bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TREATMENT OF NON-TOXIC GOITRE WITH THYROID PREPARATIONS
Authors: Lamberg B.-A. , Hernberg C. A. , Hakkila Riitta
Published: December 2008

Treatment with a thyroid preparation was used in 75 cases of non-toxic goitre. In 63 cases there was nodular goitre in 12 diffuse goitre. The observation period varied from 3 to 42 months.

The size of the goitre decreased in 50 cases (68 per cent) of which 40 had a nodular goitre and 10 a diffuse goitre. In the 63 cases with a nodular goitre the size of the nodules decreased in 39 cases and the nodules disappeared completely in 2 cases (65 per cent). In 5 cases (7 per cent) there was no change in the size of the thyroid or the nodules. Temporary factitious hyperthyroidism appeared in 7 cases but subsided rapidly after adjustment of the dose. In one case an endogenous hyperthyroidism evidently developed, probably owing to initial latent hyperthyroidism.

Treatment of non-toxic goitre with thyroid preparations or hormones is recommended 1) in diffuse goitre, 2) in nodular goitre as a trial and 3) after thyroidectomy for compressive goitre. The value of radioactive iodine uptake or excretion tests for the assessment of the response to treatment and the adjustment of the dose is emphasized.
EFFECT OF COW'S MILK FROM THE GOITRE ENDEMIA DISTRICT OF FINLAND ON THYROID FUNCTION
Authors: Peltola P. , Krusius F.-E.
Published: December 2008

In order to elucidate the effect of a goitrogenic factor contained in milk collected in the goitre area of Finland, a series of rats was fed with milk from such a district and compared with a fully similar series fed with milk from a non-goitre area. After 1, 3, 5 and 11 weeks and 1 year the body weight, thyroid weight, thyroidal 131I uptake and serum cholesterol level of the animals in both series were determined. It was demonstrated that the thyroid of rats receiving milk from the goitre area increased much more rapidly in weight, beginning with the first week, than that of animals in the control series, the difference being statistically highly significant throughout the experiment. After the course of one year the difference was as much as twofold. The 131I uptake per weight unit of thyroid was decreased during 5 to 11 weeks in the rats receiving milk from the goitre area. The total thyroidal 131I uptake, however, showed an increasing tendency towards the end of the experiment in rats fed with milk from the goitre area, but only after one year the difference was statistically significant. In the body weight and serum cholesterol levels there were no detectable differences between the two series.

This study indicates that the milk collected in a goitre area contained a goitrogen, probably of thiouracil- or thio-oxazolidone-type, the effect of which could not be eliminated by iodine ingestion in excess. The possibly decisive role of this factor in the pathogenesis of the goitre endemia in Finland is briefly discussed. Different pasturing habits of cattle in goitre and non-goitre districts may explain the occurrence of a goitrogenic factor in the milk in certain parts of the country.
THYROID FUNCTION IN DIABETIC PATIENTS UNDER LONG-TERM SULFONYLUREA TREATMENT
Authors: Nikkilä Esko A. , Jakobson Theodor , Jokipii S. G. , Karlsson Kaj
Published: December 2008

The sulfonylurea compounds now widely used for diabetes mellitus are known to have a thiouracil-like effect on the thyroid gland. This fact prompted a study of the functional state of the thyroid in subjects under long-term sulfonylurea treatment and living in an area with a relatively high incidence of goiter.

When determined during continuing medication, the serum protein-bound iodine and cholesterol levels, the 24 hour thyroidal uptake and 24 hour and 24–48 hour urinary excretions of radioiodine of sulphonylurea-treated diabetics were not different from those of diabetic or non-diabetic controls within the same age range. However, when tested a few days after withdrawal of the drug the radioiodine uptake by the thyroid was significantly higher than during the treatment period, thus indicating the presence of some thyroidal block during the consumption of sulfonylureas. The possible consequences of this undesirable side-effect particularly in combination with other goitrogenic factors are emphasized.
FAILURE TO DEMONSTRATE C19-STEROIDS IN BOVINE TESTES
Authors: Benirschke Kurt , Bloch Eric
Published: December 2008

An attempt has been made to demonstrate the possible presence of ketosteroids in the testes of foetal cattle. Two hundred foetal cattle specimens were secured among which there were 100 males. Conventional extraction with and without hydrolysis of the testes yielded no recognizable C19-steroids. From these results it is concluded that these organs contain less than 0.4 μg of any 17-ketosteroid or Δ4 3,20-diketosteroid per gram of tissue.
ADRENAL PHOSPHORYLASE AND THE ACTION OF CORTICOTROPHIN
Authors: Emberland Rolf
Published: December 2008

Corticotrophin preparations are capable of stimulating the phosphorylase activity of fresh beef adrenal extract. The effect disappears when the extract is heated or purified and decreases with increasing age of the extract. 5-adenosine monophosphate has no influence on the phosphorylase activity of fresh beef adrenal extract but has a stimulating effect when the preparation is dialyzed.

By ammonium sulfate precipitation, calcium phosphate gel adsorption and ammonium sulfate fractionation, two phosphorylase fractions were obtained, one being influenced by 5-adenosine monophosphate to a much higher degree than the other one. None were influenced by corticotrophin.
ÜBER GONADENDYSGENESIE BEIM NEUGEBORENEN UND JUNGEN SÄUGLING MIT CHROMATINNEGATIVEM KERNBEFUND
Authors: Dhom Georg
Published: December 2008

Report about two cases of gonadal dysgenesis with negative sex chromatin pattern in early childhood.

