,16α-dihydroxy-oestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-one (16α-HO-OE1) in the combined extracts of placentas and perfusates. In addition, chromatographic evidence indicated the lack of androst-5-ene-3β,16β,17β-triol (16-epi-Δ5-TRIOL) and 16α-hydroxy-androst-4-en-3,17-dione (16α-HO-A) in these sources.

From the urine specimens 3H-labelled OE1, OE2 and 16α-HO-OE1 and both 3H and 14C-labelled 16-oxo-OE2, OE3 and 16-epi-OE3 were isolated. The 3H/14C ratio of urinary 16-oxo-OE2 was significantly higher than that of OE3 whereas the isotopic ratio of urinary 16-epi-OE3 was significantly lower than those of 16-oxo-OE2 and OE3.

A concept is presented describing the formation mechanism of 16-oxo-OE2. OE3 and 16-epi-OE3 in the placental compartment of the human foeto-placental unit at midpregnancy.
DONNEES NOUVELLES SUR LES MODALITES CHRONOLOGIQUES ET QUANTITATIVES DE L'ACTION ANTIOVULATOIRE DU MEPROBAMATE CHEZ LA RATTE
Authors: Aron Claude , Roos Jacqueline , Asch Gitta , Roos Michel
Published: December 2008

The effects of meprobamate on the ovary were studied in two different strains of virgin 4-day cyclic Wistar rats. Antiovulatory action of the drug was observed when administered on the morning of prooestrus between 9 and 12 a. m. This action was shown to be quantitative and depending on the time of the injection. A difference in the activity of meprobamate was evidenced between the two strains experimented. This action of the tranquillizer was supposed to be mediated by neural structures. Only weak antiovulatory effects of the meprobamate were observed when the drug was administered after 4.30 p. m. on the day of prooestrus. Furthermore the ovulatory action of exogenous gonadotrophin was not prevented by meprobamate.
A NEW APPROACH TO THE BIOLOGICAL DETERMINATION OF THE LUTEINIZING HORMONE
Authors: Donini P. , Puzzuoli D. , D'Alessio I. , Donini S.
Published: December 2008

The response of the uterine weight of immature mice to FSH and LH preparations with low contamination by each other was studied. The new approach to the biological assay of LH, which could be designated the »uterine-augmentation« test, was based on injecting intact immature mice with a constant dose (4.44 IU) of a biologically pure FSH preparation plus increasing amounts of extracts containing LH.

A dose as little as 0.068 IU of LH is capable to increase the uterine weight when injected together with 4.44 IU of biologically pure FSH. A significant uterine response can be obtained when animals are injected with 29.4 μg of 2nd IRP-HMG (equivalent to 0.128 IU-LH and 0.128 IU-FSH). When a constant dose of 4.44 IU of biologically pure FSH is added to each dose level of the 2nd IRP-HMG, a significant uterine response is obtained with 14.7 μg of this reference preparation. The end point was the mouse uterine weight.

Some determinations of the LH activity in urinary extracts have been performed according to this new method and from the results it seems that the LH activities, as determined by the ovarian ascorbic acid depletion method, agree with those determined by the uterine-augmentation test. It also seems that the uterine weight response is proportional to the LH activity and not dependent on the FSH-LH ratio of the samples assayed.
OVARIAN ACTIVITIES OF PYRIDINE NUCLEOTIDE DEPENDENT DEHYDROGENASES IN THE RAT DURING PREGNANCY AND LACTATION
Authors: Lunaas T. , Baldwin R. L. , Cupps P. T.
Published: December 2008

The activities of soluble enzymes catalyzing electron transfer in the systems malate:NADP, glucose-6-phosphate:NADP, 6-phosphogluconate: NADP, isocitrate:NADP and malate:NAD were determined in the ovaries of rats at several stages of reproduction.

The enzymic activities (as μmol of product formed per min per g tissue) during late pregnancy (33 – 7 – 5 – 28 – 48, respectively) differed appreciably from the activities during the oestrous cycle (7 – 13 –3 – 30 – 25) and also at parturition (13 – 10 – 3 – 26 – 26).

