bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THYROID FUNCTION IN RATS SELECTIVELY BRED FOR EMOTIONAL ELIMINATION
Authors: FEUER G. , BROADHURST P. L.
Published: December 2008

1. The amount and distribution of thyroid hormones have been studied in the blood and thyroid gland of rats of both sexes from the Maudsley Reactive and Non-reactive strains, selectively bred for emotional defecation.

2. The amount of thyroid hormones in the thyroid gland was significantly lower in the animals from the high-defecating strain than in those from the low-defecating strain.

3. The quantity of protein-bound iodine in the serum was significantly lower in the high-defecating strain than in the low-defecating strain.

4. From the thyroid gland and from the serum the thyroid hormones were extracted with butanol and quantitatively determined. The ratio of the thyroid hormones was different in the two strains, thyroxine being lower and triiodothyronine (with other iodine-containing compounds) higher in the high-defecating strain.
SERUM HORMONAL IODINE VALUES DURING AND FOLLOWING PREGNANCY IN THE MONKEY (MACACA MULATTA)
Authors: KERR G. R.
Published: December 2008

1. Serial butanol extractable iodine (BEI) determinations were performed on the sera of fifty-one healthy pregnant and non-pregnant female monkeys (Macaca mulatta) over a period of 18 consecutive months.

2. The mean serum BEI value for non-pregnant monkeys was 3·5 ± 0·8 μg./100 ml. Monthly variations from the mean were not significant. Each animal demonstrated serial BEI values about a mean specific for that animal.

3. An apparent rise in BEI values was observed 22–35 days following conception and continued during the first 120 days of pregnancy; thereafter, values tended to remain level until shortly before term when they dropped slightly. A transient elevation was frequently observed during the first 5 days following delivery, after which the values dropped rapidly and reached control levels by 35 days post partum.
THE EFFECT OF OVARIECTOMY ON RABBIT BLASTOCYSTS
Authors: LUTWAK-MANN CECILIA , HAY MARY F. , ADAMS C. E.
Published: December 2008

The behaviour of rabbit blastocysts and their uterine environment after ovariectomy was studied; the experimental period after ovariectomy varied from 17 to 26 hr. Most of the experiments were concerned with blastocysts recovered from rabbits spayed at 6 days; a few relate to embryos from animals spayed on day 5 or 7 of gestation.

Ovariectomy resulted in variable, often considerable, embryonic loss. Following bilateral ovariectomy at 6–6½ days, implantation on day 7 was completely prevented; those blastocysts which survived showed evidence of expansion and differentiation during the interval after ovariectomy. This provided an opportunity (1) to assess the stage of development, and mitotic activity, as well as certain biochemical characteristics, in embryos surviving ovariectomy, and (2) to use the free-lying 7-day-old blastocysts for culture experiments.

It was found that mitotic activity went on in blastocysts after ovariectomy. Upon transfer to suitable culture media the unimplanted 7-day-old blastocysts continued to grow and differentiate, the most advanced stage observed at the end of a 24 hr. period of incubation in vitro being the development of blood islands, primitive groove, and head process.

The fresh weight, and the content of bicarbonate and glucose of the 7-day-old unimplanted blastocysts differed little from those of normally implanted blastocysts of the same age; their content of lactate, however, was distinctly lower.

Carbonic anhydrase activity after spaying was fully maintained in the endometrium which showed little involutional change either on gross or on microscopical examination.
THE METABOLISM OF [4-14C]CORTISOL IN A PATIENT WITH CUSHING'S SYNDROME
Authors: GRAY C. H. , GREENAWAY J. M. , HOLNESS N. J. , SHAW D. A.
Published: December 2008

The metabolism of [4-14C]cortisol in a patient with Cushing's syndrome has been studied by the isolation, identification and measurement of the specific radioactivities of the major metabolites.

The results show that the metabolism of cortisol was not abnormal in the aspects studied. The biological half-lives of cortisol and of the tetrahydrocorticosteroid metabolites were found to be normal. Data obtained on excretion rates of metabolites indicated that the metabolic pathways of cortisol were normal. There was no evidence for an increased conversion of cortisol to 6β-hydroxycortisol when the excretion of the latter was expressed as a fraction of the cortisol production.

The overall pattern was one of an abnormally high secretion of cortisol by the adrenals, resulting in a proportionally high excretion of tetrahydrocortisone, tetrahydrocortisols, cortolones, cortols, 11-oxygenated 17-oxosteroids, 6β-hydroxycortisol, cortisone and cortisol. Apart from an increased ratio of 11β-hydroxy-metabolites to 11-oxo-metabolites, each metabolite, expressed as a fraction of the cortisol secreted, was excreted in a normal proportion.

Hence, in spite of the grossly elevated cortisol secretion rate, the major pathways available for cortisol metabolism were not overloaded and there was no evidence of increased metabolism via minor pathways.

Evidence for an increased secretion of corticosterone by the adrenals was obtained by the isolation of abnormal amounts of tetrahydrocorticosterone.
DETERMINATION OF OESTROGENS IN THE FAECES OF SHEEP
Authors: WRIGHT A. A.
Published: December 2008

1. Attempts have been made to estimate oestrogens in residues from sheep faeces using two methods of purification.

2. Low recoveries of oestrogens added to the faeces were recorded with both methods.

3. Some batches of faeces contain contaminants which remain in the final fractions and interfere markedly in colour development.