38-day old girl with unsuspected female external genitals, myelomeningocele, one-sided renal aplasia and uterus unicornis. The only present gonad is an ovary developed according to the age and full of ripening follicles.

A two-hours old premature birth with various deformities. Completely female external genitals, vagina and uterus duplex. On both sides serial sections show very small dysgenetical ovaries with a strongly reduced number of primordial follicles.

The observations show, that ovaries may be developed in cases of negativ sex chromatin pattern. It will be necessary to pay attention to the sex chromatin and the gonadal dysgenesis in female cases of various deformities.
THE FORMATION OF THYROXINE METABOLITES BY ESCHERICHIA COLI
Authors: Gräsbeck R. , Lamberg B.-A. , Björkstén F.
Published: December 2008

A »wild« strain of Escherichia coli was incubated with labelled and non-labelled l-thyroxine. Chromatographic and electrophoretic studies demonstrated that several iodinated compounds were formed during incubation. One of the compounds seems fairly certainly to be tetra-iodothyroacetic acid (Tetrac, T A4), others may be tri-iodothyroacetic acid (Triac, TA3) and tetra-iodothyroformic acid (TFform4, Tetraform) but the identification of these substances requires further studies. An unknown compound stainable with diazotised sulphanilic acid and with a great mobility on chromatography was observed.

The findings may have some bearing on the enterohepatic circulation of the thyroid hormones. The usefulness of microbial techniques in the elucidation of the tissue metabolism of thyroid hormones and in the preparation of thyroxine analogues is pointed out.
GOITROGENIC EFFECT OF COW'S MILK FROM THE GOITRE DISTRICT OF FINLAND
Authors: Peltola P.
Published: December 2008

The purpose of the investigation was to study the goitrogenic activity of milk in the endemic goitre district in Finland by feeding rats with milk produced in this district. During one to two years the size of the animals' thyroid glands increased to almost twice the size of the thyroids of control rats given milk from the non-goitrous district. A marked excess of iodine in the food was not capable of inhibiting this goitrogenic effect. The occurrence of goitrogens in cattle fodder and milk in the goitre district may be explained, e. g., on the basis of the condition of pastures in Finland and may be responsible for the human goitre endemia in this country, especially when definite evidence of iodine deficiency in food is still lacking.
ETUDE DE L'ACTIVITE BIOLOGIQUE IN VITRO DES HORMONES GONADOTROPES
Authors: Legault-Démare J. , Mauléon P. , Suarez-Soto M.
Published: December 2008

Pregnant mares' serum gonadotrophin (PMS) when added to the incubation medium of slices of ewes' corpus luteum increases the amount of progesterone liberated.

The activity of the luteal tissue under the described in vitro conditions varies with the age of the corpus luteum, in a similar manner as under normal in vivo conditions.

On the contrary, the sensitivity of the tissue to PMS stimulation in vitro increases during the degenerative phase of the corpus luteum.
STUDIES ON THE UTERINE GROWTH-STIMULATING EFFECTS OF COMBINATIONS OF TESTOSTERONE PROPIONATE AND NATURAL OESTROGENS
Authors: Edgren Richard A. , Calhoun David W. , Harris Theodore W.
Published: December 2008

Testosterone propionate (TP), at a high dose level, produces an increase in the uterine growth produced by oestrone, 17β-oestradiol or oestriol, also at high dose levels. When low doses of TP were added to relatively high doses of the oestrogens, they were found to be additive with oestriol, inactive with 17β-oestradiol and inhibitory only with oestrone. Although in the conditions of this test the major type of interaction between oestrogens and androgens is additive, an inhibitory component is sometimes present. This is in contrast to the findings of Velardo and our own mouse uterine growth studies in which inhibition was most obvious. This additive-inhibitory pattern of activities appears characteristic for mixtures of oestrogens and other steroids, which suggests a sort of buffering on the biological level.
THE ACTION OF GROWTH HORMONE IN COMBINATION WITH LACTOGENIC HORMONE OR INTERSTITIAL CELL-STIMULATING HORMONE (ICSH) IN THE OVARY AND UTERUS OF ADULT RATS HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED AT TIME OF VAGINAL CORNIFICATION
Authors: Grattarola Renzo , Somigli Antonietta
Published: December 2008

Adult female rats of the Long-Evans strain were hypophysectomized at the time of vaginal cornification and treated for either 5 or 10 days with various pituitary hormones and their combinations. With these hormones, an attempt was made to reproduce the pattern of development of the ovarian follicles observed in adult normal rats at the time of vaginal mucification (prooestrus) and at the time of vaginal cornification. With the combination of growth hormone (100 μg) plus ICSH (100 μg). given daily for 10 days, the vesicular follicles in the ovary were increased in number and size, and degeneration of the medium-sized solid follicles occurred, as is observed in normal adult rats at the prooestrus stage of the ovarian cycle. With the combination of growth hormone (100 μg) and lactogenic hormone (100 μg), given daily for 5 days, the primordial follicles and follicles of small and medium size were numerous, with intact ova and membrana granulosa. This picture reproduces the follicular pattern that is observed at the time of vaginal cornification of adult normal rats. Growth hormone by itself stimulated the thecal cells of the atretic follicles, and this stimulation was enhanced when lactogenic hormone was injected in combination with the growth hormone.

