bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PLACENTAL TRANSFER OF 131I-LABELLED IODIDE IN THE GUINEA-PIG
Authors: LONDON W. T. , MONEY W. L. , RAWSON R. W.
Published: December 2008

The transfer of radioactive iodide (131I) across the guinea-pig placenta has been investigated, using an in situ perfusion technique. From these studies, it can be concluded that iodide is actively transported from the maternal side to the foetal side of the placenta, and is concentrated on the foetal side. Radio-iodide accumulates on the foetal side because the foetal placenta concentrates iodide from the maternal circulation and transfers little to the maternal circulation. High concentrations of stable iodide perfused on the foetal side did not affect the transfer of radio-iodide from the maternal circulation to the foetal side of the placenta. Sodium thiocyanate, on the other hand, blocked the concentration of iodide on the foetal side, and caused a small discharge of radio-iodide from the placenta.
PHOSPHATE EXCRETION AND PARATHYROID FUNCTION IN THYROTOXICOSIS
Authors: HARDEN R. McG. , HARRISON M. T. , ALEXANDER W. D. , NORDIN B. E. C.
Published: December 2008

Certain aspects of calcium and phosphorus metabolism have been studied in thirty-six patients with thyrotoxicosis.

The plasma calcium and inorganic phosphorus concentrations were not significantly different from normal.

The basal phosphate excretion index was low (− 0·08 ± 0·01) and there was an impaired response to high phosphate feeding.

These findings suggest that parathyroid function is reduced in thyrotoxicosis.
THE INFLUENCE OF RESERPINE ON THE NUCLEIC ACID AND ACID-SOLUBLE RIBONUCLEOTIDE CONTENTS OF INVOLUTING MAMMARY TISSUE OF RATS
Authors: DARBY F. J. , WANG D. Y. , GREENBAUM A. L.
Published: December 2008

(1) Changes in the content of lactose, DNAP, RNAP and acid-soluble ribonucleotides have been followed in the involuting mammary tissue of rats, and of rats treated with reserpine, for periods up to 6 days after removal of the pups.

(2) After a rise in the first 24 hr. after separation from the litter, the lactose content declines and is virtually absent after 5 days. Administration of 75 μg. reserpine a day retards the rate of this disappearance.

(3) The DNAP level falls progressively after the first 24 hr. in the normally involuting gland. Reserpine prevents this decline during the first 4 days. Seventy-two hours after weaning there is a sharp peak in the DNAP content of involuting glands from reserpine-treated rats. A similar pattern of change is found for the RNAP content.

(4) Reserpine decreases the rate of decline of acid-soluble ribonucleotides in the involuting gland, particularly of UMP, of UDP-N-acetyl-glucosamine and of those in the eluate which contains GDP and ADP-ribose.

(5) The findings are discussed in relation to the chemical changes found in involuting mammary tissue and to the histological picture presented by the gland after reserpine treatment.
A COMPARISON OF THE ACTIVITY OF SOME PRO-OESTROGENS ADMINISTERED SUBCUTANEOUSLY AND INTRAVENOUSLY
Authors: STONE G. M.
Published: December 2008

In the tetrazolium assay of Martin (1960) all the pro-oestrogens tested, except racemic-butoestrol, were active intravenously but both true oestrogens and pro-oestrogens were more effective subcutaneously. The difference between the two routes of administration was greater with the pro-oestrogens. These results indicate that in this assay the slope of the dose-response line for pro-oestrogens is lower than that for true oestrogens.
THE URINARY EXCRETION OF GONADOTROPHINS BY SHEEP: EXTRACTION PROCEDURE AND DAY-TO-DAY FLUCTUATION IN EXCRETION BY MALE AND FEMALE CASTRATED SHEEP
Authors: SYMINGTON R. B.
Published: December 2008

The application of Johnsen's tannic acid method to the extraction of gonadotrophins from ovine urine was studied using the urine of castrated sheep.

Slight modification of the original method increased the efficiency of extraction. Rate of recovery was measured at several levels of added pituitary and urinary gonadotrophins and was similar to recovery rates reported for human urines (30–81 %). Reproducibility of the extraction procedure was excellent. Further purification of the final ethanol precipitate without loss in potency was effected by chromatography using diethylaminoethyl cellulose.

The daily excretion of total gonadotrophic activity, follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone by two male and one female castrated sheep was estimated for four periods each of 3 weeks. In all instances excretory levels fluctuated considerably and randomly. Levels of excretion of all types of gonadotrophic activity were much lower than in man.
EFFECT OF COMBINATIONS OF PROGESTERONE AND OESTRONE ON THE DELAY OF NIDATION, IMPLANTATION AND FOETAL SURVIVAL IN OVARIECTOMIZED RATS
Authors: MEYER R. K. , NUTTING E. F.
Published: December 2008

One hundred and twenty inseminated rats were ovariectomized 3 days after coitus and assigned to twelve treatment groups. Eleven groups were injected subcutaneously daily from day 3 to day 8 with 250, 1000 or 4000μg. progesterone alone and in combination with 0·01 or 0·1 μg. oestrone. The remaining group was injected with corn oil. All animals were injected daily with 4000 μg. progesterone and 1 μg. oestrone from day 9 to day 24 after coitus. Implantation was usually prevented permanently when animals were injected with oestrone or corn oil only from day 3 to day 8. The remaining treatments caused delayed implantation of ova. The numbers of implantation sites in groups treated with progesterone alone or in combination with oestrone were compared. Differences between groups were due to the dose of progesterone, the number of implantation sites increasing with the dose of the steroid. Addition of 0·01 or 0·1 μg. oestrone had no significant effect on the implantation site response. Survival of embryos after implantation decreased with increasing pre-nidation doses of progesterone in the absence of oestrone. In general, addition of oestrone to progesterone increased survival when oestrone was combined with the high dose of progesterone and decreased survival with the low dose of progesterone. Oestrone (0·01 μg.) given with progesterone produced consistently more frequent embryonic survival than addition of 0·1 μg. oestrone, regardless of the amount of progesterone given.
STEROID-INDUCED BLOCK OF OVARIAN COMPENSATORY HYPERTROPHY IN HEMICASTRATED FEMALE RATS
Authors: PETERSON D. L. , EDGREN R. A. , JONES R. C.
Published: December 2008

