bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of interleukin 1 alpha on porcine thyroid follicles in suspension culture
Authors: Westermark Kerstin , Nilsson Mikael , Karlsson F. Anders
Published: December 2008

Interleukin 1, a product primarily of activated macrophages, was found to exert both a stimulatory and an inhibitory effect on porcine thyroid follicles in suspension cultures. A stimulatory effect on [125I] iodide incorporation into protein (iodination) was seen in cultures exposed to human recombinant interleukin 1α (20 μg/l) for 1 h and (0.1 or 10 μg/l) for 18 h, whereas an inhibitory effect on iodination of interleukin 1 (10 μg/l) was registered after pre-incubation for 42 h and significant upon stimulation with TSH (200 mU/l). Cyclic AMP levels were stimulated in cells exposed to interleukin 1, however, significantly only after 42 h of pre-incubation, whereas TSH-stimulated cAMP response was inhibited by interleukin 1 already after 18 h of pre-incubation. The lumen of interleukin 1 incubated follicles was highly dilated and surrounded by a flattened epithelium. There were, however, no morphological signs of follicle disintegration or cellular cytotoxicity in the cultures exposed to interleukin 1. The data suggest that interleukin 1 might have a modulating role on thyroid function in autoimmune thyroid diseases associated with activation of intrathyroidal macrophages.
Cold stress during scotophase elicited differential responses in quail pineal, retinal, and serum melatonin levels
Authors: Lee Peter P. N. , Allen Andrée E. , Pang Shiu F.
Published: December 2008

Effects of cold stress during scotophase on pineal, retinal and serum melatonin levels were examined in quails. All experimental subjects were housed under a constant room temperature of 23 ± 2°C and a daily 12 h: 12 h light:dark cycle. After 1 week of adaptation, quails were exposed to 4°C in darkness for 60, 120, 180 and 210 min. Immediately following their respective cold treatments, subjects were sacrificed at mid-dark and pineal, retina and serum samples were collected for melatonin radioimmunoassay. Cold stress during scotophase was found to potentiate melatonin levels in the retinas significantly. Conversely, cold exposures in dark significantly decreased melatonin levels in pineal glands and serum. Such diversified responses might be attributed to tissue specific variations in adrenergic and/or dopaminergic receptors responsible for regulating the synthesis and/or secretory mechanisms of melatonin.
LH and PRL secretion in ovariectomized spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Hashimoto Ryuhei , Arita Jun , Kimura Fukuko
Published: December 2008

The pulsatile patterns of LH and PRL secretion, and effects of stress on these patterns were examined in ovariectomized normotensive Wistar, spontaneously hypertensive, and genetically matched normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats. Judged by the overall mean of PRL concentrations, PRL levels in spontaneously hypertensive rats were not different from those in Wistar Kyoto rats, but the pulse amplitudes as well as the overall mean concentrations were significantly greater in both Wistar Kyoto and spontaneously hypertensive rats than in Wistar rats. Increases in PRL release during immobilization stress in spontaneously hypertensive rats occurred earlier than in Wistar rats, but the peak levels were not different between the two animal groups, though significantly lower in Wistar Kyoto rats than in Wistar rats. Overall mean of LH concentrations was higher, but pulse amplitude was smaller in spontaneously hypertensive rats than in Wistar Kyoto rats, and in both groups significantly smaller than in Wistar rats. The decrease in LH release owing to stress was similar in all animal groups. A significant association between LH and PRL peaks was evident in all animals, although the rate of association was lowest in Wistar Kyoto rats. In conclusion, the central nervous system mechanisms for both LH and PRL secretion differ markedly in both spontaneously hypertensive and Wistar Kyoto rats from those in Wistar rats, and no specific difference was found in spontaneously hypertensive rats compared with Wistar Kyoto and Wistar rats as controls.
The effectiveness of external beam radiotherapy for acromegaly is not affected by previous pituitary ablative treatments
Authors: Speirs C. J. , Reed P. I. , Morrison R. , Aber V. , Joplin G. F.
Published: December 2008

Thirty-three acromegalic patients were treated with radiotherapy and followed up for at least 3 years (mean 6 years, range 3 to 12). Seventeen had not had previous pituitary ablative therapy and 16 had. The mean GH level for these two groups before radiotherapy was comparable at 98 and 119 mIU/l. The observed frequency of reaching < 10 mIU/l was 53% and 75% of patients in the two groups, respectively, the mean observed falls in growth hormone level were 81 and 85% of the initial level, and the calculated exponential decline rate of GH level was 72 and 52% per year. Considering all 35 patients, requirement for pituitary hormone replacement therapy increased from 15 patients before radiotherapy to 20 after radiotherapy, being mostly those who had had prior ablative therapies. There were no complications attributable to the radiotherapy treatment. It appears that radiotherapy is equally efficacious whether a prior unsuccessful ablative procedure had been used or not.
Precocious puberty in a boy with a PRL-, LH- and FSH-secreting pituitary tumour: Hormonal and immunocytochemical studies.
Authors: Ambrosi Bruno , Bassetti Monique , Ferrario Riccardo , Medri Gabriella , Giannattasio Giuliana , Faglia Giovanni
Published: December 2008

