bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE HYDROLYSIS OF CONJUGATED OESTRONE, OESTRADIOL-17β AND OESTRIOL IN HUMAN URINE
Authors: BROWN J. B. , BLAIR H. A. F.
Published: December 2008

The hydrolysis of the conjugates of oestrone, oestradiol-17β and oestriol present in human urine has been investigated using acids and the enzymes β-glucuronidase and phenol sulphatase derived from Patella vulgata.

Using acid hydrolysis, maximum yields were obtained from the majority of urines by boiling 60 min with 15 vol. % concentrated hydrochloric acid. Under these conditions losses amounting to approx. 20% of the oestrogens present occur in concentrated urine specimens. These losses can be diminished by diluting the urine with water before hydrolysis.

Using enzymic hydrolysis, maximum yields were obtained by incubating the urine for 96 hr at 37° C and pH 4·7 with approx. 600 u./ml. β-glucuronidase.

When allowance was made for the losses which occur during acid hydrolysis, the yields from pregnancy and non-pregnancy urine were approximately the same by the two hydrolytic procedures. From this, it is inferred that no unknown major error exists in either procedure.
SEASONAL RHYTHM IN THE MORPHOLOGY OF THE SUPRARENAL CORTEX IN WOMEN OF CHILD-BEARING AGE
Authors: MACKINNON I. L. , MACKINNON P. C. B.
Published: December 2008

1. Suprarenal glands from forty-four women of child-bearing age who died by misadventure were divided into 'summer' and 'winter' groups, the summer group consisting of twenty-one from women who died in April\p=m-\September and the winter group of twenty-three from women who died in October\p=m-\March.

2. The widths and the nuclear densities of four cortical zones, the glomerulosa, the outer fasciculata, the inner fasciculata and the reticularis, were measured in each gland, and the data obtained for both summer and winter groups compared.

3. In the zona glomerulosa nuclear population was increased in summer, due to a significant increase in nuclear density. There was no significant change in the width of this zone.

4. In the outer zona fasciculata and in the zona reticularis there were no significant seasonal differences in width or in nuclear density.

5. In the inner zona fasciculata the nuclear population was considerably increased in summer, due to significant increases in both width and nuclear density.

6. The lipoid content appeared to be similar in summer and winter in each of the four zones.

7. It was suggested that the increase in nuclear population in the zona glomerulosa in summer might indicate an increase in output of sodium-retaining hormones which could account for the increase in water retention at that time of year, and that the increase in nuclear population in the inner zona fasciculata in summer was a manifestation of separate functioning of this region.
THE EFFECT OF STEROID HORMONES ON THE ABSORPTION OF ANTIBODY BY THE YOUNG RAT
Authors: HALLIDAY R.
Published: December 2008

Evidence is presented of a relationship, in mice and rats, between adrenocortical steroids, the alkaline phosphatase activity of the duodenum and the ability of the young animal to absorb antibody from the gut. The normal decline in absorptive ability coincides in time with an increase in the duodenal alkaline phosphatase. Both these processes could be induced prematurely by the administration of large doses of deoxycorticosterone acetate (DCA) or cortisone acetate. The initial effect of the administration of cortisone was an increase in antibody absorption; the reduction in absorption which followed was complete after 2 days. Aldosterone, progesterone, testosterone and stilboestrol, in the doses used, had no effect on antibody absorption comparable with that of cortisone or DCA. Maintenance of the young animal away from its mother resulted in a reduction of absorption similar to that resulting from cortisone or DCA administration.
A METHOD FOR THE QUANTITATIVE DETERMINATION OF GONADOTROPHINS IN THE URINE OF NON-PREGNANT HUMAN SUBJECTS
Authors: LORAINE J. A. , BROWN J. B.
Published: December 2008

A method for the quantitative determination of gonadotrophins in the urine of non-pregnant human subjects is described.

The reliability criteria for the method have been studied and the technique has been found to be satisfactory in terms of accuracy, precision, sensitivity and specificity.

The importance of expressing results of urinary gonadotrophin assays in terms of a reference preparation such as HMG 20A is emphasized.
SUCCINIC DEHYDROGENASE AND ADENOSINETRIPHOSPHATASE ACTIVITIES OF CORPORA LUTEA, OVARIAN INTERSTITIAL TISSUE AND ENDOMETRIUM FROM PSEUDOPREGNANT RABBITS AND RABBITS TREATED WITH GONADOTROPHIC HORMONES
Authors: BIDDULPH C. , MARTIN M. SAN , BECKER S. C. , McSHAN W. H.
Published: December 2008

The succinic dehydrogenase (SDHase) and adenosinetriphosphatase (ATPase) activities were determined in the corpora lutea, ovarian interstitial tissue and endometria of pseudopregnant (PP) rabbits and rabbits in which superovulation was produced by treatment with pituitary gonadotrophins (SO). Statistical analysis of the results showed that the weight, SDHase, ATPase and percentage solids of the corpora lutea, and the SDHase of the endometria of each of the two groups varied significantly (P<0·01) between days. The day values for the SDHase of the endometria, however, were particularly high in SO rabbits at the 2-day stage and low in the 12- to 16-day stages as compared with the PP group. Other differences found were of less statistical significance.

