bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INHIBITION OF OESTROGEN-INDUCED INCREASE IN HEPATIC AND UTERINE GLYCOGEN BY PROGESTERONE IN THE RAT
Authors: Paul P. K. , Duttagupta P. N.
Published: December 2008

The effects of progesterone in two different doses (2 mg and 4 mg/rat/day) given alone and in combination with 17β-oestradiol (0.5 μg/rat/day) for 21 days, on ovariectomized rat liver and uterine glycogen were investigated. The food intake and blood glucose level were also studied under these experimental conditions. The liver and uterine glycogen and weight increased during the oestrous stage of the normal rat and following oestrogen treatment of the ovariectomized rat. Progesterone when given in combination with oestrogen inhibited the oestrogen-induced increase in glycogen of these organs and also the weight of the uterus proportionally to the doses. Moreover, progesterone by itself reduced both the concentration and total uterine glycogen of the ovariectomized rat. The food intake and blood glucose level of ovariectomized animals increased after the administration of progesterone alone or in combination with oestrogen. Nevertheless, progesterone alone was more effective in increasing the food intake than in combination with oestrogen, while it was less effective in raising the blood glucose level. It can be concluded from this study that progesterone inhibits the glycogenic effects of oestrogen in the liver and uterus of the ovariectomized rat. Moreover, progesterone by itself inhibits uterine glycogen accumulation in these animals. This glycogenolytic effect of progesterone occurs in the presence of hyperphagia and hyperglycaemia. A possible involvement of the adrenal medulla in these conditions is discussed.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF IODINE IN THE AGGREGATION OF SUBUNITS INTO THYROGLOBULIN AND IN THE FORMATION OF 27S IODOPROTEIN
Authors: Sinadinović J. , Jovanović M. , Krainčanić M. , Djurdjević Dj.
Published: December 2008

The significance of stable iodine in the formation of thyroglobulin (TG) with particular reference to the aggregation of subunits into TG and the formation of 27S iodoprotein has been investigated in guinea-pigs and rabbits.

An increase in the content of iodine in the diet or its parenteral application to normally fed animals results in considerable quantitative and qualitative changes in the soluble thyroid proteins as revealed by analytical ultra-centrifugation and sucrose density gradient centrifugation. Although some differences in the protein patterns between guinea-pigs and rabbits normally exist, the changes induced by single and repeated doses of stable iodine (5–100 μg/day) were characterized by: (a) decrease of light proteins, particularly the 12S protein fraction in the guinea-pig; (b) a marked increase of TG and (c) the appearance of a quantity of 27S iodoprotein. These changes in composition of the thyroid soluble proteins are accompanied by changes in the radioiodine distribution among the protein fractions.

The results obtained suggest that the process of thyroid protein polymerization and the process of their iodination are not independent of each other. The level of the supply of the thyroid gland with iodine under normal iodine metabolic conditions considerably influences both the aggregation of subunits into TG and the formation of 27S iodoprotein. It is likely that 27S iodoprotein is formed when larger quantities of normally iodinated TG are synthesized and stored in the gland.
HORMONOGENESIS IN WHOLE AND SLICED RAT THYROID LOBES MAINTAINED IN ORGAN CULTURES
Authors: Beck R. , Soloveitzik L. , Barzilai D.
Published: December 2008

Whole and sliced thyroid lobes were maintained in organ culture for 22–24 hours. Both whole and sliced lobes were able to take up radio-iodide from the medium and to synthetize a high percentage of iodothyronines. It appears that sliced lobes are more suitable for incubation over long periods since they take up significantly more iodide from the medium.
THE EFFECTS OF AN ALPHA ADRENERGIC BLOCKER ON THYROCALCITONIN ACTIVITY IN MALE AND FEMALE RATS
Authors: Currie G. N. , Black D. L.
Published: December 2008

When an alpha adrenergic blocking agent, phenoxybenzamine, was given to rats prior to the administration of a non-effective level of thyrocalcitonin (TC) there resulted a significant fall in serum calcium one hour following TC treatment. This response was observed in two different age groups of female rats but did not occur in male rats.
BIOASSAY OF CALCITONIN BY DETERMINATIONS OF BLOOD CALCIUM-45 LEVELS IN RATS AND MICE
Authors: Melander Arne
Published: December 2008

The possibility of measuring calcitonin by determinations of blood 45Ca in young rats and mice was investigated. Blood samples were taken by orbital puncture on conscious animals. In both species blood 45Ca levels fell rapidly during the first 24 h after one sc injection of 45CaCl2. Thereafter, the elimination rate was slow, indicating that an equilibrium state was reached. During this period, single iv injections of highly purified porcine calcitonin induced log-dose-dependent blood 45Ca reductions in both rats and mice. Maximal responses were recorded at 30 min after injection, and the log-dose-response regressions were linear between 0.1 and 5.0 mU in young rats, and between 2.0 and 80.0 mU in young mice. The mean indices of precision were 0.18 and 0.27, respectively.

Blood 45Ca reductions were also recorded on injection of extracts from rat thyroids, cat thyroids and chicken ultimobranchial glands, as well as an injection of plasma from patients with thyroid medullary carcinoma. No reduction in blood 45Ca was obtained by injections of ACTH, TSH, cortisone, thyroxine, or insulin.

The responses to calcitonin were augmented if the animals had had a low calcium intake before the experiment, and/or if the animals were injected with 0.075 m NaH2PO4 immediately before injection of the hormone. Rats were more sensitive than mice to porcine calcitonin and to rat and cat thyroid extracts, while the opposite was true with chicken ultimobranchial extracts. No inter-species difference was recorded with human calcitonin.

