bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PLASMA RENIN ACTIVITY IN WILMS' TUMOUR
Authors: Voûte P. A. , van der Meer J. , Staugaard-Kloosterziel W.
Published: December 2008

Plasma renin activity (PRA) was measured by means of a radioimmunoassay for angiotensin I in 8 children with Wilms' tumour and in 12 normal children. Blood pressure in the patients was in the upper range of normal or just above.

Before nephrectomy PRA levels were significantly higher than in normal children and adults. Five patients were studied before and after operation. A significant fall in PRA was observed. In one case blood was taken from the renal vein of the affected kidney; a high PRA level was detected.

The results are in accordance with recent findings that Wilms' tumour may secrete increased amounts of renin.
IN VITRO EFFECTS OF LATS AND TSH ON PHOSPHODIESTERASE ACTIVITY IN HUMAN THYROID HOMOGENATES
Authors: Miyai K. , Amino N. , Azukizawa M. , Kumahara Y.
Published: December 2008

The in vitro effects of long-acting thyroid stimulator (LATS) and thyrotrophin (TSH) on phosphodiesterase activity in human thyroid homogenates were studied. The enzyme activity was estimated by the destruction of 3H-cyclic 3′,5′-adenosine monophosphate. Bovine TSH had no effect on the enzyme activity. Five experiments were carried out using different batches of LATS-IgG and normal IgG which were preincubated with thyroid homogenates or not. There was no significant difference between the enzyme activity with LATS-IgG and that with normal IgG, while the activity was mostly inhibited by theophylline. These data are not consistent with the hypothesis that LATS acts as an antibody to phosphodiesterase.
FRACTIONATION OF 3–8S IODOCOMPOUNDS OF THE RAT THYROID
Authors: Spira O. , Gordon A. , Gross J.
Published: December 2008

The 3–8S iodocompounds of the rat thyroid were separated by means of electrodialysis on polyacrylamide gel columns into a dialyzable fraction (D) and non-dialyzable fraction (ND). The non-dialyzable fraction consisted of 4 peaks, one of which had the electrophoretic mobility of rat serum albumin. All 4 iodoproteins of the non-dialyzable fraction were shown in vitro to incorporate 3H-Leucine. The dialyzable fraction consisted of 6 iodine containing peaks, all of which incorporated 3H-Leucine. The half life and relative iodine pool size of each compound were determined and compared to the 19S thyroglobulin fraction.
UPTAKE OF [1,2-3H] TESTOSTERONE IN OESTROGENIZED MALE RATS
Authors: Simmons J. Emmett
Published: December 2008

A decrease in uptake of tritiated testosterone by the hypothalamus was observed in adult, castrated male rats previously injected with 100 μg oestradiol undecylate on either postnatal days 1 or 5. Moreover, a decrease in pituitary incorporation of labelled testosterone was observed in those animals injected with oestradiol on day 1.

Neonatal (5 day) male rats injected with oestradiol 3 hours prior to administering labelled testosterone showed a significant decrease in uptake of label in the pituitary and an increase in uptake by the hypothalamus as compared to oil injected controls. It is suggested that neonatal oestrogenization of male rats affects testosterone receptor mechanisms in the hypothalamus and/or pituitary.
INFLUENCE OF NEONATAL GESTAGEN INJECTION ON THE DIFFERENTIATION OF PSYCHOSEXUALITY IN FEMALE RATS
Authors: Steinbeck H. , Cupceancu B. , Mehring M. , Neumann F.
Published: December 2008

The influence of neonatal injection of gestagens with androgenic, oestrogenic, or no side activities on sexual behaviour differentiation was studied in female rats. Single injections of norethindrone acetate, ethinodiol diacetate and norethindrone oenanthate, which are steroids with inherent oestrogenic activities, suppressed the capacity to display lordosis responses in adult life after hormonal stimulation. Both norethindrone esters also caused a certain shift of psychosexuality towards masculinity. The incidence of bisexuality was, however, extremely low in all the rats.

Androgenic gestagens, i. e. d.l-norgestrel and norethandrolone, did not suppress female differentiation of sexuality; there was moreover no increase in male behavioural patterns. Norhydroxyprogesterone caproate, megestrol acetate and a new synthetic progesterone derivative (clomegestone acetate), all steroids with no side activities, were without any effect on mating behaviour differentiation. Allylestrenol and medroxyprogesterone acetate suppressed the capacity to display feminine mating patterns but did not induce male behaviour. It is most likely, however, that this result is due to the administration of higher gestagen doses rather than to any side effects of either steroid.
PEPTIDYL PEPTIDE HYDROLASES, CATHEPSIN AND COLLAGENASE (?) OF THE RAT UTERUS DURING POSTPARTUM INVOLUTION
Authors: Platt Dieter , Frackenpohl Hanke
Published: December 2008

1. The activity of cathepsin and of collagenase in the rat uterus during parturition and in post partum involution increased significantly 60 h after parturition. 2. Cathepsin activity was measured using haemoglobin as substrate at pH 4.1. 3. Collagenase activity was tested with 4-phenyl-azo-benzyloxy-carbonyl-L-prolyl-L-leucyl-glycyl-L-prolyl-D-arginine-OH as substrate at pH 8.5. 4. The protein content of the rat uterus remained constant during post partum involution. 5. The DNA content increased significantly.
INCREASE IN THYROID UPTAKE OF RADIOIODINE INDUCED BY ACTINOMYCIN D
Authors: Wägar G.
Published: December 2008

