bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE EFFECT OF 5-HYDROXYTRYPTAMINE AND TWO OF ITS ANTAGONISTS ON OVULATION IN THE MOUSE
Authors: BROWN P. S.
Published: December 2008

Immature mice were induced to ovulate by a single injection of pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMS). Additional treatment with 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) during the final 24 hr. of the experiment caused significant alteration in the dose-response relationship for PMS, the ovulatory response to low doses of PMS being increased and that to high doses reduced. Both lysergic acid diethylamide and methysergide caused a consistent and significant reduction in the incidence of ovulation induced under the same test conditions.

Neither 5-HT nor its antagonists influenced spontaneous ovulation in adult mice of a different strain under the conditions tested. Therefore, if 5-HT is involved at some stage in the processes leading up to ovulation when this is induced in immature mice, either it does not have the same importance or its effect is less easily modified under the physiological conditions of spontaneous ovulation in mice of the strain used.
THE EVOLUTION OF THE VERTEBRATE NEUROHYPOPHYSIAL HORMONES IN RELATION TO THE GENETIC CODE
Authors: VLIEGENTHART J. F. G. , VERSTEEG D. H. G.
Published: December 2008

An outline is presented of the phyletic distribution of the neurohypophysial hormones and of the genetic code. The evolution of these peptides is proposed to have proceeded along the known lines of protein evolution. Based on this premise a scheme is elaborated for the evolution of the structures of the neurohypophysial hormones. Structures for some unknown intermediates are suggested.
THE RENAL CLEARANCE AND PLASMA BINDING OF VASOPRESSIN IN THE DOG
Authors: HARVEY NANCY , JONES J. J. , LEE J.
Published: December 2008

The isolated dog kidney was perfused with blood containing 1 m-u. arginine vasopressin/ml. In other experiments 40 or 50 m-u./min. were infused into three intact dogs. Antidiuretic activity was measured in renal venous blood, arterial blood, and in the urine. Renal blood flow was determined directly in the perfused dog kidney and by p-aminohippuric acid clearance in the intact dog; glomerular filtration rate was measured by either inulin or creatinine clearance.

About 38% of the hormone was extracted from the arterial blood in its passage through the kidney. Of the total amount of hormone infused, about 18% was eliminated by each kidney. The quantity of vasopressin extracted from the blood was greater than that excreted in the urine, indicating that the hormone is inactivated by the kidney. In intact dogs, the amount of hormone filtered by the kidney was less than that excreted, suggesting tubular secretion.

It was calculated that the release of endogenous arginine vasopressin induced by the stimuli of anaesthesia and surgery was between 3 and 7 m-u./min. and that approximately 15% of the endogenous hormone was excreted.

Ultrafiltration of dog plasma at three different concentrations of arginine vasopressin (30, 100 and 290 μ-u./ml.) showed that binding was reduced as the concentration was raised and that at the concentration of hormone in the experiments, less than 30% was bound.

The difficulties of relating these findings at artificially high blood concentrations to those at physiological blood concentrations of vasopressin are discussed.
EVALUATION BY GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY OF THE URINARY STEROIDS OF NORMAL AND KETOTIC DAIRY COWS
Authors: HEITZMAN R. J. , HIBBITT K. G.
Published: December 2008

The ketonic and non-ketonic neutral steroids in the urine of normal lactating cows and cows suffering from either primary spontaneous ketosis or an experimentally induced ketosis were studied by gas-chromatographic methods. The chromatographic patterns on QF-1 and SE-30 were similar in all cases. Neither were any significant quantitative differences observed. The 14 steroid metabolites identified in the urine of the normal lactating and ketotic cows had all been found previously in the urine of pregnant cows. However, the combined concentrations in the urine of androsterone, aetiocholanolone and epiandrosterone in both normal (20–130 μg./l.; mean 43±21·8 μg./l.) and ketotic cows (52–84 μg./l.; mean 66 ± 6·1 μg./l.) were lower than the previously reported levels for cows in late pregnancy (600 μg./l.).

The results are discussed in relation to the hypothesis that bovine ketosis is associated with an impaired pituitary function.
EPIANDROSTERONE EXCRETION IN MAN
Authors: FEHÉR T.
Published: December 2008

The excretion of epiandrosterone was found to be significantly higher in males than in females. Administration of corticotrophin (ACTH) to males increased epiandrosterone excretion but in females the excretion of this steroid was unchanged after the administration of ACTH, metyrapone or testosterone. Epiandrosterone excretion was high in women with virilizing syndromes, normal in cases of increased cortisol secretion and low in pituitary hypogonadism in men.
PROGESTERONE IN THE EXPERIMENTAL CONTROL OF THE BEHAVIOURAL SEX CYCLE IN THE FEMALE RAT
Authors: ZUCKER I.
Published: December 2008

The effect of injections of progesterone on the length of the behavioural oestrous cycle in rats is described. Administration of the hormone was shown to act differently in rats known to have a 4-day cycle as compared with animals with a 5-day cycle. In the 4-day rat injection of 2 mg. progesterone on the first, second or third day of the cycle retarded the next occurrence of behavioural oestrus by 1–2 days; treatment on day 4 of the cycle was without effect.

In 5-day rats treatment with progesterone before day 3 of the cycle delayed the occurrence of behavioural heat in only 35% of animals; treatment on day 3 retarded the occurrence of heat by 1–3 days in all rats. Injections on day 4 advanced heat by 1 day and treatment on day 5 was without effect. Additional experiments compared the responsiveness to progesterone of 'artificial' and natural 5-day rats.