During pregnancy and parturition as well as during lactation and weaning there was an inverse relationship between the malate enzyme (malate:NADP) and the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. The ratio between the activities of these enzymes varied within a wide range (0.5 – 5) and appeared to reflect luteal function. The enzymic activities on day 6 of lactation in the involuted corpora lutea of pregnancy (7 – 15 – 3 – 41 – 32) and in the corpora lutea deriving from the post partum ovulation (15 – 7 – 4 – 39 – 36) were in agreement with this view. The possible role of the malate enzyme in the ovarian synthesis of steroids is discussed with reference to its presumed role in lipogenesis in the rat.
EFFECTS OF GLUCOSAMINE ON THE RESPIRATION OF PANCREATIC ISLET B-CELLS
Authors: Hellerström Claes
Published: December 2008

Metabolic effects of D-glucosamine on the pancreatic islet B-cells were evaluated by measurements of the oxygen uptake of isolated and surviving islets. The tissue specimens, which were obtained from obese-hyperglycaemic mice and consisted of more than 90% B-cells, were incubated in Cartesian divers with Krebs-Ringer phosphate medium at +37° C. Addition of glucosamine to the incubation medium caused a significant inhibition of the endogenous islet respiration and an even more pronounced inhibition of the oxygen uptake in the presence of D-glucose. When islets were pre-incubated with glucosamine and subsequently supplied with glucose, there was a relatively slight elevation of the oxygen consumption rate, indicating a partial block of the stimulating effect of glucose on the islet respiration. The results support the view that the diabetogenic effect of glucosamine is caused in part by a direct interference with the glucose utilization in the pancreatic B-cell, resulting in a diminished insulin release.
EVALUATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LONG-ACTING THYROID STIMULATOR, CLINICAL AND BIOLOGICAL THYROTOXICOSIS AND EXOPHTHALMOS
Authors: Bonnyns M. , Demeester-Mirkine N. , Calay R. , Bastenie P. A.
Published: December 2008

Long-Acting Thyroid Stimulator (LATS) determinations were performed on the unconcentrated serum of 92 hyperthyroid patients, using the slightly modified method of McKenzie. A positive LATS response was found in 27 per cent of patients with active thyrotoxicosis, in 55 per cent of patients with residual hyperthyroidism after 131 iodine therapy, in 63 per cent of patients with progressive exophthalmos and in 4 of the 4 patients with pretibial myxoedema. In active thyrotoxicosis, the incidence of LATS was the same in the untreated patients (26%) as in the patients insufficiently treated with antithyroid drugs (27%). In untreated and insufficiently treated patients, exophthalmos, LATS and thyroglobulin antibodies (TGA) were more frequently found in the younger patients. There was a quantitative correlation between the response to LATS and pretibial myxoedema. No relation was found between level of LATS and the severity of ocular signs in progressive exophthalmos or between level of LATS and the biological parameters of the thyroid function in active thyrotoxicosis: cholesterol, PB127I, 131I uptake tests and PB131I. In view of these data, it seems that the relationship of LATS to thyrotoxicosis and/or exophthalmos cannot be considered as a directly causal factor.
EFFECT OF GROWTH HORMONE AND AN ANABOLIC STEROID ON HYDROXYPROLINE IN HEALING DERMAL WOUNDS IN RATS
Authors: Kowalewski K. , Yong S.
Published: December 2008