The assay appears to be useful for both clinical and experimental purposes.
EFFECT OF POTASSIUM INTAKE ON THE FINAL STEPS OF ALDOSTERONE BIOSYNTHESIS IN THE RAT
Authors: Müller Jürg , Baumann Klaus
Published: December 2008

Capsular adrenals ("zona glomerulosa") of rats which had been kept on a sodium- and potassium-deficient diet and which were markedly hypokalaemic, converted tritiated corticosterone to 18-hydroxycorticosterone and aldosterone, and tritiated cortexolone to cortisol at the same respective rates as the capsular adrenals of sodium- and potassium-replete animals. Aldosterone production from endogenous precursors was elevated under basal conditions of incubation, but not under stimulation by added serotonin. Corticosterone and deoxycorticosterone outputs were normal during incubation with or without serotonin. Capsular adrenals of rats which had been kept first on a potassium-deficient diet for two weeks and then on a sodium- and potassium-deficient diet for two weeks converted 18 times more tritiated corticosterone to 18-hydroxycorticosterone and aldosterone and produced 5 times more aldosterone from endogenous precursors than the tissue of rats which had been kept on the potassium-deficient diet for the whole period, although the serum potassium was similarly low in both groups. These results indicate that under simple potassium restriction as well as under combined sodium and potassium restriction, neither the plasma potassium concentration nor the total body potassium is the only regulator of the activity of the enzymes involved in the final steps of aldosterone biosynthesis.
SUBUNITS OF HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHIN: AN IMMUNOCHEMICAL STUDY
Authors: Donini S. , Olivieri V. , Ricci G. , Donini P.
Published: December 2008

The α and β subunits of HCG were prepared by urea-treatment of the hormone and isolated by DEAE-Sephadex A-25 chromatography. Further purification of the subunits was achieved by gel filtration on Sephadex G-100.

Partial chemico-physical characterization confirmed the non-identity of the HCG subunits, as previously reported by several investigators.

A radioimmunoassay (RIA) system based on 125I-HCG-β + anti-HCG-β serum was used to study the antigenic similarities between HCG, HCG-α and -β, human pituitary LH, urinary LH and FSH. The highest cross-reactivity was found for HCG, followed by HCG-α, LH and FSH.

The specificity of the above mentioned RIA system was increased by absorbing the anti-HCG-β serum with HCG-α. Because of the ability of this absorbed antiserum to discriminate between HCG and LH, a study was carried out to detect specifically HCG in urine in spite of the presence of physiological amounts of LH.
GLUCOSE METABOLISM AND LIPID SYNTHESIS OF CAUDA EPIDIDYMAL AND EJACULATED BULL SPERMATOZOA IN THE PRESENCE OF SELECTED ANDROGENS
Authors: Voglmayr J. K. , Amann R. P.
Published: December 2008

Comparisons were made of the oxidative and glycolytic activity and rate of lipid synthesis between washed cauda epididymal and ejaculated bull spermatozoa in the presence of selected androgens*. No significant difference was observed in the metabolic pattern of the two types of spermatozoa when incubated with no added androgen. With the exception of testosterone, androstenedione and 5β-androstanediol, the added androgens, at a concentration of 100 μg/ml, depressed the oxidative metabolism of epididymal and ejaculated spermatozoa. Glycolysis in epididymal and ejaculated spermatozoa was markedly stimulated in the presence of testosterone, androstendione or androstanedione, and the magnitude of this response was similar in both types of cells. Dihydrotestosterone enhanced glycolysis in ejaculated but not epididymal spermatozoa, whereas 5β-androsterone increased the glycolytic activity only in epididymal spermatozoa. Under anaerobic conditions, only androstanedione was effective in stimulating the rate of glucose dissimilation to lactic acid by epididymal spermatozoa, but exposure to seminal plasma of the epididymal spermatozoa before incubation eliminated this effect on the subsequently washed cells. Epididymal and ejaculated spermatozoa incubated with no added androgen incorporated similar amounts of [U-14C] glucose into lipid. The addition of androgens increased or tended to increase lipid biosynthesis from glucose in both types of spermatozoa. Androstanedione was the most effective androgen in altering glucose metabolism and lipid synthesis in epididymal and ejaculated spermatozoa. It is concluded, that, although there are subtle differences between epididymal and ejaculated spermatozoa in their response to certain androgens, they are essentially the same cells as judged by their pattern of glucose metabolism.
HYPERTHYROIDISM DUE TO STRUMA OVARII: DEMONSTRATION BY RADIOIODINE SCAN
Authors: Brown Wendy W. , Shetty Kaup R. , Rosenfeld Paul S.
Published: December 2008

A 64-year-old woman presented with findings of hyperthyroidism and a pelvic mass, which was demonstrated to concentrate radioiodine. Following surgical removal of a struma ovarii, all symptoms disappeared. This case represents the first reported demonstration of a functioning ovarian struma by means of radioiodine scanning.
STUDIES ON SUSTAINED CONTRACEPTIVE EFFECTS WITH SUBCUTANEOUS POLYDIMETHYLSILOXANE IMPLANTS
Authors: Benagiano G. , Ermini M. , Carenza L. , Rolfini G.
Published: December 2008

Diffusion of [14C] megestrol acetate from polydimethylsiloxane (PDS) implants was studied in ten human volunteers during a period of one year. In vitro diffusion rates for each capsule were measured in 100 ml of distilled water changed every 24 hours, until constant diffusion was reached.