The results suggest a biphasic effect of progesterone on induction of behavioural receptivity with time characteristics similar to those observed earlier for ovulation and vaginal cyclicity.
THE AFFERENT PATH OF THE MILK-EJECTION REFLEX IN THE BRAIN OF THE GUINEA-PIG
Authors: TINDAL J. S. , KNAGGS G. S. , TURVEY A.
Published: December 2008

The afferent path of the milk-ejection reflex has been studied in the brain of the lactating guinea-pig in light pentobarbitone anaesthesia. Square-wave pulses were applied between an indifferent electrode in the scalp and a monopolar electrode inserted stereotaxically in the brain. The brain was transected at the mid-cerebellar level to eliminate activation of the sympathetico-adrenal system, and milk-ejection pressure was monitored to detect release of neurohypophysial hormone(s).

The afferent path of the reflex in the caudal midbrain was very compact and lay in the lateral tegmentum. More rostrally, milk-ejection responses were obtained from the tectum and mesencephalic central grey, but the major pathway remained in the lateral tegmentum and passed forward to lie ventromedial to the medial geniculate body, after which it divided into two components which we have termed the dorsal and ventral paths.

The dorsal path traversed dorsomedially across the brainstem to reach the parafascicular thalamic nucleus, the extreme rostral central grey and the periventricular region at the meso-diencephalic boundary, and then continued forward to reach the pituitary stalk and the medial and dorsal hypothalamus. The ventral path traversed ventromedially to enter the subthalamus and then the lateral hypothalamus, in which it passed both to the rostral basal diencephalon and to the pituitary stalk.

In the diencephalon, milk-ejection responses were obtained after stimulation of part of the ventral thalamus, the lateral, dorsal and anterior hypothalamic areas, the dorsomedial, ventromedial, arcuate, supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei, and the pituitary stalk.

It is suggested from these findings that in the guinea-pig the suckling stimulus ascends by the spinothalamic system, and continues rostrally to relay with the medial and ventral thalamus, the dorsal longitudinal fasciculus and the medial forebrain bundle. Other ascending pathways in the medial lemniscus and mammillary peduncle may also be involved, but appear to be of only minor significance.
DIFFERENCES IN THE BIOLOGICAL AND IMMUNOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHIN AFTER THE REMOVAL OF SIALIC ACID BY ENZYMIC HYDROLYSIS
Authors: BARR W. A. , COLLEE J. G.
Published: December 2008

Incubation of a partially purified preparation of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) with neuraminidase resulted in release of free sialic acid from the substrate. The biological activity of the HCG was considerably reduced after incubation with the enzyme, but a parallel reduction in immunological activity was not observed.
CHANGES IN OESTROGEN METABOLISM INDUCED IN RAT LIVER MICROSOMES BY SUBCUTANEOUS PELLETS OF OESTRONE AND TESTOSTERONE
Authors: JELLINCK P. H. , WOO JANETTE
Published: December 2008

Oestrone administered in the form of subcutaneous pellets produced marked changes in the metabolism of [14C]oestradiol by male rat liver microsomes. The high yield of both 2-hydroxyoestradiol and water-soluble metabolites was decreased to the level normally observed in females and this effect was induced by relatively small amounts of oestrogen within a few days after implantation. The action of testosterone on the hepatic metabolism of oestrogens was also investigated together with the effect of removing the hormone pellets at different time intervals. In addition, the rate of absorption of the steroids was determined by direct weighing and, in the case of oestrone, controlled by using radioactive pellets of known specific activity.
LIGHT AND THE CONTROL OF THE OESTROUS CYCLE IN THE FERRET
Authors: DONOVAN B. T.
Published: December 2008

The effect of exposure to long-day conditions, begun at different times during the summer and autumn, on the timing of oestrus in the ferret has been studied. When ferrets were transferred to 16 hr. days in July or August, oestrus set in very rapidly or was inhibited, but when ferrets were subjected to prolonged illumination later in the year, in October or November, a more typical response ensued in that the animals came into heat after about 6 weeks.

Loss of hair, which proceeded to the development of bald areas, was observed after long exposure to 16 hr. light daily.

The period of illumination was reduced from 16 to 8 hr. daily for seven animals which had failed to come into heat after extended exposure to long-day conditions. After 8 weeks, long days were re-imposed and oestrus rapidly ensued in six females. Marked growth of hair took place under short-day conditions.

Exposure to short-day conditions from birth was compatible with a normal timing of oestrus in eight out of 12 females.

It is concluded that under certain conditions prolonged illumination can inhibit the secretion of gonadotrophin in the ferret and block the manifestation of an inherent rhythm of sexual activity.
LEVELS OF CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHIN IN THE NEWBORN INFANT AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO ADRENAL DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE
Authors: LAURITZEN CH. , LEHMANN W.-D.
Published: December 2008

Chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) concentrations were measured in newborn infants. The levels of HCG were found to be higher in the umbilical vein than in the arteries. The hormone is eliminated within 72 hr. post partum. After the injection of HCG a mean of 3·6% of the administered dose appeared in the urine. The renal clearance was very low (0·006 ml./min.) in the newborn corresponding to the low volume of urinary output. HCG is also excreted in the meconium and in the faeces during the first day of life.

Administration of HCG to newborn infants significantly increased the urinary excretion of dehydroepiandrosterone. This rise was even more pronounced in premature infants. It is suggested that HCG is an adrenocorticotrophic hormone in the foetus, regulating the supply of foetal adrenal dehydroepiandrosterone as a precursor for the production of oestrogens in the placenta. The excretion of dehydroepiandrosterone in the urine of the newborn was found to lie between 78 and 277 μg./24 hr. After injection of sodium dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, 5% of the dose was excreted in the urine. Dehydroepiandrosterone was not converted into oestrogens by the newborn.
THE EXOPHTHALMOGENIC ACTIVITY OF BOVINE THYROTROPHIC PREPARATIONS
Authors: DEDMAN M. L. , FAWCETT J. S. , MORRIS C. J. O. R.
Published: December 2008

The quantitative determination of exophthalmogenic activity in pituitary fractions by means of a cross-over bioassay in Carassius auratus is described.

