bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STEROID SECRETION BY THE ADRENAL GLAND OF FOETAL AND NEONATAL SHEEP
Authors: ALEXANDER D. PAULINE , BRITTON H. G. , JAMES V. H. T. , NIXON D. A. , PARKER R. A. , WINTOUR E. MARELYN , WRIGHT R. D.
Published: December 2008

From the left adrenal of ten sheep foetuses and four lambs aged from 110 days after conception to 14 days after birth, adrenal venous blood was collected and assayed for cortisol, corticosterone and aldosterone. These steroids were secreted at all ages but the rate of secretion was greatly increased toward term and after birth. The increase coincided with morphological changes in the adrenal gland. At no stage was the rate significantly increased by corticotrophin, and in two young foetuses it was not decreased by dexamethasone. In two foetuses and one lamb, angiotensin II did not increase the rate of secretion of any of the three steroids significantly, and the blood pressure was raised only in the lamb. It is probable that the secretion of the steroids was maximal under the conditions of the experiments.
THE EFFECT OF ANTERIOR PITUITARY HORMONES ON CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM IN VITRO IN THE PREPUBERTAL RAT OVARY
Authors: MAJOR PATRICIA W. , ARMSTRONG D. T.
Published: December 2008

Small doses of luteinizing hormone (LH) have been shown to exert a stimulating effect on the in vitro carbohydrate metabolism of the prepubertal rat ovary. In order to determine the specificity of the response, studies were undertaken comparing the effects caused by LH with those of other anterior pituitary hormones. Preparations of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) caused responses similar to those caused by LH, when added to the media in which prepubertal rat ovaries were incubated. A detailed study of the effects of TSH preparations (prepared by different procedures with known low levels of LH contamination) on lactic acid production, has been undertaken. All TSH preparations tested caused considerably greater stimulation of glycolysis than could be accounted for on the basis of their contamination with LH when the latter was appraised by the ovarian ascorbic acid depletion assay.
FURTHER OBSERVATIONS ON THE KOBER COLOUR AND ITTRICH FLUORESCENCE REACTIONS IN THE MEASUREMENT OF OESTRIOL, OESTRONE AND OESTRADIOL
Authors: BROWN J. B. , MACNAUGHTAN CAROLINE , SMITH MARGERY A. , SMYTH BARBARA
Published: December 2008

Higher temperatures allow lower sulphuric acid concentrations and shorter heating times to be used in the Kober colour reaction for oestrogens. A one-stage reaction which is completed in 5 min. at 120° is described for oestrone and oestradiol, and a two-stage reaction which requires two periods of heating for 5 min. at 120° is described for oestriol. The conditions were applied to the Ittrich fluorescence procedure. A spectrophotofluorimetric correction was developed in which fluorescence was measured at wavelengths for excitation and emitted light near the optima for the oestrogens and at another combination at which the oestrogens produced virtually no fluorescence whereas that of impurities was not diminished. Extraction, centrifugation and fluorimetry were performed in specially designed cells. The sensitivity is 0·05–0·1 ng./sample with a linear response up to 300 ng. and a precision better than 4% in the range 1·0–100 ng.
HISTOCHEMICAL DISTRIBUTION OF SOME HYDROXYSTEROID DEHYDROGENASES IN THE PLACENTA, FOETAL MEMBRANES AND UTERINE MUCOSA OF THE MOUSE
Authors: BOTTE V. , TRAMONTANA S. , CHIEFFI G.
Published: December 2008

The placenta, foetal membranes and uterine mucosa of mice (pregnant for 8–17 days) have been investigated by histochemical methods for NAD-dependent 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSDH), and for NAD-and NADP-dependent 17α- and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (17α- and 17β-HSDH), 11α- and 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (11α- and 11β-HSDH), and 20β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20β-HSDH).

3β-HSDH was found to be distributed in the trophoblastic giant cells of the first generation with both pregnenolone and DHA as substrates, and in the giant cells of the second generation and of the labyrinth and the endodermal cells of the inverted yolk sac placenta, but only with DHA as substrate.

17α-HSDH and 17β-HSDH, NAD-dependent, were present in both the first and second generation giant cells and in the giant cells of the labyrinth as well as in the endodermal cells of the inverted yolk sac placenta. With NADP as cofactor, 17α-HSDH and 17β-HSDH were weakly positive with all the substrates used in the giant cells of the second generation and of the labyrinth, while NADP-dependent 17β-HSDH was present in the first generation giant cells and in the endodermal cells of the inverted yolk sac placenta but only with oestradiol-17β as substrate.

The histochemical reaction for 11α-HSDH, both NAD- and NADP-dependent, was limited to trophoblastic giant cells of the second generation and of the labyrinth; 11β-HSDH, both NAD- and NADP- dependent, was distributed in the giant cells of the second generation and of the labyrinth, the epithelial cells of the uterine mucosa and the decidua basalis.

The histochemical reaction for 20β-HSDH, NAD- and NADP-dependent, was weakly positive in the giant cells of the first generation only.
EFFECT OF THE PITUITARY INHIBITOR I.C.I. 33,828 (METHALLIBURE) ON THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM OF MALE RATS
Authors: HEMSWORTH B. N. , JACKSON H. , WALPOLE A. L.
Published: December 2008

Impairment of pituitary function in male rats by I.C.I. 33,828 (1-α-methylallylthiocarbamoyl-2-methylthiocarbamoylhydrazine; methallibure) caused arrest of sperm iogenesis beyond step 8, without apparently interfering with the timing of the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium. In this respect there was a close similarity between the effect of the drug and that of hypophysectomy. Uninterrupted daily administration was required and after cessation of treatment, pituitary function was rapidly restored. The antifertility effect of the compound in male rats is due to reduced libido, arrest of spermiogenesis and possibly the induction of 'lethal mutations' in developing germ cells.
PLASMA INSULIN AND GROWTH HORMONE DURING 22-HOUR FASTS AND AFTER GRADED GLUCOSE LOADS IN SIX HEALTHY ADULTS
Authors: HUNTER W. M. , WILLOUGHBY J. M. T. , STRONG J. A.
Published: December 2008

Plasma insulin and growth hormone were measured by radioimmunoassay in healthy adults during the latter part of 22 hr. fasts and after graded glucose loads. The insulin concentration was less than 8 μ-u./ml. in all fasting samples and in samples taken after the blood glucose had returned to fasting levels. Insulin levels increased with increasing glucose loads.