After insertion of 3 capsules in the subcutaneous tissue of the left arm, approximately 60 to 70 per cent of the total radioactivity excreted daily was present in the urine. Throughout the experiment, diffusion was calculated on the basis of total urinary radioactive metabolites excreted daily. At the beginning of the experiment, the faecal plus urinary radioactivity recovered approached the values obtained under in vitro conditions. However, on subsequent days, a rapid decrease in the diffusion of megestrol acetate from the implants was noticed. Two months after insertion of the capsules, the daily diffusion was decreased to approximately 50 per cent of the initial values.

After the third month, the excretion of urinary metabolites, and therefore the diffusion from the implants, becomes more uniform and stable; from the fourth month onwards the release can be considered as practically constant up to one year.

Nine out of ten volunteers behaved in the same way; the tenth subject showed the same excretion pattern but the absolute excretion values were significantly (P < 0.01) lower than the average.

It is concluded that the in vitro incubation is a reliable way of calculating the in vivo diffusion from PDS capsules inserted in the human, although, for all practical purposes, effective levels attained in the body will be only half of this value. With this important limitation diffusion in the human of megestrol acetate embedded in PDS, can be considered to be constant.
STUDIES ON SUSTAINED CONTRACEPTIVE EFFECTS WITH SUBCUTANEOUS POLYDIMETHYLSILOXANE IMPLANTS
Authors: Ermini M. , Carpino F. , Russo M. , Benagiano G.
Published: December 2008

In vitro diffusion of [14C] megestrol acetate (MA) was studied before and after the subcutaneous insertion of polydimethylsiloxane implants (PDS) in the human. A certain period of equilibration before diffusion becomes constant is required for newly prepared capsules as well as for those extracted from the subcutaneous tissue within six months of the insertion. On the other hand, in vitro diffusion from capsules that have remained in the human for periods over one year, does not require any equilibration. Up to six months, the release in vitro of megestrol acetate was not significantly changed, whereas it was greatly decreased when capsules were re-incubated following sojourn in the subcutaneous tissue for 18 or 24 months.

A continuous wall of newly formed fibrotic tissue, proliferated in a circular manner was found around the capsules in all the cases studied. This fibrillary tissue was then surrounded by a fibrous adipose layer containing granulomas and giant-cells of the foreign body type.
CONCENTRATIONS OF OESTRADIOL-17β, OESTRONE AND PROGESTERONE IN JUGULAR VENOUS PLASMA OF COWS DURING THE OESTROUS CYCLE AND IN EARLY PREGNANCY
Authors: Glencross R. G. , Munro I. B. , Senior B. E. , Pope G. S.
Published: December 2008

Plasma oestradiol-17β concentrations rise slowly in the late progestational phase of the bovine oestrous cycle before plasma progesterone levels fall and then rise rapidly to a pre-oestrous peak of about 6 pg/ml as progesterone levels fall rapidly. The oestradiol-17β level (on average) falls during oestrus and both steroids show minimum levels 1–2 days after oestrus. Both then rise again, oestradiol-17β to a second peak 6–7 days after the pre-oestrous peak as progesterone level continues to rise.

In a cow in the first 30 days of pregnancy, when plasma progesterone levels remained generally high after the 15th day, the pattern of plasma oestradiol-17β levels was very similar to that expected had it not conceived.

Thus in the cycle and the first 30 days of pregnancy the main oestradiol-17β peaks are found at about 21 day intervals, each being followed by a smaller peak 6–7 days later. Either oestradiol-17β peak may assume a pre-oestrous and pre-ovulatory role in the absence of high plasma progesterone levels.
CHANGES OF PROGESTERONE, TOTAL OESTROGENS, CORTICOSTEROIDS, PROLACTIN AND LH IN BOVINE PERIPHERAL PLASMA AROUND PARTURITION WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE EFFECT OF EXOGENOUS CORTICOIDS AND A PROLACTIN INHIBITOR RESPECTIVELY
Authors: Hoffmann B. , Schams D. , Giménez T. , Ender M. L. , Herrmann Ch. , Karg H.
Published: December 2008

Plasma samples from jugular vein blood of cows before, during and after normal or glucocorticoid induced parturition and also in cases treated with a prolactin inhibitor were collected. Total oestrogens, prolactin and LH were determined by radioimmunological techniques, corticoids by competitive protein binding and for progesterone analysis both techniques were used. Progesterone began to decrease 1–2 day before parturition while the corticoid values increased concomitantly. The oestrogen levels remained high, almost until parturition had occurred; they began to decrease very rapidly approximately 5 hours before delivery. Prolactin showed the expected peak just before delivery and LH was constantly low. In the animals treated with a synthetic glucocorticoid or the prolactin inhibitor a temporary suppression of endogenous corticoids or of prolactin resp. was observed; no significant differences could be seen in the values of the other hormones and the physiological performance as compared to a normal delivery. It is concluded that a possible synergistic action of oestrogens and glucocorticoids is involved in the termination of pregnancy in the bovine species.
EFFECT OF THYROTROPHIN-RELEASING HORMONE ON SERUM LEVELS OF PITUITARY HORMONES IN MEN AND WOMEN
Authors: Torjesen P. A. , Haug E. , Sand T.
Published: December 2008

The rapid iv administration of 0.5 mg of synthetic thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH) increased the serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration in 20 normal subjects from baseline levels of 2.0 ± 0.5 ng/ml (sem) to peak values of 6.0 ± 0.7 ng/ml (sem) in women and 4.5 ± 0.5 ng/ml (sem) in men. The maximal increase occurred 30 min after TRH. The serum growth hormone (HGH) concentrations increased from baseline levels of 2.6± 1.0 ng/ml (sem) to peak values of 7.8± 1.3 ng/ml (sem) in women. In men there was no rise in the serum HGH concentrations. The serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and folliclestimulating hormone (FSH) did not change significantly.

