bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STEROL SYNTHESIS IN RATS WITH EXPERIMENTALLY-INDUCED POLYCYSTIC OVARIES
Authors: ADAMS W. C. , LEATHEM J. H.
Published: December 2008

Immature female rats were fed thiouracil for 30 days and injected with 10 i.u. human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) for the last 20 days. In thiouracil-fed animals, HCG produced large ovaries containing follicular cysts. These ovaries showed a subnormal concentration of cholesterol but both a normal total content and normal incorporation of [1-14C]acetate into digitonin-precipitable-sterols. Liver and serum cholesterol concentrations were reduced, but in vivo, 4 hr. incorporation of acetate into sterols was doubled suggesting either an acceleration of cholesterol turnover or delayed utilization of sterol precursors of cholesterol. HCG also reduced ovarian cholesterol concentration in euthyroid animals but total organ content and incorporation of [14C]acetate were not altered, nor were liver and serum cholesterol affected. Since the effect of induced ovarian cysts on sterol metabolism cannot be accounted for by known effects of thyroid or gonadal hormones it is suggested that influences of steroid hormones on lipid metabolism may be greatly modified in thyroid deficiency.
OVARIAN HORMONES AND THE SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR OF THE MALE RHESUS MONKEY (MACACA MULATTA) UNDER LABORATORY CONDITIONS
Authors: MICHAEL R. P. , HERBERT J. , WELEGALLA JUDY
Published: December 2008

Male sexual behaviour was studied quantitatively by observing pairs of oppositely sexed, adult rhesus monkeys during regular hourly test sessions over 2 yr.; at all other times the animals were housed singly. Rhythmic fluctuations in the mounting behaviour of males occurred in relation to the menstrual cycles of female partners. Two patterns were seen: those with high and low levels of mounting, respectively, in follicular and luteal phases, and those with more isolated maxima near mid-cycle. Ejaculation times were shortest and mounting rates highest near ovulation. Bilateral ovariectomy of females abolished all rhythmic variations in the behaviour of the males, which also stopped ejaculating. Subcutaneous injections of oestradiol into ovariectomized females restored the sexual performance of males, an effect which was partly antagonized by the subsequent addition of progesterone. These findings indicate that sexual behaviour in a male primate is influenced, in some way, by the secretory activity of the female's ovaries.
THE PRODUCTION OF 11-DEOXYCORTISOL (REICHSTEIN'S SUBSTANCE S) IN PATIENTS WITH ADRENOCORTICAL HYPERFUNCTION
Authors: DENNIS P. M. , COPE C. L. , PEARSON J.
Published: December 2008

Using an isotope dilution technique, secretion rates of both 11-deoxycortisol and cortisol were measured simultaneously in a group of control subjects and in 13 patients with adrenocortical hyperplasia or tumour. The rate of 11-deoxycortisol secretion was 3·0% of the combined cortisol and 11-deoxycortisol secretions in the control patients, and 2·5% in most cases of Cushing's syndrome due to adrenocortical hyperplasia. This implied a normal efficiency of the 11β-hydroxylase system in most of these patients. In four patients with adrenocortical tumour there was evidence of reduction of the efficiency of the 11β-hydroxylase system below the normal range.
EFFECT OF HYPERBARIC OXYGEN ON CORTICOSTEROID SECRETION AND MORPHOLOGY OF ORGAN CULTURES OF ADULT RAT ADRENAL GLANDS
Authors: BISWAS S. , MacDOUGALL J. D. B. , COUPLAND R. E.
Published: December 2008

Slices of adrenal glands of 4- to 6-months-old Sprague—Dawley rats were cultured for up to 6 days under air or hyperbaric oxygen in a mixture of 80% Parker's tissue culture Medium 199 and 20% horse serum. The use of hyperbaric oxygen instead of air resulted in a marked improvement in the microscopic appearance of the adrenal slices in cultures of 3–6 days duration.

There was a marked stimulation of steroid output in cultures exposed to hyperbaric oxygen during the first 24 hr. After this time, in spite of the improved histological appearance of the tissue slices, no significant difference in steroid output was observed.

Female glands secrete about twice as much steroid per unit weight as male glands under similar hyperbaric conditions.

Corticosterone, 18-hydroxydeoxycorticosterone and 18-hydroxycorticosterone were the most abundant steroids secreted, but smaller amounts of aldosterone and deoxycorticosterone were also identified. Hyperbaric oxygen did not materially affect the relative amounts of the various steroids.

The presence of a greater quantity of adrenocortical tissue in female animals was confirmed. The absolute weight of the medulla in male animals was significantly greater than that of females of the same age, but when expressed in terms of body weight the female medulla was greater than the male medulla.
CORTICOSTEROID SECRETION IN KANGAROOS (MACROPUS CANGURU MAJOR AND M. (MEGALEIA) RUFUS)
Authors: WEISS MAGDA , McDONALD I. R.
Published: December 2008

Adrenal venous and peripheral blood was collected from five adult and two immature kangaroos, anaesthetized with pentobarbitone.

Seven C-21 Δ4, 3-oxo steroids were identified in extracts of adrenal venous blood from all animals. The major component—72–92% of detected corticosteroids—was cortisol. The remainder were 11-deoxy and 21-deoxy cortisol, corticosterone, aldosterone, 11β-OH and 17α-OH progesterone. In four out of six experiments, i.v. corticotrophin caused variable degrees of increase in corticosteroid secretion. Maximum cortisol secretion rates in all the adults and the immature male were in the range 29–70 μg./hr./100 mg. adrenal, or 28–58 μg./hr./kg. body weight and 98 μg./hr./100 mg. or 114 μg./hr./kg. in the immature female.