4. The analysis of faeces, including the effect of diet on the contaminants, is discussed in relation to these methods.
SOME CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS OF UTERINE WASHINGS: A METHOD OF ANALYSIS WITH RESULTS FROM VARIOUS SPECIES
Authors: HEAP R. B.
Published: December 2008

A technique is described for the recovery of uterine washings from four species, the rat, rabbit, sheep and cow. The washings were recovered from intact animals at oestrus and during the luteal phase of the reproductive cycle. The amounts of several chemical constituents were measured in the washings (sodium, potassium, chloride, phosphorus, iron, copper, aluminium, magnesium, calcium, cobalt, manganese, carbohydrate, lipid) and the nitrogen distribution was determined. The method, which involved flushing the uterine horn with an isotonic solution, was evaluated in terms of the recovery of a given volume of flushing solution, the effect of uterine ligation, post-mortem changes in the levels of chemical constituents in the uterine washings, and changes in the amounts of the different constituents in utero during the flushing procedure. There was a significant difference in the amount of several of the constituents in uterine washings recovered at two stages of the reproductive cycle. The values were greater at oestrus than at dioestrus in the rat (Na, K, Cl, N, carbohydrate), but greater in the luteal phase than at oestrus in the rabbit, sheep and, to some extent, in the cow (K, P, N, carbohydrate). The application of the method and the interpretation of the results are discussed.
THE INFLUENCE OF PROPYLTHIOURACIL AND THYROXINE ON SUPEROVULATION IN IMMATURE MICE
Authors: WILSON E. D. , CHAI C. K.
Published: December 2008

The influence of an altered thyroidal function on induced superovulation in B6AF1 mice has been investigated. The hypothyroid condition induced by feeding propylthiouracil (PTU) produced a significant increase in average numbers of ova from 20·3 to 28·7 (0·01 < P < 0·05). There was also an increase in ovarian weight from 42·7 to 86·5 mg./100 g. body weight (P < 0·001).

Six groups fed PTU were also injected with l-thyroxine daily for 6 days to produce hyperthyroidism. This resulted in a decrease in average numbers of ova from 28·7 to 17·0 (0·01 < P < 0·05). The level of thyroxine has a highly significant effect on ova count, but the data are not sufficiently precise to determine the form of the dose-response relation.
OBSERVATIONS ON CADMIUM DAMAGE AND REPAIR IN RAT TESTES AND THE EFFECTS ON THE PITUITARY GONADOTROPHS
Authors: ALLANSON M. , DEANESLY R.
Published: December 2008

Cadmium chloride, in a single subcutaneous injection, can destroy spermatogenic and interstitial cells in the rat testis (Pařízek, 1957) and produce changes in the pituitary. The interstitial tissue is restored by ingrowths from the tunica and full androgen secretion returns before there is any regeneration of germinal epithelium.

A cytological study has been made of the peripheral and central pituitary gonadotrophs; the latter revert almost to normal as the interstitial tissue regenerates, whereas the former retain characteristic castration features, unless there is also regeneration of the germinal epithelium. This seems to indicate that in the normal testis there is a hormone contribution from the seminiferous tubules as well as from the interstitial cells.

The long-term effects of cadmium on the testis depend on the dose. Early stages of tubule restoration have been studied, but after administration of 0·9 mg., actual proliferation of the germinal epithelium was rarely found—only in four out of twenty rats, 113 or 142 days after injection.
THE EFFECT OF NORETHYNODREL ON THE OVARIES AND PITUITARY GLAND OF ADULT FEMALE RATS
Authors: HOLMES R. L. , MANDL ANITA M.
Published: December 2008

Prolonged treatment with norethynodrel at a dose level sufficient to cause sterility did not consistently lead to blocking of ovulation. The ovaries of some of the animals were devoid of corpora lutea, while those of others contained variable numbers at different stages of development and regression. None of the treated animals, however, possessed as many corpora lutea as did their oil-injected controls.

The treatment also induced a variable degree of follicular inhibition. Typical and regular oestrous cycles were abolished.

The incidence of corpora lutea formed during the period of injection was slightly greater in animals housed with males than in those kept isolated. Although coitus was not followed by a period of pseudopregnancy, as judged by vaginal smears, most of the mated animals possessed corpora lutea resembling those of pseudopregnancy.

The pituitary gland of the norethynodrel-treated animals was heavier than that of their controls, due largely to an increase in the volume of tissue occupied by chromophobe cells. The proportion of basophil cells was lower, while that of eosinophil cells remained unchanged.
GLUCAGON-LIKE ACTIVITY EXTRACTABLE FROM THE GASTRO-INTESTINAL TRACT OF MAN AND OTHER ANIMALS
Authors: KENNY A. J. , SAY R. R.
Published: December 2008

Acid-ethanol extracts of different regions of the gut in man, dog, rabbit and pig were assayed for glucagon-like activity by the glycogenolytic response of liver slices.

Glucagon-like activity was present in the extracts of human stomach, including the pyloric region, and in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum. No activity was found in liver, spleen and blood. The stomach of the dog yielded higher activities than that of the human. Pig tissues contained little activity.

The properties of the active substance in the human gastro-intestinal tract were those of a peptide or protein in that it was non-diffusible during dialysis, precipitated by ammonium sulphate and destroyed by chymotrypsin. Glucagon behaves in a similar way in these respects.
THE FATTY ACIDS OF THE SERUM IN HYPOTHYROIDISM
Authors: LAWRIE T. D. V. , McALPINE S. G. , PIRRIE R. , RIFKIND B. M. , BLADES JEAN
Published: December 2008

The fatty acid patterns of the cholesterol ester, triglyceride and phospholipid fractions of serum from thirteen hypothyroid subjects have been determined using gas-liquid chromatography.

A comparison was made with the results of similar analyses performed on sixteen apparently normal subjects and on eighteen patients with ischaemic heart disease. A trend towards increasing saturation was found in each of the fractions from the hypothyroid subjects. This was most marked in the cholesterol esters.

