bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced release of T3 and rT3 compared to T4 from thyroglobulin during autolysis of dog thyroid homogenate
Authors: Laurberg Peter
Published: December 2008

Previous studies on the secretion of thyroxine (T4), 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T3), and 3,3',5'-triiodothyronine (rT3) from perfused dog thyroids have indicated that a differential rate of secretion of various iodothyronines may take place.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the proteolysis of thyroglobulin taking place during secretion could be involved in this phenomenon. Homogenate from the same dog thyroid was incubated either at pH 3.6 for 18 h without added protease or with pronase at pH 8.4 for 18 h. Iodothyronines were measured radioimmunologically in ethanol extracts of the hydrolysates. No significant deiodination of T4 to T3 and rT3 took place during incubation. During acid autolysis 17.5 ± 3.5% (mean ± SE, n = 5) of the T4 found after pronase hydrolysis was liberated, while 31.6 ± 4.8% of the T3 and 21.2 ± 4.2% of the rT3 were liberated (both values were significantly higher than that found for T4). Since iodothyronines in thyroglobulin are released nearly quantitatively during pronase hydrolysis, the results indicate that thyroid proteases acting at acid pH, liberates T3 and rT3 more easily than T4 from thyroglobulin.

This could be the mechanism behind the relatively high secretion of T3 and rT3 observed during acceleration of secretion from perfused thyroid lobes, and the relatively high secretion of T4 observed during deceleration of secretion.
Prostaglandins PGE and PGF in human ovarian follicles: endogenous contents and in vitro formation by theca and granulosa cells
Authors: Patwardhan Vasant V. , Lanthier André
Published: December 2008

The possible role of prostaglandins of the PGE and PGF series in the follicular compartment of human ovaries or the capacity of that tissue to form them is not well defined. In the present experiment we have examined 1) the endogenous concentrations of PGE and PGF in follicles of human ovaries at various stages of the menstrual cycle, 2) the capacity of separated theca and granulosa to form PGE and PGF in vitro in the presence of substrate arachidonic acid and 3) the possible modulation of that capacity by previous in vitro exposure to hCG (10 IU) alone or in combination with hMG (5 IU). PGE and PGF were determined by radioimmunoassay.

Follicles from all stages of the cycle were found to contain measurable amounts of PGE (0.10–3.75 ng/follicle) and PGF (0.13–1.11 ng/follicle). These compounds were localized more in the theca than the granulosa cells. On a per follicle basis theca showed more capacity to form PGE and PGF in vitro than the corresponding granulosa cells. However, exposure to gonadotrophins stimulated PGE and PGF formation in the granulosa cells and not in the theca.

The presence of PGE and PGF in the follicles indicates a physiological role for these compounds in that tissue. Although thecal tissue showed a greater intrinsic capacity to form PGE and PGF, the contribution of granulosa cells may be more important under acute gonadotrophin stimulation.
Steroid responsiveness of the human cell line NHIK 3025
Authors: Østgaard Kjetill , Wibe Einar , Eik-Nes Kristen B.
Published: December 2008

The human cell line NHIK 3025, derived from a carcinoma of the uterine cervix, contains a glucocorticoid and an androgen receptor. The effect of various natural and synthetic steroid hormones and antihormones on growth rate of these cells was therefore investigated.

Cells grown in Eagle's MEM with 10% foetal calf serum exhibited reduced growth when cultured with dexamethasone due to prolongation of the cell cycle. Glucocorticoid anti-inducers like progesterone had no significant effect on cell growth.

Methyltrienolone (R 1881) or 5α-dihydrotestosterone did not affect cell proliferation. The reported shortening of the cell cycle by testosterone is probably not directly connected with activation of the androgen receptor present, but possibly dependent on metabolic conversion of testosterone to the more potent growth stimulator 4-androstene-3β, 17β-diol.

The effect of several anti-androgens was also studied. The non-steroidal anti-androgens flutamide and SCH 16483 had no significant effect on cell proliferation. It was, however, found that a number of steroid antiandrogens, including R2956, stimulated cell growth. A significant stimulatory effect by R2956 was seen within the first cell generation, 4-androstene-3β,17β-diol had to be present during 2 days, and testosterone for even longer times before a similar effect on cell growth could be obtained.
Effect of short-term bromocriptine treatment on amniotic fluid prolactin concentration in the first half of pregnancy
Authors: Lehtovirta P. , Ranta T.
Published: December 2008

The effect of short-term bromocriptine treatment on amniotic fluid and maternal prolactin concentrations was studied in 9 pregnant women in the first half of pregnancy. Bromocriptine suppressed the maternal serum prolactin level, but had no effect on the amniotic fluid level. Since both foetal and maternal prolactin secretion are suppressed by bromocriptine our results suggest that amniotic fluid prolactin is produced by extrapituitary tissues, which do not contain dopamine receptors.
Specific enzyme immunoassay for human chorionic gonadotrophin
Authors: Sekiya Tatsuhiro , Furuhashi Yoshihito , Goto Setsuko , Kaseki Shigeaki , Tomoda Yutaka , Kato Kanefusa
Published: December 2008

A sandwich-type enzyme immunoassay system specific for human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) was prepared with the antibody Fab'-β-D-galactosidase complex and the antibody F(ab')2-immobilized silicone rubber solid phase by using a purified antibody to β subunit of hCG (hCGβ).

