bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFFECT OF FEEDING ETHINYLOESTRADIOL FOR VARIOUS PERIODS BEFORE MATING ON REPRODUCTION IN THE HAMSTER
Authors: Davis B. K. , Noske I. , Chang M. C.
Published: December 2008

Ethinyloestradiol (EO) fed for various periods before mating to female hamsters affected the timing of mating and pregnancy rate. Slight effects on ovulation, foetal-crown rump length and resorption may have occurred, but effects on implantation were not apparent among pregnant hamsters. The response observed depended upon the feeding schedule adopted: hamsters fed 2.5 mg EO in a single dose, on day 3 before mating, mated normally but had a significantly lower pregnancy rate; on the other hand, animals fed 2.5 mg EO (0.21 mg/day) over three oestrous cycles, days 14–3 before mating, showed variations in the time of mating but had an essentially normal pregnancy rate; and, a group of hamsters who received the same total amount of EO (0.63 mg/day) over one oestrous cycle, days 6–3 premating, showed untowards effects by the steroid on both the timing of mating and pregnancy rate. The implications of these results are considered in relation to fertility control.
THE EFFECT OF CLOMIPHENE ON URINARY GONADOTROPHINS IN INFERTILE MEN
Authors: Christiansen Peter
Published: December 2008

In order to study the effect on urinary hypophyseal gonadotrophins as measured by specific bioassays, 19 infertile men aged 26 to 47 years, average 30.8, were treated with clomiphene citrate (Clomivid®) 50 mg daily for 30 days. During the last 8 days of treatment 24 hour urine samples were collected daily for the determination of total hypophyseal gonadotrophins (HG), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). HG, FSH and LH rose equally to an average of 3 times the control values, the increase being highly significant statistically (P < 0.001). The most pronounced increase was observed in the cases with the lowest control values. Only one patient failed to respond. No side effects due to the drug were observed.
PENTOSE PHOSPHATE PATHWAY AND STEROIDOGENESIS IN THE IMMATURE RAT OVARY AFTER MALONATE TREATMENT
Authors: Dey Sudhansu K. , Gupta Jayasree Sen , Ghosh Sulekha , Deb C.
Published: December 2008

Suppression of succinic dehydrogenase (SDH) activity resulted in stimulation of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) and Δ5-3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (Δ5-3β-OHD) activities in the immature rat ovary after malonate treatment. The same treatment also produced depletion in the ovarian ascorbic acid and elevation in cholesterol concentrations, together with increase in the ovarian and uterine weight. The results indicate that stimulation of ovarian steroidogenesis, resulting from accelerated pentose phosphate pathway in combination with increased concentration of cholesterol in the gland, is possibly due to a direct effect of malonate on the immature rat ovary. The rise in ovarian and uterine weights is not due to the decreased inactivation of oestrogen in the liver, but rather to stimulation of steroid hormone synthesis in the immature ovary following malonate administration.
UNTERSUCHUNGEN ÜBER DIE ZENTRALE AKTIVITÄT DES OESTRIOL. EIN WIRKUNGSVERGLEICH ZUM 17β-OESTRADIOL BEI NEUGEBORENEN RATTEN
Authors: Mönkemeier D. , Ohlenroth G.
Published: December 2008

In order to clarify the central effect of oestriol quantitatively 5 day old male and female rats were treated with one subcutaneous injection of oestriol or 17β-oestradiol. From the 60th day of life these animals were mated with proven fertile partners. The animals were considered sterile if no pregnancy occurred within 60 days of the observation period. With reference to the standard 17β-oestradiol an activity was found for oestriol of 0.125 when tested on male rats and an activity of 0.26 when tested on female rats. Male animals treated with 17β-oestradiol were twice as sensitive as female rats. In female and male rats oestriol caused an identical central stimulation.

The central effect of oestriol in relation to the standard 17β-oestradiol was found to be much lower than former investigation had shown. Hence this effect especially with only one injection must be due to the more rapid elimination of oestriol as compared with the standard 17β-oestradiol.
THE POSSIBLE MODE OF ACTION OF PROSTAGLANDINS
Authors: Chatterjee Amar
Published: December 2008

Unilateral ovariectomy in cyclic rats caused a 37.1% gain in weight of the remaining ovaries and doubling of the number of ovulated ova in the following cycle over that observed in their operated counterpart. Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), a very consistent luteolytic agent assumed to act by restricting the blood flow to the ovaries, failed to reverse the compensatory ovulation and hypertrophy of the surviving ovaries in the hemispayed rats even when a reasonably large dose of the drug was injected immediately following the operation on day 1 and repeated again on day 3 of the cycle. The surviving ovaries of the respective groups of the treated animals weighed 41.33±0.5 and 41.6±1.1 as compared to their operated counterparts i. e. 28.2 ±0.7 and 28.75 ±0.5. The possible mode of action of PGF2α in the regulation of ovarian physiology is discussed.
SERUM PROGESTERONE AND SERUM CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHIN IN HYDATIDIFORM MOLE AND CHORIOCARCINOMA
Authors: Teoh Eng Soon , Das N. P. , Dawood M. Yusoff , Ratnam S. S.
Published: December 2008