The ratio of exophthalmogenic to thyrotrophic activity of eight bovine pituitary fractions has been determined.

Contrary to previous claims no dissociation of the two biological activities could be demonstrated.

Reasons for the discrepancy are discussed.
OBSERVATIONS ON THE LIPOLYTIC ACTIVITY OF HUMAN SERUM AND PITUITARY FRACTIONS IN VITRO
Authors: BURNS T. W. , HALES C. N. , HARTREE A. STOCKELL
Published: December 2008

Human sera and fractions derived from human pituitary tissue have been tested for lipolytic activity using intact epididymal fat pads of the rat and isolated cell suspensions prepared from rat fat pads and from human adipopose tissue.

(1) Glycerol release was enhanced when human serum was incubated with epididymal fat pads and with isolated rat adipose tissue cells. No difference in this effect was noted between fasting serum and serum obtained 30 min. after glucose administration.

(2) The three primary fractions of pituitary powder were assayed for lipolytic activity with rat cells, the one containing the gonadotrophins and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) was highly potent while those containing human growth hormone (HGH) and corticotrophin respectively were inactive. The lipolytic activity was associated with TSH but not entirely due to TSH.

(3) Human cells were prepared from adipose tissue from both sexes, from ages 4 to 78 and from subcutaneous, perirenal and intra-abdominal sites.

(4) Compared with rat cells, human cells were less sensitive and less consistent in their pattern of response. Human cells reacted poorly or not at all to large doses of HGH while rat cells react to small doses.
NUCLEAR DNA ESTIMATIONS IN THE HOOKER AND FORBES TEST WITH SEX HORMONES
Authors: LEROY F. , MANAVIAN D. , HUBINONT P. O.
Published: December 2008

The DNA content of individual nuclei has been estimated histophotometrically in uteri of spayed mice submitted to intrauterine injections of progesterone, oestradiol, oestradiol plus progesterone and testosterone according to the method of Hooker and Forbes. The endometrial reaction to progesterone is shown to be correlated with a significant increase (20%) of DNA in the nuclei. Oestradiol promoted DNA synthesis to a lesser extent (11%). When a mixture of oestradiol and progesterone was used, the hormones acted antagonistically. High doses of testosterone did not affect DNA synthesis in the stromal nuclei.
THE INFLUENCE OF DEXAMETHASONE ON ADIPOSE TISSUE METABOLISM IN VITRO
Authors: YORKE R. E.
Published: December 2008

The influence of dexamethasone on the metabolism of incubated rat epididymal fat pads was investigated.

In the presence of dexamethasone the glucose uptake and lactate and pyruvate outputs of the tissue, the concentration ratio lactate: pyruvate in the medium at the end of the incubation and the tissue content of glycogen, glucose-6-phosphate and l-glycerol-3-phosphate were decreased. No changes were observed in the rate of pyruvate utilization, the tissue content of ATP, ADP, AMP and citrate or the output of glycerol.

Studies on the kinetics of glucose uptake indicated that in the presence of dexamethasone the maximal rate of uptake (Vmax) was decreased from 0·63 mg./g. wet tissue/hr. to 0·31 mg./g. wet tissue/hr., whereas the glucose concentration in the medium for half-maximal uptake (Ku) (0·29 mg./ml.) was not changed.

These results confirmed that the effects of dexamethasone on the tissue were slow in onset, only appearing after 2 hr. pre-incubation with the hormone, but insulin (500 μ-u./ml.) released completely and rapidly the inhibition of glucose uptake induced by dexamethasone.

Dexamethasone was also found to cause a small reduction in the incorporation of [1-14C]glycine into adipose tissue protein and nucleic acid fractions.
EFFECT OF MELATONIN AND 5-HYDROXYTRYPTAMINE ON ALDOSTERONE AND CORTICOSTERONE PRODUCTION BY ADRENAL GLANDS OF NORMAL AND HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED RATS
Authors: GROMOVA E. A. , KRAUS M. , KŘEČEK J.
Published: December 2008

The effects of subcutaneous injections of melatonin (50, 100 and 200 μg./100 g. body weight) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (100, 200 and 400 μg./100 g.) on the production of aldosterone and corticosterone by the adrenal glands of intact and hypophysectomized adult male rats were investigated.

Melatonin increased the production of corticosterone significantly and depressed simultaneously the production of aldosterone. In the hypophysectomized rats, melatonin was without effect.

5-Hydroxytryptamine increased the production of corticosterone but did not change that of aldosterone. The effect of 5-hydroxytryptamine on corticosterone production was abolished by hypophysectomy.