Various fractions of hydroxyproline were determined in intact skin and in surgical dermal wounds of rats treated or not with one of two hormones: bovine growth hormone and anabolic steroid methandrostenolone. Serum hydroxyproline was also studied in these rats. Sampling was done prior to surgery, and at the end of the first and third weeks following operation. It was assumed that with the methods used, some information may be obtained regarding the synthesis and breakdown of collagen at early stage of wound healing. Presence of dermal wound was associated with significant increase of saline-extractable and total hydroxyproline in the skin distant from the healing wound. These fractions were also elevated in the scars. Growth hormone produced a significant increase in all extractable fractions and total hydroxyproline of both skin and scar. Serum hydroxyproline was also elevated in rats treated with growth hormone. These changes were considered due to the action of growth hormone on both synthesis and breakdown of collagen. The action of anabolic steroid on tissue hydroxyproline was generally comparable to that of growth hormone, but was much less marked. Methandrostenolone did not affect serum hydroxyproline content under the conditions of this experiment.
HYPOTHALAMO-PITUITARY-ADRENAL RESPONSE DURING MAJOR SURGICAL STRESS
Authors: Asfeldt Vivian H. , Elb Soren
Published: December 2008

Fluorometric determinations of plasma corticosteroids were done during major surgical procedures on 28 patients with normal adrenal function. All the patients received pethidine as preoperative medication. The operations were performed under halothane-N2O-O2 anaesthesia.

Fifteen patients served as controls. Thirteen patients received 1 mg dexamethasone i. m. 9 hours before the induction of anaesthesia and an additional 8 mg of dexamethasone was administered i. m. 1½ hours before the induction of anaesthesia.

During surgery the mean plasma corticosteroid values in these patients were greatly diminished. However, the mean plasma corticosteroid response to surgery was the same in the control and in the treated group of patients, indicating that suppression by dexamethasone has no influence on the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal response to major acute stress.
PITUITARY-ADRENAL FUNCTION IN PATIENTS GIVEN LONG-TERM ADRENAL STEROID THERAPY
Authors: Jakobson Theodor , Sundberg Marcus , Kotovirta Marja-Liisa , Strandström Leif
Published: December 2008

Pituitary-adrenal function was investigated in 23 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and in 19 patients with bronchial asthma following prolonged glucocorticoid therapy. The duration of continuous treatment varied from 2 months to 15 years and the total dose of steroids from 400 mg to 54 g of prednisolone or its equivalent. After treatment had been discontinued, pituitary ACTH-reserve was estimated by means of an oral metyrapone test and adrenal response to ACTH by means of an intravenous or intramuscular ACTH-test. The pituitary ACTH-response was evaluated by determining the increment in the excretion of 11-deoxy-17-hydroxycorticosteroids during the administration of the metyrapone blocking agent and adrenal response to ACTH by the excretion of 11-oxygenated corticosteroids.

The reduction of the metyrapone and ACTH responses were found to be related to the duration of prednisolone treatment as well as to the daily and total administered dose, although a marked individual variation in several instances could be observed in the degree of suppression of endogenous ACTH or corticosteroid production. Deficient metyrapone and ACTH responses were more frequently encountered in bronchial asthma than in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who had received comparable doses of glucocorticoids during similar periods. No negative metyrapone tests, however, in either group of patients were obtained for 12 months or unless the total dose of steroids administered was at least 3.5 g of prednisolone or its equivalent. Most patients who showed reduced adrenocortical response to ACTH had received large total doses of corticosteroids and the lowest total dose on which a subnormal ACTH-response was observed was 6 g.

The results demonstrate that both pituitary ACTH-reserve and adrenocortical response to ACTH can be reduced by long-term adrenal steroid therapy, although the loss of pituitary ACTH-response occurs earlier during the course of treatment.
CORTISOLWIRKUNGEN AUF DEN PROTEINUND ENERGIESTOFFWECHSEL IN DER PERIPHERIE
Authors: Kröner H. , Staib W.
Published: December 2008