The assay system cross-reacted less than 4% with human luteinizing hormone (hLH) and human follicular stimulating hormone (hFSH), and proved to be highly sensitive with hCG measurable at levels as low as 0.3 mIU per assay tube.

Using 50 μl of serum sample, 6–600 mIU/ml of hCG in serum could be determined specifically with the same degree of precision as in radioimmunoassay but without sample interference with the assay.

The coefficients of variation within-run and between-run were 8.6–8.9%, and 4.9– 10.7%, respectively.

Values obtained with the enzyme immunoassay correlated well with those of radioimmunoassay ([unk] = 0.98, slope = 0.94, y-intercept = 10.2 mIU/ml for 75 serum samples).

Results of the immunoassay of hCG levels in serial samples of serum from healthy women and patients with choriocarcinoma show that this method is useful in the clinical diagnosis of trophoblastic disease.
Persistence of progesterone secretion after foetal death induced by vasopressin in rabbits
Authors: Wilks John W.
Published: December 2008

Synthetic lysine-vasopressin (2 IU/kg body weight) terminated pregnancy in the rabbit when administered im on day 20, but not when administered on days 8 through 11 of gestation. Rabbits treated with vasopressin on day 20 delivered necrotic foetuses at the expected time of parturition (13/19 animals, day 32), aborted (3/19), or resorbed their foetuses (3/19). Uterine bleeding was noted in 68% of rabbits 5 days after vasopressin treatment on day 20 of pregnancy. Plasma concentrations of progesterone in vasopressin and saline treated rabbits were identical throughout pregnancy. Placental engorgement by erythrocytes was associated with foetal death in rabbits 1 h after vasopressin treatment on day 28 of gestation. Although vasopressin administration during the last third of gestation is detrimental to foetal life in the rabbit, the continuing normal secretion of progesterone indicates that the placentas remain viable. Available evidence suggests that foetal death results from ischaemia caused by placental vascular congestion and stasis following vasopressin administration.
Effect of rifampicin on the biosynthesis of testosterone in rat testis
Authors: Nocke-Finck Lieselotte , Breuer H.
Published: December 2008

Male Wistar rats were treated with rifampicin (10 mg/kg) daily for 5 days. After 6 days, the rats were killed and the testes homogenised in tris buffer. The microsomal fractions were incubated with [4-14C]4-progesterone, [4-14C]17-hydroxyprogesterone or [4-14C]-androstene-3,17-dione, respectively, and a NADPH generating system. In rifampicin-treated animals, less [4-14C]progesterone was recovered after incubation with testicular microsomes than in controls. There was no significant difference in the formation of 17-hydroxyprogesterone between rifampicin-treated animals and the controls; however, a significant increase was found in the androstenedione fraction (+ 83%) and the testosterone fraction (+ 48%) under the influence of rifampicin. When [4-14C]17-hydroxyprogesterone or [4-14C]4-androstene-3,17-dione were incubated, no differences in the metabolic pattern were observed between treated and untreated rats. These findings suggest that rifampicin stimulates the activity of 17α-hydroxylase in the microsomal fraction of rat testes, thus leading to an increased formation of testosterone and androstenedione; in contrast, the 17,20-lyase and 17β-hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase remain unaffected by rifampicin.
Multiple forms of growth hormone: detection in medium from cultured pituitary adenoma explants
Authors: Talamantes F. , Lopez J. , Lewis U. J. , Wilson C. B.
Published: December 2008

Three pituitary adenomas obtained from patients with acromegaly were maintained in organ explant culture for a period of 12 days in a defined culture medium. Lyophilized culture medium from each was then examined by electrophoresis to determine which forms of growth hormone were secreted by the explants. All three explants secreted principally the major form of growth hormone. One adenoma however secreted unusually large amounts of two slowly migrating forms which were in low concentration in the GH-containing granules of normal pituitaries. On the other hand the adenoma produced a much lower amount of a 20,000-dalton variant than was seen in normal pituitary glands. The other two adenomas did not secrete the relatively large amounts of the slowly migrating forms although the quantity of the 20,000-dalton form was less than the amount seen in the normal pituitary. There was no evidence of proteolytic alteration of the growth hormone during the culturing process.

In companion experiments with rat pituitary glands the growth hormone did not undergo proteolytic degradation in the gland left in situ for 96 h at 5°C.
Effect of oestrogen on the responsiveness of the pituitary gland to LRH: the role of corpora lutea
Authors: Koiter T. R. , Pols-Valkhof N. , Schuiling G. A.
Published: December 2008

The hypothesis that corpora lutea (CL) secrete substances which prevent oestrogens from influencing the state of responsiveness of the pituitary gland to LRH (RESP) was tested in rats rendered persistently oestrous (PO) by exposure to permanent illumination. In these rats ovulation and hence the presence of a single set of CL, was induced by exogenous gonadotrophin, hCG. The RESP of the animals was judged on 3 parameters based on the surge-like LH-secretory responses which were induced by 21-h long constant rate LRH infusions (104 ng/LRH/h). These 3 parameters were: a) the maximal height (MH) of the responses; b) the 'area under the curve' (AUC) of the LH values; and c) the constant β (or alternatively the t½) which characterizes the rate of decrease of the plasma LH concentrations after 2 h of infusion.