The uterine changes resulting from these various hormonal treatments are also described.
BODY WATER OF NEWBORN INFANTS OF DIABETIC MOTHERS
Authors: Osler Mogens
Published: December 2008

The total body water as well as the distribution of water in the extracellular and intracellular compartments was determined in 23 infants born to diabetic mothers (diab. infants) and 15 infants born to normal mothers (normal infants). The total body water was determined by the dilution method using heavy water, and the extracellular water by the dilution method using thiosulphate. Intracellular water was calculated as total water less extracellular water. The analytical methods are described.

Diab. infants proved to have a mean total body water of 2.48 litres or 70.2 per cent of the body weight, a mean extracellular water content of 1.41 litre or 38.5 per cent of the body weight, and a mean intracellular water content of 1.16 litre or 31.8 per cent of the body weight.

Normal infants had a mean total body water of 2.58 litres or 78.2 per cent of the body weight, a mean extracellular water content of 1.53 litre or 44.9 per cent of the body weight, and a mean intracellular water content of 1.12 litre or 33.5 per cent of the body weight.

The reduction in total and extracellular water in the diab. infants is statistically significant, whereas that of intracellular water is more doubtful. The reduction in total body water means that diab. infants are obese. A marked decrease in total as well as extracellular water without a substantial decrease in intracellular water cannot be due to obesity alone, since fat is assumed to contain more extracellular than intracellular water. Increased deposition of glycogen, which binds water in the cells and constitutes an intermediate product in the transformation of glucose to fat, can explain, when also considering the obesity, the reduction in total and extracellular water without a simultaneous decrease of intracellular water.

Considering the influence of insulin, corticosteroids and growth hormone on the body composition, the author concludes that the changes found in the body composition of newborn infants of diabetic mothers (obesity + presumably increased glycogen) may be assumed to be due to maternal hyperglycaemia with consequent foetal hyperglycaemia + hyperinsulinism, but not to an action of maternal growth hormone. In other words, the result supports the so-called hyperglycaemia hypothesis as the cause of the increased weight and changed body composition of the newborn infants of diabetic women.
BODY FAT OF NEWBORN INFANTS OF DIABETIC MOTHERS
Authors: Osler Mogens
Published: December 2008

The body fat of newborn infants of diabetic mothers (diab. infants), normal full-term infants (norm, infants), and control infants, i. e. infants of the same gestational age as the diab. infants but born to normal mothers was determined by anthropometric measurements of the subcutaneous fat, partly by using a skin-fold caliper and partly by measuring the layer of subcutaneous tissue on X-ray films of the lower leg and chest. The thickness of the subcutaneous layer of fat was found to be increased in diab. infants by 38–46 % as compared with normal infants and by 50 % as compared with the control infants.

In this connection, the author refers to his previous studies of total body water in diab. infants and normal infants, since the fat content may be estimated on the basis of a knowledge of total body water. These studies showed that the total body water of diab. infants is 10 per cent below that of normal infants.

The techniques used cannot accurately determine the absolute fat content in the body, but it is illustrated by an example that the overweight of 550 g in diab. infants compared with normal control infants may be explained by an increased fat and glycogen content. Glycogen is formed in various quantities in the course of the transformation of carbohydrate into fat and is deposited, with binding of water, in the intracellular compartment.

From the investigations it may be concluded that at birth diab. infants are obese and thus have a relatively low total body water. The obesity may increase the resistance to respiration and strain the cardiovascular system. The apparent paradox that despite a low body water diab. infants show a tendency to oedema, large urinary output, and marked weight loss after birth may be explained by the phenomenon that apart from being obese. they contain various quantities of glycogen which binds water in the intracellular compartment. After birth, a rapid breakdown of glycogen occurs, involving a release of water, and this results in a tendency to oedema, large urinary output, and subsequent weight loss due to the excretion of water.
EFFECT OF A LATHYRUS FACTOR AND OF AN ANABOLIC STEROID ON HEALING OF FRACTURES IN RATS, STUDIED BY 35S UPTAKE METHOD
Authors: Kowalewski K. , Emery M. A.
Published: December 2008

The effect of toxic lathyrus factor beta-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) and of anabolic steroid 17-ethyl-19-nortesterone (»Nilevar«) on the 35S uptake by the healing fractures of rats' humeri was studied. The radioactivity of callus (C) in fractured humerus and in shaft of intact (I) humerus was recorded, one, two and three weeks after fracture, and C/I ratio calculated. BAPN diet resulted in the decrease of C/I ratio as compared with normal control. In rats treated with »Nilevar« C/I ratio was higher than that in both normal control and BAPN fed animals. It is apparent that BAPN inhibits and »Nilevar« promotes those processes of healing of bone which are associated with changes in connective tissue mucopolysaccharides and which may be studied by 35S uptake method.
CHROMATOGRAPHIC SEPARATION OF URINARY CORTICOSTEROIDS
Authors: Emberland R. , Støa K. F.
Published: December 2008

