bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BIOASSAY OF PROLACTIN
Authors: Nicoll Charles S.
Published: December 2008

The response of the pigeon crop-sac to systemically acting prolactin (injected subcutaneously) was evaluated by measuring the wet weight of the responsive lateral lobes of the organ and by determining the dry weight of a 4 cm diameter disc of mucosal epithelium taken from one hemicrop. Of several different injection schedules tested, administration of prolactin in four daily injections was found to yield optimal responses. When compared with a graded series of prolactin doses, measurement of the mucosal dry weight proved to be a better method of response quantification than determination of the crop-sac wet weight with respect to both assay sensitivity and precision. The submucosal tissue of the crop-sac was estimated to constitute about 64 % of the total dry weight of the unstimulated organ and it was found to be relatively unresponsive to prolactin stimulation in comparison with the mucosa. The lipid content of the mucosal epithelium was determined using unstimulated crop-sacs or tissues which showed varying degrees of prolactin-induced proliferation. The fat content of the mucosal epithelial cells increased only slightly more rapidly than the dry weight or the defatted dry weight of the mucosa. Suggestions are made for the further improvement of the systemic crop-sac assay for prolactin.
FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE-LIKE ACTIVITY IN HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHIN PREPARATIONS
Authors: Robyn C. , Petrusz P. , Diczfalusy E.
Published: December 2008

The follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)-like activity of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) preparations was assayed by the method based on the ovarian weight augmentation in intact immature rats. The potencies ranged from 4.8 to 7.4 IU equivalents of FSH per mg. The FSH-like potency of the Second International Standard Preparation of HCG was 8.5 IU per vial. However, when in intact immature rats the ovarian weight response to HCG preparations was compared at a wide range of doses (40 to 51 200 IU) to that obtained with a human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG) preparation (0.5 to 128 IU of FSH) in the presence of 40 IU of HCG, significant differences were found. The assays conducted in hypophysectomised immature female rats were invalid, because of lack of parallelism.

Antisera were prepared by immunising rabbits with HCG and human hypophysial gonadotrophin (HHG) preparations and the antigonadotrophin profiles (HCG-, FSH- and FSH-like neutralising potencies) of these antisera were established by the use of statistically valid bioassay procedures. The anti-HCG and anti-HHG sera neutralised the FSH activity of HMG preparations as well as the FSH-like activity of HCG preparations. However, 3 to 175 times more antiserum was required to neutralise the equivalent of 1.0 IU of FSH-like activity present in HCG than expected on the basis of the anti-FSH potency of the antisera. On the other hand, there was a high degree of correlation between the neutralising potencies of the antisera when tested against the FSH-like activity and the HCG activity of various HCG preparations.

When the FSH-like activity of an HCG preparation was quantitatively neutralised with an anti-HCG serum, some 30 per cent of the HCG activity remained unneutralised, as evidenced by repeated bioassays. Although at least 2000 IU of this »FSH-free« HCG was administered to groups of intact as well as hypophysectomised immature female rats, this high dose of HCG did not induce an increase in ovarian weight beyond that elicited by 40 IU of untreated HCG. Histological examination of the ovaries indicated lack of follicle stimulation in the hypophysectomised, but not in the intact immature animals. There was an excessive stimulation of the interstitial cells in both types of animals.

The data indicate that the FSH-like activity of HCG preparations is neither due to a contamination by FSH of pituitary origin, nor is it an evenly distributed intrinsic property of the HCG molecules. It is also concluded that the gonadotrophic activity of biologically pure HCG in immature hypophysectomised female rats consists of a specific stimulation of the interstitial cell apparatus. Such HCG preparations do not induce any follicle stimulation, not even when administered in excessive doses.
EFFECT OF THIOUREA ON OVULATION IN VITRO IN THE SKIPPER FROG, RANA CYANOPHLYCTIS (SCHN)
Authors: Sarkar H. B. Devaraj , Rao M. Appaswamy
Published: December 2008

The effect of thiourea on ovulation in vitro in the skipper frog was investigated. Graded doses of thiourea were administered both in vivo and in vitro respectively. Dose response curves were obtained for the reduction of the ovulatory response. The results indicate that thiourea acts directly on the ovary by reducing its ovulatory response to the pituitary gonadotrophins.
STEROID EXCRETION AND BIOSYNTHESIS, WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO ANDROST-16-ENES, IN A WOMAN WITH A VIRILISING ADRENOCORTICAL CARCINOMA
Authors: Gower D. B. , Stern Margaret I.
Published: December 2008

The level of 3α-hydroxy-5α-androst-16-ene (Δ16-androstenol) excreted as glucuronide in the urine of a woman with virilising adrenal carcinoma was measured by gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) of the free steroid and its chloromethyl dimethyl silyl (CMDS) ether and found to be 1.46 mg/day. On the basis of thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and GLC of free steroid and derivatives, Δ16-androstenol has also been tentatively identified in the urinary sulphate fraction and in peripheral plasma. The values were approx. 0.6 mg/d and 2.8 μg/100 ml respectively. After operation, the amount of urinary Δ16-androstenol (as glucuronide) fell to a low level; none was detected in plasma or in urine (as sulphate). Levels of other steroids in the urine and plasma were consistent with the clinical diagnosis of virilising adrenal carcinoma. After operation, the excretion of most of these steroids had reverted to values which were normal or lower. In vitro, the cancerous adrenal tissue metabolised 4-14C-pregnenolone to 3β-hydroxy-androsta-5,16-diene (0.2 %) and 4-14C-progesterone to a small quantity (< 0.03 %) of androsta-4,16-dien-3-one. No androst-16-enes were formed from radioactive dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA) or testosterone. The formation of other labelled metabolites confirmed studies by earlier workers.
EFFECT OF TESTOSTERONE PROPIONATE ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF RADIOACTIVE IODIDE IN RECENTLY THYROIDECTOMIZED RATS
Authors: Driessen O. M. J. , Noach E. L.
Published: December 2008

