bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PITUITARY THYROTROPH FUNCTION IN HYPOTHYROID RATS
Authors: Ching Melvin , Evans Alison B. , Evans Edward S. , Joseph Shirley , Sorrentino Sandy
Published: December 2008

The suggestion has been made that the substantial increases in pituitary thyrotrophin (TSH) concentration reported in hypothyroid rats by some workers might be attributable to incomplete surgical thyroidectomy or partial goitrogen block. An attempt, therefore, was made to correlate the severity of hypothyroidism with the storage and release rate of TSH. Female and male Long-Evans rats were made hypothyroid either by surgical thyroidectomy or by administration of propylthiouracil (PTU). Rats were also surgically or chemically thyroidectomized and injected daily with subnormal doses of thyroxine (T4) so as to ameliorate the hypothyroidism. Pituitary and serum levels of TSH were quantified, both by bioassay (stasis tadpole), and radioimmunoassay. The results showed TSH reduced in the pituitary of the severely hypothyroid rat. In both females and males, amelioration of the hypothyroidism with small chronic doses of T4 did not increase bioassayable or immunoassayable TSH stores. Paradoxially, bioassay showed serum TSH titers increased in females inversely proportional to the apparent severity of the hypothyroidism. However, radioimmunoassay of the sera of males, whose hypothyroidism was ameliorated by T4, revealed no significant increases in TSH over thyroidectomy controls. Therefore, the results were unclear as to whether subnormal quantities of T4 increase TSH release from the pituitary. The differences in serum TSH concentration between hypothyroid-ameliorated females and males are not attributable to sex or to differences in the reliability between the bioassay and immunoassay. However, bioassayable increases in TSH stores may perhaps reflect an influence exerted by pituitary gonadotrophins or sex steroids.
STUDIES ON PLASMA SOMATOMEDIN ACTIVITY IN DIFFERENT ANIMAL SPECIES
Authors: Van den Brande J. L. , Kootte F. , Tielenburg R. , van der Wilk M. , Huyser T.
Published: December 2008

Since responses to growth hormone (GH) have a well-defined species specificity, these studies were undertaken to determine whether responses to somatomedin exhibited similar specificity. Heparinized plasma from 10 different species ranging from fish to man was accordingly assayed for somatomedin-like activity in rat, pig, monkey and human cartilage. The magnitude of 35SO4-uptake was assessed by previously described methods and the parallelity of curves compared.

A stimulating effect was obtained with plasma from man, monkey, pig, horse, cow, dog, rat and possibly the turtle, whereas pigeon and fish plasma had either no effect or showed an inhibitory effect. Although some species differences with regard to slope and magnitude of response were observed, it was concluded that inter-species responses to somatomedin are far less restricted than interspecies responses to growth hormone. This suggests that unless the overall somatomedin-like activity measured in this assay can be attributed to substances which are quantitatively and/or qualitatively different in the various species, the species specificity of growth hormone exists at the level of somatomedin induction rather than in specificity of the somatomedin produced.

The response of human cartilage to somatomedin from a series of other mammals opens up practical possibilities for large scale preparation of this hormone from non-human sources.
PARATHYROID HORMONE SECRETION IN DISORDERS OF CALCIUM METABOLISM STUDIED BY MEANS OF EDTA
Authors: Lockefeer J. H. , Hackeng W. H. L. , Birkenhäger J. C.
Published: December 2008

In 22 of 28 cases of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) the rise in the serum immunoreactive parathyroid hormone (IRPTH or PTH) level observed in response to lowering of the serum calcium by EDTA, exceeded that obtained in 8 control subjects. In 5 of these 22 patients who were studied again after parathyroidectomy the supranormal response was abolished. Fifteen of these 22 hyper-responsive PHP patients had basal IRPTH levels not exceeding the highest level in the controls and that of other groups of patients investigated (idiopathic hypercalciuria, non-parathyroid hypercalcaemia, operated PHP).

Fourteen of the 22 hyper-reactive patients with PHP did not show hypocalcaemia during the infusion of EDTA.

The extent of the release of PTH elicited by EDTA in cases of PHP does not as yet allow a prediction of the amount of pathological parathyroid tissue present, although all the PHP patients showing a normal release of PTH had a relatively small mass of parathyroid tissue (up to about 1 g) subsequently removed.

In 9 cases of nephrolithiasis (8 of whom had idiopathic hypercalciuria) and in 7 cases of non-parathyroid hypercalcaemia, a normal PTH release was found.
LH, FSH AND TESTOSTERONE IN PLASMA FOLLOWING LH-RH INFUSION: A COMBINED TEST FOR PITUITARY AND LEYDIG CELL FUNCTION
Authors: Kley H. K. , Wiegelmann W. , Nieschlag E. , Solbach H. G. , Zimmermann H. , Krüskemper H. L.
Published: December 2008

The effect of LH-RH (luteinizing hormone releasing hormone) on plasma concentrations of LH, FSH, testosterone (T) and cortisol was studied in 13 normal men and in 9 men with adrenal, testicular, pituitary and hypothalamic disorders.