The possibility of the existence of a pituitary-dependent aldosterone-inhibiting mechanism is discussed.
INDUCTION OF OVULATION BY GONADOTROPHINS IN THE INDIAN FIVE-STRIPED PALM SQUIRREL FUNAMBULUS PENNANTI (WROUGHTON)
Authors: SETH PUSHPA , PRASAD M. R. N.
Published: December 2008

Superovulation was induced in palm squirrels by the administration of gonadotrophins. The regimen of treatment effective in inducing ovulation was 60 i.u. pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMS) administered in three doses of 20 i.u. on days 1, 4 and 7, followed by a single injection of 40 i.u. human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) on day 14. The same schedule of PMS and HCG administration induced ovulation in mature and immature squirrels both during the breeding season and the period of sexual quiescence. Ovulation did not occur in PMS-treated females if HCG was not administered. The period required for follicular growth before the follicles responded to the ovulatory stimulus of HCG was 13–14 days; the interval for follicular maturation leading to the release of the ovum was approximately 24 hr. Variations in the numbers of ova shed by different groups of females are related to the phase of the reproductive cycle and the age of the squirrels.
ULTRASTRUCTURAL CHANGES IN THE ADENOHYPOPHYSIS OF PREGNANT AND LACTATING RABBITS
Authors: YOUNG B. A. , FOSTER C. L. , CAMERON E.
Published: December 2008

Greatly enhanced secretory activity was observed during pregnancy and during lactation in the adenohypophysis of the rabbit, in cells similar to those designated type 1 in normal animals. These cells, whose granules were up to 550 mμ in diameter, showed, under the electron microscope, a very well developed ergastoplasm, an enlarged Golgi region, frequent nuclear inclusions and, during lactation, extensive degranulation. These observations, taken together with the evidence provided by light microscopy (Allanson, Cameron & Foster, 1966), suggest that the type-1 cells are the producers of prolactin.
EFFECT OF HYPOTHALAMIC LESIONS ON PITUITARY MELANOCYTE-STIMULATING HORMONE
Authors: TALEISNIK S. , DE OLMOS J. , ORÍAS R. , TOMATIS MARÍA E.
Published: December 2008

The effect on the content of melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) activity in the pituitary of electrolytic lesions placed in different regions of the hypothalamus was studied in male rats. Lesions in the paraventricular nuclei resulted, after 15 days, in a decrease of pituitary MSH activity to 20·4 ± 4·5%/mg. gland as compared with the controls, without changes in the weight of the hypophyses. In a group of animals in which the lesions failed to destroy the paraventricular nuclei completely the MSH activity in the pituitary was 66·4 ± 7·5% of that of controls and the weight of the gland was significantly higher.

Hypothalamic lesions in the median eminence of the tuber cinereum produced 24 hr. later a decrease of pituitary MSH activity to 6·6 ± 0·8%, but 15 days later the values/mg. gland were almost normal. Lesions placed in the mammillary bodies or in the nucleus caudatus did not affect pituitary MSH content.

Extracts of stalk-median eminence or posterior lobe from animals with lesions in the paraventricular nuclei, failed to show MSH-releasing factor as it is found in intact animals, nor did they contain MSH-release-inhibiting factor.

The results support the concept that the paraventricular nuclei are involved in the control of pituitary MSH secretion and suggest that the MSH content of the disconnected hypophysis is to some degree regulated autonomously.
PATTERNS OF CELL DIVISION IN THE MOUSE UTERUS DURING EARLY PREGNANCY
Authors: FINN C. A. , MARTIN L.
Published: December 2008

Estimates were made of the number and distribution of cells undergoing division in the mouse uterus during the first 6 days of pregnancy. There was a spectacular change in the distribution of mitoses between days 3 and 4. On day 3 large numbers of mitoses were present in the luminal and glandular epithelium, with few in the stroma, whereas on days 4 and 5 very large numbers were present in the stroma with few in the epithelia.

On day 6 and late on day 5, in the vicinity of a blastocyst, the area containing decidual cells was free of mitoses. Many mitoses were found in the stroma immediately outside this area and there was evidence that the rate of division here was greater than in segments of the uterus unstimulated by a blastocyst.
STUDIES ON INTERACTIONS BETWEEN THE OVARY AND PITUITARY FOLLICLE-STIMULATING HORMONE IN THE GOLDEN HAMSTER
Authors: GRADY K. L. , GREENWALD G. S.
Published: December 2008

During the first 3 days of the oestrous cycle of the hamster, pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is relatively constant. However, a decrease in concentration occurred between days 3 and 4. The drop in pituitary FSH—which was not statistically significant—coincided with a period of follicular atresia.

After unilateral ovariectomy on day 1, the remaining ovary ovulates twice the normal number of ova. After semi-spaying, pituitary FSH increased over control values on days 2 and 3 and then decreased sharply by day 4. This suggests that the release of FSH between days 3 and 4 prevents atresia and is therefore responsible for compensatory ovulation. Bilateral ovariectomy on day 1 resulted on days 2 and 3 in pituitary FSH concentrations comparable to those in the unilaterally ovariectomized group. However, pituitary FSH increased markedly on day 4 in the bilaterally ovariectomized hamster.

Superovulation of approximately 70 eggs occurs after the administration of 60 i.u. pregnant mare serum (PMS) on day 1. A drastic decrease in pituitary FSH took place on days 3 and 4, indicating reduced synthesis of the hormone. The decrease in pituitary FSH between days 2 and 3 is due to ovarian stimulation by PMS inasmuch as the decrease did not occur in animals bilaterally ovariectomized and injected with PMS. The existence of a 'short feedback loop' for FSH is demonstrated by the finding that the increase in pituitary FSH between days 3 and 4 was much greater in bilaterally ovariectomized females than in castrated animals injected with PMS.
OBSERVATIONS ON TRANSPORT OF OVA IN THE OVIDUCT OF THE MOUSE
Authors: HUMPHREY K. W.
Published: December 2008