Distribution of intravenously administered 131Iodide (131I) was studied in spayed rats which had been thyroidectomized on the previous day. Pretreatment with testosterone propionate (2 mg daily for 8 days) resulted in decreased 131I blood levels both in non-nephrectomized and nephrectomized animals. In the latter, no loss of radioactivity from the body occurred within the time limits of the experiments (up to 10 hours after 131I administration). In most organs, 131I concentrations were lowered after testosterone pretreatment, but in the skin a markedly increased uptake was found. To a minor extent, enhanced concentration of 131I was present in an extrahepatic abdominal storage site.
EVALUATION OF THE DOUBLE ANTIBODY RADIOIMMUNOASSAY OF INSULIN AND THE DETERMINATION OF INSULIN IN PLASMA AND URINE IN NORMAL SUBJECTS
Authors: Jørgensen Kai R.
Published: December 2008

The use of the double antibody method for radio-immunological determination of insulin in plasma was evaluated on the basis of dilution and recovery experiments, as well as by the investigation of the reproducibility and accuracy of the method. Given the optimum conditions for the precipitation reaction, the method appears from the present investigations to be well suited for plasma insulin determinations.

With the technique used for the separation of free and antibody bound insulin, the results of the insulin determination were found to be independent of the radioactive degradation products present in the tracer insulin. It was not possible to demonstrate any increased degradation of the tracer insulin by incubation in plasma or urine as compared with incubation in 0.5 % human albumin buffer. The absolute insulin values were found to be independent of the length of the incubation period.

No difference was found between the fasting insulin concentrations in a group of new-born infants of non-diabetic mothers and a group of adult normal subjects. Similarly, the fasting insulin values were found to be independent of the sex of the subject investigated.

After oral administration of glucose a considerable variation was found in the insulin response in a group of normal subjects. This variation, within the weight limits used, was found to be independent of the sex, age and weight of the subject investigated. A corresponding condition was found to be valid for the insulin excretion in the urine of normal subjects.

It was concluded that the large variation in the insulin response in a group of normal subjects did not allow conclusions about the clinical significance of the extreme values, but that the variation alone must be taken as an expression for a pronounced biological variation.
THE USE OF RATS WITH LESION-INDUCED OR HEREDITARY HYPOTHALAMIC DIABETES INSIPIDUS FOR EVALUATING PROLONGED RESPONSES TO ANTIDIURETIC HORMONE PREPARATIONS
Authors: Kynčl J. , Jelínek V. , Rudinger J.
Published: December 2008

The diuresis and the urinary excretion of ions by rats with hereditary and with lesion-induced hypothalamic diabetes insipidus and the change in these parameters in response to lysine vasopressin have been found to be practically identical. The time course of the antidiuretic response can be followed in detail over long periods; it has been found to be sensitive to the nature of the antidiuretic hormone preparation and to the dose level. It is concluded that rats with hypothalamic diabetes insipidus are useful models for studying the time course of the antidiuretic response, in particular to long-acting preparations.
EFFECT OF THYROTROPHIN ON THE PLASMA IODOTYROSINE LEVEL IN DOGS
Authors: Földes J. , Gyertyánfy G. , Gesztesi Erzsébet , Takács Ilona
Published: December 2008

The authors observed an increase in the radioactivity concentration of plasma iodotyrosines after intravenous administration of large doses of thyrotrophin in dogs, which they explain by the increased release from the thyroid gland. The cause of the phenomenon is discussed in detail, and it is considered probable that in thyrotoxicosis one of the causes of the high plasma iodotyrosine level is the mono + diiodotyrosine outflow from the thyroid gland,
SUBCELLULAR DISTRIBUTION AND ARTERIO-VENOUS DIFFERENCES OF SYNTHETIC 3H-β1–23-CORTICOTROPHIN-23-AMIDE-ACETATE IN THE ADRENAL OF RATS
Authors: Müller O. A. , Scriba P. C.
Published: December 2008

Synthetic 3H-β1–23-corticotrophin-23-amide-acetate (3H-ACTH) was given as a single dose by means of a 95 s infusion into the thoracic aorta of hypophysectomized rats. Distribution of radioactivity was determined in adrenal subcellular fractions prepared by homogenization and differential centrifugation: 3, 12, 40 and 120 min after the start of the 3H-ACTH infusion. Radioactivity in nuclear fractions, given as a % of total adrenal CPM rose from 27 % (3 min) to 37 % (40 and 120 min, P < 0.0025). These results may indicate ACTH penetration through the outer cell membrane and interaction with adrenal nuclei. Microsomal radioactivity (18 %) at 3 min after the start of 3H-ACTH infusion appeared to be in excess of the contribution of this fraction to the total adrenal weight and decreased significantly with time (120 min: 3 %, P < 0.0005). These observations are discussed with regard to mechanisms of action of ACTH.

When synthetic 3H-β1–23-corticotrophin-23-amide-acetate was infused into the thoracic aorta of rats, the differences in the radioactivity of the plasma from the aorta and from the adrenal vein were significantly higher (P < 0.0125) in hypophysectomized than in sham-operated rats, presumably indicating in the latter the saturation by endogenous ACTH of adrenal receptors for ACTH.
URINARY EXCRETION OF DIFFERENT CORTICOSTEROID-METABOLITES IN ORAL CONTRACEPTION AND PREGNANCY
Authors: Nielsen M. Damkjær , Binder C. , Starup J.
Published: December 2008

In two groups of patients the urinary excretion of numerous metabolites of cortisol, 11-deoxycortisol (compound S), corticosterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone and pregnenolone were determined according to a modification of the method of Cost & Vegter (1962).