The case of a 7-year-old boy affected with precocious puberty and a large intra- and suprasellar pituitary tumour is described. He had hyperprolactinemia and elevated serum LH, FSH and testosterone concentrations. Pre-operative dynamic hormonal studies showed a rise of PRL, LH and FSH levels after TRH (200 μg iv) and a rise of LH and FSH after GnRH (100 μg iv). Dopamine infusion (4 μg · kg−1 · min−1 for 180 min) did not affect gonadotropins and greatly reduced serum PRL. GnRH analogue (buserelin, 0.5 mg sc t.i.d. for 10 days) administration inhibited both LH and FSH, but did not affect PRL concentration. Serum LH and FSH increased after ethinyl-estradiol (0.5 mg orally) administration, and were not affected by bromocriptine (5-7.5 mg/day for 10 days), which decreased serum PRL levels. The patient underwent transfrontal neurosurgery and a large tumour mass was completely removed. Morphological study of the excised tumour, by electron microscope double label immunotechnique, revealed that a large number of tumour cells (70-85%) were positive for PRL, LH and FSH, co-localized in the same secretory granule. After neurosurgery, serum PRL, LH, FSH and testosterone levels fell to within the normal limits. Two months later the patient was well and signs of precocious puberty had partially regressed; hormone levels were in the normal range and MR imaging control did not demonstrate any residual lesion in the sellar region.
Effects of dexamethasone on body fluid and electrolyte composition of rats
Authors: Kenyon Christopher J. , Brown William B. , Fraser Robert , Tonolo Giancarlo , McPherson Fiona , Davies David L.
Published: December 2008

Low-dose infusions of dexamethasone (2 μg/day for 2 and 4 weeks) increased systolic blood pressure and decreased body weight gain in male rats. Total body sodium, calcium and magnesium were increased by dexamethasone treatment; potassium was unaffected. These changes have been evaluated bearing in mind that glucocorticoids have profound catabolic effects. Relative to pretreatment values, dexamethasone decreased exchangeable body sodium for the first two weeks of treatment although values were not significantly different from vehicle-treated controls. Hematocrit, plasma cholesterol and transaminase activities were increased by dexamethasone; white cell numbers and plasma volumes were decreased; plasma Na+, K+ and Ca2+, red cell numbers, extracellular fluid volume, and glomerular filtration rate were not significantly affected. It is concluded that glucocorticoids cause plasma volume to contract, possibly as a result of glucocorticoid-induced natriuresis. Any effects of dexamethasone on whole-body ionic composition are obscured by simultaneous changes of intermediary metabolism.
The effects of antithyroid drugs on intercellular mediators
Authors: Wilson Rhoda , McKillop James H , Travers Mark , Smith John , Smith Ewan , Thomson John A.
Published: December 2008

The antithyroid drugs methimazole and propylthiouracil have been shown to affect the function of monocytes and B and T lymphocytes in vitro. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism responsible for signalling between these various cell types. Propranolol, a drug known to have no effect on the immune system, was also included as a control against which the effects of the other drugs could be monitored. Peripheral blood lymphocytes from control subjects were stimulated with phytohemagglutinin in the presence or absence of antithyroid drugs. Propranolol was found significantly to inhibit β2 microglobulin production. In addition it was also found to be a very weak scavenger of free oxygen radicals. Methimazole significantly increased interleukin 2 levels (p<0.01), but had no significant effect on either y-interferon or β2 microglobulin production. Propylthiouracil also increased interleukin 2 levels (p<0.001) and significantly decreased β2 microglobulin production (p<0.01). Both drugs were found to be scavengers of free O2 radicals. It would appear that IL-2 is involved in intercellular signalling and this process may involve free radicals.
Hydrogen peroxide inhibits iodide influx and enhances iodide efflux in cultured FRTL-5 rat thyroid cells
Authors: Sugawara Masahiro , Yamaguchi Dean T. , Lee Hsin Y. , Yanagisawa Kurumi , Murakami Saburo , Summer Craig N. , Johnson Daisy G. , Levin Seymour R.
Published: December 2008

This study describes the effects of hydrogen peroxide on the two iodide transport systems, I− influx and I− efflux, in the cultured FRTL-5 rat thyroid cells. I− influx was measured by the amount of I− taken up by the cells during incubation with Na125I and NaI for 7 min, and I− efflux was measured by calculating the rate of 125I release from the 125I-loaded cells in the presence and absence of 5 mmol/l H2O2. Exposure to greater than 100 μmol/l H2O2 for 40 min caused a significant inhibition of I− influx; the inhibition was reversible and non-competitive with iodide. Thyroid Na+K+ATPase activity, a major mechanism to drive I− influx, decreased by 40% after the cells were exposed to 5 mmol/l H2O2 for 10 min. H2O2 enhanced I− efflux only when Ca2+ was present in the medium. The mechanism of an enhanced I− efflux by H2O2 appears to be mediated through the elevation of free cytosolic Ca2+ concentration. Our data indicate that H2O2 can affect I− transport by inhibiting I− influx and enhancing I− efflux.
Is thyrotropin-releasing hormone as reliable a calcitonin stimulant as pentagastrin in medullary thyroid carcinoma?
Authors: Ahuja S.
Published: December 2008

Calcitonin determination is of central importance in the diagnosis and follow-up of medullary thyroid carcinoma. Stimulation tests must be applied, particulary for early recognition of familial medullary thyroid carcinomas and for early diagnosis of relapses/metastases, since the basal calcitonin levels are still within the normal range initially. The pentagastrin stimulation test has proven to be the most effective one, though it is associated with considerable adverse effects. TRH is also able to stimulate calcitonin secretion in medullary thyroid carcinoma. The present study examines the value of TRH stimulation compared with pentagastrin stimulation in patients with occult or manifest metastases of medullary thyroid carcinoma. Both patients with occult metastases displayed a marked calcitonin increase after pentagastrin stimulation, but not after TRH stimulation. While calcitonin increased after pentagastrin in the two patients with manifest metastases, TRH produced a clear rise in only one of them and even caused the serum calcitonin concentration to drop continuously in the other one. Thus, TRH cannot be regarded as a reliable calcitonin stimulant in medullary thyroid carcinoma.
Current perspectives of inhibin biology
Authors: Risbridger Gail P. , Robertson David M. , de Kretser D. M.
Published: December 2008