The effect of a single subcutaneous (sc) injection of actinomycin D (act D) on thyroidal radioiodine uptake and on the disappearance of radioiodine from the blood was studied in mice. Act D was given 24 h before the tracer. Act D induced an increase in the uptake as compared with the controls. The uptake maximum was reached after 48 h in act D treated mice in contrast to the controls, in which the maximum occurred 12 h after the tracer. Paper chromatography of the thyroidal iodocompounds showed no changes after act D treatment. The rate of disappearance of radioiodine from the blood was lower after act D. Blocking of the thyroidal uptake with perchlorate did not influence the disappearance rate. The renal radioiodine clearance was lower in act D mice than in the controls, but the urea clearance was not significantly decreased. Act D treatment caused both dehydration and starvation in the mice. These findings suggest that act D influences a) the renal radio-iodine clearance through prerenal mechanisms and that it b) increases thyroidal uptake mainly by changes in the iodide compartment.
THE BINDING CAPACITY OF THYROXINE-BINDING GLOBULIN IN CEREBROSPINAL FLUID
Authors: Siersbæk-Nielsen K. , Hansen J. Mølholm
Published: December 2008

The binding capacity of thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG), and total and dialysable thyroxine in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and in serum have been estimated in 13 euthyroid patients with normal and elevated CSF protein and in 5 hyperthyroid and 5 hypothyroid patients. In the normal group, the mean value of TBG in CSF was found to be 2.7 ng/ml and 207 ng/ml in serum. TBG in CSF in relation to the total protein content was found to be much higher than TBG in the serum in relation to the total serum protein. In the euthyroid patients with elevated CSF protein TBG was also increased but not proportional to the increase in the protein concentration. In the hyperthyroid patients TBG in CSF was decreased and was lower than the elevated total thyroxine values. Dialysable thyroxine, however, showed only a moderate increase indicating that proteins other than TBG must bind a considerable part of total thyroxine in CSF in hyperthyroid patients. In myxoedema TBG was found to be elevated in proportion to the slightly elevated CSF protein content. It is concluded that TBG in normal CSF seems to be the physiologically most important thyroxine-binding protein.
OCCURRENCE OF 19-OXOANDROST-4-ENE-3,17-DIONE IN THE COURSE OF OESTROGEN BIOSYNTHESIS BY EQUINE TESTICULAR MICROSOMES
Authors: Oh Ran , Tamaoki Bun-ichi
Published: December 2008

Radioactive 19-oxoandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione was obtained as one of the metabolites produced from the 14C-labelled androstenedione and 19-hydroxy-androst-4-ene-3,17-dione by equine testicular microsomes (10 000–105 000 × g precipitate) under an aerobic condition. Under an anaerobic condition, however, the production of 19-oxoandrostenedione and oestrone from the above two precursors was severely reduced. Identification of 19-oxoandrostenedione was based on the following criteria: 1. Mobilities of the metabolite were identical with those of authentic preparation of 19-oxoandrostenedione on thin layer chromatograms developed in several different solvent systems. 2. Other physico-chemical characteristics of the metabolite such as ultraviolet absorption spectrum, and behaviour against chemical reagents were similar to those of authentic 19-oxoandrostenedione. 3. Specific activities of the crystal and the solid in mother liquor were found to be constant, when the 14C-labelled metabolite was repeatedly crystallized with authentic 19-oxoandrostenedione. 4. Moreover, when the 14C-labelled metabolite was recrystallized with authentic 3H-labelled 19-oxoandrostenedione, ratios of the two radioisotopes of the crystal and the solid in mother liquor were constant. The time course of the metabolism of androstenedione and 19-hydroxyandrostenedione revealed that the metabolic fate of 19-oxoandrostenedione had characteristics compatible with an intermediate in the oestrone synthesis from the above two precursors. The role of this particular metabolite was discussed in relation to the oestrogen synthesis in the equine testicular tissue.
THE EXCRETION OF »LABILE« OESTROGENS DURING HUMAN PREGNANCY
Authors: Cohen Saul L.
Published: December 2008

Recently a new method of assaying the »labile oestrogens« of pregnancy urine became available as the difference between the »ammonium sulphate total«, which measures the »total (stable + labile) oestrogens« of the urine, and a »modified Brown total«, which measures its »total stable« oestrogens content. The »labile oestrogen« fraction increases during normal (uncomplicated) pregnancy, from an average of 17 per cent at 20 weeks of pregnancy to 48 per cent of the »modified Brown« total at term, or from 15 to 33 per cent of the »ammonium sulphate total« for the same time periods. Since the ketolic oestrogens form an approximately constant 15 (14–16) per cent of the total oestrogens excreted during a normal pregnancy (Hobkirk & Nilsen 1962; Hobkirk et al. 1970), this increasing percentage of total »labile« oestrogens must therefore be due to an increase in non-ketolic labile oestrogen(s). This increase in the »labile« fraction is such that it tends to compensate for the decreasing per cent of »total« oestrogen yielded by the oestrone + oestradiol fractions of the urine with progressing pregnancy. Thus the oestrone + oestradiol plus the »labile« fractions tend to fall within the range of 30 to 35 per cent of the »ammonium sulphate total«; and the oestriol fractions excreted during a normal pregnancy tend to fall within the range of 65 to 70 per cent, but may occasionally reach levels of close to 50 per cent or greater than 80 per cent, of this »total«.
THE USE OF CARBON SKELETON CHROMATOGRAPHY FOR THE DETECTION OF STEROID DRUG METABOLITES: THE METABOLISM OF ANABOLIC STEROIDS IN MAN
Authors: Adhikary P. M. , Harkness R. A.
Published: December 2008