The first group consisted of 7 women with severe primary dysmenorrhoea. Their ages ranged from 17 to 23 years, and all of them received cyclical treatment with a daily dose of 5 mg of 6-methyl-6-dehydro-17α-acetoxyprogesterone (megestrol acetate) + 0.1 mg of 17α-ethynyl-oestradiol-3-methylether (mestranol) until the excretion of total pituitary gonadotrophins was completely suppressed, and the excretion of 17-ketogenic steroids (17-KGS) had decreased to a constant level. This occurred after treatment for 18 to 24 weeks. In all patients the excretion of individual corticosteroid-metabolites was determined before treatment started and again at the end of the treatment period. At the same times the pituitary function was evaluated by means of the metyrapone-test.

The second group consisted of 5 normal pregnant women aged 21 to 28. In these women, the excretion of individual corticosteroid-metabolites was determined once during the second trimester of pregnancy.

In the first group, the average excretion of allo-tetrahydrocortisol, tetrahydrocortisone, allo-tetrahydrocorticosterone, and pregnanetriol was decreased during treatment, and the decrease in the allo-compounds was significantly greater than the decrease in the other metabolites. The excretion of non-hydrogenated cortisol increased during treatment. Furthermore, the metyrapone-test was found to be normal in all 7 patients both before and during treatment.

In the second group, a decrease was found in the excretion of allo-tetrahydrocortisol, allo-tetrahydrocorticosterone, and Δ5-pregnenetriol, while the excretion of Reichstein's substance U, non-hydrogenated cortisol, tetrahydro-11-dehydrocorticosterone, and non-hydrogenated 11-dehydrocorticosterone was increased.

The increase observed in non-hydrogenated cortisol, corresponded to the high plasma cortisol levels found in both groups. These changes were ascribed to the oestrogenic component in the preparation administered to the patients in group I, and to the high oestrogen level in the pregnant women (group II).

The decrease in the excretion of the 5α-hydrogenated compounds, allo-tetrahydrocortisol and allo-tetrahydrocorticosterone, indicates that there is an inhibition of the 5α-reductase activity in pregnancy as well as during treatment with megestrol acetate + mestranol. However, the data allow of no conclusion as to whether the inhibition is a competitive or non-competitive effect.
THE INFLUENCE OF PROGESTATIONAL AGENTS ON OVULATION IN THE JAPANESE QUAIL (COTURNIX COTURNIX JAPONICA)
Authors: Kincl Fred A. , Sickles John S.
Published: December 2008

6-chloro-17α-acetoxy-pregna-4,6-diene-3,20-dione in daily doses of 0.1 mg effectively stimulated ovulation in the Japanese quail. Daily doses of 10 mg were inhibitory. Two other steroids, 6β-chloro-6α,7α-difluoromethylene-17α-acetoxy-pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione and acetoxyprogesterone were also effective ovulation stimulators. The most effective dose was 1 mg daily for both compounds. Norethindrone in amounts of 0.1 mg and 1 mg per day blocked egg laying.
HUMAN CRYSTALLINE INSULIN FROM NON-DIABETIC AND DIABETIC PATIENTS
Authors: Brunfeldt K. , Deckert T. , Thomsen J.
Published: December 2008

Crystalline insulin was prepared from pooled pancreases from deceased maturity onset diabetics and non-diabetics. A comparison was made of the amino acid composition, immunological reactivity and hypoglycaemic activity. No differences could be demonstrated between the two preparations.
LOCALIZATION OF AN ANDROGEN BINDING SUBSTANCE FROM THE RAT VENTRAL PROSTATE
Authors: Unhjem Olav , Tveter Kjell J.
Published: December 2008

A gel filtration technique has been used for analysing the interaction of testosterone and/or its metabolites with macromolecules in the ventral prostate, rectus abdomonis muscle, liver and kidney from castrated adult male rats. Following administration of (1,2-3H)-testosterone, association of radioactivity with soluble macromolecules was demonstrated in the ventral prostate but not in the other organs analysed. A similar binding was observed when slices of ventral prostate were incubated in vitro with testosterone. When 105 000 × g supernatants from the ventral prostate were incubated with (1,2-3H)-testosterone at 37° C, radioactivity was also recovered associated with macromolecules. No association could be detected when the incubation was performed at 0° C.
CORTICOSTEROIDS AND VASCULAR CONNECTIVE TISSUE
Authors: Lorenzen Ib
Published: December 2008

Male albino rabbits were injected with prednisone 2 mg/kg body weight, daily for two weeks. The aortic content of acid mucopolysaccharides and the synthesis of sulphated acid mucopolysaccharides decreased, whereas the collagen content remained unchanged as compared to the saline injected controls. Prednisone induced no gross or microscopic changes in the aortae. The alterations were related to those previously reported in human skin and vein biopsies and may be of pathogenic significance in the vascular fragility following long-term treatment with glucocorticoids.
INFERTILITY OF MICE INDUCED BY ANTIBODIES SPECIFIC FOR HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHIN
Authors: Schlumberger Horst Dieter , Anderer F. Alfred
Published: December 2008

Injections of rabbit antisera to cross-linked human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) into female STu mice made tolerant to rabbit γ-globulin, induced prolonged oestrus lasting for 18–60 days and phases of sterility of 37–130 days duration. When immune-competent mice were treated in a similar manner these effects were very markedly decreased due to the interference of antibodies developed against rabbit serum proteins.

