bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential regulation of steroidogenic enzymes metabolizing testosterone or dihydrotestosterone by human chorionic gonadotropin in cultured rat neonatal interstitial cells
Authors: Murono Eisuke P.
Published: December 2008

The present studies examined the effects of hCG on steroidogenic enzyme activities involved in the metabolism of testosterone or dihydroststosterone in cultured rat neonatal interstitial cells. 5α-reductase and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activities, which are involved in the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone and androstenedione, respectively, were low in cultured neonatal interstitial cells, were unresponsive to hCG and declined to undetectable levels during 14 days of culture. However, Δ5-3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-isomerase activity, which is involved in the biosynthesis of testosterone, and 5α-androstane-3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 5α-androstane-3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activities, which are involved in the conversion of dihydrotestosterone to 5α-androstan-3α, 17β-diol and 5α-androstan-3β, 17β-diol, respectively, were maintained or increased by hCG during the same culture period. These results demonstrate that 5α-reductase and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activities do not play a significant role in regulating testosterone accumulation in fetal/neonatal Leydig cells, and they suggest that these cells are adapted to maintain high testosterone but low dihydrotestosterone levels. The present results demonstrate also that fetal/neonatal Leydig cells differ from immature or adult Leydig cells with respect to the sensitivity of 5α-reductase activity to LH/hCG.
The effects of secretin on prolactin, estradiol, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, and somatostatin levels in women
Authors: Holst N. , Jenssen T. G. , Burhol P. G. , Haug E.
Published: December 2008

The effect of graded doses of intravenous secretin (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 CU · kg−1 · h−1) on serum prolactin and estradiol levels, as well as plasma vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and somatostatin levels was studied in 6 normally cycling and healthy women, and compared with the hormone levels obtained by a control infusion with physiologic saline (0.15 mol/l). A significant decrease in serum prolactin concentrations was found with increasing doses of secretin at steady-state levels of plasma secretin (+30 to +60 min). A significant negative correlation (p<0.007, r=−0.2764) existed between serum prolactin and plasma secretin concentrations at steady-state conditions. No effect of graded doses of secretin was observed on serum estradiol levels and plasma concentrations of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and somatostatin. The results suggest a dose-related inhibitory effect of secretin on prolactin release in women.
Erythrocyte-associated triiodothyronine in the rat: a source of hormone for target cells
Authors: Francon Jacques , Osty Jeannine , Chantoux Françoise , Blondeau Jean-Paul
Published: December 2008

The accumulation of T3 by rat erythrocytes and its transfer to cultured rat hepatocytes were investigated. The amount of erythrocyte-associated T3 in whole rat blood was determined at 37°C. The ratio of erythrocyte-associated T3 to plasma total T3 was 0.235 over a wide range of T3 concentrations, i.e. there is 25 times as much T3 in the erythrocyte compartment as free in the plasma. Influx and efflux of T3, which were shown previously to be carrier-mediated, proceeded rapidly (t½ ≈ 12–15 sec at 25°C). These results suggest that erythrocytes are involved in the supply of T3 to target cells. This was checked by studying [125I]T3 uptake by cultured rat hepatocytes incubated either with erythrocyte suspensions pre-equilibrated with labelled T3 or with extracellular medium from the same erythrocyte suspensions. In protein-free medium, the initial velocity of T3 uptake was 1.5-fold faster in the presence of the erythrocyte suspension. Uptake was saturable, the apparent Km of T3 uptake (nmol/l) was 163±13 in the absence of erythrocytes and 102±6 in their presence. Vmax (fmol · min−1 · well−1) was similar in both cases (477 ± 26 and 511 ± 20, respectively). In the presence of diluted plasma (1:16 dilution) and in the presence of the erythrocyte suspension, a 2-fold increase of initial velocity was obtained. Plasma by itself increased (4–5 times) the initial velocity of uptake. The time-courses and kinetic constants of T3 binding to hepatocyte nuclear receptors were similar whether hepatocytes were incubated with or without erythrocytes. These results show that part of the erythrocyte-associated T3 adds to the free pool of hormone and can thus be considered as a biologically active compartment, suggesting that rat erythrocytes may serve as a blood-carrier for T3.
High-fat feeding induces tissue-specific alteration in proportion of activated insulin receptors in rats
Authors: Nagy Karoly , Levy Joseph , Grunberger George
Published: December 2008

High dietary fat intake causes glucose intolerance and insulin resistance in man and in laboratory rats. We studied possible mechanisms of this insulin resistance in rat kidney, muscle and liver. In high-fat fed rats the body weight, plasma insulin concentration, plasma glucose levels, and serum triglyceride concentration were significantly higher than in the control rats. 125I-insulin binding to kidney basolateral membrane insulin receptors from high-fat fed rats was lower than in control rats. Basal as well as insulin-stimulated tyrosine kinase activity per insulin receptor was higher in the highfat fed group, accompanied by increased autophosphorylation of the β-subunit of the receptor and higher proportion of tyrosine-phosphorylated insulin receptors. In contrast, both in the skeletal muscle and the liver the insulin-stimulated tyrosine kinase activity per insulin receptor was significantly lower in high-fat fed animals, accompanied by diminished autophosphorylation of the β-subunit of the receptor and lower proportion of tyrosinephosphorylated receptors. Our results indicate tissue-specific alterations in transmembrane signaling induced by high-fat feeding in target tissues for insulin which in turn might contribute to the observed insulin resistance.
Paradoxical growth hormone response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone in acromegaly. Clinical correlations and prognostic value
Authors: De Marinis Laura , Mancini Antonio , Zuppi Paolo , Anile Carmelo , Maira Giulio
Published: December 2008