Removal of the right ovaries of 160–180 g. rats was followed in 2 weeks by a hypertrophy of 55 % of the left ovary. This postoperative growth was prevented by the administration of various natural and synthetic steroidal hormones, which were compared at daily doses estimated to produce a 100 % block of the hypertrophy. The following steroids, together with approximate ED 100, were studied: oestrone, 17·8 μg.; oestradiol-17β, 20·4 μg.; oestriol, 95·5μg.; norethynodrel, 72·5μg.; progesterone, 3630μg.;testosterone, 436 μg.; norethisterone, 479 μg.; norbolethone, 155 μg. At doses above ED 100 the natural oestrogens and norethynodrel produced a secondary cycle of ovarian growth, whereas the Δ4-3-oxosteroids depressed ovarian size further. Hemicastrated rats had histologically normal ovaries which contained larger numbers of corpora lutea than those of the intact controls. All compounds appeared to increase follicular development at the ED 100 level; the higher doses of the oestrogens and norethynodrel stimulated excessive luteinization, whereas the Δ4-3-oxosteroids inhibited luteal development and produced large vesicular and cystic follicles.
INFLUENCE OF THE ADRENAL CORTEX ON GROWTH PROCESSES IN THE RAT MAMMARY GLAND
Authors: HAMBERGER L. , AHRÉN K.
Published: December 2008

The role of adrenal cortical hormones in the response of the rat mammary gland to testosterone was studied in Sprague-Dawley rats.

In gonadectomized rats with intact adrenals, local percutaneous application of testosterone stimulated lobulo-alveolar development in the mammary glands. This effect of testosterone was markedly reduced after adrenalectomy. Injections of cortisone into the adrenalectomized rats restored the mammary gland response to testosterone, whereas injections of oestrone did not.

In adrenalectomized and hypophysectomized rats, injections of testosterone in combination with growth hormone produced a marked alveolar development in the mammary glands.

The importance of gonadal, hypophysial and adrenocortical hormones for various growth processes in the mammary glands is discussed.
EFFECT OF PHENELZINE AND SOME RELATED COMPOUNDS ON PREGNANCY AND ON SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT
Authors: POTJLSON EVELYN , ROBSON J. M.
Published: December 2008

The effects of phenelzine and several of its derivatives in interrupting pregnancy, and on sexual development, were investigated in mice.

At dose levels of one-fifth LD 50 given on days 1–6 of pregnancy, phenelzine had a low but significant activity and some derivatives were more active. There was no evidence that monoamine oxidase inhibitory activity was related to the anti-fertility activity of these compounds.

The effects of two of the compounds investigated for this purpose (WL 27 and LON 41) were partially reversed by either progesterone or prolactin.

WL 27 interrupted the normal oestrous cycle, delayed the onset of oestrus in immature female mice and depressed the weights of sex organs in immature and in non-pregnant adult mice, and in immature male mice.

These effects suggest that these compounds produce a depression of pituitary gonadotrophic activity. However, the depression is not complete since WL 27 did not interrupt pseudopregnancy.
THE EFFECT OF CHLORMADINONE ON THE RESPONSE OF THE OVARIES AND UTERUS OF THE IMMATURE RAT TO GONADOTROPHIC STIMULATION
Authors: HARPER M. J. K.
Published: December 2008

The effects of chlormadinone (6-chloro-Δ6-17α-acetoxyprogesterone), an orally active progestational agent without significant oestrogenic activity, on the response of the ovaries of intact and hypophysectomized immature female rats to exogenous gonadotrophin have been examined.

Administration of the steroid whether starting on the same day as, or 4 days before treatment with gonadotrophin, did not depress the ovarian response in intact rats. In hypophysectomized animals, pretreated with the progestagen, the ovarian response to gonadotrophin was depressed.

In intact rats, treatment with the steroid and pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) resulted in ovulation, whereas in similar animals given PMSG alone no corpora lutea were found. Corpora lutea were seen in all groups given PMSG and human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) but ovulation occurred earlier when, in addition, treatment with the steroid was included. In only one experiment with intact rats did administration of the steroid alone cause a significant increase in uterine weight compared with controls. In neither experiment on hypophysectomized animals did such an increase occur, and significant decreases were recorded.
THE METABOLISM OF STEROID HORMONES IN SEMEN
Authors: SEAMARK R. F. , WHITE I. G.
Published: December 2008

Testosterone is converted reversibly to androstenedione by the spermatozoa of certain mammals, such as the boar and stallion. The oxidation of testosterone to androstenedione occurs not only in the presence of fully active spermatozoa but also of sperm cells which have been deprived of their normal motility, and fructolytic as well as respiratory activity, by such treatment as cold-shock or deep-freezing. However, heating or treatment with certain inhibitors (e.g. cyanide and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide) renders the spermatozoa incapable of performing the testosterone ⇌ androstenedione reaction. The enzyme system required for that reaction has been obtained in the form of a cell-free extract from disintegrated boar spermatozoa. There is some evidence that it involves both NAD+ and NADP+.

Oestradiol-17β is converted reversibly to oestrone. The reaction oestradiol → oestrone has been demonstrated in bull, boar and stallion semen, and the reverse reaction in boar and stallion semen.