Four experiments were performed, all with PO rats: 1) rats were injected with either oestradiol benzoate (OeB; 3 μg sc) or oil on day 0 (the day treatments were started was always denoted as day 0); 2) rats were treated similarly, but they also received an ovulatory dose of hCG (50 IU/100 g b.w. ip) on day 0; 3) rats were injected with hCG on day 0 and with OeB or oil on day 3; and 4) rats were injected with hCG on days 0 and 4, on which latter day they also received OeB or oil. In all 4 experiments the LRH infusions were started 21 h after administration of OeB or oil. Blood samples for LH determinations were taken at times apparent from 'Results and Discussion'.

It is observed that: 1) after administration of OeB the MH and thereby the AUC increased significantly but the β of the LH-secretory responses was unchanged; 2) after administration of an ovulatory dose of hCG the LH-secretory responses changed also; of these responses, however, the β had decreased and the AUC had increased, whilst the MH remained unchanged; 3) when given together, OeB and hCG exhibited their effect simultaneously: the two effects are additive; 4) in the presence of 3-day old CL OeB is ineffective; and 5) in the presence of 4-day old CL neither OeB nor hCG is able to affect the RESP.

It is concluded: 1) OeB and 'hCG' probably influence a different substrate of the LH-release mechanism; and 2) that these results confirm the hypothesis that CL secrete substances which prevent oestrogen from affecting the RESP for at least 4 days.

If this hypothesis is extended to the cyclic rat, CL, arisen after the previous ovulation, may still be of importance on the day of the next pro-oestrus by exerting a significant influence on the RESP.
The renal kallikrein-kinin system in Brattleboro rats with hereditary hypothalamic diabetes insipidus
Authors: Bonner G. , Rascher W. , Speck G. , Marin-Grez M. , Gross F.
Published: December 2008

The activity of the renal kallikrein-kinin system was investigated in male Brattleboro rats homozygous for hypothalamic diabetes insipidus (DI); LongEvans rats (LE) were taken as controls. In the rats with DI, urinary kallikrein excretion was lower (P < 0.05) than in the LE rats. However, when related to total renal mass or to body weight, there was no difference between the two strains. Kallikrein activity in the renal cortex was similar in the Brattleboro and the LE rats.

Antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin tannate) in a dose of 100 mU given once daily for 3 days had no effect on urinary kallikrein excretion in either of the strains. Water deprivation for 24 h resulted, also in both strains, in a similar reduction in urinary kallikrein excretion.

The renal kallikrein-kinin system of LE rats and that of DI rats does not principally differ in basic activity, nor in response to the administration of vasopressin, nor to water deprivation.
Effect of thiol blocking agents on the binding of T3 and T4 in rat liver nuclear extract
Authors: Knopp J. , Brtko J.
Published: December 2008

Liver nuclei bind thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) with different binding affinities. In our studies it was estimated that the apparent association constant (Ka) in the liver nuclei for T3 was 8.8 × 1010 l mol−1 and for T4 was 4.1 × 109 l mol−1. We have found that the binding sites for T4 are also saturated by an excess of unlabelled T4 and that saturation was dependent on the purification step of liver binding proteins. In liver nuclear extracts with 0.4 mol l−1 KCl the specific binding of T3 and T4 was blocked with a typical -SH blocking agent N-ethylmaleinimide (NEM) and by new types of -SH blocking agents such as p-bromphenylisothiocyanate (p-BPI) and 2,3 dicyano-1,4-dithio-9,10 antrachinone (Delan). NEM and p-BPI increased the non-specific binding of T4 and completely abolished specific binding. All these agents blocked the specific binding of T3. These results demonstrate that T3 and T4 binding sites in the liver nuclei may not be altogether identical and that the different effects of -SH blocking agents on the binding of T3 and T4 is probably associated with the structural configuration of these drugs.
In vitro oestrogen synthesis by bovine placenta during pregnancy and induced parturition
Authors: Evans G. , Wagner W. C.
Published: December 2008

Foetal (cotyledon) placental tissue was collected from 7 pregnant cows and from 9 cows immediately after delivery of the foetus during parturition induced by luteal removal at 250 or 270 days of gestation. These tissues were incubated with [3H]androstenedione (A), [3H]17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17αHP), or [3H]-pregnenolone (P5) to examine potential oestrogen precursors in the mid to late pregnant cow. Percentage conversion to unconjugated and conjugated oestrone (Oe1) and oestradiol (Oe2) was measured for each tissue with the various substrates. Unconjugated oestrogens predominated over conjugated (P < 0.001), and Oe1 over Oe2 (P < 0.001) in all incubations. There was no difference in conversion of A between pre- and postpartum foetal tissues. There was a significant elevation in conversion of P5 in post-partum foetal tissue (P < 0.05). These data demonstrate a) placental aromatase activity does not appear to increase as pregnancy progresses towards parturition, b) the bovine placenta is able to convert C21 steroids to oestrogens, and c) induction of enzymes for converting pregnenolone or related substrates to oestrogens may be involved in the pre-partum rise in oestrogen levels.
Pituitary function in idiopathic haemochromatosis: hormonal study in 36 male patients
Authors: Charbonnel B. , Chupin M. , Le Grand A. , Guillon J.
Published: December 2008

Thirty-six male patients with idiopathic haemochromatosis were subjected to measurements of basal plasma values of testosterone, LH and FSH and to an LRH test. Nineteen were also subjected to basal plasma determinations of T3, T4, cortisol, TSH and prolactin and to a TRH test. In 11 cases GH values were measured before, during and after an arginine infusion.