Inhibin is generally considered to be a feedback regulator of FSH secretion, but significant progress in the field of inhibin biology over the past four years has widened our perspective of inhibin and its production, regulation and action. Firstly, inhibin is a member of a larger family of hormones, secondly it is produced by organs other than the gonads, and thirdly its action is not confined to the pituitary gland. In this review we will outline the isolation and characterization of inhibin related peptides and their production by the Sertoli and granulosa cells of the testis and ovary. With this information in mind, more recent studies concerning the measurement, production, regulation and action of inhibin and inhibin-related proteins will be discussed, in an effort to alert the reader to the contemporary and controversial issues concerning inhibin biology.
Enhancement of plasma corticotropin-releasing hormone in pregnancy-induced hypertension
Authors: Jeske W. , Soszyński P. , Lukaszewicz E. , Dȩbski R. , Latoszewska W. , Rogoziński W. , Snochowska H. , Zgliczyński S.
Published: December 2008

The role of a high CRH level in normal pregnancy remains unknown. Therefore we evaluated the concentrations of CRH and the related hormones in patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension. Fourteen women with pregnancy-induced hypertension, aged 20-39, at 30-39 gestational week, were investigated. The control group consisted of 20 healthy pregnant women matched according to gestational age. Plasma CRH, β-endorphin-like immunoreactivity, cortisol, and human placental lactogen were measured by radioimmunoassay, ACTH by an immunoradiometric method. It was found that in hypertensive patients the mean CRH concentration was significantly higher (4257±840 (sem) ng/l) than that in healthy pregnant women (1083±227 ng/l, p<0.001). The concentration of ACTH, however, was only slightly higher 65.0±6.0 vs 50.7±2.5 ng/l, p<0.025, whereas the differences in β-endorphin, cortisol and human placental lactogen were not significant. In both groups there was no correlation between the CRH level and those of the related hormones. In healthy pregnant women the CRH level closely correlated with gestational age (r=0.76, p<0.001), whereas in patients with hypertension no such correlation was present (r=0.29). We assume that the marked enhancement of plasma CRH in pregnancy-induced hypertension is probably caused by its decreased breakdown in ischemic placental tissue, but its increased synthesis in the placenta and its indirect counterregulatory hypotensive role must also be considered.
Growth hormone and somatostatin gene expression in pituitary adenomas with active acromegaly and minimal plasma growth hormone elevation
Authors: Pagesy Patrick , Li Jacques Y. , Rentier-Delrue Françoise , Delalande Olivier , Le Bouc Yves , Kujas Michèle , Joubert(Bression) Dominique , Martial Joseph , Peillon Françoise
Published: December 2008

Some patients with active acromegaly have elevated plasma IGF-I concentrations with only minimal elevation of plasma GH. We compared adenomatous GH and SRIH expression in 3 such patients (patients No. 1, 2 and 3; basal plasma GH level < 4 μg/l) and in 3 acromegalic patients with high basal plasma GH level (patients No. 4, 5 and 6; 51.7 ± 16.1 μg/l, mean ± sem). By immunocytochemistry, all the tumours proved to be somatotropic adenomas. At the ultrastructural level, signs of low secretory activity were observed in adenomas from patients No. 2 and 3. Perifused adenoma cells of patients No. 1, 2 and 3 released very little GH compared with those of patients No. 4, 5 and 6 (1± 0.37 vs 51.5± 34.1 μg · (10−6 cells) · min−1, p< 0.001). Adenoma SRIH content was 65.7 and 30.6 pg/mg proteins in patients No. 1 and 2, whereas it was undetectable in the others (patients No. 4, 5 and 6). Northern blot analysis showed that the GH gene was poorly expressed in the adenomas from patients No. 1, 2 and 3 compared with the adenomas from patients No. 4, 5 and 6. SRIH mRNA was detected in all 6 adenomas. However, the signal was more intense in the adenomas from patients No. 1, 2 and 3 than in those from patients No. 4, 5 and 6. In conclusion, because of the variability of the biosynthetic and secretory potential of the somatotropic adenomas, patients harbouring this type of pituitary tumours can exhibit a wide range of plasma GH levels. In acromegaly with minimal elevation of plasma GH, the synthesis of SRIH by the adenoma cells themselves could play a role in the inhibition of GH expression.
Metabolism of cortisol in anorexia nervosa
Authors: Vierhapper H. , Kiss A. , Nowotny P. , Wiesnagrotzki S. , Monder C. , Waldhäusl W.
Published: December 2008