Progesterone is also metabolized in semen. The product may be 20β-hydroxy-pregn-4-en-3-one.
PHOSPHATASES OF RAT THYROID AND ANTERIOR PITUITARY GLANDS DURING VARIOUS PHASES OF SECRETORY ACTIVITY. A CYTOCHEMICAL STUDY
Authors: SOBEL H. J.
Published: December 2008

1. The cytochemical localization and changes of various phosphatase activities were studied in rat thyroid and anterior pituitary glands in various phases of secretory activity. The procedures used, made possible light microscopic study of the Golgi apparatus, plasma membranes and sinusoids, lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, nuclei and nucleoli; reactive sites many of which up to the present were in the realm of ultrastructure and could only be visualized with very specialized techniques or the electron microscope. The enzymatic make up and changes, and changes in size, shape and distribution of these structures were also studied in the conditions described.

2. Nucleoside phosphatase techniques visualized sinusoids, but this staining did not vary with secretory activity. The alkaline phosphatase procedure did not stain sinusoids of the anterior pituitary. However, the sinusoidal staining of the thyroid with this technique paralleled secretory activity.

3. Thiamine pyrophosphatase, inosine diphosphatase and guanosine triphosphatase staining visualized the Golgi lamellae in the two glands and this staining paralleled secretory activity. The adenosine monophosphatase technique stained occasional Golgi lamellae.

4. The adenosine monophosphatase procedure stained the plasma membranes of the less active cells of the anterior pituitary and granular cytoplasmic particles (lysosomes) of more active pituitary and thyroid cells. This granular cytoplasmic staining was abolished by sodium fluoride and d-tartaric acid as was acid phosphatase staining.

5. The inosine diphosphatase and guanosine triphosphatase techniques also revealed some diffuse cytoplasmic and cell membrane staining which was thought to represent staining of endoplasmic reticulum.

6. The adenosine diphosphatase procedure invariably stained nuclei and nucleoli.
STEROIDS IN THE OVARIAN LYMPH AND BLOOD OF CONSCIOUS EWES
Authors: LINDNER H. R. , SASS M. B. , MORRIS B.
Published: December 2008

Ovarian lymph was collected from seven conscious ewes over periods of 3–8 days. Rates of lymph flow from ovaries containing an active corpus luteum were 1·5–8·6 ml./hr./ovary and were much higher, per unit weight of tissue, than from any other organ studied in the sheep. Progesterone was isolated in crystalline state from this lymph. The concentration of progesterone (μg./100 ml.) in lymph collected from one ewe during the mid-luteal phase of the oestrous cycle was 71–205; during the 3rd month of pregnancy the concentration was 55–163, and 3 weeks before lambing it was 25. Thus the corpus luteum was fully active even when no longer considered essential for the maintenance of pregnancy. No more than one-tenth of the progesterone output appears to be carried from the ovary by the lymphatic route: the output in the ovarian lymph (mg./24 hr.) was 0·1–0·3 in the dioestrous ewe and 0·02–0·5 in the pregnant ewes; that into the ovarian blood was 1·4–1·9 in two conscious ewes on the 3rd day after oestrus, and 3·2–8·1 in three anaesthetized ewes on day 10 of the cycle. Lumbar lymph collected during the 4th and 5th month of pregnancy contained low concentrations of progesterone, suggesting that the concentration of progesterone in the tissue fluid of the uterus was also low.

20α-Hydroxypregn-4-en-3-one was present in the ovarian lymph during the 3rd month of pregnancy, but its concentration (0·6–1·6 μg./100 ml.) barely exceeded that in peripheral plasma (0·3–0·7 μg./100 ml.).

17α-Hydroxyprogesterone, a putative precursor of oestrogens, was identified as a secretory product of sheep's ovaries which contain a corpus luteum. During the 3rd month of pregnancy its concentration in ovarian lymph (μg./100 ml.) was 1·1–6·3, whereas the concentration in peripheral plasma was less than 0·5. The concentration of oestrogens in ovarian lymph was low: mid-luteal samples contained 30 mμg. oestradiol-17β/100 ml. and 13 mμg. oestrone/100 ml.; samples of lymph from pregnant ewes contained 3–7 mμg. oestradiol-17β/100 ml. and < 3–5 mμg. oestrone/100 ml. Androst-4-ene-3:17-dione and testosterone were not detected (< 0·5 μg./100 ml.) in ovarian lymph or blood.

In six oestrous ewes secretion rates into the ovarian blood were < 1·2–17·9 μg. oestradiol-17β/24 hr. and < 1·2–4·8 μg. oestrone/24 hr., the lower rates were observed after ovulation had taken place. The output of progesterone and 20α-hydroxypregn-4-en-3-one was < 0·08 mg./24 hr. during oestrus. The volume of lymph flowing from the ovary during oestrus was small (approx. 0·2 ml./hr.) and did not permit chemical determination of steroids.
THE EFFECTS OF ENDOCRINE GLAND ABLATION AND OF CORTICOSTEROID SUBSTITUTION ON THE RATE OF WATER TURNOVER IN THE ADRENALECTOMIZED RAT
Authors: FOY J. M. , SCHNIEDEN H.
Published: December 2008

Using a radioactive isotope technique, water turnover (biological half-life of tritium, T½) has been determined in a number of endocrine deficient states in rats. Water turnover was decreased after adrenalectomy but restored to normal in animals kept on 0·9% NaCl solution. A number of glucocorticoid hormones (cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisolone and dexamethasone) were also able to restore water turnover to normal in adrenalectomized rats.