The mechanism of the production of this trend is discussed and it is suggested that it is secondary to the hyperlipidaemia of hypothyroidism.

Attention is drawn to the implication of these findings in interpreting the reported changes in the fatty acid composition of the serum lipids in atherosclerosis.
GLYCOGEN IN THE DECIDUAL TISSUE OF THE RAT UTERUS
Authors: CECIL H. C. , BITMAN J. , CONNOLLY M. R. , WRENN T. R.
Published: December 2008

Glycogen was investigated in uteri of intact and progesterone-treated spayed rats with and without deciduomata. Samples of whole uterus, endometrium and myometrium were analysed. With development of deciduoma in intact animals the glycogen concentration of whole uterus increased from 68 to 125 mg./100 g. wet weight. There was no change in the myometrial glycogen concentration; i.e. 74 mg./100 g. without deciduoma and 73 mg./100 g. wet weight in the decidual myometrium. The endometrial glycogen content of decidual tissue was 221 mg./100 g. wet weight. Since myometrial glycogen was constant, the increases observed in the decidual tissue of whole uteri must be due to an increase in the amount of endometrium and/or an increase in the concentration of glycogen in the endometrium. As the deciduoma developed the proportion of endometrium increased from 9% in the uninjured horn to 34% in the injured horn. Thus, an increase in the amount of endometrium contributes to the increase in the glycogen concentration. Similar changes were observed in whole uterus, myometrium and endometrium of the spayed animals treated with progesterone. Previous work on uterine glycogen in rats indicated that oestrogens cause glycogen deposition and this occurs only in the myometrium, while progesterone exhibits no effect. The present results demonstrate that progesterone is responsible for the glycogen increase by stimulating the growth of endometrium—a glycogen-rich tissue. Since no endometrial tissue could be obtained from horns without decidual development, this study could not determine whether progesterone had any effect on glycogen deposition.
EFFECTS OF EXOGENOUS OESTROGEN ALONE AND IN COMBINATION WITH PROGESTERONE ON PREGNANCY IN THE INTACT MINK
Authors: COCHRANE R. L. , SHACKELFORD R. M.
Published: December 2008

Daily injections of a combination of 2·4 mg. of progesterone and 24 μg. of oestradiol benzoate for 12–20 days, beginning 7 to 22 days post coitum in mink, failed to hasten ovo-implantation and increase litter size. On the contrary, it caused most of the females to be barren in comparison to similar non-treated animals in the stock colony. Daily injections of a combination of 8 mg. of progesterone and 2 μg. of oestrone for 12 days beginning four days post coitum likewise failed to hasten ovo-implantation in the mink, as shown by the length of pregnancy. This latter treatment caused a reduction rather than an increase in number of live kits at birth in the females that had litters. Daily injections of 3 μg. of oestrone for 8 days beginning 9 days post coitum caused a prolongation of the period of gestation, and presumably of the period of delay in ovo-nidation, and a reduction in number of kits alive at 7 days.
STUDIES ON STEROIDAL ENOL ETHERS: ANTIGONADOTROPHIC ACTIVITY OF CYCLOPENTYL DERIVATIVES OF SOME ORALLY ACTIVE PROGESTINS
Authors: FALCONI G. , BRUNI G.
Published: December 2008

Cyclopentyl enol ethers of some orally active progestational steroids have been compared with their parent compounds for their ability to inhibit hypersecretion of pituitary gonadotrophin in parabiotic rats (intact female—castrated male). Although in previous experiments enolic etherification altered the 'antioestrus' activity it did not change the antigonadotrophic potency either of 6α-methyl-17α-acetoxyprogesterone or 17α-ethynyl-19-nortestosterone acetate. The lack of parallelism between antigonadotrophic and 'antioestrus' activities is discussed.
THE EFFECT OF DERIVATIVES OF DITHIOCARBAMOYLHYDRAZINE ON HORMONE EXCRETION IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN
Authors: BELL E. T. , BROWN J. B. , FOTHERBY K. , LORAINE J. A. , ROBSON J. S.
Published: December 2008

Estimations of human pituitary gonadotrophins (HPG), total 17-hydroxycorticosteroids, total 17-oxosteroids and oestrogens have been performed in seven hospitalized postmenopausal subjects receiving treatment with the dithiocarbamoylhydrazine derivatives Compound 22365 and Compound 33828 (Imperial Chemical Industries Ltd.).

Both compounds were shown to be inhibitors of pituitary gonadotrophic function as indicated by urinary HPG assays; Compound 33828 was more active in this respect than Compound 22365.

When Compound 22365 was administered to individual subjects at two different dose levels the time taken for urinary HPG levels to return to pretreatment values was longer in the case of the higher dose.

Neither of the compounds studied produced any effect on adrenocortical function as judged by urinary assays of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids, 17-oxosteroids and oestrogens.

Side effects were noted in two of the seven patients studied. In one subject with pre-existing liver damage it was necessary to stop treatment with Compound 22365 because of the development of mild jaundice.
CHANGES IN UTILIZATION OF THYROID HORMONE AND THYROXINE DISTRIBUTION SPACE IN SHEEP TREATED WITH STILBOESTROL
Authors: ŚLEBODZIŃSKI A.
Published: December 2008

1. The effect of 250 μg./day stilboestrol on thyroid hormone metabolism in sheep has been investigated.

2. After 5 days the conversion ratio was significantly increased and the rate of release of iodine from the thyroid also rose.

3. After 40 days the thyroxine utilization rate increased but the turnover rate was reduced. This effect was presumably due to a coincident increase in the plasma protein-bound iodine and the thyroxine distribution space.