We have investigated the effect of TRH on the release of GH in 20 acromegalic patients (14 females and 6 males) before and after selective removal of a pituitary tumour via transsphenoidal route. The follow-up period was 8 years. Pre-operatively the paradoxical response was present in 15 patients (75%). Mean GH values in TRH responders were significantly lower than in non-responders. According to the size and expansion diffusion of the adenoma, the patients were divided into 3 classes. The percentage of paradoxical response in patients in class III was significantly lower than in the other two classes. Postoperatively, mean GH values in pre-operative TRH responders were significantly lower than in non-responders; among 15 responders, 13 (86%) had postoperative GH levels under 5 μg/l; among 5 non-responders only 2 (40%) had GH values under 5 μg/l. Postoperatively 8 patients still had GH responsiveness to TRH: 6 with GH levels persistently (follow-up 8 years) under 5 μg/l and 2 with elevated GH values. The other 7 patients, who were responders pre-operatively and non-responders postoperatively, persistently exhibited low GH levels, except one subject who showed an increase in GH levels with reappearance of the paradoxical response, two years after surgery. These results suggest: 1. the paradoxical response may be expressed only when the hypothalamus-pituitary interactions are intact; 2. the disappearance of the paradoxical response cannot surely suggest a remission, and 3. the presence of a pre-operative paradoxical response is a good prognostic feature.
D-(—)-β-hydroxybutyrate inhibits catecholamine-stimulated lipolysis and decreases β-adrenoceptors' affinity in human fat cells but not in lymphomonocytes
Authors: De Pergola G. , Cignarelli M. , Corso M. , Garruti G. , Di Paolo S. , Giorgino R.
Published: December 2008

The effect of D-(—)-β-hydroxybutyrate, at concentrations commonly achieved during ketoacidosis in humans (10 mmol/l), on human fat cell lipolysis in vitro was the aim of this study. The basal lipolysis was not modified and β-hydroxybutyrate did not affect forskolin- or dibutyryl-cAMP-stimulated glycerol release, whereas it markedly inhibited isoproterenol-stimulated lipolysis. In membranes of intact adipocytes exposed to D-(—)-β-hydroxybutyrate for 1 h, we found a decrease in β-adrenoceptor affinity in saturation experiments and a shift to the right of the isoproterenol-mediated radioligand ([125I]-cyanopindolol) displacement curve. These findings suggest that β-hydroxybutyrate inhibits catecholamine-stimulated lipolysis by decreasing β-adrenoceptor affinity. No effect of β-hydroxybutyrate was found on β-adrenoceptor binding of intact mononuclear cells of peripheral blood. In conclusion, the β-adrenoceptor affinity lowering effect of β-hydroxybutyrate is seemingly specific to human fat cells and might represent a feed-back mechanism that prevents an uncontrolled breakdown of triglycerides and indirectly regulates its own production rate.
Renal calcium and magnesium handling in experimental diabetes mellitus in the rat
Authors: Anwana Atim B. , Garland Hugh O.
Published: December 2008

Metabolic and renal clearance techniques were used to examine kidney function in conscious and anesthetised streptozotocin diabetic rats. All diabetics showed an enhanced calcium and magnesium excretion compared to controls. However, the renal handling of these ions in relation to other electrolytes varied with different experiments. In non-infused conscious rats, the excretion of all ions was higher in diabetics, but the increased output of Ca2+ and Mg2+ was far greater than that of other electrolytes. In infused anesthetised diabetics only the outputs of Ca2+ and Mg2+ were significantly raised. This resulted from a significant reduction in the tubular reabsorption of both ions (% Ca2+ reabsorption: Controls 97.0±0.5; Diabetics 86.1±2.1; p<0.001). Insulin treatment reversed these changes. Major differences therefore exist in the renal handling of Ca2+ and Mg2+ in control and diabetic kidneys. Such differences do not simply parallel changes in the handling of other ions, and thus represent specific Ca2+ and Mg2+ lesions. Anesthetised infused diabetic rats also showed a reduced glomerular filtration rate and urine output compared to controls. Such differences may relate to an altered fluid balance in the two groups, different responses to surgery and anesthesia, or the degree of hyperglycemia in diabetic animals.
Differential effects of interleukin 1α and 1β on cultured human and rat thyroid epithelial cells
Authors: Rasmussen Å. Krogh , Kayser L. , Bech K. , Feldt-Rasmussen U. , Perrild H. , Bendtzen K.
Published: December 2008

The effects of human recombinant interleukin 1α (20 pg/1-2 μg/l) and 1β (200 pg/1-20 μg/l) on two systems of thyroid cells have been compared. The thyroglobulin and cAMP secretion and the DNA content of human thyroid cells cultured in monolayer and of continuously grown rat thyroid cells, Fischer rat thyroid cell line have been studied. The growth of the rat thyroid cell line was inhibited by interleukin 1β (20 ng/1-20 μg/l), but not by interleukin 1α. None of the cytokines changed the cAMP production of the rat thyroid cells. In contrast, both cAMP production and thyroglobulin secretion were inhibited dose-dependently by the cytokines in human thyroid cells in secondary cultures. These results caution the interpretation and extrapolation of changes induced by interleukin 1 from one cell system to the other.
Contractile effect of oxytocin and 1-deamino-1-carba-2-tyrosine (O-methyl)-oxytocin in myometrial tissue from non-pregnant and term pregnant women
Authors: Norström Anders , Andersson Ann , Vilhardt Hans
Published: December 2008