Average aldosterone secretion rate in the adults was 0·27 μg./hr./100 mg. adrenal, or 0·18 μg./hr./kg. body weight. It was significantly higher in the immature male. However, the Na status of the animals was not known.

Cortisol was the major corticosteroid in peripheral blood plasma at concentrations of 2·0–8·1 μg./100 ml.

The unusual secretion of 21-deoxy cortisol suggests there may be differences in some aspects of adrenocortical biosynthesis, compared with eutherians.
THE EFFECT OF NORETHANDROLONE (NILEVAR) ON GROWTH IN THE FEMALE GUINEA-PIG
Authors: REED MAY
Published: December 2008

The effect of norethandrolone (17α-ethyl-19-nortestosterone), an anabolic steroid, on growth in the female guinea-pig under normal conditions and conditions of mild stress, has been studied. Norethandrolone (and hydrocortisone acetate) reduced the adrenal weights of the test animals. Both norethandrolone-treated and hydrocortisone-treated groups of guinea-pigs stressed by heart puncture under ether anaesthesia continued to gain weight, whilst the control animals showed a temporary loss in weight. The results suggest that norethandrolone inhibits the release of ACTH in the female guinea-pig.
THYROXINE SECRETION RATE IN THE HORSE IN VARIOUS PHYSIOLOGICAL STATES
Authors: IRVINE C. H. G.
Published: December 2008

Studies on the rate of thyroxine secretion (t.s.r.) in the horse, as measured from degradation of labelled thyroxine, are reported. In the resting horse, the mean t.s.r. was 0·49 mg./453·6 kg. (1000 lb.), with a mean value of PBI of 1·80 μ./100 ml., volume distribution of 60 1., and a half-life of 2·31 days. Partly and fully trained horses showed increases of 38% and 65% in t.s.r. associated with lower values for PBI and a greatly decreased half-life. During adaptation to cold, there was an increase of 66% in t.s.r. In horses adapted to cold, t.s.r. was increased by 17%. In pregnancy, the mean increase in t.s.r. of 18% was not statistically significant.
THE EFFECTS OF OESTROGEN, PROGESTERONE AND PROLACTIN ON BROOD PATCH FORMATION IN OVARIECTOMIZED CANARIES
Authors: HUTCHISON R. E. , HINDE R. A. , STEEL ELIZABETH
Published: December 2008

The effects of certain exogenous hormones on the brood patch of ovariectomized canaries during the non-breeding season are described.

Defeathering and vascularity of the brood patch were produced by oestrogen alone and by combinations of oestrogen and progesterone or prolactin, but not by progesterone or prolactin alone. The development of vascularity varied with the dose level of oestrogen: a dose of 0·2 mg. oestrogen produced stage 3 vascularity, which normally occurs at the time of egg-laying. There was a significant fall in the tactile sensitivity threshold of the brood patch in females treated with oestrogen and progesterone, and in one group treated with progesterone alone. All other groups showed no significant changes.

Oestrogen alone and in combination with progesterone and prolactin caused increase in oviduct weight.

These results confirm the view derived from experiments with intact canaries that oestrogen produces vascularity, but that combinations of oestrogen and prolactin or possibly progesterone are necessary for defeathering. In addition these experiments indicate that oestrogen and progesterone are necessary for a change in sensitivity threshold of the brood patch.
THE EFFECT OF HYPOTHALAMIC LESIONS ON REPRODUCTIVE ACTIVITY IN SHEEP
Authors: RADFORD H. M.
Published: December 2008

Electrolytic lesions were made in the hypothalamus of 41 Merino ewes which were subsequently observed for 2–16 months.

Ovarian inactivity resulted from bilateral medial and ventral lesions placed immediately posterior to the optic chiasma (four ewes) or immediately anterior to the mammillary body (five ewes). Failure to show oestrus while apparently still ovulating regularly was a feature in another four ewes in which bilateral medial and ventral lesions were placed between the sites already described. Small bilateral lesions in these ventral regions led initially to ovarian inactivity, but final re-establishment of apparently normal reproductive activity in three ewes. Bilateral lesions in regions other than those described above resulted in no apparent change in reproductive activity (eight ewes). Similarly, unilateral or asymmetrical lesions in the remaining 17 ewes failed to affect their reproductive activity.

The results are consistent with the hypothesis that in sheep a region of the median eminence responsible for the production of gonadotrophin-releasing factors requires neural inputs traversing both anterior and posterior hypothalamic areas.
THE ASSAY OF HUMAN THYROCALCITONIN IN MICE
Authors: LALJEE H. C. K. , SMITH R. N. , DORRINGTON K. J.
Published: December 2008

A mouse assay for thyrocalcitonin using either intravenous or intraperitoneal injections is described. Responses to porcine thyroid extracts were similar to those in rats. Extracts of human thyroid glands obtained at autopsy or surgical operation caused hypocalcaemia in the mouse. The rat was less sensitive to human thyrocalcitonin. Studies on autopsy tissue showed that human thyrocalcitonin could only be detected if thyroids were removed within 12 hr. after death. Crude extracts of human thyroids were assayed in mice by intraperitoneal injection and the thyrocalcitonin content was determined in tissue obtained from patients with thyrotoxicosis or non-toxic goitre.
THE EFFECT OF LONG-TERM CORTICOTROPHIN TREATMENT ON THE CORTICOSTEROID-BINDING CAPACITY OF TRANSCORTIN
Authors: ÁCS ZSUZSANNA , STARK E. , CSÁKI L.
Published: December 2008

In rats consecutive daily doses of corticotrophin significantly reduced the corticosterone-binding capacity of transcortin as measured by the gel filtration method, even after previous removal of the adrenals or ovaries. Treatment with formalin for 14 days produced similar, though slightly lesser, changes.
THE SPECIFIC ACTIVITY OF PLASMA CORTISOL IN SHEEP AFTER INTRAVENOUS INFUSION OF [1,2-3H2]CORTISOL, AND ITS RELATION TO THE DISTRIBUTION OF CORTISOL
Authors: PATERSON J. Y. F. , HARRISON F. A.
Published: December 2008

Tritium-labelled cortisol was administered to sheep by intravenous infusion at constant rate for up to 4 hr. When the infusion was stopped, [3H] cortisol disappeared rapidly from plasma and its concentration could be described by a double exponential function. There was good agreement between the results from 50 experiments on 11 sheep. In pregnant ewes, there was no noticeable difference in the rate of disappearance of [3H]cortisol from plasma until about 2 weeks before lambing, when the rate became more rapid.