The use of carbon skeleton chromatography for the detection of anabolic steroid drug metabolites has been studied in man. The known metabolites of methandrostenolone and 19-nortestosterone were detected both by carbon skeleton chromatography and conventional methods; in addition, some previously unrecognised polar metabolites of 19-nortestosterone were found. Previously unknown metabolites of norethandrolone and oxymetholone have been detected by carbon skeleton chromatography. The urinary metabolites of the above compounds, except for methandrostenolone, were extractable after incubation with a β-glucuronidase preparation; the metabolites of methandrostenolone were freely extractable from urine. A number of steroids with uncommon structures and steroid alkaloids have been successfully reduced to compounds which behave chromatographically like hydrocarbons; therefore, the detection of the metabolites of many such compounds by carbon skeleton chromatography may be possible.
DEVELOPMENT OF OVARIAN AUTOGRAFTS ON THE GREATER OMENTUM OF OVARIECTOMIZED AND HEMI-OVARIECTOMIZED RATS UNITED BY COELIO-ANASTOMOSIS
Authors: Ber Artur
Published: December 2008

Ovariectomized and hemi-ovariectomized 3 week old non-littermate rats bearing ovarian implants on the greater omentum were parabiosed by coelio-anastomosis. Controls consisted of 67 spayed and 58 hemi-spayed single animals with similar ovarian implants.

To each pair of parabionts an older female rat served as »nurse« keeping them in relatively good health; the mortality rate, nevertheless reached about 20 %.

After one month 15 parabiotic pairs and all the control animals were killed.

In the hemi-spayed parabionts the mean weights of the uteri and ovaries in situ were significantly higher than in single control animals while the rise in the mean pituitary weight was not significant. The mean weight of the implants was the same as in the control rats.

In the spayed parabionts the mean weights of the uteri and pituitaries were significantly higher than in single control rats. The small decrease in the mean weight of the implants was not statistically significant.

The results obtained show that oestrogens passed from the hemi-spayed to the spayed animals probably causing inter alia, a decrease in gonadotrophin production and release. The amount of gonadotrophins passing from the spayed to the hemi-spayed partners was, however, sufficient to influence the development of the ovaries and uteri. In contrast, the development of the ovarian implants was not stimulated.

This discrepancy confirms the assumption that the ovary in situ produces a substance which inhibits gonadotrophic activity at the level of the implant.
HYDROXYPROLINE, CALCIUM, AND MAGNESIUM CONTENTS OF BONES IN RATS AFTER LONG-TERM TREATMENT WITH CALCITONIN
Authors: Sørensen O. Helmer , Hindberg Inge , Bank-Mikkelsen O.
Published: December 2008

Intact, parathyroidectomized, and thyroparathyroidectomized rats were treated for 30 days with 3 daily injections of calcitonin. At the end of the experiment the contents of hydroxyproline, calcium, and magnesium were determined in the clavicles and the tibias. Compared to the control groups, which received the vehicle for calcitonin, no conclusive bone changes could be observed in the treated rats.
THE EFFECT OF CHLORMADINONE ACETATE ON PROGESTERONE SECRETION AND METABOLISM
Authors: Collins W. P. , Koullapis E. N. , Sommerville I. F.
Published: December 2008

The effect of chlormadinone acetate (6-chloro-17α-hydroxypregna-4,6-diene-3,20-dione-17-acetate) on the secretion and metabolism of progesterone has been investigated in six healthy women. Twenty-four hour urine samples were collected daily throughout pre-treatment cycles and again throughout the second cycle of treatment with 0.5 mg/day chlormadinone acetate. In all urine specimens LH, pregnanediol, oestrone, 17β-oestradiol, and oestriol were determined. Progesterone metabolism was assessed in terms of the transformation of labelled progesterone administered intravenously nine days after the urinary LH peak and progesterone production was calculated from the conversion of labelled hormone to urinary 5β-pregnane-3α,20α-diol glucuroniside and the mass of urinary metabolite of endogenous origin. The results suggested that although the LH peak was markedly suppressed in all subjects (P 0.05 – 0.02; t test), the ovarian response could be divided into two categories. In three individuals, a low but definite premenstrual rise in LH excretion persisted and this was associated with normal or only moderately suppressed progesterone production rates. In addition, there was only a minimal decrease in the level of pregnanediol during the luteal phase of the cycle and in the cyclical excretion of urinary oestrogens. These results are consistent with the luteinisation of a developing follicle without ovulation having necessarily occurred. In the remaining three subjects, the premenstrual rise in LH was not detectable and progesterone production was markedly suppressed. There was no evidence of a rise in pregnanediol in the second half of the cycle in two patients and in the third the level was markedly reduced. In addition, in two of those cycles there was suppression of urinary oestrogen excretion. In treated cycles, there was a significantly lower incorporation of radioactivity into products liberated by solvolysis (P 0.02–0.01; t test). Furthermore, in subjects in whom the progesterone production rate was not markedly suppressed, there was a significant decrease in the conversion of administered progesterone to 5β-pregnane-3α,20α-diol (P 0.01–0.001; t test) and some increase in the conversion to 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one (P 0.02–0.01;t test).
PLASMA TESTOSTERONE AND URINARY STEROIDS IN JAPANESE WOMEN WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARIES
Authors: Kurachi K. , Miyazaki M. , Mizutani S. , Matsumoto K.
Published: December 2008

Urinary metabolites of cortisol, 11-oxy-17-ketosteroids, 11-deoxy-17-ketosteroids and oestrogens were measured in 8 normal Japanese women and 21 Japanese patients with polycystic ovaries, both before and after dexamethasone administration or ovarian stimulation with human menopausal gonadotrophin under adrenal suppression. Plasma testosterone was estimated in 12 normal women and also in 9 of the patients.