The results are considered in relation to the poor survival of embryos formed from eggs of SO rabbits. The lesser weight of the corpora lutea and the lesser SDHase activity of the endometria of the SO group, as compared with the PP group during the latter half of the experimental period, may be significant in relation to the poorer survival of embryos.
THE PASSAGE OF SPERMATOZOA THROUGH THE GENITAL TRACT OF FEMALE RABBITS AFTER OVARIECTOMY AND OESTROGEN TREATMENT
Authors: NOYES R. W. , ADAMS C. E. , WALTON A.
Published: December 2008

The effect of oestrogen on the passage of spermatozoa through the female genital tract was studied in seventy-nine ovariectomized rabbits. Sexually mature females were spayed, and 1 month later treated for 5–18 days with daily injections of a known quantity of oestradiol benzoate. The does were then mated or surgically inseminated into the vagina or uterus. Twelve to 21 hr later, freshly ovulated ova from unmated donor rabbits were injected into the uterine tubes in order to detect the presence of spermatozoa at the site of fertilization. Ten to 78 hr later the does were killed and the ova recovered and examined for fertilization and the presence of spermatozoa.

The proportion of animals with fertilized ova, and the proportion of ova fertilized in individual does, was small before treatment with oestradiol benzoate, but increased after treatment, about 1 μg/day for 4 days giving the best response. Mucus was abundant in the cervices of does injected with 1 μg or more of oestrogen/day.

The minimal effective dose of oestrogen was reduced in does which were inseminated into the cervical end of the uterus, and was still lower in does inseminated into the tubal end. This indicates that both the cervix and the uterus restrict the number of spermatozoa reaching the site of fertilization. The restriction can be partially or wholly overcome by oestrogen treatment.

Normal mating behaviour can be re-established in ovariectomized does by the daily administration of 1 μg oestradiol benzoate for 4 days.
STUDIES ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OVARIAN HORMONES AND UTERINE INFECTION
Authors: BROOME A. W. J. , LAMMING G. E. , WOODBINE M.
Published: December 2008

Blood plasma was collected under aseptic conditions from cows at various stages of the oestrous cycle; from steers; from oestrous, pseudopregnant and ovariectomized rabbits, and from ovariectomized rabbits treated with either stilboestrol dipropionate or progesterone.

The antibacterial activity of plasma samples was tested by three methods using four organisms commonly associated with uterine infection. These methods were: diffusion on seeded agar plates, turbidimetric measurement of bacterial growth, and direct counting.

These methods failed to demonstrate any bactericidal factor in blood plasma which can be influenced by ovarian hormones. The results suggest that the mechanisms responsible for the differing bacteridical activity of uteri from animals under the influence of oestrogen and progesterone are not associated with differences in the antibacterial properties of their blood plasma.
THE SPERMICIDAL ACTIVITY OF HYDROGEN PEROXIDE IN VITRO AND IN VIVO
Authors: WALES R. G. , WHITE I. G. , LAMOND D. R.
Published: December 2008

The effect of hydrogen peroxide on the motility of bull, fowl, dog, ram, mouse, rabbit and human spermatozoa has been studied in vitro. Although 3 p.p.m. peroxide had a small but significant action on bull and fowl spermatozoa, those of the other species were more resistant, and 30–300 p.p.m. was usually required to produce substantial spermicidal effects, and even 3000 p.p.m. failed to immobilize rabbit spermatozoa completely.

Ram, dog and rabbit spermatozoa were rendered more susceptible by washing, and the seminal plasma was found to decompose hydrogen peroxide. The agent, in rabbit seminal plasma at least, is probably catalase.

Hydrogen peroxide given orally to mice and rabbits did not affect either the spermatozoa or fertility.
THE EFFECT OF HYPOPHYSECTOMY ON THE MOUSE UTERINE RESPONSE TO GONADOTROPHINS
Authors: LAMOND D. R. , EMMENS C. W.
Published: December 2008

A technique for the rapid hypophysectomy of immature female mice is described. The response of the uterus to pituitary and placental gonadotrophins is compared in normal mice, mice hypophysectomized at the time of injection, and 24 hr prior to injection.

The results suggest that responses to placental gonadotrophins are limited by endogenous gonadotrophin production, while those to impure pituitary gonadotrophins are not.
THE EFFECTS OF STEROID SEX HORMONES ON PREGNANT RATS
Authors: DREISBACH R. H.
Published: December 2008

Single doses of up to 0·4 mg/kg oestrone injected s.c. were found to interfere with pregnancy in the rat up to the 11th day post coitum (p.c.). As little as 0·02 mg/kg was effective during the period of tubal transport, while 0·1 mg/kg was necessary to prevent implantation after the ovum was free in the uterus. After implantation had taken place, 0·4 mg/kg injected on days 8, 9 or 10 destroyed some or all embryos or, if injected on days 10 or 11, caused delay in parturition. Delay in parturition was no longer reliably produced by the injection of 0·4 mg/kg on the 16th day of gestation.

A single dose of 4·0 mg/kg testosterone prevented implantation in 75% of rats if injected s.c. during days 5–8 p.c., and produced either foetal loss or delay in parturition in 69% of rats when injected on days 9–11 p.c. A single dose of 20 mg/kg testosterone was effective in all rats tested in preventing implantation if injected on days 1 and 5, producing foetal loss if injected on day 9 or delaying parturition if injected on days 11 and 16.

A single dose of 4·0 mg/kg androst-5-ene-3β,17β-diol prevented implantation or caused foetal loss in 93% of rats injected on days 5–11 p.c. This hormone was considerably more potent in preventing implantation and causing foetal loss than its androgenic potency as compared with testosterone would suggest. In contrast to testosterone, androst-5-ene-3β,17β-diol did not cause delay in parturition at doses up to 20 mg/kg.

The effects of two other steroids tested, androst-4-ene-3,17-dione and 17α-methyl-androst-5-ene-3β,17β-diol, on pregnant rats were equivalent to or less than their androgenic potency would suggest.
GROWTH OF THE VAGINAL EPITHELIUM OF THE MOUSE IN TISSUE CULTURE
Authors: MARTIN L.
Published: December 2008

The vagina of the immature mouse has been cultured in biological and completely synthetic media for periods up to 72 hr. Growth and cornification of the epithelium occurred in the absence of oestrogens, and was not prevented by the addition of a number of hormones and vitamins to the medium.