Seventeen patients were found to have low levels of testosterone, LH and FSH, and no gonadotrophin responses to LRH. Seventeen others had normal levels of these three hormones, with normal responses to LRH. The two remaining patients had normal testosterone values but very increased gonadotrophin values: a fact which remains unexplained.

Basal levels of prolactin, GH, T3, T4, and TSH were normal: cortisol levels were either normal or increased in cases of poorly controlled diabetes. Prolactin responses to TRH were always normal. TSH responses to TRH were impaired in 2 cases, and GH responses to arginine in 3 cases.

Considering that other factors may be involved in the few impairments found in TSH and GH stimulations, it is concluded that the only indisputable pituitary insufficiency in about half of the cases of idiopathic haemochromatosis is gonadotrophic.
Action of cortisol introduced into the supraoptic nucleus, on vasopressin release and antidiuresis during hypertonic saline infusion in conscious rhesus monkeys
Authors: Streeten David H. P. , Souma Micki , Ross Gilbert S. , Miller Myron , Lewis Rosemary
Published: December 2008

In human subjects cortisol raises the osmotic threshold for vasopressin release. The presumption that this results from a direct inhibitory action of cortisol on osmotically stimulated vasopressin release has been tested in conscious rhesus monkeys. Preparatory surgical procedures included chronic bladder catheterization, placement of cannulae in the right atrium, the left jugular vein and the stomach and stereotaxic insertion of metal cannulae in both supraoptic nuclei. The osmotic threshold for vasopressin release was defined as the plasma osmolality at the beginning of the 3 min urine sample in which free water clearance first fell by > 2 sd below the mean control level, in response to 5% saline infusion during constant hydration. Compared with control substances (0.9% saline solution or 11-deoxycortisol crystals), cortisol solution or crystals introduced into both supraoptic nuclei significantly lowered the plasma osmolality during the water-induced pre-saline diuresis, so that a larger amount of 5% NaCl infusion was required to reach the osmotic threshold. Thus, cortisol introduced into the supraoptic nuclei prolonged the duration of 5% saline infusion needed to reach the osmotic threshold, and raised the increment in plasma osmolality needed to reach the threshold but cortisol did not significantly raise the absolute level of the threshold.
Further decrease in thyroidal uptake and disappearance of endemic goitre in children after 30 years of iodine prophylaxis in the east of Finland
Authors: Lamberg B-A , Haikonen M. , Mäkelä M. , Jukkara A. , Axelson E. , Welin M-G
Published: December 2008

Endemic goitre of moderate severity was mainly found in the east of Finland in the 1930's. Studies in the 1950's showed an average daily iodine intake of 65–70 μg in the west and 50–65 μg in the east of the country. The use of iodized salt was introduced in the late 1940's but added only 15 μg of iodine to the daily intake. In the late 1950's iodine prophylaxis was intensified and the use of salt containing 25 mg KI/kg was recommended. In 1978 about 95% of all household salt used in the Savonlinna area was iodized. This region in the east of Finland has been used as an area of surveillance and studies have been carried out there in 1959, 1969 and 1979. During this period the thyroidal uptake decreased from 67 to 23% in non-goitrous subjects and from 62 to 28% in goitre patients the difference between the two last figures being statistically significant. The goitre patients also had significantly higher serum thyroxine and triiodothyronine levels. During the same period the urinary excretion of stable 127I increased from 45 μg to about 250 μg a day. Concomitantly the goitre prevalence among school children has decreased. Having been in the early 1950's in most parts 15–30% it is generally now 1–4%. It seems that the iodine intake is now adequate and that the endemia is gradually sub-siding.
Intermittent course of chronic goitrous autoimmune thyroiditis
Authors: Frey Harald
Published: December 2008

A case is reported of a woman of 30 where chronic autoimmune thyroiditis was diagnosed in 1970. The diagnosis was based on palpation, thyroid function tests and elevated titres of antibodies against thyroid constituents. She was initially treated with small doses of prednisone with complete clinical and biochemical remission which persisted also after therapy was withdrawn.

In the following 10 years she had three new episodes of goitre and biochemical hypothyroidism, all responding fast and completely to small doses of prednisone. Between these episodes she had periodes of several months up to 3 years with no detectable thyroid disease even when not on treatment.
The effect of ornithine-α-ketoglutarate on insulin and glucagon secretion in normal subjects
Authors: Krassowski Janusz , Rousselle Jean , Maeder Evelyne , Felber Jean-Pierre
Published: December 2008

Ornithine-α-ketoglutarate (OAK), a drug commonly used in various catabolic states, was studied for its acute effects on endocrine pancreas. A 30-min infusion of OAK (20 g/m2) induced significant increases in insulin levels (from 15 through 60 min) and in glucagon levels (from 15 through 90 min). However, OAK-induced insulin and glucagon responses were lower than after a 0.5 g/kg arginine infusion. The fluctuations of blood glucose levels were much less marked during OAK infusion than during arginine and especially the late fall was less evident.
Two cases of 17α-hydroxylase deficiency - one combined with complete gonadal agenesis
Authors: Tvedegaard Erling , Frederiksen Viggo , Ølgaard Klaus , Nielsen Meta Damkjær , Starup Jørgen
Published: December 2008

Two cases of 17α-hydroxylase deficiency are described. Both patients had primary amenorrhoea, total lack of female secondary sexual characteristics, slight hypertension and hypokalaemia.

One patient was of male genotype (male pseudohermaphrodite), and in addition this patient had complete gonadal agenesis. The other patient was of female genotype.