By measuring protein, RNA and DNA in skeletal muscle and spleen we were unable to demonstrate an enhanced catabolism due to cortisol. On the other hand we could demonstrate a reduced anabolism by diminished incorporation of 14C labelled leucin in protein of muscle, spleen and skin. Simultaneously an increase of ATP and an equivalent decrease of ADP were found in connective tissue, which were regarded as a consequence of reduced energy consumption. In skeletal muscle a decrease of energy consumption due to cortisol was only indirect demonstrable by reduced glycolysis when oxidative metabolism was eliminated for a short time. It seems obvious, that inhibition of protein synthesis causes the diminished energy consumption.
FOLLICLE-STIMULATING HORMONE AND LUTEINIZING HORMONE IN SERUM DURING THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE DETERMINED BY RADIOIMMUNOASSAY
Authors: Taymor Melvin L. , Aono Toshihiro , Pheteplace Carolyn
Published: December 2008

The serum levels of FSH and LH were determined in 11 normal menstrual cycles by radioimmunoassay. The results of LH assay demonstrated a consistent pattern with a sharp 3 to 4 fold increase occurring on the average 13.9 days before the next menses. The changes in FSH levels during the cycle were neither as marked nor as consistent. Three distinct patterns seemed to emerge. However, the mean levels of FSH from the 11 cycles demonstrated a significant high level 12 days before, a low level 1 day before and another rise 1 day after the midcycle peak of LH.
GROWTH HORMONE-RELEASING ACTIVITY IN THE HYPOTHALAMI OF KITTENS WITH LESIONS OF THE REGION OF THE PARAVENTRICULAR NUCLEI
Authors: Sawano S. , Arimura A. , Schally A. V. , Saito T. , Bowers C. Y. , O'Brien C. P. , Bach L. M. N.
Published: December 2008

An attempt was made to evaluate the growth hormone (GH)-releasing activity in extracts of the stalk-median eminence region (SME) from kittens with bilateral lesions of the paraventricular nuclei, which showed a marked growth retardation, and from sham-operated animals. SME extract from the sham-operated control kittens induced a significant decrease in pituitary GH content. However, SME extract from kittens with bilateral lesions in the region of the paraventricular nuclei failed to induce the depletion of pituitary GH content. The cerebral cortical extracts from both groups elicited no effect on pituitary GH. These results show that the hypothalamus of the lesioned kittens has no GH-releasing activity, i. e. GH-releasing factor (GRF) is lacking. This suggests that, in kittens, the area of the paraventricular nuclei plays an important role in the synthesis of GRF, so that destruction of this area causes growth impairment.
A 30 YEARS FOLLOW-UP STUDY OF A CASE OF CURED HYPERPARATHYROIDISM
Authors: Friderichsen C. , Rosendal Th.
Published: December 2008

Atypical tetany in an infant led to the examination of the mother, who proved to be suffering from latent osteitis fibrosa and mild nephrocalcinosis. She was cured, before any symptom had appeared, by removal of a parathyroid adenoma in 1936.

19 and 30 years after the operation, follow-up X-rays of the mother were obtained. There were still the same calcified deposits in the kidneys, and the bony cysts had only partially healed. The mother had been feeling perfectly well throughout these 30 years.

To obtain an early diagnosis the authors suggest a routine test for serum calcium in any clinical examination of patients with a not quite evident syndrome, concurrently with examination of the urine for protein and determination of haemoglobin (venipuncture). This should apply particularly to any case of haematuria or renal colic, not only in hospital, but also in general practice.
EFFECT OF THE URINARY INHIBITOR ON THE UTERINE WEIGHT RESPONSE TO GONADOTROPHINS
Authors: Hipkin L. J.
Published: December 2008

A boiled kaolin acetone extract of urine inhibited the activity of small doses of chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG), pregnant mares' serum gonadotrophin (PMS) and urinary pituitary gonadotrophin in the immature mouse uterus assay. Bigger doses of these gonadotrophins were not affected. The gonadotrophin inhibitory material (GIM) did not affect the uterine weight response to pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) or oestrone. It was noted that the gonadotrophin inhibitory effects of GIM were very similar to the reports of inhibition of gonadotrophins in hypophysectomised animals. It was therefore postulated that GIM inhibits the endogenous gonadotrophin secretion which is necessary for the activity of certain gonadotrophins at low doses. In support of this hypothesis it was found that HCG was not inhibited by GIM if the animals were also given FSH.