The significance of the results is discussed, with respect to the mechanism of action of oestrogens.
ARBORIZATION OF CERVICAL MUCUS IN THE EWE
Authors: RAESIDE J. I. , McDONALD M. F.
Published: December 2008

The phenomenon of crystallization (arborization) of cervical mucus was studied in the ewe. Some arborization was detected at irregular intervals in a few anoestrous and pregnant ewes, but it did not appear to be related to cyclic ovarian activity. Mucus collected during the normal oestrous cycle showed crystallization patterns from approx. 3 days before oestrus until 2 days after oestrus. Nearly all animals showed the phenomenon on the day before and on the day of oestrus. The prediction of onset of oestrus relative to the first occurrence of arborization was not accurate owing to variability in both the onset and appearance of crystallization patterns.

In four cycles ovulation without heat was probably detected by the appearance of arborization in the cervical mucus.

Single injections of oestradiol benzoate (ODB) were given during 115 oestrous cycles on the 3–4, 6–7 or 10–12 days after the onset of oestrus in an attempt to determine the quantities of injected oestrogen needed for arborization during the luteal phase. At these periods all, or nearly all, ewes showed arborization when injected with 100, 150 and 100 μg ODB respectively. Further differences between stages of the luteal phase were noted at the lower levels of oestrogen administration.

The inhibition of crystallization patterns was noted when blood, seminal plasma and cellular debris were contaminants in cervical mucus. In view of these findings the importance of collecting uncontaminated cervical mucus is stressed.

Arborization of cervical mucus appeared to be a better indicator of ovarian activity in the ewe than did arborization in mucus collected from the vagina.
THE OESTROUS CYCLE OF THE ADULT RAT AFTER X-RAY STERILIZATION
Authors: MANDL ANITA M.
Published: December 2008

Oestrous cycles, as judged by vaginal smears, persist for a variable time after X-ray sterilization of the ovaries, but their phases do not synchronize with the growth and rupture of surviving Graafian follicles and the formation of corpora lutea. Cyclical fluctuations in the size of the uterus and the histological appearance of the vagina occur during but not after the first two oestrous periods following sterilization.
OBSERVATIONS ON THE DISCHARGE OF RADIO-IODINE FROM THE THYROID GLANDS OF MICE INJECTED WITH HUMAN SERA
Authors: MUNRO D. S.
Published: December 2008

Using McKenzie's [1958b] modification of Adams & Purves's [1955] method for bioassay of thyrotrophin, which depends on the release into the circulating blood of radio-iodine from thyroid glands of mice, an attempt was made to measure thyrotrophin in human serum. Two types of response were encountered. The first, characteristic of hypothyroidism, resulted in a peak increase in blood radioactivity 2 hr after injection and resembles the response to standard thyrotrophin preparations. The second response, characteristic of hyperthyroidism, was delayed and the blood radioactivity did not reach a peak until 12 hr after the serum injection. The incidence of the two types of response has been investigated and several additional differences between the delayed response and the response to thyrotrophin extracted from pituitary tissue have been established.
THE EFFECT OF GONADOTROPHINS AND OESTROGEN ON OVARIAN ATRESIA IN THE IMMATURE RAT
Authors: INGRAM D. L.
Published: December 2008

Immature female rats were treated with either gonadotrophin or oestrogen and an estimate was made of the number of medium-sized follicles in which the oocyte had begun its first maturation division. It was found that fewer follicles had become atretic after division of the oocyte in the experimental animals than in the controls.
THE EFFECT OF OESTROGEN ON THE ATRESIA OF OVARIAN FOLLICLES
Authors: INGRAM D. L.
Published: December 2008

Oestrogen retards the loss of developing follicles in the ovaries of hypophysectomized adult rats.
ORTHOTOPIC OVARIAN GRAFTS IN THE GOLDEN HAMSTER
Authors: PARROTT DELPHINE M. V.
Published: December 2008

1. Interstrain orthotopic ovarian homografts have been made between hamsters of two strains, golden and dark-eared albino, maintained at the National Institute for Medical Research.

2. The golden hamster recipients were sterilized with irradiation directed to the ovaries whilst the rest of the body was shielded with lead.

3. Ovaries from albino donors were grafted orthotopically into irradiated golden hamsters which were then paired with albino males. The genetic identification of young from the graft was possible; hybrid offspring between golden and albino hamsters are golden in colour so that any albino offspring must have been derived from the graft.

4. The homograft reaction between golden and albino hamsters was negligible; out of fifty grafted golden hamsters forty-five had established grafts and twenty-seven of them were fertile. Altogether forty litters, containing at least one offspring derived from a graft, were obtained.

5. The comparative importance of immunological and endocrine factors in the establishment of ovarian grafts and factors influencing the fertility of orthotopic ovarian grafts are discussed.
THE EFFECT OF INSULIN ANTISERUM ON THE INSULIN ACTIVITY OF SERUM AND PROTEIN FRACTIONS OF SERUM
Authors: TAYLOR K. W. , RANDLE P. J.
Published: December 2008

The uptake of glucose by isolated rat diaphragm is increased in vitro by serum from normal oxen and diabetic patients treated with ox insulin; by slower moving albumin, β- and γ-globulin fractions of serum from normal oxen; by slower moving albumin, α2-, β- and γ-globulin fractions of serum from treated diabetics (prepared by zone electrophoresis on columns of treated cellulose). More rapidly moving albumins from both types of serum did not stimulate glucose uptake. The effect of serum or protein fractions of serum was absent or markedly reduced in the presence of antiserum to ox insulin prepared in guinea-pigs. It is concluded that the stimulating effect of serum and protein fractions of serum on uptake of glucose by diaphragm is due to circulating insulin.