In both patients the level of plasma corticosterone was markedly increased, whereas the concentration of plasma cortisol was very low and plasma aldosterone low within the normal range. Furthermore, the plasma ACTH level was significantly increased and the plasma renin activity around the lower normal limit. The urinary excretion of corticosterone metabolites was markedly increased, whereas the excretion of both cortisol metabolites and tetrahydroaldosterone was decreased. The patients had no symptoms of glucocorticoid deficiency.

Treatment with dexamethasone 0.5 mg daily completely suppressed the abnormal corticosterone production and normalized both blood pressure and serum potassium. In addition, the patient of male genotype has received sequential therapy with oestrogen and gestagen for 3 years, but so far no development of the secondary sexual characteristics has occurred.
In vitro inactivation of the oestradiol receptor by a lysosome-enriched fraction from rat uterus
Authors: Pino Ana Maria , Sierralta Walter
Published: December 2008

The inactivating action of a lysosome-enriched fraction on oestradiol receptors from rat uterus cytosol under in vitro conditions is reported.

During incubation at 25°C in the absence of oestradiol, the inactivation of the oestradiol receptor depends directly on the amount of lysosome-enriched fraction present. Boiled lysosome-enriched fractions have no effect on cytosol receptors.

The inactivation of oestradiol receptors was maximal when the incubation was performed at pH 7.5 and follows second order kinetics. Progesterone receptors were also lost during the incubation but two other proteins present in cytosol (aldolase and lactate dehydrogenase) show almost no change in amount during the procedure. It appears that the inactivating process reflects the action of quite specific entities present in the lysosome-enriched fraction.

The effect of the lysosome-enriched fraction on cytosol oestradiol receptors is quantitative as judged from unchanged Ka value and electrophoretic mobility of the surviving receptors.
Inhibitory effect of calcium on serum prolactin
Authors: Kruse Klaus , Kracht Ute
Published: December 2008

The effect of calcium (Ca) infusions on serum prolactin (Prl) was studied in normal controls and children with disorders of Ca metabolism: Three patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (vitamin D deficiency rickets), 2 children with idiopathic hypoparathyroidism, 13 epileptic patients with anticonvulsant drug induced inhibition of calcitonin (CT) secretion and 1 patient with vitamin D resistant rickets with normal CP and low PTH secretion.

Ca induced a significant decline of serum Prl in most subjects which could not be explained by the associated increase of CT or decrease of iPTH. The important role of Ca for the in vitro secretion of dopamine has been established for a long time. It is speculated that the inhibitory effect of Ca infusion on serum Prl may be due to dopamine release from nerve tracts in the hypothalamus.
A new protease in hog thyroid lysosomes
Authors: Nakagawa H. , Endo Y. , Ohtaki S.
Published: December 2008

The presence of protease activity at pH 7.5 and at acidic pH was demonstrated in the soluble fraction of lysosomes which were prepared from hog thyroid homogenates by subcellular fractionation. The ratios of specific activity measured at pH 7.5 to that at pH 3.5 were 0.07 to 0.08 for casein (at pH 7.5) or haemoglobin (at pH 3.5) as substrate and 0.13 for iodoamino acid-releasing activity from thyroglobulin as substrate. The protease activity measured at pH 7.5 was inhibited by inhibitors for neutral type protease, such as leupeptin, and by sulfhydryl inhibitors, such as iodoacetamide, indicating that the protease was a leupeptin-sensitive protease and contained a sulfhydryl group for its active site. Insensitiveness of the protease activity to di-isopropyl fluorophosphate excluded the involvement of a serine group at the active site. At pH 5.5 the proteolytic and iodoamino acid-releasing activities using casein and thyroglobulin, respectively, were also investigated. Several lines of evidence suggested that both activities measured at pH 5.5 were due to a mixture of acidic and leupeptin-sensitive protease activities.
Prolonged steroidogenesis in luteinized ovaries of hypophysectomized rats
Authors: van Straalen R. J. C. , Leemborg F. G. , Vreeburg J. T. M. , Zeilmaker G. H.
Published: December 2008

Luteinized ovaries of rats hypophysectomized shortly after ovulation 25–80 days previously secrete considerable amounts of 20α-dihydroprogesterone (20α-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one, 20α-OHP) into the blood-stream. The serum concentration of 20α-OHP in these hypophysectomized animals is almost similar to that of progesterone in intact pseudopregnant rats on day 7 of pseudopregnancy, in spite of the absence of demonstrable amounts of prolactin. Isolated corpora lutea of the last generation and the remainder of the ovarian tissue both contained 20α-OHP. Six months after hypophysectomy no detectable amount of 20α-OHP was found in the serum. Androgenized rats, devoid of corpora lutea, did not produce 20α-OHP after hypophysectomy. These data show that pituitary hormones are not required for the prolonged synthesis and secretion of 20α-OHP by the luteinized ovary.
Distribution of prostaglandin E2 and prostaglandin F2α receptors in human myometrium
Authors: Bauknecht Th. , Krahe B. , Rechenbach U. , Zahradnik H. P. , Breckwoldt M.
Published: December 2008

Human myometrium was studied for specific binding of PGE2 and PGF2α. PGF2α-binding was almost undetectable, but specific binding sites for PGE2 with high affinity (KD = 2.7 ± 0.4 × 10−9 m were demonstrated. The binding capacity for PGE2 exhibited a topically different distribution pattern with the highest values in the central parts and low to undetectable levels in the cervical region. Binding characteristics were analyzed by receptor kinetics, revealing a homogenous receptor population. Binding capacity in uteri obtained from post-menopausal women was of the order of 900–940 fmol/mg protein. Oestrogen pre-treatment and pregnancy were associated with a 3-fold reduction of the PGE2-binding capacity.
On the biogenesis of diamines and polyamines in the pregnant rat
Authors: Andersson Anne-Charlotte , Henningsson Stig
Published: December 2008

The urinary excretion of the diamines histamine, methylhistamine, putrescine and cadaverine and the polyamines spermidine and spermine was studied in rats which on the 19th day of pregnancy were subjected to various ectomizing operations.