The conclusion that GIM acts by inhibiting endogenous gonadotrophin is contrary to the normally accepted view that GIM inhibits exogenous HCG or luteinising hormone directly.
PLACENTAL TRANSFER OF OESTRIOL GLUCOSIDURONATES
Authors: Goebelsmann U. , Wiqvist N. , Diczfalusy E.
Published: December 2008

Two human placentas were perfused in situ at midpregnancy with a combination of oestriol-15-3H-3-glucosiduronate (OE3-3Gl) and oestriol-16-14C-16-glucosiduronate (OE3-16Gl) and the radioactive material recovered from the placentas, perfusates and urine specimens was analysed. Only 1 to 2 per cent of the tracers administered was recovered from the urine; the bulk of the administered material was found in the perfusates and placentas.

Under the experimental conditions used, no evidence for the metabolism of the two conjugates was found. The OE33Gl isolated from the three sources contained only 3H-label, and the OE3-16Gl only 14C-label. Whereas the evidence indicating the placental transfer of OE3-16Gl in an unchanged form is circumstantial, conclusive evidence is presented that OE3-3Gl is transferred across the placenta without hydrolysis.
THE URINARY EXCRETION OF TESTOSTERONE AND EPITESTOSTERONE IN FEMALES FOLLOWING INTRAVENOUS INFUSIONS OF TESTOSTERONE BEFORE AND DURING TREATMENT WITH AN ANTI-ANDROGEN (CYPROTERONE)
Authors: Tamm J. , Beischer W.
Published: December 2008

Intravenous infusions of 10 mg testosterone (T) in two females (one of them adrenalectomized for Cushing's syndrome) resulted in an increased urinary excretion of T-glucuronide, whereas the excretion of epitestosterone (ET)-glucuronide was not altered significantly. The excretion of T-sulphate increased only slightly. During treatment with 100 mg Cyproterone p. d. a marked elevation of urinary T and ET excretion occurred. A slight increase in unconjugated T and ET was also observed. A second T infusion during Cyproterone treatment did not lead to a further increase of urinary T-glucuronide, but there was a slight increase in urinary excretion of ET-glucuronide and of T-sulphate.
DPN- AND TPN-17β-HYDROXY-C19-STEROID DEHYDROGENASES; INTRACELLULAR LOCALIZATION IN DOG PROSTATE
Authors: Hussein Kamiel A. , Kochakian Charles D.
Published: December 2008

Both the DPN- and TPN-linked 17β-hydroxy-C19-steroid dehydrogenase activities of the dog prostate were localized in the microsomal fraction. The usual procedure of tissue fractionation resulted in a loss of DNA from the nuclei and an unsatisfactory separation of the subcellular components. Initial homogenization in 2.2 m sucrose, however, not only yielded clean nuclei but also permitted an effective separation of the mitochondrial, microsomal, and soluble fractions. The completeness of the separations was characterized by the determination of protein, DNA, RNA, succinic dehydrogenase and esterase activities of each fraction. The microsomal preparation retained its dehydrogenase activity on storage at –20° C. It did not metabolize the 3α-hydroxy- or the Δ5-3β-hydroxy groups. The pH of maximum activity was slightly different in the presence of DPN (10.6) than in TPN (10.2). The two coenzymes competed for the active site on the dehydrogenase. The Km value for the substrate (testosterone) was the same in the presence of each coenzyme, but the maximum activity was approximately three times greater with DPN than TPN.
ANDROGEN TREATMENT WITHOUT INHIBITING EFFECT ON HYPOPHYSIS AND MALE GONADS
Authors: Petry R. , Rausch-Stroomann J.-G. , Hienz H. A. , Senge Th. , Mauss J.
Published: December 2008