The effect of insulin on uptake of glucose by diaphragm is shown to be potentiated by the presence of corticotrophin, prolactin, normal guinea-pig serum and an albumin preparation from the serum of hypophysectomized rats.

The significance of these results in relation to the detection and assay of insulin in blood with isolated diaphragm and to the transport of insulin in blood is discussed.
STUDIES ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OVARIAN HORMONES AND UTERINE INFECTION
Authors: BROOME A. W. J. , LAMMING G. E. , SMITH WENDY
Published: December 2008

Experiments to determine the role of the granulocyte system in uterine defence against bacterial infections have given the following results:

(1) There were significant differences in the bacterial content of the uteri of oestrous and pseudopregnant rabbits as little as 2 hr following experimental infections. The uterus of oestrous animals was almost sterile 24 hr after such infections but, at this time, the uterus of pseudopregnant animals still contained some residual infection.

(2) Ligation of the uterus in oestrous animals impeded drainage and prevented the escape of leucocytes and bacteria from the lumen. The leucocytes accumulated to form a sterile pyometritis similar to that observed in the non-ligated uterus of the pseudopregnant rabbit.

(3) Mobilization of leucocyte occurred more rapidly in the uterus of the oestrous animal, and t was also shown that a highly significant negative relationship existed in oestrous animals between bacterial numbers and leucocyte numbers within the uterus following experimental uterine infections. The slower rate of leucocyte mobilization in pseudopregnant animals is thought to be the main factor responsible for the different bactericidal activities of the uteri of oestrous and pseudopregnant rabbits.
MONOAMINE OXIDASE, THYROID ACTIVITY AND HYPERGLYCAEMIA IN THE FROG
Authors: SMITH C. L.
Published: December 2008

1. Estimations of monoamine oxidase (m.o.) activity in suspensions of frog liver taken at monthly intervals showed that activity was relatively constant during the greater part of the year (mean value 8·6 ± 0·332 μl. O2/15 min/mg colloid nitrogen), but it rose to a significantly higher level from August to November inclusive (mean 11·7 ± 0·513 μl. O2/15 min/mg colloid nitrogen).

2. The pattern of seasonal variation in enzyme activity showed no correspondence with the annual cycle of change in the thyroid gland, nor was there any correlation between m.o. activity of the liver and the histological appearance of the thyroid in individual frogs.

3. Inhibition of m.o. in vivo by iproniazid elicited a hyperglycaemic response to excitement in previously unresponsive frogs which was almost identical with that obtained after treatment with thyroxine and iproniazid.

4. There was no evidence that treatment with thyroxine led to any alteration in the activity of liver m.o.

5. It is concluded that m.o. is not an important factor in the inactivation of catechol amines in the strongly stimulated frog, but the possibility is discussed that under natural conditions of lower stress the high enzyme activity from August to November might be one factor tending to limit mobilization of liver glycogen.
THE ANTAGONISM BY DON OF GROWTH INDUCED BY STEROID HORMONES
Authors: POULSON E. , ROBSON J. M. , WANDER A. C. E.
Published: December 2008

Attempts were made to determine the interaction between DON, an antimetabolic cytotoxic drug which is known to interrupt pregnancy in rats, mice and rabbits, and the steroid hormones necessary for the maintenance of pregnancy.

The results show clearly that DON will inhibit epithelial and muscular growth of the vagina and uterus in mice in response to oestrogen. This inhibition was produced by a dose similar to that known to interrupt pregnancy (2 mg/kg), and therefore it seems possible that the antagonism of oestradiol may play a part in the interruption of pregnancy.

Similar antagonism to oestradiol and progesterone was demonstrated in the rabbit.

DON produced no inhibition of the action of androgen in rats in the doses used in these experiments.
METABOLIC CHANGES RESULTING FROM 90YT IRRADIATION OF THE PITUITARY IN A PATIENT WITH CUSHING'S SYNDROME
Authors: BROOKS R. V. , McSWINEY R. R. , MATTINGLY D. , PRUNTY F. T. G.
Published: December 2008

A detailed metabolic study has been made of a 48-year-old woman with Cushing's syndrome associated with presumed adrenocortical hyperplasia. The patient was shown to be secreting excessive amounts of cortisol. The urine contained low levels of aldosterone, but there was a hypokalaemic alkalosis. Plasma corticosterone was not raised.

Destruction of the pituitary by insertion of 90Yt seeds produced clinical improvement and amelioration of hypertension. The adrenocortical activity promptly subsided to below normal levels. Negative nitrogen and calcium balances became positive, urine calcium fell and hyperglycaemia disappeared. The condition of hypokalaemic alkalosis was restored to normal and aldosterone excretion increased. The decline in thyroid activity was slower than that of adrenocortical activity. Calculation of the distribution of muscular and fatty tissue in the body showed that treatment produced an improvement. The significance of some of these changes is discussed.
THE HOURLY EXCRETION OF STEROIDS AFTER A SHORT INTRAVENOUS INFUSION OF ACTH
Authors: FOTHERBY K. , STRONG J. A.
Published: December 2008

The hourly excretion of total 17-oxosteroids, total 17-hydroxycorticosteroids, dehydroepiandrosterone, pregnanetriol and pregnanediol by six normal males has been measured before and after a short intravenous infusion of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH).

The peak, in the amounts of the various steroids excreted, occurred 3–4 hr after the commencement of the infusion, and within 6 hr the steroids, produced as a result of the ACTH stimulation, were completely excreted.