The results are discussed on the basis of cross-reactions with endogenous gonadotrophins.
DER EINFLUSS VON 2-THIOURAZIL UND THIAMAZOL AUF DIE AKTIVITÄT DER L-α-GLYZEROPHOSPHAT-OXIDASE DER RATTENLEBER IN ABHÄNGIGKEIT VON L-THYROXIN, L-3′, 3,5-TRIJODTHYRONIN UND L-3′-ISOPROPYL-3,5-DIJODTHYRONIN
Authors: Seif F. J. , Guglielmi H.
Published: December 2008

The activity of the L-α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (EC. 1. 1. 2. 1.) was measured in rat liver mitochondria after thyroidectomy and substitution with L-3′-isopropyl-3,5-diiodothyronine (iPT2), L-3′,3,5-triiodothyronine (T3), and L-thyroxine (T4).

A substitution with 0.18, 0.46, and 3.7 μg per 100 g animal weight and day of iPT2, T3, and T4 for 10 days was necessary to reach normal range activity. In intact rats an ED50 of 1.4. 3.4, and 15.6 μg/100 g/day of iPT2, T3, and T4 respectively was found.

2-Thiouracil and 1-methyl-2-mercapto-imidazole (methimazole, thiamazole) decreased the effectivity of T4. The effectivity of T3 was unaltered by 2-thiouracil and methimazole and that of iPT2 enhanced by 2-thiouracil and not altered by methimazole. 2-Methylmercapto-imidazole was found to be without any effect on the increased activity of L-α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase induced by thyroxine analogues. The activation of thyroxine by deiodination and the inhibition of this reaction by 2-thiouracil and methimazole are discussed.
URINARY STEROIDS OF HEALTHY SUBJECTS FROM CHILDHOOD TO OLD AGE
Authors: Uozumi Tohru , Manabe Hisao , Tanaka Hideyuki , Hamanaka Yuji , Kotoh Kiyoshi , Suzuki Keiichiro , Matsumoto Keishi
Published: December 2008

Urinary 17-hydroxycorticosteroids, 17-ketosteroids and 16α-hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone from eighty-six healthy subjects from the ages of 2 to 79 of both sexes were determined quantitatively by elution chromatography on cation exchange resin. Daily urinary excretions of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids and 17-ketosteroids increased from childhood to the ages of 15 to 40 and then decreased gradually with advancing ages over 60 to 79. The ratio of tetrahydrocortisone to tetrahydrocortisol decreased gradually from adolescence to old age. The ratios of 17-ketosteroids to 17-hydroxycorticosteroids and C19O2- 17-ketosteroids to total 17-ketosteroids were much higher between the ages of 20 and 40 than at other ages particularly in males. The ratios of aetiocholanolone to androsterone and tetrahydrocortisol to allo-tetrahydrocortisol seemed to be lower between the ages of 15 and 40 than at other ages. It was possible to determine the daily urinary excretions of 16α-hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone only in subjects over the age of 15, particularly between the ages of 20 and 40.
IN VITRO UPTAKE OF TRITIATED TESTOSTERONE AND OESTRADIOL BY THE LATERAL LOBE OF THE HYPERTROPHIED HUMAN PROSTATE AND THE ACCESSORY SEX GLANDS OF THE RAT – A PILOT STUDY
Authors: Jonsson Carl-Evert
Published: December 2008

Slices of the lateral lobe of hypertrophied human prostate were incubated with tritium labelled testosterone or oestradiol.

After adding non-labelled testosterone in excess there was a marked reduction in uptake of tritiated testosterone, but neither non-radioactive oestradiol nor the antiandrogenically active Cyproterone acetate® had any effect on uptake of radioactivity. After pre-incubation with testosterone, oestradiol or Cyproterone acetate®, followed by washing and reincubation with tritiated testosterone, no blocking effect could be demonstrated.

Addition of non-radioactive oestradiol in excess did not affect the uptake of tritiated oestradiol.

In the seminal vesicles and ventral prostate of the immature rat there was an accumulation of tritiated testosterone as compared to the diaphragm. Non-radioactive testosterone in excess reduced this uptake in the target tissue.
A RADIO-BIOASSAY FOR CORTICOTROPHIN
Authors: Bukovsan William
Published: December 2008

The increased uptake of 32P by the adrenals of the two day-old White Leghorn cockerel after corticotrophin (ACTH) stimulation was used as the end-point for the bioassay.

Early results indicated that 32P entered the blood and adrenals rapidly from a subcutaneous injection site and augmented 32P uptake of adrenals occurred after ACTH stimulation. The simultaneous injection of ACTH and 32P resulted in a rapid and sustained increase of 32P incorporation by the chick adrenal. There was a 72 % increase of 32P uptake one-half hour after ACTH stimulation; maximum incorporation, 81 %, occurred eight hours after stimulation with the hormone. The simultaneous injection of ACTH and 32P with an 8-hour corticotrophin stimulation of the adrenals and 32P uptake became the basis for the bioassay of this hormone.

The log dose-response studies showed the adrenals were sensitive to a wide range of ACTH concentrations (2.5 to 40.0 mU). The precision of this log dose-response line had a λ of 0.4762.