Water turnover was also decreased in rats which had been thyroidectomized 3–5 days previously, but in chronically thyroidectomized animals or those in which hypothyroidism had been produced by propylthiouracil treatment, no significant change in water turnover could be detected. Propylthiouracil-treated animals kept on 0·5% NaCl solution had an increased water turnover. Water turnover was increased in hypophysectomized animals.
THE ACTION OF DESAMINO-OXYTOCIN ON THE HUMAN PREGNANT UTERUS
Authors: EMBREY M. P.
Published: December 2008

The effects of desamino-oxytocin and oxytocin on the human pregnant uterus were compared by means of tocographic measurements. Desamino-oxytocin was found to be twice as potent as oxytocin.
THE EFFECT OF PREGNANT MARE SERUM GONADOTROPHIN AND HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHIN ON RAT OVARIAN ASCORBIC ACID AND CHOLESTEROL
Authors: MUKERJI S. , BELL E. T. , LORAINE J. A.
Published: December 2008

The effect of the administration of 50 i.u. pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG), followed 72 hr. later by 25 i.u. human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG), on ovarian weight, ascorbic acid and cholesterol has been investigated in rats of the Wistar strain bred in a closed colony.

In the ovarian ascorbic acid depletion (OAAD) test for luteinizing hormone (LH) the bioassay is generally carried out from 5 to 9 days after the administration of HCG. The present investigation has shown that at this time ovarian ascorbic acid levels in untreated animals are in the same range as in rats pretreated with PMSG and HCG.

The reasons for conducting the ovarian cholesterol depletion (OCD) test for LH on the 11th day after treatment with HCG are discussed. It is concluded that in the strain of animal used assays conducted before this time are likely to be unsatisfactory.

It is postulated that the main function of the pretreatment procedure in both assay methods is to produce a large amount of highly reactive ovarian tissue which is readily responsive to the administration of LH.
PHYSIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THYROXINE-BINDING BY PROTEINS: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CHANGES IN THYROXINE-BINDING GLOBULIN CAPACITY AND THE DAILY UTILIZATION RATE OF THYROXINE IN THE NEWBORN PIG
Authors: ŚLEBODZIŃSKI A.
Published: December 2008

(1) Experiments were performed on three litters of pigs (four animals in each litter) between birth and the 8th day (inclusive) of life.

(2) The relation between the variation in thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) capacity and the rate of thyroxine utilization has been taken as an indication of the ability of thyroxine production to maintain a fairly constant percentage of saturation of the TBG.

(3) Dynamic changes in the interaction between the thyroid hormone and the plasma protein binding sites are shown. Changes in the binding capacity of TBG were negatively correlated with uptake of [131I]triiodothyronine by erythrocytes (r = −0·64; P < 0·01) and positively correlated with the protein-bound iodine (PBI) value (r = +0·92; P < 0·01).

(4) The value for saturation of the plasma TBG capacity was relatively stable and amounted to 67·38 ± 5·47%.

(5) The total quantity of thyroxine which has to match the variability of the protein binding site capacity was calculated to be only 13·72% of the daily production of the hormone in 8-day-old pigs.

(6) The physiological implication is discussed of changes in TBG capacity resulting in an increase of the bound-thyroxine pool in relation to the daily utilization rate of the hormone.
CORPUS LUTEUM CONTROL IN HYSTERECTOMIZED GUINEA-PIGS
Authors: DEANESLY R. , PERRY J. S.
Published: December 2008

Interruption of the prolonged luteal phase in hysterectomized guinea-pigs, followed by vaginal opening, can be caused by substances affecting the hypothalamus and hypophysis, which check gonadotrophin output. In the present experiments, both progesterone and reserpine were effective and caused regression of the corpora lutea. It may be concluded that in the guinea-pig, as in the sow and the sheep, the corpora lutea of hysterectomy do not function independently of the hypophysis.

The uterine factor associated with normal cyclic corpora lutea regression, which is lacking after hysterectomy, presumably acts on the hypophysis rather than directly on the corpora lutea.
THE PREPARATION OF BOVINE NEUROPHYSIN AND THE ESTIMATION OF ITS MAXIMUM CAPACITY TO BIND OXYTOCIN AND ARGININE VASOPRESSIN
Authors: GINSBURG M. , IRELAND M.
Published: December 2008

The preparation is described of a hormone-binding protein fraction from bovine neurohypophyses (neurophysin). The fraction obtained by ion-exchange chromatography on CM-cellulose contained two components which were separated by gel filtration on Sephadex G-75; the property of binding oxytocin and arginine vasopressin was possessed by only one component of which the molecular weight was 25,000 approximately. The capacities of this protein to bind oxytocin and arginine vasopressin (each hormone in the absence of the other) were studied by a film dialysis method. The maximum binding capacities were 125 units of oxytocin/mg. protein and 62 units of arginine vasopressin/mg. protein, which are equivalent to seven molecules of oxytocin and four molecules of arginine vasopressin/molecule of protein (taken to the nearest whole numbers).
THE EFFECT OF 1-α-METHYLALLYLTHIOCARBAMOYL-2-METHYLTHIOCARBAMOYL HYDRAZINE (ICI 33828) ON LACTATION IN THE RAT
Authors: BENSON G. K. , ZAGNI P. A.
Published: December 2008

The administration of 1-α-methylallylthiocarbamoyl-2-methylthiocarbamoyl hydrazine (ICI 33828) to lactating rats in doses ranging from 5 to 40 mg. daily resulted in a marked inhibition of litter growth. When oxytocin (1 i.u. twice daily) was administered in addition to ICI 33828 (5 mg. or 20 mg. daily) the depression in litter growth rate was largely overcome. Histological studies indicated that the mammary glands of the treated mothers were secreting, but that the pups were unable to obtain the available milk without exogenous oxytocin. It is suggested that ICI 33828 acts on the hypothalamus by blocking the release of oxytocin and possibly enhancing the release of prolactin.
THE DETERMINATION OF 17-OXOSTEROID SULPHATES IN HUMAN PLASMA
Authors: DE NEVE L. , VERMEULEN A.
Published: December 2008

An accurate, precise and specific method for the determination of plasma 17-oxosteroid sulphates has been developed. It involves extraction of the steroid sulphates, solvolysis, purification by solvent partition and thin-layer chromatography and determination by a modified Zimmermann reaction.