4. It is suggested that small doses of oestrogen decrease tissue metabolism, inducing increased activity of the thyroid gland and a compensatory increase in the peripheral utilization of thyroid hormone.
NEUTRALIZATION OF ACTIVITY OF CIRCULATING GONADOTROPHIC HORMONES BY ANTISERUM TO RAT PITUITARY
Authors: CONTOPOULOS A. N. , HAYASHIDA T.
Published: December 2008

Antiserum prepared by the immunization of rabbits, with homogenates of rat anterior pituitary gland according to a procedure previously outlined, was absorbed with homologous serum proteins and tissues to remove various non-specific antibodies.

Varying levels of plasma from gonadectomized male rats, containing high levels of gonadotrophic hormone activity, were injected into hypophysectomized, immature female rats. The simultaneous injection of antiserum resulted in complete neutralization of gonadotrophic hormone as judged by the inhibition of ovarian and uterine weight responses and the extent of follicular development in the ovaries of the rats used for the bioassay. The degree of inhibition was dependent upon the relative amount of antiserum employed. Normal rabbit serum did not have any inhibitory effect. No detectable non-specific or toxic effects were noted in the animals injected with antiserum.
INFLUENCE OF THYROIDECTOMY AND SUBSEQUENT REPLACEMENT THERAPY UPON CONDITIONED AVOIDANCE LEARNING IN THE RAT
Authors: EAYRS J. T. , LEVINE S.
Published: December 2008

1. A shuttle-box technique (unconditioned stimulus—electric shock; conditioned stimulus—buzzer) has been used to study conditioned avoidance learning in rats thyroidectomized on the day of birth and during adult life. The effects of medication with thyroid hormone have also been examined.

2. Both classes of thyroidectomized rat made significantly more errors than did normal litter-mates, an effect which was more marked following neonatal thyroidectomy than in animals thyroidectomized when adult. As a result of thyroidectomy the latencies of the response to both conditioned and unconditioned stimuli increased but rate of performance and the number of inter-trial crossings was reduced.

3. Replacement therapy restored all these measures in the direction of normal. In most instances the differences in performance between normal and thyroidectomized rats of both classes was eliminated by medication, the behaviour of medicated thyroidectomized rats differing significantly from that of unmedicated animals and but little from the controls.

4. The relationship of these findings to the developmental and metabolic functions of the thyroid and to earlier behavioural studies on the significance of the age of thyroidectomy and medication are discussed.
OBSERVATIONS ON THE EXCRETION OF WATER AND ELECTROLYTES IN THE DESERT RAT (DIPODOMYS SPECTABILIS SPECTABILIS M.) AND IN THE LABORATORY RAT
Authors: COLE PRISCILLA M. , JONES I. CHESTER , BELLAMY D.
Published: December 2008

A comparison was made between two species of rodent, the banner-tailed kangaroo rat (Dipodomys spectabilis spectabilis M., a desert rat) and the laboratory rat. The sodium and potassium content of blood and muscle and the water content of muscle were similar and were affected in the same way by adrenalectomy. Antidiuretic activity of the blood and urine of the desert rat was higher than the published figures for the laboratory rat. Reference is made to unpublished work showing the capacity of the adrenal gland of the desert rat to synthesize cortisol and corticosterone (ratio 10:7) and aldosterone. Loads of water or saline or potassium chloride solution were given by stomach tube together with drugs and hormones (acetazoleamide, cortisone, anti-aldosterone compounds, vasopressin). The rate of excretion and the amount and composition of the urine were determined. Estimates were made of the rates of absorption from the gut and of glomerular filtration and these were of the same order in both species.

The desert rat showed a characteristic delay in the excretion of water and saline, called the diuretic lag. Only potassium chloride was excreted promptly and the diuretic lag supervened when anti-aldosterone was also administered. In general, the desert rat is able to reabsorb water in situations which demand water excretion in the laboratory rat. In similar circumstances the desert rat reabsorbs proportionately more sodium and excretes more potassium than the laboratory rat. The factors which occasion the diuretic lag and its termination are discussed and the possible contribution of aldosterone considered.
THE EFFECTS OF TRIIODO-l-THYRONINE AND l-THYROXINE ON THE OXYGEN CONSUMPTION AND BODY WEIGHTS OF RATS FED ON A DIET CONTAINING 0·05% PROPYLTHIOURACIL
Authors: HSIEH A. C. L.
Published: December 2008

The effects of triiodo-l-thyronine (T3) and l-thyroxine (T4) on the oxygen consumption of normally fed rats and rats fed on a diet containing 0·05% propylthiouracil (PTU) have been determined over a dose range of 0·039 to 20 μg./day for T3 and 0·312 to 160 μg./day for T4.

PTU increases the sensitivity of rats to T3 but decreases their sensitivity to T4.