These data were interpreted in terms of a two-compartment model of cortisol distribution. The central compartment contains about 42 μg. cortisol and may be identical with the cortisol contained in whole blood volume. The outer compartment contains about 130 μg. cortisol; less than half of this compartment may be in intercellular fluids, partly bound to protein, and the remainder in intracellular fluids.

In pregnant ewes near term there is a decrease in plasma cortisol concentration which appears to result from expansion of plasma volume. The decrease in unbound cortisol concentration probably results in a decrease in the size of the outer compartment of cortisol. This may contribute to the observed increase in the rate of disappearance of [3H] cortisol from plasma, but this change may also coincide with the initiation of secretion of cortisol by the foetus, at about 1 or 2 μg./min.
A COMPARISON OF THE CONVERSION IN VITRO OF PREGNENOLONE SULPHATE AND PREGNENOLONE TO STEROID HORMONES BY TISSUE FROM A CLEAR CELL ADENOMA OF THE ADRENAL GLAND
Authors: GRIFFITHS K. , CUNNINGHAM D. , CAMERON E. H. D.
Published: December 2008

Tissue from a clear cell adenoma of the adrenal gland was incubated simultaneously with [7α-3H]pregnenolone sulphate and [4-14C]pregnenolone in Krebs—Ringer bicarbonate-glucose solution. Evidence was obtained for the conversion of pregnenolone sulphate to cortisol and corticosterone. The differences in the ability of the tissue to convert the sulphate and the free steroid to corticosteroids and androgens are discussed in relation to theories on the functional zonation of the human adrenal cortex.
GAS CHROMATOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF THE UNCONJUGATED, NEUTRAL NON-POLAR STEROIDS OF HUMAN PLACENTA
Authors: CHAMBERLAIN J. , MORRIS N. F. , SMITH NANCY C.
Published: December 2008

Normal human term placentae have been examined for neutral non-polar steroids by gas chromatography. Preliminary examination of a number of neutral extracts showed a consistent pattern of chromatographic peaks on both non-selective (SE-30) and selective (QF-1) stationary phases. The extracts were further fractionated by thin-layer chromatography and reexamined in detail by acetate formation, adsorption and partition thin-layer chromatography, and gas chromatography. The major steroids identified were progesterone, 3β-hydroxy-pregn-5-en-20-one, 20α-hydroxy-pregn-4-en-3-one and 3β-hydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one; minor amounts of 3α-hydroxy-5β-pregnan-20-one and 5β-pregnane-3α,20α-diol were also identified.
ENDOCRINE AND HISTOLOGICAL STUDIES ON OLIGOSPERMIC MEN TREATED WITH HUMAN PITUITARY AND CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHIN
Authors: de KRETSER D. M. , TAFT H. P. , BROWN J. B. , EVANS J. H. , HUDSON B.
Published: December 2008

The results of treatment of three oligospermic men for periods of up to 12 months with human pituitary gonadotrophin alone and in combination with human chorionic gonadotrophin (Pregnyl) is described. The addition of exogenous gonadotrophin resulted in a small but significant stimulation of spermatogenesis which was confirmed by quantitative histological assessment of testicular biopsy specimens taken before, during and after treatment. The time taken for a response in the ejaculate appears to be dependent on the initial histological appearance of the testis, in particular the stage of germinal cell arrest.

Estimations of plasma testosterone and urinary oestrogen indicate that testicular steroid biosynthesis is stimulated during treatment with gonadotrophin.
THE CLUTCHING REACTION AND ORGASM IN THE FEMALE RHESUS MONKEY (MACACA MULATTA)
Authors: ZUMPE DORIS , MICHAEL R. P.
Published: December 2008

A description is given of the turning round, looking backwards, lipsmacking, clutching and biting behaviour of the female rhesus monkey that occurs during the ejaculatory mount of the male: this behavioural sequence has been designated the clutching reaction. It was observed during almost all ejaculations in intact females, but the incidence decreased after bilateral ovariectomy. Oestrogen administration to ovariectomized females restored it to the levels in intact females and progesterone administration diminished it to levels lower than those in any other condition. It is suggested that this behavioural reaction is an external expression of consummatory sexual behaviour in the female rhesus monkey, and its homology with orgasm in the human female is discussed.
ESTIMATION OF AN OXYTOCIN-LIKE SUBSTANCE IN HIGHLY PURIFIED EXTRACTS FROM THE BLOOD OF PUERPERAL WOMEN DURING SUCKLING
Authors: COCH J. A. , FIELITZ C. , BROVETTO J. , CABOT H. M. , CODA H. , FRAGA A.
Published: December 2008

The presence of a substance in the jugular blood of lactating women with the chromatographic, electrophoretic, and pharmacological properties of oxytocin has been demonstrated.

The concentration of this substance in the jugular plasma, during suckling, was equivalent to 12–25 μ-u./ml. synthetic oxytocin.