Rapid and dose-dependent (25–100 μg LH-RH) increases in plasma LH were observed and reached peak levels 20–30 min after the intravenous LH-RH injections. No rise in plasma T was seen with these doses. During an 8½ hour infusion of 300 μg LH-RH a rapid increase of LH occurred and the levels remained elevated for the duration of the infusion. The increase in FSH was neither as great nor as constant. Following stimulation of LH and FSH, a statistically significant rise in plasma T occurred in the normal subjects (20–70 %). No effect of LH-RH on the adrenal cortex could be detected by measuring cortisol during the infusion. In 3 patients with Addison's disease the increase in testosterone did not differ from that in normal subjects. From these studies a LH-RH infusion test for pituitary and testicular function was designed: 50 μg LH-RH iv at 8 a. m. followed by 250 μg infusion from 8:30 a. m. to 4:30 p. m. The clinical value of the test has been demonstrated in patients with Klinefelter's syndrome, craniopharyngioma and Kallmann's syndrome. The test provides a useful method for localizing the lesions in disorders of the hypothalamo-pituitary-testicular axis.
USE OF A POST-MENOPAUSAL SERUM POOL AS A REFERENCE PREPARATION FOR RIA OF GONADOTROPHINS
Authors: Nakamura Robert M. , Nagata Yukihiro , Osborn Claire , Mishell Daniel R.
Published: December 2008

A study was undertaken whereby measurements of concentrations of FSH, LH and HCG in serum were performed by a solid phase radioimmunoassay technique utilizing both pituitary (LER-907) and urinary (2nd IRP HMG and 2nd HCG) extracts as well as various serum and plasma pools for reference preparations. These pools were prepared in our laboratory as well as by the MRC. In addition, serial dilutions of these preparations were also measured by RIA. Curves obtained by these serial dilutions were linearized by probit transformation in order to determine parallelism. For LH and FSH, the post-menopausal serum or plasma pools yielded more consistent results than the reference preparations of pituitary or urinary origin indicating both the latter preparations were not satisfactory reference preparations for RIA of gonadotrophins. For HCG either a serum pool obtained from pregnant women or the 2nd HCG were satisfactory reference preparations. Although long term study for the stability of both frozen and lyophilized serum and plasma pools needs to be undertaken, the results of this study have shown during a period of two years that these plasma or serum pools have been a reliable laboratory reference preparation for RIA of gonadotrophins.
GROWTH HORMONE RESPONSES TO FRUCTOSE IN DIABETES MELLITUS
Authors: Davidson Mayer B. , Steele Roger M.
Published: December 2008

Since fructose is normally metabolized in diabetics and has recently been shown to stimulate GH secretion, it was used to assess GH responses in diabetics. Fourteen diabetics (9 on insulin) and 8 controls matched for weight were studied. Fructose, infused over 10 min, was compared to arginine, infused over 30 min, both at 0.5 g/kg. Samples were collected at 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min and GH responses assessed as area under the curve minus the fasting area.

There was no significant difference between the GH responses in diabetics and controls to either agent. Responses to arginine and fructose were significantly correlated (r = 0.60, P < 0.01) in all subjects, but not related to therapy, duration of disease or fasting glucose (75–287 mg/100 ml) in the diabetics. Oral glucose blunted the GH response to fructose in 2 controls. It is concluded that 1) fructose can stimulate GH secretion in male diabetics; 2) however, fructose-stimulated GH responses are not increased in diabetes mellitus.
ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION INDUCED BY 9α-FLUOROCORTISOL IN RATS
Authors: Hepp R. , Garbade K. , Oster P. , Gross F.
Published: December 2008

In unilaterally nephrectomized rats, 9α-fluorocortisol (9α-FF), in doses of 0.3 and 1.0 mg given daily by intramuscular injection, induced an increase in blood pressure that was independent of additional sodium supply.

9α-FF reduced weight gain and, in the dose of 1.0 mg, increased fluid turnover when 0.9 % saline was given to drink. Haematocrit values were elevated, whether saline or water was given as drinking fluid.

The serum sodium concentration was increased when saline was offered, but normal with water as drinking fluid. The serum potassium concentration was diminished in all groups that received 9α-FF.

The renin content of the kidney was markedly depressed in all groups that had 9α-FF. The degree of suppression was similar in the groups that had saline and those that had water to drink. Under 9α-FF, plasma concentration of angiotensin II was virtually zero when saline was given to drink, but about ¼ to ½ normal when drinking fluid was water.

It is concluded that the type of hypertension developing under high doses of 9α-FF resembles glucocorticoid rather than mineralocorticoid hypertension.
PLASMA ALDOSTERONE CONCENTRATION IN ANEPHRIC CHILDREN
Authors: Birkhäuser M. , Godard C. , Loirat C. , Vallotton M. B.
Published: December 2008

The effect of extractive haemodialysis and of postural changes on the plasma aldosterone concentration has been studied in 5 anephric children. The plasma aldosterone concentration tended to be lower after haemodialysis in spite of the extracellular volume depletion induced. No regular response occurred after orthostatism. There was no correlation between the plasma aldosterone and the plasma cortisol or the serum sodium concentration. A weak positive correlation was found between the plasma aldosterone and serum potassium concentration, suggesting that potassium may play a major role in aldosterone regulation in the anephric state.
INFLUENCE OF OOPHORECTOMY, LUTEECTOMY, FOETAL DEATH AND DEXAMETHASONE ON THE PERIPHERAL PLASMA LEVELS OF OESTROGENS AND PROGESTERONE IN THE PREGNANT MACACA MULATTA
Authors: Bosu W. T. K. , Johansson E. D. B. , Gemzell C.
Published: December 2008

The influence of bilateral oophorectomy, luteectomy, dexamethasone injections and foetal death on the peripheral plasma levels of oestrogens1) and progesterone was studied in pregnant rhesus monkeys. After bilateral oophorectomy and luteectomy, pregnancy proceeded normally and the plasma levels of oestrogens and progesterone attained levels similar to those in intact monkeys, but the progesterone levels after parturition were comparatively lower. Dexamethasone injections into pregnant monkeys had no deleterious effect on the outcome of gestation. Abrupt and dramatic decreases in total oestrogens, oestrone and oestradiol levels occurred during dexamethasone injections into intact and oophorectomized pregnant monkeys but no significant changes in progesterone levels in plasma were observed. Spontaneous intra-uterine foetal death was accompanied by decrease in oestrogens, but no changes in the plasma levels of progesterone. In experimentally induced foetal death, the oestrogen and progesterone levels in plasma decreased prior to abortion. These data demonstrate the relative influence of the ovaries, adrenals and the placenta on the maternal plasma levels of oestrogens and progesterone in the pregnant rhesus monkey.
REGULATION OF PLASMA OESTROGENS IN NORMAL ADULT MALES
Authors: Doerr Peter , Pirke Karl M.
Published: December 2008