A bioassay of T3 using change in weight of PTU-fed rats after 5–7 days of daily subcutaneous injections has been performed. It is pointed out that the simplicity, sensitivity (dose range 0·05 to 0·2 μg./day) and precision (s/b ratio of about 0·13) may outbalance the disadvantage in length of time required for the assay.
THE HYPOTHALAMO-HYPOPHYSIAL NEUROSECRETORY SYSTEM IN EXPERIMENTAL HYPERTENSION IN THE RAT
Authors: TALANTI S. , EISALO A.
Published: December 2008

The effect of experimental renal hypertension on the hypothalamo-hypophysial neurosecretory system was studied histologically. The amount of neurosecretory material decreased, especially in the neurohypophysis. A marked reduction in the nuclear volume of the neurosecretory ganglion cells occurred, while that of the cells of the other hypothalamic nuclei investigated remained unchanged. The results suggest that the activity of the neurosecretory system is diminished in the experimental conditions used.
TOTAL GONADOTROPHIC ACTIVITY IN THE URINE OF THE OVARIECTOMIZED, NORMAL AND PREGNANT EWE AND IN THAT OF THE RAM
Authors: MacGILLIVRAY A. J. , ROBERTSON H. A.
Published: December 2008

The detection of gonadotrophic activity in the urine of the ewe following ovariectomy has been extended to a study of the levels excreted during the breeding and non-breeding seasons. The presence of small amounts of gonadotrophic activity in the urine following ovariectomy has been confirmed, but owing to the fluctuating values obtained, no definite pattern of excretion was observed during a period of 16 months.

When the same techniques were applied to the urine of a normal ewe during the non-breeding season no gonadotrophic activity was detected. In a similar manner no gonadotrophic activity could be found in the urine of the cyclic ewe during a period of up to 5 days after the onset of oestrus (i.e. about 1 day before and 4 days after ovulation), at mid-cycle, or in the urine of a normal ram during the latter part of the breeding season.

The possible occurrence of gonadotrophic activity during early pregnancy was also investigated, but no such activity could be demonstrated during the period between 20 and 40 days after conception.
THE METABOLISM OF [4-14C]-PROGESTERONE BY ADRENOCORTICAL TISSUE FROM PATIENTS WITH CUSHING'S SYNDROME
Authors: WARD PAMELA J. , GRANT J. K.
Published: December 2008

The metabolism of [4-14C]-progesterone in vitro by adrenocortical tissue from three patients with Cushing's syndrome has been studied. The glands of two of these patients were hyperplastic and the third patient, a severely virilized girl, had a large adrenal tumour. Slices taken for study from the hyperplastic glands contained 'clear' fascicular and 'compact' reticular cells. The tumour slices were 'clear' cells.

The major metabolites in each case were 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, 16α-hydroxyprogesterone, 11β-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione and corticosterone. Small amounts of 11-deoxycorticosterone, androst-4-ene-3,17-dione and testosterone were also formed.

The production of 16α-hydroxyprogesterone and testosterone from progesterone by adult human adrenal cortex tissue has not previously been described.

The results support the view that adrenal androgens may be synthesized in both fascicular and reticular cells, in contradiction to the older view that the zona reticularis is the site of androgen biosynthesis.
SEX DIFFERENCES IN GROWTH OF RATS, AND THEIR MODIFICATION BY A SINGLE INJECTION OF TESTOSTERONE PROPIONATE SHORTLY AFTER BIRTH
Authors: SWANSON H. E. , VAN DER WERFF TEN BOSCH J. J.
Published: December 2008

A single s.c. injection of 0·5 mg. testosterone propionate to rats aged 2 or 5 days affected development and subsequent activity of the reproductive tract, and somatic growth. As adults, females displayed prolonged vaginal oestrus with lack of ovulation and with uteri smaller than in control-injected animals likewise killed when in oestrus; males had smaller testes, seminal vesicles and ventral prostates.

Body growth increased in treated females and decreased in males. Data on specific gravity and weights of heart, liver and kidneys, indicate that both the normal sex difference and the changes in weight due to early androgen administration are attributable to overall differences in size and not to specific differences in any particular body component. These effects of the steroid appear to be comparable to those noted after castration at an early age.
THE METABOLISM OF 19-HYDROXYANDROST-4-ENE-3, 17-DIONE AND TESTOSTERONE BY HUMAN ADRENAL TISSUE
Authors: ENGEL L. L. , DIMOLINE ANN
Published: December 2008

Human adrenal tissue slices were incubated with C-19 steroids known to serve as precursors of the natural oestrogens. No convincing evidence for aromatization was obtained, although the tissues were able to carry out the transformation of testosterone to 11β,17β-dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one.
A COMPARISON OF TOPICAL AND SUBCUTANEOUS METHODS OF ADMINISTRATION OF SIXTEEN OESTROGENS
Authors: MORGAN C. F.
Published: December 2008

This study showed that the application of hormones directly on the surface of the skin will result in uterine and vaginal weight stimulation, at times equal to and sometimes more effective than effects obtained by s.c. injection of the same hormones in the same concentration and over the same length of time. This effect was apparent, using sixteen different oestrogens. It was also shown that the uterine weight response is more sensitive and discriminatory in detecting differences between the potencies of oestrogens than is the vaginal weight response. The rank orders by both response variables, whether by topical or s.c. administration, were similar. It was shown statistically that the differences in potency of the sixteen oestrogens tested in this study are related more to certain molecular structure than to difference in solubility, molecular weight, or melting point. It was postulated that the potency of the oestrogens was related to their molecular structure and activity within the target organs.
THYROID AUTOGRAFTS IN HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED AND IN THYROXINE TREATED RATS
Authors: WILLIAMS E. D. , DONIACH I.
Published: December 2008

Rats were hypophysectomized and the left thyroid lobe auto-implanted subcutaneously to the anterior abdominal wall 3 weeks later. They were killed at intervals varying from 2 to 56 days after implantation. Twelve grafts were identified histologically in the twelve animals in which completeness of hypophysectomy was confirmed by serial section of the pituitary bed, extreme lowering of T/S ratio, marked loss of weight of adrenals and testes and loss of body weight. The follicles of the graft showed taller cells than those in the neck and intracytoplasmic PAS-positive droplets.