The movement of ova in the excised mouse oviduct was observed before and after straightening of the tube and after compression under a glass coverslip. Ciliated cells were present only in the ampulla, and produced a current from the bursa to the ampulla. However, movement of ova in the dilated section of the ampulla was seen to be due solely to contractions of the walls. In the isthmus ova were found only in one or two adjacent loops. These were dilated and showed segmental contractions, producing pendular movements of the ova. Peristaltic contractions were only seen in loops containing ova and in the isthmus near the ampulla-isthmus junction; this may present adovarian movement of ova. In vivo, most ova pass through the isthmus in 12 hr. The sphincters at the ampulla-isthmus and isthmouterine junctions retain the ova for 24 and 30 hr. respectively of the 72 hr. spent in the tube.
PROLONGED GESTATION IN EWES AFTER FOETAL ADRENALECTOMY
Authors: DROST M. , HOLM L. W.
Published: December 2008

Complete bilateral removal of the adrenal glands of sheep foetuses in utero resulted in failure of the ewes to undergo labour. Thirty-seven ewes with dated pregnancies were operated on approximately 1 month before term. Eight foetuses were carried in utero past term; all showed definite signs of postmaturity.
THE HUMAN OVARY IN EARLY PREGNANCY
Authors: GOVAN A. D. T.
Published: December 2008

A histological and histochemical study has been made of ovaries obtained from patients in early pregnancy, the duration of pregnancy varying from 6 to 20 weeks. During the first 10 weeks of pregnancy ovarian structure is virtually unchanged, compared with the post-ovulatory state. From 10 weeks onwards new Graafian follicles appear. These are limited in size, most achieving a maximum diameter of 4 mm. They are characterized by an early and excessive thecal development. Atresia overtakes these follicles and this occurs at all stages of development, suggesting a sudden and possibly recurrent change in gonadotrophic stimulation. Despite atresia the theca persists but histochemical tests suggest that its functional activity is limited. This loss of activity is associated with a recognizable histological change in the thecal cell. It is suggested that most of the alterations in ovarian structure are due to changes in the quality and quantity of gonadotrophins produced at this period of pregnancy.
RING A AND SIDE-CHAIN REDUCTION OF [4-14C] PROGESTERONE BY RAT LIVER IN VITRO
Authors: SHIRLEY I. M. , COOKE B. A.
Published: December 2008

The metabolism of [4-14C]progesterone in vitro has been investigated in an attempt to compare the activity of the Δ4-3-oxo and 20-oxo reductases in the liver of female rats. At tissue:steroid ratios of 600:1 and 5000:1 the products reduced in ring A accounted for 57·5% and 24·6% of the initial radioactivity respectively, compared with 0·8% and 0·8% respectively for the products reduced in the side chain. The metabolites identified were 5αpregnane-3,20-dione, 3α- and 3β-hydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one and 20α- and 20β-hydroxypregn-4-en-3-one. 3α-Hydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one was the main identified metabolite at both tissue:steroid ratios (50·6% and 20·0% respectively). These results are discussed in relation to previous work on the metabolism of progesterone and its 6α-methyl and 17α-acetoxy derivatives.
THE WIDESPREAD OCCURRENCE OF A CORTICOSTEROID 1α-HYDROXYLASE IN THE INTERRENALS OF ELASMOBRANCHII
Authors: TRUSCOTT B. , IDLER D. R.
Published: December 2008

A corticosteroid 1α-hydroxylase was demonstrated in interrenal tissue of eleven species of elasmobranchs by the production in vitro of 1α-hydroxycorticosterone from corticosterone, and in seven of nine species examined from endogenous precursors. Interrenal tissue was collected from the following species: the skates and rays, Raja laevis, R. clavata, R. erinacea, and Dasyatis violacea; the dogfish, Squalus acanthias and Scyliorhinus stellaris; and the sharks, Isurus oxyrinchus, Prionace glauca, Sphyrna lewini, Carcharhinus falciformis and C. obscurus.

1α-Hydroxycorticosterone was identified in interrenal incubates by determination of a constant isotope ratio (3H:14C) through chromatography and preparation of sequential derivatives. [7α-3H] 1α-Hydroxycorticosterone was biosynthesized from [7α-3H]progesterone and its identity verified by demonstration of the homogeneity of its 1-dehydrated derivative with 11β,21-dihydroxypregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione prepared by microbial dehydrogenation of corticosterone. 14C-Labelled 1α-hydroxycorticosterone was obtained from incubations of interrenal glands as a transformation product of [4-14C]corticosterone, or by acetylation of radioinert 1α-hydroxycorticosterone with [1-14C]acetic anhydride.

11-Deoxycorticosterone and corticosterone were isolated and identified as metabolites of endogenous precursors from an interrenal incubate of P. glauca. In all species, 11-dehydrocorticosterone was noted as a metabolite in vitro of corticosterone and its identity was confirmed in an interrenal incubate of S. lewini.

The results of this survey are discussed in relation to earlier studies of steroidogenesis in Elasmobranchii.
PARAENDOCRINE BEHAVIOUR OF HUMAN BREAST CARCINOMA: IN VITRO TRANSFORMATION OF STEROIDS TO PHYSIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE HORMONES
Authors: ADAMS J. B. , WONG M. S. F.
Published: December 2008

Conversion in vitro of [4-14C]dehydroepiandrosterone and [4-14C]pregnenolone to Δ4-3-ketosteroids has demonstrated the occurrence of an isomerasedehydrogenase system in human breast carcinoma tissue. Aromatisation of [4-14C]testosterone to oestriol, via 16α-hydroxytestosterone, also occurred, thus demonstrating for the first time a paraendocrine activity associated with steroid hormone production. A major metabolite of dehydroepiandrosterone was identified as androst-5-ene-3β, 16α, 17β-triol which may be an intermediate in the 'direct' pathway to oestriol. Steroid sulphatase activity was detected in homogenates of breast carcinoma tissue. This finding, and the previously demonstrated occurrence of steroid sulphokinases in the soluble fraction, suggest that sulphated forms of the steroid may act as intermediates in some of the transformations described. These observations can possibly explain previous unaccountable reports on the metabolism of steroids administered to oophorectomized and adrenalectomized patients with breast carcinoma.