The response of plasma oestradiol (Oe2), oestrone (Oe1) and testosterone (T) to stimulation of the Leydig cells with human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) and to suppression with a synthetic androgen was ascertained in normal adult males. Three days after daily im injections with 5000 IU HCG, Oe2 increased from 1.93 to 5.66 ng/100 ml (mean of 12 subjects), Oe1 from 2.76 to 4.99 ng/100 ml, and T from 547 to 990 ng/100 ml. Thus, Oe2 increased on the average 3.07 times, Oe1 1.90 times, and T 1.86 times. Four days after oral administration of daily 40 mg fluoxymesterone (9α-fluoro-11β-hydroxy-17α-methyltestosterone), T decreased from 521 to 99.8 ng/100 ml (19.3 % of the control level, mean of 12 subjects), Oe2 from 1.93 to 0.66 ng/100 ml (34.9 % of the control level), and Oe1 from 3.14 to 2.23 ng/100 ml (72.5 % of the control level). Highly significant correlations were found between the pre-stimulation levels of Oe2 and Oe1, between the increments of Oe2 and Oe1 and of Oe2 and T after HCG stimulation.
RADIOIMMUNOASSAY OF LUTEINIZING HORMONE-RELEASING HORMONE (LH-RH) IN SERUM FROM MAN, SHEEP AND RAT
Authors: Jeffcoate S. L. , Fraser H. M. , Holland D. T. , Gunn A.
Published: December 2008

A radioimmunoassay for luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) has been developed. Antisera were raised against the decapeptide conjugated to albumin in rabbits and against the 3-10 octapeptide conjugated to albumin in rats. LH-RH was iodinated with 125I and purified on Sephadex, the most immunoreactive fractions of the 125I-LH-RH being eluted after 125I. A serum assay was developed using a simple methanol extraction procedure. The rabbit antiserum could detect levels of LH-RH in the jugular vein of the sheep at various times and in the rat on the afternoon of pro-oestrus. The assay using the rat antiserum was 30 times more sensitive and could detect LH-RH in peripheral serum in man. 10-20 pg/ml in peripheral serum of man, but the RIA could be used to measure the disappearance and clearance of LH-RH after intravenous injection of large test doses (Jeffcoate et al. 1974a). In this study we describe the details of a RIA of LH-RH in serum from man, sheep and rat.
THYROGLOBULIN IN SERUM AFTER TSH STIMULATION IN HYPERTHYROIDISM
Authors: Hjort T. , Friis Th. , Lauridsen U. Birk , Persson I.
Published: December 2008

Thyroglobulin in serum was demonstrated by a haemagglutination-inhibition technique and a reversed haemagglutination technique. Circulating thyroglobulin was found in 12 of 15 hyperthyroid patients – both before and during treatment with methylthiouracil – but in none of 12 euthyroid subjects. In three hyperthyroid patients it was not possible to determine thyroglobulin, as thyroglobulin antibody was present in the serum.

After TSH stimulation thyroglobulin appeared in the serum of nine of the 12 euthyroid subjects and the thyroglobulin level increased in five of the 12 untreated and six of the 12 treated hyperthyroid patients. The serum thyroxine, T3 uptake in resin and 131I uptake in the thyroid gland at 4 and 24 h were increased after TSH stimulation in all the euthyroid cases; the hyperthyroid patients (both before and during treatment), however, only showed a slight but significant increase in serum thyroxine and 4 h 131I uptake, while the T3 uptake in resin and the 24 h 131I uptake did not rise at all.

LATS was found in serum of only five of 15 untreated hyperthyroid patients. No significant changes in the LATS content could be detected during treatment.

The increased content of thyroglobulin in the serum of hyperthyroid patients seems to be due neither to greater sensitivity to TSH nor to the influence of LATS.
INCREASE OF SERUM FREE THYROXINE FOLLOWING THE ADMINISTRATION OF THIOCYANATE AND OTHER ANIONS IN VIVO AND IN VITRO
Authors: Michajlovskij N. , Langer P.
Published: December 2008

Following the addition of thiocyanate (SCN−) to human and rat serum of 80 mg SCN−/ 100 ml (initial concentration before dialysis) a marked increase in serum free thyroxine (FT4) was found. The addition of equivalent doses of other antihyroid anions or permanganate showed a similar increase of FT4 in the order: BF4− < CIO4− = SCN− < MnO4−. The increase in the rat serum was greater than that in human serum. After peroral administration of these anions to the rats in amounts equal to 30 mg SCN−/rat the increase of FT4 was still higher.

The addition of increased doses of SCN− to the human and rat sera (5-80 and up to 1600 mg SCN−/100 ml) caused a linear increase of FT4. Similarly, after the administration of various doses of SCN− to rats (5-30 mg SCN−/rat) a linear dose-response of the FT4 level in serum was observed.

The time-course of the increase of % FT4 and absolute FT4 (AFT4) level after a single administration of SCN− to rats coincided with the increase of the serum SCN− level. However, after the disappearance of SCN− from the serum the % FT4 returned to the initial value, while the AFT4 was decreased.