In patients with anorexia nervosa 24-h mean plasma concentration of cortisol were 0.44± 0.09 μmol/l (normal < 0.28 μmol/l). Following stimulation by ACTH (1–24) urinary excretion rates of cortisol were stimulated from 0.22 ± 0.08 to 4.85 ± 2.78 μmol/24 h. Similarly, plasma concentrations of the glucocorticoid metabolite, tetrahydrocortisone, increased from 23.3 ± 9.0 to 47.3 ± 30.2 nmol/l; urinary excretion rates of tetrahydrocortisone increased from 3.61 ± 0.90 to 8.40 ± 1.72 μmol/24 h. The relative share of the sulphate, glucuronide and free fractions of tetrahydrocortisone in the patients' urine did not indicate any defect in metabolization of this steroid metabolite. Excretion rates of the four glucocorticoid tetrahydro-metabolites, tetrahydrocortisone, allotetrahydrocortisone, tetrahydrocortisol, and allo-tetrahydrocortisol, expressed as percent of total steroid excretion, were similar in patients with anorexia and in healthy women under basal conditions (24 ± 6 vs 23 ± 6%) and during stimulation by ACTH (1–24) (36 ± 10 vs 45 ± 6%). The share of the two androgen metabolites, androsterone and etiocholanolone, was 24 ± 5% of total steroid excretion (basal; healthy women: 27 ± 8%) and 13 ± 2% (ACTH stimulation; healthy women: 12 ± 4%) in patients with anorexia nervosa. Thus, analysis of urinary steroid excretion rates did not indicate a shift in adrenocortical function. The results confirmed enhanced secretion of cortisol in patients with anorexia nervosa under basal conditions and during/following stimulation by ACTH. The ACTH-induced increase in the concentrations of the tetrahydro-glucocorticoid metabolites in urine was less pronounced than that of cortisol. The data strongly suggest a rate-limiting step in the transformation of cortisol into its main metabolites, most likely an impaired reduction of the double bond in positions C4/C5.
Postpartum return of pituitary and ovarian activity during lactation inhibition with the new dopamine agonist CV 205-502 and during normal lactation
Authors: Kremer Jan A. M. , van der Heijden Pieter F. M. , Schellekens Louis A. , Thomas Chris M. G. , Brownell Judith , Rolland Rune
Published: December 2008

The new nonergot dopamine agonist CV 205-502 appears to be a promising alternative in the treatment of hyperprolactinemia. Regarding the potential use of CV 205-502 in infertility practice, we studied the influence of CV 205-502 on the return of endocrine fertility parameters during the physiological hyperprolactinemia of the puerperium. The resumption of pituitary and ovarian activity in 18 CV 205-502 treated women was compared with that in 10 bromocriptine-treated women. LH was measured by a new specific assay, which does not cross-react with hCG. This assay was also used in a second part of the study in which the pituitary function of 10 breast-feeding women was investigated. Both dopamine agonists adequately suppressed PRL. Pituitary secretion returned in the second week and was initially characterized by a high FSH/LH ratio. There were no major differences between CV 205-502 and bromocriptine. Ovulations occurred from day 18 on. The PRL rebound at the end of treatment seemed to play a role in the ovulation process. An acute increase of PRL just before midcycle was able to prevent ovulation. Breastfeeding women showed a delayed return of pituitary secretion: after a hypogonadotropic period, FSH returned in the third week and was followed by a period with a high FSH/LH ratio and follicular inactivity.
WATER RETENTION IN OBESITY
Authors: Bansi H. W. , Olsen J. M.
Published: December 2008

In 27 cases of obesity, renal function was examined by clearance methods with a constant plasma level. The results showed that, as compared with normal controls, renal blood flow, glomerular filtration and the filtration fraction were significantly reduced.

Therapy with L-tri-iodothyronine (TIT) covered 17 cases of obesity. The influence of the drug on renal function, total body fluids and extracellular fluids was examined. Statistical probability indicated that total body fluid and glomerular filtration were nearly normalised and renal blood flow was significantly increased while the extracellular fluids volume remained unchanged at a low level.
SOME CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF ANTIDIURETIC MATERIAL IN THE URINE OF RATS
Authors: Thorn Niels A.
Published: December 2008

Marked antidiuretic activity was present in the urine of rats after oral loading with 5 % NaCl solution. The antidiuretic material was in part retained by an ultrafilter and was destroyed by thioglycolate. In its reaction to pepsin, trypsin, chymotrypsin and pancreatic carboxypeptidase the material showed a »pattern« similar to that of vasopressin.
EFFECTS OF ARGININE-, LYSINE- AND LEUCINE-VASOPRESSIN ON URINARY OSMOLALITY AND RATE OF URINE FLOW IN HYDRATED RATS AND DOGS
Authors: Thorn Niels A.
Published: December 2008

Arginine-, lysine- and leucine-vasopressin, injected i. v. into hydrated rats or dogs caused different patterns of response in that urine osmolality fell much more slowly after the maximum increase following arginine-vasopressin, than after the other two preparations. Using 3 different parameters for antidiuretic response, arginine-vasopressin was somewhat more potent than leucine-vasopressin in both rats and dogs, considerably more potent than lysine-vasopressin in rats, and much more so in dogs.
SUR LES 3:3′:5′-TRIIODOTHYRONINE (T′3) ET 3:3′-DIIODOTHYRONINE (T′2) CONSIDEREES COMME CONSTITUANTS DE L'HORMONE THYROIDIENNE CIRCULANTE
Authors: Roche Jean , Michel Raymond , Nunez Jacques
Published: December 2008

Using radiochromatography, 3:3′-diiodothyronine (T′2) and 3:3′:5′-triiodothyronine (T′3) have been identified in plasma of rats injected with 131INa. These compounds are present in very small quantities. l-thyroxine represents in general three quarters of the hormonal iodine just as in the thyroid gland.

3:3′-diiodothyronine and 3:3′:5′-triiodothyronine are secreted into plasma by the gland. However the former, whose formation in the tissues from 3:5:3′-triiodothyronine has been established, can also be partly of peripheral origin and present together with very small quantities of various thyroid hormone metabolites which can accompany them in plasma.
THE EFFECT OF SUPRASELLAR TUMOURS ON THE REGULATION OF ADRENOCORTICAL FUNCTION
Authors: Hökfelt Bernt , Luft Rolf
Published: December 2008

The effect of distorsion of the hypothalamus on the hormone production by the adrenal cortex was studied in ten patients, nine of whom had tumours involving the suprasellar region.

The spontaneous urinary excretion of 17-ketosteroids, 17-ketogenic steroids and Porter-Silber chromogens was normal in six out of the nine patients with suprasellar tumour, as well as in two without suprasellar involvement.

