bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SENSITIVITY OF THE RAT DIAPHRAGM TO GROWTH HORMONE.
Authors: Hjalmarson Å. , Ahrén K.
Published: December 2008

The effect of growth hormone (GH) in vitro on the rate of intracellular accumulation of the non-utilizable amino acid α-aminoisobutyric acid (AIB) was studied in the intact rat diaphragm preparation.

Bovine or ovine GH (25 μg/ml incubation medium) markedly stimulated the accumulation of AIB-14C by diaphragms from hypophysectomized rats, while there was no or only a very slight effect on diaphragms from normal rats. In diaphragms from rats with the pituitary gland autotransplanted to the kidney capsule GH in vitro stimulated the accumulation of AIB-14C significantly more than in diaphragms from normal rats but significantly less than in diaphragms from hypophysectomized rats. Injections of GH intramuscularly for 4 days to hypophysectomized rats made the diaphragms from these rats less sensitive or completely insensitive to GH in vitro.

These results indicate strongly that the relative insensitivity to GH in vitro of diaphragms from normal rats is due to the fact that the muscle tissues from these rats has been exposed to the endogenously secreted GH. The results show that GH can influence the accumulation of AIB-14C in the isolated rat diaphragm in two different ways giving an acute or »stimulatory« effect and a late or »inhibitory« effect, and that it seems to be a time-relationship between these two effects of the hormone.
PROGRESS OF PREGNANCY AND FOETAL MORPHOLOGY AFTER EARLY PITUITARY TRANSPLANTATION AND HORMONAL THERAPY IN THE RAT
Authors: Carpent G. , Desclin L.
Published: December 2008

We have previously reported that, in the rat, pituitary transplantation performed on the 1st day of gestation, occasionally leads to nidations that are usually delayed and sometimes asynchronous; however, pregnancy is not usually maintained beyond implantation, and few foetuses survive to term. Under these conditions we were unable to ascertain whether the hormonal imbalance of gestation due to the pituitary transplantation, could have a teratogenic effect.

To improve the endocrine conditions prevailing after pituitary transplantation, and in the hope of increasing the foetal material available for the search of embryopathies, we have given various substitution treatments during the pre-implantation period to pregnant rats, hypophysectomized and grafted with a pituitary gland under the kidney capsule, between the 1st and the 4th day of gestation.

Progesterone does not modify the effect exerted by the pituitary transplantation on the mechanism of ovo-implantation: as in hypophysectomized, grafted, untreated animals, nidations are not numerous and generally delayed. Implantation is only favoured by treatments including oestrogens: nidations occur frequently at the normal time. Nevertheless, this beneficial effect of oestrogens is not constant and is closely dependent on the nature of the injected oestrogen, the time of the treatment and the strain of rats used.

Maintenance of pregnancy is rare, regardless of the treatments administered. In the surviving foetuses, the rate of visceral malformations is markedly and significantly increased. The cause of these embryopathies remains debatable: they may be due to a toxic effect of oestrogens, acting directly on the conceptus, or they may result from the hormonal imbalance of pregnancy, induced by the pituitary transplantation and ineffective substitution treatments.
AN ANALOGUE COMPUTER MODEL FOR THE INSULIN RESPONSE TO GLUCOSE INFUSION
Authors: Cerasi Erol , Andersson Bertil
Published: December 2008

An analogue computer model has been constructed for the analysis of the interrelationship between blood glucose and plasma insulin concentrations during glucose infusion. The model presented gives quantitative information on the effect of plasma insulin on glucose uptake, the total amount of glucose taken up by the tissues at a given time, the effect of blood glucose on the release of stored and newly formed insulin, and the rapidity by which plasma insulin is increased in response to hyperglycaemia.

Such an analogue computer model might be a useful tool in the investigation of the various dynamic factors involved in the glucose – insulin interrelationship.
BODY CELL MASS DURING LONG-TERM CORTISONE TREATMENT IN ASTHMATIC SUBJECTS
Authors: Lindholm Björn
Published: December 2008

The body cell mass (BCM) was estimated from determinations of the total exchangeable potassium (Ke) in 66 patients with severe bronchial asthma requiring long-term treatment with daily doses of glucocorticoids equivalent to 25–75 mg of cortisone. Thirty subjects had been treated with cortisone for more than six years (2–12 years) prior to the present study. The remaining thirty-six patients were studied at the beginning of the cortisone treatment period. Twenty-two patients from both groups were followed during more than two years of daily cortisone therapy by repeated, paired Ke-determinations.

Ke was determined by the isotope dilution technique. In all, 297 such determinations were performed by oral administration of 42K, allowing the isotope to equilibrate for 45 hours.

The initial body content of Ke in male and female subjects with or without several years of previous cortisone therapy did not differ from normal subjects, when related to body weight and age. A statistical analysis revealed a significant increase in the total exchangeable potassium of both male and female subjects during treatment with cortisone. None of the patients showed significantly decreasing Ke-values during the longitudinal study. Body weight showed a covariation with Ke but did not, on an average, increase significantly with time. Cortisone induced osteoporosis was found in twelve subjects. Taken as a group, these subjects showed normal values of Ke, when related to body weight and age. Apparently, bone atrophy can develop during cortisone treatment without concomitant atrophy of the BCM.
INSULIN RESPONSE TO GLUCOSE INFUSION IN DIABETIC AND NON-DIABETIC MONOZYGOTIC TWIN PAIRS. GENETIC CONTROL OF INSULIN RESPONSE?
Authors: Cerasi Erol , Luft Rolf
Published: December 2008

The insulin response during a standardized glucose infusion (GIT) was studied in a group of 13 monozygotic twin pairs previously registered as consisting of one diabetic/one non-diabetic member. At the time of the study three of the non-diabetic subjects had developed overt diabetes and three decreased glucose tolerance only.