The effect of these anions probably consists in the competitive displacement of thyroxine from serum thyroxine-binding proteins. These and previous results suggested that thiocynate influences the plasma protein-thyroxine equilibrium and the possible role of an increased free thyroxine level on the action of thyroxine on various tissues and the hypothalamo-pituitary-thyroid feed-back is discussed.
TETRACYCLINE AND STEROID HORMONE BINDING TO HUMAN SPERMATOZOA
Authors: Briggs Michael
Published: December 2008

Competitive protein-binding assays for steroid hormones were conducted on human semen. Mean concentrations for 10 specimens from 5 healthy young men were: testosterone 6.8 ng/ml, oestradiol-17β 9.5 ng/ml, progesterone 0.6 ng/ml. Oral administration of 0.5 g daily chlortetracycline for 7 days gave a semen tetracycline mean concentration of 4.5 μg/ml. Washed sperm bound tritiated steroid hormones in vitro much better than sperm in diluted semen. Testosterone reduced sperm uptake of 3H-oestradiol-17β, while oestradiol-17β reduced uptake of both 3H-testosterone and 3H-progesterone. Pre-incubation of washed sperm with either oestradiol-17β or testosterone increased tetracycline-binding capacity, while progesterone stimulated tetracycline release. It is suggested that steroid hormones in male and female genital secretions modify the fertilizing capacity of human sperm.
INHIBITION OF ANTIDIURETIC HORMONE SECRETION BY INTRACAROTID INFUSIONS OF SLIGHTLY HYPERTONIC NON-ELECTROLYTE SOLUTIONS
Authors: Olsson Kerstin , Kolmodin Rigmor
Published: December 2008

Relatively rapid (3.75 ml/min), unilateral intracarotid infusions of slightly hypertonic (0.35 m) galactose and glycerol solutions induced a water diuresis within 40 to 60 min in the non-hydrated goat. The response to equi-osmolal fructose solution was weaker and less consistent. The water diuresis was apparently due to an inhibition of the basic ADH secretion, since it could be inhibited temporarily by the administration of small amounts of arginine vasopressin. The corresponding intracarotid infusion of isotonic NaCl solution did not significantly alter the renal clearance of free water, nor did equivalent intrajugular infusions of the non-electrolyte solutions induce water diuresis.

The results appear incompatible with the osmoreceptor theory, and support the assumption that a central, Na+ sensitive receptor system may be involved in the regulation of the ADH secretion.
NON-TOXIC GOITRE
Authors: Agerbæk Hans
Published: December 2008

Among 29 patients operated on for non-toxic goitre 17 had a plasmaiodine concentration and thyroid clearance within the normal range for the region while 12 patients were iodine deficient in comparison to the former group. Extensive investigations of the 29 patients were performed including chromatography of the serum, urine and thyroid-gland digest and measurement of the iodine concentration and content of the goitrous tissue.

No qualitative differences were found between the groups, on the contrary, a continuum existed, findings being related to the degree of iodine deficiency. Thus, the group with a low plasma inorganic iodine (PII) showed the largest goitres, lowest thyroid tissue iodine concentration and highest [125I] MIT/DIT and [125I] T3/T4 thyroid-tissue ratio. In the group with a "normal" PII concentration, iodoamino acid distribution in the para-adenomatous tissue was similar to that of "normal" thyroid glands in the present region, whereas nodular tissue compared with the goitrous tissue of the most iodine deficient group. Thus, only quantitative differences were found between the groups, and it is concluded that the goitres of both groups were due to iodine deficiency.
IODOPROTEINS IN CONGENITAL GOITRE WITH ELEVATED LEVELS OF SERUM TSH AND T3
Authors: Forest J. C. , Bénard B. , Bellabarba D. , Paré G.
Published: December 2008

Thyroid iodoproteins were analyzed in the glandular tissue of a euthyroid female who presented a congenital goitre with circulating iodoprotein and apparent coupling defect. Serum TSH was significantly elevated (25 μU/ml) with low serum total T4 (2 μg/100 ml) and free T4 (0.4 ng/100 ml), and slightly increased total T3 (340 ng/100 ml). BE125I amounted to 5 %. The perchlorate discharge test was negative. Peroxidase and dehalogenase activities were found to be normal in thyroid homogenate. Minimal amounts of T4 (0.162 μg/g tissue) and T3 (0.032 μg/g tissue) were measured in Pronase hydrolysate of the gland. No labelled iodothyronines could be identified by various chromatography techniques despite a DIT/ MIT ratio of 1.4 and a total iodine content of 345 μg/g tissue. The salting out extraction of thyroid proteins and radioactivity indicated the presence of large amount of iodoproteins other than thyroglobulin. The distribution of proteins and radioactivity was studied by chromatography on Sephadex G-200, sucrose gradient centrifugation and disc electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gel. Only 10 to 15 % of radioactivity and proteins was identified as thyroglobulin. The remainder was recovered in the albumin fraction, and in a low molecular weight anodic iodocompound that migrated ahead of albumin and close to the front marker in polyacrylamide gel.
ADDISON'S DISEASE – CLINICAL STUDIES. A REPORT OF 108 CASES
Authors: Nerup Jørn
Published: December 2008

One hundred and eight cases of Addison's disease, diagnosed in Danish medical departments between 1950 and 1972, were reviewed. The idiopathic type of Addison's disease predominated (66 %) while tuberculous Addisons's disease comprised only 17 % of the present series. The remaining 17 % were unclassifiable on clinical grounds.

One third of the cases had symptoms less than three months prior to diagnosis and 25 % of the patients were in need of immediate treatment because of manifest or impending crisis when admitted to the hospital. Idiopathic Addison's disease was diagnosed in all age groups, predominantly in females, while patients with tuberculous Addison's disease were preferably males of higher ages.