The diurnal rhythm in 17-hydroxy-corticosteroids in plasma was absent in four out of seven patients with suprasellar tumour, and present in three such cases. Normal diurnal rhythm was also found in the patient without distortion of the hypothalamus.

The capacity to increase steroid production on intravenous administration of ACTH was not impaired in any of the patients studied. The ability to increase ACTH secretion following depression of cortisol production by an 11β-hydroxylase inhibitor was present in five out of six patients with suprasellar tumour. The exception was a patient with clinical evidence of panhypopituitarism including low values for steroid hormones in blood and urine.

Aldosterone was excreted by all patients, but six out of eight with suprasellar tumour failed to increase aldosterone excretion following salt restriction.
THE METABOLISM OF 21-HYDROXY-5β-PREGNANE-3,20-DIONE BY RABBIT LIVER HOMOGENATE
Authors: Taylor W.
Published: December 2008

The metabolism of 21-hydroxy-5β-pregnane-3,20-dione by rabbit-liver homogenate has been investigated. The major metabolite was 3α,21-dihydroxy-5β-pregnane-20-one. Evidence has been presented to show that small amounts of 5β-pregnane-3α,20,21-triol and an oxygenated derivative of the substrate were also formed. The significance of the results is discussed.
STUDIES ON THE »DIFFERENTIAL« HYDROLYSIS OF STEROID CONJUGATES IN URINE
Authors: Teller W. , Staib W.
Published: December 2008

The conditions for optimal yields from human urine of corticosteroids and 17-ketosteroids were investigated by means of different methods of hydrolysis and extraction.

With β-glucuronidase hydrolysis and simultaneous dialysis, almost all tetrahydro derivatives of cortisone, hydrocortisone, corticosterone, as well as etiocholanolone, androsterone and 11-oxygenated 17-ketosteroids are liberated. The dialysis does not proceed quantitatively, particularly with regard to the isolation of 17-ketosteroids.

Hydrocortisone and cortisone seem to occur as free steroids in human urine. They can be extracted at pH 7.0 without preceding hydrolysis.

The continuous extraction with ether or ethyl acetate at pH 1.0 hydrolyses the sulphuric acid esters of dehydroepiandrosterone and androsterone, but no measurable amounts of corticosteroid conjugates.

Extraction at an acid pH leads to considerable spoiling of the extracts by unspecific tetrazolium blue positive chromogens.

For the simultaneous hydrolysis and extraction of corticosteroids and 17-ketosteroids from one urine sample the following procedure is proposed:

β Glucuronidase hydrolysis and dialysis for three days;

extraction at pH 7.0 with ether of the watery contents of the dialyzing tube;

continuous extraction with ether at pH 0.5 for 48 hours.
THE MEASUREMENT OF THYROID STIMULATING HORMONE (TSH) IN BODY FLUIDS: A CRITICAL REVIEW
Authors: Brown Judith R.
Published: December 2008

A large number of methods for estimation of thyrotrophin (TSH) have been proposed. The reliability criteria of some of these methods are reviewed and their applicability to clinical studies discussed.

The chief difficulty in the clinical application of TSH assays lies in the lack of methods of sufficient sensitivity to detect the hormone in the very small quantities in which it is present in body fluids.

Results of TSH assays should now be expressed in terms of the International Standard. Much of the confusion which exists in the literature arises from the use of various «animal units» and from the fact that results obtained in one centre cannot be compared with those in another.

Techniques depending on radiometric criteria are generally sensitive, rapid and simple to perform. For these reasons they are probably the procedures of choice for clinical investigations.

In euthyroid subjects TSH levels in blood are low and range from zero to 0.5 ImU/ml of serum. In patients with untreated myxocdema higher levels are generally found; these lie in the range 2.0 to 8.0 ImU/ml. In thyrotoxicosis, the TSH concentration in serum is variable but frequently found to be higher than that in euthyroid subjects; values quoted in the literature range from zero to 1.5 ImU/ml. No correlation has been demonstrated, in patients with exophthalmos, between the degree of exophthalmos and the level of circulating TSH.

Future work in the field of TSH investigations will probably be concerned with the development of further in vitro assay methods and with the improvement of fractionation techniques by means of which concentrated extracts containing the hormone can be prepared from blood and urine.
PLASMA LEVELS OF GROWTH HORMONE IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS, HYPERCHOLESTEROLAEMIA AND LIVER DISEASES
Authors: Forsman Olof , Gemzell Carl A.
Published: December 2008

From the plasma of 30 out of 51 patients with various metabolic disorders a »growth-hormone-like« factor was concentrated which when injected into hypophysectomized rats increased the width of the tibial epiphysis. A similar factor had previously been concentrated from the plasma of acromegalic patients. It was tentatively concluded that this factor was identical with human growth hormone (HGH).

Diabetes mellitus. Of 40 patients with diabetes mellitus 24 showed elevated plasma levels of human growth hormone (HGH). The frequency of elevated plasma levels was higher in young diabetics than in older diabetic patients; in many cases a nondiabetic complication was associated with an elevated level.

In the plasma of 4 patients with diabetes mellitus and liver diseases an elevated plasma level of HGH was found while in 3 patients with Kimmelstiel-Wilson's syndrome no increase of HGH was found.

Liver diseases. In the plasma of 4 patients with various liver diseases an elevated plasma level of HGH was found while in the plasma of another 4 patients no increase of HGH was found.

Hypercholesterolaemia. In the plasma of 2 patients with familiar hypercholesterolaemia elevated levels of HGH was found while no HGH was found in a patient with an idiopathic type of the disease.
PREGNANETRIOL IN URINE: DETERMINATION AS A 17-KETOGENIC STEROID
Authors: Morris R.
Published: December 2008

A new method has been described for the determination of pregnanetriol in urine. It depends on the oxidation of pregnanetriol glucuronide to aetiocholanolone and its measurement as a Zimmermann chromogen after chromatography on silica gel.