On most days the subjects excreted quite large amounts of steroids during the period 6·30 a.m. to 10 a.m. The diurnal variation, however, was often obscured by sudden changes in the amounts of steroids excreted.
EFFECT OF PROGESTERONE AND OESTROGEN ON PREGNANCY AND EMBRYONIC MORTALITY IN ADULT MICE FOLLOWING SUPEROVULATION TREATMENT
Authors: FOWLER RUTH E. , EDWARDS R. G.
Published: December 2008

The effects of exogenous oestrogen and progesterone on implantation and foetal mortality were studied in mice following induced superovulation with gonadotrophins.

Short-term treatment with progesterone during early pregnancy did not influence implantation or foetal mortality, but 2 mg daily from days 2 to 12 reduced the number of embryos that implanted and increased foetal mortality after implantation. These effects of progesterone were more severe when few embryos were implanted.

Oestradiol benzoate (OB), given after mating, reduced fertility by decreasing the proportion of mice with implanted embryos, causing cornification of the vagina in many mice during pregnancy. Administration of progesterone with OB did not alleviate these effects.

Administration of OB before superovulation, or lengthening the interval between the injections of PMS and HCG in order to extend the period of uterine stimulation by endogenous oestrogen, interfered with ovulation in some mice. Approx. one-quarter of the mice given oestrogen had cornified vaginal smears during early pregnancy. Both treatments decreased the numbers of mice with implanted embryos.
THE PITUITARY GLAND OF THE FEMALE FERRET
Authors: HOLMES R. L.
Published: December 2008

Six distinct types of cell can be distinguished in the pars distalis of the pituitary gland of the female ferret after staining by performic acid-Alcian blue followed by periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)-orange G. The first of these types contains coarsely granular PAS-positive material; the second contains granules which stain with Alcian blue, with or without PAS-positive material; while the third contains finely granular or diffuse PAS-positive material. The fourth type of cell, apparently equivalent to the 'carminophil' of other species, stains deep orange due to a combination of staining with orange G and a weakly positive PAS reaction. The fifth type is the ordinary acidophil, and the sixth the chromophobe.

The pars tuberalis is extensive, and may be compact or lobulated. The pars intermedia contains two types of cell, but shows no obvious secretory characteristics. The neural process consists of a central zone which resembles the stalk in structure, and a peripheral, more vascular zone which contains the bulk of the neurosecretory material. A nucleus of small nerve cells lies in the junctional region where the stalk joins the main neural process.
SOME BIOLOGICAL ACTIONS OF IODO-l-THYRONINES
Authors: TOMICH E. G. , WOOLLETT E. A. , PRATT M. A.
Published: December 2008

Six iodo-l-thyronines, viz. 3:3′:5′-triiodo-, 3:5-diiodo-, 3:3′-diiodo-, 3′:5′-diiodo-, 3-monoiodo-, and 3′-monoiodo-l-thyronine, have been compared with 3:5:3′-triiodo-l-thyronine, in mice by an anoxia method and in rats for antigoitrogenic activities and effects on rate of oxygen consumption. The only compound with any significant activity was 3:5-diiodo-l-thyronine. In the goitre prevention assay it had 3% (on a weight basis) of the activity of 3:5:3′-triiodo-l-thyronine.
STEROIDS PRESENT IN THE FOLLICULAR FLUID OF THE MARE
Authors: SHORT R. V.
Published: December 2008

Using paper chromatographic techniques, it has been possible to identify the following steroids in the follicular fluid of the mare (results expressed as μg/1.): oestradiol-17β, 460 μg; oestrone, 34 μg; cortisol, 12 μg; progesterone, 124 μg; 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, 66 μg; epitestosterone, 24 μg; androstenedione, 136 μg. In addition to these seven compounds, 136 μg of an unidentified oestrogen-like substance and 52 μg of an unidentified 17-ketosteroid were also present.

This is the first time that epitestosterone has been identified as a natural product, and the possible significance of this compound is discussed. 19-Hydroxyandrostenedione, the postulated intermediate in the formation of oestrone from androstenedione, was not detected in this study, and some doubt is therefore cast on the theory that it is an essential intermediate in the biosynthesis of the ovarian oestrogens.

The presence of relatively large amounts of an unidentified polar oestrogen in follicular fluid suggests that it may be of some physiological significance, although at the present time no information is available on the biological activity of this compound.
A MODIFIED METHOD FOR THE ESTIMATION OF PREGNANETRIOL IN URINE
Authors: FOTHERBY K. , LOVE D. N.
Published: December 2008

A simple method modified from those developed by Stern [1957] and Bongiovanni & Eberlein [1958] for the estimation of pregnanetriol in urine is described.

The accuracy, sensitivity, precision and specificity of the method are discussed.
COMPARISON OF BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL ESTIMATIONS OF URINARY OESTROGENS
Authors: BULBROOK R. D. , GREENWOOD F. C. , WILLIAMS P. C.
Published: December 2008

Brown's original method [1955] for the chemical determination of oestrone, oestradiol-17β and oestriol in human urine gives inaccurate results when applied to the urine from patients with breast cancer being treated with cortisone after oophorectomy-adrenalectomy or hypophysectomy. This is demonstrated by comparing chemical results with biological assays of the activity in the phenolic fraction of the urine. There is no evidence of any material in the phenolic fraction interfering with the biological assay.

Results with the modified chemical method [Brown, Bulbrook & Greenwood, 1957a], which obviates the chemical interference caused by cortisone metabolites in the urine, may still disagree with the biological results. There are two main reasons for this. The modified chemical method is still subject to error if the patients are taking laxatives, though the biological assay is unaffected. Furthermore, most of the patients are excreting amounts of oestrogen at or below the limits of accuracy of the chemical method. In the absence of interference by laxatives, biological and chemical results usually agree when the calculated errors of the chemical method at these low levels of oestrogen excretion are taken into account.