It has been suggested that polycystic ovaries secrete significantly larger quantities of androgens than normal ovaries, even though very few Japanese women with polycystic ovaries show any signs of hirsutism. Although the patients had higher mean plasma testosterone value (58 ± 35 (sd) ng/100 ml) than the normal controls (30 ± 15 (sd) ng/100 ml), only 2 of the 9 patients had plasma testosterone values higher than the normal range. Of the 9 patients, hirsutism was found in the one who showed the highest value (141 ng/100). No evidence of the failure of oestrogen formation from androgens was obtained in Japanese women with polycystic ovaries.
TRYPSIN INHIBITORS IN THE HUMAN FEMALE GENITAL TRACT
Authors: Hirschhäuser C. , Kionke M. , Daume E. , Buchholz R.
Published: December 2008

The human genital tract contains inhibitors of trypsin in cervical mucus, uterine endometrium, uterine mucus, Fallopian tubes and their secretion products.
POSITIVE CORRELATION OF THE LONG-ACTING THYROID STIMULATOR (LATS) WITH THE PERCENTAGE OF ENDOGENOUSLY LABELLED 131I TRIIODOTHYRONINE IN THE PLASMA OF HYPERTHYROID PATIENTS
Authors: Emrich D. , Albani M. , von zur Mühlen A.
Published: December 2008

The five times concentrated gamma globulins of the plasma of 28 hyperthyroid patients were tested by the McKenzie bioassay. Evidence for the presence of LATS was obtained in 22 patients. In order to compare the numerical values of LATS obtained at different times they were corrected, using a laboratory standard, which was tested in each assay, and the mean regression coefficient of three dose response curves of the laboratory standard. The corrected LATS values were then compared with the percentage of 131I T3 in the patients' plasma 24 hours after a therapeutic dose of 131I. There was no difference in the 1311 T3 between the LATS-negative and the LATS-positive subjects, but in the LATS-positive subjects there was a significant positive correlation between the percentage of 1311 T3 and the LATS values (correlation coefficient 0.793; P < 0.001). No correlation could be found between LATS and the relative concentrations of the other labelled iodo-aminoacids in the plasma.
THE EFFECT OF OUABAIN ON ALDOSTERONE PRODUCTION IN THE RAT
Authors: Szalay Kathleen Sz.
Published: December 2008

Chronic treatment with ouabain increases aldosterone production in the rat but has no effect on the renal renin content.

The effect of ouabain in vitro on aldosterone depends on its concentration and the K content of the media: 10−8 m ouabain and 4 and 8 meq./l K and 10−4 m and 4 meq./l K intensify, while 10−3 m at 6 and 8 meq./l K inhibits production. In the present experiments, ouabain at low concentration increased and at high concentration reduced aldosterone production.
PLASMA LEVELS OF PROGESTERONE DURING THE LUTEAL PHASE IN NORMAL WOMEN TREATED WITH SYNTHETIC OESTROGENS (RS 2874, F 6103 AND ETHINYLOESTRADIOL)
Authors: Johansson Elof D. B. , Gemzell Carl
Published: December 2008

Three synthetic oestrogens (RS 2874, F 6103 and ethinyloestradiol)1) were given orally during the luteal phase to healthy young women. The compounds were administered for various periods of time starting on the third day following ovulation. The changes of the daily plasma levels of progesterone and the length of the luteal phase were studied. The highest dose of RS 2874 was 60 mg daily for 8 days, that for F 6103, 300 mg daily for 6 days and that for ethinyloestradiol, 200 μg daily for 8 days. The doses were selected to give approximately the same oestrogenic effects in women, using the proliferative activity of the endometrium as an end point. In the cycles treated with RS 2874 and ethinyloestradiol the length of the luteal phase was shortened by one to two days and the sum of the daily plasma levels of progesterone was decreased accordingly. No differences were seen between the control cycles and the cycles treated with F 6103. The doses of the three compounds used did not seem to delay the onset of menstrual bleeding. The lack of antifertility effect of F 6103 and of ethinyloestradiol when given after ovulation as reported by other investigators, agree well with the minor changes in the corpus luteum function found in this study.
5α-DIHYDROTESTOSTERONE AND THE SYNTHESIS OF RNA IN THE RAT VENTRAL PROSTATE IN VITRO
Authors: Alfheim Ingrid , Unhjem Olav
Published: December 2008

The effect of 5α-dihydrotestosterone on RNA synthesis in the rat ventral prostate has been studied in vitro. The steroid was added to the incubation medium in a concentration of 10−6 m. Experiments have been performed with slices, homogenates, crude nuclear preparations and isolated nuclei from the rat ventral prostate. The results appear to indicate that there is no immediate quantitative effect of the steroid on RNA synthesis when administered in vitro.
INFLUENCE OF METYRAPONE ON PLASMA CONCENTRATIONS OF TESTOSTERONE AND ANDROSTENEDIONE IN MAN
Authors: Nilsson K. O. , Hökfelt B.
Published: December 2008

Metyrapone was administered either orally, 750 mg every four h, in a total of six doses, or intravenously 30 mg per kg body weight as a four h infusion.

In three males with normal endocrine functions, metyrapone given orally or intravenously induced a fall in plasma testosterone and an elevation of androstenedione within 2–8 h. When metyrapone was administered to a patient given dexamethasone to suppress endogenous ACTH production, the androstenedione levels did not alter whereas the testosterone levels showed a slight, transient decrease.

In two normal females metyrapone administration was followed by a marked increase in plasma androstenedione whereas testosterone showed only a minor, gradual increase.

In one male patient with Addison's disease the basal plasma testosterone was normal whereas the level of androstenedione was low. Following metyrapone intravenously, there was a slight suppression of plasma testosterone but no change in the androstenedione concentration.