Pretreatment with ACTH was found to increase the sensitivity of these glands to further treatment with this hormone. Pretreatment increased the precision of this bioassay from a λ of 0.3283 to 0.1563.
THE EFFECT OF EXOGENOUS HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHIN ON STEROID EXCRETION IN THE NEWBORN
Authors: Lauritzen C. , Shackleton C. H. L. , Mitchell F. L.
Published: December 2008

The urinary excretion of a range of steroids and steroid-like compounds, including the major compounds with the 3β-hydroxy-Δ5 configuration, have been studied in early infancy before and after the administration of human chorionic gonadotrophin. The only compound which showed any increase in excretion was dehydroepiandrosterone which was increased in four out of seven cases studied.
THE METABOLIC SIGNIFICANCE OF THYROXINE-BINDING GLOBULIN
Authors: Bayley T. Arnold , Higgins H. Patrick , Row Vas V. , James William , Vidal Roberto
Published: December 2008

Low thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) capacity was found in seven members of a family in four generations. The effect on peripheral metabolism, as measured by the basal metabolic rate (BMR), of single 1000 μg intravenous doses of sodium L-thyroxine (T4) and sodium L-triiodothyronine (T3) was studied. In TBG deficient patients and those loaded with diphenylhydantoin (DPH) so that the PBI was depressed to low levels, T4 produced an effect on the BMR within 2–5 days similar in rapidity of onset and magnitude to that produced by T3 in all subjects. In normal controls or patients on maintenance DPH therapy, T4 produced little or no effect on the BMR within 8 days. The calorigenic studies were compared mainly in the TBG deficient patient with the acute (20–50 min) disappearance from plasma as well as with the chronic fate of the 131I-labelled hormones. The acute and chronic disappearances of T4 were more rapid in the TBG deficient patients whereas the acute and chronic disappearances of T3 were similar to that of subjects with normal TBG. These observations support the hypothesis that in normal humans TBG acts as a rate-regulating factor in the peripheral metabolism of acutely administered T4 by limiting the access of T4 to the tissues, thereby slowing its action on the cell. Therefore, the difference in peripheral metabolic effect of T4 and T3 would appear to be related to the presence of TBG in human plasma.
ARTIFICIAL STIMULATORY AND HORMONAL REQUIREMENTS OF DECIDUAL ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE IN THE PSEUDOPREGNANT RAT
Authors: Manning J. P. , Carter S. G. , Butler M. C.
Published: December 2008

The influences of uterine traumatization, ovariectomy and hormone replacement therapy on decidual alkaline phosphatase were studied in pseudopregnant rats. The enzyme was also assayed in implantation sites of pregnant rats with unilateral section and ligation of the Fallopian tubes. In all pseudopregnant animals with traumatized uteri, intact or castrate receiving progesterone replacement, the enzyme activity was 12 times more active on day 8 of pseudopregnancy than the contralateral non-traumatized horn. The alkaline phosphatase reaction of day 8 pregnant rats demonstrated a similar response at the implantation site. No increased enzyme was elicited by pseudopregnant rats treated with 17β-oestradiol and/or progesterone or animals ovariectomized and traumatized on day 4 and given only oestrogen. Additionally, the changes in alkaline phosphatase from day 5 to 10 in the intact and hormone-treated, ovariectomized pseudopregnant rats with traumatized uteri were similar to those demonstrated by the intact pregnant animals, i. e., an increased reaction from day 5 to 8 and decreased activity from day 8 to 10. The data support the view that the rise in decidual alkaline phosphatase in pregnant or traumatized pseudopregnant animals is dependent on the combined effect of uterine irritation and a progesterone-conditioned endometrium.
REVERSED ACTION OF ACETYLATED CORTICOTROPHIN: INHIBITION OF ADRENO-CORTICAL SECRETION
Authors: Bulovskaya L. N. , Prokudina E. A. , Konstantinov V. L. , Tugunov S. S. , Dilman V. M.
Published: December 2008

A derivative of corticotrophin with acetylated amino groups and hydroxyl groups in serine was used. Acetylated corticotrophin significantly decreased the 17-hydroxycorticosteroid (17-OHCS) level in the plasma of guineapigs 4 hours after the i. m. injection of the derivative in a dose equal to 2.5 USP units of the active hormone per 100 g of body weight. The mean plasma 17-OHCS concentration before the injection of the derivative was 44 ± 2.15 μg/100 ml. After the injection of acetylated corticotrophin, the fall in 17-OHCS content was highly significant, the average level being decreased to 61 %. However, in 12 out of 36 animals there was a fall to 30 % of the initial level.

The derivative obtained may be considered as an »anahormone«, and probably has the ability to inhibit the secretion of endogenous corticotrophin.
THE EFFECT OF PROTEIN DEFICIENCY ON UTERINE SENSITIVITY IN THE PSEUDOPREGNANT RAT
Authors: Kinzey Warren G.
Published: December 2008

A purified protein-free diet was fed to Long-Evans rats during pseudopregnancy to determine the effect of protein-deficiency on the deciduoma cell response (DCR). Rats were intact, and pseudopregnancy was induced by mating with a vasectomized male. Deciduoma formation was induced by uterine traumatization on day 4 of pseudopregnancy; animals were sacrificed on day 9. In the protein-deficient group only 88 per cent of the rats reacted with positive DCR which was significantly reduced in size compared to that of control animals. Injection of oestrone and progesterone throughout pseudopregnancy resulted in formation of DCR in all protein-deficient rats. Injection of oestrone and progesterone only during the post-trauma period, but not during the pre-trauma period, raised the DCR to the level of the protein-deficient group which was injected throughout pseudopregnancy. There was no significant difference in the extent of decidual formation between uninjected protein-deficient and control animals which were sacrificed only 24 hours following uterine trauma. It is concluded that with adequate exogenous hormones uterine sensitivity to endometrial stimulus is not significantly reduced in intact protein-deficient rats. Endogenous steroids are apparently present in sufficient quantity for formation of the DCR but not for maximal growth.
INFLUENCE OF RENAL NERVES ON THE SECRETION OF ALDOSTERONE IN THE RAT
Authors: Kinson G. A. , Singer Bertha
Published: December 2008

The effect of bilateral renal denervation on adrenocortical function has been studied in the rat. Adrenal function was assessed by measurement of the secretion rate of aldosterone and corticosterone into adrenal vein blood of anaesthetized animals by a modification of the double isotope procedure. Adrenal vein blood was collected two weeks after renal denervation or sham-denervation.