The usefulness of partition chromatography on cellulose columns has been tried in fractionation of urinary corticosteroids. As the chromatographic system toluene/propylene glycol has been used. During the first part of the experiments the determination of the corticosteroid content in the chromatographic fractions was carried out by measuring their reducing power against phosphomolybdic acid. Provided the right conditions were used, a satisfactory separation was obtained of the following steroids in mixture: 11-deoxycorticosterone, 11-dehydrocorticosterone, 11-deoxy-17-hydroxycorticosterone, corticosterone, cortisone, dihydrocortisone, tetrahydrocortisone, cortisol and tetrahydrocortisol. Aldosterone appeared in the same fractions as cortisone. By means of the borohydride-bismuthate reaction and a correction by the Allen formula in the subsequent spectrophotometry, an approximatively specific determination of a series of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids in urine extracts could be obtained.
A COMPARISON OF SEMINAL VESICLE, KIDNEY AND ADRENAL RESPONSES IN THE RAT FOLLOWING THE ADMINISTRATION OF ANDROGEN
Authors: Grunt Jerome A. , Walker Joseph E.
Published: December 2008

The responses of several seminal vesicle in vivo microscopic characteristics, seminal vesicle contractions, seminal vesicle, kidney and adrenal weights and seminal vesicle histology have been compared following the administration of testosterone propionate (T. P.) and norethandrolone (19-NT) to castrated male rats.

Fourteen days after castration 35 male Osborne-Mendel rats were divided into 5 groups each containing 6 to 8 animals and given daily subcutaneous injections of 0.1 ml sesame oil with or without added steroids. The groups were: I – sesame oil; II – 100 μg 19-NT; III – 500 μg 19-NT; IV – 100 μg T.P.; V – 500 μg T. P.

After 7 days of injections, seminal vesicles were studied by the transillumination method of Knisely. The seminal vesicles, adrenals and kidneys were then removed and weighed and the vesicles were prepared for routine histological examination.

The adrenal and kidney weights, as well as the seminal vesicle contractions, responded to both steroids in a similar manner, however, seminal vesicle weight and histology and in vivo characteristics differed greatly. 19-NT appeared to have very little effect on vesicle weight, in vivo characteristics and histology although contractions were inhibited in 13 of 14 animals so treated. Therefore, when used as the end-point in hormonal reactions, seminal vesicle contractions should not be considered comparable to the usual secondary sexual organ reactivity to hormones.
THE LEVEL OF URINARY NEUTRAL 17-KETOSTEROIDS IN FEMALE RATS
Authors: Kullander Stig
Published: December 2008

The excretion of 17-ketosteroids in the urine was studied in female rats aged 6 months, 1 year and 2 years. Some of the animals were intact, some were spayed at 3 weeks whilst in some of the spayed animals, ovarian tissue was autotransplanted to the spleen at the time of the operation (ovarian tumours form in this ovarian tissue after 6 months to 1 year).

Normal female rats excreted about 30 μg neutral 17-ketosteroids in the urine per day independently of age (6 months to 2 years).

The adrenal weight was smaller in spayed, female rats and the excretion of neutral 17-ketosteroids was less than in intact animals.

Spayed female rats with ovarian tumours in the spleen excreted relatively large amount of 17-ketosteroids, the amount appearing to vary with the size of the ovarian tumours in the spleen.
DER EINFLUSS VON THYREOTROPEM HORMON AUF DAS ELEKTROGRAMM DER SCHILDDRÜSE
Authors: Krüskemper H. L. , Reichertz P.
Published: December 2008

The elcctrogram of the thyroid gland in normal guinea pigs shows a lasting monophasic reaction beginning 1–2 minutes after the intravenous injection of thyrotrophin (TSH).

With a dose above 1.6 IU of TSH no relation between reaction and dose has been observed.

Distinct changes of the electrocardiogram may be observed after intravenous injection of more than 12.5 IU of TSH. Probably they are due to the presence of non-specific proteins.

The early reaction in the electrogram of the thyroid gland after injection of TSH is interpreted as a consequence of the stimulated secretion of thyroid hormones.
ZUR PATHOGENESE DES PSEUDOHYPOPARATHYREOIDISMUS
Authors: Schwarz Gerhard
Published: December 2008

A case of pseudohypoparathyroidism with positive Ellsworth-Howard-test is reported. In spite of this result is was possible to confirm by phosphate clearance Albright's hypothesis of non-responding target organ; for parathyroid-extract augmented only phosphate-filtration but not the reabsorption of phosphate, as it is to be expected in hypoparathyroidism. As a clinical feature there is a considerable polyarthrosis.
EFFECT OF RESERPINE, 5-HYDROXYTRYPTAMINE, AND POLYMYXIN B ON MAST CELLS AND TENSILE STRENGTH OF HEALING WOUNDS
Authors: Fiore-Donati Luciano , Moltke Erik
Published: December 2008

The effect of reserpine, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), polymyxin B and fasting on the mast cells and tensile strength of healing wounds has been investigated.

Reserpine and polymyxin B were given during the last three days before the wounds were inflicted, while 5-HT was given as daily injections after the incisions. Reserpine and – to a lesser extent – 5-HT caused a significant decrease in the tensile strength of the wounds. This decrease was probably not caused by the concomitant weight-loss since a group of fasted animals which showed the same weight-loss turned out to have a normal tensile strength. The animals treated with polymyxin B showed no significant decrease in tensile strength. Treatment with reserpine and 5-HT was not followed by any significant changes in the mast cell morphology, while polymyxin B caused marked changes, the nature of which could not be determined.

It is concluded that the decrease in tensile strength of healing wounds induced by 5-HT and reserpine is probably not mediated by the tissue mast cell.
PATHOLOGICAL ANATOMICAL FINDINGS IN THE ADRENAL CORTEX IN TWO CASES OF CONGENITAL ADRENOCORTICAL HYPERPLASIA
Authors: Seelen J. C.
Published: December 2008

The pathological anatomical findings in the adrenal cortex of two patients, aged 4 and 6, have been studied.