In one patient with primary hypogonadism, two with secondary hypogonadism and two with Klinefelter's syndrome the plasma testosterone was low under basal conditions and did not change following metyrapone. Basal plasma androstenedione was within the range for normal males and increased markedly following metyrapone in all the cases.
THYROID FUNCTION, PLASMA INSULIN, GLUCOSE AND KETONES AND IN VITRO HEPATIC GLUCONEOGENESIS IN RATS UNDER CHRONIC LOW IODINE INTAKE
Authors: Castro Mario , Lamas Luis , Herrera Emilio
Published: December 2008

Weaning female rats were fed for 13–14 months with a low iodine diet (LID) and compared with age matched controls on KIO3 supplemented LID (C). At sacrifice the LID rats had large goitres, low plasma PBI and thyroidal 127I content, a rapid thyroidal-131I (*I) turnover and increased *MIT/*DIT and *T3/*T4 ratios. Body weights were slightly higher in LID and pituitary growth hormone like protein bands were the same in both groups. There were no differences between LID and C, whether fed or fasted for 48 h with regard to plasma insulin, glucose and ketone bodies. In vitro disposition of trace or 10−2 m alanine-U-14C by liver slices were the same as measured by 14C incorporation into CO2, glucose and lactic acid. The response of these parameters to fasting was normal: plasma insulin and glucose decreased and ketone bodies and in vitro gluconeogenesis increased. The lack of alteration in the intermediary metabolism of rats, sufficiently iodine deficient to develop goitre, has been interpreted as indicating either that: 1) thyroid hormones have no direct effect on the parameters of intermediary metabolism studied, or 2) there is enough hormone available to the tissues to keep a normal metabolism but not to suppress TSH secretion, thus suggesting different sensitivities to the hormone.
DAS VERHALTEN DES THYROXINS SOWIE DES THYROXIN-BINDENDEN GLOBULINS IN SERUM UND URIN VON PATIENTEN MIT RENALEN THYROXIN-VERLUSTEN INFOLGE NEPHROTISCHEN SYNDROMS UNTERSCHIEDLICHER GENESE
Authors: Herrmann J. , Bahlmann J. , Krüskemper H. L.
Published: December 2008

The low levels of serum total-thyroxine frequently seen in the nephrotic syndrome are due to renal hormone-losses.

The hormone is predominantly eliminated in protein-bound form.

There is no distinct correlation between the amount of protein and thyroxine found in the urine. The amount of T4-losses depends on individual factors, i. e. the kind and duration of the specific renal damage and especially the level of T4 in the serum.

The hormonal depots in the serum are diminished by continuous renal T4-losses, but a euthyroid state is guaranteed by a normal concentration of free thyroxine in the patient's serum.

This »buffer-system« has a great capacity, so that even severe hormonal losses may lead to decompensated hypothyroidism only in very few cases.
EFFECT OF MELATONIN UPON THYROID HORMONE SECRETION RATE IN FEMALE HAMSTERS AND MALE RATS
Authors: Singh D. V. , Turner C. W.
Published: December 2008

Thyroid hormone secretion rate (TSR) of female golden hamsters and male Sprague-Dawley-Rolfsmeyer rats at 25 days of age were estimated as 0.75 μg L-T4/100 g body weight and 1.41 μg L-T4/100 g body weight respectively. The mean TSR of control group of both hamster and male rat reduced at 55 days (0.60 and 1.20 μg L-T4/100 g body weight, respectively) gives further evidence of aging. In hamsters, melatonin treatment at higher levels had no greater depressing effect upon TSR than the lower level, but had greater effect on food consumption. However, in male rats, melatonin depressed TSR at the higher level only. It seems that hamster is more sensitive to melatonin than rats. Thus the lower level exerts a maximum effect whereas in the rat, higher levels are required for maximum effect.
EFFECT OF ADRENERGIC BLOCKING AGENTS ON INSULIN RESPONSE TO GLUCOSE INFUSION IN MAN
Authors: Cerasi E. , Luft R. , Efendić S.
Published: December 2008

Glucose induces the discharge of insulin from the β-cell probably by acting on a specific cell membrane receptor. This then transmits the insulinogenic signal of glucose to the release mechanisms of the cell, probably via the adenyl cyclase-cyclic AMP system. Thus, in the β-cell, glucose acts not only as a substrate – as in every other type of cell – but also exerts a »hormone-like« action. In the present study, the relation of this hypothetic glucose receptor to the adrenergic receptor of the β-cell has been investigated. In 16 healthy subjects, blockade of the β-adrenergic receptors by iv infusion of propranolol resulted in significant inhibition of the initial as well as of late insulin responses to glucose infusion. This inhibition was partially reversed when aminophylline was administered together with propranolol. Blockade of the α-adrenergic receptors with phentolamine had no significant effect on the glucose induced insulin release.

These findings suggest that the glucose receptor of the β-cell is closely related to the β-adrenergic receptor, propranolol being capable of interfering with the transmission of the insulinogenic signal of glucose. It cannot be excluded, however, that propranolol acts in an unspecific way, e. g., by stabilizing the cell membrane or by blocking adenyl cyclase, actions which by themselves may lead to the inhibition of insulin secretion.
PROTECTION BY GLUCOCORTICOIDS AGAINST ALLOPURINOL NEPHROPATHY
Authors: Selye Hans
Published: December 2008

In the rat, the characteristic nephropathy produced by allopurinol is prevented by glucocorticoids (e. g., prednisolone and triamcinolone) but unaffected by some of the most potent catatoxic steroids (e. g., pregnenolone-16α-carbonitrile or »PCN«, CS-1, ethylestrenol, spironolactone, norbolethone, oxandrolone) as well as by several additional steroids, thyroxine and diphenylhydantoin. These and many other observations show that, contrary to earlier claims, glucocorticoids can protect against numerous systemic toxicants in addition to phlogistic irritants and endotoxins.
PRODUCTION AND SECRETION OF 5α-DIHYDROTESTOSTERONE BY THE CANINE PROSTATE
Authors: Haltmeyer Gary C. , Eik-Nes Kristen B.
Published: December 2008