Biologically detectable oestrogen was present in the phenolic fraction of the urine from eleven out of fifteen oophorectomized-adrenalectomized or hypophysectomized women.
EARLY VAGINAL RESPONSES IN TWO LINES OF MICE SELECTED, ON THE BASIS OF VAGINAL CORNIFICATION, FOR HIGH AND LOW SENSITIVITY TO THE INTRAVAGINAL APPLICATION OF OESTROGENS
Authors: MARTIN L.
Published: December 2008

The differing sensitivities of two lines of mice, selected on the basis of vaginal cornification for high and low sensitivity to oestrogens, were not reflected in early responses to oestrogen, nor in differential rates of loss of oestrogen from the vagina.

The relation of vaginal cornification to the initial action of oestrogens is discussed.
A METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF VERY SMALL AMOUNTS OF OESTRONE IN HUMAN URINE
Authors: BROWN J. B. , BLAIR H. A. F.
Published: December 2008

A purification step involving separation of the ketonic fraction through the Girard complex has been incorporated in an earlier method for estimating urinary oestrogens. The new method, which measures oestrone only, involves acid or enzymic hydrolysis of the urine, extraction with ether, removal of the acidic fraction with alkaline carbonate solution, evaporation of the ether, separation of the ketonic fraction through the Girard complex, saponification, methylation, and chromatography on alumina columns. The oestrone methyl ether present in the final extract is measured by a semi-micro modification of the Kober reaction, which, with the larger volume of urine processed, increases the sensitivity of the estimation ninefold. This increase in sensitivity is made possible by the purification achieved in the new method, and fractions of 1 μg oestrone/24 hr urine can be measured. The reliability of the new method has been investigated and data concerning its accuracy, precision, sensitivity and specificity are presented. By comparison with the new method, the earlier method gives overestimates of approx. 0.9 μg oestrone/24 hr urine.
THE ORIENTATION OF THE C-17 —OH GROUP OF OESTRADIOL IN RELATION TO ITS ANTI-ATHEROGENIC ACTIVITY
Authors: MALINOW M. R. , GIMENO A. L. , PELLEGRINO-IRALDI AMANDA A. , FERNANDEZ-GIMENO MARTHA A. , BUR G. E. , LACUARA J. L. , MOGUILEVSKY J. A.
Published: December 2008

Pellets of 17α- and 17β-oestradiol were implanted into cholesterol-fed chickens. The 17α-isomer caused an increase in body weight, accompanied by testicular atrophy, and also caused an increase in alkaline phosphatase activity in the aorta and in the plasma. The β-isomer, besides the above effects, also enhanced hypercholesterolaemia and prevented coronary atherosclerosis. It is concluded that these last-named actions are related to the β-orientation of the —OH group at C-17 in the steroid nucleus.
VARIOUS EFFECTS OF THYROXINE ANALOGUES ON THE HEART AND SERUM CHOLESTEROL IN THE RAT
Authors: BOYD G. S. , OLIVER M. F.
Published: December 2008

A series of twelve iodinated thyroxine analogues was studied for thyro-activity in the rat. Each analogue produced antigoitrogenic activity, increased oxygen consumption, heart rate and heart weight, and decreased serum and liver cholesterol levels.

A 'serum cholesterol/heart rate ratio' may be computed for these analogues under fixed experimental conditions. While the dose-response curves for different analogues in any of these assays are rarely parallel, it is, nevertheless, clear that under certain experimental conditions some iodothyronines cause a relatively greater depression of cholesterol levels and less stimulation of heart rate than others. Some of the most active in this respect are DT4, DT3, DT2 and T4F.
EFFECTS OF SALICYLATE ON PLASMA PROTEIN-BOUND IODINE IN THYROXINE-MAINTAINED THYROIDECTOMIZED RATS
Authors: GOOD B. F. , HETZEL B. S. , OPIT L. J.
Published: December 2008

The peripheral effect of salicylate on the plasma protein-bound iodine (PBI) has been studied using thyroidectomized rats. Thyroidectomized rats maintained on adequate thyroxine replacement (6 μg l-thyroxine/100 g body weight) showed striking falls in plasma PBI level following daily administration of salicylate (30 mg/100 g body weight).
EFFECT OF ALKALI ON URINARY OESTROGENS
Authors: KUSHINSKY S. , WU JANE
Published: December 2008

1. The effect of reflux with 1 n sodium hydroxide on mixtures of 14C urinary oestrogens has been studied.

2. Many significant transformations have been found to occur during this treatment.

3. While oestrone and oestriol seemed to remain unaltered by this treatment, oestradiol was affected in a variable way.

4. The most extensive changes were observed with compounds which, according to paper chromatography, are more polar than oestradiol and less polar than oestriol.
ENDOCRINE FACTORS INVOLVED IN THE FAILURE OF PINTAIL DUCKS ANAS ACUTA TO REPRODUCE IN CAPTIVITY
Authors: PHILLIPS R. E. , VAN TIENHOVEN A.
Published: December 2008

Pintail ducks captured from migrating flocks and held in captivity fail to show ovarian development. Bioassay of their pituitary glands revealed a lack of gonadotrophin secretion. In the closely related Mallards, which also fail to reproduce in captivity, avian gonadotrophin injections, either 15–30 mg/day alone or 10–12 mg/day in combination with diethylstilboestrol, caused nearly normal ovarian follicular development. Oestrogen and gonadotrophins acted synergistically to produce a series of follicles with normal gradations in size. Oestrogen alone stimulated ovarian weight of ducks and immature chickens, but in immature chickens it did not synergize with exogenous gonadotrophins.
A COMPARISON OF TWO GONADOTROPHIC EXTRACTS, PMS AND HCG, WITH A CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF ASSAY PROCEDURE
Authors: DONNELLY R. B. , STONE G. M.
Published: December 2008

The method of assay for gonadotrophin developed by Claringbold & Lamond (1957) has been found satisfactory and suitable for a wide range of management conditions and strains of mice.