In sham-operated rats the urinary excretion of all the amines studied except spermine was highly elevated on the day preceding the sham-operation and on the 3 days studied post-operatively, i.e. sham-operation did not affect the elevated urinary amine excretion during pregnancy.

Foetectomy resulted in an abolished increase in the urinary excretion of histamine and methylhistamine while the excretion of putrescine, cadaverine and spermidine was still significantly increased.

Removal of both the foetuses and placentae reduced the excretion of putrescine, cadaverine and spermidine towards the level of non-pregnant rats.

Combined hysterectomy and ovariectomy did not cause any additional effects to those after removal of the foetuses and the placentae except for cadaverine, the excretion of which was further reduced.
Pituitary and gonadal function in prepubertal and pubertal boys with hypospadias
Authors: Okuyama A. , Namiki M. , Koide T. , Itatani H. , Nishimoto N. , Mizutani S. , Sonoda T. , Aono T. , Matsumoto K.
Published: December 2008

Luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LRH) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) tests were performed in 18 prepubertal and 29 pubertal boys with hypospadias to examine pituitary and gonadal function. Thirty-one normal boys were also examined as controls. In the prepubertal group, the mean level of serum peak LH after LRH was significantly higher and the mean level of serum peak testosterone after hCG was significantly lower in boys with hypospadias than in normal boys, though about half of the patients had peak LH levels within ± 2 sd of the normal mean. There was little or no response to hCG in 3 out of 18 boys with hypospadias.

In the pubertal group, serum levels of LH, FSH and testosterone in all cases were clearly higher than those in the prepubertal group and distinct or moderate responses to LRH and hCG were found in all boys including patients examined. Although serum basal FSH and testosterone levels were similar in the two groups, the mean levels of serum basal LH, peak LH and FSH in LRH test were significantly higher and the mean level of serum peak testosterone after hCG was significantly lower in boys with hypospadias than in normal boys. However, more than half of the patients had these levels within ± 2 sd of the normal means. The difference was more marked in LH than in FSH levels. An elevated mean serum FSH suggests hypofunction of not only the Leydig cells but also of the seminiferous tubules at least in some boys with hypospadias.
Adrenal insufficiency from metastatic colonic carcinoma masquerading as isolated aldosterone deficiency
Authors: Black Robert M. , Daniels Gilbert H. , Coggins Cecil H. , Mueller Peter R. , Data Richard E. , Lichtenstein Norman
Published: December 2008

A case of adrenal insufficiency secondary to metastatic colonic carcinoma is reported. Because the patient was taking prednisone for an unrelated condition, his initial presentation mimicked isolated aldosterone deficiency with an elevated serum potassium of 8.7 mmol/l. Cortisol deficiency was documented by ACTH testing. The diagnosis of metastatic disease causing adrenal insufficiency was suspected after a computed body scan of the abdomen revealed marked bilateral adrenal enlargement. Adrenal insufficiency secondary to metastatic cancer is reviewed.
Ultrasonic measurement of ovarian follicles, ovarian and uterine size during induction of ovulation with human gonadotrophins
Authors: Ylöstalo Pekka , Lindgren Per Gunnar , Nillius Sven Johan
Published: December 2008

Twelve anovulatory women were examined by compound B-mode and real-time ultrasound scanning during induction of follicular maturation and ovulation. by human gonadotrophins. The treatment was monitored by daily serum oestrogen determinations. Ovarian follicles became visible on the ultrasound scans after 4 days of treatment, on average. The mean follicular diameter at that time was 8 mm. Multiple follicles developed in all but one of the 12 patients. At induction of ovulation the diameter of the dominant follicle varied between 15 and 22 mm. The serum oestrogen level was related to the number of follicles, the diameter of the greatest follicle and the ovarian size. There was a marked increase in the ovarian size during the treatment. The size of the uterus also increased. Ultrasound may be a valuable complement to daily oestrogen determinations for monitoring human gonadotrophin therapy.
Effects of 17β-hydroxy-7α-methylandrost-5-en-3-one on early pregnancy in the rat
Authors: Saksena S. K. , Lau I. F. , Salmonsen R.
Published: December 2008

A single sc injection of 1 mg 17β-hydroxy-7α-methylandrost-5-en-3-one (RMI-12,936) given a few hours after mating interrupted pregnancy in all the treated rats. Circulating progesterone (Δ4P) levels were higher in RMI-12,936 treated females than in controls on the corresponding days during the course of termination of pregnancy. Higher levels of Δ4P were recorded on day-4 (P < 0.01) and day-6 (P< 0.05) of pregnancy. In addition to the changes in serum Δ4P, an acceleration of egg transport was encountered. The eggs were prematurely expelled from the uterus within 48 h of the treatment. Although the oestrous cycle of the RMI-12,936 treated females was disturbed, they were found sexually receptive. Successful matings resulting in normal gestation and morphologically normal foetuses were recorded 20–26 days after RMI-12,936 induced pregnancy termination. These results suggest that in addition to its mid-pregnancy terminating effect, RMI-12,936 is capable of interrupting early pregnancy when given soon after mating in the rat. The safety and efficacy of this compound as a post-coital contraceptive deserves further investigation.
Hormonal pattern in prostatic cancer I. Correlation with local extent of tumour, presence of metastases and grade of differentiation
Authors: Rannikko S. , Kairento Anna-Liisa , Karonen Sirkka-Liisa , Adlercreutz H.
Published: December 2008