The formation of oestriol and androst-5-ene-3β,16α,17β-triol by the carcinoma tissue may offer an explanation for the significant elevation of oestriol and the lowered dehydroepiandrosterone concentrations in the urine of postmenopausal women with breast cancer (Marmorston, 1966).
THE REGULATION OF ALDOSTERONE PRODUCTION IN NORMAL AND SODIUM-DEFICIENT RATS
Authors: CSÁNKY M. F. D. , van der WAL B. , de WIED D.
Published: December 2008

Aldosterone secretion of rats on a standard diet, as determined by the rate of aldosterone produced by adrenal tissue in vitro, was not affected by exposure to ether, by hypophysectomy or by nephrectomy. Administration of high doses of long-acting corticotrophin (ACTH; 1·5 units) to rats hypophysectomized 24 hr. previously also failed to affect the rate of aldosterone production in vitro in rats on the standard diet. Only hypophysectomy and nephrectomy in the same rat induced a significant decrease in aldosterone production in vitro 6 hr. after operation in rats fed the standard diet.

Aldosterone production in vitro increased in rats fed a sodium-deficient diet. The increment was more pronounced in rats maintained on the diet for 14- than for 10-days. Hypophysectomy, or nephrectomy, caused no decrease in aldosterone production, when compared to sham-operated rats. However, hypophysectomy and nephrectomy together caused a marked decline in the rate of aldosterone production in vitro 6 hr. after operation as compared with sham-operated or non-operated rats.

The administration of relatively small amounts of ACTH (8 m-u.) induced a marked increase in the rate of aldosterone production in vitro of intact, and hypophysectomized sodium-deficient rats.

The results indicate that in the rat, as in other species, both the kidney and the pituitary contribute to the maintenance of the basal rate of aldosterone production in animals in normal sodium-balance and that these organs are responsible for the increased rate of aldosterone production in dietary sodium restriction. ACTH, however, though a potent stimulus for aldosterone secretion, appears only to augment the already enhanced production of aldosterone in the sodium-deprived rat.
THE LOCATION OF [6,7-3H]OESTRADIOL-17β IN MOUSE VAGINA
Authors: KING R. J. B. , GORDON J. , MARTIN L.
Published: December 2008

The retention of [6,7-3H]oestradiol-17β in fractions of the mouse vagina has been studied after direct application of 50 pg. of this oestrogen. Tritium was present in both epithelial and stromal cells. Most of the tritium was associated with the nuclear fraction from the epithelium. The nuclear binding was acid labile and only 30% of the nuclear tritium was extracted with 2 m-NaCl. The results obtained by sonic disruption of the nuclei were compatible with the view that the [6,7-3H]oestradiol-17β was associated with chromatin.

No evidence was obtained for the presence of a cytoplasmic oestradiol-binding component in the epithelium.
THE ACTIVITY OF THE THYROID GLAND OF POECILIA DURING THE GESTATION CYCLE
Authors: BROMAGE N. R. , SAGE M.
Published: December 2008

The activity of the thyroid glands of Poecilia reticulata was studied by interferometry of the colloid and by histological methods. Interferometric measurements of dry weight per unit area of colloid in sections provided a more sensitive criterion of thyroid activity than histological observation. Active glands from thiourea-treated animals showed a reduction of dry weight per unit area while inactive glands from thyroxine-treated animals showed an increase as compared with control animals. Thyroid glands cultured in a thyrotrophin-containing medium showed a decrease in dry weight per unit area as compared with control glands.

Females during the gestation cycle showed a peak in thyroid activity during the first third of the 24-day cycle. Minimal activity occurred during the second third and intermediate activity during the last third of the cycle at which time the level of activity was much more variable than during the earlier two-thirds of the cycle. Females in which fertilization of the ova had not occurred had inactive although variable thyroid glands, which did not show the cycle of activity seen in the fertilized females. The cycle of thyroid activity is related to the reproductive cycle. It involves a peak in activity at the start of the cycle. The relationships between the thyroid and reproductive systems are discussed.
THE EFFECTS OF GONADAL HORMONES ON THE LEVELS OF PITUITARY LUTEINIZING HORMONE IN THE DOMESTIC FOWL
Authors: HEALD P. J. , ROOKLEDGE K. A. , FURNIVAL B. E. , WATTS G. D.
Published: December 2008

Groups of laying mature domestic fowl were injected i.m. with varying doses of either oestradiol benzoate, testosterone propionate or progesterone and were killed at random intervals throughout the day without reference to any specific point in the ovulatory cycle. Luteinizing hormone (LH) was assayed in the anterior pituitaries of each group. It was shown that oestradiol in doses calculated to be equal to or above the physiological level, increased pituitary LH without necessarily affecting the laying cycle. Testosterone had no significant effect on pituitary LH, while progesterone significantly increased pituitary LH at doses which had no apparent effect upon ovulation. Doses effective in the laying hen had little or no effect on the pituitary content of LH in immature birds. The results in the laying hen are in harmony with the concept previously proposed, by which changes in the levels of circulating plasma oestrogens may regulate the ovulatory pattern of the fowl by inhibiting release of pituitary LH.
THE UPTAKE OF SIMULTANEOUSLY ADMINISTERED [3H]OESTRADIOL AND [14C]PROGESTERONE BY DIMETHYL BENZANTHRACENE-INDUCED RAT MAMMARY TUMOURS
Authors: MOBBS BETTY G.
Published: December 2008