Progesterone and human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) were measured in the sera of 25 patients with hydatidiform mole, 10 patients with choriocarcinoma and 200 normal pregnancies by a competitive protein-binding assay and a haemagglutination-inhibition assay respectively. Elution of the petroleum ether extract of mole serum on Sephadex LH-20 showed that the main fraction (92.8%) was progesterone, followed by a small peak of 20 α-hydroxyprogesterone. In 21 intact hydatidiform moles, the mean serum progesterone of 106.0 ng/ml (range 17.8–263 ng/ml) was higher than for normal pregnancy. Serum HCG (mean 833 IU/ml) was similarly elevated. Low concentrations of progesterone (0–17.3 ng/ml) and HCG (15–160 IU/ml) were present in 4 patients who had aborted. The mean serum progesterone was not further elevated in patients with theca lutein cysts of the ovary. There was no correlation between the serum progesterone and the uterine size, serum HCG or malignant sequelae. In 10 cases of choriocarcinoma, the serum progesterone ranged from 1.3–61 ng/ml (mean 16.9 ng/ml), the serum HCG from 0–960 IU/ml (mean 158 IU/ml) but there was no correlation between the two values. The evidence suggests a hyperactive steroidogenesis in hydatidiform mole and poor steroidogenesis in choriocarcinoma. An HCG secretion occurs in both cases.
IN VITRO UPTAKE OF TRITIATED SEX STEROIDS BY THE HYPOTHALAMUS OF ADULT MALE RATS TREATED NEONATALLY WITH AN ANTIANDROGEN (CYPROTERONE)
Authors: Tuohimaa Pentti , Niemi Mikko
Published: December 2008

Male rats were injected subcutaneously with 2 mg of cyproterone daily from birth to the 14th postnatal day. At the age of 40 days the animals were polycystic and corpora lutea were absent. There was an increased 37% of the ovarian implants showed distinct corpora lutea indicating cyclic secretion of gonadotrophins; the implants in the control animals were polycystic and corpora lutea were absent. There was an increased interstitial cell stimulating hormone output from the pituitary gland as indicated by the increased amount of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase active Leydig cells in the testes of the feminized animals.

The in vitro uptake of tritiated testosterone and oestradiol of various tissues was tested on rats, age 4.5 months. The anterior hypothalamus, the rostral middle hypothalamus, the median eminence and the anterior pituitary of the feminized males retained significantly more oestradiol than the cerebral cortex. The oestradiol uptake in these areas also exceeded that of the control animals. Only the median eminence of the cyproterone treated rats concentrated more testosterone than the cerebral cortex. The anterior hypothalamus and cerebral cortex of the feminized male rats were less able to transform tritiated testosterone to dihydrotestosterone or tritiated oestradiol to oestrone, as compared to adult castrated male or female animals, respectively.
CUSHING'S SYNDROME IN INFANCY
Authors: Lie Sverre O. , Havnen Jakob , Djøseland Ole
Published: December 2008

A female infant has been described, who developed the typical clinical signs of Cushing's syndrome from the age of 41/2 months. The symptoms were caused by a benign tumour in the left adrenal gland. The tumour was removed surgically, and the patient recovered completely.

Tissue cultures of the tumour cells were established. Using explant techniques, there was no visible outgrowth of epithelial cells. However, the tumour cells secreted hormones into the growth medium for periods up to 4 weeks. The addition of ACTH was not required, suggesting an autonomous type of production. The explants were able to metabolize radioactively labelled testosterone for periods up to two months. The various metabolic products have been identified.
THE GROWTH OF THE VENTRAL AND DORSOLATERAL PROSTATE, THE COAGULATING GLANDS AND THE SEMINAL VESICLES IN FORCE-FED HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED CASTRATED ADRENALECTOMIZED RATS INJECTED WITH CORTISONE AND/OR INSULIN
Authors: Tisell Lars-Eric , Angervall Lennart
Published: December 2008

The growth of the ventral and dorsolateral prostate, the coagulating glands and the seminal vesicles was studied in force-fed hypophysectomized castrated adrenalectomized rats following daily injections for fourteen days of protamine zinc insulin or cortisone acetate alone or in combination. Cortisone was given in daily doses of 3 mg and insulin was administered in increasing daily doses of protamine zinc insulin up to 8 IU.

Cortisone alone induced slight histological stimulation of the epithelium of the coagulating glands, while no stimulation was demonstrated in the other accessory reproductive organs.

After insulin alone the weight of the accessory reproductive organs was slightly increased but no stimulation was demonstrated histologically. Cortisone and insulin given in combination induced distinct signs of stimulation of all the accessory reproductive organs as assesed by histological examination and weight determination of the organs.

The results indicate that in the rat the growth stimulating effect of cortisone on the male accessory reproductive organs is markedly decreased or abolished in the absence of the anterior pituitary. Insulin can act synergistically with cortisone in promoting the growth of the accessory reproductive organs through effects which are not dependent on the presence of the adrenal glands or the anterior pituitary.
CYCLIC CHANGE IN HYPOTHALAMIC LACTIC DEHYDROGENASE ACTIVITY IN THE ADULT FEMALE RAT
Authors: Morishita H. , Nagamachi N. , Kawamoto M. , Yoshida J. , Ozasa T. , Adachi H.
Published: December 2008

Lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in the anterior, middle and posterior hypothalamus has been studied in adult female rats during the different phases of the oestrous cycle. Differences in LDH activity were found in the middle and posterior hypothalamus. LDH activity in the middle hypothalamus was significantly higher between 5:30 a. m. and 7:00 a. m. on the day of pro-oestrus than during the other phases (P < 0.01). (Rats were exposed to a controlled light schedule of 12 hours of light daily from 10 p. m. to 10 a. m.). LDH activity in the posterior hypothalamus was higher between 5:30 a. m. and 7:00 a. m. on the day of pro-oestrus than during the other phases. But this difference was not statistically significant. Ovulation which should occur during that night was blocked, when the rats were anaesthetized by pentobarbital between 5:30 a. m. and 7:00 a. m. during pro-oestrus. These findings indicate that the rise in LDH activity of the middle hypothalamus during the critical period may be related to the release of the luteinizing hormone releasing factor.
UPTAKE OF LABELLED HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHIN IN THE BRAIN OF THE ADULT FEMALE RAT
Authors: Yaginuma Tsutomu
Published: December 2008