In normally fed animals renal denervation did not influence the secretion rate of aldosterone. When the animals were given a sodium deficient diet for a period of one week before collection of adrenal vein blood, the adrenal response, with respect to secretion of aldosterone, was significantly reduced, but not abolished. When the renally denervated animals were fed a sodium deficient diet the entire, two-week, post-operative period, aldosterone secretion increased to the same extent as in the shamdenervated animals. Denervation did not affect the secretion rate of corticosterone in any of these experiments.

It is concluded, on the basis of these studies on the effect of renal denervation, that renal nerves do not influence the secretion rate of aldosterone in the rat, when the diet contains a sufficient quantity of sodium. In the early stages of dietary sodium deficiency renal nerves are, in part, responsible for the increase in aldosterone secretion, while in more chronic states of sodium deficiency other, non-neural, mechanisms become more important in the regulation of aldosterone secretion.
STUDIES WITH 4-14C-LYNESTRENOL IN NORMAL AND LACTATING WOMEN
Authors: van der Molen H. J. , Hart P. G. , Wijmenga H. G.
Published: December 2008

4-14C-Lynestrenol** was administered either orally or by intravenous injection to women using Lyndiol®*** (5 mg lynestrenol + 150 μg mestranol). In order to study the effect of the pharmaceutical form in oral administration, the radioactive progestagen was given either as the pure compound in the form of a gelatin capsule or as a tablet containing all the ingredients usually present in Lyndiol®-tablets.

The concentration of radioactivity in the blood and the excretion of radioactivity in the urine and milk of lactating women were then studied. The clearance rate of radioactivity from the blood was very low. A half-life in the order of 40 h was estimated for labelled »lynestrenol and metabolites«.

Within 4–5 days after oral administration of a 14C-lynestrenol containing tablet, 54–65 % of the radioactivity was excreted in the urine, whereas much smaller amounts (in the order of 15 % of the administered dose) were excreted following oral administration of 14C-lynestrenol taken in a capsule. After intravenous administration 45–56 % of the administered radioactivity was recovered in the urine excreted within 4 days after injection. After oral administration of a 14C-lynestrenol containing tablet to 3 lactating women 0.022. 0.028 and 0.088 per cent of the administered radioactivity was excreted in the milk collected during the first 5 days after administration.

The results indicate that resorption may be considerably influenced by the pharmaceutical form of the orally administered compound.

For oral administration of 5 mg lynestrenol daily, as a Lyndiol®-tablet, it was calculated that in the order of 1 μg (0.02 % of the administered dose) of lynestrenol or its metabolites might be excreted per 100 ml of milk. These data are discussed with regard to the amount of steroids that might be transferred to infants during breast feeding when the mothers take oral contraceptives.
OESTRIOL CONCENTRATION IN AMNIOTIC FLUID
Authors: Michie Eileen A. , Livingstone J. R. B.
Published: December 2008

Conjugated oestriol was measured in 75 samples of amniotic fluid obtained from normal pregnancies at about 10–42 weeks gestation. There was a tenfold increase in oestriol concentration from about 20–30 weeks gestation to term. Results from 22 normal pregnancies at term gave a range of oestriol concentration of 30–182 μg/100 ml amniotic fluid. At term there was no correlation between baby weight and oestriol concentration in amniotic fluid nor between placental weight and oestriol concentration in amniotic fluid.
THE ACTION OF OESTRADIOL BENZOATE ON THE ACTIVITIES OF SOME POLYPEPTIDASES IN THE HYPOTHALAMUS OF THE PREGNANT RABBIT AFTER BLASTOCYST IMPLANTATION
Authors: Hooper K. C. , Hopkinson Patricia
Published: December 2008

The administration of oestradiol to pregnant animals can, in certain instances, cause a delay in the onset of parturition (Hain 1935). One of the effects of excess oestradiol may be on the hypothalamus, impeding the release of oxytocin. The purpose of the present study was to note the effect of oestradiol monobenzoate on the activities of certain hypothalamic enzymes which are capable of inactivating oxytocin. In the pregnant animal, oestradiol depressed enzyme activity, and this is interpreted as indicating an inhibitory action of the hormone on the hypothalamus. The inhibitory action is opposite to that produced by the hormone in the non-pregnant animal (Hooper 1968a), and involvement of the corpus luteum or placenta seems probable.
HAND VOLUME AND SKIN THICKNESS IN A NORMAL POPULATION AND IN ACROMEGALY
Authors: Bhatia S. K. , Hadden D. R. , Montgomery D. A. D.
Published: December 2008

The mean normal values of right hand volume and skin thickness in both sexes and in each decade (from 20–69 years) in right-handed subjects are presented. These measurements vary with age and sex. Hand volume and skin thickness showed a decrease in normal subjects above 50 years. In acromegaly there is an increase in hand volume and skin thickness, but this does not closely relate to other estimates of activity of the disease.
THE EFFECT OF TRIIODOTHYRONINE ON CERVICAL LYMPHOID STRUCTURES, THYROID ACTIVITY, IgG AND IgM IMMUNOGLOBULIN LEVEL AND EXOPHTHALMOS IN GRAVES' DISEASE
Authors: Mahaux J. E. , Chamla-Soumenkoff J. , Delcourt R. , Nagel N. , Levin S.
Published: December 2008

The »thyroid suppression« test by l-triiodothyronine (75 μg × 14 d) used in exophthalmic goitre brings about a functional hyperstimulation of the thyroid. Thus the most sensitive criterion of thyroid activation, the serum PB131I may show a largely increased value, that is often dissociated from changes in the serum PB127I.