In 32 subjects with histologically and/or cytologically verified prostatic cancer the hormonal pattern was studied by assaying 18 plasma and urinary hormones or groups of hormones. The tumours were classified according to the UICC classification system and the hormone values were correlated to the local extent of the tumour (T classification), the presence of metastases (M classification) and the differentiation grade (G classification). It was found that patients with metastases had significantly higher plasma oestradiol and lower testosterone/oestradiol and testosterone/oestrone plus oestradiol ratios as compared to those subjects without metastases. In subjects with moderately or poorly differentiated tumours plasma oestrone + oestradiol was significantly higher and the testosterone/oestrone + oestradiol ratio was significantly lower than in the subjects with well differentiated tumours. In the various TNM classification groups no obvious trends were found with regard to urinary hormones and no significant differences between the groups for plasma FSH, LH, prolactin, progesterone and cortisol were observed. It is concluded that in more advanced cases with metastatic cancer and when tumours are less well differentiated the androgen/oestrogen ratio may be decreased. These alterations have no diagnostic significance because of great overlapping of individual results between the various groups of patients.
Hormonal pattern in prostatic cancer
Authors: Adlercreutz H. , Rannikko S. , Kairento Anna-Liisa , Karonen Sirkka-Liisa
Published: December 2008

In 32 subjects with histologically and/or cytologically verified prostatic cancer the hormonal pattern was studied by assaying 18 plasma and urinary hormones or groups of hormones and relating the values to the response to endocrine treatment. Total orchidectomy (orchiepididymectomy) was performed on 9 patients, subcapsular orchidectomy on 13 patients and oestrogen therapy with Estradurin® was given in 4 patients. Six patients had total orchidectomy followed by oestrogen therapy. With few exceptions all values were within the normal range. The only significant exceptions were the high urinary oestrogen values and the low urinary oestrone + oestradiol/oestriol ratio observed as compared to healthy males working in a factory. No urinary hormone values or ratios of hormone values could be used for the prediction of prognosis in prostatic carcinoma patients. However, the ratios of plasma testosterone/oestradiol (T/Oe2) and testosterone/prolactin (T/Prl) were found to give good information with regard to the response to endocrine treatment. High values for one or both of these ratios meant a good response to treatment in all subjects without exception in this material. Subjects with both ratios low had a good response to endocrine treatment in 50% of the cases. No other plasma hormones measured were of any help prognostically. It is concluded that by measuring the T/Oe2 and T/Prl ratios it seems possible to select a group of patients with favourable primary response to endocrine treatment.
Effect of exogenous β-endorphin on anterior pituitary hormone secretion in man
Authors: Oyama Tsutomu , Yamaya Ryuji , Jin Toshiro , Kudo Tsuyoshi
Published: December 2008

The effect of large amounts of synthesized human β-endorphin (β-Ep) administered intrathecally on pituitary-adrenocortical function was investigated by determining the plasma levels of ACTH, cortisol, growth hormone and prolactin in 8 patients with pain caused by severe disseminated cancer. They were divided into 2 groups, an Ep group of 8 patients and a control group of 5 of the same 8 patients. There were no significant effects of β-Ep on plasma ACTH, cortisol and growth hormone levels. However, the injection of β-Ep into human subjects resulted in a rise in plasma concentrations of prolactin.
Circumstantial evidence for a role of the secretory pattern of growth hormone in control of body growth
Authors: Jansson John-Olov , Albertsson-Wikland Kerstin , Edén Staffan , Thorngren Karl-Göran , Isaksson Olle
Published: December 2008

The effect of frequency of growth hormone (GH) administration on longitudinal bone growth and body weight was studied in hypophysectomized rats which were given replacement therapy with corticosteroids, thyroxine and GH with start of therapy on the day of surgery. Longitudinal bone growth, as determined by the tetracycline method, was measured during the last 5 days of the 9 day long period with replacement therapy. The daily replacement dose of GH (bGH-17:NIH) was 200 μg and was given on 1, 2, 4 or 8 occasions.

Longitudinal bone growth was enhanced in the groups of animals receiving the hormone on two or more occasions per day. The most pronounced response was seen with an administration frequency of four times per day. Changes in body weight during the injection period showed similar changes.