125I, 125I-bovine serum albumin (BSA) and 125I-human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) were injected intravenously into adult female rats, and the radioactivity in the brain tissues was determined at 1, 2.5 and 4 h. Two and a half and 4 h after the injection of 125I-HCG, the radioactivity in the median eminence was significantly higher than in other tissues investigated, i. e. the anterior, middle and posterior hypothalamus, amygdala and cerebral cortex. Among the latter tissues no differences were found at any time. The radioactivity ratio of the median eminence to the cerebral cortex or plasma after the injection of 125I-HCG increased with time and at 4 h was significantly higher than after the injection of 125I-BSA. Following the administration of 1251 or 125I-BSA, no differences were found in radioactivity among the brain tissues at any time. A considerably higher uptake of radioactivity was observed in the ovary of the same animals 2.5 and 4 h after the injection of 125I-HCG, as compared to that after the injection of 125I or 125I-BSA. This may indicate that labelled HCG well retains its biologocal activity. Most of the radioactive materials taken up in the tissues following the injection of 125I-HCG was shown immunologically to be HCG. These results may indicate that the median eminence has a characteristic ability to take up and retain HCG. This is consistent with current evidence for the internal or short feedback of gonadotrophin to the median eminence.
STUDIES ON THE HERITABILITY OF THE VARIATION IN TBG-ACTIVITY AS REFLECTED IN THE RESIN UPTAKE OF 131I-T3 IN HUMANS
Authors: Carfagna Mario , Michiel H. , Krans J. , Volkers Wim S.
Published: December 2008

The distribution of thyroxine binding globulin activity (TBG-activity) as determined by the measurement of the resin uptake of 131I-triiodothyronine (131I-T3) has been studied in 96 Sardinian families including 339 normal males. 192 normal females and 59 Klinefelter patients. A sex difference was confirmed. No difference was however found between the levels exhibited by the Klinefelter patients and normal males. A quantitative heterogeneity in the resin uptake, which is largely under genetic control, has been found by performing exhaustive studies on the correlation of the expression of the trait in the relatives of different degree of kinship. Estimates of heritability have then been obtained which, while confirming the main genetic nature of the reported variation, do not allow us to decide in favour of an autosomal or X-linked model of inheritance. Arguments are discussed however which suggest that the interpretation of a quantitative heterogeneity in TBG-activity may depend on the existence of multiple allelism at one or more autosomal as well as at X-linked loci. The variability of PBI and resin uptake values can be partially explained by genetic factors.
ASPECTS OF CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM IN NEWBORN INFANTS OF DIABETIC MOTHERS. V
Authors: Mølsted-Pedersen Lars , Wagner Lise , Klebe Joachim G.
Published: December 2008

In 14 infants of diabetic and 14 infants of normal mothers an acute iv glucose load was given 3 hours after birth, and the plasma glucose was determined during the subsequent 150 min.

Two patterns of decrease in plasma glucose concentration were seen. In 8 infants of normal and 6 of diabetic mothers the minimum plasma glucose level – 37 and 39 mg/100 ml – was observed 110 and 90 min respectively after the injection of glucose. All these infants exhibited a significant increase in plasma glucose concentration during the next 40–50 min (rebound phenomenon).

In the remaining 6 infants of normal and 8 of diabetic mothers, the lowest plasma glucose level – 65 and 54 mg/100 ml – occurred during the period 120–150 min after the injection of glucose, and the glucose concentration fell more slowly and continued to decrease throughout the observation period.

The results indicate that counter-regulatory mechanisms against hypoglycaemia are operative in newborn infants of normal as well as of diabetic mothers. Thus, there is hardly any reason to fear persistent hypoglycaemia following acute glucose load in newborn infants.
STEROID EXCRETION PATTERNS IN URINE FROM TWO BOYS IN THE NEONATAL PERIOD WITH CONGENITAL ADRENAL HYPERPLASIA DUE TO 21-HYDROXYLASE DEFICIENCY
Authors: Gustafsson Jan-Åke , Gustafsson Sven , Olin Patrick
Published: December 2008

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used in a study of the excretion of steroids in urine in two normal boys one month of age and in two boys of the same age with clinical signs of 21-hydroxylase deficiency. A similar pattern of 3β-hydroxy-Δ5-steroids – including 3β,21-dihydroxy-5-pregnen-20-one and 5-pregnene-3β,20α,21-triol – was unexpectedly found in the mono- and disulphate fractions of urine from both the normal subjects and the patients. However, only the patients excreted saturated steroids in the urine indicating the adrenal secretion of progesterone and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone. The results indicate the presence in the adrenal cortex of at least two separate 21-hydroxylase systems, one active on pregnenolone and one on 17α-hydroxyprogesterone. Furthermore, the excretion of large amounts of saturated steroids in the urine of the patients indicates a high activity of adrenal 3β-hydroxy-Δ5-steroid oxidoreductase.
INHIBITION BY HUMAN SERUM OF THE ADIPOKINETIC EFFECT OF A HUMAN PITUITARY LIPID-MOBILIZING FACTOR
Authors: Trygstad Olav , Foss Irene
Published: December 2008

A lipid-mobilizing factor (LMF) with an adipotrophic effect in human and animal fat tissue has been prepared from human pituitary glands. The addition of normal human serum to LMF reduced its lipolytic effect, and it was completely abolished by serum from a group of obese patients, whereas the lipolysis was not influenced by serum from patients with generalized lipodystrophy.