Of the non-diabetic members all but one (with diabetes due possibly to chronic pancreatitis in the sibling) showed an insulin response similar to that seen in diabetic subjects, and in healthy subjects previously assumed to be potential diabetics. The present study therefore supports our earlier suggestion that a low insulin response characterizes potential diabetes.

There was a striking similarity between the insulin curves in the twin pairs, irrespective whether diabetes occurred in one, in both or in none of the members.

It is suggested as a working hypothesis that the type of insulin response to glucose infusion is genetically determined, and that a low insulin response is a prerequisite for the development of diabetes mellitus.
A CLINICAL AND HISTOCHEMICAL STUDY OF DISORDERS OF THE HUMAN TESTES
Authors: Koudstaal Joh. , Frensdorf E. L. , Kremer J. , Mudde J. M. , Hardonk M. J.
Published: December 2008

The testes of 50 subfertile and infertile males were investigated by clinical and histochemical methods. The enzyme activity per cell of interstitial cells of normal and abnormal testes was about the same. The output of the gonadotrophins of men with seriously damaged testes may be increased; the output of the oestrogens was normal and the output of 17-ketosteroids was normal or slightly decreased. Some of these patients showed a poor development of growth of the beard. The Sertoli cell is very resistant to atrophy and keeps a high enzyme activity for a long time. Besides an inhibiting effect of the steroids produced in the interstitial cells, it is also possible that under normal circumstances an inhibiting substance is produced in the Sertoli cells, which is necessary for a harmonious balance between hypophysis and testes.
STUDIES ON THE MECHANISM OF NIDATION. XXVIII.
Authors: Lobel Bertha L. , Levy Emilia , Kisch E. S. , Shelesnyak M. C.
Published: December 2008

The origin of the uterine eosinophilic granulocytes in the rat has been investigated. Following ovariectomy the uteri of cyclic rats become depleted of eosinophilic granulocytes within two weeks. Administration of oestrogen to female rats three weeks after ovariectomy was followed by marked uterine eosinophilia within 48 hours. When ovariectomized rats were given tritiated thymidine (precursor for DNA) for a period of six days, autoradiographs of smears of bone marrow and peripheral blood showed that the nucleated elements were labelled, but at the same time tritiated thymidine was not incorporated in the uterus, except in some epithelial cells of lumen and glands. Following administration of oestrogen after cessation of the treatment with tritiated thymidine, eosinophilia was induced in the uteri of the ovariectomized rats. All the infiltrating eosinophilic granulocytes were labelled, indicating that these cells had originated from the bone marrow and had infiltrated the uterus under the influence of oestrogen. The conclusion is reached that the eosinophilic granulocytes which appear periodically in the uterus of the rat in certain physiological states (e. g. oestrus of the normal cycle) originate from haematopoetic sites in the bone marrow, and are not produced locally from cells within the uterus itself.
EFFECT OF CORTISONE ON PLASMA VOLUME, TOTAL BLOOD VOLUME AND SERUM PROTEIN
Authors: Blomstedt B.
Published: December 2008

The effect of short-term administration of large doses of cortisone acetate on the plasma volume, total blood volume and serum protein in man was studied. During the period of administration there was a significant increase in the plasma volume (P < 0.001), the total blood volume (P < 0.001), and the absolute amount of serum protein (P < 0.001). Three days after withdrawing the cortisone, the values had returned to the pretreatment levels.
FURTHER STUDIES ON THE RATE OF DISAPPEARANCE OF LABELLED THYROXINE FROM THE INTRAVASCULAR COMPARTMENT OF MAN, WITH REFERENCE TO THE ROLE OF THYROXINE BINDING PROTEINS
Authors: Webster Brian R. , Britton Amy , Volpé Robert , Ezrin Calvin
Published: December 2008

The disappearance of an intravenously injected tracer dose of 131I-labelled L-thyroxine from the circulation has been followed for 70 minutes. We have confirmed that the most significant separation between euthyroid subjects and patients with hyperthyroidism or myxoedema is given by the single exponential slope of the regression of blood radioactivity occurring between 20 and 50 minutes after T4* injection. This slope is referred to as the acute T4* half-time.

When there is no alteration in total TBG the acute T4* half-time is closely related to the plasma BEI concentration. Increase in the latter due to Graves' disease, toxic nodular goitre, or exogenous administration of thyroxine or desiccated thyroid, results in a comparable acceleration in the acute T4* half-time compared to the value in euthyroid control subjects. Conversely patients with a low BEI due to primary or radioactive iodine induced myxoedema all have a significantly slow acute T4* half-time compared to normal subjects. There was no specific abnormality in the handling of thyroxine by patients with Graves' disease in contrast to the earlier findings of Lennon et al. (1961).

Hypermetabolism per se does not affect the acute T4* half-time. The administration of pharmacological doses of triiodothyronine, unlike similar doses of thyroxine, failed to affect the acute T4* half-time.

The acute T4* half-time is consistently related in an inverse manner to the concentration of unsaturated thyroxine-binding sites in association with TBG. These data show no such correlation between TBPA binding and the acute T4 half-time.

Synthetic oestrogen, by increasing the unsaturated thyroxine-binding capacity of TBG, produces a profound slowing of the acute T4* halftime.
COMPOSITION OF 131I RADIOACTIVITY IN PLASMA IN NORMAL AND ABNORMAL THYROID FUNCTION*
Authors: Emrich Dieter , Uhl Nikolaus
Published: December 2008

The 131I radioactivity of plasma in 55 patients with normal and abnormal thyroid function was determined by means of paper chromatography. The determinations were carried out between 2 and 111 hours after diagnostic (300 μc) and therapeutic doses of radioactive iodine. The following results were obtained:

Mainly the relative concentration of 131I-triiodothyronine (131I-T3) was dependent on the time interval after the administration of 131I.

