bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STUDIES ON ARTIFICIAL CRYPTORCHIDISM: DEGENERATIVE AND REGENERATIVE CHANGES IN THE GERMINAL EPITHELIUM OF THE RAT TESTIS
Authors: CLEGG E. J.
Published: December 2008

1. In the rat bilateral artificial cryptorchidism results in degenerative changes in the seminiferous tubules which are maximal about the 15th day after operation. Up to this stage all germ cells are reduced in number, spermatogonia being least affected and spermatids most. Spermatogonial mitoses and spermatocytial meioses are also inhibited to some extent.

2. Following this initial phase of degeneration there is a partial regeneration, most marked in the case of spermatocytes and total germ cells, which at the 35th day results in the formation of early spermatids.

3. The degree of germ-cell degeneration after 15 days of cryptorchidism is greater than the maximal degeneration after hypophysectomy. It is considered that the increased environmental temperature of the testes may 'block' the action of gonadotrophins on the seminiferous tubules as well as damage the germ cells directly. The occurrence of a certain degree of regeneration may indicate that this 'block' can be overcome to some extent by increased production of pituitary gonadotrophins.
DETECTION AND ASSAY OF PROLACTIN BY THE LOCAL LACTOGENIC RESPONSE IN THE RABBIT
Authors: CHADWICK A.
Published: December 2008

The assay of prolactin by the technique of mammary-intraductal injection in pseudopregnant rabbits was investigated both by subjective assessment of the lactogenic response and by estimation of the lactose synthesized locally in the glands.

Factors affecting the response were studied. The threshold levels of prolactin needed to induce lactation in the rabbit were determined. Of the breeds investigated, New Zealand White rabbits were the most sensitive to lactogenic stimuli. However, no breed gave uniform results and the main obstacle to the routine application of the assay method is the inherent variability of the rabbits. Nevertheless, the assay does provide a useful semi-quantitative method for assessing the effects of prolactin.
THE RENAL ACTION OF SMALL DOSES OF CORTISOL AT NIGHT
Authors: IMRIE M. J. , MILLS J. N. , WILLIAMSON K. S.
Published: December 2008

Cortisol, 15 mg., injected intravenously in nine human subjects at 23.00 hr. increased K+ in urine excreted between midnight and 02.00 hr. but effects on Na+ excretion were variable. No significant changes in creatinine excretion were observed.

In further experiments on one subject cortisol was infused intravenously at 4 or 6 mg./hr. from 21.00 to 02.00 hr. Little regular difference from controls was seen in excretion of either sodium or potassium.

The results are discussed in the light of the suggestion that secretion of cortisol in the morning raises excretion of sodium and potassium from the low night value.
GRANULOSA CELL TUMOUR OF THE OVARY IN A VIRGIN HEIFER
Authors: SHORT R. V. , SHORTER D. R. , LINZELL J. L.
Published: December 2008

A case is described of a granulosa cell tumour of the ovary in a virgin heifer, which was showing signs of nymphomania.

The cyst fluid from the tumour contained progesterone, 20β-hydroxypregn-4-en-3-one, possibly a trace of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, and oestradiol-17β. The progesterone: oestradiol-17β ratio was only 6:1, and yet the tumour appeared to have caused normal mammary development and lactation.
A STUDY OF THE HORMONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR OVUM IMPLANTATION IN THE RAT, BY MEANS OF DELAYED NIDATION-INDUCING SUBSTANCES (CHLORPROMAZINE, TRIFLUOPERAZINE)
Authors: PSYCHOYOS A.
Published: December 2008

A new phenothiazine derivative trifluoperazine ('Stelazine') appears to be more effective than chlorpromazine in causing delayed nidation in the rat.

Treatment, started on day 3 of normal pregnancy and repeated every 24 hr., induced delayed nidation in over 80% of the animals treated. This delay was corrected, and implantation brought about, immediately after the exogenous supply of 0·1 μg. of oestradiol.

In a second series of experiments, a single injection of Stelazine was given to females, subsequently spayed and treated with progesterone, and was found to postpone the stage from which ovariectomy is compatible with ovum implantation.

The results obtained support the hypothesis that nidation is induced, under normal conditions, by a release of oestrogen on day 4 of pregnancy. It is suggested that tranquillizers influence ovum implantation by postponing, through the pituitary cycle, this discharge of oestrogen.
CHANGES IN THE MAMMARY GLANDS OF RATS AND MICE DURING PREGNANCY, LACTATION AND INVOLUTION
Authors: MUNFORD R. E.
Published: December 2008

The changes in five measurements and four derived estimates of histological structure of the mammary gland were followed in rats and mice killed at 3-day intervals throughout pregnancy and lactation, or pregnancy, lactation and involution, respectively. A polynomial regression equation was fitted to the data for each variable.

In the rat and to a lesser degree in the mouse, there was a striking fall in the number of alveoli per unit area at the time of parturition and a corresponding rise in alveolar diameter. The number of nuclei in the average alveolar cross-section was relatively constant during the latter part of pregnancy and in lactation, but increased approximately twofold about the time of parturition. There was little change in the estimate of total alveoli after parturition whereas volume of glandular tissue (estimated by the product of proportion of glandular tissue and area of histological section) increased steadily from early pregnancy to a maximum value in the middle or latter part of lactation. The curve fitted to the estimate of total nuclei was almost a perfect parabola in the mouse, with a maximum value at about day 7 of lactation, but was more nearly linear in the rat.
CHANGES IN THE MAMMARY GLANDS OF RATS AND MICE DURING PREGNANCY, LACTATION AND INVOLUTION
Authors: MUNFORD R. E.
Published: December 2008