Both adrenal glands had a cortex similar to that seen shortly after puberty; the reticular zone, however, was wide even for the postpuberal age. These findings are definitely anomalous for children who normally have a very poorly developed reticular zone. Hence a marked hyperplasia of this zone was present.

Unlike other investigators, we found a normally developed fascicular zone with a normal foamy cytoplasm; the lipid distribution and double refraction also revealed a normal aspect.

It is concluded that hyperplasia of the reticular zone is the characteristic feature of congenital adrenocortical hyperplasia and that the anomalies in cortisol synthesis are not clearly manifested in the fascicular zone.
WATER AND ELECTROLYTE COMPOSITION OF DECIDUAL TISSUE OF THE RAT UTERUS
Authors: Bitman Joel , Wrenn T. Randall , Cecil Helene C. , Sykes J. F.
Published: December 2008

Studies were made of H2O, Na, K, and Cl in rat uteri with and without deciduoma and in uteri from ovariectomized rats. Samples of whole uterus, endometrium and myometrium were obtained. The proportion of endometrium increased from 6.6 % to 27.2 % when deciduoma were present. Uterine horn weight increased from about 300 mg to over 900 mg. With the development of deciduoma the following effects occurred in whole uterus and myometrium:

H2O content increased about 3.5 %.

Na and Cl increased 22 % on a dry weight basis, although there were no differences when based upon wet weight.

K increased 16 % on a wet weight and 40 % on a dry weight basis.

The water and electrolyte content of uteri from ovariectomized rats was very similar to that of uteri without deciduoma. Endometrium could only be obtained from uteri with decidual tissue. H2O, Na, and Cl were about equal to the concentrations in whole uterus with deciduoma, but K was considerably higher than that observed in whole uterus. The ionic changes which the rat uterus exhibits during the development of deciduoma are characteristic of tissue growth. Similar changes have been observed in uterine growth under the influence of progesterone in the rabbit and the cow.
STUDIES ON HAEMORRHAGIC LIPAEMIA IN RATS WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCES TO THE EFFECT OF HYPOPHYSECTOMY
Authors: Punsar Sven , Härtel Gottfried , Louhija Antti , Heinonen Olli P.
Published: December 2008

Repeated bleeding in rats caused a definite increase in the serum cholesterol and phospholipid concentrations and a visible lipaemia. The development of lipaemia could be inhibited by injections of red cells in amounts sufficient to prevent the anaemia. The injection of serum corresponding in amount to that withdrawn had no effect in this respect. In hypophysectomized rats, the bleeding caused a similar increase in the serum cholesterol and phospholipid levels but no visible lipaemia.
OESTROGEN ANTAGONISMS: TEMPORAL MODALITIES IN STEROID BLOCK OF OESTRONE-INDUCED CHANGES IN VAGINAL SMEARS OF MICE
Authors: Edgren Richard A. , Neer Helene D.
Published: December 2008

In an earlier paper simultaneous testosterone propionate (TP) was shown to inhibit the vaginal smear effects of oestrone given over two days to spayed female mice. Deoxycorticosterone acetate (DCA) and progesterone were inactive in that test. Oestrone was given at a dose of 2 μg and the other steroid at 1000 μg. If these same doses were given over a four day period, however, all three steroids blocked the oestrone-induced changes. In a series of tests in which the oestrone was given over four days and the blocker either in one or two day periods, TP was found to antagonize when administered with the early but not with the late oestrone injections. DCA was an inhibitor only when given with the late oestrone administrations.

The period of progesterone activity was midway between that for TP and that for DCA, and overlapped each. These patterns of response were best discriminated when the blocker was administered in a single injection.
THYROIDAL ACTIVITY IN HIBERNATING CHIROPTERA
Authors: Sadler Walter W. , Tyler Walter S.
Published: December 2008

Hibernation was induced in groups of the bats Antrozous pallidus (family Vespertilionidae) and Tadarida mexicana (family Molassidae) by holding them for various periods of time in an ambient temperature of 4° C while control groups were held at 22° C and since the bat Macrotus californicus will not hibernate, groups of these were held at 22° C and 37° C to test for differences in thyroid activity as measured by its uptake of 131I over a 24 hour period. It was found that, in contradistinction to reports on other species, the thyroid of Antrozous and Tadarida bats is active during periods of low metabolic levels encountered in hibernation, as evidenced by its uptake of iodine, although the log uptake shows a linear regression with time in hibernation. Season, sex, sexual activity, species, ambient temperature, and length of time in a given ambient temperature were each found to be responsible for significant differences in the percentage uptake of 131I. The activity of the thyroid of the Macrotus bats was found not to be responsive to changes in ambient temperature over the range employed.
THYROIDAL ACTIVITY IN HIBERNATING CHIROPTERA
Authors: Sadler Walter W. , Tyler Walter S.
Published: December 2008

Quantitative and qualitative chromatographic analyses were made of the radioiodinated compounds found in the thyroids of Antrozous pallidus 24 hours after injection of 131I into a group held at 22° C and into other groups held for varying periods at 4° C. The results indicate that the thyroid of the hibernating bat is still active in the synthesis of iodinated amino acids through the sixth day at an ambient temperature of 4° C. The quantity of each compound regresses with time in hibernation, as does the uptake of iodine. Among the compounds containing organically bound 131I, diiodotyrosine becomes progressively less prominent while monoiodotyrosine and thyroxine become progressively more prominent with time in hibernation.
UNTERSUCHUNGEN ÜBER DIE EXTRAKTION DES ROTEN KOBER-FARBSTOFFS DURCH ORGANISCHE LÖSUNGSMITTEL ZUR ÖSTROGENBESTIMMUNG IM HARN
Authors: Ittrich Gerd
Published: December 2008

A series of organic solvents and phenol derivatives have been examined for the extraction of the pink Kober-colour complex. Optimal results could be achieved for fluorimetry by a solution of 2 % (w/v) p-nitrophenol and 1 % (v/v) ethanol in acetylenetetrabromide, when the green mercury line (546 mμ was used as primary light.