The clinical symptoms become worse. After a latent period, the administration of triiodothyronine appears to stimulate and to cause hypertrophy of the cervical lymphoid structures, lymph nodes and tonsils, and to induce the production of immunoglobulins: IgG including LATS and occasionally IgM.

Carbimazol treatment (3–6 months) is often able to suppress the production of LATS and restore a normal reaction to triiodothyronine.

Nevertheless, the persistence of certain active ophthalmopathies, of cervical adenopathy and, occasionally, of an elevated IgM level seems to indicate the pathological activity of a distinct autoimmune system.
SYNERGISTIC AND INHIBITORY ACTIVITY OF VARIOUS HORMONES ON THE EXOPHTHALMOS PRODUCING FACTOR IN SERA OF PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM ENDOCRINE EXOPHTHALMOS
Authors: Schemmel K. , Weisbecker L. , Müller W. , Kreysing G.
Published: December 2008

In the carp, exophthalmos with a corresponding increase in intercorneal distance (ICD) may be induced by thyrotrophic hormone. In the range 50-500 mU TSH the effect is dose-dependent. The same effect is obtained after the injection of the serum of patients suffering from endocrine ophthalmopathia. Diluted serum does not give rise to significant exophthalmos. If, however, the carp were pretreated with β1–24-corticotrophin, diluted serum also proved to be effective. PMS-gonadotrophin and also HCG were less effective in this respect. A synergistic effect is also obtained with L-T3, whereas L-T4 shows rather inhibitory properties. A significant inhibition is obtained with diethylstilboestrol, prednisolone and D-thyroxine.
THE INFLUENCE OF TRIIODOTHYRONINE (T3) TREATMENT ON THE RESIN UPTAKE OF 131I-TRIIODOTHYRONINE
Authors: Dussault Jean , Row Vas V. , Volpé Robert
Published: December 2008

The effects of T3 treatment on the resin uptake of 131I-T3 as well as on serum thyroxine, have been studied in a euthyroid normal control group, in a group of hypothyroid patients, and in a group of pregnant women. T3 therapy resulted in a decline in the resin uptake of 131I-T3 in the normal control group; this was considered due to a suppression of serum thyroxine (consequent to TSH suppression), with a consequent increase in the amount of unsaturated thyroxine binding globulin. In patients with hypothyroidism, however, the resin uptake of 131I-T3 actually increased as a result of T3 treatment. Since the serum thyroxine in this group could not decrease any further as a result of the T3 administration, the T3 was truly additive, saturating more TBG binding sites, thus increasing the resin uptake of 131I-T3. In the pregnant group, large doses of T3 also caused an increase in the resin uptake of 131I-T3. While the decline in serum thyroxine was only modest, it was still greater than the accompanying rise in serum T3, so that the net amount of circulating thyroid hormone was less in the post treatment phase. Thus, the rise in the resin uptake of 131I-T3 is not completely explicable in this group.
WIRKUNG DES FUNKTIONSZUSTANDES DER SCHILDDRÜSE AUF DEN STOFFWECHSEL DER ÖSTROGENE IN DER MIKROSOMEN-FRAKTION DER RATTENLEBER
Authors: Lehmann Wolf Dietrich , Breuer Heinz
Published: December 2008

The metabolism of [4-14C] oestrone has been investigated in the microsomal fractions of liver of euthyroid, hypothyroid, hyperthyroid and thyrotoxic rats; the formation of the ether soluble, water soluble and protein-bound fractions was studied. It was found that the biotransformation of oestrone depended upon the function of the thyroid.

Oestrone was metabolised to a higher degree in hyperthyroid rats, but to a lesser degree in thyrotoxic and hypothyroid rats. The behaviour of the ether soluble, water soluble and protein-bound fractions exhibited marked differences between the various groups of animals studied. In hyperthyroid and thyrotoxic rats, the metabolism of the ether soluble fractions was accelerated, and the formation of the protein-bound fractions was faster and more extensive than in euthyroid rats; in hypothyroid animals, only small differences in the protein-bound fraction were observed. In all four groups of animals, the amounts of the water soluble fractions were approximately the same.

After incubation of oestrone with the microsomal fractions of liver of euthyroid, hyperthyroid, thyrotoxic as well as hypothyroid rats the following metabolites were identified in the ether soluble fractions: 6α-, 6β-and 7α-hydroxyoestrone, 6α- 6β- and 7α-hydroxy-17β-oestradiol, 16α-hydroxyoestrone, oestriol and 17β-oestradiol. The amounts of metabolites formed depended upon the functional state of the thyroid.

No increased 16α-hydroxylation of oestrone was noticed in the ether soluble fraction of hypothyroid rats, whereas in the hypothyroid human an increase in the excretion of oestriol in urine as compared to normal subjects is observed (Brown & Strong 1965; Fishman et al. 1965).