The contractile effect of the analogue 1-deamino-1-carba-2-tyrosine (O-methyl)-oxytocin (carbetocin) on isolated strips from the human myometrium was compared with that of oxytocin. Neither oxytocin nor carbetocin affected contractile activity in strips from nonpregnant women, but both peptides stimulated contractile activity in strips from women at term pregnancy (2× 10−11 mol/l, and 10−10 mol/l, respectively). Thus, carbetocin is almost as potent as oxytocin with regard to stimulating myometrial contractions at term.
[125I]melatonin binding sites in membrane preparations of quail brain: characteristics and diurnal variations
Authors: Yuan He , Pang Shiu Fun
Published: December 2008

The binding of [125I]melatonin, a labelled ligand of melatonin, to quail brain membrane preparations was studied. Kinetic studies indicated that the binding of [125I]melatonin to membrane preparations of quail brains collected at mid-light was time-dependent and reversible. The Kd value determined from kinetic analysis was 614 pmol/l, similar to the Kd 705±81 pmol/l obtained from saturation experiments. The [125I]melatonin binding sites in quail brain membrane had the following order of pharmacological affinities: melatonin >6-chloromelatonin >N-acetylserotonin >5-hydroxytryptamine >>5-methoxytryptophol, tryptamine, L-tryptophan, 5-hydroxytryptophan, 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid, 1-acetylindole-3-carboxaldehyde, 3-acetylindole. Compounds known to act on serotonergic, adrenergic or acetylcholinergic receptors were inactive as compared with melatonin. Our results demonstrated the presence of specific melatonin binding sites in the quail brain membrane preparations. In addition, saturation studies demonstrated that [125I]melatonin binding sites in quail brain membrane preparations were 42% higher at mid-light (39.6±2.2 fmol/mg protein) than at mid-dark (22.6±2.5 fmol/mg protein), with no significant variation in their binding affinities.
Neurohypophyseal function of an ectopic posterior lobe in patients with growth hormone deficiency
Authors: Yamanaka Chutaro , Momoi Toru , Fujisawa Ichiro , Kikuchi Kiyoshi , Kaji Masayuki , Yorifuji Tohru , Sasaki Hiroshi , Sudo Masakatsu , Konishi Junji , Mikawa Haruki
Published: December 2008

We studied the neurohypophyseal function of 20 patients with complete GH deficiency owing to pituitary stalk transection by means of the water deprivation and the hypertonic saline infusion test. In TI-weighted magnetic resonance images, high-signal intensity of the posterior lobe of the hypophysis was missing in all the patients. An ectopic posterior lobe was observed at the proximal stump of the transected stalk in 17 patients, whereas the 3 patients without ectopic posterior lobe had overt diabetes insipidus or intractable nocturnal enuresis. After water deprivation, 3 patients with large ectopic posterior lobes (length along the pituitary stalk axis exceeding 5 mm) showed urinary osmolality and plasma AVP levels as high as those of 13 patients with partial GH deficiency in whom magnetic resonance images revealed no abnormalities. On the other hand, 14 patients with small ectopic posterior lobes (length less than 5 mm) showed significantly lower urinary osmolality and plasma AVP levels than the patients with large ectopic posterior lobes (p<0.01 and p<0.01, respectively) and the patients with partial GH deficiency (p<0.01 and p<0.01, respectively). Urinary osmolality in the patients with small ectopic posterior lobes, however, was higher than that in 3 patients without ectopic posterior lobes (p<0.01). During the hypertonic saline infusion test, peak plasma AVP levels in the patients with small ectopic posterior lobes were significantly lower than those in the patients with partial GH deficiency (p<0.01). These findings suggest that the remaining neurohypophyseal function in patients with transected pituitary stalk correlates with the size of the ectopic posterior lobe, and that partial diabetes insipidus may be the diagnosis in some of the patients with small ectopic posterior lobes.
Effect of one year continuous subcutaneous infusion of a somatostatin analogue, octreotide, on early retinopathy, metabolic control and thyroid function in Type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kirkegaard Carsten , Nørgaard Kirsten , Snorgaard Ole , Bek Toke , Larsen Michael , Lund-Andersen Henrik
Published: December 2008

Growth hormone is assumed to be involved in the development of diabetic retinopathy. In a randomized study we evaluated the possible effects of one year treatment with a somatostatin (SRIH) analogue, octreotide, on early retinopathy and on metabolism in Type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus. Eleven patients were allocated to treatment with a continuous sc infusion of 400 μg octreotide per day and 9 served as controls. Only 7 patients from each group completed the study. Three octreotide-treated patients left the study owing to severe diarrhea. The subjects were evaluated at entry, after 2, 6 and 12 months treatment, and 2 months after withdrawal. Octreotide induced a decrease in GH secretion, expressed as the area under the 24 h serum GH profiles (p<0.05), and of the serum levels of IGF-I (p<0.05). The entire decline in GH levels occurred during the daytime, whereas the nocturnal levels were unaffected. Retinopathy, as assessed by determination of the blood retina barrier permeability, by colour fundus photography, and flurescein angiography was unchanged in both groups. Apart from a decline in insulin requirements, octreotide had no major effect on glycemic control, but induced a mild transient pituitary hypothyroidism, not clinically relevant. We conclude that treatment with octreotide for one year has modest effects on GH, IGF-I, and glucose metabolism, but has no significant effect on early retinopathy in Type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes.
THE EFFECT OF AGEING ON THE TOTAL VOLUMES OF THE A AND B CELLS IN THE ISLETS OF LANGERHANS OF THE RAT
Authors: Hellman Bo
Published: December 2008

In previous attempts to determine the total volumes of the A and the B cells in the islets of Langerhans, separately, no regard was paid to possible differences between the individual mean cell volumes of the two cell types. In the rat it is shown that considerable error results if this fact is neglected, since the mean individual volumes of the B cells were more than three times as large as those of the A cells.