During fasting, growth hormone showed intermittently raised secretion; in some subjects high values were reached at times which could not be related to external events or to stress. Growth hormone levels were consistently low during the absorption of glucose but rose immediately thereafter. This rise occurred increasingly late and reached increasing levels as the glucose loads were made progressively larger.

Insulin had almost invariably returned to fasting levels before the growth hormone concentrations began to rise.
OVULATION FOLLOWING VAGINAL STIMULATION IN A SPONTANEOUS OVULATOR AND ITS IMPLICATIONS
Authors: ZARROW M. X. , CLARK J. H.
Published: December 2008

Ovulation was blocked in pregnant mare serum-treated immature rats by treatment with chlorpromazine. Reflex ovulation and hence luteinizing hormone release was induced by three procedures: (a) placing male rats with the treated females overnight, (b) mechanical stimulation of the vagina and cervix with a glass rod, and (c) electrical stimulation of the uterine cervix. Mating or mechanical stimulation induced ovulation in 77 and 82% of the rats, respectively. Electrical stimulation was least effective, causing ovulation in only 50%. The average number of ova released and the percentage of rats ovulating was found to be a function of the amount of mechanical stimulation with the glass rod. Pelvic neurotomy abolished the reflex ovulatory response. The stronger response obtained by coitus or mechanical stimuli indicated the possibility of receptor sites in the vaginal wall. This assumption was supported by the finding of penile spines in the rat. A survey of the literature indicates that penile spines are present in a variety of mammalian orders including the primates. The evolutionary relationships and implications of the existence of penile spines and reflex ovulation are discussed. It is suggested that man, like the rat and probably other species which ovulate spontaneously, also has the ability to ovulate after stimulation of the vaginal tract.
THE EFFECTS OF RAT PITUITARY AND HYPOTHALAMIC TISSUE TRANSPLANTED IN SUPEROVULATED IMMATURE RATS
Authors: HOPKINS T. F. , ORY H. , DESPRES EMILY , HUSAIN SAYID. M. , PINCUS G.
Published: December 2008

The ovulatory response to pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMS) was studied in immature rats bearing adenohypophysial (AP) and hypothalamic median eminence (ME) tissues grafted beneath the kidney capsule. A small piece of liver tissue only was grafted in control rats. PMS (30 i.u.) was administered subcutaneously to all rats on the fourth day after the grafts had been placed. The ovulatory response was depressed in all rats bearing AP tissue alone. Median eminence tissue transplanted from immature rats or from mature rats in various phases of the vaginal oestrous cycle had no effects on ovulation when transplanted alone. When present as a joint graft with AP tissue, pro-oestrous ME augmented the depressing effects on ovulation. In one series of experiments, the average number of ova in 29 liver tissue controls was 34·2 ± 9·6 with all the rats ovulating. The average number of ova in 24 rats bearing AP tissue was 19·7 ± 5·2 with 46% ovulating. In eight rats bearing AP plus early pro-oestrous ME, the average number of ova was 0·25 ± 0·25 with 12·5% ovulating. Augmentation of AP depressing effects was not apparent in rats bearing AP plus dioestrous or oestrous ME tissue. These results show that the ovulatory response to PMS is depressed by AP tissue grafted beneath the kidney capsule and suggests that pro-oestrous ME tissue grafted in close proximity to the AP tissue in some way augments the depressing effects.
EFFECTS OF ELECTROCOAGULATION OF THE FOETAL LAMB HYPOPHYSIS ON GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
Authors: LIGGINS G. C. , KENNEDY P. C.
Published: December 2008

Electrocoagulation lesions involving 70–100% of the hypophysis of 17 foetal lambs were made at various times between 93 and 136 days of gestation. Foetal growth and development after the operation was compared with that in a group of seven control lambs comprising three intact littermates of operated foetuses and four sham-operated foetuses. Hypophysial damage was found to be associated with retardation of somatic development which was most marked when the operation was performed early in gestation. Retardation was particularly evident in epiphysial development. Hypoplasia of the adrenal cortices, the interstitial cells of the testis and the thyroid glands confirmed the assumption made by previous workers based on decapitation experiments, that the foetal hypophysis exerts a trophic influence on the development of these endocrine organs. Reduced liver glycogen content and plasma glucose levels indicated a disturbed carbohydrate metabolism. Abnormal subcutaneous fat deposition suggested disorders in fat metabolism. Delayed involution of haemopoietic tissues, hypoplasia of peripheral lymphoid tissue and reduction in the number of mast cells in the skin were also noted. Structures of ectodermal origin were relatively unaffected by hypophysial lesions. It is concluded that the hypophysis of the foetal lamb subserves many of the functions attributed to it during extrauterine life.
MODIFICATION BY SEX HORMONES OF THE SPONTANEOUS AND EVOKED BULBAR ELECTRICAL ACTIVITY IN GOLDFISH
Authors: OSHIMA K. , GORBMAN A.
Published: December 2008

Young adult goldfish treated for 4 weeks with oestradiol, progesterone, or with a synthetic oestrogen or progestogen were used in a variety of tests designed to characterize olfactory function, using electroneurophysiological methods. The following observations were made:

1. The olfactory bulb appeared to be among the most responsive to hormone among the tested regions of the brain.

2. In oestrogenized goldfish and in fish given higher dosages of progesterone, there was a spontaneous slow pattern in the olfactory bulbar EEG. This slow pattern is changed to a desynchronized fast pattern after section at the midbrain—hindbrain level (cerveau isolé). On the other hand, the spontaneous 'normal' desynchronized pattern of progestogen-treated fish is converted to a synchronized slow pattern after similar brain stem transection.