It has been confirmed that this method gives similar slopes for human chorionic gonadotrophin and pregnant mares' serum and it has been found, in addition, that these slopes do not differ from strain to strain. An explanation is offered of the contrary results of Brown, Cunningham & Finegan (1959) and some comments are made on the design and analysis of assays, particularly the selection of dose ranges.

It is considered that the uterine weight assay offers no evidence for the existence of two separate gonadotrophic principles.
CHROMAFFIN CELLS, MAST CELLS AND MELANIN
Authors: COUPLAND R. E. , HEATH I. D.
Published: December 2008

Polymorphic cells whose granules give a positive chromaffin reaction have been identified in the liver capsule and gut of the ox, cow and sheep. These cells give a positive argentaffin and Schmorl's reaction in dichromate-fixed material, and fail to couple with alkaline diazonium compounds. These reactions are consistent with the presence of a catechol, and from the work of Bertler, Falck, Hillarp, Rosengren & Torp (1959) it would appear that they contain dopamine.

These chromaffin, dopamine-containing cells are, however, not a special type of cell but are tissue mast cells. Nuclear fast red (Herzberg) is not, as suggested by Falck, Hillarp & Torp (1959a, b), a specific stain for dopamine, but, when prepared with aluminium sulphate, it is specific for sulphated mucopolysaccharides.
A COMPARISON OF THE EFFECTS OF ADRENALECTOMY AND OF CHLOROTHIAZIDE IN EXPERIMENTAL DIABETES INSIPIDUS
Authors: KENNEDY G. C. , CRAWFORD J. D.
Published: December 2008

Chlorothiazide and its analogues had a marked antidiuretic action in diabetes insipidus; the effect appeared to be independent of that of antidiuretic hormone. In a series of rats which had been treated with these saluretic drugs, subsequent adrenalectomy had a similar antidiuretic effect. Chlorothiazide produced little or no further antidiuresis in these adrenalectomized animals, but it prevented the restoration of polyuria which otherwise followed the administration of adrenal steroids. It is suggested that the distal part of the renal tubule where osmotically free water is released is a site of action common to chlorothiazide and corticoids.
STEROID CONCENTRATIONS IN THE FOLLICULAR FLUID OF MARES AT VARIOUS STAGES OF THE REPRODUCTIVE CYCLE
Authors: SHORT R. V.
Published: December 2008

The following steroids were estimated in each of twelve samples of follicular fluid collected from oestrous, luteal-stage and pregnant mares: progesterone, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, androstenedione, epitestosterone, 19-norandrostenedione, oestrone, oestradiol-17β and 6 'α'-hydroxyoestradiol-17β. In ten of the samples oestradiol-17β was the major steroid present. In one sample taken from a pregnant animal oestradiol-17β could not be detected at all, and in its place large amounts of progesterone and 20α-hydroxypregn-4-en-3-one were found.

The larger follicles tended to have the higher steroid concentrations. In this series, there was no significant difference in concentration between oestrous and luteal-phase animals with respect to any of the steroids measured (P > 0·05); the reasons for this are discussed. It is concluded that the gonadotrophic hormones do not act by influencing any rate-limiting reaction in the conversion of progesterone to oestrogens.

Since the ratios of the various steroids seem to differ greatly between follicular fluid and luteal tissue, it is postulated that cell type may be the chief discriminant of the secretory activity of the ovary.
THE MAMMARY GLANDS OF SENILE NULLIPAROUS AND MULTIPAROUS RATS
Authors: HOWELL J. S. , MANDL ANITA M.
Published: December 2008

Sixty-nine nulliparous rats aged 607–1156 days and forty-six multiparous rats aged 614–1071 days were examined.

The incidence of mammary tumours, hyperplasia of the mammary glands, enlargement of the pituitary, and occurrence of excessively large corpora lutea, were strikingly higher in the virgin than in the breeding animals. The nulliparae also tended to be heavier, and to possess larger ovaries and adrenal glands than did the parous animals.
CYCLICAL CHANGES IN THE VAGINAL SMEARS OF SENILE NULLIPAROUS AND MULTIPAROUS RATS
Authors: MANDL ANITA M.
Published: December 2008

The pattern of the vaginal smear of senile nulliparous rats can be subdivided into three categories: (1) prolonged cycles characterized by long phases of vaginal cornification; (2) prolonged cycles associated with long dioestrous periods and occasional mucification; and (3) sporadic mucification and appearance of epithelial cells which follow so irregular a course that no cycles can be detected. The first type of pattern is associated with absence of corpora lutea, and a high incidence of pituitary enlargement and mammary fibroadenomata. The second and third types are associated with the presence of excessively large corpora lutea, and a lower incidence of pituitary enlargement and fibroadenomata.