The method was applied to the urine from normal individuals and patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia and the results were compared with a method using enzymic hydrolysis of the steroid conjugate.
AUSSCHEIDUNG VON 17-KETOSTEROIDEN, 17-KETOGENEN STEROIDEN UND ÖSTROGENEN BEIM MENSCHEN NACH GABEN VON 17α-ÄTHYNYL-19-NOR-TESTOSTERON-ESTERN
Authors: Breuer H. , Dardenne U. , Nocke W.
Published: December 2008

The excretion of 17-ketosteroids (17-KS) and 17-ketogenic steroids (17-KGS) has been studied in 7 postmenopausal women and 4 men before and during administration of 17α-ethynyl-19-nor-testosterone-acetate (ANTA). In one 34 year old oophorectomized patient the excretion of 17-KS and 17-KGS was followed after intramuscular injection of 17α-ethynyl-19-nor-testosterone-oenanthate (ANTO).

Administration of ANTA (20, 60, 100 or 200 mg/day) did not cause any significant alteration in the excretion of 17-KS and 17-KGS. After intramuscular injection of 100 or 200 mg ANTO no change in the excretion of 17-KS and 17-KGS was observed.

In one postmenopausal woman and in 2 men the administration of 60 or 100 mg ANTA/day led to a pronounced increase in the excretion of urinary oestrogens. The increase in the oestradiol fraction was due to the formation of 17α-ethynyl-17β-oestradiol. The highest values were found in the oestrone fraction; by applying various micromethods, oestrone was isolated and identified by its melting point. The excretion of oestriol remained unchanged during the administration of ANTA.
GONADAL DYSGENESIS: THE GENETIC SIGNIFICANCE OF UNUSUAL VARIANTS
Authors: Stewart John S. S.
Published: December 2008

Three chromatin negative cases of gonadal dysgenesis are presented. The first patient is an example of pure gonadal dysgenesis which is probably more common than has been recognised.

The second patient is of short stature and suffers also from diabetes mellitus and extreme deuteranomaly. The association with diabetes mellitus is not unexpected and the pedigree of colour blindness vindicates nuclear sexing as an index of X chromosomal constitution.

The third patient has short stature, neck webbing and had menstruated regularly and apparently normally for six years.

Evidence is presented for a genetic aetiology of gonadal dysgenesis. The most likely mechanism is some form of chromosomal aberration.
THE EFFECT OF TESTOSTERONE ON THE SPERMATOGENESIS OF THE COMMON FROG, RANA TEMPORARIA
Authors: van Oordt P. G. W. J. , Basu S. L.
Published: December 2008

Testosterone pellets have been implanted into the dorsal lymph sac of common frogs (Rana temporaria) at three different stages of the spermatogenetic cycle.

Testosterone appears to cause complete inhibition of the multiplication divisions of the spermatogonia. It has no effect on the development of the spermatocytes and spermatids and may even slightly accelerate this process. The mode of action of testosterone, and its probable role in the regulation of the spermatogenetic cycle is discussed.
ÉTUDE VOLUMÉTRIQUE DE L'INTERRÉNAL ANTÉRIEUR AU COURS DE LA SMOLTIFICATION DE SALMO SALAR L.
Authors: Olivereau Madeleine
Published: December 2008

The interrenal of fish represents the embryological and functional homologue of mammalian adrenal cortex.

The planimetric evaluation of interrenal area, dispersed in cephalic lymphoid kidney, shows, during the »smoltification« of Salmon, Salmo salar L., a marked and significative hypertrophy of this glandular tissue. The absolute and relative volume of interrenal is increased of about 100 % in the smolt, migrating form, versus the parr, sedentary form. The blood supply exhibits a great development. The glandular hypertrophy and hyperaemia are concomitant with nuclear and nucleolar hypertrophy and with a gradual vacuolisation of the cells, facts previously described.

These results are discussed in connection with preceeding datas obtained on pituitary gland and thyroid in Salmo salar L. during »smoltification«. They are characterized by a definite secretory and excretory activity of fuchsinophilic cells of the middle glandular region of the pituitary gland, with a statistically significative increase of their percentage, and by a functional activation of the thyroid gland.

They are confronted with experimental and clinical papers on vertebrate endocrinology. The histological and biochemical observations, in mammals as in Salmon, suggest a synergic relationship among various hormones: Corticotrophin, somatotrophin, thyroid function and adrenocortical activity.
CHROMATOGRAPHY OF THE 17-KETOGENIC STEROIDS IN THE DIAGNOSIS AND CONTROL OF CONGENITAL ADRENAL HYPERPLASIA
Authors: Hill Eileen E.
Published: December 2008

A method for the fractionation of the urinary 17-ketogenic steroids with no oxygen grouping at C11 and those oxygenated at C11, is applied to the clinical problems of congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

In normal children the mean ratio of the non-oxygenated to oxygenated steroids is 0.24. In childrern with congenital adrenal hyperplasia the ratio is 2.3. The reason for this difference in ratio is discussed.

The changes in ratio found under stimulation of the adrenal gland with exogenous or endogenous corticotrophin and the suppression with cortisone therapy are studied.

This test can be applied to isolated samples of urine, a major advantage in paediatric practice, and can be carried out in routine laboratories. It is found to be reliable in the diagnosis and sensitive in the control of congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
ÜBER DIE BILDUNG VON ENDOMETRIALEN KÖRNCHENZELLEN BEI KASTRATINNEN UNTER HORMONEINFLUSS
Authors: Hellweg G. , Ferin J. , Ober K. G.
Published: December 2008

65 endometrial biopsies from castrated women who had received either natural or artificial sex hormone therapy were studied microscopically. Attention was paid to various histologic criteria, especially to the number of endometrial granulocytes (»K« cells, KZ). The following was obtained: The »K« cells are completely absent when no hormone substitution therapy is given. They were also lacking when the castrated patients were treated only with oestrogens, even if the dose given was ten-times that found in women during the reproductive ages. In contrast, the »K« cells developed from the endometrial stromal cells only under influence of progesterone, usually appearing first 8–10 days after the administration of the gestagen. The »K« cells were demonstrable in the number corresponding to a normal secretory phase only then, when the oestrogen-progesterone dosage ratio had induced a fully-developed secretory change, as measured by the usual histologic criteria. With an overdosage of oestrogen the »K« cells were either absent or were very sparse. Contrarily, an overdosage of progesterone had no influence on their number. The development of endometrial glands does not always entirely parallel that of the stroma in castrated patients following hormone therapy. A more exact indicator for the proper dose for the production of a secretory phase by hormone therapy seems to be the number of »K« cells in the endometrial stroma.
LONG TERM EFFECT OF CORTICOTROPHIN, CORTISONE, AND GROWTH HORMONE ON THE TISSUE EOSINOPHILS IN RAT'S STOMACH
Authors: Räsänen Toimi
Published: December 2008

The effect of corticotrophin, cortisone and somatotrophin, administered once daily for periods of 10 or 12 days, on the tissue eosinophilia of the lamina propria in the glandular stomach of male rats has been studied. There was a highly significant decrease in tissue eosinophilia (P < 0.001) under the influence of corticotrophin and cortisone.

In neither series did somatotrophin exercise any clearly recognizable effect on the tissue eosinophilia.
GESTOGENS IN CORPUS LUTEUM OF CATTLE
Authors: Kristoffersen John
Published: December 2008

By means of chromatographic and spectrophotometric methods progesterone and a substance closely similar to 20β-hydroxy-pregn-4-ene-3-one has been detected in luteal tissue from non-pregnant and pregnant cows. In 21 animals quantitative measurements based on a method giving an average net recovery of 56 per cent showed that in pregnancy the average progesterone content in the corpus luteum reached a maximum in the third to fifth month, with low values before and after this period. For 6 nonpregnant cows, the average value was 20.2 μg/g tissue, which is considerably higher than previous values reported in the literature. The relation between these findings and the bovine dependence on a functional corpus luteum in pregnancy is discussed, and it is pointed out that more information about the metabolism of progesterone in cattle is highly desirable.
PREGNANE-2α,17α,20α-TRIOL, PREGNANE-3α,17α,20α-TRIOL, AND RELATED STEROIDS
Authors: Cox R. I.
Published: December 2008

The occurrence, metabolic formation, estimation and significance of the urinary steroids 5β-pregnane-3α,17α,20α-triol, pregn-5-ene-3β,17α,20α-triol, 5β-pregnane-3α,17α,20α-triol-11-one and 5β-pregnane-3α,1 1β,17α,20α-tetrol is reviewed. The isolation from and estimation in urine of these 17,20-dihydroxy-20-methyl steroids and some of their epimers is detailed. The significance of the estimation of this group of steroids, especially of pregnanetriolone and pregnanetriol, in the study and diagnosis of adrenal hyperplasia and adrenal tumours derives from their being formed only from 21-deoxy intermediates in cortisol biosynthesis. The main pathways of metabolic formation of the compounds are correlated from published work. A number of methods suitable for urinary estimation at the microgram level of various members of the group of steroids are noted and discussed.
EINE NEUE METHODE ZUR QUANTITATIVEN BESTIMMUNG VON PREGNANDIOL IM URIN
Authors: Lipp G.
Published: December 2008

A new method is described for the quantitative analysis of pregnandiol (5β-pregnane-3α,20α-diol) in urine. A marked increase in specificity is obtained by a combination of adsorption and paperchromatography. The sensitivity of the method allows of exact determinations of excretion of pregnandiol below 1 mg/d. By the new method it was possible to measure the excretion of pregnandiol in newborn infants, and the method is recommended for the exact determination of pregnandiol in urine of children, men and women in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. The method is suitable as a clinical routine analysis.
EFFECT OF ALDOSTERONE IN A CASE OF HYPOALDOSTERONISM
Authors: Hökfelt Bernt , Skanse Bengt
Published: December 2008

A patient previously described by the present authors as having selective hypoaldosteronism has been studied more extensively with special reference to the effect of aldosterone. Additional evidence has also been obtained in support of the original diagnosis of selective hypoaldosteronism. With the patient on a constant sodium intake, aldosterone intramuscularly or intravenously in a dose of 500 to 1000 μg a day was followed by retention of sodium and chloride, gain in body weight, increase in systolic blood pressure, and a rise in the serum sodium. Potassium excretion was increased throughout the period of aldosterone administration. The serum potassium showed a slight decrease. Similar effects were noted on administration of fluorohydrocortisone.
EFFECT OF SEX HORMONES ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE RAT VAGINA
Authors: Forsberg John-Gunnar
Published: December 2008

The material for this investigation comprises 46 female rat embryos given various hormone treatments. The embryos have been sectioned serially and stained with a combined haematoxylin-eosin-orange-G stain.

In the ventral cloacal remnant an increased growth takes place in the area of Bartholin's rudiments after testosterone treatment.