The relative concentration of 131I-thyroxine (131I-T4) and 131I-T3 seemed to be independent of the dose of 131I administered.

In hyperthyroidism the relative percentage of 131I-thyroxine was not changed as compared with that in euthyroid patients whereas the relative percentage of 131I-triiodothyronine showed an increase during the whole period of observation. Its decrease with the clinical improvement of hyperthyroidism was statistically not significant.

Evidence was obtained that thyrotrophin (TSH) altered the 131I-T4/131I-T3 ratio in favour of 131I-T3 in human subjects.

The incidence of detectable 131I-labelled iodotyrosines appeared to depend on the dose of 131I and the thyroid activity, but their share (the average not exceeding 6%) of the total radioactivity of plasma was independent of the amount of 131I administered.
FURTHER STUDIES ON A THYROID STIMULATING FACTOR IN CRUDE CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHIN PREPARATIONS AND IN URINE
Authors: Burger A. , Kunz R.
Published: December 2008

Urine from pregnant women was concentrated by a kaolin-acetone method and tested by the McKenzie bioassay (1958) for thyrotrophin (TSH). Only small responses, without any dose-response curve were found. However, more purified proteins, recovered from an intermediate step in human urinary chorionic gonadotrophin (crude HCG) purification and supplied by Organon, Holland, produced much higher biological responses, when tested in corresponding concentrations. Yet, even here, no straight dose-response curve was obtained and the responses were more prolonged at higher concentrations. As described before (Burger 1967), thyroid stimulating factor in purified human urinary chorionic gonadotrophin (TSF in HCG) produced a straight dose-response curve. In gel filtration studies, TSF in HCG together with the bulk of urinary proteins were eluted more rapidly than bovine TSH (BTSH), suggesting a higher molecular weight of TSF in HCG preparations. By double diffusion technique, uromucoid could be demonstrated immunologically in crude and in purified HCG.

To explain the different biological responses in crude and purified urinary proteins in the McKenzie bioassay and the different elution patterns in gel filtration studies with TSF in HCG and TSH, the following hypothesis is advanced: In urine TSH is bound to urinary proteins, possibly to uromucoid, which interfere with its biological activity. The biological activity is regained by purification.
INDIREKTE NIERENPERFUSION MIT DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERON UND SEINEN KONJUGATEN BEIM MEERSCHWEINCHEN
Authors: Rindt W. , Oertel G. W.
Published: December 2008

Upon a single perfusion of the guinea pig kidney with DHEA and its conjugates distinct differences in the retention of injected material was observed. 32% of the free steroid, 43% of DHEA-sulfatide, 14% of DHEA-sulfate and 1% of DHEA-glucuronoside were taken up by renal tissue.
ADRENAL AND OVARIAN TESTS IN FEMALE HIRSUTISM
Authors: Reforzo-Membrives J. , Rocca D. Z. , Enriori C. L. , Mazza S. C.
Published: December 2008

The role of the adrenal cortex and the ovary in hirsutism was studied by estimating the urinary neutral 17-ketosteroids before and after suppression with dexamethasone, and following the administration of HCG to patients while still on dexamethasone treatment. Studies were performed in 11 non hirsute normally menstruating women, 16 women with hirsutism and polycystic ovaries (PO), as demonstrated by gynaecography, and 56 women with hirsutism (H).

Before adrenal suppression the 17-ketosteroids were higher in women with PO and H. After dexamethasone administration, the 17-ketosteroids decreased to more uniform levels similar to those found in normal women. Following stimulation with HCG, the 17-ketosteroids were higher in the former two groups than in normal subjects. In normal women there was no correlation between the values before and after dexamethasone while in women with PO and H a positive correlation was found. The differences between values before and after dexamethasone increased proportionately to the values found before dexamethasone administration; this correlation was more evident in the PO and H groups.

The correlation of values after dexamethasone and after HCG administration was statistically significant in patients with PO and H, but not in normal women. No differences were found between women with PO and H.

These results suggest that there is an increased production by the adrenal cortex and the ovary of androgenic steroids in women with PO and H with no fixed ratio between the contribution of each organ.
ON THE HISTOLOGY OF THE INTERSTITIUM AND THE OCCURRENCE OF STEROIDS IN THE STICKLEBACK (GASTEROSTEUS ACULEATUS L.) TESTIS
Authors: Gottfried H. , van Mullem P. J.
Published: December 2008

This investigation was undertaken to ascertain the relationship between the testicular steroids of teleost fish and the degree of interstitial cell development in the gonad, during a limited period in the reproductive cycle.

Testicular samples obtained from adult Gasterosteus aculeatus without nuptial dress caught during their spawning migration from salt to fresh water were examined histologically. The results indicated complete spermatogenesis with an immature interstitium. Males in this phase were made dominant by exposure to artificial summer temperatures and daylengths, and their gonads were compared with those of non-dominant specimens. Histological evidence indicated large interstitial cells in dominant, and small, developing Leydig cells in the testes of non-dominant fish.

The percentage of non-tubular/total testis tissue, determined histometrically, indicated 28% and 32% respectively, in dominant and non-dominant specimens, probably reflecting changes in glandular activity.