3. Centrifugal modification of afferent-evoked bulbar electrical responses produced by NaCl infusion into the ipsilateral olfactory sac was augmented by hormones in lower doses in the cerveau isolé preparation. Oestradiol and progesterone in higher doses inhibit the centrifugal influence on bulbar responses while the synthetic progestational steroid continued to augment this control even when given at higher doses.

These results suggest that sex steroids alter olfactory function through their stimulatory or inhibitory actions on the goldfish central nervous system, but the nature of their action depends upon dosage level and the particular steroid.
ANDROGEN CONCENTRATIONS IN PLASMA AND TESTIS OF DEVELOPING RATS
Authors: RESKO J. A. , FEDER H. H. , GOY R. W.
Published: December 2008

Testosterone and androstenedione levels in plasma and testicular tissue of developing rats were measured using gas—liquid chromatography with electron capture detection. The major androgen of both the adult and early postnatal period of development was testosterone. Pooled plasma from 230 one-day-old male rats contained 0·027 μg. testosterone/100 ml. The concentration of testosterone in the testes at this age was 0·328 μg./g. wet tissue. With increasing age there was a decline in testosterone concentration in plasma as well as in gonadal tissue which lasted until about the age of 30 days. The period from 40 to 60 days was characterized by an increasing concentration of testosterone in the plasma and gonads. During adulthood, testosterone reached concentrations as high as 0·202 μg./100 ml. peripheral plasma.

Androstenedione could not be detected in the circulation during the critical period of neonatal neural sexual differentiation, but it was present in the testes at this stage. In the pubertal and adult stages androstenedione was found in the plasma and testes. Its concentration, particularly in adulthood, was not as great as that of testosterone.

These results indicate that testosterone is present in plasma and testicular tissue of the rat during the neonatal period when behavioural and physiological sexual differentiation is presumed to occur.
THE UPTAKE AND AUTORADIOGRAPHIC LOCALIZATION OF TRITIATED OESTRADIOL IN THE RAT UTERUS AFTER LOCAL APPLICATION
Authors: MOBBS BETTY G.
Published: December 2008

The distribution of radioactivity present in uterine tissue was investigated at various times after the injection of small amounts of tritiated oestradiol into the lumen of the uteri of ovariectomized rats. The highest amounts of radioactivity were present as free steroid 30 min. to 1 hr. after injection and a considerable amount was still present after 5 hr. Autoradiographs indicated that the distribution of labelling changed with time after injection, being heaviest initially in the epithelium, but being mainly located in or near the nuclei of both epithelium and stroma when maximum radioactivity was present. It is suggested that these sites are specific for oestrogens, and that many of the sites initially occupied are unspecific.
THE EFFECT OF MATING ON PITUITARY LUTEINIZING HORMONE AND THYROTROPHIC HORMONE CONTENT IN THE FEMALE RABBIT
Authors: BROWN-GRANT K. , KABIR D. J. EL , FINK G.
Published: December 2008

The anterior pituitary content of luteinizing hormone (LH) was greatly reduced 4 hr. after mating in female rabbits; thyrotrophic hormone content was slightly but not significantly reduced. At 24 hr. after mating LH levels were higher than those at 4 hr. but still significantly below control levels; thyrotrophic hormone content was significantly reduced at this time. Since no evidence is available of an increase in thyrotrophic hormone secretion after mating (see Brown-Grant, 1968) it is concluded that the neuroendocrine events concerned in the release of LH in response to coitus in this species also result in a decrease in the synthesis of thyrotrophic hormone.
ANTIDIURETIC ACTIVITY IN THE CEREBROSPINAL FLUID
Authors: HELLER H. , HASAN S. H. , SAIFI A. Q.
Published: December 2008

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples obtained by cisternal puncture from rabbits within 10 min. after intravenous pentobarbitone anaesthesia contained the equivalent of 57 ± 5·4 μ-u. arginine vasopressin/ml. Treatment with thioglycollate and trypsin abolished the antidiuretic activity. Stimulation of the central end of a severed vagus raised the concentration of antidiuretic activity in the CSF significantly. After the intravenous injection of vasopressin, antidiuretic activity measured in blood and CSF rose quickly, but the levels attained in the CSF were always lower than those in blood.

When CSF samples were obtained with local anaesthesia no antidiuretic activity could be demonstrated; i.e. in terms of the sensitivity of the assay procedure used these samples contained less than the equivalent of 4·2 μ-u. vasopressin/ml.