By DEAE-cellulose chromatography of human serum the inhibitory effect on LMF was found to be present in a protein fraction less acidic than the main serum albumin fraction. The inhibitory fraction was deprived of some contaminants by Sephadex gel filtration. Disc electrophoresis demonstrated the presence of three components in the inhibitory protein (IP), and they were identified as albumin, transferin, and haemopexin by immuno-electrophoresis. Precipitation of these proteins by their rabbit antisera demonstrated that the inhibitory effect was present in the albumin fraction. Insulin like activity was not observed in IP. A protein binding of LMF by IP could not be demonstrated. Incubation at 37°C for one hour of a mixture of LMF and IP eliminated the electrophoretic picture of LMF. It is concluded that the inhibitory effect of human serum may be due to proteolysis of LMF.
THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT DOSES OF HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHIN IN THE TREATMENT OF ANOVULATION WITH HUMAN GONADOTROPHINS
Authors: Starup J. , Sele V.
Published: December 2008

Forty four infertile women aged 23 to 39 were treated for one cycle with human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) because of amenorrhoae or severe oligomenorrhoea. The material was divided into 3 comparable groups taking into account both the age and the menstrual disorder. In all 44 patients HMG was individually administered, and the treatment was monitored by daily determination of the oestrogen excretion and by daily vaginal examination. We aimed at an oestrogen level of 50 to 150 μg/day before the shift to HCG, and the first dose of HCG was given when the oestrogen values were rising slowly.

The total dose of HCG was divided into 3 equal doses, which were given for 3 consecutive days starting 24 hours after the last dose of HMG. Group 1 consisted of 14 patients and received 1500 IU of HCG daily, group 2 consisted of 14 patients and were given 3000 IU of HCG daily, and group 3 consisted of 16 patients who received 6000 IU of HCG daily. The patients were followed up by daily determination of the excretion of oestrogens and pregnanediol and by daily vaginal examination until either the pregnancy test was positive or menstrual bleeding occurred. The ovulation rate showed no difference in the 3 groups. Because of the small size of the material we are not able to draw any conclusion with regard to a possible difference in the pregnancy rate in the 3 groups, but it should be noted that 2 normal pregnancies occurred in group 1. The luteal phase was, however, significantly shorter in group 1 than in groups 2 and 3, whereas the difference between the latter 2 groups was not significant. On this basis we now recommend a total dose of 9000 IU HCG as the optimal dose.

The present study did not show any correlation between the dose of HCG and the frequency and grade of hyper-stimulation. On the other hand, there seemed to be a fairly good correlation between the occurrence and grade of hyper-stimulation and the oestrogen level at the shift to HCG, and we now consider an oestrogen level of 50 to 100 μg/day to be optimal.
URINARY EXCRETION OF TETRAHYDROALDOSTERONE IN NORMAL SUBJECTS AND IN PATIENTS WITH ADRENAL INSUFFICIENCY AND CONN'S SYNDROME
Authors: Nielsen Meta Damkjær , Lund Jens Otto , Munck Ole
Published: December 2008

A description is given of a method for paper chromatographic separation and spectrophotometric determination of urinary tetrahydroaldosterone (3α,11β,21-trihydroxy-5β-pregnan-20-on-18-al). Commercially available tritiated tetrahydroaldosterone was used for localization on paper throughout the procedure. Quantitation was performed after blue tetrazolium reaction using deoxycorticosterone acetate as standard. The coefficient of variation of duplicates was 12 per cent.

In normal adult subjects, on a free diet and with no restrictions in physical activity, the urinary tetrahydroaldosterone averaged 33 μg/24 h, range 3–70 μg/24 h. On a diet with 110 mEq. sodium per 24 h and ordinary hospital regimen, the mean value was 31 μg/24 h, range 11–59 μg/24 h.

In normal children up to the age of 3 years, the urinary tetrahydroaldosterone averaged 10 μg/24 h, range 0–29 μg/24 h. In the age group 3–14 years, the mean excretion was 20 μg/24 h, range 8–43 μg/24 h. During sodium restriction, a 2–3 fold increase in urinary tetrahydroaldosterone was observed in normal subjects. In patients with adrenal insufficiency, the values were below 9 μg/24 h, and in four patients with Conn's syndrome, the excretion of tetrahydroaldosterone was 72–284 μg/24 h. The method was found suitable for routine clinical use.
EVIDENCE FOR DEFICIENT 20α-CHOLESTEROL-HYDROXYLASE ACTIVITY IN ADRENAL TISSUE OF A PATIENT WITH LIPOID ADRENAL HYPERPLASIA
Authors: Degenhart H. J. , Visser H. K. A. , Boon H. , O'Doherty N. J.
Published: December 2008

Enzyme preparations were isolated from post-mortem adrenal tissue of a patient with lipoid adrenal hyperplasia and normal human- and bovine adrenal tissue. Cholesterol-cleaving properties were studied in incubation experiments with the addition of appropriate substrates. Cholesterol-cleaving activity of enzyme preparations of adrenal tissue from the patient was extremely low as compared with normal controls. There was no difference in 20α-hydroxycholesterol-cleaving activity. There is thus evidence for a deficient 20α-cholesterol-hydroxylase activity in the adrenal tissue of this patient with lipoid adrenal hyperplasia.
STEROID METABOLISM IN KIDNEY TISSUE
Authors: Huhtaniemi I. , Vihko R.
Published: December 2008

The endogenous neutral steroids in early and mid-term (gestational age 10-14 weeks) human foetal kidneys were investigated. Fractions of unconjugated and mono- and disulphated neutral steroids were studied separately. No unconjugated compounds were detected, but the following steroid monosulphates were found: dehydroepiandrosterone, 5-androstene3β,17α-diol, 5-androstene-3β,17β-diol, 16α-hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone, 16β-hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone, 3β,17β-dihydroxy-5-androsten-16-one, pregnenolone, 5-pregnene-3β,20α-diol, 16α-hydroxypregnenolone and 17α-hydroxypregnenolone. In addition, the following compounds were present, as disulphates: 5-androstene-3β,17α-diol, 5-androstene-3β,17β-diol and 5-pregnene-3β,20α-diol.