In both sexes plasma 17-oxosteroid levels were found to be low before puberty, to reach their highest level between the ages of 20 and 30 and to decrease rapidly after the age of 35. Maximal levels in females were only about 70% of those in males; after the age of 35 the plasma levels were similar in both sexes. The proportions of the individual 17-oxosteroids (dehydroepiandrosterone, androsterone and aetiocholanolone) were not influenced by sex; in ten obese patients of both sexes the percentage contribution of dehydroepiandrosterone was significantly decreased.
THE EFFECT OF PREPUBERAL TREATMENT WITH RESERPINE ON PUBERTY, PITUITARY LUTEINIZING HORMONE AND THE OESTROUS CYCLE OF THE RAT
Authors: CARRARO A. , CORBIN A. , FRASCHINI F. , MARTINI L.
Published: December 2008

The long-term effects of a single s.c. injection of 50 μg. reserpine given on the 4th day of life were studied in female rats. Vaginal opening was probably delayed (P < 0·05) by the treatment. In addition those rats which had received reserpine in the neonatal period exhibited prolonged periods of dioestrus and only occasionally intermittent vaginal cornification. At 30 and 60 days of age pituitary LH concentration and content were significantly lower in reserpine-treated animals than in controls of the same age.
ANTI-OVULATORY POTENCY OF VARIOUS STEROIDS, DETERMINED BY SINGLE INJECTION INTO FEMALE HAMSTERS
Authors: GREENWALD G. S.
Published: December 2008

Hamsters injected at metoestrus (day 1) and killed at day 2 of the next oestrous cycle were used to determine the ovulation-inhibiting potency of various steroids. Oestradiol and testosterone prevented ovulation by inducing atresia in the developing follicles which would have normally ovulated. Esterification of oestradiol markedly increased its anti-ovulatory activity. The progestational steroids usually acted on the final phases of follicular maturation rather than affecting earlier phases of growth. The most potent pure gestagen tested was 6,7α-dimethyl-6-dehydroprogesterone which was five times as active as progesterone or norethindrone in preventing ovulation of ripe follicles. Ethynodiol diacetate also blocked ovulation of mature follicles, but with increased doses atresia became the primary mechanism responsible for inhibiting ovulation. The latter effect is probably due to inherent oestrogenicity of the compound.

The advantages of this method as a screening procedure for anti-ovulatory activity are discussed.
THE METABOLISM OF [4-14C]CORTISOL IN PATIENTS WITH COLLAGEN DISEASES
Authors: GRAY C. H. , SHAW D. A.
Published: December 2008

The major metabolic pathways of cortisol have been studied in detail after injection of a tracer dose of [4-14C]cortisol in two patients with rheumatoid arthritis and in one with disseminated lupus erythematosus. Results are also presented from preliminary experiments in two other patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

The rates of cortisol secretion by the adrenals of all the patients studied were within the normal range and the kinetics of cortisol metabolism were also normal. No abnormalities were found in either the proportions of cortisol, cortisone and 6β-hydroxycortisol in the urinary fraction containing the unconjugated steroids or in that of tetrahydrocortisol, allo-tetrahydrocortisol, tetrahydrocortisone, cortols, cortolones, 11β-hydroxyaetiocholanolone, 11β-hydroxyandrosterone and 11-oxoaetiocholanolone in the fraction released by hydrolysis of the urinary steroid conjugates.

The excretion of 6β-hydroxycortisol in a group of patients with rheumatoid arthritis was not significantly greater than that in a similar group of normal subjects in whom the upper limit of the range was higher than values previously reported.
THE METABOLISM OF [4-14C]CORTISOL IN PATIENTS WITH SARCOIDOSIS
Authors: GRAY C. H. , SHAW D. A.
Published: December 2008

The major metabolic pathways of cortisol in a patient with sarcoidosis have been studied after intravenous injection of a tracer dose of [4-14C]cortisol. Results from some preliminary experiments in four other patients are also presented. The effects of large doses of cortisol on its metabolism were also studied.

In all the patients studied the adrenal secretion rate of cortisol was in the low normal range. The rate of disappearance of radioactivity from the plasma fractions containing the unconjugated steroids was normal before cortisol therapy but slower than normal during therapy. During therapy there was a significant decrease in the total urinary radioactivity.

In the one patient in whom detailed studies were made, an unusually large proportion of the urinary metabolites was in the unconjugated fraction in which the amount of 6β-hydroxycortisol was greater than normal. Apart from an increased ratio of 11β-hydroxy- to their corresponding 11-oxo-metabolites there was no essential difference in the pattern of excretion of the metabolites in this patient during therapy. In this patient only 65% of the injected radioactivity was excreted in urine after 48 hr., whereas the other patients excreted a normal percentage of the injected radioactivity during this period.
HISTOCHEMICAL DEMONSTRATION OF 11β-HYDROXYSTEROID DEHYDROGENASE
Authors: BAILLIE A. H. , FERGUSON M. M. , CALMAN K. C. , HART D. McK.
Published: December 2008

11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase can be demonstrated histochemically by incubating tissues with nitro blue tetrazolium (2,2′-di-p-nitrophenyl-5,5′-diphenyl-3,3′-(3,3′-dimethoxy-4,4′-diphenylene) ditetrazolium chloride), NAD or NADP and an appropriate steroid. Suitable steroid substrates are: (1) 11β-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione (11β-hydroxyandrostenedione), (2) 3,11β-dihydroxyoestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-one (11β-hydroxyoestrone), (3) 3α,11β-dihydroxy-5α-androstan-17-one, (4) 3α,11β-dihydroxy-5β-androstan-17-one and (5) 11β-hydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione(11β-hydroxyprogesterone).