The uptake of simultaneously injected [3H]oestradiol and [14C]progesterone by dimethylbenzanthracene-induced mammary tumours in the rat was compared with that obtained when oestradiol was injected alone. Progesterone was not taken up and/or retained by hormone-responsive adenomata and fibroadenomata to the same extent as oestradiol, and it is suggested that the mechanism of action of progesterone is different from that of oestradiol and does not involve retention by the target tissue. Progesterone did not affect the uptake of oestradiol by hormone-responsive adenomata and fibroadenomata but there was a tendency for progesterone to increase the uptake of oestradiol and/or its free steroid metabolites by hormone-unresponsive adenomata. This could be due either to the timing of the experiments or to progesterone altering the equilibrium between oestradiol levels in blood and hormone-unresponsive tumours.
ENHANCEMENT OF GONADOTROPHIN ACTIVITY BY A RAT CEREBRAL TISSUE FRACTION
Authors: HOPKINS T. F.
Published: December 2008

The gonadotrophin-enhancing effect of RCF-2 (prepared from aqueous extracts of rat cerebral tissue) was evaluated in several species of laboratory animals. RCF-2 alone did not induce any discernible gonadal response. Superovulation in immature rats treated with pregnant mare serum (PMS) or a combination of PMS and human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) was significantly increased by RCF-2. Ovulation in intact PMS-treated rats was increased to 84–127% above the response of controls. Hypophysectomized or intact rats treated with PMS + HCG shed 34–53% more ova when they were treated with 0·2 mg. RCF-2.

An almost maximal uterine weight response was found in immature mice treated with RCF-2 in combination with subminimally effective doses of HCG. RCF-2 neither induced ovulation in post-partum rabbits nor in PMS-treated rats in which the release of luteinizing hormone was blocked. The results of these studies suggest that fraction RCF-2 does not act centrally to evoke a release of gonadotrophins but probably has a direct ovarian effect.
A POSSIBLE MECHANISM OF THE OVULATION-INHIBITING EFFECT OF CHLORMADINONE ACETATE IN THE RAT
Authors: DÖCKE F. , DÖRNER G. , VOIGT K.-H.
Published: December 2008

To study the mechanism of the ovulation-inhibiting effect of chlormadinone acetate, different quantities of this progestogen were implanted into one or both ovaries of dioestrous female rats. Introduction of the subcutaneously effective dose into one ovary suppressed ovulation in both, but implantation of half of this quantity did not influence spontaneous ovulation. On the other hand, 1/100 of the subcutaneously effective dose, implanted into the medio-basal hypothalamus or the anterior pituitary of adult dioestrous female rats, and of prepubertal females simultaneously injected with oestradiol benzoate, inhibited spontaneous and oestrogen-induced ovulations respectively. In juvenile rats the main site of action was the median eminence—anterior pituitary region. Chlormadinone was then implanted into the anterior hypothalamus or the anterior pituitary of adult dioestrous rats, and the median eminence was electrically stimulated during the 'critical period' in pro-oestrus. Since implants in the adenohypophysis prevented ovulation whereas implants in the anterior hypothalamus did not, a hypophysial site of action is suggested. On the basis of these results and of former findings on the action of oestrogens in ovulation, a hypothesis involving a competitive antagonism between oestrogen and progestogen at the hypophysial level is advanced to explain the acute ovulatory effects of these steroids.
HORMONAL REGULATION OF CELL DIVISION IN EPITHELIAL AND CONNECTIVE TISSUES OF THE MOUSE UTERUS
Authors: MARTIN L. , FINN C. A.
Published: December 2008

Progesterone treatment significantly altered the response of the mouse uterus to oestradiol-17β. Oestradiol given alone produced many mitoses in the luminal and glandular epithelia but not in the connective tissue stroma. After treatment with progesterone this pattern was reversed and oestradiol produced many mitoses in the stroma but few in the epithelia. Production of stromal cell division was influenced by the dose of progesterone and by the period of treatment; a single day of treatment greatly reduced the numbers of epithelial mitoses produced by oestradiol but did not greatly increase stromal mitosis. At least 3 days' treatment was necessary for a maximal stromal response.

Doses of oestradiol sufficient to inhibit implantation and deciduomata production did not reverse the stromal response but did overcome, in part, the progestational suppression of epithelial mitosis, producing large numbers of mitoses in the luminal but not in the glandular epithelium.
AROMATIZATION IN VITRO OF NEUTRAL STEROIDS BY BOVINE OVARIES
Authors: PATWARDHAN VASANT V. , ROMANOFF E. B.
Published: December 2008

The capacity of bovine ovaries to aromatize neutral C19 steroids in vitro was studied by perfusion and incubation techniques.

[4-14C]Androstenedione and [4-14C]dehydroepiandrosterone were infused, in separate experiments, into ovaries perfused in vitro and the formed oestrogens were isolated from the venous perfusates. The extent of aromatization of the infused substrate was found to be very small in all the perfusion experiments and was not enhanced by simultaneous infusion of gonadotrophins.

In incubation studies, minces of whole follicular ovary, whole luteal ovary, corpus luteum and stromal tissue were incubated with [4-14C]androstenedione. The incubates were processed for isolation of oestrone (OE1) and oestradiol-17β (OE2). Both the follicular and the luteal ovaries aromatized the substrate to OE2, although the extent of aromatization varied in different experiments. Formation of OE1 was indicated but not proved. The corpus luteum tissue did not aromatize the C19 substrate and the stromal tissue also showed a comparative lack of activity in this respect as compared with the whole luteal ovary.