A second disease (diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders, pernicious anaemia or gonadal insufficiency) was diagnosed in 53 % of the patients with idiopathic Addison's disease. Associated diseases were found with significantly reduced frequency in other types of Addison's disease.
THE OESTROGENIC POTENCY OF VARIOUS CONTRACEPTIVE STEROIDS AS DETERMINED BY THEIR EFFECTS ON TRANSCORTIN-BINDING CAPACITY
Authors: Schwartz U. , Hammerstein J.
Published: December 2008

Various contraceptive steroids were analyzed for their oestrogenic potency in the human using changes in the cortisol-binding capacity of transcortin (TC-BC) as a parameter. A linear dose-related elevation of TC-BC was recorded in response to increasing amounts of ethinyloestradiol (EE). Mestranol (EEME), given in the same galenical preparation as EE, proved to be only 64 % as potent. Megestrol acetate, dl-norgestrel, norethindrone and its acetate failed to influence TC-BC, while norethynodrel induced a significant rise. This effect is apparently due to both the inherent oestrogenic activity of norethynodrel and its contamination with EEME. The administration of combined oral contraceptives resulted in a significant elevation of TC-BC. The drugs studied were (in order to increasing total oestrogenicity) 50 μg EEME + 1 mg norethindrone, 35 μg EE + 0.25 mg d-norgestrel, 100 μg EEME + 2 mg norethindrone, 50 μg EE + 0.25 mg d-norgestrel, and 100 μg EEME + 2.5 mg norethynodrel. The observed rise in transcortin activity appears to depend primarily on the chemical structure and dosage of the oestrogen component. These findings clearly indicate that the administration of conventional oral contraceptives, even those containing low oestrogen doses, does not cause an oestrogen deficiency, but rather an oestrogen oversupply of the female organism.
THYROTROPHIN RELEASING FACTOR (TRF) IN CEREBROSPINAL FLUID OF THE 3RD VENTRICLE OF RAT
Authors: Knigge K. M. , Joseph S. A.
Published: December 2008

The concentration of TRF in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the 3rd ventricle and content of TRF in median eminence of the rat was examined. CSF (0.3–0.5 μl per animal) was collected from the 3rd ventricle by a microcannula technique and pooled samples from 10–15 animals were examined for TRF using an in vitro pituitary assay method. TRF concentration in 3rd ventricle CSF of normal male rats was 18.5 ± 4.2 pg/μl; median eminence contained 115 ± 12 pg. Cold exposure (4°C) for 16–18 h and thyroxine treatment (2.5 μg/day) for 5 days markedly reduced TRF concentration in CSF and content in the median eminence. Treatment with the anti-thyroid drug methimazole (0.01 % in the drinking water) for 5 days did not notably affect TRF in CSF or median eminence.
KINETICS OF DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE SULPHATE METABOLISM IN NORMAL CONTROLS AND PATIENTS WITH LIVER CIRRHOSIS AND ACUTE HEPATITIS
Authors: Oseko F. , Yoshimi T. , Fukase M. , Kono T.
Published: December 2008

Following a simultaneous intravenous injection of dehydroepiandrosterone 35S-sulphate (DHA-35S) and 3H-dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (3H-DHA-S) into normal subjects, patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) and patients with acute hepatitis (AH), disappearance curves of 3H-DHA-S and of DHA-35S over 36 hours were calculated for each individual subject. The three groups were compared with regard to the following parameters: slope of DHA-35S and 3H-DHA-S and ratio of the slope of DHA-35S to that of 3H-DHA-S (S/H) in the initial part and in the later part of each exponential curve; metabolic clearance rates (MCR), distribution volumes and transfer rates.

The initial slope of DHA-35S of the control group was not significantly different from that of the AH group, but the initial slope of both groups was lower than that of the LC group. The initial slope of 3H-DHA-S of the control group was lower than that of the other two slopes which were not significantly different from each other. The S/H ratio (an indicator of sulphokinase activity) of the control group was significantly higher than that of the other two groups and the ratio of the LC group was higher than that of the AH group. The transfer rate between the inner and outer pool was greater in both the patient groups than in the normal subjects. There was no difference in MCR's and distribution volumes among the three groups.

The results suggest a decreased activity of sulphokinase in the liver of patients with both liver cirrhosis and acute hepatitis; its activity in the latter case being more impaired than in the former case. The sulphatase activity may also be damaged to the same extent.
PATTERN OF THE HUMAN CHORIONIC SOMATOMAMMOTROPHIC (HCS) CONCENTRATION RATIO IN MATERNAL SERUM AND AMNIOTIC FLUID DURING NORMAL PREGNANCY
Authors: Berle P.
Published: December 2008

Human chorionic somatomammotrophic (HCS) concentrations were measured in the maternal serum and amniotic fluid by means of radioimmunoassay. The HCS ratio of the concentration in the amniotic fluid and maternal serum decreases continuously from the 11th to the 40th week of gestation. This decrease is statistically highly significant. Several hypotheses are discussed to explain this decreasing ratio between the maternal compartment and the amniotic fluid.
SERUM HUMAN PLACENTAL LACTOGEN HORMONE CONCENTRATION IN THE SECOND HALF OF PREGNANCY DETERMINED BY A SIMPLE IMMUNOELECTROPHORETIC TECHNIQUE
Authors: Gæde P. , Nørgaard-Pedersen B.
Published: December 2008

By a simple rocket immunoelectrophoretic method the 90 % normal range of serum human placental lactogen hormone (HPL) in the second half of pregnancy was determined in 436 normal pregnant women. The mean half life of HPL after delivery of normal infants determined in 5 patients was found to be 14.6 min (range 13.2–16.4 min). A close correlation was found between serum HPL and serum progesterone (r = 0.75). No circadian rhythm was found.
DEVELOPMENT OF A RADIOIMMUNOASSAY FOR 5α-ANDROST-16-EN-3-ONE IN PIG PERIPHERAL PLASMA
Authors: Andresen Ø.
Published: December 2008

A radioimmunoassay (RIA) for 5α-androst-16-en-3-one (5α-androstenone) in peripheral plasma from pigs has been developed. Antibodies against 5α-androstenone conjugated through C-3 to bovine serum albumin (BSA) were produced in rabbits. The antiplasma used in this study show a cross-reaction of 100% with 4,16-androstadien-3-one (androstadienone), 5.3 % with 5α-androst-16-en-3β-ol (an-β), 3.3 % with 5α-androst-16-en-3α-ol (an-α), 2.6 % with 4-androstene-3,17-dione (androstenedione) and 1.4% with 5,16-androstadien-3β-ol (andien-β).

The standard curve plotted as log picogram (pg) unlabelled 5α-androstenone against counts per minute (cpm) bound radioactive steroid was almost linear from 50 to 800 pg 5α-androstenone.