11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity was found in the Leydig cells of six human testes from subjects ranging in age from 12 to 57 yr. with all five substrates.

The Leydig cells of the mouse testis contain demonstrable 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity and the volume of reactive tissue increases regularly between birth and the end of the 10th week of postnatal life; this growth curve is sigmoid in form. An extremely weak histochemical reaction with human placenta obtained at term was observed, 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione being the only substrate utilized to any extent. A specimen of hydatid mole, however, showed intense 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity with all substrates surveyed. 11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase was also found in the ova, granulosa, theca interna, interstitial tissue and corpora lutea of the mouse ovary.
THE EFFECT OF ADRENALECTOMY ON BLOOD PYRUVATE IN CATS INJECTED WITH GLUCOSE AND INSULIN
Authors: HOCKADAY T. D. R.
Published: December 2008

Injection of glucose (290 mg./kg.) with insulin (0·5 unit/kg.) into conscious adrenalectomized cats was followed by an increase in venous pyruvate concentration which was not seen in intact cats given the same doses of glucose and insulin. When normal cats received 1·5 units insulin/kg. with the glucose there was again no sustained change in blood pyruvate concentration during the first 30 min. after injection. In these animals the decrease of blood glucose was the same as in the adrenalectomized cats, and greater than in intact cats injected with 0·5 unit insulin/kg.

After glucose and insulin had been given to acutely eviscerated cats the blood pyruvate level rose in previously adrenalectomized animals and fell in previously intact animals. These results provide some support for an extrahepatic action of glucocorticoid hormones.
THE SWELLING OF FROG BLADDER CELLS PRODUCED BY OXYTOCIN
Authors: NATOCHIN J. V. , JANÁČEK K. , RYBOVÁ R.
Published: December 2008

(1) Synthetic oxytocin (100 m-u./ml.) produces swelling of the isolated frog urinary bladder even in the absence of an osmotic gradient across the bladder.

(2) Calculations show that the change in intracellular space does not necessarily differ significantly from that in the presence of an osmotic gradient since the inulin space is markedly affected by the osmotic water flow.

(3) Part of the cellular potassium is exchanged for sodium during the swelling produced by oxytocin.

(4) A possible mechanism and the significance of the swelling is discussed.
THE EFFECT OF MONOAMINE OXIDASE INHIBITORS ON GROWTH: MECHANISM OF THE POTENTIATING EFFECT ON CORTICOSTEROIDS
Authors: ZOR U. , DIKSTEIN S. , SULMAN F. G.
Published: December 2008

The monoamine oxidase inhibitor mebanazine (Actomol) was found to reduce the growth of cartilage, and the normal increase in body weight and pituitary weight in growing male rats. The inhibitory effect of mebanazine on cartilage growth is only partially overcome by concomitant injection of growth hormone. The inhibitory effect on growth is much greater when mebanazine is injected together with hydrocortisone; it exceeds by far the sum of the effects of mebanazine or hydrocortisone alone (augmentative synergism).

Mebanazine also inhibits cartilage growth in normal rats receiving metyrapone (Metopirone—which inhibits corticosteroid production) and in adrenalectomized animals receiving hydrocortisone. Mebanazine stimulates involution of the thymus and depletion of ascorbic acid from the adrenal glands of rats. This shows that mebanazine releases adrenocorticotrophic hormone in normal rats and in rats receiving high doses of hydrocortisone.

Our results thus suggest that the inhibitory effect of mebanazine on growth is twofold: it potentiates a corticosteroid which itself is a growth inhibitor and in addition blocks the release of growth hormone from the pituitary by a specific mechanism inherent in the action of mebanazine as an enzyme blocker.
STUDIES ON ARTIFICIAL CRYPTORCHIDISM: COMPENSATORY CHANGES IN THE SCROTAL TESTES OF UNILATERALLY CRYPTORCHID RATS
Authors: CLEGG E. J.
Published: December 2008

Experimental unilateral cryptorchidism in the rat is accompanied by compensatory changes in the scrotal testis. These changes include hypertrophy of germ cells unaccompanied by hyperplasia, and hyperplasia and hypertrophy of Leydig cells.

It is postulated that these changes are due to increased secretion of both follicle-stimulating hormone and interstitial cell-stimulating hormone by the adenohypophysis; this opinion is borne out to some extent by the histological changes in this organ, in which the presence of increased numbers of peripheral and central castration cells indicates increased secretion of gonadotrophins.
PROLACTIN ASSAY BY THE DECIDUAL REACTION IN THE MOUSE
Authors: KOVAČIĆ NADA
Published: December 2008

The potency of preparations of ovine prolactin NIH-P-S5, NIH-P-S6 and Panlitar Armour S10209 and bovine prolactin NIH-P-B1 was estimated by the luteotrophic assay in normal adult mice. The method is based on the decidual response in a damaged uterine horn. The results were compared with those obtained by the workers using the pigeon crop gland method and found to be closely similar.
3α-HYDROXYSTEROID DEHYDROGENATION IN SUBCELLULAR FRACTIONS OF RAT VENTRAL PROSTATE AND OTHER TISSUES
Authors: GORE MARION B. R. , BARON D. N.
Published: December 2008