The changes in the level of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and in the activities of alkaline and acid phosphatases were followed in the mammary glands of rats and mice killed at intervals of 3 days during pregnancy and lactation or pregnancy, lactation and involution, respectively. Polynomial regression equations were fitted to the data after they had been transformed to a logarithmic scale. During pregnancy and lactation, the general form of the curves described by the equations were similar for DNA and alkaline phosphatase, however expressed, and for acid phosphatase, other than when expressed as a concentration per mg. of DNA. All equations had a large linear term with a smaller significant negative and/or cubic term. During most of pregnancy and in early lactation the curves showed a steep, almost linear rise. During early pregnancy the slope was somewhat lower, while in the latter part of lactation the rate of increase was small or became negative. In the mouse, when the values for animals killed during involution were included in the analyses, the equations tended to be dominated by the quadratic term, a reflexion of the steep fall in the levels of all constituents after weaning.

If the assumption was accepted that the average DNA content of cells did not change during the lactational cycle, the following conclusions could be drawn. In the rat, the marked similarity of the equation for total content of DNA and for concentration of DNA (per unit weight of tissue corrected for 'milk' content) indicated that the increase, and subsequent decrease, in cell numbers was mirrored almost exactly by inverse changes in average cell mass. The equations describing changes in total content of DNA (expressed in logarithms) implied that, for both species, the mitotic rate in the mammary gland was constant, or nearly constant, for most of pregnancy and the first part of lactation. In the rat and in the mouse, the increase in total alkaline phosphatase activity during pregnancy and throughout most of lactation was in part due to an increase in the enzyme activity per cell. On the other hand, the changes in total activity of acid phosphatase seemed to be due entirely to changes in the number of cells.
CALCIUM EXCRETION IN THERMAL SWEAT IN THYROTOXICOSIS
Authors: HARDEN R. McG.
Published: December 2008

The calcium excretion and concentration in thermal sweat was found to be significantly higher in thyrotoxic patients than in controls or treated thyrotoxic patients.

In the thyrotoxic patients there was a correlation between the excretion of calcium in the sweat and the urinary excretion of calcium.

Significant amounts of calcium may be lost in the sweat in thyrotoxicosis and losses by this route must be taken into account in calcium balance studies.
THE DISTRIBUTION AND TURNOVER OF CORTISOL IN SHEEP
Authors: PATERSON J. Y. F.
Published: December 2008

When labelled cortisol was injected intravenously into sheep it disappeared rapidly from blood. A few minutes after injection the specific activity of plasma cortisol decreased in a simple exponential manner, and it was therefore assumed that cortisol was contained in one pool. Cortisol pool sizes and turnover rates were calculated from plasma cortisol specific activity and its rate of change. The estimates of turnover rates so calculated are higher than the rates of cortisol secretion reported by other workers. Because the turnover of cortisol in sheep is rapid it is possible that the assumption that cortisol is contained in one pool might give erroneously high values for the cortisol turnover rate.
THE EFFECT OF THYROID HORMONES ON WATER PERMEABILITY OF THE ISOLATED BLADDER OF THE TOAD BUFO BUFO
Authors: GREEN K. , MATTY A. J.
Published: December 2008

Thyroxine at 10−6m concentration enhances water movement from the mucosal to the serosal surface of the isolated toad bladder in the absence of an osmotic gradient. It is suggested that this is caused by the effect of thyroxine on sodium transport which creates a driving force for the increased water movement. Thyroxine caused this effect when applied on either side of the membrane, but was more effective when applied to the serosal surface.

Incubation of different bladders successively in the same triiodothyronine solution indicated that triiodothyronine may be rapidly utilized.

A mixture of thyroxine and triiodothyronine caused a diphasic effect on water loss down an osmotic gradient.

The analogues tetraiodothyroproprionic acid and tetraiodothyroformic acid had no effect on water movement down an osmotic gradient across the isolated toad bladder nor did they affect oxygen uptake or sodium transport.

The results support the concept that thyroxine and triiodothyronine act on permeability processes in and across cell membranes.
COMPLETE RESTORATION OF LACTATION IN THE GOAT AFTER HYPOPHYSECTOMY
Authors: COWIE A. T. , KNAGGS G. S. , TINDAL J. S.
Published: December 2008

Studies have been carried out on the restoration and maintenance of lactation in six goats hypophysectomized during lactation. Three of these received replacement therapy some time after the operation when the milk yields had fallen to a very low level, and the other three received replacement therapy immediately after the operation. It was found that the combination of ovine prolactin (300 i.u. twice daily), bovine somatotrophin (12·5 mg./day or 6·25 mg. twice daily), triiodo-l-thyronine (0·5 mg./day), zinc protamine insulin (8 i.u./day) and tablet implants of dexamethasone could restore the milk yield to the pre-operative level when therapy was started some time after hypophysectomy. The same combination of hormones maintained milk secretion at the pre-operative level when therapy was started immediately after operation.
COMPARATIVE ASPECTS OF CORTISOL TRANSPORT: LACK OF FIRM BINDING TO PLASMA PROTEINS IN DOMESTIC RUMINANTS
Authors: LINDNER H. R.
Published: December 2008

The concentration of cortisol in peripheral plasma (μg./100 ml.) was 0·6 ± 0·1 (s.e.) in penned sheep accustomed to handling and 1·1 ± 0·2 in untrained grazing sheep, or about 1/10 of the basal level in man or the guinea-pig. Plasma cortisol in the goat (mean 1·2) and the ox (2·6 ± 0·3) was also low.