These figures are in good agreement with those calculated from the rate of infusion of oxytocin necessary to elicit milk ejections similar to that produced during suckling.
THE STRUCTURE OF SOME REACTION PRODUCTS OF THE ACIDIC URINARY METABOLITES OF PROGESTERONE
Authors: ALLEN J. G. , COOKE ALMA M. , THOMAS G. H.
Published: December 2008

After injection of [4-14C]progesterone into rabbits, 62% of the radioactivity recovered from the urine after hydrolysis is extractable from ether into sodium bicarbonate solution. Treatment of these acidic metabolites with potassium borohydride, followed by sodium bismuthate, yields neutral material which can be separated into three zones by thin-layer chromatography. The most polar zone, accounting for 61% of the radioactivity recovered from the plate, consists of epimers of 3,6-dihydroxyandrostan17-al.
PURIFICATION AND PROPERTIES OF THE FOLLICLE-STIMULATING HORMONE INHIBITOR OBTAINED FROM THE URINE OF THE BONNET MONKEY
Authors: SAIRAM M. R. , RAJ H. G. MADHWA , MOUDGAL N. R.
Published: December 2008

The follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) inhibitor in monkey urine was purified by selective extraction of the crude extract with acetate buffer, ammonium sulphate precipitation and DEAE-cellulose chromatography. The purified inhibitor was free of luteinizing hormone activity. It behaved as an apparently homogeneous protein. The inhibitor contained about 20% carbohydrate (hexoses, hexosamines, fucose and sialic acid). Thin-layer gel filtration indicated a molecular weight of about 65,000. The inhibitor was labile to heat treatment, exposure to extremes of pH and denaturing agents. The inhibitor effectively neutralized the biological activity of FSH preparations from human, monkey, horse, pig, sheep and rat pituitary glands, pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin and human pituitary urinary gonadotrophin.
THE MILKING STIMULUS AND MAMMARY GROWTH IN THE GOAT
Authors: COWIE A. T. , KNAGGS G. S. , TINDAL J. S. , TURVEY A.
Published: December 2008

The regular twice daily 'milking' of three ovariectomized virgin goats brought about mammary growth and the initiation of lactation. After several months daily milk yields of 0·8 to 2·0 1. were attained. The mammogenic and lactogenic responses to the milking stimulus were completely abolished in four virgin goats (two ovariectomized and two with intact ovaries) in which the pituitary stalk had been transected before 'milking' was started. The neurohormonal mechanisms concerned and the significance of these observations for the interpretation of studies on the hormonal induction of mammary growth and lactation are discussed.
THE ACTION OF OVARIAN STEROIDS AND RELAXIN ON GLYCOGEN AND SOME ENZYME ACTIVITIES IN THE UTERUS OF THE HAMSTER
Authors: HALL KATHLEEN , KHALIGH H. SALIMI
Published: December 2008

Glycogen, and activities of amylophosphorylase, transglycosylase, uridine diphosphate glucose-glycogen glucosyl transferase (glycogen synthetase) and alkaline phosphatase were investigated by histochemical techniques in uteri of 44 spayed hamsters, untreated and injected with oestrogen (Oe) or progesterone (P) alone or in combination, and with or without relaxin (R). Chemical determinations of glycogen content were made for some uteri.

Glycogen was visualized only in myometrial and arterial muscle fibres and migrating leucocytes. Almost none was revealed by histochemical techniques in uteri of controls and after P although chemical determinations showed moderate amounts present; this is discussed. Oe and Oe + R increased glycogen in muscle fibres of the longitudinal layer and less consistently of the circular layer. Oe + P and Oe + P + R produced greater increase in the longitudinal but no increase in the circular layers. Phosphorylase activity was visualized in myometrial and arterial muscle fibres only. Controls showed greatest activity in the circular muscle fibres. Progesterone alone produced a slight increase in the longitudinal layer. All other treatments produced strong activity in the fibres of the longitudinal layer but less consistent increase in those of the circular layer. The techniques did not differentiate between the active and the inactive forms of the enzyme and this is discussed in relation to hormonal action.

The distribution of transglycosylase appeared to be similar to that of phosphorylase.

Preliminary tests of glycogen synthetase revealed activity in fibres of the longitudinal layer and (in two animals given Oe) the circular layer.

In untreated controls and after Oe and Oe + R, alkaline phosphatase activity was confined to epithelia, vascular endothelium and some macrophages. Activity also appeared in stromal cells and in fibroblasts of myometrial connective tissue after P, Oe + P and Oe + P + R. Myometrial muscle fibres showed no activity before or after any of the treatments.

With the combinations and doses used, no certain effect of relaxin was recorded.
AN EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTS OF OESTROGEN ON THE THYROID GLAND OF CASTRATED ADULT MALE RATS
Authors: BITHELL J. F. , BROWN-GRANT K.
Published: December 2008

The uptake of 131I by the thyroid gland of the castrated adult male rat is increased 24 hr. and is maximal 48 hr. after the injection of a single dose of 50 μg. oestradiol. The response is not dose-dependent between 25 and 1600 μg.

The thyroid:serum (T:S) concentration ratio for 131I is also increased by oestradiol with a time-course similar to the changes in uptake, but release of 131I-labelled hormone from the gland in vivo and radioactive phosphate uptake were not affected.

Analysis of the kinetics of 131I accumulation by the blocked gland show that the effects on 131I uptake and T:S ratio were due to an increase in the clearance rate with a possible associated decrease in the exit rate constant for iodide from the gland to the blood.

Under the conditions of these experiments, the effects of oestradiol are not consistent with their being produced by an increase in pituitary thyrotrophic hormone secretion; a direct action on the gland appears likely.

These conclusions apply solely to the experimental conditions described here and do not provide the basis for any generalization about the action of oestrogens on the thyroid gland.