Dehydrogenation of androsterone, catalysed by both particulate and soluble fractions of rat ventral prostate, has been demonstrated in vitro by spectrophotometric and chromatographic methods. A difference has been observed between dehydrogenases in the particulate and soluble fractions in their acceptance, under uniform experimental conditions, of the 5α and 5β isomers, androsterone and aetiocholanolone, as substrate. The particulate enzyme dehydrogenates androsterone under conditions in which aetiocholanolone is not dehydrogenated, whereas the soluble enzyme utilizes equally androsterone and aetiocholanolone as substrate. An examination of other rat tissues by the chromatographic method has confirmed the widespread occurrence of the soluble dehydrogenase. Particulate dehydrogenase resembling the prostatic enzyme was detected in seminal vesicle and kidney.
THE INFLUENCE OF VARIOUS HORMONES ON THE RETICULO-ENDOTHELIAL SYSTEM: ENDOCRINE CONTROL OF BODY DEFENCE
Authors: NICOL T. , VERNON-ROBERTS B. , QUANTOCK D. C.
Published: December 2008

(1) The three principal natural oestrogens, oestrone, oestriol and 17β-oestradiol, are strong stimulants of the reticulo-endothelial system (RES).

(2) Testosterone had no effect on the RES when administered alone. Doses of testosterone which inhibited the oestrogenic response of the reproductive tract to oestrone and oestriol also inhibited the stimulant effect of these oestrogens on the RES. In contrast, testosterone markedly potentiated the stimulant effect of 17β-oestradiol on the RES even in doses at which the oestrogenic response is inhibited. These results imply that 17β-oestradiol is the principal oestrogen concerned in the control of RES activity, and provide further proof that the oestrogen molecule has two biological activities, one acting on the RES and the other on the reproductive tract, and that they act independently although contained in the same molecule.

(3) Progesterone is a mild RE stimulant. Doses which inhibited the oestrogenic response of the reproductive tract did not affect oestrogen-produced RE stimulation.

(4) Small doses of cortisone stimulated the RES, but high doses depressed RE activity and oestrogen-produced RE stimulation.

(5) Thyroxine had no effect on the RES when acting alone, but markedly potentiates oestrogen-produced RE stimulation.

(6) The hormones of the anterior lobe of the pituitary are all stimulants of the RES; and, with the exception of growth hormone and follicle stimulating hormone, acted in a synergistic manner with oestrogen.

(7) The hormones of the posterior lobe of the pituitary had no effect on the RES.

(8) The results as a whole indicate that the endocrine system exerts a homeostatic influence on RE function, and that 17β-oestradiol is the principal stimulant of the RES and body defence.
A STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF RESERPINE ON THYROID SECRETION IN SEVERAL MAMMALIAN SPECIES
Authors: PREMACHANDRA B. N.
Published: December 2008

Investigations were carried out to study the effect of reserpine in doses up to 100 μg./100 g. body weight on thyroid function as determined by thyroxine secretion rates (TSR) in the rat, hamster, guinea-pig and mouse. It was found that 20 μg. reserpine/100 g. body weight had no effect on TSR or on body weight. At higher doses (50–100 μg./100 g.) TSR was depressed, greater depression being noted with doses of 100 μg. Food intake was reduced at the higher dosage resulting in significant losses of body weight (up to 33%). In long-term studies in rats, administration of 10 μg. reserpine/100 g. body weight for 6 weeks had no effect on TSR. No dose of reserpine that would inhibit TSR without contributing to body weight loss and depression in food intake was found. Administration of reserpine in these low doses did not influence body temperature. Uniform results were obtained in all the species studied. It is concluded that reserpine, in low doses, has no influence on thyroid function as determined by the rate of thyroxine secretion. Higher doses of reserpine, however, inhibit thyroid secretion, but such an inhibition appears to be secondary to the effects of inanition brought about by a toxic action of the drug and/or its hypothalamic effects.
THE SPECIFIC ACTIVITY OF PLASMA CORTISOL IN SHEEP AFTER RAPID INTRAVENOUS INJECTION OF [1,2-3H2]CORTISOL, AND ITS RELATION TO THE RATE OF CORTISOL SECRETION
Authors: HARRISON F. A. , PATERSON J. Y. F.
Published: December 2008

Tritium-labelled cortisol was injected intravenously, as a single dose, in 12 experiments on seven sheep with autotransplanted left adrenal glands, in which cortisol secretion rate could be measured directly by sampling adrenal venous blood.

In all experiments, curves which represented sums of two exponential terms could be fitted to the estimates of specific activity of plasma cortisol. The interpretation of the data was based on the distribution of cortisol in two miscible pools, and the calculated rates of cortisol turnover were much greater than the cortisol secretion rates which were measured directly and simultaneously.

Simultaneous injection of Evans blue suggested that 1–2 min. was needed for complete mixing of the injected dose in plasma, during which time labelled cortisol leaves plasma with a half-time of about 1 min. It is concluded that such conditions do not provide a satisfactory basis for tracer kinetic analysis.
FACTORS WHICH INFLUENCE ASSAYS OF GONADOTROPHIN BASED ON THE INDUCTION OF OVULATION IN MICE
Authors: BROWN P. S. , WELLS M.
Published: December 2008

The response to gonadotrophins in an assay based on the induction of ovulation in immature mice was reduced by treatment of the experimental animals with barbitone. The responses to follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone (LH) were reduced to a similar degree. Lack of specificity of the assay for LH is probably not due simply to the endogenous secretion of this hormone.

Progesterone and oestradiol-17β had no definite effect on the assay but norethynodrel significantly reduced the slope of the dose-response line. Feeding the mice with methylthiouracil increased the sensitivity to a small but significant extent.