By combining determinations of the total islet volume with point sampling, caryometry and differential cell counts, the separate total A and B cell volumes have been estimated in 40 rats of different ages: new-born, 5, 100 and 480 days old. While the B/A cell number ratio was significantly lower at birth than at 5 days, a comparison of the total volumes of the two cell types showed that their volume proportions were the same at both periods. This was explained by the changes in the cell number ratio being compensated by changes in the individual mean cell volume, the total volume ratio thus being unaltered.

The percentage volume contribution of the A cells was found to increase with age. In the new-born rats the volume was 11.28 percent compared with 13.57 percent in the oldest animals. An analysis of variance of all four age groups confirmed that real differences existed. On the other hand a statistically significant decrease, with age, in the relative volume of the B cells was noted. In new-born animals the value was 83.16 percent compared with 76.82 percent in 480 days old animals. The relative volume of the residual islet constituents (other than A and B cells) was proportionately most affected by increase in age, the percentage contribution to the total islet volume being almost doubled in 480 days old animals as compared with the two youngest age groups.

If both the total A and B cell volumes were expressed in relation to body, liver and pancreatic weights, the quotients became greatly reduced with advancing age. An exception occurred in the 480 days old animals, in which the quotients were in all cases significantly higher than in the 100 days old rats.

The increase in body surface area reflected the changes in the total volumes of both A and B cells in relation to ageing considerably better than did the organ and body weights. In this case too, however, the quotient for 480 days old animals was significantly higher than in the next youngest age group.

Correlation calculations, made on each individual age group, showed that a strongly positive correlation existed between the total A and cell volumes, particularly in the youngest animals. On the other hand, in no age group was there a correlation between the total volumes of either of the two cell types and the pancreatic weight.
EFFECT OF HIGHLY PURIFIED ARGININE-AND LYSINE-VASOPRESSIN ON URINARY EXCRETION OF SODIUM AND POTASSIUM IN HYDRATED RATS
Authors: Thorn Niels A.
Published: December 2008

Highly purified arginine- and lysine-vasopressin injected in physiological antidiuretic doses i. v. into hydrated rats had no effect on renal excretion of sodium or potassium.
EFFETS COMPARÉS DE LA CORTICOTROPHINE ET DE L'ADRÉNALINE SUR LA GLYCOLYSE ET LA RESPIRATION DE L'UTÉRUS DE RAT
Authors: Matray François , Gautheron Danièle
Published: December 2008

The effects of adrenaline or corticotrophin (ACTH) injections 45–50 minutes before autopsy, have been compared on the metabolism of the isolated uterus from mature rats < 100 g, or ovariectomized adults and immature rats pretreated with oestradiol. According to the incubation medium of the uterus, the observed effects differ.

While adrenaline causes a decrease of the Qo2 of the uterus in every studied case, whether the medium contains an added substrate or not, ACTH never diminishes the oxygen uptake of the uterus; moreover, an increase of the respiration of the uterus is observed after ACTH injections, when the rats have been pretreated with oestradiol (immature or castrates) and only when the incubation medium contains glucose (2 mg/ml); one observes a synergism between the action of oestrogens and the pituitary-adrenocortical system.

The effects of ACTH and adrenaline on glycolysis are always different. ACTH does not alter the anaerobic glycolysis, while adrenaline decreases it (—25 %). Adrenaline increases the lactic acid present in the muscle at the moment of the death of the rat, and decreases the aerobic glycolysis (Krebs-Ringer phosphate with or without added glucose, Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate without glucose) except if the incubation medium is a Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate with glucose; then the glycolysis is unchanged.

ACTH does not change the lactic acid present in the uterus when the animal is killed. When incubated in a Krebs-Ringer phosphate, uteri of ACTH treated rats have a significant glycolysis; if glucose is added to the medium the glycolysis in uteri of oestradiol pretreated immature rats is increased by 30 % under the influence of ACTH injections. But, when the uteri are incubated in a Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate medium, ACTH has no effect on the aerobic glycolysis, if no glucose is added, but diminishes it when glucose is added to the medium.

Adrenaline injections enhance the output of lactic acid from the muscle.
BEFUNDE AM GENITALTRAKTUS DER RATTE NACH CORTICOTROPIN-INJECTION UND IHRE DEUTUNG UNTER BERÜCKSICHTIGUNG DES ZELLBILDES DER ADENOHYPOPHYSE
Authors: Schätzle Walter
Published: December 2008

In normal adult female rats a single injection of 5 IU corticotrophin was followed by a retention of glucoproteid material in the anterior lobe of the hypophysis and by impairment of the luteinization.