The method of analysis developed for the estimation of the unilateral clearance constant and the exit rate constant, together with their standard deviations, is presented in an appendix.
THE KINETICS OF THE EXCHANGE BETWEEN TRANSCORTIN-BOUND AND UNBOUND CORTISOL IN PLASMA
Authors: DIXON P. F.
Published: December 2008

In order to determine the probable availability of protein-bound cortisol to the tissues, the establishment of equilibrium between transcortin-bound [3H]cortisol and unbound [14C]cortisol in plasma has been followed using Sephadex gel filtration. Association of cortisol with transcortin was rapid; dissociation of the steroid-protein complex was comparatively slow; when the binding-sites were nearly saturated the half-dissociation times of [3H]cortisol were 25 min. at 4°, 1 min. at 22° and about 10 sec. at 37°.
PARATHYROID FUNCTION IN SPONTANEOUS PRIMARY HYPOTHYROIDISM
Authors: ADAMS P. , CHALMERS T. M. , RIGGS B. L. , JONES J. D.
Published: December 2008

Calcium and phosphorus metabolism were studied in 22 patients with spontaneous primary hypothyroidism. Two patients were found to have hypercalcaemia but the mean serum calcium concentration of the group was significantly less than that of control subjects. The renal tubular reabsorption of phosphate was decreased and could be increased to normal with small calcium infusions. The response to calcium deprivation and to infusions of EDTA was abnormal and suggested an impaired ability to mobilize calcium from bone. There was a significant correlation between the defect in calcium mobilization, as judged from the response to EDTA, and the renal tubular reabsorption of phosphate.

In three patients serum parathyroid hormone concentrations, measured by radioimmunoassay, were in the upper part of the normal range.

It is suggested that in patients with hypothyroidism the target cells in bone are less responsive to the effects of parathyroid hormone than normal; as a consequence parathyroid hormone secretion may be increased.
THE ABSENCE OF INTACT GROWTH HORMONE IN URINE AS JUDGED BY RADIOIMMUNOASSAY
Authors: GIRARD J. , GREENWOOD F. C.
Published: December 2008

Non-specific factors in urine, measuring as apparent growth hormone, were detected when the radioimmunoassay for plasma growth hormone was applied to urine, dilute urine and fractions therefrom. Varying concentrations of salt and urea were shown to mimic the effect of growth hormone and, like the urine inhibition, were lost on dialysis. Urine from normal subjects and from a hypopituitary dwarf treated with growth hormone, when concentrated, desalted and fractionated by gel filtration gave no evidence for the presence of growth hormone. From recovery experiments it was concluded that growth hormone in normal urine is present at concentrations below 0·1 μg./I. An inhibitor with the immunological characteristics of growth hormone was obtained from a fraction of concentrated urine from an acromegalic patient and was equivalent to 0·24 μg. growth hormone/24 hr. urine.
THE OESTROGEN REQUIREMENT FOR IMPLANTATION AND THE EFFECT OF ITS DOSE ON THE IMPLANTATION RESPONSE IN THE MOUSE
Authors: SMITH DIANNE MOORE , BIGGERS J. D.
Published: December 2008

It has been shown for the random-bred Swiss mouse that blastocyst implantation does not take place in the absence of oestrogen. Mated, ovariectomized mice receiving progesterone alone showed no evidence of implantation. However, if 17β-oestradiol benzoate (0·5 μg.) was administered in addition to progesterone, a high percentage of these animals had implantation sites and the response was not significantly different from that observed in control animals which were mated and either sham-operated or left surgically intact.

The effect of the dose of oestradiol on the implantation response was also investigated. The combined data showed that the percentage of mice per group having implantation sites and the mean number of implantation sites per mouse increased as the dose of oestradiol was raised from 0·5 × 10−2 μg. to 10−1 μg. The implantation response declined as the dose of oestradiol was increased above 10−1 μg. The median effective dose was found to be 2·91 × 10−2 μg. with fiducial limits of error of 1·76 × 10−2 μg. to 5·04 × 10−2 μg.
OVULATION AND THYROID FUNCTION IN THE RABBIT
Authors: BROWN-GRANT K.
Published: December 2008

Serial measurements of peripheral blood 131I content beginning 96–120 hr. after the injection of radioactive iodide in rabbits were made to study possible short-term changes in thyroid gland activity after mating. No changes in the disappearance curve of blood radioactivity were detected after matings that induced ovulation or after the injection of human chorionic gonadotrophin. A dose of 12·5 m-u. thyrotrophin intravenously produced gross changes in the blood 131I levels, and mating was shown not to modify the response to this dose of thyrotrophin. It is concluded that, when ovulation is induced by mating in this species, no change in thyrotrophin secretion occurs; this finding is in contrast to results in species that ovulate 'spontaneously'.
THE EFFECT OF AUTOTRANSPLANTATION OF THE OVARIES TO THE KIDNEYS OR UTERUS ON THE OESTROUS CYCLE OF THE GUINEA-PIG
Authors: BLAND K. P. , DONOVAN B. T.
Published: December 2008

Autotransplantation of the ovaries of guinea-pigs to either the uterus or the kidneys caused the degeneration of all luteal and follicular tissue with the exception of the primordial follicles situated in the periphery of the graft. Follicular development then took place and oestrus and ovulation occurred 10–11 days after transplantation. The corpora lutea formed at this ovulation were maintained in a functional state for more than 35 days when the ovaries were transferred to the kidneys but when ovarian grafts were made to the uterus a series of shortened vaginal cycles was observed. These results substantiate the local nature of the luteolytic abilities of the uterus in this species and imply the existence of a uterine luteolytic substance.
URINARY LEVELS OF C19 AND C21 STEROIDS IN HEALTHY YOUNG MEN AND THEIR RELATION TO MUSCLE AND LIMB BONE WIDTHS
Authors: TANNER J. M. , GUPTA D.
Published: December 2008