In a further series of rats production of TSH was suppressed by daily s.c. injections of thyroxine varying from 15 to 100 μg. One thyroid lobe was auto-implanted after 3 weeks' treatment, the thyroxine being continued afterwards. Animals were killed at intervals from 3 to 15 days. Thirty-two grafts were identified in the 36 thyroxine-treated rats. Autoradiographs at 6 and 24 hr. after administration of 50 μc 131I showed a greater iodine uptake in some follicles of the grafts than in any in the neck thyroid at 15 days. Measurement showed thyroid follicular cells in the graft to be twice as tall as those in the neck. It was concluded that the 'take' of thyroid grafts is independent of TSH and that their reparative growth is accompanied by an associated increased organic binding of iodine.
A COMPARISON OF PROTEIN-BINDING OF CORTISOL AS MEASURED BY EQUILIBRIUM DIALYSIS AND GEL FILTRATION
Authors: QUINCEY R. V. , GRAY C. H.
Published: December 2008

The binding of cortisol to plasma proteins at room temperature (22–25° c) and 37° c has been studied by equilibrium dialysis against 0·9% NaCl and by gel filtration of the dialysed plasma. The rate of dissociation of the cortisol-transcortin complex during gel filtration of plasma from both normal and oestrogen-treated subjects is a rapid process. The difference in the percentage of cortisol bound as determined by the two methods cannot, therefore, give an accurate measurement of the binding due to albumin.
ALDOSTERONE AND WATER AND SODIUM DISTRIBUTION IN NORMAL AND ADRENALECTOMIZED RATS
Authors: LEONARD P. J.
Published: December 2008

Adrenalectomy in the rat caused an increase of intracellular sodium, both total and relative concentration in heart tissue and a decrease of both in abdominal muscle. These changes were reversed after administration of aldosterone. When aldosterone was given in similar doses to normal animals no changes were observed. It was concluded that an increase in the intracellular sodium concentration of heart and/or other soft tissues, including the adrenals, may stimulate the secretion of aldosterone. A possible regulating system is discussed. It is suggested that total sodium and its intracellular concentration in muscle are influenced by the availability of aldosterone and sodium.
ALLOXAN DIABETES IN PREGNANT EWES
Authors: REID R. L. , HINKS N. T. , MILLS S. C.
Published: December 2008

Diabetes, uncomplicated by severe renal damage, was established in ewes, 115–135 days pregnant, by injection of 40 mg. alloxan/kg. body weight. The onset of severe hyperketonaemia was accompanied by loss of appetite and rapid loss of body weight, death ensuing usually after 10–16 days. Blood acetate levels were markedly elevated in the early stages of the syndrome, and declined as feed intake fell. It is concluded that the high levels are a consequence of a block in the metabolism of acetate absorbed from the gut. Levels remained above normal after complete loss of appetite, to a degree correlated with blood ketone level. Fasting blood glucose levels were reduced in pregnant ewes below those of non-pregnant ewes, to a degree which correlated with foetal weight. Hypoglycaemia was recorded in fasting diabetic ewes with triplets. Plasma cortisol levels were only slightly increased after alloxan, except in pre-mortal stages, when very high values were associated with terminal increases in blood glucose, NPN and creatinine levels.

A dose of 20 mg. alloxan/kg. temporarily increased blood glucose levels and induced a transitory diabetes in two of twelve ewes. Hyperglycaemia and mild ketosis occurred, but were not associated with loss of appetite or loss of body weight. A dose of 60 mg./kg. induced a diabetic-uraemic syndrome in three of eight ewes, characterized by gross elevation of glucose, NPN, creatinine, amino-N and cortisol levels. This syndrome occurred in only two of sixteen ewes after 40 mg. alloxan/kg.
A METHOD FOR THE SEPARATION AND ESTIMATION OF NEUTRAL STEROIDS IN THE URINE OF NEWBORN INFANTS
Authors: BIRCHALL KATHLEEN , CATHRO D. M. , FORSYTH CONSTANCE C. , MITCHELL F. L.
Published: December 2008

A method is described for the separation and estimation of neutral steroids in infant urine. The free steroids are obtained by a two-stage enzyme hydrolysis. Following preliminary chromatography, the extracts containing steroids of low and medium polarity are suitable for final resolution. The extract containing steroids of high polarity requires further purification by partition between ether-ethanol and aqueous ammonium sulphate, followed by reversed-phase paper chromatography. Final resolution of steroids in fractions of different polarity is achieved using Bush aqueous methanol systems. Losses incurred in the method are estimated by the use of 4-14C steroids.
THE MEASUREMENT OF URINARY PREGN-5-ENE-3β,17α,20α-TRIOL WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO THE STEIN-LEVENTHAL SYNDROME
Authors: STERN MARGARET I. , BARWELL JANE O. H.
Published: December 2008

A method is described for measuring the quantity of pregn-5-ene,3β,17α,20α-triol excreted in the urine. The procedure involves hydrolysis of the conjugates, then gradient elution chromatography, followed by colorimetric measurement of the steroid. It has been applied to the urine obtained from more than twenty patients attending a gynaecological hospital. Ten of the eleven patients with the Stein—Leventhal syndrome excreted amounts of Δ5-triol above that found in specimens from seventeen 'control' patients. Ten patients with the syndrome underwent wedge resection of the ovaries and six subsequently had a resumption of normal menstrual cycles. One patient is included in the survey who excreted Δ5-triol in abnormally large quantities but who has not undergone wedge resection. The 'control' patients were designated by the clinician as 'not Stein—Leventhal on clinical grounds' although most of them suffered from one or more of the clinical features of the syndrome.
RESPONSE OF X-IRRADIATED AND CRYPTORCHID TESTES TO ENDOGENOUS GONADOTROPHINS IN PARABIOTIC RATS
Authors: JOHNSON D. C. , WITSCHI E.
Published: December 2008

Immature male rats were (1) exposed to X-rays, or (2) made cryptorchid, or (3) subjected to a combination of the two and placed in parabiosis with castrated males. Pairs were autopsied at various intervals up to 46 weeks and effects upon gonads and accessory sex organs evaluated.