Freely diffusible cortisol was distinguished from protein-bound hormone by gel filtration after equilibration of the plasma with 3H- or 14C-labelled steroid. The binding capacity (μg./100 ml.) of sheep plasma for cortisol at room temp. (1·7 ± 0·2) was only slightly above that of 5% ovine albumin solutions. It compared with 3·5 (2·2–4·6) in the goat, 6·1 ± 1·0 in the ox, 14–21 in the guinea-pig, 17–23 in normal human and 25–59 in human pregnancy plasma. These are minimal estimates, since partial dissociation of the transcortin-cortisol complex occurred under the test conditions. Sheep plasma showed no significant elevation in cortisol concentration or binding power during pregnancy, nor in response to oestrogen administration.

At physiological cortisol levels and room temperature, 39 ± 5% of the cortisol in sheep plasma was protein bound, but values above 40% were associated with low plasma cortisol levels and hence confined to samples from trained or adrenalectomized sheep. ACTH administration or addition of very small amounts of cortisol to ovine plasma in vitro caused a sharp fall in this percentage. Moreover, at body temperature only 9 ± 2% of the plasma cortisol in the sheep was non-diffusible. This finding may account for the great sensitivity of target tissues to the changes of blood cortisol level in this species. In human pregnancy plasma 86–95% of plasma cortisol (> 14μg./100 ml.) was bound at room temperature and 60–74% at 37°.

Published data and those now presented suggest that plasma level and biological half-life of cortisol in different animal species are directly related to binding capacity.
A NEW BIOASSAY METHOD FOR LUTEINIZING HORMONE DEPENDING ON THE DEPLETION OF RAT OVARIAN CHOLESTEROL
Authors: BELL E. T. , MUKERJI S. , LORAINE J. A.
Published: December 2008

A new assay method for luteinizing hormone (LH) activity is described and the criteria for its reliability are assessed. The technique depends on ovarian cholesterol depletion in intact immature rats pretreated with pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG).

The main advantage of the ovarian cholesterol depletion (OCD) test is its high sensitivity, the assay being approximately five million times more sensitive than the ovarian ascorbic acid depletion (OAAD) method. The chief disadvantage of the technique is its relatively low degree of precision.

The LH activity of various gonadotrophin preparations has been determined by the new OCD test. The results obtained agree well with those found by the OAAD method.

The extreme sensitivity of the OCD test suggests that it will be eminently suitable for clinical use.
AUDIOGENIC SEIZURES IN ADULT FEMALE OVARIECTOMIZED RATS (SPRAGUE-DAWLEY) TREATED WITH SEX HORMONES
Authors: WERBOFF J. , HEDLUND L. , HAVLENA JOAN
Published: December 2008

Adult female albino rats of the Sprague-Dawley strain were ovariectomized or sham-operated and tested for their susceptibility to audiogenic seizures at regular intervals after operation. The animals were given daily injections of hormones (testosterone, progesterone, or oestradiol) at different dose levels. A total of 372 animals, divided into twenty-six groups according to initial seizure susceptibility and treatment, were used. The results showed that, in the seizure-resistant animals, ovariectomy did not significantly alter the incidence of audiogenic seizures. Testosterone and progesterone produced a significant increase in seizure susceptibility in the sham-operated group only. Oestradiol significantly increased seizure incidence in both operated groups. In the seizure-susceptible animals (ovariectomized and sham-operated) all hormones produced significant decreases in seizure incidence. Of the three hormones, testosterone produced the most marked decrease in seizures, followed by progesterone and, finally, oestradiol.
THE METABOLISM OF TESTOSTERONE BY TISSUE FROM NORMAL AND NEOPLASTIC RAT BREAST
Authors: KING R. J. B. , GORDON J. , HELFENSTEIN JANET E.
Published: December 2008

The qualitative and quantitative metabolism of testosterone by rat mammary gland and hydrocarbon-induced mammary tumours has been investigated. These tissues contain a Δ4-5α-hydrogenase, 3-ketosteroid reductase and 17 β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. The qualitative picture was the same in all the tissues studied but a quantitative difference was evident. In general, the tumours metabolized more steroid than mammary gland tissue taken from animals in late pregnancy. No conversion of testosterone to oestrone or oestradiol could be detected.
THE ACTION OF OESTRADIOL AND DIMETHYLSTILBOESTROL ON EARLY PREGNANCY AND DECIDUOMA FORMATION IN THE MOUSE
Authors: STONE G. M. , EMMENS C. W.
Published: December 2008

Maximum sensitivity to oestradiol-3:17 β and dimethylstilboestrol (DMS) in interrupting pregnancy or inhibiting deciduoma formation occurred approximately 72 hr. after mating. Administration of the two compounds together resulted only in additive action and not antagonism. The inhibitory action of DMS in these experiments may have been due to its pro-oestrogenic rather than to its anti-oestrogenic activity, but this is by no means certain.
THE INFLUENCE OF SOME OESTROGENS AND PROGESTOGENS ON THE ACTIVITY OF GLYCERYLPHOSPHORYLCHOLINE DIESTERASE IN RINSINGS OF THE RAT UTERUS
Authors: WALLACE J. C. , STONE G. M. , WHITE I. G.
Published: December 2008

The effects of some oestrogens and progestogens on the glycerylphosphorylcholine (GPC) diesterase activity and the protein concentration of rinsings of the rat uterus have been studied in relation to changes in the weight of this organ. Both enzyme activity and protein concentration were increased by subcutaneous administration of oestradiol-3:17β, oestriol, oestrone and diethylstilboestrol to ovariectomized rats and these responses were inhibited by progesterone and 17α-ethyl-19-nortestosterone. The GPC diesterase activity and protein content of uterine rinsings were affected independently of each other and of changes in the uterine weight.
THE URINARY EXCRETION OF GONADOTROPHINS BY SHEEP: THE EFFECT OF SOME NUTRITIONAL FACTORS ON THE EXCRETION OF GONADOTROPHINS BY CASTRATED MALE SHEEP
Authors: SYMINGTON R. B.
Published: December 2008

Male castrated Merino sheep were fed indoors on a dry ration or grazed on a good quality pasture. Despite the much greater urine volumes excreted by the grazing animals, the mean daily rates of excretion of total gonadotrophic activity and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were very similar in the two groups. Corresponding levels of excretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) were very variable, owing apparently to deficiencies in the assay technique.