Regression analysis of the data from the accuracy study gave the curve y = 0.99 x+ 203.

The precision and sensitivity of the method were satisfactory. In plasma samples from sows and castrated male pigs the mean 5α-androstenone found was 1.1 ng/ml. In plasma samples from boars from 1.2 to 54.1 ng/ml was found.
DIHYDROTESTOSTERONE IN HUMAN SPERMATIC VENOUS PLASMA
Authors: Pazzagli M. , Borrelli D. , Forti G. , Serio M.
Published: December 2008

Testosterone (T) and 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) concentrations in spermatic and peripheral venous blood obtained from six men have been measured by radioimmunoassay and competitive protein binding assay respectively. The concentrations (mean ± sd) of DHT in the spermatic vein (0.64 ± 0.33 μg/100 ml) were higher than that found in the cubital vein (0.025 ± 0.01 μg/100 ml). These results demonstrate the production of DHT by the human testis.
UPTAKE AND BINDING OF ANDROGENS BY THE ANTERIOR PITUITARY GLAND, HYPOTHALAMUS, PREOPTIC AREA AND BRAIN CORTEX OF RATS
Authors: Næss Oddvar , Attramadal Arne
Published: December 2008

[1,2-3H] testosterone was given intramuscularly to castrated adult male and female rats. The concentration of radioactivity in the anterior pituitary gland, hypothalamus, preoptic area, brain cortex, ventral prostate and muscle tissue was measured at different time intervals. In the ventral prostate a preferential concentration and retention of radioactivity was recorded. In the anterior pituitary, hypothalamus, preoptic area and brain cortex, however, the maximum uptake was observed 7½ min after the injection of the hormone. Thereafter the radioactivity rapidly declined. Non-labelled testosterone was found to compete with the radioactive testosterone for the binding sites in the anterior pituitary, hypothalamus and preoptic area. High doses of non-labelled testosterone caused a slight, and statistically insignificant reduction of the radioactivity in the brain cortex. The concentration of radioactivity in the muscle tissue was not affected by any of the doses of non-radioactive testosterone given.

Filtration of serum on Sephadex G-25 columns showed that considerable amounts of radioactivity were associated with macromolecules. Therefore in order to get a valid record of the binding of androgens to the specific molecules of the target cells, perfusion of the vascular system was essential. In vivo and in vitro experiments revealed that considerable amounts of radioactive material were bound to macromolecules in the cytosol fractions of the anterior pituitary gland, hypothalamus, preoptic area and brain cortex. Thus for the first time a binding of androgens by macromolecules in the cytosol fraction of the preoptic area and brain cortex has been found.

Since association of androgens with plasma constituents can be excluded, the radioactive material is most likely bound to specific binding molecules present in the target cells of the anterior pituitary gland, hypothalamus, preoptic area and the brain cortex.
EFFECTS OF 9-ALPHA-FLUOROHYDROCORTISONE ON BLOOD PRESSURE, PLASMA VOLUME, AND SODIUM, POTASSIUM AND WATER BALANCE IN RATS
Authors: Haack D. , Hackenthal E. , Homsy E. , Möhring B. , Möhring J.
Published: December 2008

In normal rats on a standard sodium diet, the administration of 9-alpha-fluorohydrocortisone (9aFF) induced a rapid increase of blood pressure in parallel to an increase of plasma volume. Water and potassium balances became negative. Urinary sodium excretion remained unchanged or increased after high doses, whereas urinary sodium concentration and faecal sodium excretion were reduced. The diurnal rhythm of water and sodium excretion changed: during the night-period, renal water and sodium excretion were diminished, whereas during the day-period both were enhanced. Thus, some effects of 9aFF on electrolyte and water balance are similar to those of DOC, while other effects are similar to those of cortisone.

It is postulated that a shift of fluid from intracellular to extracellular compartments, which increases plasma volume, is of critical importance for the 9aFF-induced blood pressure elevation in rats.
LUTEOLYTIC EFFECTS OF PROSTAGLANDINS IN RAT PREGNANCY, AND REVERSAL BY LUTEINIZING HORMONE
Authors: Fuchs Anna-Riitta , Mok E. , Sundaram K.
Published: December 2008

The influence of prostaglandin infusions on plasma progesterone (P) was determined in pregnant rats at various stages of gestation. Serial blood samples were collected from the right atrium through an indwelling catheter before, during and after prostaglandin (PG) administration. PGE2 and PGF 2α was given as intravenous infusions of 6 hours duration through the same catheter at rates varying from 0.33 to 5.5 μg/min (total dose: 125 to 2000 μg/rat). Control rats received an equal amount of 0.9 % saline solution.

Prostaglandins suppressed plasma P levels at all stages of gestation, PGF2α being much more effective than PGE2. The effect of PGF2α was not dose-dependent above a threshold level of about 125 μg/rat. The decrease in plasma P was evident within 3 hours of the start of the infusion, with further decrease in the subsequent 3 hours of infusion. The degree of luteal suppression by PGF2α varied in the course of gestation, being greatest on days 10 and 18 of pregnancy and smallest on days 4 and 16.

On days 10 and 18, plasma was reduced by 75 %, on the average, during the infusion of PGF2α with further decrease to 15 % of initial values within 24 hours. Pregnancy was terminated in these rats, but was maintained in most rats treated with PGF2α at other stages of gestation. Plasma P decreased, on the average, by 60 % during the infusion of PGF2α in all rats that remained pregnant, and progesterone concentrations remained at a level of 30 % of initial values for at least 2 days. Plasma P levels as low as 20 % of initial values were compatible with undisturbed gestation.