In spayed adult female rats the same corticotrophin administration caused stratification and mucification of the vaginal epithelium.
OESTROGENIC ACTIVITY AT MENOPAUSAL AGE IN WOMEN WITH DIABETES MELLITUS (»DIABÈTE GRAS«)
Authors: Bruinsma A. H. , de Waard F.
Published: December 2008

A cytological investigation has been made into the occurrence of oestrogenic effects in female diabetic patients of menopausal age. A significant difference from a control group in the frequency of oestrogenic smears has been found. This difference is attributed to the diabetic patients with obesity and/or hypertension. The signs of oestrus are shown to be probably of adrenal origin. The possible significance of this with regard to the hereditary and environmental aspects of endometrial cancer is discussed.
HORMONAL-CYCLIC CHANGES IN RATS UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS AND UNDER STRESS AS REVEALED BY VAGINAL SMEARS AFTER SHORR STAINING
Authors: Grönroos Matti , Kauppila Olavi
Published: December 2008

By examining vaginal smears after fixing in ether-ethanol and Shorr staining, the authors have followed the variations in the relative proportions of cells from different layers of the vaginal epithelium, cytolysis, clumping and curling of the edges of the superficial cells, and the occurrence of mucus and leucocytes in the smears during the normal oestrous cycle in 14 rats. All these factors were observed to undergo periodic variations.

Vaginal smears were also examined to determine the effect of stress on the hormonal equilibrium of the rat. Disturbances were noted in the oestrous cycles of all rats in the stress group. One to three oestrous cycles occurred in each rat during the first two weeks of the stress period. Even in these, the layer index for superficial cells did not rise to the level during normal oestrus. A persistent dioestrous state was established or only a slight temporary rise in the layer index of the vaginal smear occurred during the last two weeks of the four-week stress period.
URINARY GONADOTROPHINS IN NORMAL MEN
Authors: Brown P. S.
Published: December 2008

Gonadotrophins extracted by the kaolin-acetone method from the urine of 11 men were assayed as FSH and as total gonadotrophin. The results were similar whether the extracts were assayed against HMG20A (Organon) or a sub-standard.

Dependence of variance on response in both assays was corrected by a logarithmic transformation of response data. The assays were precise and some characteristics are given.

The urinary gonadotrophins ranged from 2.6 to 33 mg equivalents of HMG20A per day, and were similar when measured by either assay. There was greater variation between subjects than between repeated estimates over long periods in the same subjects. No qualitative nor quantitative changes due to diurnal variation nor sexual activity were detected. Day-to-day variation was studied in one subject.

No evidence was obtained that the ratio of FSH to ICSH differed in any of the extracts obtained from normal men, nor that these differed qualitatively from HMG20A. This contrasts with previous findings in normal women.
INFLUENCE OF D-THYROXINE AND L-THYROXINE ON THE BASOPHIL COUNT IN HUMAN BLOOD
Authors: Boseila A.-W. A. , Moltke E. , Thorsøe H.
Published: December 2008

In five healthy adult human male volunteers, treatment with D-thyroxine was followed by an increase in the number of circulating basophil leucocytes. There was no significant changes in the number of circulating eosinophils or the total leucocyte count, and the serum-PBI did not rise significantly. L-Thyroxine, on the other hand, only caused slight changes in the basophil count and a significant rise in serum PBI.

It is possible that the basophil leucocytes may be controlled by a balanced action of circulating thyrotrophic and thyroid hormones.
STUDIES ON THE PERIPHERAL DISAPPEARANCE OF THYROID HORMONE
Authors: Kassenaar A. , Lameyer L. D. F. , Querido A.
Published: December 2008

Thyroidectomized, l-thyroxine maintained rats excreted a larger percentage of a test dose of 131I labeled thyroxine into the faeces when the animals were kept at a room temperature of 4° C than at 32° C.

This was parallelled by an increased excretion of 131I into the urine, and a decreased level of 131I in the bloodplasma.

The conclusion is reached, that the increased demand for thyroid hormones of rats kept in a cold environment, is due to an increased peripheral metabolism of these hormones.
CORTICOID PRODUCTION IN VITRO AS A TEST OF ADRENOCORTICAL FUNCTION IN RATS
Authors: van der Vies J.
Published: December 2008

Adrenal function in rats under various experimental conditions was studied by incubating the adrenals in vitro and determining the corticosteroid output during one hour.

This in vitro corticoid production was reduced after hypophysectomy, hypothalamus-lesioning and treatment with hydrocortisone or with Nembutal and morphine. On the other hand, an increased production was observed following stimulation of the pituitary-adrenal system by exogenous histamine or corticotrophin.

From these experiments it is concluded that the corticoid production in vitro reflects the activity of the adrenal cortex in vivo and hence can be used for the study of the latter function.
PREGNANCY MAINTENANCE AND THE INHIBITION OF PARTURITION IN RATS WITH 17α-HYDROXYPROGESTERONE ESTERS: THE ROLE OF OESTROGENIC AND ANDROGENIC ACTIVITY
Authors: Stucki J. C. , Forbes A. D.
Published: December 2008

17α-Hydroxyprogesterone acetate (AP) and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (HPC) were found to be incapable of maintaining pregnancy in ovariectomized rats when administered alone, even if administration of the drugs was started several days prior to surgery. Further studies with AP demonstrated that it could maintain pregnancy in the castrate rat when oestrone or testosterone propionate (TP) were concomitantly administered. The addition of TP to a regimen of concomitant AP and oestrone did not result in further improvement in the quality of pregnancy maintenance. TP and oestrone alone or together were incapable of maintaining pregnancy. Parturition could be delayed or prevented in intact rats with either progesterone or TP when administration of the steroids was started 3 days before the date of expected delivery. HPC and AP alone or with oestrone, and oestrone alone did not delay parturition when administration was begun late in pregnancy. Parturition was prevented when administration of AP was begun at least 11 days before expected delivery.
THE EFFECT OF HYPOPHYSECTOMY ON THE OESTROGEN EFFECT IN THE BODY AS MEASURED BY THE VAGINAL SMEAR TECHNIQUE IN METASTASIZING MAMMARY CANCER
Authors: Hiisi-Brummer Leila , Hortling H. , Malmio K. , af Björkesten G.
Published: December 2008