The testicular steroid content of dominant and non-dominant fish was compared by thin-layer purification of testes extracts and gas chromatographic identification and estimation. Testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA) and progesterone occur in the testes of dominant fish. However, gonadal tissue of non-dominants contained no detectable amounts of testosterone, although androstenedione, DHA and progesterone were identified. The testicular steroid level of dominant and non-dominant specimens were compared, and indicated that dominants had 5–7 times the steroid level of non-dominants.
METABOLISM OF OESTRONE GLUCOSIDURONATE AT MIDPREGNANCY
Authors: Zucconi G. , Goebelsmann U. , Wiqvist N. , Diczfalusy E.
Published: December 2008

Oestrone-6,7-3H-glucosiduronate-14C (OE1-3H-Gl-14C) has been prepared biosynthetically and its metabolism studied in two cases of therapeutic abortion following the administration of the tracer at laparotomy into the umbilical vein.

The bulk of the radioactive material recovered was in the foetus and placenta; only small amounts were present in the urine of the mother. Minute quantities of the radioactive material recovered from any of these sources were in an unconjugated form.

Following reduction with KBH4 of the extract of the foetal liver oestriol-3-glucosiduronate (OE3-3Gl) was isolated from this source with the same isotopic ratio as that of the injected material. Following hydrolysis with β-glucuronidase, 3H-labelled oestrone, 17β-oestradiol and oestriol were isolated in a radiochemically homogeneous form from the foetal liver and from the urine of the mother, and oestrone and 17β-oestradiol from the placenta. From the urine of the mothers OE1-3H-Gl-14C was also isolated. It exhibited the same isotopic ratio as the injected material.

Following the intravenous infusion to two women at midpregnancy of a combination of 3H-labelled OE1-Gl and 14C-labelled oestrone sulphate (OE1-S), the tracer administered as OE1-Gl was eliminated in the urine far more rapidly than that infused in the form of OE1-S.

It is concluded that at midpregnancy a) the foetus is capable of metabolizing OE1-Gl without any preceding hydrolysis, b) the placenta exhibits no β-glucuronidase activity, c) only a limited amount of OE1-Gl is transferred from the foeto-placental circulation to the mother and exclusively in an unchanged form, and d) OE1-Gl is eliminated from the maternal circulation much more rapidly than OE1-S.
INCREASED RENAL PHOSPHATE EXCRETION IN CUSHING'S SYNDROME
Authors: Camanni F. , Losana O. , Massara F. , Molinatti G. M.
Published: December 2008

Renal phosphate excretion was measured in 23 cases of Cushing's syndrome using the phosphate excretion index (PEI) described by Nordin & Fraser (1960). The majority of the patients had an increased PEI associated with a tendency towards hypophosphoraemia. Regression of the syndrome due to intrasellar implantation of 90Y or to removal of an adrenal neoplasm led to prompt correction of both the PEI and the phosphoraemia. In patients with adrenal insufficiency the PEI values fell below the lower limit of the normal.
ABSENCE OF RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INDUCED CHANGES IN URINE VOLUME AND CORTISOL SECRETION RATE
Authors: Copinschi G. , Leclercq R. , Cornil A. , Franckson J. R. M.
Published: December 2008

The adrenocortical function has been studied in 10 normal subjects, during periods of oliguria and polyuria successively induced by fluid restriction and water load. There was no relationship between changes in urine volume and the cortisol secretion, its peripheral metabolism or the urinary excretion of its catabolites isolated by chromatography. These data suggest that the previously published relationships between urine volume and urinary steroid excretion were not due to catabolites of cortisol, but to other substances interfering with the reactions of characterization.
STUDIES ON THE METABOLISM OF C-19 STEROIDS IN THE HUMAN FOETO-PLACENTAL UNIT
Authors: Benagiano G. , Kincl F. A. , Zielske F. , Wiqvist N. , Diczfalusy E.
Published: December 2008

3H-labelled androst-4-ene-3,17-dione and 14C-labelled testosterone were administered at laparotomy into the intact foeto-placental circulation and the principal metabolites present in the placenta and various foetal tissues were isolated and identified. Five subjects were investigated; all foetuses were females.

Except in the liver, where there was a complete interconversion, in all tissues more testosterone was converted into androstenedione than vice versa.

The following unconjugated (ether soluble) metabolites were isolated: 5β-androstane-3,17-dione from the liver, gastro-intestinal tract and residual foetal tissues; 3α-hydroxy-5β-androstan-17-one (liver, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, residual foetal tissues); 5β-androstane-3α,17β-diol (liver); 5α-androstane-3,17-dione (lungs, gastro-intestinal tract, residual foetal tissues); 3α-hydroxy-5α-androstan-17-one (lungs, gastro-intestinal tract, residual foetal tissues); 11β-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione (adrenals); oestrone (placenta and combined foetal tissues); 17β-oestradiol (placenta); oestriol (placenta).

The following metabolites were isolated from the conjugated (water soluble) fraction of the liver: testosterone, 3α-hydroxy-5β-androstan-17-one, 3β-hydroxy-5β-androstan-17-one, 5β-androstane-3α,17β-diol, oestrone, 17β-oestradiol, oestriol. In addition, oestrone was isolated from the aqueous phase of the placentas, oestrone, 17β-oestradiol and oestriol from the aqueous phase of the combined foetal tissues, and 15α-hydroxy-oestradiol was detected and characterized in the extracts of placentas and livers.

A high degree of enzymic stereospecificity in the reduction of the administered androstenedione and testosterone was observed in the various foetal tissues: 3α,5β-forms were predominant in the liver, with little, if any 3α,5α-forms present. In the lungs and residual foetal tissues, 3α,5α-products were predominant, whereas in the extracts of the gastrointestinal tract both types of reduction products were present in approximately equal amounts.
STUDIES ON EOSINOPHIL GRANULOCYTES.
Authors: Baker A. P. , Bergman F. , Josefsson B. , Paul K. G.
Published: December 2008

Castrated, adult male rats were given a long-acting androgen in doses that caused a rapid growth of the anterior prostate lobes, the seminal vesicles, and the levator ani muscle. There was no decrease in the number of mast cells, and no increase in the number of eosinophils.
THE ISOLATION OF PROGESTERONE FROM HUMAN PREGNANCY URINE
Authors: Ismail A. A. A. , Harkness R. A.
Published: December 2008

Progesterone was isolated from the »freely extractable« fraction of approximately 50 litres of pregnancy urine. Chemical and physical properties showed that the compound isolated was indeed progesterone.