Quantitatively, dehydroepiandrosterone, 16α-hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone and pregnenolone in the monosulphate fraction and 5-androstene-3β,17α-diol in the disulphate fraction were the main steroids found. Furthermore, in vitro incubations with minced or homogenized foetal kidney tissue demonstrated the following enzyme activities: 16α-hydroxylase, 17β-reductase, 20α-reductase and sulphokinase. In the incubations, dehydroepiandrosterone, pregnenolone and their sulphate conjugates were used as substrates. The role of the foetal kidneys in the metabolism of neutral steroids during early and mid-pregnancy is discussed.
PERIPHERAL PLASMA LEVELS OF OESTROGENS, PROGESTERONE AND 17α-HYDROXYPROGESTERONE DURING THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE OF THE RHESUS MONKEY
Authors: Bosu William T. K. , Holmdahl Tore H:son , Johansson Elof D. B. , Gemzell Carl
Published: December 2008

Concentrations of oestrogens*, progesterone and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone were determined in daily peripheral plasma samples during one normal menstrual cycle in eight rhesus monkeys. The oestrogens were measured by a rapid radioimmunoassay. Progesterone and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone were determined by competitive protein binding techniques subsequent to column separation on hydrophobic Sephadex. Oestrone and oestradiol in pooled plasma samples were determined by radioimmunoassay after column chromatography. The plasma concentration of oestrogen showed a gradual late follicular rise to a midcyclic peak followed by an abrupt fall for 1–2 days and a subsequent small rise to concentrations similar to those preceding the mid-cyclic peak. Plasma levels of progesterone were below 1 ng per ml before the mid-cyclic peak of oestrogens but rose significantly one day after the oestrogen peak, and reached a luteal plateau (range 3.4–11.3 ng per ml) five to six days later. The plasma levels of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone increase paralleled the mid-cyclic peak of oestrogens. The luteal phase pattern of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone mirrored the progesterone pattern, but the concentration was somewhat lower than for progesterone. All three steroid hormones measured decreased prior to the onset of the menstrual bleeding. Oestradiol (2.4–6.9 ng per 100 ml) dominated over oestrone (1–3.2 ng per 100 ml) in the follicular phase while the reverse was true during the luteal phase. The ratio of E2:E1 was 2:1 or higher in the follicular phase, but during the late luteal phase the ratio was reversed. The patterns of the three steroid hormones observed during the menstrual cycle were qualitatively similar to those reported in women, but quantitatively the oestrogen and progesterone levels were lower, while the levels of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone were higher in the rhesus monkey.
THE BIOCHEMICAL AND ULTRASTRUCTURAL LOCALISATION OF PHOSPHOPROTEIN-CONTAINING PARTICLES IN LACTATING MAMMARY GLANDS OF RATS
Authors: Tan W. C. , Young Stretton , Goldsmith I. J. , Livingston D. C.
Published: December 2008

Portions of rat mammary glands taken during lactation were subjected to homogenisation and to electron microscopy.

Biochemical evidence after homogenisation indicated that the phosphoprotein content was highest in the cellular supernatant fraction.

Electron microscopy revealed numerous spherical structures in the supernatant fraction and in milk.

These spherical structures were similar in size to the protein droplets that are found in the cytoplasm of mammary epithelium during lactation and which have been shown to contain abundant phosphoprotein.

This is further evidence for the hypothesis that the spherical protein particles contain casein.
THE EFFECT OF FASTING AND SELECTIVE RE-FEEDING ON INSULIN RELEASE IN THE RAT
Authors: Turner D. S. , Young D. A. B.
Published: December 2008

The insulin secretory response in the rat to intravenous glucose was found to be greatly impaired by fasting for three days, whereas that to orally administered glucose was not significantly affected. Rats fasted for two days were given either protein or starch pellets for six hours, and then fasted for a further eighteen hours before the intravenous glucose test. The protein pre-feeding failed to affect significantly the subsequent insulin secretory response to intravenous glucose, whereas starch prefeeding greatly enhanced it. It is suggested that intestinal hormones released by glucose ingestion may exert not only an acute effect on insulin release, but also a 'priming' effect on the insulin release mechanism of the β cell, which enables it to respond to the subsequent stimulus of glucose alone.
COMPARISON OF ORAL AND INTRAVENOUS DEXAMETHASONE SUPPRESSION TESTS IN THE DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS OF CUSHING'S SYNDROME
Authors: Croughs R. J. M. , Docter R. , de Jong F. H.
Published: December 2008

In seven cases of proven Cushing's syndrome, the intravenous infusion of dexamethasone at a rate of 1 mg/h for a period of 5 hours readily distinguished pituitary dependent Cushing's syndrome from other causes of Cushing's syndrome. Thus the 5 h – iv dexamethasone test may give the same differential diagnostic information as the classical oral dexamethasone suppression test of Liddle. The test is quick to perform, obviates the need for accurate urine collections and is not influenced by variations in the intestinal absorption of the glucocorticoid.
THE EFFECT OF ICSH-β AND ITS COMBINATION WITH PROLACTIN ON THE MAINTENANCE OF PREGNANCY IN THE RAT
Authors: Yang W. H. , Sairam M. R. , Li Choh Hao
Published: December 2008

In the rat hypophysectomized on day 5 of pregnancy, replacement hormonal treatment daily with 100 μg ICSH or 2 mg prolactin alone was not effective for maintenance of pregnancy, whereas the combination of 50–200 μg ICSH and 2 mg prolactin gave live embryos in 40–90% of treated animals. In the animal hypophysectomized at more advanced stage of pregnancy, ICSH alone was able to maintain pregnancy. When 400 μg ICSH-β was used instead of 100 μg ICSH in conjunction with 2 mg prolactin, this treatment was also effective for maintenance of pregnancy in the animal hypophysectomized on day 5. If hypophysectomized on day 8, either reconstituted ICHS or ICHS-β alone could maintain pregnancy. ICSH-α was ineffective in the animal hypophysectomized on either day 5 or day 8 of pregnancy. Thus it appears that ICSH-β is the biologically active subunit in the ICSH molecule for maintenance of pregnancy in the rat.
ISOLATION AND METABOLISM OF MALE SEX-DEPENDENT URINARY PROTEIN FROM RATS
Authors: Geertzen H. G. M. , Ouderaa F. J. G. v. d. , Kassenaar A. A. H.
Published: December 2008

A male sex-dependent protein fraction (MUP), consisting of four closely related proteins, was isolated from the urine of male Wistar rats. The amino acid composition of two of the components is described.