The sensitivity, stability and specificity have been improved, compared with the previously described reaction.

By changing the sequence of purification steps and by reducing the volume of the urine sample (5 ml) the method for the determination of total oestrogens has been simplified. Approximately 10 determinations can be done within 3–4 hours by one person.

Recovery experiments and comparative determinations with a previously described method have been carried out.

The excretion of total oestrogens in a complete menstrual cycle is determined with the described method.
PROGESTATIONAL ACTIVITY OF STEREOISOMERIC PROGESTERONE-ANALOGUES FOLLOWING ORAL ADMINISTRATION IN AMENORRHOEA
Authors: Tillinger K.-G. , Diczfalusy E.
Published: December 2008

A stereoisomeric analogue of progesterone, 9β,10α-pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione (retro-progesterone) and a 6-dehydro derivative, 9β,10α-pregna-4,6-diene-3,20-dione (6-dehydro-retro-progesterone) were studied for their progestational activity in 26 artificial cycles induced in 17 amenorrhoic women.1 It was found that 6-dehydro-retro-progesterone is a highly potent orally active progestational agent in the human subject. Daily doses of 10 mg of this compound given orally for 10 days induced a definite secretory transformation of the endometrium. The histological appearance of the endometrium following treatment with this compound could not be distinguished from that seen in normal cycles. Both compounds studied were excellently tolerated; no toxic side-effects were observed.
THE EFFECT OF NORETHISTERONE ON ANTERIOR PITUITARY FUNCTION, STEROID METABOLISM AND BASAL TEMPERATURE IN MALES
Authors: Parada J. , Napp J. H. , Voigt K. D.
Published: December 2008

The effects of 200 or 300 mg norethisterone oenanthate i. m. or of 20 mg norethisterone daily by mouth for 16 days on anterior pituitary function, steroid metabolism and on basal body temperature were investigated in five males without any demonstrable endocrine disturbance.

During a 7 day pre-treatment and a 14 day treatment period, the behaviour of basal body temperature, of oestrogens, Porter-Silber chromogen (PSC) and gonadotrophin excretion, was studied. In addition, an intravenous loading dose of corticotrophin was given once in the pretreatment and once in the treatment period. No definite effect on gonadotrophin and oestrogen excretion was established. Values of total PSC were practically identical, but the average value of free PSC in urine during the treatment period was significantly higher. An intravenous loading dose of corticotrophin also showed a significantly higher rise in plasma free PSC at this period.

The findings are briefly discussed with reference to the literature.
NOUVELLES DONNÉES SUR LE POIDS MOLÉCULAIRE DE LA GONADOTROPHINE DU SÉRUM DE JUMENT GRAVIDE
Authors: Bourrillon Roland , Got René
Published: December 2008

Sedimentation constant of pregnant mares' serum gonadotrophin remains equal to 3.7 in water, phosphate buffer pH 7.3 and ClNa 0.1 m. But, diffusion constant, equal to 10.2 in water, becomes 4.2 in ClNa 0.1 m. Then, the molecular weight gets 68 500 instead of 28 000 in water.
AN IMPROVED METHOD FOR THE ASSAY OF ANTI-INFLAMMATORY SUBSTANCES IN RATS
Authors: Bush I. E. , Alexander R. W.
Published: December 2008

An improved method for assaying anti-inflammatory substances is described. Granulomata are produced by means of cotton-wool pellets which have been impregnated with carrageenin. The precision of the assay when used for anti-inflammatory steroids is approximately double that obtained with plain cotton-wool pellets.
IMPAIRED WATER EXCRETION CAPACITY IN PRIMARY MYXOEDEMA IMPROVED BY CORTICOSTEROIDS, CORTICOTROPHIN AND THYROID SUBSTITUTION
Authors: Vogt Jörgen Herman
Published: December 2008

In four out of twelve cases of primary myxoedema, water excretion after a water load was found to be impaired. In two cases the duration of myxoedema was less than a year. Thyroid substitution was given for more than a year in two of the cases before improvement of water excretion capacity was obtained. During thyroid substitution but before improvement of water excretion was obtained, cortisone in small doses improved water excretion.

17-ketosteroid excretion was low in all 4 patients and 17-ketogenic steroid excretion was normal, as was the response to corticotrophin (ACTH) except in the fourth patient, where the response to ACTH was subnormal even after 10 months of thyroid substitution and improved but was not completely normal after 16 months. In this case too improvement of water excretion by thyroid substitution was obtained, but only after 16 months of such therapy. Cortisone and ACTH corrected the faulty water excretion prior to correction by thyroid substitution as did prednisolone, but not aldosterone.