An animal preparation has been developed which permits investigation of steroid secretion by the prostate of the dog. In this preparation the prostate is removed from the dog, placed in a metabolic chamber and infused with the animal's arterial blood via the prostatic arteries at a constant rate. This animal preparation secretes 5α-dihydrotestosterone into the prostatic venous blood. While testosterone is the most probable precursor for secreted 5α-dihydrotestosterone, data from experiments indicate that other steroids may serve as precursors for 5α-dihydrotestosterone in this animal preparation in vivo. The presence of »storage pools« and »secretory pools« for steroids in the infused canine prostate has been discussed.
THE DIURNAL PATTERN OF 17β-OESTRADIOL IN PREGNANCY
Authors: Munson Alan K. , Yannone Michael E. , Mueller J. Robert
Published: December 2008

Plasma unconjugated 17β-oestradiol was measured at 8 a.m., 4 p.m. and 10 p. m. in eleven normal females during the third trimester of pregnancy. The late evening values were significantly lower than those observed at 8 a. m. Marked differences in plasma levels were noted for some individuals at the three periods of sampling. A slight diurnal variation in plasma 17β-oestradiol appears compatible with the present concept of oestrogen biosynthesis in late pregnancy.
SULPHATION FACTOR ACTIVITY AND GROWTH RATE DURING LONG-TERM TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH PITUITARY DWARFISM WITH HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE
Authors: Hall Kerstin , Olin Patrick
Published: December 2008

Twenty patients with pituitary dwarfism were treated for nine months to 2½ years with human growth hormone (HGH) prepared according to Roos et al. (1963). Eleven of them had previously been given other HGH preparations for one to five years. During the first two years of treatment with HGH in a dose of 0.2 mg (0.4 IU) and 0.3 mg (0.6 IU) per kg body weight per week, the increase in growth rate was two- to threefold, and three- to fivefold, respectively. Long-termed treatment with HGH was accompanied by a decreasing ability of the hormone to stimulate growth. Cortisone acetate, in replacement doses, had no influence on this growth rate. During the present study only one of the 20 patients developed antibodies to HGH.

The levels of sulphation factor (SF) activity in serum were low before treatment and increased significantly during treatment with HGH. There was a linear relationship between the SF activity in the serum and the slope of the growth carves. Both increased with the dose of HGH administered but decreased with duration of treatment.
OVARIAN SENSITIVITY TO HUMAN GONADOTROPHINS IN WOMEN WITH AMENORRHOEA AFTER ORAL CONTRACEPTIVE TREATMENT
Authors: Nillius Sven Johan , Gemzell Carl
Published: December 2008

Twelve young women with a history of 9–11 months of amenorrhoea after combined oral contraceptive therapy, were treated with human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG) in order to assess the functional capacity of their ovaries. An initial endocrinological investigation did not reveal any organic cause for the amenorrhoea. The serum levels of the gonadotrophins were within the normal ranges. The endogenous oestrogen production was low. An individually adjusted treatment schedule was used for the administration of the HMG. The treatment was monitored by daily determinations of the total urinary oestrogen excretion. Ovulation was induced by a single injection of 9000 IU human chorionic gonadotrophin when the total urinary oestrogen excretion averaged 60 μg per 24 h.

All the 12 women showed a follicular response, i. e. an increase in the total urinary oestrogen excretion to a level of at least 50 μg per 24 h. Ten women ovulated and three of six women who wanted to become pregnant conceived after the first treatment. None of the women reverted to spontaneous menstrual bleedings after the treatment. A total HMG dose of between 750 and 4425 IU (2nd IRP-HMG) was required to produce the follicular response. This six-fold variation in dose requirement is in agreement with that found in women with amenorrhoea not related to the use of oral contraceptives. A decreased ovarian sensitivity to human gonadotrophins does not explain the amenorrhoea following oral contraceptive therapy.
INFLUENCE OF LOW DOSE OF STEROID THERAPY ON CALCIUM ABSORPTION
Authors: Lekkerkerker J. F. F. , van Woudenberg F. , Doorenbos H.
Published: December 2008

The influence of longterm treatment with 15 mg of prednisolone on calcium absorption was investigated by means of an oral absorption test. Plasma-radioactivity was measured one, two and three hours after the oral dose. Sixteen patients were studied before and while on medication during three weeks, eleven of them being re-investigated after five months of treatment. This dose of steroids produced no effect on calcium absorption; two and three hours after the oral dose the plasma-radioactivity is even higher (P < 0.05) while on prednisolone. In six patients the one hour calcium pool size and turnover rate were also measured after iv 45Ca. The pool size and turnover rate were not changed during the treatment.
RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN CALCIUM TRANSPORT AND THE LIPOLYTIC EFFECT OF SHEEP β-LIPOTROPIC HORMONE β-LPH) IN ADIPOSE TISSUE
Authors: Lis M. , Gilardeau C. , Chrétien M.
Published: December 2008

Intravenous injection of β-lipotropic hormone β-LPH) into rabbits caused a marked increase of Ca++ concentration in perirenal or epididymal fat tissue. β-LPH also increased the amount of Ca++ taken up during incubation of isolated fat cells.

Incubation of fragments of rabbit fat tissue in presence of 45Ca and 3H mannitol indicated that Ca++ accumulated intra-cellularly after administration of β-LPH.

In incubation media containing no Ca++, or containing Ca++ and the Ca++ sequestering agent EGTA (ethylenebis [oxyethylene nitrilo]-tetraacetic acid), β-LPH did not induce lipolysis. Addition of excess Ca++ to the EGTA containing medium restored lipolysis, whereas addition of EGTA to incubation mixtures containing Ca++ in which lipolysis in the presence of β-LPH was already proceeding stopped the lipolytic reaction. These results indicated that Ca++ is essential for lipolytic activity of β-LPH as it is for the lipolytic activity of ACTH and other structurally related peptides. Marked shift of Ca++ towards the adipose cell was correlated with β-LPH induced lipolysis.
THE EFFECT OF AN OESTROGENIC STEROID ON THE PRIMARY ANTIBODY RESPONSE UNDER DIFFERENT HORMONAL ENVIRONMENTS
Authors: Rao Shanta S. , Thanawala Yasmin , Thakur A. N.
Published: December 2008

The effect of mestranol at 2 dose levels was studied on the antibody response of intact mice as well as on ovariectomized mice, adrenalectomized mice, and adrenalectomized and ovariectomized mice. Tetanus toxoid was used as the immunogen of choice. The results revealed that mestranol produced a dose related enhancement in the circulating levels of antitetanus antibodies in intact animals and to a lesser extent in ovariectomized animals. Adrenalectomy enhanced antibody production only marginally, and the results were not statistically significant. In animals from which both the ovaries and adrenals had been removed, the antibody levels showed a definite increase. Thus mestranol which is less oestrogenic than substituted 17β-oestradiol is capable of enhancing the immunological response in mice.
HIGH PLASMA THYROTROPHIN LEVELS IN TWO PATIENTS WITH PITUITARY TUMOUR
Authors: Faglia G. , Ferrari C. , Neri V. , Beck-Peccoz P. , Ambrosi B. , Valentini F.
Published: December 2008

Out of 62 patients with pituitary tumours two (B. M.: vascular tumour and D. G.: chromophobe adenoma) showed symptoms and signs of hyperthyroidism and high plasma thyrotrophin (HTSH) values (mean values 24.0 and 8.4 μU/ml respectively). A parallelism was found between the Human Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Research Standard A (HTSH RSA) and the plasma dilution curves suggesting identity between immunoreactive material and authentic HTSH. The biological TSH activity was determined by McKenzie bioassay. Methimazole administration did not induce any significant modification in case B. M. while in case D. G. it caused a further increase in plasma HTSH. The triiodothyronine suppression test carried out in patient B. M. failed to produce a full inhibition, suggesting an autonomous function of the TSH secreting system. Lysine-vasopressin was ineffective in promoting HTSH increases in both cases, while insulin induced hypoglycaemia provoked in case B. M. a prompt fall in plasma HTSH levels, followed by an increase over the base line. The data obtained in case B. M. are compatible with a TSH-induced hyperthyroidism, while those found in patient D. G., though suggestive, are not completely consistent with this interpretation.
EXCRETION OF CONJUGATES OF NEUTRAL STEROIDS IN HUMAN BILE DURING LATE PREGNANCY
Authors: Laatikainen T. , Karjalainen O.
Published: December 2008

10 C19 and 21 C21 steroids were identified and most of them estimated in in the glucuronide and mono- and disulphate fractions of human pregnancy bile. Total amounts of 60–70 mg/100 ml were found in the gallbladder bile samples studied, indicating that the biliary route of excretion is of great importance in the metabolism of neutral steroids during pregnancy. Isomers of pregnanolone and pregnanediol predominated, and considerable amounts of 16α- and 21-hydroxylated C21O3 steroids were also found. These compounds are probably mainly maternal metabolites of progesterone, which is produced in large amounts by the foeto-placental unit. The concentrations of C19 steroids were small in comparison with those of C21 steroids. It seems that the proportion of steroid sulphate excretion in bile in relation to glucuronides is increased during pregnancy. Unconjugated steroids were not found in the bile samples studied.
STUDIES OF THE CHANGES IN ADRENAL CORTICOSTERONE IN MICE TREATED WITH DEXAMETHASONE, CHLORPROMAZINE, MORPHINE AND CODEINE: DEVELOPMENT OF AN ASSAY FOR CORTICOTROPHIN-RELEASING FACTOR
Authors: Cheifetz Philip N.
Published: December 2008

The concentration of corticosterone in the adrenals of mice showed the expected increase after laparotomy under pentobarbitone anaesthesia and an even greater rise using ether. Following treatment with dexamethasone, there was no change in adrenal corticosterone in response to extract of stalk-median eminence (SME) prepared from rat brain, whereas a significant increase occurred with the administration of corticotrophin (ACTH). Injections of SME extracts in mice treated with chlorpromazine and codeine resulted in significant increases of adrenal corticosterone from baseline values. Log-dose responses of adrenal corticosterone were obtained with increasing concentrations of SME extracts in chlorpromazine and codeine treated mice but no response was seen after injections of extracts of cerebral cortex or of lysine vasopressin. The measurement of corticosterone in the adrenals of mice treated with chlorpromazine and codeine may be a sensitive, specific and convenient technique for the assay of changes of CRF activity in tissue extracts.
VARIATION OF CORTISOL METABOLISM AS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR TO DISCREPANCIES IN THE MEASUREMENT OF CORTISOL PRODUCTION RATE
Authors: Levell M. J.
Published: December 2008

Five normal subjects were given [14C] cortisol in the morning and [3H] cortisol in the evening, in both cases by mouth.

The excretion of radioactivity in tetrahydrocortisol (THF) and tetrahydrocortisone (THE) was measured by a modified form of reverse isotope dilution.

In 2 subjects, the ratio of isotopic THF/isotopic THE was higher after the evening dose than after the morning dose. In 1 subject the ratio decreased. In 2 subjects it did not change.

Cortisol production rates calculated from THF were usually higher than those calculated from THE. The observed variations of metabolism were only a contributory factor to these discrepancies.
CONTROL OF HAMSTER FERTILITY WITH PROSTAGLANDIN F2α IMPLANTS
Authors: Davis B. K. , Chang M. C.
Published: December 2008

Prostaglandin, PGF2α, freely permeates polyacrylamide (PAA) during in vitro incubation in saline. In contrast, Silastic tubing was found to be comparatively impervious and subsequently was discounted as a possible implant medium for PGF2α in these experiments.