Quantitation of this protein in plasma was performed by the Mancini technique. It was found that after nephrectomy the plasma level of this protein increased rapidly.

The metabolic fate of this protein was studied with the aid of 131I labelled MUP. It was found that the kidneys actively concentrate this material, and excrete it into the urine. Among the organs, the skin seems to contribute particularly to the metabolic fate of MUP.
THE EFFECT OF INITIAL AGE ON THE RESPONSE OF THE RAT TO TREATMENT WITH GONADOTROPHINS
Authors: Lunn S. F. , Loraine J. A.
Published: December 2008

In the rat, the age at which the maximum response to gonadotrophin treatment will occur is dependent on both the parameter being examined and the hormone, or combination of hormones used. Thus, the ovulation rate following treatment with pregnant mares' serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) alone, or in combination with human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG), is maximal at an earlier age than that observed for HCG alone. From the data presented, it would seem that, for the conditions employed, the optimal age of animals for studies on gonadotrophin-induced ovulation would be approximately thirty days.
THE EFFECT OF INITIAL BODY WEIGHT ON THE RESPONSE OF THE RAT TO TREATMENT WITH GONADOTROPHINS
Authors: Loraine J. A. , Lunn S. F.
Published: December 2008

The initial body weight of the rat will influence the subsequent ovarian and uterine weight responses following treatment with gonadotrophins. This effect cannot be overcome by straightforward transformation of ovarian weight data in terms of unit body weight since there is a significant interaction between body weight and hormonal treatment.

No relationship between body weight and the occurrence of follicular haemorrhage, vaginal opening or ovulation could be demonstrated.
THE EFFECT OF ALTERATION OF THYROXINE BINDING CAPACITY ON THE DIALYZABLE AND ABSOLUTE FRACTIONS OF TRIIODOTHYRONINE IN CIRCULATION
Authors: Dussault J. H. , Fisher D. A. , Nicoloff J. T. , Row V. V. , Volpe R.
Published: December 2008

In order to determine the effect of alterations in binding capacity of thyroxine binding globulin (TBG) on triiodothyronine (T3) metabolism, studies were conducted in 10 patients with idiopathically low (7 subjects) or elevated (3 subjects) TBG levels and 10 subjects given norethandrolone (7 male subjects) or oestrogen (3 female subjects). Measurements of serum thyroxine (T4) concentration, maximal T4 binding capacity, serum T3 concentration and per cent dialyzable T3 were conducted. Serum T3 was measured both by chemical and radioimmunoassay methods. In patients with idiopathically low TBG, the mean serum T4 concentration was low (2.4 μg/100 ml), the mean serum T3 level low (55 ng/100 ml), the mean per cent dialyzable T3 increased (0.52%), and the calculated free T3 concentration normal (186 pg/100 ml). In patients with idiopathically high TBG levels the mean T4 concentration was high (10.3 μg/100 ml), the mean T3 level slightly elevated (127 ng/100 ml), the% dialyzable T3 low (0.10%) and the calculated free T3 concentration low normal (123 pg/100 ml).

The correlation coefficient between the per cent dialyzable T3 and maximal TBG binding capacity in the 20 subjects was 0.68, a value significant at the P < 0.01 level. Thus, alterations in binding capacity of TBG seem to influence T3 and T4 metabolism similarly; the inverse relationship between the % of dialyzable hormone and total hormone concentration tends to keep the absolue levels of free hormones stable.
THYROID, GASTRIC AND ADRENAL AUTO-IMMUNITY IN DIABETES MELLITUS
Authors: Nerup Jørn , Binder Christian
Published: December 2008

The clinical association between diabetes mellitus and auto-immune diseases of the thyroid, the adrenals and the gastric mucosa occurs more frequently than could be expected by chance. Sera from 133 patients with diabetes mellitus and 128 controls were therefore investigated for the presence of organ-specific auto-antibodies. Thyroid microsomal antibody and gastric-parietal-cell antibody were demonstrated with significantly increased frequency – 20% and 16% respectively – in sera from patients with diabetes mellitus. Antibodies reacting specifically with tissue components of the endocrine pancreas could not be demonstrated.

From the data presented and from a review of the literature it is concluded that evidence is accumulating pointing to a disorder of the immunological system in patients with diabetes mellitus with regard to the formation of organ-specific humoral and cellular auto-immunity, and the occurrence of organ-specific auto-immune diseases.
INTERMICROSOMAL DISTRIBUTION OF AROMATIZING ENZYME SYSTEM IN EQUINE TESTICULAR TISSUE
Authors: Oh Ran , Tamaoki Bun-ichi
Published: December 2008

The microsomal fraction (10 000–105 000 × g precipitate) of equine testes was fractionated into the smooth- and the rough-surfaced microsomal subfractions by a sucrose density-gradient centrifugation in the presence of CsCl. The validity of this fractionating procedure was confirmed by electron microscopic examination and also by chemical analysis of the RNA contents in these subfractions. The aromatizing enzyme system (19-hydroxylase and aromatase) which was concentrated in the microsomal fractions among the organellae was found to be localized in the smoothsurfaced microsomal fraction. The cytochrome P-450 which was also involved in the process of enzymatic aromatization was detected exclusively in the smooth-surfaced microsomal fraction. The distribution of the aromatizing system between the two microsomal subfractions of equine testes was discussed in comparison with that in human full term placentae.
ACID PHOSPHATASES OF THE RAT TESTIS IN EXPERIMENTAL CONDITIONS
Authors: Vanha-Perttula T. , Nikkanen V.
Published: December 2008

Quantitation of four different testicular acid phosphatases was carried out during pubertal maturation as well as after cryptorchidism and cadmium chloride treatment. The assay conditions were based on differential substrate and modifier characteristics and the results were correlated to the histological appearance of the testis.