The urinary excretion of a number of individually estimated C19 and C21 steroids was measured in 26 healthy young men. The relation between the levels of excretion of certain steroids and the widths of bone, muscle and fat in the upper arm, calf and thigh measured in radiographs was studied. There was a positive relation between the excretion of androsterone and aetiocholanolone and muscle width, and also between total cortisol metabolites and bone width. There was a highly significant negative regression of total corticosterone metabolites on muscle width.
STUDIES ON GONADOTROPHIN-INDUCED OVULATION IN THE IMMATURE RAT
Authors: BELL E. T. , LUNN S. F.
Published: December 2008

The effect of the administration of 25 i.u. human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) on the induction of ovulation in intact immature rats treated with 50 i.u. pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) has been studied.

After the administration of HCG a marked increase in ovarian wet weight was observed. The maximum increase, which occurred 10 hr. after hormone treatment, was noted 2 hr. before ova were found in the oviducts.

The alteration in ovarian wet weight was associated with a fall in percentage solids. However, it appears likely that an increase both in follicular fluid and in cell mass occurred before ovulation. Possible reasons for the absence of any marked effect on uterine wet weight or percentage solids are discussed.
CHANGES IN LUTEINIZING HORMONE CONTENT OF THE ANTERIOR PITUITARY OF THE DOMESTIC FOWL DURING THE INTERVAL BETWEEN CLUTCHES
Authors: HEALD P. J. , ROOKLEDGE K. A. , FURNIVAL B. E. , WATTS G. D.
Published: December 2008

The luteinizing hormone (LH) content of the anterior pituitary of the domestic fowl has been determined at different times during the interval between successive clutches of eggs. The LH content remained constant for 12–14 hr. after the ovulation of the last egg of the sequence, decreased 16 hr. before ovulation, rose again to a peak 12 hr. before ovulation and decreased to lower levels 4 and 8 hr. before the ovulation itself, at which point levels had risen to the normal values. These changes are discussed in relation to the lighting sequence and times of oviposition. It is suggested that the decreased levels 4–8 hr. before ovulation represents the release of ovulatory LH.
CHLOROMETHYLDIMETHYLSILYL ETHERS IN THE ROUTINE ASSAY OF URINARY 11-DEOXY-17-OXOSTEROIDS BY GAS-LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY
Authors: THOMAS B. S. , WALTON D. R. M.
Published: December 2008

Chloromethyldimethylsilyl ethers (CDMSE) of androsterone, aetiocholanolone and dehydroepiandrosterone were prepared by reacting the steroids with chloromethyldimethylchlorosilane and diethylamine in hexane. These derivatives gave more reproducible results than the corresponding trimethylsilyl ethers (TMSE) during gas chromatography on thin-film columns (e.g. 0·6% XE60). Interfering matter from urine extracts which can occur in the androsterone TMSE peak, was eliminated when CDMSE derivatives were used.

The use of CDMSE derivatives in the routine analysis of urinary 11-deoxy-17-oxosteroids by gas-liquid chromatography, compared favourably with that of TMSE derivatives in terms of specificity, sensitivity, accuracy and precision.
THE PROGESTATIONAL ACTIVITY OF 9α-HALOGENATED STEROIDS IN THE OVARIECTOMIZED EWE
Authors: HOLST P. J. , MOORE N. W.
Published: December 2008

A flock of 135 ovariectomized ewes was used in five tests designed to investigate the ability of three 9α-halogenated steroids to condition the spayed ewe to exhibit oestrus after a single injection of oestradiol benzoate (ODB). The experimental steroids (9α-fluoro-11β-hydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione, 9α-chloro-11β-hydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione and 9α-bromo-11β-hydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20 dione) were tested against a progestagen of known characteristics (17α-acetoxy-9α-fluoro-11β-hydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione = SC-9880, G. D. Searle) and against each other.

The steroids were injected intramuscularly, daily for 12 days and ODB was given at one of three doses as a single intramuscular injection 48 or 96 hr. after the final steroid injection.

The effects of the three experimental steroids, as indicated by the oestrous responses to ODB, differed little from that of SC-9880, thus proving them to be highly potent progestagens; 0·4 mg./day appeared to be about the minimum daily effective dose of all three experimental steroids indicating a potency about 15–20 times that of progesterone.
CORTICOSTEROID SYNTHESIS IN A CLEAR CELL ADENOMA: A TIME-BASED STUDY
Authors: CAMERON E. H. D. , GRIFFITHS K.
Published: December 2008

The removal of a large clear cell adenoma (67 g.) from a patient in the Cardiff Royal Infirmary presented an opportunity to investigate the relative importance of alternative metabolic pathways to cortisol in adrenal tissue consisting primarily of a single cell type. Experiments were performed in which chopped tumour tissue was incubated simultaneously with [4-14C]pregnenolone and [7α-3H]progesterone for periods of time ranging from 5 to 120 min.

The conversion of these precursors to a variety of corticosteroids and intermediates was determined by radioisotope dilution techniques. From the results obtained, it was concluded that progesterone played only a minor role in the transformation of pregnenolone to cortisol in this tissue. It appeared that a large proportion of any progesterone formed from pregnenolone is rapidly metabolized to the 17-deoxycorticosteroids.
INVESTIGATIONS ON THE ADRENOCORTICAL FUNCTION OF NORMAL DOGS
Authors: RIJNBERK A. , der KINDEREN P. J. , THIJSSEN J. H. H.
Published: December 2008

The median urinary excretion of 17-oxosteroids in 22 normal unanaesthetized dogs was 0·06 (range: 0·02–0·24) mg./kg. body weight/24 hr. 17-Oxosteroid excretion increased markedly after the administration of dehydroepiandrosterone and androstenedione, while testosterone caused only a very small increase.