In patients with hyperthyroidism the serum TSH concentrations did not change following TRH. Patients with primary hypothyroidism showed an exaggerated and prolonged increase in serum TSH concentrations after TRH administration.

A routine TRH-stimulation test is proposed.
EFFECT OF SYNTHETIC LUTEINIZING HORMONE-AND FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE-RELEASING HORMONE (LH/FSH-RH) ON SERUM LEVELS OF LH, FSH, THYROTROPHIN (TSH) AND GROWTH HORMONE (HGH) IN NORMAL MALE SUBJECTS
Authors: Haug Egil , Torjesen Peter
Published: December 2008

Four normal male subjects received iv injections of synthetic luteinizing hormone- and follicle stimulating hormone-releasing hormone (LH/FSH-RH) in doses of 12.5, 25, 100, 200 and 400 μg, respectively. A dose of 12.5 μg of LH/FSH-RH caused a significant increase in serum FSH, and 25 μg significantly increased the serum LH.

The peak responses occurred 15 to 30 min after the LH/FSH-RH injections in most of the experiments. The increase in the mean maximum serum LH and FSH levels was 2 to 4 fold. There was great variation in response between the subjects, but when tested repeatedly with the same dose of LH/FSH-RH a given individual responded in a consistent manner. The log dose-response curve between LH/FSH-RH and serum LH, and between LH/FSH-RH and serum FSH was approximately linear.

A small but significant (P < 0.05) rise in serum thyrotrophin (TSH) was found after LH/FSH-RH in doses ranging from 25 to 400 μg. There was no significant rise in serum growth hormone (HGH).

On the basis of the present study a standard 100 μg iv LH/FSH-RH test is suggested.
IN VITRO STEROL AND STEROID BIOGENESIS BY A FEMINIZING ADRENOCORTICAL CARCINOMA
Authors: Mathur R. S. , Williamson H. O. , Moody L. O. , Diczfalusy E.
Published: December 2008

A post-menopausal woman was found to excrete elevated amounts of urinary oestrogens. An adrenal carcinoma was removed and slices incubated in phosphate buffer, pH 7.4 with [14C] sodium acetate in combination with either [7α-3H] cholesterol, [7α-3H]dehydroepiandrosterone or [7α-3H]androstenedione. Radiochemically homogeneous tritium labelled oestrone, 17β-oestradiol and oestriol were isolated in each of the three experiments. Carbon-14 activity was incorporated into oestrone in each of the three experiments and into oestriol in one case only. No carbon-14 activity was associated with 17β-oestradiol isolated from any of the three incubations. Oestrone was found to be the predominant oestrogen synthesized in all experiments.

When [14C]sodium acetate and [7α-3H]cholesterol (3H/14C ratio = 0.61) were used as substrates, the following compounds were isolated in a radiochemically homogeneous form (the isotopic ratio in each being shown in parenthesis): cholesterol (13.0), cholesterol sulphate (1.6), pregnenolone (1.0), pregnenolone sulphate (0.2), dehydroepiandrosterone (3.2), dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (1.2), Δ5-androstenediol (3.1), Δ5-androstenediol sulphate (isolated as the unconjugated compound following solvolysis of the "disulphate" fraction (0.6), testosterone (1.1), testosterone sulphate (0.6), and oestrone (1.3).

It is concluded that the adrenocortical carcinoma studied was capable of synthesizing oestrone, oestriol and cholesterol sulphate de novo from acetate, and that the steroidogenic processes led to the predominant formation of Δ5-steroid sulphates. Furthermore, a comparison of the isotopic ratios in the various compounds isolated suggests that a number of unusual transformations may have occurred during steroidogenesis by the tumour cells in vitro.
EFFECT OF LOCALLY IMPLANTED OESTROGEN ON THE RESPONSE OF THE RAT'S LACTATING MAMMARY GLAND TO OXYTOCIN
Authors: Bruce J. D. , Cofre X. , Ramirez V. D.
Published: December 2008

On the day following delivery (day 1 of lactation) one abdominal mammary gland was implanted with oestrogen and the contralateral gland received an empty needle. At 2, 5 or 10 days of lactation the rats were anaesthetized with pentobarbital and the nipples of both abdominal glands were cannulated and their pressures recorded by means of transducers coupled to an amplifier and recording system. The normal mammary glands of 5-day lactating rats responded to very low doses of oxytocin (Syntocinon®, Sandoz) (5× 10−8 mU) with a rhythmic elevation in pressure.

However, saline infusion also evoked a small rise in intra-mammary pressure. Earlier (2 days) and later (10 days) in lactation the responses were smaller. Oestrogen decreases significantly the milk ejection response to oxytocin, and the effect was maximal at day 10 of lactation. Histological observations confirmed the diminished reaction of the gland to oxytocin, since the milk was retained in the alveoli of rats bearing a mammary-oestrogen implant. A paradoxical rise in pressure was detected in normal as well as in oestrogen-implanted glands when the lowest dose of oxytocin was injected in lactating rats which had previously received a high dose of oxytocin (50 mU or 500 mU). These results reinforce the hypothesis that oestrogen alters the milk ejection response to oxytocin and that the mechanism is probably related to changes in the contractility of the myoepithelial cells.
CHANGES IN HYPOTHALAMIC PEPTIDASE ACTIVITY DURING THE OESTROUS CYCLE IN THE ADULT FEMALE RAT
Authors: Griffiths E. C. , Hooper K. C.
Published: December 2008