Androgen production in response to endogenous gonadotrophins from a castrated animal is greater in irradiated than cryptorchid testes. The stresses imposed upon irradiated, intra-abdominal testes greatly reduces their capacity to produce androgen in response to gonadotrophins.
A NEW FLUORIMETRIC METHOD OF PLASMA CORTISOL ASSAY WITH A STUDY OF PITUITARY—ADRENAL FUNCTION USING METYRAPONE (SU. 4885)
Authors: RUDD B. T. , SAMPSON PHILLIDA , BROOKE B. N.
Published: December 2008

To assay falling cortisol levels in the plasma during intravenous metyrapone infusion, a new spectrophoto-fluorimetric method has been devised. The advantages of this method are its ability to estimate low concentrations of cortisol, its precision, the small volumes of plasma required (1·0 ml.) and the rapidity with which results may be obtained (3–4 hr.).

The metyrapone test has been applied to discover its value as a clinical test of pituitary—adrenal function following steroid therapy, before subjecting patients to the stress of surgery. Tests were made on seven normal subjects, and fourteen patients with ulcerative colitis of whom eight had received steroids previously. Three patients in the steroid-treated group and one who had not received steroids previously failed to show a normal response. When subjected to operation, all four showed the usual elevation of plasma cortisol during operative stress. None of those having a normal response to the metyrapone test failed to show a normal plasma cortisol elevation during operation.

Metyrapone i.v. has therefore proved of uncertain value as a clinical test; the failure to respond in four cases did not prove to be an indication for the need for steroid therapy during surgery.
CHANGES IN THE MAMMARY GLANDS OF RATS AND MICE DURING PREGNANCY, LACTATION AND INVOLUTION
Authors: MUNFORD R. E.
Published: December 2008

The relationships between indices of histological structure and levels of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and lactose have been evaluated by estimating correlation coefficients from data for the rat and mouse, described in previous publications.

Estimates are presented for correlations between the group totals, at different stages of the lactational cycle, and for correlations within these groups. Estimates for the latter type of correlation, obtained separately for each of the eleven groups, were examined for heterogeneity. The correlations obtained are discussed with reference to known causal relationships and with particular regard to differences in the magnitude of the relationships between stages and within stages. In these results the within-stage correlation between level of DNA and histological measures of cell number was low.
EFFECT OF PROGESTERONE ON ADRENOCORTICAL HORMONE SECRETION IN NORMAL AND HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED RATS
Authors: SINGER BERTHA , LOSITO CARINE , SALMON SHEILA
Published: December 2008

In intact male rats fed on a normal diet, the subcutaneous administration of progesterone for 4·5 days resulted in a significant increase in the aldosterone secretion rate and a significant decrease in the corticosterone secretion rate as measured by the secretion of these hormones into adrenal vein blood of anaesthetized animals. In hypophysectomized rats the administration of progesterone for 5·5 days resulted in a significant increase in aldosterone secretion and a small, non-significant, decrease in the rate of corticosterone secretion. It is concluded that progesterone may influence the rate of secretion of aldosterone in pregnancy and that the mechanism by which this is achieved probably does not involve the pituitary gland.
UTERINE DECIDUOMATA: ROLE OF HISTAMINE
Authors: WRENN T. R. , BITMAN J. , CECIL HELENE C. , GILLIAM D. R.
Published: December 2008

Intraluminal injections of air into pseudopregnant rat uteri were as effective as histamine in provoking the development of the artificial maternal placenta. Deciduomata induced by water or saline injection were similar in size to those caused by histamine dihydrochloride and only slightly smaller than those resulting from treatment with free histamine. A specific role for histamine as a deciduomata-inducing agent is not supported by these results.
THE SITE OF THE BLOCKING ACTION OF DEXAMETHASONE ON STRESS-INDUCED PITUITARY ACTH RELEASE
Authors: DE WIED D.
Published: December 2008

Male white rats were injected subcutaneously with graded doses of dexamethasone acetate 16 hr. before exposure to noxious stimuli. The rate of corticosteroid production by adrenal glands in vitro served as an index of ACTH release. The corticotrophic effect of environmental changes was readily suppressed by pretreatment with 50 μg. of dexamethasone, 125 μg. blocked the effect of histamine phosphate, 250 μg. the effect of noise and at least 500 μg. were needed to suppress the effect of unilateral adrenalectomy.

The adrenal response to ACTH was not affected by pretreatment with dexamethasone. The effect of lysine vasopressin on ACTH release diminished with increasing amounts of dexamethasone; a complete block was obtained with 500 μg.

In rats bearing extensive lesions in the median eminence pretreatment with dexamethasone also suppressed the corticotrophic effect of lysine vasopressin and of hypothalamic extracts. Dexamethasone pretreatment did not significantly alter the ACTH content of the pituitary of intact, shamoperated or lesioned rats. It is concluded that the blocking action of dexamethasone is located in the anterior pituitary.
THE EFFECT OF OESTROGEN ANTAGONISTS ON THE UPTAKE OF TRITIATED OESTRADIOL BY THE UTERUS AND VAGINA OF THE OVARIECTOMIZED MOUSE
Authors: STONE G. M.
Published: December 2008

17α-Ethyl-19-nortestosterone and MER-25 inhibited the early uptake of oestradiol by the uterus and vagina when both inhibitor and oestrogen were administered subcutaneously. The oestrogen-induced growth in the uterus and vagina was also inhibited by both compounds. Inhibition with 17α-ethyl-19-nortestosterone was greatest when it was injected at the same time as the oestradiol. It was not possible to obtain any inhibition of the oestrogenic response by systemic administration of dimethylstilboestrol although it seems that its oestrogenic metabolites will compete with the natural oestrogen for receptors in the target organ.