The author points out that with the single doses used it has been possible to study the sensitivity to sex hormones of the different phases in the development of the rat vagina.
PRECOCIOUS PUBERTY IN RATS WITH HYPOTHALAMIC LESIONS
Authors: Gellert Ronald J. , Ganong William F.
Published: December 2008

Eight female rats with electrolytic lesions involving the arcuate nucleus in the posterior tuberal region of the hypothalamus matured significantly earlier than unoperated controls. Lesions placed in the anterior hypothalamus, mammillary body, hippocampus, cortex and thalamus of immature female rats had no effect on the age at which vaginal opening and first oestrus occurred.
CHANGES IN SERUM PROTEIN-BOUND IODINE, SERUM CHOLESTEROL AND THE RADIOACTIVE IODINE EXCRETION TEST IN THYROTOXICOSIS TREATED WITH RADIOACTIVE IODINE
Authors: Hakkila Riitta , Lamberg B.-A. , Hernberg C. A.
Published: December 2008

The changes in serum protein-bound iodine and serum cholesterol and in the radioactive iodine excretion test were studied in 144 cases of thyrotoxicosis (98 cases with toxic nodular goitre, 34 with diffuse toxic goitre and 12 with a »non-palpable« thyroid). It is concluded that changes in PBI and cholesterol are usually well correlated with changes in the clinical condition. Measurement of these indices of thyroid function at specified intervals after treatment will therefore give an adequate picture of the clinical course in most cases.

In a few cases, however, some discrepancies were observed, notably hypothyroid parameters with euthyroidism in an intermediate stage before final stabilization of the clinical condition occurred. These cases may represent temporary subclinical hypothyroidism.

The excretion of radioactive iodine may be elevated in the early phases after treatment, reflecting the radiation injury to the thyroid. In later phases the excretion may remain low, indicating a small thyroidal iodine pool with a rapid turn-over. Hence, the measurement of excretion of radioactive iodine (or the thyroid uptake) after treatment is not very valuable as a thyroid function test but affords other valuable information on the state of the thyroid gland.
OVARIENIMPLANTAT IN MILZ UND HYPOPHYSEKTOMIE
Authors: Fels E. , Foglia V. G.
Published: December 2008

In the hypophysectomized rat the intrasplenic ovarian graft (auto- and homoiograft) always becomes atrophic and never reaches any further development.

Hypophysectomy has such an influence on the ovary, that this gland, after transplantation into the spleen of a castrated rat, takes only in 16% of the cases (the ovarian graft from and into non-hypophysectomized rats takes in 70 to 100 %).

Hypophysectomy in rats with an already developed ovarian tumour, produces tumour regression.

This facts prove that the hypophysis is the organ responsible for tumourigenesis in the intrasplenic ovarian graft. It is now necessary to prove that the hypophyseal gonadotrophins are the hormones which produce the proliferative and blastomatous changes of the intrasplenic ovary.

In a future paper we hope to put forth more confirmative data regarding this hypothesis.
EFFECT OF OVARIECTOMY ON VASCULAR REACTIONS
Authors: Zsotér Thomas , Revesz Clara , Bandermann Lothar
Published: December 2008

Vascular reactivity, estimated on the basis of peripheral blood flow responses to intraarterial noradrenaline, »Priscoline« and »Pitressin« infusions, was studied in dogs.

Ovariectomy had little effect on these vascular responses. The duration however of the effect of noradrenaline and »Priscoline« became prolonged. Vascular reaction was examined in two other groups of animals receiving »Premarin« or progesterone after ovariectomy.
THE ACTION OF CORTICOSTEROIDS ON THE RENAL REABSORPTION OF CALCIUM
Authors: Laake Helge
Published: December 2008

The tubular reabsorption of Ca has been studied by means of Ca clearance investigations in 16 patients with non endocrine diseases during long term therapy with small doses of corticosteroids. The tubular reabsorption of Ca was reduced in 7 patients. This is attributed to the anti-anabolic action of the corticosteroids on the cells of the tubules. Ca reabsorption became normal on administration of anabolic steroids.
CORTISOL AND CORTISONE CONTENT OF AMNIOTIC FLUID FROM DIABETIC AND NON-DIABETIC WOMEN
Authors: Baird C. W. , Bush I. E.
Published: December 2008

Cortisol and cortisone were estimated in ten samples of amniotic fluid from normal mothers at term, and in five samples from diabetic mothers taken at 36–38 weeks during artificial induction or at Caesarean section. The steroids were estimated by a chromatographic procedure via their acetates. Small but definite quantities of both steroids were found in all the samples examined. The concentration of cortisol was 2.6 ± 0.32 μg/100 ml in the normal fluids, and 2.2 ± 0.37 μg/100 ml in the diabetics' fluids. The concentration of cortisone was 1.3 ± 0.14 μg/100 ml in normal, and 1.4 ± 0.19 μg/100 ml in the diabetics' fluids. The differences between the normal and diabetics' fluids were not significant.

Contrary to some previous work it is concluded that small quantities of these steroids are regularly present in normal amniotic fluid. The possible role of these steroids in the aetiology of foetal abnormality in diabetic pregnancy is discussed.
THYROTROPHIN AS AN AID IN RADIOIODINE TREATMENT
Authors: Einhorn Jerzy , Larsson Lars-Gunnar
Published: December 2008

Fifteen hyperthyroid patients with low thyroidal uptake were treated with radioiodine following thyrotrophin premedication. Twelve of them had large nodular goiters and eight had known exposure to large doses of iodine. A single injection of thyrotrophin given about 18 hours before the radioiodine, produced an increase of the 24-hours uptake which facilitated radioiodine treatment. The same experience was made in six patients with persisting hyperthyroidism 3-6 months after radioiodine treatment and with low thyroid uptake of radioiodine. In three euthyroid patients with a low uptake it was also possible to increase the thyroid uptake significantly by injection of thyrotrophin before 131I therapy. The indications for radioiodine treatment were cardiac disease or tracheal compression by large nodular goiter.