The activity of peptidases in the rat hypothalamus which are capable of inactivating oxytocin has previously been found to vary with stimuli known to influence gonadotrophin release and may be related to both luteinizing hormone (LH) and luteinizing hormone releasing factor (LH-RF) release (Griffith & Hooper 1972a,b). In the present study, enzyme activity was determined in normal female rats during the morning and afternoon of each stage of the oestrous cycle, in normal rats, and in female rats injected neonatally with testosterone. The activity of the supernatant fraction was found to be not significantly different during the morning of each stage, but was greatly decreased on the afternoon of pro-oestrus; particulate activity did not vary during the oestrous cycle. Supernatant and particulate activities were found to be the same in normal male rats and testosterone-treated females, as previously shown. Both fractions' activities were significantly less than those found in the oestrous cycle, other than on the afternoon of pro-oestrus. These results indicate changes in hypothalamic peptidase activity during the oestrous cycle which may be inversely related to LH and LH-RF release; they also confirm the masculinizing effect of neonatal testosterone on the hypothalamus.
PLASMA GROWTH HORMONE LEVELS AFTER LUNCH IN DIABETIC AND NON-DIABETIC SUBJECTS
Authors: Tchobroutsky Georges
Published: December 2008

Plasma growth hormone (HGH) was serially assayed for 2 h after a midday meal in 56 non-diabetic subjects and in 55 diabetic patients, including obese and non-obese, insulin treated and non-insulin treated subjects.

The post-prandial mean HGH values during the 2 h of observation were very low. A very small but significant increase in the mean plasma HGH levels (up to 2 ng/ml) was observed 90 min after the beginning of the meal in non-diabetic non-obese women and in insulin treated diabetics of both sexes. Intergroup comparisons did not show any differences at any time except at the 90 min point between non-diabetic non-obese women and non-diabetic non-obese men.

There were no differences between non-diabetic and diabetic subjects. A few individuals in some groups showed elevated HGH values but there were no differences between the frequency of HGH responders among diabetic and non-diabetic subjects. Thus during the two hours after a midday meal there is no hypersecretion of HGH in diabetic subjects whatever the kind of treatment and the level of blood sugar.
INDUCTION OF GOITRE BY PTU OR KClO4 IN MALE AND FEMALE RATS. EFFECT OF GONADECTOMY
Authors: Jolín T. , Tarin M. J. , Garcia M. D.
Published: December 2008

Male and female rats of varying ages were placad on a low iodine diet (LID) plus KClO4 or 6-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU) or on the same diet supplemented with I (control rats). Goitrogenesis was also induced with LID plus PTU in gonadectomized animals of both sexes. The weight of the control and goitrogen treated animals, and the weight and iodine content of their thyroids were determined, as well as the plasma PBI, TSH, insulin and glucose levels. The pituitary GH-like protein content was assessed by disc electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gels.

If goitrogenesis was induced in young rats of both sexes starting with rats of the same age, body weight (B.W.) and pituitary growth hormone (GH) content, it was found that both the males and females developed goitres of the same size. On the contrary, when goitrogenesis was induced in adult animals, it was found that male rats, that had larger B.W. and pituitary GH content than age-paired females, developed larger goitres. However, both male and female rats were in a hypothyroid condition of comparable degree as judged by the thyroidal iodine content and the plasma PBI and TSH levels.

When all the data on the PTU or KClO4-treated male and female rats of varying age and B.W. were considered together, it was observed that the weights of the thyroids increased proportionally to B.W. However, a difference in the slope of the regression of the thyroid weight over B.W. was found between male and female rats, due to the fact that adult male rats develop larger goitres than female animals. In addition, in the male rats treated with PTU, gonadectomy decreased the B.W., pituitary content of GH-like protein and, concomitantly, the size of the goitre decreased; an opposite effect was induced by ovariectomy on the female animals. However, when goitrogenesis was induced in weight-paired adult rats of both sexes, the male animals still developed larger goitres than the females.

Among all the parameters studied here, the only ones which appeared to bear a consistent relationship with the size of the goitres in rats of different sexes, treated with a given goitrogen, were the rate of body growth and the amount of a pituitary GH-like protein found before the onset of the goitrogen treatment. Moreover, though the pituitary content of the GH-like protein decreased as a consequence of goitrogen treatment, it was still somewhat higher in male that in female animals.

The present results suggest that GH may somehow be involved in the mechanism by which male and female rats on goitrogens develop goitres of different sizes, despite equally high plasma TSH levels.
THE FORMATION OF THYROGLOBULIN IN HUMAN THYROID MEDULLARY CARCINOMA
Authors: Ljunggren J.-G. , Löwhagen T. , Hjern B.
Published: December 2008

The biosynthesis of thyroglobulin has been investigated in five welldemarcated thyroid medullary carcinomas. The biochemical methods used allowed the study to be performed on small amounts of tissue, about 2–4 mg. The biochemical results were compared with the morphological structure.

A normal biosynthesis was obtained in three of the five investigated tumours. No indication of a biosynthesis was obtained in the remaining two tumours. The morphological investigation revealed that normal thyroid follicles were found in the tumour tissue close to the pieces with a normal biosynthesis. Normal thyroid follicles could not be found in the tumour tissue with no sign of biosynthesis. Metastases from two medullary carcinomas were also investigated. No indication for a biosynthesis of thyroxine or thyroglobulin was found. Normal thyroid follicles could not be demonstrated.