Concomitant treatment with LH prevented the decrease in plasma P induced by PGF2α on days 4, 7 and 10, but had little effect on day 18. Prolactin, given alone or with oestradiol, was completely ineffective on day 10 but on day 4, prolactin had a marginal inhibitory effect on the PGF2α-induced fall in plasma progesterone.
A COST REDUCTIVE METHOD FOR THE RADIOIMMUNOASSAY OF PLASMA ANDROSTENEDIONE. A COMPARISON OF ANTISERA AND THE EFFECTS OF CHROMATOGRAPHY
Authors: Hennam John F. , Collins William P.
Published: December 2008

A method is described and evaluated for the determination of androstenedione (A) in peripheral venous plasma. The potential use of antisera to A-6-carboxymethyl thioether-bovine serum albumin and A-11α-succinyl-bovine serum albumin has been evaluated. The same plasma samples have been analysed before and after chromatography on a micro column of Sephadex LH-20. A dye, azobenzene is used to locate the fraction containing androstenedione.

The results show that there is no significant difference in the values of apparent A using either antisera (overall mean 3.2 ng/ml plasma from men and 2.8 ng/ml from women). After chromatography these values are reduced by 62 and 42% respectively to 1.2 and 1.6 ng/100 ml.

A new method using a mixture of ammonium and calcium sulphates is described for the separation of steroid bound to antibody. The precipitate is then resuspended and the amount of radioactivity determined, directly in the assay tube, by liquid scintillation counting. This process effects a 68 % reduction in the cost of the assay of each plasma sample.
TREATMENT OF ACUTE POST-OPERATIVE INAPPROPRIATE ANTIDIURETIC HORMONE SECRETION WITH DIPHENYLHYDANTOIN
Authors: Landolt Alex M.
Published: December 2008

Post-operative inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (ADH) secretion was observed 6 times in a group of 26 patients without diabetes insipidus before surgery for craniopharyngioma. Fourteen patients with existing diabetes insipidus did not show this disturbance. Intravenous administration of diphenylhydantoin (250 mg q. 8 h) controlled the hyponatraemia during the interphase of abnormal urine concentration and established an increased transitory water excretion in an 8 year old child operated upon for craniopharyngioma.
RED CELL ZINC AND RED CELL ZINC METALLOENZYMES IN HYPERTHYROIDISM
Authors: Pangaro J. A. , Weinstein M. , Devetak M. C. , Soto R. J.
Published: December 2008

The activity of the following zinc metalloenzymes was measured in the erythrocytes of hyperthyroid patients: malic dehydrogenase (MDH), aldolase (ALD), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH).

A significant increase in the activities of ADH (0.8 ± 0.3 μmoles per min per g of haemoglobin) and GAPDH (30.5 ± 13.4) was found; the control values being 0.5 ± 0.3 and 7.6 ± 4.6 respectively.

The activities of ALD, MDH, and of LDH were not significantly different from those of the control group. The mean red cell zinc in the hyperthyroid group was 31.6 ± 6.2 μg per g of haemoglobin in contrast to 50.4 ± 8.1 in the control group.

It is concluded that none of the zinc metalloenzymes measured accounts for the diminution of erythrocyte zinc occurring in hyperthyroidism, a phenomenon that should be attributed to the inhibition of carbonic anhydrase B as reported previously.
GLUCOSE INTOLERANCE IN MICE INFECTED WITH ENCEPHALOMYOCARDITIS VIRUS
Authors: Kromann Hans , Vestergaard Bent Faber , Nerup Jørn
Published: December 2008

Twelve weeks old inbred male C 57 mice were inoculated with the M-variant of encephalomyocarditis (EMC) virus in varying doses. Virus could be cultured from blood and from pancreas for 7 days. Animals receiving 4.5 × 102 plaque forming units EMC virus developed maximal glucose intolerance after 1 week. Animals receiving 4.5 × 106 plaque forming units EMC virus developed maximal glucose intolerance 3 weeks after the inoculation; i. e. 2 weeks after the acute viral pancreatitis had terminated. The possibility that virus elicited a cell-mediated hypersentivity reaction is suggested.
SITES OF METYRAPONE INHIBITION OF STEROID BIOSYNTHESIS BY RAT ADRENAL MITOCHONDRIA
Authors: Carballeira Andres , Cheng Su Chiau , Fishman Lawrence M.
Published: December 2008

Rat adrenal mitochondrial preparations supplemented with an NADPH-generating system were incubated with various labelled substrates in order to evaluate further the action of metyrapone on the utilization of cholesterol for steroid biosynthesis1). The formation of pregnenolone from [4-14C] cholesterol (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 μCi) in 5, 10 and 15 min incubations was decreased by 72–82 % in the presence of metyrapone (0.5 mm). Similarly, the generation of labelled side chain fragments from [26-14C]-cholesterol was depressed 36–42 % by 0.2 mm metyrapone and 65–70 % by 1.0 mm inhibitor during 30, 60 and 90 min incubations. Metyrapone inhibition of the side chain cleavage was not observed, however, if cholesterol was replaced as substrate by its C-20 hydroxylated analog: The formation of pregnenolone from [7-3H]20α-hydroxycholesterol (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 μCi), also an NADPH-mediated mitochondrial reaction, was not affected by similar concentrations of metyrapone, indicating that the inhibition observed with cholesterol as substrate is not related to non-specific toxic effects, to interference with NADPH generation or to impairment of NADPH function in the mitochondrial electron transport system. Parallel incubations with [4-14C] 11-deoxycorticosterone and with [4-14C] cholesterol over a wide range of inhibitor concentrations (0.01–1.0 mm) demonstrated that the effects of metyrapone on 11β-hydroxylation and on the side chain cleavage were dose-related; at low concentrations, however, metyrapone was a more potent inhibitor of 11β-hydroxylation than of cholesterol conversion to pregnenolone. These studies demonstrate clearly in the rat adrenal the dual inhibitory effect of metyrapone sug-gested by previous in vivo and in vitro observations in man.
SPERM DISTRIBUTION IN FEMALE RABBITS: THE EFFECT OF OVARIAN STEROIDS
Authors: Morton D. B. , Fitzpatrick R. J. , Glover T. D.
Published: December 2008