The isolation procedure involved a modified form of the Girard reaction in which a »conjugated ketone« fraction containing progesterone was separated from both the non-ketonic components and the major bulk of the saturated ketones. This was followed by paper and thin-layer chromatography. The final separation was achieved using preparative gas-liquid chromatography.

It was estimated from the gas-chromatographic peak heights that there was no more than 250 μg of progesterone in the pooled urine residues.
THE EFFECT OF DIPHENYLHYDANTOIN IN VITRO ON THE METABOLISM OF TESTOSTERONE BY RAT LIVER SLICES
Authors: Sholiton Leon J. , Werk Emile E. , MacGee Joseph
Published: December 2008

The metabolism of testosterone-4-14C by rat liver slices has been evaluated with and without the presence of diphenylhydantoin (DPH). Radioactive metabolites were identified by paper chromatography and recrystallization to constant specific activities with appropriate standards. With female rat liver slice incubation, under the conditions utilized, androsterone (A) and allo-tetrahydrotestosterone (allo-THT) is increased 4–5 fold by the presence of DPH. In the male, aetiocholanolone (E) and tetrahydrotestosterone (THT) formation is noted with increased conversion to these in the presence of DPH. It is postulated that the DPH effect may be due to competitive inhibition of hepatic microsomal hydroxylase activity while allowing for unabated Δ4-reductase action.
MECHANISM OF ACTION OF GROWTH HORMONE IN ALTERING ITS OWN SECRETION RATE: COMPARISON WITH THE ACTION OF DEXAMETHASONE
Authors: Muller Eugenio E. , Sawano Shinji , Arimura Akira , Schally Andrew V.
Published: December 2008

Administration of large doses of growth hormone (GH) (2 mg/100 g/day for 5 days) failed to modify growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF) activity in either 1) plasma and the hypothalamus of long-term hypophysectomized rats, 2) the hypothalamus of normal rats. An elevation of pituitary content of GH was observed in normal rats as a consequence of growth hormone treatment. In contrast to growth hormone, dexamethasone (50 μg/100 g/day for, 5 days) induced considerable decrease of GRF activity in both plasma and the hypothalamus of long-term hypophysectomized rats, as well as in the hypothalamus of normal rats.

No alteration of pituitary GH content was observed in normal rats as a consequence of chronic dexamethasone treatment. GH (1 mg/100 g) given 30 minutes before administration of a hypothalamic extract blocked the GH-depleting activity of the latter, while dexamethasone (50 μg/100 g) given one hour before apparently was ineffective.

It is suggested that growth hormone suppresses its own secretion rate acting directly on the pituitary gland, while the action of dexamethasone on GH secretion, takes place mainly at the level of the hypothalamus.
STEROID-RESISTANT HYPERCALCAEMIA AND PARATHYROID HYPERPLASIA IN NON-OSSEOUS CANCER
Authors: Grimes B. J. , Fisher B. , Finn F. , Danowski T. S.
Published: December 2008

The initial presence and the subsequent recurrence of an extra-skeletal squamous cell carcinoma of the lung were associated with hypercalcaemia and hypophosphataemia unaffected by large dosages of prednisone or oral Na2HPO4 but responsive to buffered phosphate administered intravenously.

An extract of the tumour produced hyperphosphaturia by blockade of tubular reabsorption of filtered phosphate.

Though the phosphaturic action of the extract indicated the presence of a parathyroid hormone-like molecule in the tumour, the patient's parathyroid glands were enlarged at necropsy. The latter finding raises the possibility that the tumour may have been elaborating both a parathyroid hormone-like principle and a parathyrotrophic principle. At present there are no data which support the thesis that cancers can elaborate a principle which stimulates the parathyroid glands in terms comparable to ACTH, TSH, etc. It is more likely that in our patient the phosphate loads administered in attempts to reduce the hypercalcaemia were responsible for the parathyroid hyperplasia.
THYROID FUNCTION IN ORAL CONTRACEPTION
Authors: Starup J. , Friis T.
Published: December 2008

Eighty one euthyroid, fertile women were treated cyclically with a daily dose of 5 mg of 6-methyl-6-dehydro-17α-acetoxyprogesterone (megestrol acetate) + 0.1 mg of 17α-ethynyl-oestradiol-3-methylether (mestranol) for an average of 16 months. During treatment a definite, but not significant, increase in protein-bound iodine (PBI) was found.

In 11 normal fertile women, the thyroid function was evaluated before, during, and after cyclical treatment with megestrol acetate + mestranol. The observation period was 4 to 19 months. The thyroidal 4-hour uptake and 24-hour uptake of 131I and the uptake of 131I-triiodothyronine (T3) by erythrocytes and resin (Triosorb*) were determined at short intervals. No significant changes were observed in the two first mentioned tests, but it was characteristic of all patients except one, that the red-cell uptake of T3 was significantly decreased to values below the lower limit of normal, within 1 to 2 months of the commencement of treatment, and that it then remained unchanged during the remainder of the treatment period. One month after treatment was discontinued, all patients except two showed values within normal limits. The uptake of T3 by resin showed similar patterns during the treatment period, but one month after the medication was withdrawn, only 2 out of the 9 patients had values within the normal range.