When sheep were fed indoors on freshly cut grass, the urine output was almost three-quarters of that of grazing animals but the rate of excretion of total gonadotrophic activity and of FSH was considerably greater than that of grazing animals.

The daily output of urine by sheep fed indoors on a dry ration was adjusted to equal that of grazing sheep. Although the amounts of total gonadotrophic activity were smaller than those in the previous experiments, the amounts of FSH excreted were the highest recorded in the entire investigation.

The possibility of a temporal fluctuation in the excretion of gonadotrophins is discussed.
CORTISOL BINDING IN THE SERUM IN KWASHIORKOR
Authors: LEONARD P. J. , MacWILLIAM K. M.
Published: December 2008

The binding by serum and the urinary excretion of cortisol was investigated before and after treatment in eleven children with kwashiorkor. The 24-hourly output of cortisol in the urine was unaltered but after treatment the percentage of free cortisol in the serum fell to one half of the pretreatment value. Changes in the concentration of free steroid were inversely related to the serum albumin level. It was concluded that changes in the binding of adrenal steroids of the magnitude observed may account for the sodium retention and oedema of kwashiorkor.
URINARY EXCRETION OF 17-DEOXYCORTICOSTEROIDS BY MAN
Authors: EXLEY D. , NORYMBERSKI J. K.
Published: December 2008

Determinations of urinary 17-deoxycorticosteroids (17H-CS) and, in most instances, the concurrent determination of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17OH-CS) led to the following findings.

1. Healthy adults excreted 17H-CS at the rate of 3·4 ± 1·0 mg./24 hr. (mean ± s.d.) with a ratio of 17OH-CS to 17H-CS of 2·8 ± 0·6.

2. The assay of urinary 17H-CS accounted for 14–19% of the corticosterone acetate given orally to an Addisonian patient.

3. Stimulation or suppression of the adrenal cortex gave rise to changes in the excretion of 17H-CS closely paralleling those of 17OH-CS.

4. During the course of pregnancy the excretion of 17H-CS rose more steeply than that of 17OH-CS with the ratio of the latter to the former falling to 0·5–1·2 during the last two trimesters.

5. In children aged 1–12 days, the 17OH-CS: 17-H-CS ratio was 0·3 ± 0·1. In the sole case investigated, this ratio remained essentially unchanged until the age of 2 months; it rose from the 3rd month and attained a normal adult value at the age of 5 months.
THE EFFECTS OF CONSTANT DOSES OF OESTROGEN AND PROGESTERONE ON THE TRANSPORT OF ARTIFICIAL EGGS THROUGH THE REPRODUCTIVE TRACT OF OVARIECTOMIZED RABBITS
Authors: HARPER M. J. K.
Published: December 2008

The technique of tracing the movement of 'artificial eggs' (radioactive spheres) by autoradiography was used to study the effects of progesterone and oestrogen either alone, or in combination, on egg movement through the reproductive tract of ovariectomized rabbits.

Ovariectomy was performed 7 days before the transport experiments, except in one treatment group when it was done 35 days previously. The animals were autopsied at 8, 24, 48 or 56 hr. after insertion of the spheres into the ampullae of the Fallopian tubes. There were five or more animals in each group except one.

The effects of various hormonal replacements were studied. It was found that removal of the ovaries, whether 7 or 35 days before the transport experiments commenced, caused extremely irregular movement of the spheres through the Fallopian tube. Marked differences were recorded between the behaviour of the spheres in animals ovariectomized for the shorter as compared with the longer period.

None of the hormonal treatments produced normal movement of the spheres through the Fallopian tube. Progesterone delayed movement of the spheres through the ampulla very markedly, but if the spheres reached the isthmus they passed into the uterus on all occasions. Neither the isthmus nor the utero-tubal junction in animals so treated proved a barrier to the movement of the spheres into the uterus. Movement of the spheres through the uterus of these animals was inhibited, and most of the spheres recovered were found in the half of the uterus nearest to the utero-tubal junction.

Oestradiol benzoate, in the dose administered, had an accelerating effect on the passage of the spheres through the tube, and also through the uterus. Some spheres were found to have entered the vagina in three out of the four time-groups studied. It was observed that despite the accelerating effect of oestrogen on the movement of the spheres through the Fallopian tube a certain percentage, even after the longest interval studied, was trapped at the junction of the ampulla and the isthmus.

The two groups treated with oestrogen and progesterone in combination tended to produce results similar to those observed after treatment with either progesterone or oestrogen alone, depending on which hormone was dominant.

It is concluded that the amount of oestrogen present is critical in ensuring rapid transport through the ampulla, but that a proper balance of oestrogen and progesterone must be maintained to ensure retention of the spheres or eggs in the isthmus until the correct time for entry into the uterus. It is clear that this pattern of egg movement through the Fallopian tube cannot be re-created by fixed daily doses of progesterone and oestrogen.
FURTHER STUDIES ON THE USE OF TETRAZOLIUM IN THE BIOLOGICAL ASSAY OF OESTROGENS
Authors: MARTIN L.
Published: December 2008

An extensive description is given of the techniques and schedules used in the tetrazolium assay for oestrogens. Among the variables studied, volume of tetrazolium solution, dissection speed and the use of albumen solution were without effect. Priming of mice increased overall formazan production and reduced variability, but did not increase sensitivity or slope of the dose response line for oestrone. Other possible variables affecting the assay are discussed. Three randomly bred strains of mice were comparable in sensitivity and precision, while a single inbred strain (CBA) was so variable as to be unsatisfactory for routine use.

Oestradiol-3:17β was 3·7 times as active as oestrone, and oestriol approximately half as active. The slope of the dose-response line for oestriol was significantly lower than those for oestrone and oestradiol. Diethylstilboestrol was slightly less active than oestradiol-3:17β and equal in slope.
BINDING OF VASOPRESSIN AND OXYTOCIN TO PROTEIN IN EXTRACTS OF BOVINE AND RABBIT NEUROHYPOPHYSES
Authors: GINSBURG M. , IRELAND M.
Published: December 2008

Association of oxytocin and arginine vasopressin with protein in bovine and rabbit neurohypophysial extracts has been studied by co-precipitation of the hormones with protein on addition of NaCl, by gel filtration and by dialysis. Although precipitates formed by addition of NaCl (2·5–20 g./100 ml.) to bovine neurohypophysial extracts at pH 3·1 contain both hormones, oxytocin and arginine vasopressin were partially separated at 5·0 g. NaCl/100 ml. when the proportion of oxytocin precipitated was approximately double that of arginine vasopressin. No precipitate formed on addition of NaCl (15 g./100 ml.) to bovine neurohypophysial extract at pH 5.8.

Experiments by gel filtration and dialysis showed that the binding of oxytocin and vasopressin to protein in neurohypophysial extracts is pH dependent and is maximal in the range pH 5·2–5·8. Dilution of a solution containing neurohypophysial hormones and protein results in dissociation of the complexes and this could account for differences observed in experiments with bovine and rabbit neurohypophysial extracts. It is suggested that the mode of binding between the hormones and protein is ionic association between the cationic free terminal NH2 of the cystine residue in the hormones and free carboxyl groups in protein.
THE EFFECT OF HYDROCORTISONE ON THE VENTRAL AND ANTERIOR PROSTATE GLAND OF THE RAT GROWN IN CULTURE
Authors: LASNITZKI ILSE
Published: December 2008

The effect of hydrocortisone was studied in organ cultures of the ventral and anterior prostate gland of young rats grown in natural and semi-defined medium and the action of hydrocortisone on the ventral gland was compared with that of testosterone.

In natural medium the ventral prostates showed a reduction of the number of alveoli, a lowering of the epithelium and a striking increase of the stroma. In the semi-defined medium the changes were confined to a lowering of the epithelium and a reduction of secretory activity.

Hydrocortisone counteracted this regression in all cultures to which it had been added. In natural medium it preserved the number of alveoli, maintained epithelial height and suppressed the proliferation of the stroma. In the semi-defined medium the hormone preserved the height and function of the epithelium.

Testosterone added to natural medium inhibited stromal growth and partially maintained the epithelium; in semi-defined medium it maintained the epithelium but the cells were better preserved by hydrocortisone.

The anterior prostate gland showed epithelial hyperplasia and increase of connective tissue in both media; hydrocortisone inhibited both changes and produced cultures that resembled the organ in vivo.
MYOMETRIAL ACTIVITY IN THE PREGNANT GUINEA-PIG
Authors: SCHOFIELD BRENDA M.
Published: December 2008

1. Observations are reported on the effect of gestagens, oxytocin and Infonutrol on pregnancy in the guinea-pig.

2. In mid-pregnancy a series of oxytocin injections (each of 5 i.u.) was required in most animals to produce abortion but this treatment was not always effective. Abortion occurred several hours after an injection and often not all the foetuses were extruded on the same day.

3. Towards the end of pregnancy the myometrium became more sensitive and within 2 days of term a small dose of oxytocin resulted in the prompt delivery of the entire litter.

4. Neither progesterone nor 6α-methyl 17α-hydroxyprogesterone acetate were effective in delaying spontaneous or oxytocin-induced delivery in the doses tried (2·5 mg. 12-hourly i.m. or 10 mg. daily s.c.).

5. In a small number of experiments Infonutrol was not effective in disturbing pregnancy.

6. The significance of these findings is discussed in relation to the mechanisms for the control of the myometrium which have been established in the rabbit. There seems no reason to believe the basic mechanisms are necessarily different in the guinea-pig.
EFFECT OF EXOGENOUS HORMONES ON THE TACTILE SENSITIVITY OF THE CANARY BROOD PATCH
Authors: HINDE R. A. , STEEL ELIZABETH
Published: December 2008

0·05 mg. oestradiol benzoate, injected thrice weekly alone or in combination with either 0·25 mg. progesterone or 75 i.u. prolactin, induced an increase in tactile sensitivity in the female canary's brood patch. Progesterone and prolactin alone did not produce this effect; 0·3 mg. of the oestrogen was also ineffective alone and in combination with the other hormones.
LACTOSE CONTENT OF MAMMARY GLANDS OF PREGNANT RATS NEAR TERM: EFFECT OF REMOVAL OF OVARY, PLACENTA AND FOETUS
Authors: SHINDE Y. , ÔTA K. , YOKOYAMA A.
Published: December 2008

The time of initiation of copious milk secretion in the mammary glands of pregnant rats and the effects of removal of ovaries and/or placentae with foetuses on lactogenesis were investigated by measuring the lactose content of the mammary glands.

In the normal pregnant rat, lactose was detected in the mammary gland on the 20th day of pregnancy, but not on the 15th. An abrupt increase in lactose content occurred on the 21st day of pregnancy.

Bilateral or unilateral ovariectomy, and Caesarean section, with or without ovariectomy, performed on the 18th or 19th day of pregnancy all resulted in a marked increase in the lactose content on the 2nd day after operation. Bilateral ovariectomy caused early delivery of the young and lactose content in the gland increased further after delivery. Foetuses in the unilaterally ovariectomized rats were retained normally to term.

Possible participation of placentae and foetuses in the mechanism of lactogenesis in pregnant animals by controlling the activity of the ovary is discussed.
LACTOGENIC AND PIGEON CROP-STIMULATING ACTIVITIES OF HUMAN PITUITARY GROWTH HORMONE PREPARATIONS
Authors: FORSYTH ISABEL A. , FOLLEY S. J. , CHADWICK A.
Published: December 2008

The ability of human pituitary growth hormone (HGH) to induce milk formation in the pseudopregnant rabbit and to stimulate the crop gland of the pigeon has been investigated. Assayed against purified sheep prolactin, fourteen preparations of HGH all showed marked lactogenic activity in the rabbit mammary intraductal test and the majority of preparations were highly active. On the other hand, in the pigeon, the classical test animal for prolactin assay, low activity in stimulating the crop gland was usual and only two preparations showed activity comparable with that shown by purified sheep prolactin. The finding that HGH has consistently high activity in a mammalian lactogenic test, which may in suitable circumstances provide good estimates of potency, is discussed in the light of the possibility that HGH may be the only human pituitary lactogen.
THE EFFECTS OF HORMONES ON THE CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM OF THE LAMPREY LAMPETRA FLUVIATILIS
Authors: BENTLEY P. J. , FOLLETT B. K.
Published: December 2008

River lampreys regulated their blood glucose concentration when injected with glucose. Mammalian insulin decreased the blood glucose concentration in the lamprey while adrenaline, cortisol and arginine vasotocin increased it. Glucagon had no effect initially but after a delay of 4 hr. decreased the blood glucose level. Insulin and cortisol increased the liver glycogen concentration. Adrenaline decreased the muscle glycogen concentration; vasotocin increased it. Treatment with alloxan increased the blood glucose concentration. Fat and glycogen in the lamprey are stored mainly in the skeletal muscles and their histochemical distribution in muscle is described. The results are discussed in relation to the metabolism of the migrating lamprey and the evolution of the control of carbohydrate metabolism in vertebrates.
RELATIVE EFFICIENCY OF CRYSTALLINE SUSPENSIONS OF HEXOESTROL AND OF OESTRADIOL MONOBENZOATE IN INDUCING MAMMARY DEVELOPMENT AND LACTATION IN THE GOAT; AND EFFECTS OF RELAXIN ON MAMMOGENESIS AND LACTATION
Authors: COWIE A. T. , COX C. P. , FOLLEY S. J. , HOSKING ZENA D. , TINDAL J. S.
Published: December 2008

Suspensions of oestradiol monobenzoate crystals (three intramuscular injections of 25 mg. at intervals of 50 days) in combination with suspensions of progesterone crystals (five injections of 2·1 g. at intervals of 30 days) were more effective in inducing mammary growth and lactation in ovariectomized goats than suspensions of hexoestrol and progesterone crystals administered at similar dose levels and intervals.

Daily injections of relaxin during the last 30 days of the above treatments reduced the milk yields apparently by inhibiting mammary growth.
FURTHER OBSERVATIONS ON 3β-HYDROXYSTEROID DEHYDROGENASE ACTIVITY IN THE MOUSE LEYDIG CELL
Authors: BAILLIE A. H. , GRIFFITHS K.
Published: December 2008

One hundred and ten male Swiss white mice were killed in batches of ten weekly between birth and the end of the 10th week of postnatal life. To demonstrate 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity histochemically, sections of testis from every animal were incubated with the following steroid substrates: (1) sodium 3β-sulphoxypregn-5-en-20-one (pregnenolone sulphate), (2) sodium 3β-sulphoxy-17α-hydroxypregn-5-en-20-one (17α-hydroxypregnenolone sulphate), (3) sodium 3β-sulphoxyandrost-5-en-17-one (DHA sulphate), (4) 3β,16α-dihydroxypregn-5-en-20-one (16α-hydroxypregnenolone), (5) pregn-5-ene-3β,20β-diol (pregnenediol), (6) androst-5-ene-3β, 17β-diol (androstenediol).

Pregnenolone sulphate was rapidly used by the entire interstitium at all ages. 17α-Hydroxypregnenolone sulphate was metabolized by some Leydig cells of all age groups. DHA sulphate was not utilized histochemically by the Leydig cells of the various age groups, but formazan deposition occurred in the mature seminiferous epithelium. This is the only steroid so far investigated to give an histochemical reaction with the germinal epithelium, and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity has not previously been described in the seminiferous tubules. The utilization of steroid sulphates differently from the free steroids in the histochemical demonstration of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity suggests that the presence of a sulphate group may affect enzyme-substrate binding.

With 16α-hydroxypregnenolone and pregnenediol as substrates, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity was demonstrable at birth, increased progressively until the 6th week of postnatal life, and subsequently decreased during the ensuing 4 weeks. This growth curve closely resembles the growth curve obtained with pregnenolone. Androstenediol gave a histochemical reaction with the Leydig cells of all age groups studied, and the sigmoid growth curve resembles that obtained with 3β-hydroxyandrost-5-en-17-one (DHA). These differing growth curves are regarded as further evidence of substrate-specific 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases.
THE EFFECTS OF DECREASING DOSES OF OESTROGEN AND INCREASING DOSES OF PROGESTERONE ON THE TRANSPORT OF ARTIFICIAL EGGS THROUGH THE REPRODUCTIVE TRACT OF OVARIECTOMIZED RABBITS
Authors: HARPER M. J. K.
Published: December 2008

By means of the technique of tracing the movement of 'artificial eggs' (radioactive spheres) by autoradiography (Harper, Bennett, Boursnell & Rowson, 1960) a study has been made of the effects of a decreasing oestrogen and various increasing progesterone doses on egg movement through the reproductive tract of ovariectomized rabbits. Five or more animals were autopsied at 8, 24, 48 and 56 hr. after insertion of the spheres into the ampulla of the Fallopian tube.

It was hoped that such treatments would produce hormonal conditions similar to those in intact rabbits after ovulation, and that therefore normal tubal transport would occur. The treatments used produced normal movement of the spheres through the ampulla and the isthmus, and most of them were retained in the Fallopian tube up to 48 hr. after insertion. However, by 48 hr. one or more spheres were observed to have entered the vagina in all treatment groups. None of the treatments caused most of the spheres to enter the uterus between 48 and 56 hr. after insertion, as would be the case in intact animals at a similar time after ovulation. It was concluded, however, that such treatments could produce tubal transport normal up to 48 hr. in ovariectomized rabbits, and that the presence of oestrogen appeared to be the controlling factor.
CHANGES IN LEVELS OF FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE AND LUTEINIZING HORMONE IN THE BOVINE PITUITARY GLAND AT OVULATION
Authors: RAKHA A. M. , ROBERTSON H. A.
Published: December 2008

A significant (P < 0·05) drop in follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) content of the pituitary was shown to occur in the cow during the period 0–18 hr. after the onset of oestrus.

Calculation of the ratio of LH to FSH in the pituitary during the ovulatory period, suggests that this ratio varied and hence that the ratio of LH to FSH secreted may also vary.
THE EFFECT OF MONOAMINE OXIDASE INHIBITORS ON GROWTH AND THE RAT TIBIA TEST
Authors: ZOR U. , DIKSTEIN S. , SULMAN F. G.
Published: December 2008

A large number of monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors: pivhydrazine (Tersavide), nialamide (Niamide), isocarboxazid (Marplan), mebanazine (Actomol), phenelzine (Nardil), pheniprazine (Catron) and tranylcypromine (Parnate), decrease cartilage growth in normal rats. This inhibition is not directly due to their properties as MAO inhibitors. Thus, for example, iproniazid (Marsilid), 2,5-dichlorophenylhydrazine, etryptamine (Monase) and amphetamine (Benzedrine) did not decrease epiphysial growth of the tibia in immature female rats. MAO inhibitors with a methyl residue on the α-carbon atom inhibited growth to a greater extent than those with a hydrogen in place of the methyl group.

Pargyline (Eutonyl) did not depress cartilage growth in adrenalectomized rats, even when they received large doses of adrenaline. However, pargyline inhibited cartilage growth in adrenalectomized animals receiving hydrocortisone and in normal rats. Thus the growth-inhibiting effect of pargyline seems to be mediated by its potentiating effect on corticosteroids.

Growth hormone prevented the inhibitory effect of pargyline on cartilage growth. Pargyline alone given to normal young male or female rats decreased weight gain for 2 weeks. Later the experimental animals caught up with the controls. It is assumed that the transient weight loss is due to the sympathomimetic effect of the MAO inhibitor, which depresses hypothalamic centres concerned with appetite, weight gain and growth.
THE EFFECT OF HYPOPHYSECTOMY ON THE ACTION OF THYROXINE AND ADRENALINE ON THE METABOLIC RATE OF MICE
Authors: SUBRAHMANYAM SARADA , LOCKETT MARY F.
Published: December 2008

The effect of thyroxine on the oxygen uptake of mice was abolished either by hypophysectomy or by adrenalectomy and was restored in adrenalectomized mice by very small s.c. doses of adrenaline.

Hypophysectomized and neurohypophysectomized mice failed to respond by increase in oxygen uptake to subcutaneous doses of adrenaline which were calorigenic in normal and in adrenalectomized mice. Oxytocin, 4 m-u. s.c. per mouse, restored the effect of adrenaline on the oxygen consumption of neurohypophysectomized adrenalectomized mice.
GROWTH HORMONE SECRETION IN HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED RATS WITH MULTIPLE PITUITARY TRANSPLANTS
Authors: RUBINSTEIN LIDIA , AHRÉN K.
Published: December 2008

The secretion of growth hormone from anterior pituitary transplants under the kidney capsule of gonadectomized and hypophysectomized male rats was investigated with special regard to the importance of the mass of functioning pituitary tissue. Body growth and mammary gland development after testosterone stimulation were studied.

In rats with the pituitary gland autotransplanted to the kidney capsule body growth was markedly reduced. After administration of testosterone a few groups of alveoli only were seen in the mammary glands.

Hypophysectomized rats with four pituitary transplants (an autotransplant and three homotransplants) under the kidney capsule showed slightly better body growth than rats with an autotransplanted hypophysis. When compared with rats with intact pituitary glands body growth was markedly reduced. Mammary gland development after testosterone stimulation was as poor in rats with four pituitary transplants as in rats with an autotransplanted hypophysis.

These results suggest strongly that the normal secretion of growth hormone is regulated by the hypothalamus and that the deficiency of growth hormone in rats with the pituitary gland transplanted remote from the brain is due mainly to a loss of 'specific' stimuli from the hypothalamus and not to a 'non-specific' reduction in the amount of functioning pituitary tissue.
THE EFFECT OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND THYROID FUNCTION ON THE METABOLISM OF OESTRADIOL
Authors: BROWN J. B. , STRONG J. A.
Published: December 2008

The urinary excretion of endogenous and exogenous oestrogens was studied in patients with disordered thyroid function, and in obese and non-obese patients without evident thyroid disease. Hypothyroid patients and obese patients converted a larger percentage of administered oestradiol-17β to urinary oestriol and a lower percentage to urinary oestrone than hyperthyroid patients and non-obese patients. The recovery of administered oestradiol as oestriol, oestrone and oestradiol in urine was the same in the hypothyroid, obese and non-obese patients but considerably lower in the hyperthyroid patients. Similar differences were found in the urinary excretion of endogenous oestrogens. The excretion of endogenous oestrogens varies with the weight of the patient; it was greater in the obese than in the non-obese. The findings indicate that the pathways of oestrogen metabolism are influenced by a number of the factors, including thyroid function, associated with the weight of the patient.
THE EFFECTS OF CALCIUM ON PROTEIN-BINDING AND METABOLISM OF ARGININE VASOPRESSIN IN RATS
Authors: SMITH M. W. , THORN N. A.
Published: December 2008

Hypercalcaemia produced in rats by the intravenous injection of calcium chloride, slowed the rate of disappearance of injected vasopressin from the blood circulation. 24% of the vasopressin injected appeared in the urine of hypercalcaemic rats compared with 7 % in control animals.

Vasopressin injected intravenously into control rats was distributed in a volume equal to the blood volume but when rats had been made hypercalcaemic, the theoretical volume of distribution was three to four times greater. Antidiuresis produced by injection of large doses of vasopressin into hydrated rats was little affected by changes in the blood concentration of calcium. Calcium chloride injected intravenously into hydrated rats resulted in a temporary antidiuresis.

Experiments in vitro with Sephadex G-25 showed that both ox neurophysin and rat serum protein bind vasopressin and that calcium interferes with the binding.

It is suggested that calcium can compete directly with vasopressin for acidic binding sites on proteins; that this can cause the release of vasopressin and alter the transport and possibly the rate of inactivation, of vasopressin.
PLASMA 17-HYDROXYCORTICOSTEROIDS AND 17-OXOSTEROIDS IN PATIENTS WITH BREAST CANCER AND IN NORMAL WOMEN
Authors: DESHPANDE N. , HAYWARD J. L. , BULBROOK R. D.
Published: December 2008

(1) 17-Hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OHCS) and 17-oxosteroids were measured in the plasma of normal women, patients with early breast cancer and in patients with advanced metastatic disease.

(2) The mean plasma 17-OHCS level was found to be normal in the early stages of the disease but was raised in the advanced disease. In both groups of patients the variance was significantly greater than in normal women.

(3) The mean plasma 17-oxosteroid level in both early and advanced breast cancer was not significantly different from the normal level but the variance was increased.

(4) There is a significant correlation between the plasma 17-OHCS and 17-oxosteroids in normal women which was not found in the cancer patients.

(5) In patients with advanced breast cancer, the levels of plasma 17-oxosteroids were significantly correlated with the amounts of 11-deoxy-17-oxosteroids found in the urine. There was no correlation between plasma and urinary 17-OHCS.

(6) The physiological significance of these findings is discussed.
STUDIES ON THE MECHANISMS OF NIDATION
Authors: BARNEA AYALLA , SHELESNYAK M. C.
Published: December 2008

The effects of cervical ganglionectomy and uterine sympathectomy on nidation were investigated in the female rat. Cervicectomy resulted in: (1) Cervical ganglionectomy, as confirmed by histological examination of the extirpated tissue which revealed ganglia and (2) post-ganglionic sympathectomy of the uterus, as revealed by an 80% reduction of uterine noradrenaline measured on the 4th post-operative day. Cervicectomy (cervical ganglionectomy plus sympathectomy), performed a month before mating did not prevent impregnation or nidation, but interfered with normal foetal development. However, the regularity of oestrous cycles after cervicectomy was altered in about 30% (8/23) of the animals. Cervicectomy performed on the 1st or 2nd day of pregnancy did not prevent nidation.
CORTICOSTEROIDOGENESIS IN THE FRESH WATER AND SALINE-MAINTAINED DUCK (ANAS PLATYRHYNCHOS)
Authors: DONALDSON E. M. , HOLMES W. N.
Published: December 2008

No differences were observed in the patterns of adrenal steroidogenesis in vitro by ducks maintained on fresh water or on a hypertonic salt solution.

Determinations in vivo of the biological half-life of corticosterone showed no significant difference between ducks maintained on or loaded with saline and fresh water controls.

An increase in the apparent volume of distribution of corticosterone was, however, observed in birds loaded with the salt solution after maintenance on fresh water or salt solution.

Estimations were made of the secretory rate of corticosterone in vivo. In the ducks maintained on the salt solution an increased adrenal weight was responsible for the enhanced secretory rate but ducks maintained on fresh water and loaded with saline secreted corticosterone at a higher rate per unit weight of adrenal.

The implications of the increased rate of corticosterone secretion are discussed in relation to the known dependence of nasal gland function in marine birds on a functional adrenal gland.
HISTOCHEMICAL DEMONSTRATION OF 20β-HYDROXYSTEROID DEHYDROGENASE
Authors: BAILLIE A. H. , CALMAN K. C. , FERGUSON M. M. , HART D. McK.
Published: December 2008

NAD-dependent 20β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity can be demonstrated histochemically using Nitro-BT. 20β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity was found in the Leydig cells of human and mouse testis, in the zona fasciculata of the mouse adrenal and in the theca interna of the mouse ovary.