It is concluded that the biosynthesis of thyroglobulin in well-demarcated medullary carcinomas occurs in normal thyroid tissue present within the tumour. It is also concluded that all studies on the function of thyroid carcinomas must involve studies on very small pieces of fresh tissue in order to avoid heterogeneity and must involve a morphological examination of the surrounding tissue.
METABOLISM OF 6-CHLORO-9α,10α-PREGNA-1,4,6-TRIENE-3,20-DIONE IN RAT, RABBIT, MONKEY AND MAN
Authors: Breuer H. , Kime D. E. , Knuppen R.
Published: December 2008

When 6-chloro-9β,10α-pregna-1,4,6-triene-3,20-dione (trengestone) was incubated with liver slices of male rats, the substrate was rapidly transformed to a polar metabolite; in contrast, liver slices of female rats metabolised trengestone much more slowly, and only traces of a polar metabolite could be detected. After paper and thin layer chromatography in various systems, the polar metabolite was obtained in crystalline form and identified as 6-chloro-16α-hydroxy-9β,10α-pregna-1,4,6-treiene-3,20-dione (16α-hydroxytreengestone) by its infrared spectrum and by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. After administration of trengestone to male or female rats, the main metabolite in the urine was again a6α-hydroxytrengestone.

When trengestone was incubated with liver slices of male or female human subjects, two metabolites were detected, one of which was formed in large amounts. By comparison with the authentic compound, the major metabolite proved to be identical with (20S)-6-chloro-20-hydroxy-9β,10α-pregna-1,4,6-triene-3-one (20α-hydroxytrengestone). After oral administration of radioactive trengestone to man, the amount of total radioactivity in the urine was considerably greater in a human female (50 %) than in two human males (6–8 %). The main metabolite of trengestone was identified as 20α-hydroxytrengestone.

When trengestone was given orally to a female rabbit, and to a female Rhesus monkey, both the 20α-hydroxy and the 2β-hydroxy derivatives of trengestone were detected in the urine. These experiments demonstrate considerable differences in the metabolism of the rat, rabbit, monkey, and man.
ADRENERGIC CONTROL MECHANISM FOR ACTH SECRETION IN MAN
Authors: Nakai Yoshikatsu , Imura Hiroo , Yoshimi Teruya , Matsukura Shigeru
Published: December 2008

In order to determine if an adrenergic mechanism is involved in the secretion of corticotrophin (ACTH), the effect of adrenergic-blocking or -stimulating agent on plasma ACTH, cortisol and glucose levels was studied in normal human subjects.

The intravenous infusion of methoxamine, an alpha adrenergic-stimulating agent, caused a rise in plasma ACTH and cortisol. This increase in plasma ACTH and cortisol was significantly inhibited by the simultaneous administration of phentolamine, an alpha adrenergic-blocking agent, in combination with methoxamine. The intravenous infusion of propranolol, a beta adrenergic-blocking agent, caused no significant change in plasma ACTH and cortisol, although it enhanced the plasma ACTH response to insulin-induced hypoglycaemia. On the other hand, alpha adrenergicblockade by intravenous infusion of phentolamine significantly suppressed the plasma ACTH response to insulin-induced hypoglycaemia. These studies suggest a stimulatory effect of alpha receptors and a possible inhibitory effect of beta receptors on ACTH secretion in man.
FACTORS AFFECTING PERIPHERAL CORTISOL LEVELS IN UNRESTRICTED EWES
Authors: Thurley D. C. , McNatty K. P.
Published: December 2008

Sheep were bled at frequent intervals over a period including cyclical oestrus activity, pregnancy and lactation. The changes in peripheral plasma cortisol levels in response to herding by better or less well trained dogs or by people were compared. In all cases the cortisol response took the form of a hump-backed curve. The height of this hump was lower when people drove the sheep than when dogs were used, and was lower during lactation than in late pregnancy.
PERIPHERAL PLASMA LEVELS OF OESTROGENS, PROGESTERONE AND 17α-HYDROXYPROGESTERONE DURING GESTATION IN THE RHESUS MONKEY
Authors: Bosu William T. K. , Johansson Elof D. B. , Gemzell Carl
Published: December 2008

Peripheral plasma levels of oestrogens1), progesterone and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone were measured during normal pregnancy in seven rhesus monkeys. The plasma concentrations of oestrogens ranged between 200 and 1300 pg/ml throughout the gestation period. Increases in the levels of oestrogens in plasma occurred several days before parturition. The plasma concentrations of progesterone ranged between 0.5 and 22 ng/ml during pregnancy. The concentrations of oestrogens decreased dramatically after parturition and remained low during the post-partum period. The concentration of progesterone decreased after parturition, but did not reach follicular phase levels during the period observed. The plasma levels of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone were low throughout the gestation period and during the post-partum period.
SUBCELLULAR DISTRIBUTION AND FATE OF RADIOACTIVITY IN OVARIES OF PSEUDO-PREGNANT RATS AFTER IN VIVO ADMINISTRATION OF [131I]HCG
Authors: Braendle Wilhelm , Breckwoldt Meinert , Graesslin Dieter , Weise Hans-Christoph
Published: December 2008

After in vivo application of [131I]HCG to pseudo-pregnant rats most of the radioactivity is found in the ovaries. Ovarian homogenate contains per mg protein 50 times as much radioactivity as the liver and 7 times as much as the kidney. The relatively high amount of radioactivity in the kidney possibly reflects a rapid excretion of metabolized or damaged hormone. The subcellular distribution of radioactivity after in vivo application of the labelled hormone indicates a biologically occurring process which cannot be studied by in vitro experiments. Various binding components are shown to exist in the individual subcellular compartments of ovaries which diverge in their binding affinity and capacity for HCG. Binding sites in the nuclear fraction are already saturated when injecting 10 μg HCG together with the label. The uptake of radioactivity in the cytosol, however, is only inhibited when using higher doses of HCG. 1 μg LH-RH provokes maximum release of endogenous LH, inhibits radioactivity uptake by the corpuscular subcellular compartments and does not affect the binding components in the cytosol. It may be concluded that the hormone itself penetrates the cell membrane to reach its target site within the cell or that the recovered radioactivity in the different fractions is due to plasma membrane contamination which may represent the actual hormone binding sites.
RADIOIMMUNOASSAY FOR ALDOSTERONE WITHOUT CHROMATOGRAPHY
Authors: Vetter Wilhelm , Vetter Hans , Siegenthaler Walter
Published: December 2008

A radioimmunoassay for the determination of plasma aldosterone has been developed suitable for the clinical laboratory.