In 5 menopausal women, the thyroid function was evaluated before, during, and after continuous treatment with megestrol acetate by means of the same parameters as in the former group of patients. The observation period was 4 to 6 months. No significant changes were observed in the 4 indices of the thyroid function during and following treatment with megestrol acetate alone. It is therefore concluded that the significant decrease in the red-cell uptake and resin uptake of T3 observed during treatment will megestrol acetate + mestranol is caused exclusively by the oestrogen in this combination.
EFFETS DE L'ABLATION DE LA THYROIDE MATERNELLE OU FOETALE SUR LE TAUX DES HORMONES CIRCULANTES CHEZ LE FOETUS DE RAT
Authors: Geloso J. P. , Bernard G.
Published: December 2008

The BEI was determined in maternal and foetal rat plasma on day 21 of gestation by an isotope equilibrium method. The foetuses were either left intact or deprived of their thyroid gland by decapitation; the mothers were either normal or thyroidectomized.

The thyroid gland of the foetal rat appears to be the main source of thyroid hormone present in the foetal blood: thyroidectomy of the mother does not alter the BEI level of normal foetuses. The ablation of the foetal thyroid gland markedly decreases the foetal BEI both in intact and thyroidectomized mothers.

The BEI level in plasma of decapitated foetuses is lower in thyroidectomized mothers than in intact mothers. Hence, some maternal hormone passes through the placenta into the foetus, but this transfer is too limited to compensate for the absence of the foetal thyroid gland.
STUDIES ON THE DOSE-RESPONSE CURVES IN THE VENTRAL PROSTATE METHOD FOR LUTEINIZING HORMONE
Authors: Christiansen Peter
Published: December 2008

Six luteinizing hormone preparations of human, ovine and equine origin were assayed by a modification of Greep's ventral prostate method. The dose-response curves for human and equine preparations on the one hand and the ovine preparation on the other had a widely different course. The ovine preparation gave a flat curve and did not even in large dosis, exhibit prostatic weights of the magnitude obtained by human preparations. The human and equine preparations gave steep curves, equally steep for human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG), human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG), human pituitary gonadotrophin (HPG), and the equine preparation.

The slope of the curve is unaffected by the route of administration of the hormones, subcutaneous or intraperitoneal.

The causes of the differences in the course of the curves are discussed and the importance of using standards of human origin when testing hormonal substances from humans is pointed out.
INHIBITION BY HUMAN SERUM OF THE ADIPOKINETIC EFFECT OF A HUMAN PITUITARY LIPID-MOBILIZING FACTOR (LMF) IN RABBITS
Authors: Trygstad Olav , Foss Irene
Published: December 2008

A lipid-mobilizing factor (LMF) has previously been prepared from human pituitary glands. The LMF was strongly adipokinetic in rabbits. Subcutaneous injection of 0.1 mg gave an increase of serum nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) in the range of 5 meq./l. Addition of 3 ml normal human serum to LMF reduced its adipokinetic effect. The inhibition of LMF by human serum was specific, since serum from mouse or pig did not reduce the increase of serum NEFA induced by LMF, and human serum had no influence on the adipokinesis given by whale, pig, or synthetic ACTH preparations in rabbits.

The human serum inhibition of LMF was located to the gamma G globulin fraction by DEAE-cellulose chromatography.

Serum from six children with generalized lipodystrophy had a negligible influence on the adipokinesis in rabbits induced by LMF. Sera from one group of obese patients reduced the adipokinetic effect of LMF as normal control sera, while sera from another group of obese patients made the increase of serum NEFA negligible. It is suggested that the first group of obese patients may be related to Mayer's simple regulatory or 'hyperphagic' type of obesity and the latter to his metabolic type of obesity. Furthermore possible mechanisms for the human serum inhibition of LMF are discussed.
HORMONAL STEROIDS IN THE ARMADILLO, DASYPUS NOVEMCINCTUS
Authors: Brinck-Johnsen Truls , Benirschke Kurt , Brinck-Johnsen Kari
Published: December 2008

Supernatant preparations of armadillo placental homogenate were incubated with testosterone-4-14C, androst-4-ene-3,17-dione-4-14C, dehydroepiandrosterone-4-14C, 16α-hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone-7α-3H and pregn-5-enolone-4-14C, using Ryan's classical techniques for tissue preparation and incubation. Evidence based on paper chromatography, methylation, thin layer chromatography and acid fluorescence, in conjunction with reverse isotope dilution, shows that oestriol was formed in vitro when 16α-hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone-7α-3H was used as the precursor. The other androgenic precursors were converted to phenolic compounds to a much smaller degree, possibly to oestrone and 17β-oestradiol. No aromatization appeared to take place when pregn-5-enolone-4-14C was studied as a precursor for oestrogens.

Pooled armadillo pregnant urine and pooled pregnant plasma contained oestrogens, among which the presence of oestriol was satisfactorily demonstrated by paper chromatography, thin layer chromatography, methylation and acid fluorescence during isotope dilution studies.
ENTERO-HEPATISCHER KREISLAUF VON C19-STEROIDEN V: RESORPTION UND REKONJUGATION VON 7α-3H-DHEA-35S-SULFAT IM DÜNNDARM DES MENSCHEN IN VIVO
Authors: Fries Norbert , Knapstein Paul , Wendlberger Franz , Oertel Georg W.
Published: December 2008

In the small intestines DHEA sulfate underwent a complete reabsorption which was slow and continuous within the first 2 hours. While passing the intestinal wall most of it was converted to sulfatide without cleavage of the sulfuric acid ester bond or metabolism.
DETERMINATION OF BLOOD CORTICOIDS USING THE IN VITRO RESIN UPTAKE OF 3H-PREDNISOLONE
Authors: Nakajima Hironori , Murala Mitsunori , Nakata Masumitsu , Naruse Takeshi , Kubo Seiji
Published: December 2008