Enzyme I activity with naphthol AS-BI phosphate as substrate showed the highest activities in the prepubertal testis and no appreciable changes took place after cryptorchidism.

Enzyme II activity with α-naphthyl phosphate as substrate was also high in the prepubertal testis and an increase occurred after cryptorchidism. The results are in agreement with a preferentially interstitial origin of enzymes I and II.

Enzyme III was quantified using β-naphthyl phosphate as substrate with sodium fluoride (5 mm) to inactivate enzymes I and II. A moderate increase of this enzyme activity during the pubertal development and a gradual decrease after cryptorchidism suggested tubular origin.

Enzyme IV activity was followed using p-nitrophenyl phosphate as substrate in the presence of sodium fluoride (5 mm) and Co2+ (5 mm) as a specific activator. A rapid potentiation of activity took place during pubertal development and a precipitous decrease after cryptorchidism. The results indicate a tubular origin of enzyme IV, which was confirmed by fractionation studies.

Cadmium chloride treatment caused a rapid decrease of all enzyme activities, but the decline was more abrupt for the tubular enzymes III and IV.

The results indicate that the specific testicular acid phosphatase IV may be useful in studies on the hormonal control of spermatogenesis.
A METHOD FOR THE GROUP ANALYSIS OF STEROIDS IN MILK
Authors: Darling J. A. B. , Harkness R. A.
Published: December 2008

A method has been developed for the systematic analysis of groups of steroids in milk. The procedure consists of saponification, gentle mechanical extraction, oxidation with CrO3, and a Girard separation, followed by thin-layer chromatography of the ketonic fraction. Final separation and estimation is by gas liquid chromatography. The reliability criteria of the method have been examined. A 5α steroid, 5α-androstane-3,17-dione, was obtained from almost all milk samples in amounts equivalent to a concentration of 0.54 μg/100 ml of cows' milk. The present survey has shown that other steroids can sometimes be found in human and cows' milk but only at low levels. The procedure can help in the isolation and definite identification of those steroids which are detectable.
THE RELEASE IN VITRO OF VASOPRESSIN UNACCOMPANIED BY THE AXOPLASMIC ENZYMES: LACTIC ACID DEHYDROGENASE AND ADENYLATE KINASE
Authors: Edwards B. A. , Edwards M. E. , Thorn N. A.
Published: December 2008

Lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH) and adenylate kinase were shown by differential centrifugation to be mainly associated with the supernatant fraction of ox neurohypophyses. In vitro release of vasopressor activity, LDH and adenylate kinase from groups of rat neural hemilobes or slices of ox neurohypophyses was studied at rest and after stimulation with a high potassium concentration or after electrical stimulation. Although release of vasopressor activity increased considerably on stimulation, no significant change in the release of LDH or adenylate kinase could be detected. The findings are discussed in relation to the different hypotheses for the mechanism of release of vasopressin.
DEXAMETHASONE OR PROPRANOLOL BLOCKADE OF INDUCED INCREASE IN PLASMA PROGESTERONE IN EARLY HUMAN PREGNANCY
Authors: Fylling Petter
Published: December 2008

Following continuous intravenous infusion of vasopressin or theophyllamine during the first trimester of human pregnancy, a marked increase in the peripheral plasma progesterone levels was observed. By simultaneous administration of propranolol the vasopressin effect was blocked, but not that of theophyllamine. When dexamethasone was infused, the incremental response of both vasopressin and theophyllamine was blocked or reduced.

The present results may indicate that propranolol exerts its inhibitory effect on the steroidogenesis at the β-adrenergic receptor sites. Dexamethasone, on the other hand, seems to act distal to the β-receptors probably by direct interference with steroidogenesis.
ENDOCRINE PROFILE OF A NONSTEROIDAL ANTIANDROGEN N-(3,5-DIMETHYL-4-ISOXAZOLYLMETHYL)PHTHALIMIDE (DIMP)
Authors: Boris Alfred , Scott John W. , DeMartino Louis , Cox Donald C.
Published: December 2008

DIMP, N-(3,5-Dimethyl-4-isoxazolylmethyl)phthalimide, blocked the stimulatory effects of testosterone, androstenedione, nortestosterone, fluoxymesterone and dihydrotestosterone on sex accessory gland weights in castrated male rats. The compound also antagonized the uterotrophic effect of testosterone and inhibited the antigonadotrophic activity of testosterone. DIMP did not manifest androgenic, antigonadotrophic, uterotrophic or progestational activities, and did not antagonize the uterotrophic activity of oestradiol in the rat nor the endometrial response to progesterone in the oestrogen-primed rabbit.
SEPARATION OF ANTIBODY-BOUND AND FREE HUMAN FOLLICLE-STIMULATING AND LUTEINIZING HORMONES BY ETHANOL-AMMONIUM ACETATE
Authors: Römmler A. , Saxena B. B.
Published: December 2008