Oestradiol benzoate, progesterone and 20α-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (20α-OH) were injected into ovariectomized rabbits and after either 4 or 5 days the rabbits were inseminated with a standardized inseminate, killed at 2 and 10 h after insemination and the number of spermatozoa in the vagina, cervix, uterus and oviducts was evaluated. The oestrogen increased the number of spermatozoa recovered from the cervix, uterus and oviduct compared with the control ovariectomized group receiving no hormonal treatment. The progestagens, on the other hand, tended to inhibit sperm transport through the cervix depending on the amount given. Injection of both oestrogen and progesterone simultaneously, illustrated their antagonistic actions. The effect of circulating progestagens on sperm transport during oestrus and pseudopregnancy is discussed, as well as their effects on the formation of the cervical reservoir.
NORMAL MANGANESE CONCENTRATIONS IN HUMAN SERUM
Authors: Versieck J. , Barbier F. , Speecke A. , Hoste J.
Published: December 2008

Plasma manganese concentrations of healthy women have recently been published in this journal (Hagenfeldt et al. 1973). It appears that these values (0.18–0.32 μg/100 ml) are several times higher than those found in plasma and serum by Cotzias et al. (1966) (0.0587 ± 0.0183 μg/100 ml). We determined by neutron activation analysis the serum manganese levels in 25 normal females and 25 normal males. No significant difference was found between the two groups. The overall concentration average was 0.057 μg/100 ml and the standard deviation 0.013 μg/100 ml. Higher values as reported by other investigators are apparently due to contaminations.
PHENOLIC METABOLITES OF DL-NORGESTREL: A METHOD FOR THE REMOVAL OF 1-HYDROXYLATED METABOLITES, POTENTIAL SOURCES OF PHENOLIC ARTIFACTS
Authors: Sisenwine Samuel F. , Liu Ann L. , Kimmel Hazel B. , Ruelius Hans W.
Published: December 2008

The identification of 1β-hydroxynorgestrel among the urinary metabolites of dl-norgestrel and the facile transformation of this compound under mild alkaline conditions to a potentially oestrogenic phenol provide an experimental basis for the conclusion advanced by others that the oestrogens present in the urine of subjects treated with synthetic progestens are artifacts formed during analytical work-up. A method has been devised which eliminates 1-hydroxylated metabolites as potential sources of phenolic artifacts. This method is based on the reduction by NaBH4 of the 1-hydroxy-4-en-3-one grouping in the A ring thereby excluding the possibility of aromatization during later fractionation on a basic ion exchange resin that separates neutral from phenolic metabolites. In the urines of women treated with 14C-dl-nogestrel, only 0.17–0.27% of the dose is found to have phenolic properties when this method is used. Two of the phenolic metabolites, 18-homoethynyloestradiol and 16β-hydroxy-18-homoethynyloestradiol, are present in amounts smaller than 0.01 % of the dose. Without the reduction steps the percentages are noticeably higher, indicating artifact formation under alkaline conditions. Similar results were obtained with urines from African Green Monkeys (Cercopithecus Aethiops) that had been dosed with 14C-dl-norgestrel. Radiolabelled 18-homoethynyloestradiol and 16β-hydroxy-18-homoethynyloestradiol were isolated from monkey urine and their identity confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.
SEQUENTIAL STUDY OF THE IMPAIRMENT OF THYROID FUNCTION IN THE EARLY STAGE OF SUBACUTE THYROIDITIS
Authors: Glinoer Daniel , Puttemans Nicole , Van Herle André J. , Camus Monique , Ermans André M.
Published: December 2008

A sequential study of various parameters of thyroid metabolism has been carried out in 2 patients during the weeks following the clinical onset of subacute thyroiditis, the aim being to define the nature and extent of the anomalies of thyroid function. In the early stage, serum thyroxine, protein bound iodine and T3 resin uptake levels were in the thyrotoxic range. In both cases, the serum thyroxine values further decreased with a half-life of 7 days and reached the hypothyroid range at the 6–7th week. Both 131I uptake and TSH plasma levels were found to be low and concomitantly rose at the 6–7th week. In one patient the serum thyroglobulin level was strikingly elevated at the beginning and then fell fairly rapidly; however in both patients, the serum thyroglobulin values remained abnormal. The present study confirmed the concept of a sudden release of preformed hormone stores. Furthermore, the following points were evident: a) marked and transient release of thyroglobulin; b) interruption of the secretory activity during at least 7 weeks; c) adequate functioning of the pituitary-thyroid control mechanism and d) partial recovery of the thyroidal iodine uptake at a time when the hormone secretion was still undetectable.
MEASUREMENTS OF SERUM TRIIODOTHYRONINE BY RADIOIMMUNOASSAY
Authors: Kirkegaard C. , Friis Th. , Siersbæk-Nielsen K.
Published: December 2008

A radioimmunoassay of serum T3 was developed displacing T3 from the thyroxine binding proteins by merthiolate. Separation of the free and the antibody bound fraction was accomplished by the use of dextran-coated charcoal. The addition of 14 mg BSA was shown to diminish the adsorption of the antibody bound fraction to charcoal.

In 90 controls serum T3 was 1.33 ± sd 0.29 ng/ml. None of 94 hyperthyroid patients had serum T3 values within normal range, whereas 12% of 34 hypothyroid patients had normal serum T3 values.

The T4:T3 ratio in serum was found to be 67.0 ± sd 11.9 in normals, while the ratio was significantly (P < 0.001) decreased as well in hyperthyroid as in hypothyroid patients.

The discriminant value of serum T3 was found to be superior to T4 in the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism, whereas serum T4 was found to be better with regard to hypothyroidism. However, correction of the influence of different TBG levels by calculating free T4 index and free T3 index showed that both parameters almost completely separated normals from patients with untreated hyperthyroidism, respectively hypothyroidism.