Two ml of plasma is extracted with methylene chloride and the aldosterone concentration is determined in these extracts with two different antisera obtained from rabbits immunized with an aldosterone-oxime bovine gamma globulin conjugate. In view of the high recovery of [1,2-3H] aldosterone no internal standards are needed.

The coefficient of variation within a single assay was 9.0 and 10.6 % respectively. The coefficient of variation for inter-assay determinations was 13.5 and 15.0 %

The validity of the method was tested by the determination of plasma aldosterone concentration in normal subjects during postural changes and salt restriction and in patients suffering from primary hyperaldosteronism.

Both antisera gave almost identical values in 161 out of 170 plasma specimens. Since both antisera differed considerably in their degree of cross-reaction with various steroid hormones, the identical values obtained with the two antisera seem to provide a good indication that no cross-reaction with substances other than aldosterone had occurred in the assay systems.
IN VITRO BIOSYNTHESIS OF ANDROGENS IN CANINE TESTES
Authors: Oh Ran , Tamaoki Bun-ichi
Published: December 2008

In the cell-free homogenates (supernatant fluid at 800× g) of canine testes, the following Δ5-pathway was suggested as the major biosynthetic route of testosterone in vitro: Pregnenolone → 17α-hydroxypregnenolone → dehydroepiandrosterone → 5-androstenediol → testosterone. This pathway was found to be partly dependent on a predominant cofactor present in the medium. In addition to the androgen formation, 17α,20α-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one and 11 -deoxycortisol were produced in significant yields from 17α-hydroxyprogesterone by the cell-free homogenates. The activities of 17α-hydroxylase, 21-hydroxylase, C17—C20 lyase and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase were concentrated in the microsomal fraction (10 000-105 000× g precipitate) of the testicular homogenates. By a time-course study on the metabolism of 17α-hydroxypregnenolone and dehydroepiandrosterone with the testicular microsomal fraction in the presence of NAD and NADPH, testosterone was formed from 17α-hydroxypregnenolone via dehydroepiandrosterone and subsequently 5-androstenediol or androstenedione. The biosynthetic pathways of androgens among vertebrates are discussed from the comparative endocrinological point of view.
URINARY FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE AND LUTEINIZING HORMONE IN SIX MALES WITH THE XYY SYNDROME
Authors: Christiansen Peter , Nielsen Johannes
Published: December 2008

Urinary follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were studied in 6 males with karyotype 47, XYY and compared to FSH and LH in 14 normal males of the same age. FSH was within the normal range in all 6 subjects, LH however was markedly elevated in one case. The FSH/LH ratio was thus decreased in one case but normal in the remaining 5 cases. The mean excretion of FSH and LH did not differ significantly from that of normal males.
DEMONSTRATION OF THYROGLOBULIN IN LYMPH VESSELS OF TSH STIMULATED GUINEA PIGS BY THE INDIRECT IMMUNOFLUORESCENCE TECHNIQUE
Authors: Böcker W. , Lietz H.
Published: December 2008

The presence of thyroglobulin in intra- and extrathyroidal lymph vessels of TSH-stimulated guinea pigs was demonstrated immunohistochemically. Guinea pig thyroglobulin was purified by gel filtration on Sephadex G-200 and tested by the double diffusion method and by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Antibodies to guinea pig thyroglobulin were obtained in rabbits by immunisation of the animals with this antigen.

Indirect fluorescence staining was performed on formol fixed paraffin embedded tissue with rabbit anti-guinea pig thyroglobulin serum in the first step and fluorescein-labelled antirabbit IgG from the goat in the second step of the incubation process.
ENDOCRINE CHANGES BEFORE AND AFTER THE MENARCHE
Authors: Lamberg B.-A. , Kantero R.-L. , Saarinen P. , Widholm O.
Published: December 2008

In an endocrine survey of healthy girls aged 8 to 20 years before and after the menarche, the serum thyroxine (T4), uptake of triiodothyronine by Sephadex (T3U), and the binding capacities of thyroxine binding globulin (TBG) and pre-albumin (TBPA) were measured, and a free thyroxine index (FTI = T4 × T3U) was calculated. The subjects were grouped according to skeletal age (SA) until the menarche and after this in the post-menarcheal age (PMA), expressed in years.

T4 and FTI increased concomitantly and reached peak values of 8.40 μg/100 ml and 8.40, respectively, at 2–3 years PMA. The corresponding mean values for post-menarcheal girls (7.74 μg/100 ml and 7.51) differed statistically significantly from the means before the menarche (7.03 μg/ 100 ml and 6.75). The TBG remained virtually unchanged during the whole period, whereas the TBPA showed a continuous increase and reached a maximal level 1–2 years after the menarche.

The maturation process in girls in some way involves an increase in the total and free T4 level which is not dependent on hormone binding proteins.
ENDOCRINE CHANGES BEFORE AND AFTER THE MENARCHE
Authors: Lamberg B.-A. , Kantero R.-L. , Saarinen P. , Widholm O.
Published: December 2008

In an endocrine survey of healthy girls aged 8 to 20 years before and after the menarche the serum TSH was measured by radioimmunoassay along with some parameters of thyroid function which are described separately. The subjects were grouped according to the skeletal age (SA) until the menarche and after this in the post-menarcheal age (PMA) expressed in years.