Assays depending on the induction of ovulation in immature, pregnant and mature dioestrous mice were compared. Mice of the first two types gave more sensitive and precise assays of human urinary gonadotrophin.
AROMATIZATION OF 7α-HYDROXYDEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE AND OF ITS 3-SULPHATE BY OVARIAN AND PLACENTAL TISSUE CULTURES
Authors: STÁRKA L. , JANATA J. , NOVÁK J.
Published: December 2008

Incubation of 7α-hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone or its sulphate with cultures of ovarian or placental tissue yielded 7α-hydroxyoestrone, 7α-hydroxyoestradiol and a product tentatively characterized as 7-oxo-oestradiol. These results show that the ovary can be the source of 7-oxygenated oestrogens.
EFFECTS OF X-IRRADIATION ON THE ADRENAL GLANDS OF IMMATURE RATS
Authors: WALL P. G.
Published: December 2008

Localized X-irradiation of the adrenal glands of male rats aged 3–36 days inhibited subsequent gain in body weight and in the growth of the adrenal glands, the degree of retardation depending on the dose applied (400–1800 r.). The cortico-medullary ratio was essentially the same in irradiated and control animals.

As judged by compensatory hypertrophy of one adrenal gland after the removal of the other, adrenal function was unaffected by X-irradiation within the range of doses and ages investigated.
METABOLIC AND ENDOCRINE EFFECTS OF LYSERGIC ACID DIETHYLAMIDE (LSD-25) ON MALE RATS
Authors: WELTMAN A. S. , SACKLER A. M.
Published: December 2008

Male Wistar rats were injected s.c. with 500 or 750 μg./kg. of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD-25) on alternate days for 2 weeks and received a total of eight injections, the last two being on consecutive days. Before autopsy, urinary 17-ketosteroid output, white blood cell counts, body weight, food and oxygen consumption were studied. Depending on time and dosage, the various results indicate that LSD-25 stimulates adrenal function, lowers metabolism, and inhibits thyroid and possibly gonadal function. Similarities between the effects of LSD-25 intoxication and schizophrenia are noted.
BIOGENESIS OF CORTICOSTEROIDS IN THE EUROPEAN EEL ANGUILLA ANGUILLA L.
Authors: SANDOR T. , VINSON G. P. , JONES I. CHESTER , HENDERSON I. W. , WHITEHOUSE B. J.
Published: December 2008

Incubation, with [4-14C]progesterone, of adrenocortical tissue (posterior cardinal vein preparations) from the eel yielded 14C-labelled cortisol and cortisone. These two hormones, containing both 14C and 3H, appeared when similar preparations were incubated simultaneously with [4-14C]progesterone and [16-3H]pregnenolone. In addition, the following intermediaries were isolated: [14C, 3H]progesterone; [14C, 3H]17α-hydroxyprogesterone; [3H]17α-hydroxypregnenolone and [14C, 3H]21-deoxycortisol. Analysis of the isotope content of the end products and isolated intermediaries seemed to indicate that the transformation of pregnenolone to corticosteroids proceeded to a large extent through intermediaries other than progesterone. In none of these experiments could the formation of aldosterone be demonstrated. Similarly, incubation of eel adrenocortical tissue with a mixture of [4-14C]-progesterone and [1,2-3H]corticosterone failed to yield detectable aldosterone.

A further search for aldosterone, using a large amount of eel adrenocortical tissue with [4-14C]progesterone and [16-3H]pregnenolone as substrates with added angiotensin, also gave negative results. In similar preparations, [1-14C]sodium acetate was not transformed to any recognizable corticosteroids.
THE EFFECTS OF ANDROGENIZATION IN MALE RATS CASTRATED AT BIRTH
Authors: MORRISON R. L. , JOHNSON D. C.
Published: December 2008

Male rats were castrated on the day of birth and 5 days later half were given 2·5 mg. testosterone propionate (TP) subcutaneously (androgenization). When 30 days old, single animals were treated with graded doses of TP for 10 days. At the same time 57 males were united in parabiosis with normal intact males, and treated for 10 days with androgen.

Androgenization resulted in increased sensitivity of the accessory sex organs to subsequent treatment with TP. Also, the excessive secretion of gonadotrophin by the castrated animals, as measured by androgen production in intact parabiotic partners, was more effectively inhibited by TP in androgenized than in non-androgenized males. The results are consistent with the interpretation that early androgen treatment sensitizes both the male target organs and the hypothalamo-hypophysial system to androgen.
THE DIURNAL PATTERN OF PLASMA GROWTH HORMONE CONCENTRATION IN ADULTS
Authors: HUNTER W. M. , FRIEND J. A. R. , STRONG J. A.
Published: December 2008

Plasma growth hormone (GH) levels were measured at intervals throughout the day in various subjects. Several healthy men showed increased levels 3–4 hr. after a meal. Plasma GH was generally low in obese subjects with or without diabetes. Four acromegalic patients had consistently and markedly raised levels which were unaffected by food. In two thyrotoxic patients GH values were not different from normal.
HISTOCHEMICAL DISTRIBUTION OF 3β-HYDROXYSTEROID DEHYDROGENASE AND 17α- AND 17β-HYDROXYSTEROID DEHYDROGENASES IN THE PLACENTA AND FOETAL MEMBRANES OF THE RAT
Authors: BOTTE V. , MATERAZZI G. , CHIEFFI G.
Published: December 2008

The placenta and the foetal membranes of rats (pregnant 5–21 days) have been assayed by histochemical methods for 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSDH), NAD-dependent, and 17α- and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (17α- and 17β-HSDH), both NAD and NADP-dependent.

3β-HSDH was limited to the trophoblastic giant cells of the first generation, whereas 17α- and 17β-HSDH were present in both the first- and second-generation giant cells and also in the endodermal cells of the inverted yolk sac placenta.