In contrast, the majority of senile multiparae show normal or only slightly atypical oestrous cycles. The incidence of excessively large corpora lutea, pituitary enlargement and mammary fibroadenomata is markedly lower than in the nulliparae.
DOES PROLACTIN INDUCE INCUBATION BEHAVIOUR IN THE RING DOVE?
Authors: LEHRMAN D. S. , BRODY P.
Published: December 2008

Prolactin, injected into ring doves with previous breeding experience, is relatively ineffective, compared with progesterone, in inducing incubation behaviour. Even at dosage levels inducing full crop growth, only 40% of the individuals tested, coming from 65% of the pairs tested, sat on eggs. This is significantly less than the response to progesterone, which induces incubation behaviour in 70% of the individuals, representing 95–100% of the pairs tested. At smaller dosage levels of prolactin, it was possible to cause significant increases in crop weight by injecting the hormone in amounts having no effect whatever on incubation behaviour. Since incubation normally starts well before the onset of crop growth, it appears that incubation normally begins when blood prolactin levels are too low to induce it. We therefore conclude that prolactin is normally not principally responsible for the initiation of incubation behaviour, at least in the ring dove.
THE ONTOGENY OF INSULIN SECRETION IN THE CHICK EMBRYO
Authors: GRILLO T. ADESANYA I.
Published: December 2008

Histological examination (azan method) of the islets of Langerhans of the chick embryo showed that β cells were present on the 11–12th day of incubation, but it was difficult to be certain that granules were present in the cells on those days. An occasional granulated β cell could be seen on the 12th day but granulation became general by the 16th day.

Histochemical tests (by the Barrnett & Seligman technique) indicated the presence of protein-bound sulphydryl groups in the β cells from the 14th day of incubation onwards.

Bioassays of the pancreas by the rat diaphragm method showed that insulin was, in fact, present from the 12th day of incubation onwards.

There is no evidence for the presence of insulin in egg yolk, since yolk extracts did not enhance the glucose uptake of rat diaphragm.

Alloxan did not inhibit the development of β cells in the pancreas of chick embryos.
THE MAINTENANCE OF LACTATION IN THE RAT AFTER HYPOPHYSIAL ANTERIOR LOBECTOMY DURING PREGNANCY
Authors: COWIE A. T. , TINDAL J. S.
Published: December 2008

Experiments to determine the pituitary hormones necessary for the maintenance of lactation in the rat in the absence of either the anterior lobe of the pituitary or the entire pituitary are described.

The anterior pituitary or the whole of the pituitary was removed on the 12th day of pregnancy and prolactin (25 i.u. twice daily) plus adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) (2 i.u./day) was given to the animals from parturition to the 10th day of lactation inclusive. The lactational performances of the two operated groups of rats, as judged by the litter-growth indices, were 53% (anterior lobectomy) and 43% (hypophysectomy) of normal.

The milk-ejection reflex was completely restored in the anterior-lobectomized rats by the time of parturition, but the hypophysectomized rats required a further 2 days before milk ejection appeared to be normal.

Our experiments confirm that prolactin and ACTH are two important factors in the maintenance of milk secretion in the rat. Since only partial restoration was achieved, however, it is clear that other factors, presumably of anterior-pituitary origin, are required for the full restoration of lactation.
Δ5 3β-HYDROXY STEROIDS IN THE FOLLICULAR FLUID OF THE MARE
Authors: SHORT R. V.
Published: December 2008

A pool of 500 ml. normal equine follicular fluid was examined for the presence of Δ5 3β-hydroxy steroids. Neither pregnenolone nor 17α-hydroxypregnenolone could be detected (< 1 μg./l.), but there appeared to be a small amount of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA) present (8 μg./l.). These findings suggest that in the Graafian follicle of the mare the conversion of pregnenolone to progesterone normally proceeds fairly rapidly, and the pregnenolone → 17α-hydroxypregnenolone → DHA → androstenedione pathway is probably of minor importance.
THE BLOCKING BY SPIROLACTONES OF THE ACTIONS OF ALDOSTERONE AND CORTISOL UPON THE HUMAN KIDNEY
Authors: MILLS J. N. , THOMAS S. , WILLIAMSON K. S.
Published: December 2008

The blocking effect of spironolactone ('Aldactone', Searle) has been tested against 100 mg. cortisol, and 0·25 mg. d-aldosterone, given intravenously. The sodium retention induced by either steroid is roughly halved by either a 300 or a 600 mg. dose of spironolactone. The high potassium excretion induced by cortisol is little if at all affected by spironolactone; the acute kaliuretic action of aldosterone is too small and inconstant to permit a clear assessment of blocking action. The implications of the apparent dissociation of the effects of cortisol upon sodium and upon potassium excretion are discussed.
CENTRAL ACTIVATION OF THE SYMPATHETICO-ADRENAL SYSTEM BY HYPOXIA AND HYPERCAPNIA
Authors: CROSS B. A. , SILVER I. A.
Published: December 2008

In rabbits under urethane anaesthesia sympathetico-adrenal vasoconstrictor activity was monitored by the reduction of oxygen tension (measured polarographically with needle electrodes) in the testis and lactating mammary gland, and by the inhibitory effect on milk ejection. Electrical stimulation of the dorsal, lateral and posterior hypothalamus evoked a sympathetic response in these organs, characterized by a rapid nervous effect and secondary humoral effect which outlasted the stimulus, resembled the response to intravenous adrenaline, and was abolished by removal of both adrenal glands. Hypoxia produced by making the animals inhale nitrous oxide or nitrogen for 15–30 sec. and hypercapnia induced by inhalation of a mixture of 80% CO2 and 20% O2 for 5–15 sec. both induced a sympathetic discharge similar to that resulting from hypothalamic stimulation. Hypercapnia was a notably more potent stimulus than hypoxia. The effects were reversibly blocked by thoraco-lumbar spinal anaesthesia. Placement of discrete bilateral lesions in the septum, hippocampus and medial thalamus did not impair the sympathetic activation elicited by hypercapnia. Hypothalamic lesions, on the other hand, often reduced and occasionally prevented the central sympathetic discharge. The possible role of the hypothalamus in cardiovascular regulation is discussed in the light of these findings.