The in vitro resin uptake of 3H-prednisolone was used for the determination of blood cortisol after addition of radioactive prednisolone followed by Amberlite CG 400 Type 1 to the test serum, and incubation of the mixture. The radioactivity of the supernatant was compared before and after the addition of the resin. The principle of this method is similar to that of the 131I-triiodothyronine resin uptake for the thyroid function test. The tests for the specificity, reproducibility and sensitivity gave satisfactory results. The mean basal value ± SD of the 3H-prednisolone resin uptake was 35.3 ± 9.2% in normal subjects, and 27.1 ± 4.8% in pregnant women. This method was valid in various adrenal function tests, i. e. the adrenal circadian rhythm, corticotrophin (ACTH) test, dexamethasone suppression test and the adrenal response to lysine-8-vasopressin. It proved to be a sensitive indicator of the adrenal function. These results suggest that this method should be useful for a routine adrenal function test.
ON THE MECHANISM OF HORMONE ACTION. VII.
Authors: Lang N. , Herrlich P. , Sekeris C. E.
Published: December 2008

A messenger RNA fraction has been isolated from the liver of cortisol treated rats which when added to an in vitro protein synthesizing sytem gives rise to tyrosine-α-ketoglutarate transaminase activity. Development of enzyme activity is dependent on active protein synthesis and is inhibited by puromycin and erythromycin. It is concluded that the messenger RNA fraction contains the information for the formation of tyrosine transaminase and that the enzyme is formed in vitro by de novo synthesis.
ÜBER DEN EXTREMEN GESCHLECHTSDIMORPHISMUS IM WACHSTUM DER MOSCHUSENTE, CAIRINA MOSCHATA FLEMM.
Authors: von Faber Hans
Published: December 2008

The treatment with 10 μg oestradiol benzoate/100 g body weight/day from the 8.–28. day decreased the gonad weight, increased the oviduct weight and did not influence the growth of both sexes of Muscovy ducklings. The daily injection of 100 IU of PMS or prolactin from the 18.–27. day stimulated ovary and oviduct weight but had no effect on the growth rate. Therefore, the previously described hypersensitivity of Muscovy ducklings to the growth-depressing effects of oestrogens is not so well marked to explain the slower growth of the females in this species by their normal oestrogen secretion.
EPIPHYSEAL GROWTH ZONES IN OESTRADIOL-TREATED RABBITS
Authors: Berntsen E.
Published: December 2008

Rabbits weighing about 800 g were treated with oestradiol monobenzoate during 30 days. At the end of the treatment, the mean body weight of the experimental animals was significantly lower than that of the control animals. Grossly, a narrowing of the epiphyseal cartilage plate and a reduction of the height of the metaphysis was observed. In cartilage, the content of water, hexosamine, uronic acid, sodium, potassium and chloride decreased. The content of hydroxyproline was unchanged. In metaphyseal bone, the water content increased and the mucopolysaccharide content tended to an increase, while the concentration of hydroxyproline and of electrolytes remained unchanged. The uptake of 35SO4 was depressed in both tissues.
MISE EN EVIDENCE, PURIFICATION ET PROPRIETES D'UNE IODOALBUMINE, CONSTITUANT PHYSIOLOGIQUE DE LA GLANDE THYROIDE DE RAT
Authors: Torresani Janine , Roques Marie , Peyrot Alberto , Lissitzky Serge
Published: December 2008

The presence of an iodinated albumin in the soluble thyroid proteins of rat has been shown after labeling with radioactive iodine the thyroid glands in vivo or in vitro.

The purification of this protein fraction was carried out by centrifugation on sucrose gradient followed by filtration on Sephadex G-200.

The purified iodoprotein migrates as an albumin in starch-gel or disc electrophoresis. It is immunoelectrophoretically identical to serumalbumin. It contains MIT, DIT and the hormones (T4, T3). After a short pulse with radioactive iodine in vivo or in vitro, its specific radioactivity is much higher than that of S19 thyroglobulin or other thyroglobulin-like proteins. It is concluded that the thyroid gland of normal rat contains (and most probably synthetizes) an albumin which is able to be iodinated and to contribute to the synthesis of thyroid hormones. In conditions where the synthesis of thyroglobulin is impaired, this iodoalbumin might represent the main substrate for thyroid hormone biosynthesis.
A DESCRIPTION OF TWO BROTHERS WITH PERMANENTLY RAISED NON-ESTERIFIED AETIOCHOLANOLONE BLOOD LEVEL
Authors: Driessen O. , Voûte P. A. , Vermeulen A.
Published: December 2008

The literature on aetiocholanolone fever is reviewed. Case reports of two brothers suffering from aetiocholanolone fever are described. In both patients the non-esterified aetiocholanolone level of the blood was raised not only during the pyrexial attacks but also during the fever-free periods. During one fever period an extremely high non-esterified aetiocholanolone level was found.