This discrepancy may be explained by species differences, by an extrahepatic metabolism of oestrone or by differences in the conjugation of oestriol. To obtain more information about the interrelationship between thyroid function and the metabolism of oestrone in liver, further investigations of the chemical nature of the water soluble and the proteinbound metabolites of oestrone are necessary.
3H-CORTICOSTERONE METABOLISM IN THE RAT
Authors: Lowy ]. , Albepart T. , Pasqualini J. R.
Published: December 2008

3H-Corticosterone was administered intravenously into two rats. After 80 min the animals were sacrificed and the radioactive material of the different tissues (intestine, liver, kidneys, lungs, adrenals, spleen and the remainder of the animal) was analyzed. Most of this material was found in the intestine and in the liver in a conjugated form and identified as ester-sulphates. This material mainly consisted of hexahydro- and of tetrahydro-derivatives. Corticosterone 21-sulphate was identified in this fraction. 7 to 12% of the radioactivity corresponded to polar conjugated steroids non-hydrolyzed by β-glucuronidase, sulphatase or solvolysis treatment. After hydrolysis of this fraction by the enzymes of succus entericus of Helix pomatia, the radioactive material liberated mainly consisted of hexa- and tetrahydro-corticosterone metabolites.
CONTRACEPTION BY AN INJECTABLE, LONG-ACTING OESTROGEN-PROGESTOGEN AGENT
Authors: Plesner Rolf
Published: December 2008

The author reports the results of a clinical study on 17 fertile women treated through a total of 120 cycles with Deladroxate, an injectable, long-acting oestrogen-progestogen. The injections were administered on the 8th (7th–9th) day of each cycle. Before treatment was started, the patients were observed through 2 cycles with regard to cycle length as well as duration and amount of flow. Moreover, ovulation was assessed by means of daily recording of basal body temperature (BBT), pregnanediol analyses, total pituitary gonadotrophin analyses, and endometrial biopsies.

In some cases the dosage had to be increased because of a shortening of the cycle. The mean cycle length during the treatment was 24.2 days, though with fairly marked variations (mean cycle length before institution of treatment: 28.2 days).

Duration of flow ranged from 3–35 days. About 84% of 108 withdrawal bleedings lasted for 4–8 days. Of the flows 56 % were of normal amount, while the majority of the remaining 44 % were scantier than in the patients with normal periods.

The ovulation-inhibiting effect of Deladroxate was assessed by daily recording of BBT, pregnanediol and pituitary gonadotrophin assays, and endometrial biopsies. Five of the 41 BBT curves (41 cycles) were biphasic. Four out of 34 endometrial biopsies, obtained on the 23rd day of the cycle, showed a secretory phase. Forty out of 41 cycles were anovulatory, as assessed by the pregnanediol excretion, while in 1 cycle the excretion pattern was not characteristic. In 20 out of 37 cycles there was a definite depression of gonadotrophin excretion, while in 17 cycles the excretion pattern was not characteristic.

The effect of Deladroxate on the adrenal cortex was studied by means of 17-ketogenic steroid and 17-ketosteroid excretion. With both groups of steroids there seemed to be a tendency to a reduced excretion during treatment. No changes in the fibrinogen, prothrombin, GO-transaminase, bilirubin, or thymol values were observed during treatment.

Side effects during treatment, recorded in 11 of the 17 subjects, were in most cases slight and transient. The most common complaints were breast tenderness, oedema, and irregularities of bleeding. No pregnancy occurred during treatment.
PLASMA LEVELS OF PROGESTERONE IN PREGNANCY MEASURED BY A RAPID COMPETITIVE PROTEIN BINDING TECHNIQUE
Authors: Johansson Elof D. B.
Published: December 2008

Plasma levels of progesterone* were measured during normal human pregnancy by a sensitive and rapid competitive protein binding technique. During the first half of gestation 440 determinations in 321 women and in the second half of gestation, 209 determinations in 160 women were performed.

The average plasma level of progesterone in the 5th week of gestation was 24.8 ± 7.3 (s) ng/ml which is above the normal range of the luteal plateau of the menstrual cycle (10–20 ng/ml). Between the 5th and the 9th week of gestation the plasma concentration decreased significantly. From the 9th to the 32nd week of gestation the plasma level of progesterone increased from 16.7 ± 7.4 (s) to 125.2 ± 37.9 (s) ng/ml. During the last 8 weeks of gestation the plasma levels of progesterone did not show any significant rise. One woman was followed up from the day of ovulation to the 8th week of gestation. An increase in progesterone levels was observed about 10 days after ovulation. Morning samples of progesterone, which were taken before the 20th week of gestation, when the woman was still in bed, were found to be somewhat higher than levels found during the remainder of the day.

Progesterone concentrations in a few abnormal pregnancies are also reported.
1,2-3H-TESTOSTERONE: DISTRIBUTION AND UPTAKE IN NEURAL AND GENITAL TISSUES OF INTACT MALE, CASTRATE MALE AND FEMALE RATS
Authors: Roy S. K. , Laumas K. R.
Published: December 2008

This report deals with a comparative study of the uptake of radioactivity in the genital, neural and other tissues of intact male, castrate male and female rats after constant infusion of radiochemically pure 1,2-3H-testosterone. Castration has been found to have a marked effect in enhancing the uptake of radioactivity in the different tissues particularly liver and kidney which have a metabolic and excretory role.

Prostate and seminal vesicles, on the other hand, did not show any difference in uptake in intact and castrate rats. The uptake of testosterone and its metabolites in the prostate of intact animals was 3.46 × 10−9 m. In experiments on subcellular localization of radioactivity after constant infusion of 1,2-3H-testosterone, it was found that prostate and seminal vesicle had heavy localisation in the nuclear and 105 000 × g soluble fraction while the major localisation of radioactivity in the case of nontarget tissues like liver, intestine, muscle etc. was in the soluble fraction. Castration caused a higher uptake of radioactivity in the anterior pituitary gland, anterior and middle hypothalamus also, which could be explained on the basis of the negative feedback of the hormone. An interesting feature of the uptake of testosterone and its metabolites in the female rat was the high uptake in the anterior pituitary gland, and the various parts of the hypothalamus. These findings are discussed in light of information available on the action and feedback of sex hormones.