The significance of these findings is discussed in connexion with the morphological evidence suggesting the secretion of neurohypophysial hormones by neurosecretory neurones into the 3rd ventricle.
THE EFFECT OF OVERHEATING ON THE OXYGEN CONSUMPTION OF RATS OF VARIOUS LEVELS OF THYROID FUNCTION
Authors: EINHORN J. , DIMITRIADOU A. , GADHOK R. S.
Published: December 2008

Hypothyroid, normal and 'thyrotoxic' rats were overheated under standardized conditions, and their rectal temperatures and oxygen consumption were measured. During 30–60 min. of heating, body temperature and oxygen consumption rose more slowly in the hypothyroid animals and more rapidly in the 'thyrotoxic' ones as compared with normal rats. It was also found that, for the same induced increase in body temperature, the oxygen consumption of the hypothyroid rats rose less and that of the 'thyrotoxic' rats more than that of the normal animals.
ROLE OF THE OVARIES IN PERPHENAZINE-INDUCED LACTATION
Authors: BEN-DAVID M.
Published: December 2008

Mammary-gland development and milk secretion were induced in virgin adult female Fischer rats by treatment with perphenazine (Trilafon) for 5 days. The drug, however, failed to induce similar lactation in ovariectomized adult animals or in juvenile rats unless the animals were pretreated with small quantities of oestradiol, indicating that when the ovaries are absent, or almost inactive as in juvenile rats, oestradiol-priming is a prerequisite for perphenazine-induced lactation.

When perphenazine was given to adult rats starting at early dioestrus, the following changes occurred: (1) a continuous dioestrus ensued lasting about 7 days after the end of treatment; (2) the ovaries were predominantly occupied by corpora lutea, and (3) a typical pseudopregnant 'lucid zone' appeared in the uterine endometrium.

It is concluded that perphenazine treatment most likely stimulated secretion of luteotrophic hormone, which in rats seems to be identical with prolactin in its promotion of lactogenesis.
OVARIAN HORMONES AND THE SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR OF THE FEMALE RHESUS MONKEY (MACACA MULATTA) UNDER LABORATORY CONDITIONS
Authors: MICHAEL R. P. , WELEGALLA J.
Published: December 2008

Male and female 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 sexual invitations of both males and females, and in the refusal reactions of females, occurred in relation to the menstrual cycle. A decline in male mounting activity occurred during the luteal phase of the cycle, and resulted from two principal types of change in male—female interaction: in one, males stopped making mounting attempts, although females continued inviting (loss of female attractiveness), and in the other, males continued to attempt to mount, but females stopped inviting and began refusing (loss of female receptivity). Bilateral ovariectomy of females abolished all rhythmic variations, and the behavioural interactions were reduced to low levels; these were restored by subcutaneous injections of oestradiol into the females. These findings indicate that sexual invitations in a female primate are mediated by ovarian hormones, and that the changes in male—female interaction during the menstrual cycle can be understood in terms of endocrine-dependent changes in sexual invitations and their outcome.
THE SUPPRESSION OF MOUNTING BEHAVIOUR AND EJACULATION IN MALE RHESUS MONKEYS (MACACA MULATTA) BY ADMINISTRATION OF PROGESTERONE TO THEIR FEMALE PARTNERS
Authors: MICHAEL R. P. , SAAYMAN G. S. , ZUMPE D.
Published: December 2008

Sexual behaviour was studied quantitatively by observing six pairs of oppositely sexed, adult rhesus monkeys during 209 hourly test sessions conducted over a period of 7 months; at all other times, animals were housed singly. The effect on male—female sexual interaction was studied when ovariectomized, oestrogen-treated females were given s.c. injections of progesterone. Administration of 25 mg. progesterone resulted in a highly significant decrease in male mounting activity, in ejaculation, and in the number of sexual invitations made by females. At the same time there was a highly significant increase in the number of female refusal reactions. In three pairs, mounting attempts by males remained constant and the decline in the number of mounts resulted primarily from a large increase in refusal reactions. In three other pairs, the decline in the number of mounts resulted, primarily, from a marked decrease in male mounting attempts. The two principal mechanisms, loss of female receptivity and loss of female attractiveness, previously observed during the luteal phase of the female's menstrual cycle, were thus reproduced by giving progesterone to the ovariectomized, oestrogen-treated female partners.
THE STABILITY OF ENDOGENOUS AND EXOGENOUS CORTICOTROPHIN IN RAT PLASMA AS ESTABLISHED BY A BIOASSAY IN INTACT RATS
Authors: PURVES H. D. , SIRETT NANCY E.
Published: December 2008

Corticotrophin (ACTH) activity in rat plasma, both endogenous (adrenalectomized rat plasma) and exogenous (International Working Standard, 1962), has been assayed in dexamethasone-treated rats and the stability studied under various conditions of storage.

Exogenous ACTH added to rat plasma and assayed immediately had only 76% of the activity of the same ACTH dissolved in gelatine acid saline medium. This difference is ascribed to the effects of the medium and not to inactivation. When allowance was made for the effects of the medium on potency, added ACTH showed a similar stability on incubation or storage to endogenous ACTH.

For endogenous ACTH the following loss of activity was found in vitro: after 45 min. at 37°, 64%; after 1 day at room temperature, more than 85%; after 1 day at 3°, 58%. No loss of potency was detected on storage at −17° for 18 months.

It is concluded that plasma can be frozen, stored at low temperature, and thawed without significant loss of corticotrophic potency provided that the blood is chilled as soon as drawn and the subsequent operations performed expeditiously.
APPLICATION OF THE COATED CHARCOAL SEPARATION METHOD TO THE RADIOIMMUNOASSAY OF PLASMA CORTICOTROPHIN
Authors: DONALD R. A.
Published: December 2008

A radioimmunoassay method for plasma corticotrophin (ACTH) is described. ACTH is extracted from plasma by adsorption to silicic acid powder and subsequent elution by an acetone—acetic acid mixture. ACTH antiserum and 131I-labelled ACTH are added and the antigen-antibody reaction proceeds for 3 days. Activated charcoal coated with plasma is used to separate antibody-bound and unbound ACTH. Factors affecting the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the assay have been assessed.
THE PLASMA CORTICOTROPHIN RESPONSE TO INSULIN HYPOGLYCAEMIA, LYSINE-VASOPRESSIN AND METYRAPONE IN PIGS
Authors: DONALD R. A. , MURPHY S. SALISBURY , NABARRO J. D. N.
Published: December 2008