The effective level of oestrogen in the body is followed by means of serial vaginal smears, stained according to Papanicolaou (1942) before and after hypophysectomy. This was done in 50 patients suffering from metastasizing mammary cancer. In 32 cases a positive oestrogen effect was apparent before the operation. 2–3 weeks after the operation, a decrease in the oestrogen effect was observed in 8 cases and two months after hypophysectomy, in 20 cases. The decrease was observed even later in one case.

The oestrogen effect that had disappeared after hypophysectomy reappeared in 5 cases and at a time when the cancer disease showed a relapse. When a comparison was made between the effect of the hypophysectomy on the oestrogens and on the thyroid function as measured by the basal metabolic rate and the serum protein-bound iodine, it was found that the thyroid function was reduced earlier than the oestrogens.

In 14 cases, both the oestrogen effect and the thyroid function were depressed. This was thought to indicate that the pituitary function was completely or virtually abolished, at least when compared with other cases in whom both these parameters did not follow a similar course. A favourable clinical effect was seen in 6 of these 14 cases, whereas no effect on the clinical course was observed in the other 8 cases.
IN VITRO UPTAKE OF 131I LABELLED L-TRIIODOTHYRONINE BY HUMAN ERYTHROCYTES
Authors: Friis Thorkild
Published: December 2008

The uptake of 131I labelled l-triiodothyronine by erythrocytes was studied in 139 patients in the presence of equal parts of homologous serum.

In 54 normal subjects the uptake was found to range from 6 to 10.5 per cent of the added activity, while 3 subjects (5.6 per cent) showed values from 10.5 to 12.2 per cent.

Out of 16 hyperthyroid patients 14 (87.5 per cent) had elevated values. There was a distinct relationship between the severity of thyrotoxicosis and the extent of the uptake.

Out of 8 hypothyroid patients 4 (50 per cent) had reduced uptake.

Among 12 pregnant women uptake was reduced in 10 and among 8 patients on stilboestrol medication it was reduced in 8. Three out of 7 patients with long-standing hepatitis showed reduced erythrocyte uptake.

With one exception the uptake was normal in 13 patients with non-toxic goitre, in 8 euthyroid thyroidectomized patients, in 4 euthyroid patients treated with desiccated thyroid, in 6 euthyroid hypermetabolic and in 3 euthyroid hypometabolic patients.
APPLICATION DE LA DOUBLE ÉPREUVE D'HYPERGLYCÉMIE INTRAVEINEUSE À L'ÉTUDE DU DIABÈTE
Authors: Rodari T. , Specchia G.
Published: December 2008

The double intravenous glucose tolerance test does not modify the assimilation coefficient in normal and thin diabetic subjects.

On the contrary, in fat diabetic subjects the second coefficient of assimilation increases significantly, but not the first one.

From these researches it is evident that the valuation of glucose assimilation by double venous hyperglycaemic test indicates the functional behaviour of the pancreas in different diabetic states.

The interpretation of this behaviour of pancreatic islet response to the double venous hyperglycaemic test is discussed.
ALDOSTERONE METABOLISM IN LIVER DISEASE
Authors: Hurter Rona , Nabarro J. D. N.
Published: December 2008

Aldosterone secretion rates have been measured in six patients with cirrhosis of the liver using 16–3H aldosterone. The proportion of administered radioactivity excreted as pH 1 extractable conjugates and as a glucuronide has also been determined.

On unrestricted diets the aldosterone secretion rates were 19, 85 and 94 μg/day in three patients with ascites and oedema, and 140, 170 and 386 μg/day in three without fluid retention. Five of these patients were restudied after at least seven days on a low sodium diet (20 – 30 meq./day) and slight increases of secretion rate observed. The levels obtained were much lower than those previously reported for normal subjects on a low sodium diet. One patient was studied on a subsequent occasion after a haematemesis (urine sodium 1 meq./day), the secretion rate was 1130 μg/day.

The proportion of administered radioactivity excreted as glucuronide was below normal in at least one determination on four of the six patients and there was an increase of the proportion excreted as pH 1 extractable conjugates.

There was a striking variation of the proportion of radioactivity excreted as pH 1 extractable conjugates. One patient was studied on five occasions and the range was from 6.0 to 25.2 % of the administered radioactivity. This suggests that in patients with cirrhosis of the liver the urinary pH 1 extractable aldosterone may have a variable relationship to the actual secretion rate.
LA RÉGULATION OVARIENNE DU GLYCOGÈNE ET DES LIPIDES UTÉRINS CHEZ LA LAPINE
Authors: Vaes Gilbert , van Ypersele Charles
Published: December 2008

The authors studied the topographic distribution and the hormonal regulation of glycogen and lipids in the uterus of adult spayed rabbits treated with oestradiol and progesterone following histochemical and biochemical methods.

The glycogen is localised, on the one hand, in the muscular cells of the arteriolar circumference and in the perivascular conjunctival sheaths of the endometrium, and, on the other hand, in the myometrium, where it is specially found in the interior, circular, muscular layer. This deposition of glycogen is provoked by oestradiol but is inhibited by progesterone. The uterus of spayed rabbits untreated or treated with progesterone contain only traces of glycogen and this only at the myometric level.