The use of 66% ethanol containing 6.6% ammonium acetate provided a simple and economical method for the separation of antibody-bound and free 131I-labelled hormones in incubation mixtures of low protein concentrations used in the radioimmunoassay of human pituitary FSH and LH. The accuracy of the procedure was confirmed by similar results obtained in the evaluation of radiation damage to the tracer, binding of the tracer to the antibody and the separation of the antibody-bound and free 131I-labelled hormones by the use of ethanol-ammonium acetate solution and chromato-electrophoresis. The sensitivity of the measurement of the hormones was 10 pg with a precision of ± 5%; thus allowing the determination of hormone concentrations in as little as 20 to 50 μl of the plasma samples. There was a 98.5 to 102% recovery of the hormones added to the plasma samples of pre-determined hormone concentrations. The use of highly purified antigens for radioisotopic labelling and standard as well as purified antisera provided specific measurements of FSH and LH in the plasma. Various dilutions of a post-menopausal plasma sample yielded responses parallel to those obtained for the doseresponse curves of the FSH and LH standards by logit-log plots, thus confirming the validity of the assay. The mean plasma FSH and LH levels in normal men, children and in women during the luteal phase were 2.7 and 2.6, 1.1 and 1.2, and 1.8 and 2 ng/ml, respectively, whereas the plasma of hypophysectomized subjects showed trace to detectable levels of FSH and LH.
LOCALIZATION OF OESTRADIOL RECEPTORS IN THE RAT HYPOTHALAMUS
Authors: Kato Junzo
Published: December 2008

An attempt was made to isolate oestradiol receptors by sucrose density gradient centrifugation from hypothalamic cytoplasm labelled in vitro with 3H-oestradiol obtained from adult ovariectomized rats, in order to elucidate the site of the feedback action of oestrogen on the brain. The oestradiol receptors are predominantly localized in the preoptic-anterior hypothalamic region and the median eminence, although the receptors are distributed widely in different concentrations in the female rat brain. Oestrogen may act on the brain through the interaction of the hormone with the oestradiol receptors in the preoptic-anterior hypothalamic region and in the median eminence.
SERUM TRIIODOTHYRONINE DETERMINATION BY SATURATION ANALYSIS
Authors: Burger A. , Miller B. , Sakoloff C. , Vallotton M. B.
Published: December 2008

An improved method for the determination of serum triiodothyronine (T3) has been developed. After addition of a tracer amount of the hormone, T3 was extracted from 1 ml serum under conditions of pH and ionic strength which favoured T3 extraction (89%) over thyroxine (T4) extraction (58%). Chromatography of the extracted material on Sephadex LH-20 separated T3 completely from residual T4. The T3 eluate was dried, then re-dissolved in 0.5 ml NaOH 0.04 n. To 0.2 ml duplicate aliquots, a standard amount of TBG was added for the competitive protein analysis. After one hour incubation at 4°C, separation of bound from free T3 was achieved on small Sephadex G-25 columns. Overall recovery was 67 ± 10.8% and correction for the loss was made. The solvent blank was 37 ± 27 (sd) ng/100 ml. Accuracy of measurement of known quantities of T3 added to serum was 98.4%. The coefficient of variation within the assay was 6.2% and between the assays it was 11.4%. The limit of detection (0.1 ng) corresponded to a concentration of 25 ng/100 ml. T4 added to serum did not interfere with T3 determination until high non-physiological values were reached. The mean ± sd serum T3 in 54 euthyroid subjects was 153 ± 58 ng/100 ml and in 24 hyperthyroid patients it was 428 ±186 ng/100 ml; 4 out of the 24 hyperthyroid values were within 2 sd of the mean euthyroid group. All the values found in the euthyroid group were well above the limit of detection of the method.
EVALUATION OF TESTS FOR LATENT DIABETES IN THE SAND RAT AND RAT
Authors: Frenkel G. , Kraicer P. F.
Published: December 2008

The responses of sand rats and rats to disturbances of their glucose metabolism were tested. Despite their latent diabetes, the sand rats had normal glucose tolerance. They did not show signs of starvation diabetes. Their responses to exogenous and endogenous (tolbutamide-stimulated) insulin were greater than those of laboratory rats. Acute insulin deficiency was induced with mannoheptulose. Both species responded with similar levels of hyperglycaemia, although the response of the sand rat was somewhat slower. The only test used here which indicated a metabolic difference related to latent diabetes, was the induction of transient intolerance to glucose by cortisol. These results suggest that latent diabetes is not associated with any marked metabolic abnormality in the unchallenged sand rat, despite the ease of induction of diabetes by caloric loading.
EARLY VARIATIONS OF PLASMA CORTISOL AFTER PULSE INTRAVENOUS INJECTION OF DIBUTYRYL CYCLIC ADENOSINE 3′,5′-MONOPHOSPHATE IN NORMAL SUBJECTS
Authors: Angeli Alberto , Boccuzzi Giuseppe , Frajria Roberto , Bisbocci Daniela , Ceresa Franco
Published: December 2008

10 mg/kg of dibutyryl cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (Db-cAMP) was iv pulse injected into twelve healthy adult women. The plasma cortisol levels were determined as 11-OHCS at zero time and then at 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 15, 30, 60 and 180 min after the injection. The data were compared with those obtained at the corresponding times in two groups of eleven and seventeen healthy women after the injection of 250 ng and 250 μg of synthetic β-1-24 corticotrophin performed in the same manner as the injection of the nucleotide. The mean increments in plasma cortisol were significantly lower after Db-cAMP than after ACTH. Differences were noted by analyzing the time course of the responses. In the case of stimulation with Db-cAMP the 11-OHCS levels rose progressively to a maximum at 15–30 min. By contrast, a peak of plasma cortisol was evident in most cases within a few min after the injection of ACTH; after a fall, a later rise was then observed starting from 15 min.

The differences in the plasma 11-OHCS responses after the two stimuli may also be of interest clinically for the investigation of some aspects of adrenal steroidogenesis.