Up to the present only C17-alkylated testosterone- and androstenediolderivates have been used for oral androgen treatment. These steroids given in higher doses or for longer periods all have an inhibitory effect on gonadotrophin secretion of the hypophysis and on the testicular tissue. Investigations with Mesterolone (1-methyl-androstane-17β-ol-3-one), a new androgen, are described. Like other investigators we did not find any inhibitory effect on gonadotrophin-secretion and on the number of spermatozoa. We further showed that there is no effect on the testicular tissue when Mesterolone is given up to a total dose of 12 570 mg over 4 months. 17-ketosteroid excretion in the urine is increased by the metabolite 1α-methyl-androsterone. 17-ketogenic steroids are also increased, and this cannot be explained at present. There is no impairment of hepatic function. The androgenic effect of Mesterolone is good. The absence of inhibition of gonadotrophin-secretion by Mesterolone could be explained by the fact, that the ring A in the steroid molecule is saturated. This kind of steroid cannot be aromatized to oestrogens, which have the greatest inhibiting effect on the gonadotrophin-function of the hypophysis.
ACUTE ENZYME HISTOCHEMICAL CHANGES IN THE ZONA GLOMERULOSA OF THE RAT ADRENAL CORTEX
Authors: Elema J. D. , Hardonk M. J. , Koudstaal Joh. , Arends A.
Published: December 2008

In order to evaluate a possible role of the renin-angiotensin system in enzyme histochemical changes of the rat adrenal cortex seen after acute hyponatraemia, the effect of a preceding total nephrectomy was investigated. By this procedure it was found that the alterations were largely inhibited. The results therefore favour a role of the renin-angiotensin system in these changes. Moreover it was found that bilateral nephrectomy alone also induced an enhanced zona glomerulosa activity which may be due to a direct effect of changes in potassium homoeostasis.
MECHANISM OF GOITROGENESIS BY VERY LOW DOSES OF PROPYLTHIOURACIL AND THE ROLE OF IODINE INTAKE
Authors: Herrera Emilio , del Rey Francisco Escobar , de Escobar Gabriella Morreale
Published: December 2008

The effects of the daily feeding of 6 μg of propylthiouracil1/rat for about two weeks on the thyroid of animals maintained on different levels of iodine intake (from 0.5–3.6 μg/day/100 g BW) have been investigated. We have confirmed previous observations by other authors (Yamada & Schichijo 1962; Greer et al. 1962) showing that very low doses of PTU increase thyroid weight in rats on a low iodine supply without necessarily decreasing their rather low plasma PBI or their high thyroidal 131I uptake, and that the same doses no longer have an effect on thyroid weight if the iodine intake is raised. In the present experiments this occurred when the iodine intake was raised to about 1.2–1.3 μg/day/100 g BW. As shown here, it is unlikely that these low doses of PTU block synthesis of the thyroid hormones. They do, however, slightly inhibit the extrathyroidal deiodination of T4 and they probably trigger thyrotrophin (TSH) release from the pituitary gland. The present findings are compatible with the view that very small doses of PTU can be goitrogenic if the rats are on an iodine intake which is barely adequate for normal peripheral requirements, because these are increased chronically, even if slightly. Because of the low iodine stores the thyroid would then be unable to compensate for these increased hormone requirements. Even a small increase of available iodine may avoid this situation so that the effects of the low PTU doses are no longer detectable either in the plasma TSH activity or in the thyroid weight. The low PTU doses used here appear to hasten and aggravate a situation which would eventually develop from a more prolonged or a more severe degree of iodine deficiency only. The experimental situation induced by these low PTU doses might serve as an interesting model system for the study of simple goitre in areas in which iodine deficiency is not too extreme.
IODATION DE PROTEINES DE LA THYROIDE HUMAINE (NORMALE ET PATHOLOGIQUE)
Authors: Etling N. , Martin A. , Vallée G. , Lachiver F.
Published: December 2008

The radioiodine distribution between the different soluble thyroid proteins was studied after 125I administration, in normal human thyroid tissues and in several pathological tissues, by sucrose gradient ultra-centrifugation.