The median urinary excretion of total 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OHCS) in 21 dogs was 0·16 (range: 0·06–0·320 mg./kg. body weight/24 hr. This was calculated to amount to about 50–60% of the cortisol produced.

Stimulation with corticotrophin (ACTH) resulted in an increase of urinary 17-OHCS and of plasma 11β-OHCS levels, but 17-oxosteroid excretion was only slightly increased.

In 27 dogs the median plasma 11β-OHCS level was 4·0 (range: 1·3–9·7) μg./100 ml. at 8.00 hr. and 3·6 (range: 0·4–7·0) μg./100 ml. at 17.00 hr. In eight dogs 3-hourly plasma 11β-OHCS estimations were done; six of these animals showed a diurnal variation comparable to that in man.
A COMPARISON OF PROGESTERONE METABOLISM IN THE PREGNANT SHEEP AND GOAT: SOURCES OF PRODUCTION AND AN ESTIMATION OF UPTAKE BY SOME TARGET ORGANS
Authors: LINZELL J. L. , HEAP R. B.
Published: December 2008

Sites of production and uptake of progesterone were compared in acute experiments in two sheep and two goats 119–126 days pregnant. In the two goats progesterone was produced mainly by the ovaries (up to 10 mg./day, placenta 0 mg./day) whereas in the two sheep the placenta made the largest contribution (up to 14mg./day, ovaries about 2 mg./day). Adrenal production was less than 2% of the ovarian output except in one goat (20%). In four out of five foetuses studied, umbilical arterial concentrations of progesterone were higher than umbilical venous ones. Δ5-3β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase was demonstrated histochemically in the foetal adrenals but not the ovaries.
HORMONAL CONTROL OF AMNIOTIC AND ALLANTOIC FLUID VOLUME IN OVARIECTOMIZED SHEEP
Authors: ALEXANDER G. , WILLIAMS D.
Published: December 2008

In pregnant ewes, ovariectomized 3 weeks after mating and maintained with progesterone (7 mg./day) injected intramuscularly, there was excessive accumulation of allantoic fluid after 2 months of gestation. The addition of oestradiol benzoate (5 μg./day) or an increase in the dose of progesterone reduced the allantoic fluid volume to normal; this reduction depended on the dose of oestrogen and on the dose ratio of oestrogen to progesterone. Whilst oestrogen reduced allantoic fluid volume to normal, it increased the incidence of 'bovine' type of cotyledons which are not normally seen in ewes 2 months pregnant. The large allantoic volumes were apparently due to the absence of luteal rather than other ovarian tissue, since large volumes were also present in ewes maintained on 7 mg. progesterone/day after corpora lutea had been surgically expressed from the ovaries left in situ. Embryonic survival was adversely affected when corpora lutea were removed from the ovaries, but there was no clear effect on the morphology of cotyledons.
CORTICOSTERONE AND METHYLATION OF NORADRENALINE BY EXTRAADRENAL CHROMAFFIN TISSUE
Authors: COUPLAND R. E.
Published: December 2008

The effects of corticosterone and deoxycorticosterone in concentrations of 10 and 30 μ./ml. on organ cultures of extra-adrenal chromaffin cells of neonatal rabbits were investigated.

The presence of corticosterone resulted in synthesis and storage of about 35% of adrenaline. Deoxycorticosterone did not induce methylation so that the ratio of catecholamines remained at about 90% noradrenaline.

The results indicate the importance of the 11-oxy group in steroid-induced methylation of catecholamines.
THE EXCRETION OF FOLLICLE-STIMULATING HORMONE BY PATIENTS TREATED WITH GONADOTROPHINS
Authors: MORELL M. , CROOKE A. C. , BUTT W. R.
Published: December 2008

The excretion of injected pituitary and urinary follicle-stimulating hormone was studied in 13 patients with secondary amenorrhoea. The average recovery in the urine was 8·0% and did not depend on the dose given (whether it was given in single or multiple injections) or on the source of the hormone. There was a trend toward higher recoveries in patients with high control levels of gonadotrophin in their urine and in those who did not show signs of ovulation after treatment.
THE EFFECT OF PROPYLTHIOURACIL AND THYROID-STIMULATING HORMONE ON THE SURVIVAL OF RAT THYROID CELLS IN VIVO AND IN VITRO
Authors: SPEIGHT J. W. , BABA W. I. , WILSON G. M.
Published: December 2008

The persistence of tritiated DNA ([3H]DNA) in the thyroids of rats given propylthiouracil (PTU) or PTU plus thyroxine was compared with that in control animals who received either no drugs or thyroxine alone. When only PTU was given, large goitres developed from which [3H]DNA was lost more rapidly than from thyroids of control animals. Administration of thyroxine with PTU led to only slight thyroidal enlargement, but the persistence of [3H]DNA was similarly reduced.

The results suggested that PTU might have a toxic effect, reducing the lifespan of thyroid cells and this was further investigated using monolayer thyroid cultures.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) accelerated the incorporation of tritiated thymidine ([3H]TdR) into cultures, but when PTU was also given the uptake was retarded. PTU alone was less effective in inhibiting [3H]TdR incorporation.