The coated charcoal immunoassay method was applied to the measurement of the corticotrophin (ACTH) response to insulin hypoglycaemia, lysine-vasopressin, metyrapone and surgical stress in female piglets. The maximum ACTH responses average 392 picograms (pg.)/ml. (insulin hypoglycaemia), 111 pg./ml. (lysine-vasopressin) and exceeded 350 pg./ml. after metyrapone. The time relationships between blood sugar, 11-hydroxycorticosteroid and ACTH levels were also examined. Despite constant infusion rates, the ACTH response to lysine-vasopressin was not sustained. Previous administration of dexamethasone suppressed the response to insulin hypoglycaemia and lysine-vasopressin.
STEROID BIOSYNTHESIS IN VITRO AND IN TISSUE CULTURE BY ADRENAL TUMOURS OF MICE OF THE CE STRAIN
Authors: NEVILLE A. MUNRO , ANDERSON J. M. , McCORMICK M. H. , WEBB J. L.
Published: December 2008

Incubation in vitro of homogenates of spontaneous adrenocortical tumours from gonadectomized female mice of the CE strain showed the presence of Δ5-3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase systems, capable of metabolizing 3β-hydroxypregn-5-en-20-one, 3β, 17α-dihydroxypregn-5-en-20-one and 3β-hydroxyandrost-5-en-17-one. 17α-, 11β- and 21-hydroxylation of C21-Δ4-3-ketosteroids was also detected as were the enzyme systems required to form 3β-hydroxyandrost-5-ene-7,17-dione from 3β-hydroxyandrost-5-en-17-one.

After tissue culture of the tumour cells for 19 days, histochemical and incubation techniques demonstrated that the cells retained Δ5-3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 17α-, 11β- and 21-hydroxylase activity. Autoradiography localized radioactivity in the original and newly formed cells of the tissue culture.
A STUDY OF THE ANTIHORMONAL ACTIVITY OF AN ANTISERUM TO OVINE PROLACTIN USING THE LOCAL LACTOGENIC RESPONSE IN THE RABBIT
Authors: SAJI M. A. , CRIGHTON D. B.
Published: December 2008

A rabbit antiserum to a purified preparation of ovine prolactin was prepared. The capacity of the antiserum to counter the biological effect of the preparation of ovine prolactin was determined. When injected intraductally before the injection of prolactin into the same duct the antiserum inhibited the lactogenic effect of prolactin on the rabbit mammary gland. The weight, nitrogen content and reducing sugar content of the mammary glands were used as criteria to judge the effect of the antiserum. The results of specificity tests on the antiserum, using the techniques of double diffusion and immunoelectrophoresis, are also reported.
IMMUNOASSAY OF FOLLICLE-STIMULATING HORMONE IN HUMAN URINE AND SERUM BY QUANTITATIVE COMPLEMENT FIXATION
Authors: MORI K. F.
Published: December 2008

An immunoassay method for follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in human urine and serum by means of complement fixation is described in detail. The assay detects 0·6–1·5 m-u. FSH, and does not require any modification of antigens. Good agreement is shown between the biological and immunological estimations of FSH activity of urinary and serum extracts. Immunological estimations of the urinary FSH excretion in 15 normal men and 24 normal postmenopausal women gave the mean values of 8·5 (range 2·6–15·4) i.u. and 116·7 (range 30·1–213·3) i.u./24 hr., respectively. The mean serum FSH levels determined immunologically in ten normal men and 14 normal postmenopausal women were 6·2 (range 3·3–13·9) m-u. and 58·1 (range 39·7–94·0) m-u./ml., respectively. The pattern of daily urinary FSH excretion during the menstrual cycle of a normal woman showed an insignificant rise during the follicular phase and a peak immediately after the thermal nadir.
THE THYROID GLAND AND THE NEUROSECRETORY ACTIVITY OF THE HYPOTHALAMUS IN THE NEWBORN RABBIT
Authors: ŚLEBODZIŃSKI A. , SREBRO Z.
Published: December 2008

Two hundred rabbits aged from 0 to 21 days were used for studies of the functional activity and maturity of the thyroid and hypothalamo-hypophysial system in the newborn rabbit.

Histological findings showed that there was a rapid increase in the thyroid weight, attributed to somatic growth. The calculated relation between thyroid (Y) and body weight (X) was found to be Y = 0·3404X0·7726.

The hormonal iodine in the blood and thyroid gland:serum radioactive concentration ratio increased with age. These variations in thyroid gland activity were paralleled by maturation of the hypothalamus (as judged from the appearance of the neurosecretory material). The supraoptic nucleihypophysial system of the rabbit appeared to be morphologically mature at about 7 days after birth.

A differentiation can be made between the 'functional development' of the thyroid gland and its 'basal growth', which is part of the general growth of the body.
THE SECRETION OF STEROIDS FROM THE AUTOTRANSPLANTED OVARY IN THE EWE SPONTANEOUSLY AND IN RESPONSE TO SYSTEMIC GONADOTROPHIN
Authors: BAIRD D. T. , GODING J. R. , ICHIKAWA Y. , McCRACKEN J. A.
Published: December 2008

Secretion rates of ovarian steroids were measured in five ewes in which the left ovary was transplanted to the neck. Progesterone, 20α-dihydroprogesterone, androstenedione, testosterone, oestrone and oestradiol-17β were measured in samples of ovarian venous blood collected twice weekly for six periods of 4–9 weeks. The secretion of progesterone (range < 2–804 μg./hr.) showed some cyclical variation in four collection periods with a minimum estimated cycle length of 20 days. 20α-Dihydroprogesterone was present in quantities of about 1/50th of that of progesterone. The maximum secretion of oestradiol-17β (up to 250 ng./hr.) occurred at the same time as the minimum secretion of progesterone. The secretion of oestrone (0–88 ng./hr.), androstenedione (59–159 ng./hr.) and testosterone (20–90 ng./hr.) followed that of oestradiol-17β. In two animals there was a constant high secretion of progesterone throughout the collection periods, indicating the persistence of a corpus luteum. None of the ewes with transplanted ovaries showed behavioural oestrus regularly. These changes of ovarian function after transplantation to the neck could be explained by physical separation of the ovary and the uterus.

On seven occasions systemic administration of pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMS, 750–1000 i.u.) was followed by a marked rise in the secretion rate of oestradiol-17β, androstenedione and testosterone. There was a progressive increase in the secretion of progesterone beginning about the 5th day after PMS in three experiments when the secretion was below 25 μg./hr. in the control samples.
URINARY EXCRETION OF OESTRIOL AND PREGNANEDIOL DURING BOUGIE-INDUCED ABORTION IN MID-PREGNANCY
Authors: MANABE Y.
Published: December 2008

Two rubber bougies were inserted between the uterine wall and the foetal membranes in each of six normal women in mid-pregnancy to induce abortion, and the changes in uterine activity were recorded. Significant uterine contractions were noted within 33 hr. and increased gradually, resulting in all cases in abortion within 45 hr. The excretion of oestriol and pregnanediol in 6 hr. urine collections did not change significantly during the treatment, and the placenta and foetal membranes when delivered did not show any notable histological changes. Every foetus was alive on delivery.
METABOLISM OF [4-14C]LYNESTRENOL IN MAN
Authors: KAMYAB SORAYA , FOTHERBY K. , KLOPPER A. I.
Published: December 2008

After the administration of [4-14C]lynestrenol (17α-ethynyl-19-nor-androst-4-en-17β-ol) to 7 human subjects 31·–57·6% of the dose, whether administered orally or i.v., was excreted in the urine within 5 days. The biological half-life of radioactivity was 26·5 hr. After acid and enzymatic hydrolysis, 58·7 and 45·6% respectively of the urinary radioactivity was extractable. About 10% of the urinary metabolites were excreted as sulphate conjugates. A mean value of 1·75% of the administered dose was converted to phenolic compounds. The metabolites in the free fraction and enzymehydrolysed extract of urine were almost entirely polar compounds, whereas 70% of the metabolites in the sulphate fraction were much less polar. The chromatographic evidence showed that hydroxylation of lynestrenol must have occurred at two points in the molecule. Plasma radioactivity decreased more rapidly than after administration of norethisterone.
THE METABOLISM OF TESTOSTERONE, ANDROSTENEDIONE AND OESTRONE BY TESTES FROM A CASE OF TESTICULAR FEMINIZATION
Authors: WADE A. P. , WILKINSON G. S. , DAVIS J. C. , JEFFCOATE T. N. A.
Published: December 2008

[4-14C]Testosterone, [4-14C]androstenedione and [4-14C]oestrone were incubated with testicular tissue obtained from an 18-yr.-old patient with the complete form of the testicular feminization syndrome.

Considerable biosynthesis of testosterone from androstenedione occurred, but metabolism of testosterone by the tissue was minimal. The small phenolic fraction from these incubations did not contain any recognizable oestrogens.

Metabolism of oestrone was almost complete, less than 4% being recovered as unchanged oestrone. Of eight areas of radioactivity found during chromatography, five were shown to be associated with oestrone, 2-methoxyoestrone, oestradiol-17β, 2-hydroxyoestradiol-17β, and 2-methoxy-oestradiol-17β. Chromatographic evidence suggested that an oxo-oestrone and a compound more polar than oestriol were present. No oestriol was found.

The results confirm those of other workers to the effect that testosterone is the major metabolite of androstenedione in feminizing testes. Incubation of the testes with oestrone showed them also to possess the enzyme systems necessary for hydroxylation at position 2 and the subsequent methylation of this group.

Urinary steroid measurements before and after removal of the testes showed these organs to be actively secreting.

Attempts to demonstrate oestrogenic activity in the urine additional to that accounted for by chemical estimation were unsuccessful.
EFFECT OF THE PITUITARY INHIBITOR, METHALLIBURE, ON THE SECRETION OF GONADOTROPHIC HORMONES IN PARABIOTIC RATS
Authors: GANGADHARA N. S. , RAMAIAH T. R.
Published: December 2008

The effect of methallibure, a non-steroidal pituitary inhibitor, on the hypersecretion of gonadotrophins in parabiotic rats after castration of one partner has been investigated. At lower doses the compound prevents the hypertrophy of the ovaries in the intact partner. At higher doses it may cause a decline in the ovarian weight of the intact partner.
AN IMPROVED BIOASSAY FOR CALCITONIN
Authors: STURTRIDGE W. C. , KUMAR M. A.
Published: December 2008

A sensitive method for the assay of calcitonin is described with a much lower detection limit than that reported hitherto. Calcitonin was injected intravenously into fasting Wistar rats and aortic blood was collected 30 min. later under anaesthesia. Equivalent hypocalcaemia was produced in 3-week-old rats by doses less than a third of those required in 5-week-old ones. Less than 0·1 m-u. calcitonin/3-week-old rat could be measured with an index of precision of about 0·2.
THE ASSAY OF PANCREOZYMIN, AND OF SECRETIN AND PANCREOZYMIN SIMULTANEOUSLY, IN THE RAT
Authors: HEATLEY N. G.
Published: December 2008

A procedure for the almost quantitative collection of rat pancreatic secretion formed during a given period is described. Its enzyme content has been followed indirectly in terms of protein, as measured by absorption at 278 mμ.

As in other species, basal protein output normally decreases for several hours after the operation, but if the rat is anaesthetized 3–4 hr. before the operation, the protein output remains steady.

A procedure is proposed for the assay of pancreozymin, or secretin and pancreozymin simultaneously.
HORMONAL EFFECTS ON LIVER d-GLUCURONOLACTONE DEHYDROGENASE LEVELS IN MICE
Authors: MOWAT A. P.
Published: December 2008

d-Glucuronolactone dehydrogenase activity in mouse liver was determined after castration, the injection of hormones, and after both measures. Spaying of female mice increased enzyme activity to the slightly higher level found in intact males. Oestrone decreased activity in males, spayed females and in females injected with norethisterone. Norethisterone increased activity in intact females, but testosterone had no definite effect.
DEVELOPMENTAL EFFECTS ON LIVER d-GLUCURONOLACTONE DEHYDROGENASE LEVELS AND ON d-GLUCARIC ACID EXCRETION IN URINE; HORMONAL EFFECTS ON d-GLUCARIC ACID EXCRETION IN URINE
Authors: MOWAT A. P.
Published: December 2008

Total urinary d-glucaric acid excretion increased with age and weight gain in males and was found to be low in terms of unit body weight in the newborn. In premature infants, there was a direct relationship between the serum bilirubin level and urinary d-glucaric acid excretion. In women excretion was not found to vary with the menstrual cycle, but was increased during prolonged therapy with contraceptive agents.
CHANGES IN THE DENSITY AND PROGESTERONE CONTENT OF LUTEAL TISSUE IN THE EGYPTIAN BUFFALO DURING PREGNANCY
Authors: EL-SHEIKH A. S. , SAKLA F. B. , AMIN S. O.
Published: December 2008

The histological and functional changes were studied in 30 corpora lutea (CL) of Egyptian buffaloes during four stages of pregnancy including the changes in shape, colour, weight and volume of CL, the volume of luteal cells and intercellular spaces, and in nuclear and cytoplasmic volume. Progesterone content and concentration were also estimated using column absorption chromatography and a counter-current distribution system.

Active cells were numerous in the first two periods of gestation. Retrogression of the CL began in the third period of gestation as indicated by the decrease in active cells and the increase in degenerating luteal cells. The progesterone content and concentration in the CL increased consistently and reached its peak in the second period of pregnancy, it then decreased gradually until the fourth period.
THE ACTIVITY OF ENZYMES IN THE RABBIT UTERUS AND EFFECT OF PROGESTERONE AND OESTRADIOL
Authors: MURDOCH R. N. , WHITE I. G.
Published: December 2008

The activity of several enzymes has been measured in the uterine endometrium of the rabbit during oestrus and pseudopregnancy and after injecting oestradiol benzoate or progesterone 28 days after ovariectomy. The enzyme activity of the uterine fluid has been determined during oestrus and the effect of uterine ligation studied.

Progesterone and the induction of pseudopregnancy stimulated succinic dehydrogenase (SDH) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (GDH) activity and depressed amylase and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) activity. In ovariectomized does, glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) activity increased after the injection of progesterone. Progesterone also stimulated endometrial phosphatase after ovariectomy but, when given after a period of oestrogen treatment, it limited the even greater response of acid and alkaline phosphatase to oestrogen; the activity then attaining the same level as when progesterone alone was given.

SDH, GDH and glycerylphosphorylcholine (GPC) diesterase could not be detected in uterine fluid but amylase and alkaline phosphatase were in greater concentration than in the endometrium. GPC diesterase was, however, found to be present in uterine tissue. Ligation of the uterus did not significantly alter the enzyme activity of the endometrium.
THYROID FUNCTION TESTS DURING PREGNANCY, THE NORMAL MENSTRUAL CYCLE AND IN WOMEN USING ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES
Authors: STANDEVEN RUTH M.
Published: December 2008

Endogenous and exogenous oestrogenic effects on thyroid function tests were studied. [125I]Tri-iodothyronine charcoal uptake (T3 uptake) and protein-bound iodine (PBI) were measured in serum obtained from women during the menstrual cycle and the different trimesters of pregnancy and from women taking oral contraceptives for varying periods of time. The free thyroxine index (FTI) was calculated for the pregnant subjects and the free thyroxine factor (FTF) evaluated for all samples studied.

Significant deviations from control values in T3 uptake, PBI, FTI and FTF could not be correlated with relatively large changes in the levels of oestrogens. T3 uptake results appeared to reflect changing oestrogenic patterns more closely than the corresponding PBI measurements. Evidence presented suggests that the FTF is preferred to the FTI for clinical use in the diagnosis of thyroid status although further modification to the FTF formula involving PBI and [125I]T3 charcoal uptake measurements may be necessary.
NADP-LINKED 17β- AND 20α-STEROID REDUCTASE ACTIVITY IN THE RABBIT UTERUS
Authors: MACARTNEY J. C. , THOMAS G. H.
Published: December 2008

NADP-linked 17β- and 20α-reductase has been investigated in the uterus of immature (8–15 weeks) and adult rabbits using three labelled steroid substrates: progesterone, androstenedione and oestrone. The enzymic profile of the adult uterus differed from that of the immature, in that only the adult showed high levels of a 17β-reductase which had far greater specificity for oestrone than for androstenedione. Compared with the adult rabbit, the uterus of the rat, ferret and rhesus monkey showed little or no reductase activity.

Studies on the enzyme levels of the ovariectomized adult rabbit, and the immature rabbit treated with gonadotrophin, oestradiol, and oestradiol together with progesterone, showed that the uterine oestrone 17β-reductase was stimulated by the ovarian hormones; the response of androstenedione 17β-reductase to these hormone treatments was less marked. The oestradioldependant oestrone 17β-reductase was found predominantly in the myometrium.
EFFECT OF METHALLIBURE (ICI 33,828) ON THE NITROGEN RETENTION AND GROWTH INDUCED BY OVINE GROWTH HORMONE
Authors: RAMAIAH T. R. , GANGADHARA N. S.
Published: December 2008

The effect of methallibure, a non-steroidal pituitary inhibitor, on the growth and nitrogen retention of young rats treated with ovine growth hormone has been studied. Growth hormone induces nitrogen retention and body growth and this effect was suppressed by the simultaneous administration of methallibure. The possibility that the drug acts as an antimetabolite is discussed.
LIPOLYSIS IN CHICKEN ADIPOSE TISSUE IN VITRO
Authors: LANGSLOW D. R. , HALES C. N.
Published: December 2008

The effects on lipolysis of various compounds have been studied in intact chicken adipose tissue and in isolated fat cells prepared from chicken adipose tissue. Glucagon stimulated lipolysis at concentrations down to 1 ng./ml. in intact pieces and 0·1 ng./ml. in isolated fat cells. The effect was enhanced by high concentrations of insulin. No anti-lipolytic effect of insulin was observed. Adrenaline, noradrenaline, porcine corticotrophin (ACTH) and long-acting ACTH were lipolytic but the effects were small and high concentrations were required. The adrenaline effect was blocked by propranolol hydrochloride. Dibutyryl 3′,5′-(cyclic)-AMP and theophylline stimulated lipolysis as did a combination of crude chicken growth hormone and hydrocortisone sodium succinate. It was concluded that the pattern of response of chicken adipose tissue was markedly different from that of the rat.
THE AGE AT WHICH THE BLOOD VESSELS OF THE RAT TESTIS BECOME SENSITIVE TO CADMIUM SALTS
Authors: CLEGG E. J. , NIEMI M. , CARR I.
Published: December 2008

The age at which cadmium salts first cause an increase in vascular permeability in the rat testis has been studied using Evans blue as a marker.

Cadmium-induced blueing of the testis, indicative of increased vascular permeability, first occurred on the 9th day of life, at about the same time as the descent of the testes and an apparent increase in the amount of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-positive tissue. The increased permeability coincided approximately with a rise in the alkaline phosphatase reactivity of the testicular capillary endothelium. It is suggested that the onset of sensitivity of the testicular blood vessels to cadmium salts is related in some way to the onset of androgen production by the testes.
THE LACTATIONAL ANOESTRUS OF THE SOW: THE STATUS OF THE ANTERIOR PITUITARY-OVARIAN SYSTEM DURING LACTATION AND AFTER WEANING
Authors: CRIGHTON D. B. , LAMMING G. E.
Published: December 2008

The status of the anterior pituitary-ovarian system of the sow was examined during lactational anoestrus and after weaning up to the occurrence of the first oestrus after weaning. The ovaries and uteri were examined and the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) contents of the anterior pituitary glands were measured.

Suppression of follicular growth and uterine development was apparent during lactation. This was relieved by weaning, when follicle size increased and oestrus and ovulation occurred within 6 days.

A high level of pituitary FSH was found during lactation which was maintained after weaning until oestrus occurred, when the level fell. The level of LH was low during lactation, rose after weaning and fell when oestrus occurred.

Ovariectomy of sows during lactation did not affect the growth of the young. While ovariectomy during the oestrous cycle produced the expected uterine atrophy, ovariectomy during lactation did not result in any further decline in uterine weight or length, suggesting that oestrogen secretion is at a very low level during late lactation. Pituitary LH content rose as a result of ovariectomy performed during the oestrous cycle but failed to do so as a result of ovariectomy performed during lactation, thus demonstrating inability of the lactating sow to increase LH synthesis under circumstances when the cycling sow is capable of doing so.

From these results it is postulated that (a) a considerable release of both FSH and LH occurs at about the time of the after-weaning oestrus, similar to that which is believed to occur at cyclic oestrus, (b) failure primarily of release of FSH and of synthesis of LH occurs during lactation which accounts for suppression of follicle growth, anoestrus and anovulation during lactation in the sow.
THE EFFECTS OF PROGESTERONE AND OF PENTOBARBITONE ADMINISTERED AT THE DIOESTROUS STAGE ON THE OVARIAN CYCLE OF THE RAT
Authors: BROWN-GRANT K.
Published: December 2008

Changes in the uterus:plasma and oviduct:plasma concentration ratios for radioactive iodide after the administration of progesterone at the dioestrous stage of the oestrous cycle have confirmed that significant oestrogen secretion begins on the afternoon of the day of dioestrus in a 4-day cycle. Progesterone injected at dioestrus delays ovulation and the change to a facilitatory effect on luteinizing hormone (LH) release does not occur until early on the day of pro-oestrus, about 12 hr. after the estimated time at which oestrogen secretion begins.

Pentobarbitone (Nembutal) injected at 13.30 hr. on the day of pro-oestrus blocks ovulation, but does not do so when injected 3 hr. later. When injected at either 13.30 or 16.30 hr. in dioestrus, it delays ovulation and may prevent it completely in that cycle. The injection of Nembutal at dioestrus does not appear to prevent the release of gonadotrophin responsible for oestrogen secretion and the delay of ovulation may be due to interference with some of the normal effects of oestrogen secreted at this stage of the cycle on the hypothalamo-hypophysial system. The delay of ovulation is not prevented by the injection of oestrogen with Nembutal at dioestrus but is prevented by the subsequent injection of progesterone at pro-oestrus.

The results are discussed in relation to other studies on the time of onset of oestrogen secretion in the oestrous cycle and to the change in the response to progesterone injection from inhibition to facilitation of LH release following the period of oestrogen secretion.