With intravaginal injection MER-25 inhibited the rapid uptake of oestradiol while 17α-ethyl-19-nortestosterone had no effect. However, the activity retained in the vagina 20–180 min. after the injection of oestradiol was decreased by 17α-ethyl-19-nortestosterone.
THE 131I-TRIIODOTHYRONINE-RESIN UPTAKE TEST
Authors: GODDEN JENNIFER D. , GARNETT E. S.
Published: December 2008

The results of 450 131I-triiodothyronine (T3)-resin uptake tests in euthyroid, hyper- and hypothyroid patients are described.

The effects of variation in the temperature and weight of resin on 131I-T3 uptake are demonstrated.

Limits of normality have been established for a group of 149 euthyroid patients. The 131I-T3-resin uptake test in euthyroid, hyper- and hypothyroid patients has been compared with the 4 and 48 hr. 131I neck uptake, the protein-bound iodine (p.b.i.) concentration and the basal metabolic rate (b.m.r.) as a test of thyroid status.

The results suggest that, as a single test for the estimation of thyroid status, the 131I-T3-resin uptake test is as reliable and more convenient than the more established test procedures.
EFFECT OF OESTRONE ON THE DELAY OF NIDATION, IMPLANTATION AND FOETAL SURVIVAL IN OVARIECTOMIZED RATS
Authors: NUTTING E. F. , MEYER R. K.
Published: December 2008

Eighty-six female rats were ovariectomized 3 days after coitus and treated daily with 4000 μg. progesterone either alone, or in combination with 0·01–10 μg. oestrone from day 3 to day 8 after coitus. Ten additional animals with intact ovaries were treated daily with corn oil. Ovariectomized rats were treated with 4000 μg. progesterone and 1 μg. oestrone from day 9 to day 19, if nidation occurred by day 8, and from day 9 to 24, if implantation sites were absent 8 days after coitus. A delay of implantation usually occurred in animals treated with progesterone alone or in combination with 0·01, 0·03 or 0·1 μg. oestrone ('delay' class). Implantation occurred at about the normal time during treatment with progesterone combined with 0·3, 1 or 3 μg. oestrone and in non-ovariectomized animals treated with corn oil ('non-delay' class). Nidation was usually prevented permanently by 10 μg. oestrone in combination with progesterone. In the 'delay' class the addition of 0·01–0·1 μg. oestrone to progesterone did not alter the ability of blastocysts to undergo nidation or affect embryonic survival. In animals in the 'non-delay' class, nidation was induced with equal success when 0·3, 1, or 3 μg. oestrone were administered. Embryonic survival, however, was maximal in animals treated with 0·3 μg. oestrone and progressively less in rats treated with 1 and 3 μg. The number of implantation sites was larger in non-ovariectomized 'non-delay' animals than in ovariectomized 'non-delay' rats. The number of sites in the 'non-delay' class was consistently larger than the number of sites in the 'delay' class.
SEASONAL CHANGES IN THE HYPOTHALAMOHYPOPHYSIAL NEUROSECRETORY SYSTEM OF DESERT RODENTS
Authors: KHALIL F. , TAUFIC J.
Published: December 2008

Seasonal changes in the content of neurosecretory material in the supra-optic and paraventricular nuclei and in the pars nervosa of the desert rodents Jaculus jaculus (Oliv.) and Gerbillus gerbillus (Linn.) were followed and compared with those in the white rat kept under laboratory conditions.

From the morphological characteristics it was concluded that neurosecretory activity in the desert rodent is minimal in December; signs of increased activity started in March, and maximal activity was reached in June. A decline of neurosecretory activity started in August and continued through the autumn season.

In the laboratory white rat, on the other hand, the neurosecretory system showed low activity the whole year round. The quantity of neurosecretory material in the pars nervosa was less in summer than in winter.
THYROTROPHIC HORMONE IN THE PLASMA AND ANTERIOR PITUITARY OF THE THYROIDECTOMIZED RAT
Authors: SALAMAN D. F.
Published: December 2008

The changes in plasma concentration and anterior pituitary content of thyrotrophic hormone (TSH) after thyroidectomy in the rat were followed by means of an in vitro assay method. A triphasic change in plasma TSH was demonstrated which consisted of a threefold rise by the 2nd day, a fall to the normal range by the 5th day, and a gradual rise from the 10th day, which continued for at least 6 weeks.

The initial rise in plasma TSH was accompanied by a fall in the pituitary TSH store after 5 days to 7 % of the normal value; the store then remained low for the next 6 weeks.

Thyroxine (as measured by protein-bound 131I) disappeared from the circulation after thyroidectomy at a rate compatible with the observed rate of rise of plasma TSH; 20 % remained after 2 days.

The replacement of thyroid hormone by exogenous thyroxine in thyroidectomized rats resulted in 4 days in a decline in plasma TSH concentration to a subnormal value. During the next 3 days the blood level of TSH rose to 400 % of the control level. Thyroxine administration caused a large increase in the pituitary store of TSH.

The results indicate that circulating thyroxine influences primarily the rate of release of TSH from the anterior pituitary, and that a slower effect on the synthesis of TSH may be indirect and secondary to changes in the TSH content of the pituitary gland.