In normal human, the most part of the radioactivity is bound to 19 S thyroglobulin, and also, for a small percentage, to 12 S and 27 S proteins. The repartition seems similar from 2 hours to 7 days after isotope administration.

The stable iodine proportion bound to the proteins precipitating between 35–50 per cent of ammonium sulfate saturation is almost the same as the radioactive iodine percentage precipitating in the same zone.

In the pathological thyroids, the radioactivity distribution between the 12, 19 and 27 S proteins gives normal results in toxic adenoma, simple goiter and in a tumour, but is different from normal results in a Hashimoto thyroiditis.
METABOLIC CLEARANCE OF HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHIN ADMINISTERED TO NON PREGNANT WOMEN
Authors: Wide L. , Johannisson E. , Tillinger K.-G. , Diczfalusy E.
Published: December 2008

A large single dose (94 000 to 131 000 IU) of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) was administered intravenously to three amenorrhoeic women and the plasma levels and urinary elimination of HCG were followed by a bioassay method and a radioimmunoassay procedure in parallel.

There was a close agreement between the estimates of HCG obtained by the two methods in the urine, but not in the plasma, where bioassays gave significantly (P < 0.001) higher estimates of potency than immunoassays. The disappearance rate of the injected HCG from the plasma was calculated on the assumption that the logarithm of the plasma concentration of HCG is linearly related to the time elapsed following its administration. There was a satisfactory parallelism between the regression lines obtained by the two methods. The half-life time of administered HCG in circulating plasma varied between 6 and 10 hours, with a mean value of 8 hours.

From the relationship of the initial plasma concentration and dose administered, the plasma distribution volume of the hormone was tentatively calculated. The calculated plasma volumes (1664 ml from bioassays and 3680 ml from immunoassays) suggested that the bioassays gave most probably an overestimate and the immunoassays an underestimate of the HCG present in the plasma. On the basis of different assumptions it was calculated that the metabolic clearance rate of HCG was around 4 ml/min. The urinary excretion of the administered HCG by the three subjects amounted to 21 to 22 per cent of the injected material, estimated both by the bioassay and immunoassay methods. The renal clearance of the injected hormone was 0.36 ml/min when calculated from the bioassay data and 0.70 ml/min on the basis of immunoassays.

Since the half-life time of circulating HCG is considerably longer than that reported for human luteinising hormone of pituitary origin, it should be realized that repeated daily injections of HCG will result in a progressive accumulation of the hormone in the circulation.
BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF THREE OVULATION INDUCERS, STILBOESTROL, CLOMIPHENE AND F 6066
Authors: Watnick A. S. , Neri R. O.
Published: December 2008

In the anovulatory pseudopregnant rat, stilboestrol and F 6066 induced ovulation. The increased ovulation seen with clomiphene treatment was not statistically significant.

In castrated rats, F 6066 and clomiphene are weak oestrogens relative to stilboestrol. The »anti-oestrogenic« action of clomiphene and F 6066 was demonstrated by their ability to block the uterotrophic activity of stilboestrol in castrated rats. Clomiphene proved a more potent anti-oestrogen than F 6066.

In rats, stilboestrol and clomiphene are relatively potent, orally active contraceptives, and they are equally potent given before or after ovulation. F 6066, on the other hand, is a weak contraceptive.

Stilboestrol is reported to block progesterone-induced endometrial proliferation in the rabbit. F 6066 also has this property while clomiphene, at the doses tested, does not.

It is concluded that clomiphene and F 6066 have similar oestrogenic profiles with different potencies. Further, there appears to be no potency relationship from test to test. Ovulation induction in pseudopregnant rats by F 6066 and clomiphene does not appear to be related to their antioestrogenic activities.
URINARY EXCRETION OF ANDROSTENEDIONE, TESTOSTERONE, EPITESTOSTERONE AND DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE DURING THE NORMAL MENSTRUAL CYCLE
Authors: Longhino N. , Tajić M. , Vedriš M. , Janković D. , Drobnjak P.
Published: December 2008

The urinary excretion of total androstenedione i. e. free, glucosiduronide and sulphate, testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone during two normal menstrual cycle is presented. Epitestosterone was determinated during one cycle only. Both cycles were ovulatory as can be seen from the pregnanediol and oestriol determinations.