The lipids, which are absent in the uterus of spayed animals, make their apparition in the fibroblastic cells of the chorion just underlying the endometrial epithelium under the action of oestradiol. They disappear when progesterone is given along with oestradiol. Whereas when progesterone is given after a previous treatment by oestradiol, it produces small deposits of lipids in the basal part of the epithelial cells of the »uterine lace«. When progesterone alone is given, it produces no effect.

The hepatic accumulation of glycogen and the fasted blood sugar are not affected by our doses of oestradiol and progesterone. There was no apparent parallelism observed between the hepatic glycogenopoiesis and the uterine glycogenopoiesis.

The uterine growth in spayed rabbits after an administration of progesterone (0.33 mg/kg. day for 6 consecutive days), without a previous activation by oestradiol, is discussed and is attributed to a direct effect of the progesterone on the uterus.

* Aspirant du Fonds National de Belge de la Recherche Scientifique. Adresse actuelle: Harvard Medical School, Department of Medicine, and Peter Bent Brigham Hospital, Boston 15, Mass., U. S. A.
THE GROWTH RESPONSES OF MAMMARY GLANDS AND OTHER TISSUES IN HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED FEMALE RATS TREATED WITH THYROXINE, INSULIN, CORTISONE, AND PREGNANT MARE SERUM GONADOTROPHIN
Authors: Donovan B. T. , Jacobsohn Dora
Published: December 2008

The reaction of the mammary gland of the hypophysectomized rat to endogenous ovarian hormones produced under the influence of serum gonadotrophin (PMS) was studied and the effect of treatment with insulin, thyroxine, and cortisone in various combinations on the reaction examined. Changes in body weight, body length, weight of liver, and weight of heart ventricles were also followed.

In hypophysectomized rats treated with PMS alone (group 1) the ovarian weight increased approximately tenfold and the hormones secreted caused vaginal cornification. Mammary growth was absent.

With PMS, thyroxine and cortisone (group 2) the ovaries reacted as with PMS alone and vaginal cornification was again observed. Growth of end buds occurred in the mammary glands. The weight of the heart ventricles increased.

With PMS, insulin and cortisone (group 3) ovarian weight and function was similar to that in the previous groups but the effect on the mammary gland was greater in that the size was increased, there were numerous side buds and end buds, and a few alveolar lobules. Body and liver weight was also increased.

With PMS, thyroxine, insulin and cortisone (group 4) the effect on the ovaries and mammary glands was qualitatively similar to that seen in group 3 but ovarian weight was lower, and mammary growth more extensive. The rats grew in length, increased in weight, and the weight of the liver and heart ventricles was close to that of control animals.

The above results support the view that the growth of the mammary gland is dependent upon the metabolic state of the individual.
ON THE PATHOGENESIS OF CIRCUMSCRIBED MYXOEDEMA
Authors: Asboe-Hansen G. , Wegelius Otto
Published: December 2008

Twenty-one cases of circumscribed myxoedema of the legs have been analyzed clinically and histologically and the results evaluated on the basis of previous animal experiments on thyrotrophin influence on connective tissue.

In a thyrotrophin stimulated organism, e. g. a thyrotoxic patient treated with thyroidectomy, internal or external radiation of the thyroid gland, or anti-thyroid drugs, an oedema due to venous stasis brings about a release of excessive amounts of hyaluronic acid from the mast cells. A binding of the oedema water follows, and the result is a mucinous oedema or a myx-oedema, which persists as long as the hormonal influence persists.
THE BINDING OF L-TRIIODOTHYRONINE TO PLASMA PROTEINS
Authors: Christensen L. Korsgaard
Published: December 2008

It is known from paper electrophoresis experiments that triiodothyronine is bound to plasma proteins with considerably less affinity than is thyroxine. By a dialysis procedure it has been demonstrated that the percentage of the total free plasma triiodothyronine, i. e., triiodothyronine not bound to protein, is about fifteen times the corresponding percentage of free thyroxine.
A TEST FOR ANTI-ANDROGENS
Authors: Dorfman Ralph I. , Dorfman Adeline S.
Published: December 2008

A test for anti-androgenic activity of steroid and non-steroid compounds is suggested. The method consists in the stimulation of the chick's comb by orally administered testosterone and administering the test material either by direct inunction or by subcutaneous injection. The progestationally active steroids progesterone, 17-ethynyl-19-nortestosterone and 17-ethynyltestosterone exhibited the most consistent anti-androgenic activity. Certain corticoids, oestradiol-17β, benzpyrene, and methylcholanthrene were active as anti-androgens under the conditions of the test.
THE INFLUENCE OF 17α-METHYL-19-NORTESTOSTERONE ON THE ENDOCRINE FUNCTION OF THE ADRENAL CORTEX
Authors: Huis in 't Veld L. G. , Louwerens B. , van der Spek P. A. F.
Published: December 2008

In two male patients and two castrated males, the influence of corticotrophin (ACTH) on the urinary excretion of neutral 17-ketosteroids and 17-hydroxycorticosteroids was determined before and during a period in which patients were treated with 5 mg 17α-methyl-19-nortestosterone (MNT) daily.

In two castrated males, moreover, the influence of chorionic gonadotrophin and ACTH + chorionic gonadotrophin on the urinary excretion of 17-ketosteroids and 17-hydroxycorticosteroids was determined before and during a period of treatment with 5 mg MNT daily.