The significance of these findings is discussed.
MAINTENANCE OF PREGNANCY AFTER IMPLANTATION IN HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED OR OVARIECTOMIZED MICE TREATED WITH PHENELZINE DERIVATIVES
Authors: JAITLY K. D. , ROBSON J. M. , SULLIVAN F. M. , WILSON CATHERINE
Published: December 2008

Some derivatives of phenelzine have been shown to interrupt pregnancy in mice, when given after implantation, i.e. on days 7–10. Pregnancy can be maintained in mice treated with these compounds and in mice hypophysectomized on day 7 by administration of suspensions of whole mouse pituitaries, of human chorionic gonadotrophin or of progesterone given with a basic concentration of oestrogen. Prolactin was ineffective in maintaining pregnancy. The action of the phenelzine derivatives could also be reversed by 0·5–1 μg. luteinizing hormone and by 0·05 μg. oestradiol. The compounds antagonized the action of progesterone in maintaining pregnancy in ovariectomized mice and this indicates that they act on the uterus. There may be, in addition, a more central action, e.g. on the ovary or on the pituitary but this would be masked by the peripheral (i.e. uterine) effect.
THE EFFECTS OF OESTRADIOL-3,17β ON TUBAL TRANSPORT IN THE LABORATORY MOUSE
Authors: HUMPHREY K. W.
Published: December 2008

Pregnant mice received varying doses of oestradiol on days 1–3 of pregnancy, or on day 1 or day 2 only. The effects of oestradiol on tubal transport depend largely on the time of treatment rather than the dose of oestradiol. Treatment with 1·6 μg. on day 1 when the ova were still in the ampulla caused retention of all ova in the oviduct until day 4—many of these tube-locked ova were retained in the ampulla, apparently because of prolonged closure of the ampulla-isthmus junction. Treatment with 0·4 μg. on day 2 when all ova were in the isthmus caused premature entry of ova into the uteri and reduced the recovery of ova by over 50%. Ligation of various parts of the tract and ovum transfer studies showed that this loss of ova is due to accelerated transport from the isthmus to the uterus and vagina. These effects on tubal transport were not reversed by concurrent administration of progesterone. Tubal retention was associated with delayed development of the blastocoele but these ova implanted normally after ovum transfers.
ACIDIC URINARY METABOLITES OF PROGESTERONE: STUDIES ON THE PREGNANT RABBIT
Authors: ALLEN J. G. , THOMAS G. H.
Published: December 2008

Indirect evidence is presented which suggests that the same acidic metabolites are obtained from the hydrolysed urine of the pregnant rabbit as from the non-pregnant animal injected with labelled progesterone. The acidic urinary metabolites were characterized by conversion with borohydridebismuthate to neutral aldehydes, which were then chromatographed on SE-30 and QF-1. In four rabbits the urinary excretion of the aldehydogenic metabolites and of pregnanediol, before and after mating, was parallel; the highest values were obtained in the 24 hr. after the coital stimulus.
THE INFLUENCE OF GONADAL HORMONES ON THE UPTAKE OF [14C]ACETATE BY LIVER LIPID FRACTIONS IN THE IMMATURE MALE CHICK
Authors: BALNAVE D.
Published: December 2008

Six-week-old cockerels with an equalized food intake and receiving by injection oestrogen, androgen or progesterone were used in an investigation on the influence of the gonadal hormones on the rate of uptake of [14C]acetate into liver lipid fractions.

The results obtained indicate that oestrogen was the only one of these hormones that affected the overall lipid composition of the liver significantly. However, although in all these treatments most of the label was incorporated into the triglyceride fraction, both testosterone and progesterone showed incorporation-time patterns which differed substantially from those obtained in control and oestrogen-treated birds. There was a very rapid incorporation of label into the liver lipids of the testosterone and progesterone-treated birds and the amount incorporated was greater than the maximum incorporation obtained at a later time in the control or oestrogen-treated birds. It is possible that a different biosynthetic pathway is utilized in the formation of triglycerides in testosterone and progesterone-treated birds than in oestrogen-treated birds.

The results indicate also that although testosterone and progesterone do not influence the overall lipid composition of the liver, they exert a significant influence on metabolic processes involving the synthesis and degradation of liver lipids.
STIMULATION OF SYNTHESIS OF GLYCOPROTEIN ENZYMES IN THE RAT UTERUS BY OESTRADIOL
Authors: DUGAN F. A. , RADHAKRISHNAMURTHY B. , RUDMAN R. A. , BERENSON G. S.
Published: December 2008

Glycoproteins from immature and immature, oestrogen-stimulated and adult rat uteri were isolated and analysed by chemical and gel electrophoretic methods. Esterase, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and peroxidase activities were found. Changes in electrophoretic mobilities of certain enzyme bands in polyacrylamide gel were also observed after hydrolysis of the preparations with neuraminidase. These latter observations and chemical analyses provide additional evidence of the carbohydrate nature of the enzymes. The influence of 17β-oestradiol on immature rat uteri caused a significant increase in total protein and sialic acid per uterus compared with controls. Oestrogen treatment also resulted in an increase in the total activity of esterase and acid and alkaline phosphatases per uterus, but there was no increase in specific activities. Observations of electrophoretic patterns of glycoprotein preparations from untreated and oestrogen-stimulated, immature uteri did not show the evolution to a more adult pattern by oestrogen stimulation. These studies show that stimulation with oestrogen increases the synthesis of glycoprotein in the immature rat uterus. Factors which are involved in the more intricate control of glycoprotein biosynthesis need to be elucidated.