The androstenedione and testosterone excretion values showed a caracteristic decrease from 12th to 16th day and an increase during the luteal phases, reaching their maximal levels between the 20th and 25th (cycle A) and 20th and 24th day (cycle B) respectively. The excretion values of epitestosterone were highest on 22nd and 23rd day. Dehydroepiandrosterone values were also slightly raised during the luteal phase of the cycle.
IN VITRO METABOLISM OF OESTROGENS IN LIVER TISSUE FROM DOMESTIC ANIMALS
Authors: Lyngset Olav , Velle Weiert
Published: December 2008

Tissue slices from horse, dog, pig, cow, sheep and goat livers were incubated aerobically with oestrone, 17β-oestradiol or 17α-oestradiol for 1 hour. Metabolites were characterized by thin layer chromatography, and colour and fluorescence reaction. In addition metabolites were quantitatively determined.

Oestrone gave rise to: 17β-oestradiol (horse, pig, cow) and 17α-oestradiol (cow, sheep, goat).

17β-oestradiol gave rise to: oestrone (horse, pig, dog, cow, sheep, goat) and 17α-oestradiol (cow, sheep, goat).

17α-oestradiol gave rise to: oestrone (cow, sheep, goat).
OVERWEIGHT IN OFFSPRING OF CORTISONE-TREATED PREGNANT RATS
Authors: Angervall Lennart , Martinsson Alf
Published: December 2008

Pregnant albino rats were given 0.75 mg cortisone intramuscularly twice daily from the 12th to the 22nd day of pregnancy. The gestation period was 522 hours. The offspring of these rats were significantly heavier and longer than control offspring. The maternal adrenals and thymus were atrophied and the foetal adrenals were hypoplastic owing to the passage of cortisone through the placenta. For chemical analysis the offspring were divided into groups weighing more than and less than 4.50 g. It turned out that the heavier offspring in the cortisone group had significantly more total lipids and neutral fat than the controls at equal body weights. The lighter offspring in the cortisone group had significantly less neutral fat at equal body weights. No significant differences were found in cholesterol, phospholipids and water content at equal body weights. The total nitrogen content was similar at equal body weights and proportional to the weight excess of the offspring in the cortisone group. Possible mechanisms responsible for the overweight are discussed. This mechanism could be similar to that responsible for foetal overweight in diabetic pregnancy.
DIAGNOSIS OF CUSHING'S SYNDROME
Authors: Bethge H. , Bayer M. , Winkelmann W.
Published: December 2008

Adrenal function tests were performed in 9 patients with Cushing's syndrome (6 with adrenal hyperplasia and 3 with adrenal adenoma) in order to study the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal system. These tests involved the determination of a) diurnal rhythm of plasma corticosteroids (11-OHCS) and the effect of corticotrophin (ACTH) and dexamethasone administration, b) urinary corticosteroid excretion (17-OHCS), basal and after ACTH, dexamethasone and metapyrapone treatment and c) cortisol production rate. In addition the patients were submitted to insulin-induced hypoglycaemia and intravenous infusion of synthetic lysine-vasopressin and the plasma corticosteroids were determined. All 9 patients regardless of the nature of adrenal pathology responded to insulin-induced hypoglycaemia in the same manner and failed to show the normal increase of 11-OHCS. During lysine-vasopressin infusion an opposite effect was observed: all 6 patients with hyperplasia showed a distinct rise in plasma corticosteroids in contrast to the 3 patients with adenoma who did not respond at all. These findings show that the lysine-vasopressin test may be very useful in differentiating between adrenal hyperplasia and adrenal adenoma. This procedure is recommended as a screening test because of its simplicity and high degree of diagnostic accuracy. Results are discussed with regard to the different pathogenesis of the two forms of Cushing's syndrome.