Subcutaneous and vaginal PAA implantation of 20, 75 and 100 μg PGF2α, 2 days after mating, significantly reduced (mainly at the higher levels) the number of female hamsters found to be pregnant upon autopsy, 12 days p. c. Subcutaneous injection and vaginal douche were less effective means of administration. Local application of the drug to the vagina was associated with lower pregnancy rates than was parenteral administration. When PAA implants with 0.5 and 5 mg PGF2α were given (sc injection) on the second day after mating and 5 mg PGF2α was implanted an equal interval prior to mating, it became evident that the former approach was at least ten times more effective in lowering the pregnancy rate in hamsters. This dependence on the time of PGF2α implantation is attributed to rapid release of the drug from these implants and to the existence of a sensitive phase in the initial stages of pregnancy.
CHANGES IN PITUITARY FSH AND LH AND PLASMA LH IN IMMATURE RATS TREATED WITH PREGNANT MARE'S SERUM
Authors: Ying Shao-Yao , Meyer Roland K.
Published: December 2008

The concentrations of LH and FSH in the pituitary gland and LH in the plasma from immature rats treated with saline, 3 IU, or 12 IU PMS were measured for 4 days. There was no detectable LH in 1.5 ml of plasma at any time in saline-treated rats. In 3 IU PMS rats, an elevation was observed at 3.00 p. m. and 8.00 p. m. on day 24. The plasma LH level of 12 IU PHS rats was much higher than that of 3 IU PMS rats, reaching a maximum at 10.00 a. m. on day 23, then gradually decreasing until the morning of day 25.

The pituitary FSH content in 3 IU PMS rats reached a maximum at 10.00 a. m. on day 24, then drastically decreased at 3.00 p. m. and 8.00 p. m. The pituitary FSH content of 12 IU PMS rats showed a gradual decrease without an acute release on the afternoon of day 24. These results indicate that FSH, like LH, is released on the afternoon of day 24 and may be involved in ovulation. The failure of 12 IU PMS rats to ovulate is probably due to (a) interference in the timing of ovulating hormone (OH) release, (b) lack of a surge of LH, or (c) improper ratio of LH to FSH.
IODINE METABOLISM AND PEROXIDASE ACTIVITY IN SALIVARY GLANDS
Authors: Kumlien Anders
Published: December 2008

The coincidence between iodine-concentrating ability and peroxidase activity in salivary glands has been studied. In 19 of 24 types of salivary glands examined the two activities either occurred together or were both absent. 3 of the glands gave inconclusive data.

The iodine metabolism was studied in the three main salivary glands of six different animal species. Paper chromatography of salivary gland homogenates revealed that 131I- injected intraperitoneally before salivary gland extirpation is only metabolized as iodide, whether or not the gland is capable of concentrating iodide or contains a peroxidase.

The findings are discussed with special reference to some possible functions for peroxidase in salivary gland metabolism.

The activities were not correlated either to the serous or to the mucous type of gland.
EFFECT OF LITHIUM ON THYROID FUNCTION IN MAN
Authors: Lazarus J. H. , Bennie E. H.
Published: December 2008

Thyroid function was assessed in a prospective survey of 13 manicdepressive patients before and after 3 months on lithium carbonate and in a further 12 patients who had received lithium for 20 months. There was a significant increase in thyroid size as measured by quantitative scintiscanning in 8 patients in the first group. One male in the second group had a goitre. There was a rise in plasma TSH in the first group and a significant fall in saliva to plasma iodide.

It is suggested that pathogenesis of lithium induced goitre is related to a disturbance in the iodide concentrating mechanism. Thyroid status should be evaluated in patients who are suitable for lithium therapy.
STEROID HORMONES AND THE FERN-LIKE CRYSTAL PATTERN IN AIR DRIED SAMPLES OF RABBIT SEMINAL PLASMA
Authors: Eihlström Jan Erik
Published: December 2008

The fern-like crystals occurring in the process of drying rabbit seminal plasma have been studied in ejaculates collected before and after intramuscular injections of steroid hormones.

Injections of testosterone increase and of oestradiol monobenzoate tend to increase while injections of progesterone tend to decrease the proportions of crystals of type R.
AN ATYPICAL CASE OF GONADAL DYSGENESIS
Authors: Ouais Samir G. , Trujillo Jose , Samaan Naguib A.
Published: December 2008

A case of gonadal dysgenesis associated with unusual abnormalities is described as follows: a) enlarged pituitary fossa with clinical and laboratory manifestations of hypopituitarism; b) Hashimoto's thyroiditis and XO/X-isoX mosaicism; c) adenocarcinoma of the parotid gland. These uncommon features were present in association with renal and cardiovascular anomalies.
THE EFFECT OF THE PROGESTOGEN ETHYNODIOL DIACETATE ON GLUCOSE, INSULIN, AND GROWTH HORMONE AFTER SIX MONTHS TREATMENT
Authors: Spellacy W. N. , Buhi W. C. , Birk S. A.
Published: December 2008

Seventy-one women were treated with a daily dose of 0.25 mg of the progestogen ethynodiol diacetate. They were all tested with a three-hour oral glucose tolerance test before beginning the steroid and then again during the sixth month of use. Measurements were made of blood glucose and plasma insulin and growth hormone levels. There was a significant elevation of the blood glucose levels after steroid treatment as well as a deterioration in the tolerance curve in 12.9% of the women. The plasma insulin values were also elevated after drug treatment whereas the fasting ambulatory growth hormone levels did not significantly change. There was a significant association between the changes in glucose and insulin levels and the subject's age, control weight, or weight gain during treatment. The importance of considering the metabolic effects of the progestogen component of oral contraceptives is stressed.