The persistence of [3H]DNA in thyroid cultures was unaffected by PTU and was decreased by TSH. When PTU and TSH were given together there was a greatly increased loss of isotope from the cells.
PITUITARY AND ADRENOCORTICAL FACTORS IN THE CONTROL OF THE WATER AND ELECTROLYTE COMPOSITION OF THE FRESHWATER EUROPEAN EEL (ANGUILLA ANGUILLA L.)
Authors: CHAN D. K. O. , JONES I. CHESTER , MOSLEY W.
Published: December 2008

The hypophysectomized eel (Anguilla anguilla L.) in fresh water showed a marked decline in serum Na and Ca concentrations whilst serum K concentration was elevated compared with sham-operated controls. Muscle was hyperhydrated with decline in Na, K and Mg concentrations. The total amount of Na and K/kg. fat-free dried muscle was decreased. The ratio serum [Na]:[K] was lowered. Injection of mammalian prolactin rendered water content normal but not the electrolyte values. Injections of corticotrophin or cortisol brought electrolyte levels towards normal values though muscle hyperhydration was still evident. Injection of prolactin (2 mg./100g. body weight/day) plus cortisol (20 μg./100 g. body weight/day) rendered the values for water and electrolyte composition similar to those for intact and sham-operated controls. The results are discussed in terms of the equivalence of mammalian prolactin to the fish hormone, paralactin, and of cortisol as a prime agent in controlling electrolyte balance in the Teleostei.
THE METABOLISM IN VITRO OF DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE AND DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE SULPHATE BY SERTOLI CELL TUMOURS OF THE TESTIS OF TWO DOGS WITH CLINICAL SIGNS OF HYPEROESTROGENISM
Authors: PIERREPOINT C. G
Published: December 2008

A comparative study was made of the metabolism in vitro of [4-14C] dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA) and [7α-3H]DHA sulphate by Sertoli cell tumours removed from two dogs with feminization and alopecia, respectively, and by a normal dog testis.

The formation of oestrone, oestradiol-17β, oestradiol- 17α and oestriol, from either precursor, was not significantly different in the two tumours from that in the normal testis.

The inversion of the relative production of androstenedione and testosterone from DHA by one of the tumours compared with the normal testis is discussed in the light of the clinical findings.

The transformation of DHA sulphate to C19 steroids by normal and neoplastic testicular tissue and to testosterone sulphate by the neoplasms is described.
THE URINARY CHANGES INDUCED IN RATS BY HIGH PITCHED SOUND (20 KCYC./SEC.)
Authors: OGLE C. W. , LOCKETT MARY F.
Published: December 2008

Repeated exposures of intact rats, neurohypophysectomized rats and rats with denervated kidneys to high-pitched sound (20 kcyc./sec.) for 2 sec. with an intensity of 98–100 decibels caused diuresis, natriuresis and kaluresis: the rate of urinary excretion of adrenaline rose very significantly. Adrenal demedullation abolished the natriuresis and kaluresis in response to 20 kcyc./sec. and converted the diuresis to an antidiuresis. The renal response of normal rats to 20 kcyc./sec. was therefore attributed to the release of adrenaline from the adrenal medulla in amounts sufficient to prevent an emotional release of antidiuretic hormone from the neurohypophysis. Since 20 kcyc./sec. caused a significant increase in the urinary output of vasopressin by adrenalectomized rats, an emotional release of vasopressin is assumed to have proceeded, uninhibited, in adrenal-de-medullated rats exposed to 20 kcyc./sec., and to have caused the observed antidiuresis.

The diuresis, natriuresis and kaluresis caused by 150 cyc./sec. mimicked by s.c. injection of 4 m-u. oxytocin, was unaffected by demedullation of the adrenals and was not accompanied by increase in urinary adrenaline.
LYMPHOCYTE CHROMOSOMES IN UNTREATED AND 131I-TREATED THYROTOXIC PATIENTS
Authors: SPEIGHT J. W. , SMITH E. , BABA W. I. , WILSON G. M.
Published: December 2008

Lymphocyte chromosomes of untreated and thyrotoxic patients treated with radioactive iodine have been compared with those of control subjects studied concurrently. Untreated patients had a higher percentage of cells with more than 46 chromosomes. 131I-treated patients who were compared with controls within 2–3 months of therapy had significantly increased incidences of cells containing fewer than 46 chromosomes and cells with chromatid and chromosome aberrations. Patients examined 2–5 yr. after radioactive iodine treatment showed similar changes in lesser degree.
INHIBITION OF THE RESPONSE TO PITUITARY ADRENOCORTICOTROPHIC HORMONE IN THE HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED RAT BY CIRCULATORY CORTICOSTERONE
Authors: HILL C. D. , SINGER BERTHA
Published: December 2008

The adrenal response to adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH), as determined by the secretion of corticosterone into adrenal vein blood,was measured in hypophysectomized rats in the presence of low and high levels of corticosterone in the peripheral circulation. To ensure that the level of corticosterone was low in the peripheral blood, the animals were hypophysectomized 24 hr. before the experiment, and one adrenal was removed before the start of infusion of ACTH. After the onset of the infusion the effluent from the remaining gland was collected in a receptacle, thus preventing any corticosterone produced under the influence of ACTH from reaching the general circulation. To study the effect of a high level of circulating corticosterone on the adrenal response to ACTH, corticosterone was injected subcutaneously, in beeswax and arachis oil, before the start of infusion of ACTH. In these experiments, too, the steroid secreted under the influence of ACTH was prevented from entering the general circulation. The peripheral levels attained by the injection of corticosterone were within the range observed during surgical stress, i.e. about 40 μg./100 ml. blood. When the corticosterone levels were within this range the response to a continuous infusion of ACTH was reduced by approximately 22% when compared with animals which had received no corticosterone and whose peripheral corticosterone levels were hardly measurable. These results suggest that corticosterone is probably involved in a direct feedback mechanism of adrenocortical secretion in the rat as its inhibitory effect on the response to ACTH can be demonstrated at peripheral levels of corticosterone which are within the range found during surgical stress.