The results of the present study show that the administration frequency of growth hormone is important for the growth rate in hypophysectomized rats which have been given replacement therapy. The findings suggest that the secretory pattern of GH is an important factor for optimum growth.
Isolation of radioactive iodothyronines for kinetic studies: a comparison of two methods
Authors: Faber Jens , Lumholtz lb Bo , Kirkegaard Carsten , Siersbæk-Nielsen Kaj , Friis Thorkild
Published: December 2008

A method based on the principle of gel separation followed by antibody extraction (GSAE) has been developed for isolation of radioactive thyroxine (T4), 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T3), 3,3',5'-triiodothyronine (rT3), 3,3'-diiodothyronine (3,3'-T2), 3',5'-diiodothyronine (3',5'-T2) and 3'-monoiodothyronine (3'-T1) in serum. This method was used for the estimation of the metabolic clearance rate (MCR) of the iodothyronines using the single injection, non-compartmental approach, and was compared to the conventional trichloroacetic acid precipitation/ethanol extraction (TCA-E) technique. The GSAE method excluded the co-determination of radioactive iodine and iodoproteins, whereas the co-determination of radiolabelled daughter iodothyronines was found negligible. The relative difference of duplicate estimations of MCR was approximately 10%. Using the TCA-E method for isolation of tracer, the MCR of T4, T3 and rT3 was underestimated to a minor degree (20%), whereas the MCRs of 3,3'-T2, 3',5'-T2 and 3'-T1 were 20–40% of those estimated by the GSAE method. In conclusion the GSAE method was found suitable for kinetic studies of iodothyronines, whereas the TCA-E method cannot be used for turnover studies of 3,3'-T2, 3',5'-T2 or 3'-T1.
The effect of radiation on thyroid C cells
Authors: Thurston Valerie , Williams E. D.
Published: December 2008

To study the effects of radiation from 131I on thyroid C cells, newborn rats were given 0, 5 or 10 μCi 131I and studied at 3 monthly intervals over 2 years. Routine stains, calcitonin immunolocalization and quantitation were used to study follicular and C cells.

Both radiation doses led to almost complete disappearance of C cells, with only scattered morphological abnormal surviving cells. After a year, some animals showed focal reappearance of C cells; these isolated clusters were interpreted as clones of cells, derived after a considerable lag period, from the very few surviving C cells which had not been sterilized. This focal regeneration was dosedependent. It is concluded that C cells are much more radiosensitive to radiation from 131I than follicular cells. These observations support the use of 131I therapy in the treatment of post-operative thyroid residues in patients with C cell hyperplasia, or microscopic intrathyroid deposits of medullary carcinoma.
Alterations in hepatic nuclear binding of triiodothyronine in experimental diabetes mellitus in rats
Authors: Wiersinga Wilmar M. , Frank Harrison J. L. , Chopra Inder J. , Solomon David H.
Published: December 2008

The interrelationship between hepatic nuclear T3 receptors and glucose metabolism was studied in 8 diabetic rats and 8 paired control animals.

Serum glucose (mean ± sem, normal vs. diabetic, 167 ± 11 vs. 470 ± 41 mg/100 ml, P < 0.001) and plasma glucagon (183 ± 8.5 vs. 370 ± 29 pg/ml, P < 0.001) were higher in diabetic animals than in controls; serum insulin was lower but not significantly (59 ± 19 vs. 24 ± 12 μU/ml). Serum T4 (4.1 ± 0.53 vs. 0.8 ± 0.27 μg/100 ml, P < 0.005) and T3 (77.3 ± 3.2 vs. 41.7 ± 12.1 ng/100 ml, P < 0.05) were lower in diabetic rats than in controls. Hepatic concentration of non-protein sulfhydryl-groups was also moderately (∼ 19%) lower in diabetic rats than in controls (4.62 ± 0.11 vs. 3.75 ± 0.24 μmol/g, P < 0.02).

The maximal binding capacity (MBC) of the binding of [125I]T3 to isolated rat liver nuclei was significantly decreased in the diabetic rats (368 ± 37 vs. 232 ± 36 fmol/mg DNA, P < 0.01; mean decrease 38%); the affinity constant Ka) was also lower but not significantly (1.60 ± 0.13 vs. 1.25 ± 0.13 109 L/M, 0.05 < P < 0.1). Addition of 1 mm dithiothreitol (DTT) enhanced the Ka of nuclear binding of T3 similarly in the controls and the diabetics. However, it did not restore the decreased MBC of nuclear binding of T3 in diabetic rats to the level of the controls.

The decrease in MBC of hepatic nuclei for T3 did not correlate (P < 0.05) with the decrease in serum T3, serum T4, or hepatic non-protein sulfhydryl-groups. There was, however, a significant negative correlation of MBC of T3 with serum glucose and with plasma glucagon. These data suggest a regulatory role of glucose metabolism (or glucagon) in modulation of binding of T3 by hepatic nuclear T3 receptors.
Effects of insulin on wound healing in diabetic mice
Authors: Weringer Elora J. , Kelso John M. , Tamai Irene Y. , Arquilla Edward R.
Published: December 2008

In the present study wound healing was examined in normal C57B1/6 male mice, diabetic mice, non-treated; and in diabetic mice treated with insulin. Small dermal wounds were made in the ears of the mice 40 h after the initial injection of insulin or vehicle alone. All animals were biopsied 8 h later. The wounds were examined by light and electron microscopy and wound components (capillaries, fibroblasts, PMN's, oedema, collagen) were quantitated by lineal point analysis. The non-treated, diabetic mice demonstrated an inability to heal wounds when compared to controls; whereas, diabetic mice given a multidose insulin regimen demonstrated a response similar to controls. Insulin treatment of diabetic mice reduced the mean level of hyperglycaemia when compared to the non-treated diabetic mice. There was no detectable difference in the healing response with duration of diabetes in either the insulin-treated or nontreated diabetic mice. Although there was a mild reduction in hyperglycaemia, these data support the hypotheses that insulin is a necessary component of an adequate wound healing response.