Cortisone therapy neither shortened the fever periods or influenced the level of the non-esterified plasma aetiocholanolone.
ANALYSIS OF SOLVOLYZABLE STEROIDS IN HUMAN PLASMA BY COMBINED GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY - MASS SPECTROMETRY
Authors: Sjövall J. , Vihko R.
Published: December 2008

Solvolyzable steroids in human peripheral plasma were separated by chromatography on Sephadex LH-20 into two fractions having the elution volumes of mono- and disulphates, respectively. The steroid conjugates in the latter fraction had the mobility of steroid disulphates on TLC. After solvolysis in ethyl acetate acidified with sulphuric acid the steroids were analyzed by gas chromatography and combined gas chromatography - mass spectrometry. Cholesterol, dehydroepiandrosterone, androsterone, epiandrosterone, aetiocholanolone, pregnenolone, pregn-5-ene-3β,20α-diol, androst-5-ene-3β,17β-diol, androst-5-ene-3β,17α-diol and an androstanediol, most probably 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol were found in the monosulphate fraction. Androst-5-ene-3β,17β-diol, androst-5-ene-3β,17α-diol and pregn-5-ene-3β,20α-diol were found in the disulphate fraction. The ratio of C19 to C21 diols was higher in the disulphate than in the monosulphate fraction.
ÖSTROGENBEDINGTE INDUKTION ALKALISCHER PHOSPHATASE IN FIBROBLASTEN DES SUBCUTANEN BINDEGEWEBES DER MAUS
Authors: Schaefer H. E. , Fischer R.
Published: December 2008

Alkaline phosphatase activity, demonstrated by cytochemical techniques, is induced by oestrogens in fibroblasts of the subcutaneous connective tissue of mice. As a rule, low or moderate enzymatic activities appear in some subcutaneous fibroblasts of females with the beginning of the endocrine function of the ovary, whereas alkaline phosphatase is completely missing in the subcutaneous fibroblasts of males and castrated females. On the other hand, the application of oestrogenic substances (α- and β-oestradiol, oestradiol benzoate, oestradiol valerinate) produces a strong reaction of alkaline phosphatase in numerous fibroblasts of males and castrated animals. Furthermore, the low enzymatic activity generally existing in the subcutis of intact females is distinctly increased by oestrogen treatment. The alkaline phosphatase activity in fibroblasts, induced by oestrogens, is depending on time and dose of the hormone application.
ELEKTRONENMIKROSKOPISCHE UNTERSUCHUNGEN AN DEN OVARIEN NEUGEBORENER MÄUSE NACH BEHANDLUNG MIT HUMANEM HYPOPHYSÄREM GONADOTROPIN (HHG)
Authors: Beltermann R. , Stegner H.-E.
Published: December 2008

Ovaries of newborn NMRI-mice were examined by light and electron microscopy. They were compared with ovaries of newborn mice stimulated by a single injection of 10 μg of a highly purified preparation of gonadotrophin isolated from human pituitary glands (HHG). In treated animals the development of follicles was accelerated. While in unstimulated ovaries interstitial cells could not be demonstrated before the 9th day of life, typical interstitial cells could be identified 24 h after the injection of HHG.

The ultrastructure of interstitial cells of the mouse ovary can be compared with that of interstitial cells of testes and of steroid producing cells of the adrenal cortex. These cells are characterized by big round mitochondria with lamelliform and villiform cristae and a well developed endoplasmic system. They are rich in neutral lipids.

Evidently there is no correlation between the development of interstitial cells of newborn mice and follicular atresia.
EFFECT OF β-ADRENERGIC BLOCKADE ON FINGER TREMOR AND ACHILLES REFLEX TIME IN ANXIOUS AND THYROTOXIC PATIENTS
Authors: Marsden C. D. , Gimlette T. M. D. , McAllister R. G. , Owen D. A. L. , Miller T. N.
Published: December 2008

The effect of β-adrenergic blockade by intravenous dl-propranolol on pulse rate, tremor and Achilles reflex time has been compared with the effect of inactive d-propranolol and saline alone in anxious and thyrotoxic subjects. β-blockade significantly reduced pulse rate, decreased the amplitude of tremor, and prolonged reflex time in both groups.
THE ROLE OF MELATONIN IN THE REGULATION OF THYROTROPHIN SECRETION
Authors: Panda J. N. , Turner C. W. , Powell Mary
Published: December 2008

The fact that melatonin, a pineal substance, causes a depression in thyroid function of prepuberal rats has been reported. A possible site of this action on the thyroid gland has been studied by estimating the TSH content of blood and hypophysis in rats from 35 days to 65 days of age. Haemagglutination-inhibition technique has been used to assay very small amounts of TSH in plasma. Rats receiving 100 μg of melatonin daily for 10 days were sacrificed at 35, 45, 55 and 65 days of age. The mean thyroid weight of each group was markedly higher than that of the corresponding controls. The plasma TSH/ml level was higher in experimental groups, with a marked decrease (0.10 > P > 0.05) in TSH/mg of hypophysis (wet), especially at 45 and 55 days of age. Rats similarly treated with 400 μg/100 g body weight of tapazole daily for 10 days and sacrificed at 45 and 55 days of age showed higher plasma and lower hypophyseal TSH levels than the controls and the results were comparable to those of the melatonin treated groups. The dry-fat-free tissue of the thyroid glands of the melatonin treated groups were higher than the corresponding controls and their DNA content was significantly higher (0.050 > P > 0.025) also, indicating hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the thyroid glands resulting from the action of melatonin. The histological picture of the melatonin treated animals showed goitrogenic effect. It may be concluded from these data that melatonin exerts its regulatory effect on TSH secretion directly acting on the thyroid gland and in some way inhibiting thyroid hormone synthesis or release.
A SIMPLIFIED TECHNIQUE FOR THE DETERMINATION OF GROWTH HORMONE DEPENDENT SULFATION FACTOR, USING INTACT ANIMALS
Authors: Yde Hans
Published: December 2008

A modified technique for the determination of the sulfation factor is described in which the sternal end of the costal cartilage from intact 21–27 day old and 48 hour fasting young rats of the Wistar strain is used. This technique is more simple than the one described previously. The precision, sensitivity and reproducibility is of the same magnitude as that of Almqvist's technique in which hypophysectomized animals are used.