Disagreement is expressed with the interpretation given by Crispell et al. (1954) of their findings in similar cases.

The impaired water excretion is explained on the assumption of a sluggish release of ACTH in some cases of myxoedema in response to a water load. One of the patients recorded had a history of previous hepatitis and kidney infection, and definite but not serious liver damage. In this case liver function was definitely worse in the myxoedematous state, thyroid substitution slowly bringing about a considerable improvement.

Plasma creatinine was increased in two patients when myxoedematous but normalized after long-lasting thyroid substitution.

The improvement of hepatic function and renal glomerular filtration obtained during thyroid substitution is not considered to be the cause of the improved handling of a water load.

In cases in which there is strong suspicion of impaired adrenocortical function, whether primary or secondary, intravenous ACTH infusion may cause an almost fatal shock. Intramuscular ACTH is well tolerated. Aldosterone treatment was tried in one of the patients suffering such shock.
ADRENALECTOMY DURING PREGNANCY WITH THE APPEARANCE OF PRE-ECLAMPSIA AT TERM IN A CASE OF CUSHING'S SYNDROME
Authors: Bergman Per , Ekman Hans , Håkansson Britt , Sjögren Björn
Published: December 2008

This is a case report of a woman, suffering from Cushing's disease, who conceived before treatment and who underwent successful adrenalectomy during pregnancy. The gestation continued normally until near term when symptoms of pre-eclampsia appeared on unchanged cortisone substitution. The urinary excretion of pregnantriol during the last trimester of pregnancy is described.
ZUR SUBMIKROSKOPISCHEN STRUKTUR DER RATTENSCHILDDRÜSE ELEKTRONENMIKROSKOPISCHE UNTERSUCHUNGEN AN DER BASIS DES SCHILDDRÜSENFOLLIKELS
Authors: Waller U.
Published: December 2008

This is a description of ultramicroscopic structures at the base of the thyroid follicle. The structural principle of the subendothelial or interfollicular space, namely basement membranes closely following both the endothelial cells of the capillaries and the epithelial cells of the thyroid, corresponds to that described by other authors in the other endocrine organs. Especially shown are small vesicle like decreases of intensity in the subendothelial space, causing bulges in both the subepithelial basement membrane and the membrane covering the endothelial cell pores thereby forming pseudopores. This membrane is in several parts a double one. The possible role played by the above mentioned structures in the basal secretion of the thyroid epithelial cell is discussed.
MODE OF ACTION OF IODIDE AND IODIZED COMPOUNDS ON THE THYROID AS JUDGED FROM THE BEHAVIOUR OF THE PBI AND THE 131I TRACER TEST. HYPOTHESIS OF CERTAIN PHASES OF THE THYROIDAL FUNCTION
Authors: Thorén Arne
Published: December 2008

The thyroid is assumed to contain a substance which forms, with iodide, iodine and iodine compounds, a freely dissociable complex, whereby it is able to concentrate and retain them. The »sites« afforded by this substance are not specific for iodine, since thiocyanate, perchlorate, and certain other anions become attached to them. The stability of attachment varies with different substances and thus the »blocking« actions of thiocyanate, perchlorate, iodized compounds, and diagnostic agents differ in their duration of action. Iodide, iodine, and intermediate compounds in the synthesis of thyroid hormone are normally retained at these sites. This theory accounts for the effects of thyrotrophin, iodide, thiocyanate, and perchlorate on the concentrating power and organic binding in the thyroid; and for the effects of iodide, iodized agents and antihyroid compounds on PBI and tracer tests, as well as for the effect of iodide in thyrotoxicosis, and of intravenously administered iodide in thyrotoxic crisis.
TURNER-SYNDROM MIT VOLL AUSGEBILDETEN SEKUNDÄREN GESCHLECHTSMERKMALEN UND FERTILITÄT
Authors: Bahner F. , Schwarz G. , Hienz H. A. , Walter K.
Published: December 2008

Two women with normally developed secondary sex characteristics are reported. Both had spontaneous menstrual cycles, the first one during a period of 4 years, the second one started menstrual bleedings at the age of 17 and had menstrual cycles of regular intervals up to the present age of 39. She had given birth to a healthy boy at the age of 31. Both patients are chromatinnegative, of short stature and one has a unilateral webbed neck. Therefore they had to be classified as cases of Turner's syndrome. In cultures of bone marrow and skin fibroblasts the patient who has born a child was shown to have 45 chromosomes (2n + OX). The findings presented are in contrast to latest hypothesis of chromatinnegative Turner's syndrome according to which sex chromosomal anomaly XO leads to development of rudimentary ovaries.
EFFECT OF NORETHANDROLONE ON THE URINARY EXCRETION OF 17-KETOSTEROIDS, TOTAL 17-HYDROXYCORTICOSTEROIDS AND UROPEPSIN AND ON THE GASTRIC SECRETORY ACTIVITY
Authors: Castrén O. , Kalliomäki L. , Pekkarinen A. , Soiva K. , Viikari S.
Published: December 2008

The effect of orally administered 17α-ethyl-17β-hydroxy-19-norandrost-4-en-3-one (75 mg daily during 8 days) on the urinary excretion of 17-ketosteroids, total 17-hydroxycorticosteroids and uropepsin and on the gastric secretory activity has been studied in 10 male patients with peptic ulcers. The excretion of 17-ketosteroids was significantly reduced, but the excretion of total 17-hydroxycorticosteroids and uropepsin and gastric secretory activity were not affected by the treatment.
CELLULOSE COLUMN CHROMATOGRAPHY OF OVARIAN PREPARATIONS CONTAINING UTERINE-RELAXING ACTIVITY
Authors: Paul K. G. , Wiqvist N.
Published: December 2008