Prolonged administration of MNT causes a decrease in the urinary excretion of neutral 17-ketosteroids and 17-hydroxycorticosteroids both in the normal males and in the male castrates.

ACTH caused an increase in the urinary excretion of 17-ketosteroids and 17-hydroxycorticosteroids before and during MNT administration. During MNT administration this increase (expressed in mg/24 hours) was ≤ the increase produced by the same dose of ACTH prior to MNT administration.

In two male castrates treated with MNT, chorionic gonadotrophin caused no increase in the urinary excretion of 17-ketosteroids and 17-hydroxycorticosteroids.

The effect obtained before and during MNT administration by administration of ACTH + chorionic gonadotrophin did not exceed the effect obtained by the same dose of ACTH alone.

Our conclusion is that the effect of MNT on the excretion of adrenocortical steroids is not due to the inhibition of the ACTH secretion. The possibility of a direct effect of MNT on the adrenal cortex has not been excluded with complete certainty. A change in the corticosteroid metabolism due to the influence of MNT, however, must also be taken into consideration.
PHARMACOLOGICAL COMPARISON OF THREE TYPES OF LONG-ACTING CORTICOTROPHIN PREPARATIONS
Authors: van der Vies J.
Published: December 2008

A test for long-acting corticotrophin (ACTH) preparations is described. Thirty guinea pigs receive the test substance and the excretion of corticosteroids in the pooled urine is determined in 3 successive 8-hour periods. With this test it is shown that transformation to a zinc complex prolongs the action of ACTH more effectively than either the addition of gelatine or of carboxymethylcellulose.
SUBACUTE THYROIDITIS
Authors: Lamberg B.-A. , Hintze G. , Jussila R. , Berlin M.
Published: December 2008

A series of cases of clinically diagnosed subacute thyroiditis comprising 11 patients is reported. Studies on the iodine metabolism, electrophoretic distribution of the serum proteins and the responsiveness to TSH were carried out. The patients were observed for periods up to 16 months from the onset of the disease.

In the early phase there was an elevation of the serum PBI in a few cases and hyperthyroid signs in some, accompanied by depressed thyroid uptake of radioactive iodine and a fairly good response to TSH. Later, the thyroid grew hard and the iodine metabolism changed. In several cases there was a marked increase in the conversion ratio and the serum PB131I level. The responses to TSH was variable for different parameters of thyroid function, suggesting a state of »low thyroid reserve« as defined by Jefferies et al. (1956). Hypothyroidism developed in 3 cases; in two of them there was a response to exogenous TSH, in the third no response was seen at this stage of the disease. Cortisone and synthetic analogues seem to be of great benefit in the treatment of the acute symptoms of the disease.
THE ACTION OF THE GONADOTROPHINS ON THE RAT PROSTATE IN TISSUE CULTURE
Authors: Bengmark Stig , Ingemanson Barbro , Källén Bengt
Published: December 2008

The growth rate of rat prostatic tissue in vitro has been studied. It is significantly lower in cultures made with serum taken from castrated male and female rats during the first two weeks after castration as compared with the rate in cultures made from normal rat serum. This effect can be compensated for by substitution with testosterone propionate to the male serum donors. Addition of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) to the culture medium causes a significant reduction of the growth rate. Effective concentrations are 0.01 to 0.1 μg/ml. This effect disappears after inactivation of the FSH solution at 70° for one hour. Higher concentrations of FSH do not produce such an arrest. It is suggested that the growth retarding effect of serum or plasma from castrated animals is due to the increased content of FSH. It is further suggested that this method might be of interest for the quantitative study of circulating gonadotrophins. An example is given in which the rates of growth in plasma from cockerels bled at different seasons of the year are compared.
THE EFFECT OF HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE ON SEVERE JUVENILE DIABETES AFTER HYPOPHYSECTOMY
Authors: Hernberg C. A.
Published: December 2008

Four patients with severe juvenile diabetes, on whom hypophysectomy had been performed to alleviate retinopathy and nephropathy, were given 10 mg of human growth hormone (HGH), (two doses in one of these cases). After 12 to 24 hours there was a marked increase in blood and urine sugar, and acetonuria appeared. Additional doses of insulin proved necessary. In two nondiabetic subjects three times the amounts of HGH did not result in any changes in the blood sugar values.

In one nonhypophysectomized patient with diabetes, treatment with HGH resulted in an increase in blood sugar and glucosuria but not in acetonuria. In two nondiabetic cases of panhypopituitarism there was a slight rise in the postprandial values of blood sugar.
BONE PHOSPHORUS METABOLISM IN VITRO IN THYROTOXICOSIS
Authors: Hernberg C. A.
Published: December 2008

The capacity of bone to take up phosphorus from an incubation medium was used as an indicator of bone formation in 31 cases of thyrotoxicosis. Eleven patients with no thyrotoxicosis served as controls. Three cases of hypothyroidism and one of hyperparathyroidism were also studied.

As compared with the phosphorus binding capacity of a standard bone powder the relative percentage of phosphorus uptake in the normal controls was 101.6 ±4.9. The values tended to decrease with increasing age. In the cases of hypothyroidism the mean relative percentage was 97. In the hyperparathyroid case it was 140.

The cases of thyrotoxicosis showed values between 99 and 137, with a mean of 118, st. dev. 12.1. There was no close correlation with the severity of thyrotoxicosis or with the nature of the goitre.