The TSH value was highest in the youngest age group and from then on decreased. However, within 0.5 years after the menarche another significantly elevated TSH peak occurred. There was no significant difference between the means for TSH before (5.4 μU/ml) and after the menarche (5.7 μU/ml). Both values, however, as well as the means for almost all the individual age groups, were significantly higher than the mean for 13 boys aged 12 to 16 years (3.9 μU/ml) and that for normal adults (3.6 μU/ml). When the girls were grouped according to the stage of puberty, the TSH peak at the time of menarche disappeared. When they were grouped according to SA, a gradual declining trend was seen from age 8 to 16 years.

It is concluded that the maturation process in girls in some way involves a significant elevation of serum TSH and an increase in the total and free T4 level which is not dependent on binding proteins.
ACTION OF POTASSIUM IODIDE ON THYROID ACID PROTEASE
Authors: Pisarev M. A. , Altschuler N.
Published: December 2008

Potassium iodide (KI) is known to inhibit thyroid hormone secretion. In the present studies its action on the proteolytic step of this process was investigated. Rats were treated with KI (200 μg/ml in the drinking water) for 30 days. This treatment caused a decrease of protease activity in total homogenate and in the specific activity of a 15 000 × g pellet. No alteration in the pattern of subcellular distribution was observed. In order to rule out an action of KI on enzyme activity its in vitro action was studied. KI concentrations around 103-–10−4 m were without effect, though 10−2 caused a stimulation of activity. Similar results were observed when a liver enzyme preparation was checked under the same conditions. Neither CL− nor F− had an effect on thyroid or liver protease at concentrations between 10−2 to 10−4 m. The present results suggest that KI inhibition of thyroid hormone secretion can be explained at least in part by its action on acid protease. Moreover, the lack of an in vitro inhibitory affect of KI would suggests that this drug affects enzyme synthesis and/or breakdown.
PERIPHERAL PLASMA LEVELS OF OESTRONE, OESTRADIOL-17β AND PROGESTERONE DURING OVULATORY MENSTRUAL CYCLES IN THE RHESUS MONKEY WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE ONSET OF MENSTRUATION
Authors: Bosu William T. K. , Johansson Elof D. B. , Gemzell Carl
Published: December 2008

The levels of oestrone (E1)*, oestradiol-17β (E2) and progesterone (P) were determined simultaneously by radioimmunoassay in serial peripheral plasma samples from 11 rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) during ovulatory menstrual cycles. In 3 other monkeys luteectomy was performed on day 20 or 21 of the menstrual cycle. The mean plasma levels of oestradiol-17β predominated over the mean E1 during the follicular phase, but during the luteal phase the E1 and E2 patterns varied widely. Before menstruation, increased or unchanged levels of E1 and E2 were mostly found. The decrease found in a few monkeys never reached the low levels found during the days after the midcycle peak. The plasma levels of progesterone increased from less than 0.2 ng/ml during the follicular phase to maximal values within 3 to 4 days after the midcycle peak of oestradiol-17β. The plasma levels of progesterone decreased to less than 1 ng/ml and remained low for 3 to 5 days before menstruation. In the luteectomized monkeys the plasma levels of P, E1 and E2 fell dramatically within 24 h and vaginal bleeding was detected within 72 h post-operatively. In 2 of the 3 luteectomized monkeys the levels of E1 and E2 increased before the bleeding. The ratio of oestrogens (oestradiol-17β and oestrone) over progesterone changed markedly in favour of the oestrogens during the pre-menstrual period. It is concluded that the patterns of progesterone and oestrogens are divergent during the luteal phase. The maximal levels of progesterone are reached early while the maximal levels of oestrogens are reached later during the luteal phase.
THE INFLUENCE OF OVERCROWDING ON SPERMATOGENESIS, SIZE OF LEYDIG-CELL NUCLEI (HISTOMETRICAL INVESTIGATION), AND THE ADRENAL CORTICOSTERONE CONTENTS IN MICE
Authors: Gärtner K. , Reznik-Schüller H. , Reznik G.
Published: December 2008

Adult male NMRI-mice were kept alone or in groups of 5, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 60 animals for 28 days and were then sacrificed. The corticosterone levels of their adrenals were determined and their testes were examined histometrically. The corticosterone levels of the adrenals increased two-fold with increasing population size. Furthermore the increased population size caused a suppression of some testicular functions: the seminiferous tubules decreased up to 20 % and the relative frequency of the spermatids up to 10 % whereas the numbers of spermatocytes and spermatogonias increased correspondingly. A decrease of about 25 % of the testosterone dependent postmeiotic stages of spermatogenesis is assumed. Since the diameters of the Leydig-cell nuclei decreased about 20 %, a reduction of the testicular testosterone secretion can be projected. All measurements proved the group with 5 animals to be the most favourable group size.
GROWTH RETARDATION IN THE LESCH-NYHAN SYNDROME
Authors: Skyler Jay S. , Neelon Francis A. , Arnold William J. , Kelley William N. , Lebovitz Harold E.
Published: December 2008

The Lesch-Nyhan syndrome is an inherited neurologic disorder due to deficiency of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase and characterized clinically by self-mutilation, choreoathetosis, spasticity and mental retardation. This study demonstrates that these patients have significant growth retardation similar to that observed in other groups of patients with mental retardation. Endocrine studies indicate that this growth retardation cannot be attributed to pituitary or thyroid dysfunction. Serum somatomedin (sulphation factor) measurements were within the range of normal in 4 of the 5 patients studied. Therefore, the defect in growth and osseous maturation must be due to an abnormality in the end organ (cartilage).