Chromatography of extracts from pregnant sows' ovaries on carboxymethyl cellulose columns distributes the material into three components, the second and third of which contain uterine-relaxing activity. Heating of the second component makes the activity migrate into the position of the third component.
SIMPLIFIED MATHEMATICS FOR MULTIPLE BIOASSAYS
Authors: Borth R.
Published: December 2008

Gaddum's simplified system of computation for the analysis of biological parallel-line assays is extended to the assay of several unknown preparations simultaneously against the same standard, using up to four dose levels of each preparation. Complete working directions and formulae are provided and illustrated by a numerical example. Limiting conditions are briefly discussed.
CHANGES OF THYROID FUNCTION IN RESPONSE TO SEVERE NERVOUS STIMULATION
Authors: Árvay A. , Lampé L. , Kertész L. , Medveczky L.
Published: December 2008

The effect of prolonged exposure to severe nervous traumatization on the activity of the thyroid gland has been studied. Good agreement between the results was obtained by using radioactive iodine 131I, measuring the activity over the thyroid gland and the radioautographs, as well as doing the histological examinations and determinations of the height of the epithelial cells lining the acini. According to these results intense nervous stimulations have a characteristic effect on the thyroid function. The initial phase of hyperfunction, lasting under our experimental conditions for 10 days, is followed by a state characterized by hypofunction. The effect is reversible. This effect of severe nervous traumatization on the thyroid function is markedly inhibited by chlorpromazine.
PLASMA PROTEIN-BOUND IODINE IN THE BEAVER AND OTHER ANIMALS
Authors: Kelsey Frances O. , Gullock A. , Clausen H. J.
Published: December 2008

The plasma protein-bound iodine of beavers in South Dakota was found to be 8.2 ± 0.50 μg/100 ml. This value was appreciably higher than that found in the following other species: man, rabbit, coyote, and fox pups, guinea pig, rat, musk rat, opossum, pig, spider monkey, hedgehog and hawk. The 24-hour radioactive iodine thyroid uptake in one beaver was 8 %, the serum cholesterol 132 mg/100 ml and the serum inorganic iodine 3.0 μg/100 ml (PBI = 7.1 μg/100 ml). The radioiodine uptake and serum cholesterol in the spider monkey were quite similar to those of the beaver though the PBI was much lower (1.9 ± 0.28 μg/100 ml). The PBI was found to be significantly higher in dogs examined in October than those in March. Anaesthesia and/or various laboratory procedures caused a slight fall in PBI. The PBI was quite similar amongst pups of any given litter but varied considerably from litter to litter.
NEW VIEWS ON THE HORMONE-PRODUCING MESENCHYMOMAS OF THE OVARIES
Authors: Plate W. P.
Published: December 2008

The hormone-producing mesenchymomas of the ovaries can be divided into androblastomas and gynaecoblastomas. The former are derived from »male« elements, and consist of Sertoli-cell tumours and Leydig-cell tumours. The latter arise from »female« elements and consist of granulosacell tumours and theca-cell tumours. Sertoli-cell tumours and granulosacell tumours produce oestrogens, while Leydig-cell tumours and theca-cell tumours produce oestrogens or androgens. Histologically, androblastomas and gynaecoblastomas are often difficult to distinguish. Since no »female« elements occur in a testicle, a granulosa-cell tumour in a testicle is improbable. Gynandroblastomas, therefore, can only be found in an ovary.
Diagnostic role of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) measurements during the menopausal transition—an analysis of FSH, oestradiol and inhibin
Authors: Burger Henry G
Published: December 2008

Burger HG. Diagnostic role of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) measurements during the menopausal transition—an analysis of FSH, oestradiol and inhibin. Eur J Endocrinol 1994;130:38–42. ISSN 0804–4643

This review examines the role of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) measurement in assessing the significance of symptoms and possible continuing fertility during the menopausal transition. Follicle-stimulating hormone measurement is advocated frequently as a useful diagnostic tool in perimenopausal patients. Several investigators have shown that the serum FSH level increases in the early—midfollicular and early postovulatory phases in women over the age of 40 years who continue to experience regular menstrual cycles. The serum oestradiol level may fall (although this is controversial) and the immunoreactive inhibin level falls, being inversely correlated with the rising FSH level. When alterations in menstrual cyclicity or flow commence, signalling the onset of the menopausal transition, FSH levels may change abruptly, rising into the normal postmenopausal range and falling again into the range normally seen in young fertile women. Oestradiol and inhibin generally fluctuate in parallel with each other but inversely to FSH, although at times oestradiol in particular may be increased markedly. Postmenopausal FSH levels may be followed by endocrine evidence compatible with normal ovulation. After the menopause, FSH levels rise 10–1 5-fold, with low oestradiol and undetectable inhibin levels. It is concluded that FSH measurement is of little value, if any in the assessment of women during the menopausal transition because it cannot be interpreted reliably and because, apparently, ovulatory (and, presumably, potentially fertile) cycles may occur subsequent to the observation of postmenopausal FSH levels. Both oestradiol and inhibin are important negative feedback regulators of circulating FSH.

Henry G Burger, Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, PO Box 152, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia