bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE EXPERIMENTAL INDUCTION OF SUPERFOETATION IN THE MOUSE
Authors: EDWARDS R. G. , FOWLER RUTH E.
Published: December 2008

Superfoetation has been induced experimentally in the mouse by treating females with gonadotrophins twice within a short period. Successive ovulations resulted from the treatments. After each treatment with gonadotrophins the females were paired with males, or were artificially inseminated, the spermatozoa carrying distinctive gene markers so that the paternity of offspring could be identified. If females were mated after one treatment and artificially inseminated after the other, embryos differing in age by 2½-3 days could develop from conception to birth in the same female. No examples of superfoetation were found when females mated in response to both treatments or when the difference in age of embryos from the first and second treatments was 3½-4 days; few females, however, could be induced to mate in response to each treatment.

In the experiments in which the age difference of the embryos was 2½-3 days, the second treatment with gonadotrophins delayed the transit of the first set of embryos along the uterine tubes. This often resulted in the blastocysts from the first treatment and the recently ovulated pronucleate eggs from the second treatment being found together in the tubes. Both groups of embryos apparently then moved normally along the tubes, implanted in the uterus at or about the same time, and were probably born simultaneously. If the age difference was 3½-4 days, transit of the first set of embryos was not delayed and many of these embryos were destroyed in the uterus.

The incidence of successive ovulations and the response of the female tract to repeated injections of gonadotrophins, the duration of the fertilizing capacity of spermatozoa in the female tract, aspects of sperm transport, and the possibility of increasing the incidence of mixed litters are discussed.
THE CHARACTERIZATION OF TETRAHYDROCORTICOSTERONE AND OF SOME αβ-UNSATURATED KETONIC COMPOUNDS SIMULATING ADRENAL STEROID METABOLITES IN URINE
Authors: HOLNESS N. J. , GRAY C. H.
Published: December 2008

The α-ketolic steroid R6, previously described by de Courcy, Bush, Gray & Lunnon [1953], has been identified as tetrahydrocorticosterone. The structures of X6 and some other αβ-unsaturated ketones appearing on chromatograms of urine extracts and giving the Bush soda fluorescence reaction are discussed. Four of these compounds are of exogenous origin and follow the ingestion of citrus fruits.
ROLE OF THE HYPOTHALAMUS IN PITUITARY-THYROID INTERPLAY
Authors: D'ANGELO S. A.
Published: December 2008

Experimental analysis of the rat's hypothalamic-hypophysial-thyroid system, utilizing stereotaxic, radiometric, histochemical, and bioassay procedures, indicated that electrolytic lesions in the anterior and tuberal portions of the hypothalamus altered thyrotrophic hormone (TSH) secretion in the adenohypophysis and reduced thyroid function (histology and 131I release from the gland). Inhibition of thyroidal radio-iodine release was found within 2 weeks after hypothalamic destruction and was greater in rats which became obese. Significant reduction in titres of circulating TSH also occurred. TSH concentration in the smaller pituitaries of animals in which lesions had been made remained normal, but total hormonal stores decreased.

Thyroxine and triiodothyronine suppressed markedly and equally TSH secretion in the adenohypophyses of operated and intact rats; triiodothyronine was more potent (about 5:1). Hypothalamic damage did not prevent the re-accumulation of TSH in pituitaries previously depleted of their hormone by propylthiouracil; pituitary TSH concentrations rebounded to supranormal levels, but titres in blood decreased to subnormal values. The physiological and histochemical changes induced in the adenohypophyses of rats with lesions strongly implicated the basophils (β cells) in the genesis of TSH. All anterior pituitary cell types were affected in hypothalamic deficiency, but only the β basophils persisted when TSH stores were high, or disappeared when the pituitary was depleted of TSH with exogenous thyroid hormone.

The experimental results indicated that the hypothalamus modulates the activity of the pituitary-thyroid system by influencing production and release of TSH by the pituitary. Hypothalamic regulation of TSH secretion exists for normal conditions as well as for those situations in which enhanced TSH secretion is required. The maintenance of abundant TSH reserves in the adenohypophysis, their depletion after thyroid hormone, and their re-accumulation after goitrogen withdrawal, nevertheless revealed: (1) that the 'isolated' rat pituitary possesses a good measure of autonomous TSH function; (2) that thyroid hormone can act directly on the adenohypophysis independently of the hypothalamus; and (3) that the basic thyroid-pituitary servomechanism is systemically controlled by circulatory levels of thyroid hormone and is not under neural domination.
THE RELATIONSHIP OF HYPERGLYCAEMIA TO HYPERLIPAEMIA AND KETONAEMIA IN DEPANCREATIZED BABOONS (PAPIO URSINUS)
Authors: GILLMAN J. , GILBERT CHRISTINE , ALLAN J. C.
Published: December 2008

The influence of pancreatectomy on the blood sugar and on the serum lipids and ketone bodies has been examined in fifteen male baboons while receiving insulin as well as during periods of insulin deprivation. In insulin-treated baboons, a daily hyperglycaemia, alternating with periods of reduced blood-sugar concentration, was not associated with the development of a lipaemia. During insulin withdrawal, it was shown that (1) hyperlipaemia, cholesterolaemia, phospholipaemia and ketonaemia developed consistently in all baboons; (2) hyperglycaemia preceded lipaemia by 24–48 hr; (3) the triglycerides were the most sensitive fraction of the serum lipids, largely accounting for the initial lipaemia following insulin deprivation and showing the most rapid decline during the 24 hr following the re-administration of insulin; and (4) insulin exerted a transitory action on the blood sugar but a more prolonged one on the serum lipids. It is suggested that this differential action of insulin on the blood sugar and on the blood fats might assist in interpreting the seeming inconsistency between the severity of the diabetes and the observed levels of the blood fats in man.

No direct relationship could be established between the severity of the lipaemia or of the hyperglycaemia and the severity of the ketosis in insulin-deprived, depancreatized baboons. It is suggested that the wide variations in the levels of the serum lipids and of the ketone bodies following insulin withdrawal are indicative of subtle individual differences in the relative intensity of activity of the endocrine glands, particularly the adrenal cortex, the thyroid and the pituitary, in each baboon at any given moment.
THE URINARY EXCRETION OF OESTROGENS, PREGNANEDIOL AND GONADOTROPHINS DURING THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE
Authors: BROWN J. B. , KLOPPER A. , LORAINE J. A.
Published: December 2008

1. The urinary excretion of oestrogens, pregnanediol and pituitary gonadotrophins has been studied throughout nine ovulatory menstrual cycles.

2. The pattern of hormone excretion was relatively constant from one individual to another, but the actual amounts excreted varied considerably in different individuals.

3. In none of the subjects studied did the mid-cycle peak in gonadotrophin precede the oestrogen peak.

4. The increase in urinary pregnanediol during the luteal phase occurred at the same time as or just before the rise in basal temperature and 1–4 days after the oestrogen peak.

5. There was no correlation between the amounts of oestrogens and pregnanediol excreted during the luteal phase of the cycle.

6. When gonadotrophin assays were conducted by the mouse uterus test and that depending on the prostate of the hypophysectomized rat, the results obtained agreed very closely at all stages of the cycle.

7. In one subject a marked rise in gonadotrophin output was observed as early as 9 days after a successful artificial insemination.
FACTORS AFFECTING THE FERTILITY AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS OF DEEP-FROZEN BULL SEMEN
Authors: MARTIN I. , EMMENS C. W.
Published: December 2008

The fertility of twelve types of deep-frozen bull semen was investigated in a factorial test involving 1469 first-service cows. Factors examined were dilution rate (30, 20 and 13·3 million spermatozoa/ml., using 1 ml. per insemination), sugar in the diluent (fructose or arabinose) and equilibration time (1 hr or 18 hr). Only the last-named had a significant effect on fertility, 1 hr of equilibration yielding semen of somewhat lower fertility than 18 hr (58·4 v. 65·3% of non-returns to service at 3 months).

The seminal motility and revival rate were also studied in stored samples. Motility was affected by the sugar used and by dilution, but not by equilibration time. The revival rate was affected only by equilibration time, but all such effects were small.
THE RESPONSE OF THE MAMMARY GLAND OF THE MALE MOUSE TO PROGESTERONE AND HUMAN MAMMOTROPHIC SUBSTANCES
Authors: SCOWEN E. F. , HADFIELD J. , DONATH E. M.
Published: December 2008

1. Five strains of mice primarily insensitive to mammotrophic substances in human urine and anterior pituitary gland were all equally sensitive to the mammotrophic action of progesterone. The sensitive Strong A 2 strain also reacted to progesterone. The reaction in this strain was somewhat enhanced when compared with the other five strains.

2. Two insensitive strains became responsive to the human mammotrophic substances after treatment with progesterone. The response to human whole anterior pituitary substance after progesterone was present and enhanced in the sensitive Strong A 2 strain.

3. A preparation of human growth hormone produced a mammotrophic response in the mouse similar to that of human whole pituitary. Within the limits of the experiment the major mammotrophic potency of the pituitary appeared to be extracted in the growth hormone fraction.
THE INFLUENCE OF ACTH AND CORTISOL UPON SKIN HOMOGRAFTS IN THE RAT
Authors: HAMER J. D. , KROHN P. L.
Published: December 2008

Homografts of skin exchanged between two strains of rat survive for an average of 8·8 days.

Survival time is increased to 14·1 days by the daily administration (beginning on the day following operation) of 4·0 mg cortisol, but 2 i.u. ACTH (Cortrophin 'Z') daily has no effect (survival time = 9·0 days).

If, however, treatment with ACTH is begun 28 days before operation the homografts survive for 17 days (Cortrophin 'Z') and for 11·4 days (Acthar gel).

The normal processes of wound repair are slowed down in proportion to the influence of treatment on the immunity reaction.

The results conform to the view that prolonged treatment with ACTH alters the ratio of cortisol/corticosterone secreted by the adrenal cortex.
OBSERVATIONS ON PSEUDOPREGNANCY IN THE MOUSE
Authors: DEWAR A. D.
Published: December 2008

From 20 to 50% of sexually mature female mice, grouped together in large cages but isolated from males since weaning, were found to be pseudopregnant as indicated by abeyance of oestrus, vaginal mucification, weight changes and mammary development. Such 'extra-coital' pseudopregnancies occurred independently of experimental handling in grouped females but were also observed, although much less frequently, in isolated mice subjected to daily examination.

The duration of pseudopregnancy was found to be longer and much more variable than has previously been suggested.
THE EFFECTS OF IONIC CHANGES ON WATER TRANSFER ACROSS THE ISOLATED URINARY BLADDER OF THE TOAD BUFO MARINUS
Authors: BENTLEY P. J.
Published: December 2008

1. The effects of ionic changes in the bath fluids on water transfer across an in vitro preparation of the urinary bladder of the toad Bufo marinus were investigated.

2. Calcium was necessary to maintain the normal low permeability of the bladder to water in the absence of Pituitrin. Magnesium, strontium and manganese but not barium could substitute for calcium.

3. With low concentration of calcium there was a reduction in the water transfer across the bladder wall in response to Pituitrin and no other divalent ion could substitute for calcium.

4. Exclusion of potassium from the serosal side of the bladder reduced the water transfer in the presence of Pituitrin. Increase in potassium concentration above normal levels also inhibited the response to hormone. When no Pituitrin was present there was no change in water loss from the bladder with alterations in potassium concentration. Absence of potassium from the epithelial side of the bladder had no effect whether Pituitrin was present or not.

5. The presence of sodium on the epithelial side increased the water transfer in response to Pituitrin and neither lithium, choline nor potassium could substitute for it. Replacement of 50% of the sodium chloride on the serosal side of the bladder by choline chloride decreased the water transfer in response to Pituitrin.
EFFECT OF STIMULATION DERIVED FROM OTHER ANIMALS OF THE SAME SPECIES ON OESTROUS CYCLES IN MICE
Authors: LAMOND D. R.
Published: December 2008

1. The pattern of mating following the introduction of a male to pairs of female mice was not consistent with an hypothesis of random mating over a 5-day period, as would be expected if the average cycle length were 5 days. The majority of mice mated on the 3rd and 4th days after introduction of the male. The age of the females was shown to significantly affect the distribution of mating and also the length of the gestation period.

2. When female mice were placed in groups of four after having been housed singly, a prolonged dioestrus was shown to occur. This effect was not apparent when a male was included.

3. The period of anoestrus, which normally follows extirpation of the olfactory bulb, was significantly reduced in mice with impaired vision.

4. The results serve to emphasize that the oestrous cycle in the mouse is easily influenced by external factors and that the effect of one factor may be modified by another.
THE EFFECT OF PROGESTERONE AND OESTROGEN ON ARBORIZATION OF CERVICAL MUCUS IN THE SPAYED EWE
Authors: McDONALD M. F. , RAESIDE J. I.
Published: December 2008

Three series of experiments were conducted with ovariectomized Romney ewes to determine the requirements of oestradiol benzoate (ODB) for oestrus, characteristic vaginal smear changes, and crystallization (arborization) of cervical mucus, when preceded by 3 days of progesterone treatment (10 mg/day). The respective values for ED50 of ODB (in μg) for oestrus, vaginal smear changes and arborization of cervical mucus, with the associated 95% fiducial limits, were 26·5–23·4–20·9, 15·4–13·2–11·8 and 12·2–7·0–5·2.

In the second series of experiments, conducted during November and December, the oestrous response was negligible. During the experimental period February to May, when the first and third series of trials were performed, a greater and more consistent response was noted. The possibility of a seasonal effect in the spayed ewe is discussed.

The use of vaginal smears and arborization of cervical mucus in quantitative studies with progesterone and oestrogen was considered. Comparison of cervical mucus and vaginal smears collected from ewes treated with a dose of 10 μg ODB showed more distinctive changes in the cervical mucus and easier classification of a response to oestrogen. The difficulty of collecting a satisfactory sample of cervical mucus is discussed.
HORMONES AND PROTEIN BIOSYNTHESIS IN ISOLATED RAT DIAPHRAGM
Authors: MANCHESTER K. L. , YOUNG F. G.
Published: December 2008

1. With rat diaphragm in vitro, addition of insulin to the medium so as to give a concentration as low as 0·05 mu./ml. of the hormone, stimulated the incorporation of [14C]glycine into protein of tissue. Simultaneous addition of glucose to the medium did not affect either the minimal amount of insulin required to produce a significant stimulation of incorporation of glycine, or the magnitude of the effect of the small concentration of insulin used.

2. Addition of a mixture of oxidized A and B chains of the insulin molecule did not affect incorporation of a mixture of labelled amino acids into the protein of isolated diaphragm, but a degraded insulin (DHA-insulin), which has about 15% of the activity of insulin in stimulating glucose uptake by diaphragm, was found to stimulate incorporation of [14C]glycine to an extent comparable with its effect in stimulating glucose-uptake.

3. Addition of rat serum, or the dipping of diaphragm in a medium containing insulin, stimulated incorporation of [14C]glycine into protein of diaphragm. Both these effects and the stimulation produced by insulin in vitro were abolished when the medium contained an antiserum to insulin.

4. Addition in vitro of growth hormone (GH) stimulated incorporation of [14C]glycine into protein of diaphragm from the hypophysectomized rat but had no effect on diaphragm from the normal rat, whether or not a small dose of insulin was also added in vitro. The action of GH in promoting incorporation of [14C]glycine into protein of diaphragm from the hypophysectomized rat was not neutralized by insulin antiserum.

5. Corticotrophin, cortisol, thyroxine, vitamin B12, vitamin D2 and linoleic acid all had no observable effect on incorporation of labelled amino acids into diaphragm. Glucagon stimulated incorporation, but the stimulation was abolished by the in vitro addition of antiserum to insulin and was probably attributable to the presence of a trace of insulin in the glucagon.

6. Anaerobiosis, and the addition of various metabolic inhibitors, were found to suppress incorporation of [14C]glycine into diaphragm protein almost entirely.
COMPARISON OF CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL ESTIMATIONS OF PLASMA PROGESTIN
Authors: EDGAR D. G. , FLUX D. S. , RONALDSON J. W.
Published: December 2008

The progesterone content of a sample of plasma from the vein draining the ovary containing a corpus luteum and a sample of jugular venous plasma from each of two pregnant ewes, as estimated by the chemical method of Edgar & Ronaldson [1958], was compared with the 'progestin' content of the same sample, estimated by the biological method of Hooker & Forbes [1947].

It appeared that all, or almost all, the progestational activity of the ovarian venous plasma could be accounted for in terms of progesterone, but that the jugular venous plasma, in which no progesterone was detected chemically, may have contained progestins other than progesterone.

A discussion of the Hooker-Forbes technique for estimating progestins is included.
THE RELATION OF BODY BUILD TO THE EXCRETION OF 17-KETOSTEROIDS AND 17-KETOGENIC STEROIDS IN HEALTHY YOUNG MEN
Authors: TANNER J. M. , HEALY M. J. R. , WHITEHOUSE R. H. , EDGSON A. C.
Published: December 2008

1. The 24 hr excretions of 17-ketosteroids (17-KS), 17-ketogenic steroids (17-KGS) and creatinine of 101 healthy young men have been measured on two occasions several weeks apart to determine what, if any, relationship these bore to the subjects' body build.

2. Body build was assessed by anthropometric measurements, somatotyping, and a new method detailing the limb widths of fat, muscle and bone.

3. The week-to-week personal constancy coefficient of each of these excretions has been calculated. It is highest for 17-KS (0·83), and slightly lower for 17-KGS (0·73) and creatinine (0·72).

4. Correlations have been calculated both for between-persons relationships ('stable' or 'habitual'individuals' values) and within-persons relationships (daily individual co-fluctuations). The stable values of 17-KS and 17-KGS excretions are inversely related, individuals habitually high in one being habitually low in the other. This relationship becomes more marked when allowances are made for surface area and urine volume differences.

5. Excretion of 17-KS is significantly related to body weight and to mesomorphy. The multiple correlation with muscle width and weight was 0·56.

6. Excretion of 17-KGS is significantly related to weight and height. This is due to a positive relation with width and length of the limb bones (multiple correlation 0·55). There is no relation with muscle mass or subcutaneous fat thickness.

7. On the basis of these findings speculations are made on the possible role of 17-KS in maintaining muscle bulk and of corticosteroids in maintaining the contents of the medulla of the limb bones.

8. There is a significant, though quantitatively small, correlation between general body hirsutism, muscle bulk and 17-KS output. There is a similar-sized but inverse relation between penis size and amount of subcutaneous fat.

9. Recent findings on the relation of physique to resistance to tuberculosis are discussed in the light of the above findings. These point to the conclusion that more bodily measurements than simple weight and height must be taken if useful information as to causes of the physique-disease relationship is to be obtained.
THE OXYGEN UPTAKE OF KIDNEY CORTEX SLICES OF THYROIDECTOMIZED RATS AS INFLUENCED BY TRIIODOTHYROACETIC ACID
Authors: VAN ZYL A. , ENGELBRECHT F. M.
Published: December 2008

Concentrations of triiodothyroacetic acid (TRIAC) of 1·5 × 10-6 m to 4·2 × 10-6 m appear to have an immediate stimulating effect on the oxygen uptake of kidney cortex slices of thyroidectomized rats but inhibit respiration afterwards under the conditions of the experiments described. Such a response could not be demonstrated when TRIAC of final concentrations between 7·0 × 10-7 m and 1·4 × 10-6 m was kept in contact with the slices for about ½ hr at 37° C or at 5° C.

The mean QO2 value of kidney cortex slices of thyroidectomized rats maintained on an iodine-deficient diet was appreciably less (4·7) than that of thyroidectomized rats on an ordinary diet (12·4), and such slices from iodine-deficient animals did not respond to concentrations of 6·4 × 10-7 m and 8·0 × 10-7 m solutions of TRIAC.

The respiration of kidney cortex slices of thyroidectomized rats was inhibited by TRIAC (10-6 m and 10-7 m) in the presence of bacteria to a greater extent than in their absence provided that the TRIAC was in contact with the material during the period of equilibration. A concentration of 10-8 m TRIAC inhibited the respiration of such slices by 10%, but did not do so in the presence of bacteria.

White light illumination did not stimulate the immediate oxygen uptake of kidney cortex slices of thyroidectomized rats.
THE VAGINAL SMEAR OF SENILE LABORATORY RATS
Authors: INGRAM D. L.
Published: December 2008

Rats aged 17 months or more did not undergo regular oestrous cycles during a period of 12 weeks when daily vaginal smears were taken. Vaginal cornification occurred at irregular intervals in most of the animals. Its incidence decreased following unilateral ovariectomy and temporarily increased following injections of gonadotrophin.

Acceptance of the male was rare and spasmodic and could not be correlated consistently with the presence of cornified cells in the vaginal smears.

Compensatory ovarian hypertrophy after unilateral ovariectomy occurred in all senile animals examined. The response of the vaginal epithelium to oestrogen did not appear to be less in senile than in young animals.
PROGESTERONE IN BLOOD
Authors: SHORT R. V.
Published: December 2008

Progesterone levels have been measured in the peripheral blood of pregnant and non-pregnant mares, and in umbilical cord blood collected during foaling. It was found that progesterone was readily detectable in the blood of pregnant and non-pregnant animals provided that there was a fully developed corpus luteum present in the ovaries. During the second half of gestation, when the ovaries have become fibrotic, progesterone was no longer detectable in the peripheral blood, even though it was present in high concentrations in umbilical cord blood.

The reasons for this apparent disappearance of progesterone from the maternal circulation are discussed, and it is concluded that during the second half of gestation placental progesterone probably exerts a local action on the uterus, without even entering the maternal circulation. This local action is made possible because of the diffuse, epithelio-chorial nature of the mare's placenta.
THE EFFECT OF GONADOTROPHINS AND ANDROGEN ON SPERMIOGENESIS IN THE IMMATURE RAT
Authors: WAKELING A.
Published: December 2008

Precocious differentiation of spermatids was induced in intact pre-pubertal rats aged 25 and 28 days by seven daily injections of 20 i.u. pregnant mares' serum (PMS). Injections of 10 i.u. PMS, various doses of chorionic gonadotrophin, androgen and extracts of human postmenopausal urine were not effective in accelerating the process of spermiogenesis.
FURTHER STUDIES ON THE SECRETION OF ALDOSTERONE BY THE RAT ADRENAL GLAND
Authors: SINGER BERTHA
Published: December 2008

1. In rats fed normal diets, the intravenous, subcutaneous or intraperitoneal administration of potassium chloride, either immediately or at graded intervals before the collection of adrenal vein blood, did not increase the secretion of aldosterone. In animals fed low salt diets, excess of dietary potassium did not result in an increase in the secretion of aldosterone.

2. Chloride deficiency in the diet, for a period of 2 weeks, did not affect the rate of aldosterone production.

3. The intravenous administration of hypertonic saline just prior to collection of adrenal vein blood did not affect the rate of aldosterone secretion, but substitution of saline for drinking water for a period of 1 week reduced it.

4. Production of metabolic acidosis resulted in increased secretion of aldosterone. Production of metabolic alkalosis did not affect it. It is concluded from these results that altering the intracellular electrolyte composition of skeletal muscle will not affect the secretion of aldosterone.

5. Removal of peripheral blood either 2 hr, or 26 + 2 hr, before collection of adrenal vein blood in animals fed normal or low salt diets did not influence the secretion of aldosterone. Neither did maintaining the blood volume, with freshly drawn rat blood, during the collection of adrenal vein blood.

6. It was not possible to prevent the release of ACTH associated with the collection of adrenal vein blood by the use of morphine.
SULPHUR METABOLISM IN THE PITUITARY AND HYPOTHALAMUS OF THE RAT: A STUDY OF RADIOISOTOPE-UPTAKE AFTER THE INJECTION OF 35S dl-CYSTEINE, METHIONINE, AND SODIUM SULPHATE
Authors: SLOPER J. C. , ARNOTT D. J. , KING BARBARA C.
Published: December 2008

1. The relative radioactivity of different parts of the pituitary and hypothalamus has been assessed with a flow counter, and, more satisfactorily, both visually and by granule-counts in autoradiographs. These experiments have involved 103 rats killed between 15 sec and 97 hr after the administration of 35S dl-cysteine, dl-methionine and sodium sulphate.

2. Subarachnoid injections proved more satisfactory than intraperitoneal or intracarotid ones. They were followed by the rapid localization of radioisotope in the adenohypophysis as well as in nervous tissue.

3. The early and marked uptake of radioisotope shown by the cell bodies of neurones in various nuclear regions, and in particular in the supraoptic nuclei, has been interpreted as evidence of active protein synthesis; this pattern of uptake was observed after the injection of labelled cysteine and methionine, but not sodium sulphate.

4. A similar, early, but less marked uptake of radioisotope was noted in the pars distalis after the injection of both cysteine and methionine. Only after the injection of methionine was there a marked uptake in the pars intermedia, and this was confined to its lateral border.

5. Uptake by the infundibular process of the neurohypophysis became greater than that in pars distalis or in the superjacent hypothalamus 9½ hr and longer after injection of labelled cysteine, but not methionine. This pattern of uptake was confirmed by granule counts in twenty-five animals.

6. It is suggested that the late neurohypophysial uptake of radioisotope reflects the storage in the nerve-terminals of the gland of slowly metabolizing proteins or polypeptides synthesized in the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclear regions. These substances probably include the posterior pituitary principles, since the latter are rich in cystine, but lack methionine.
GROWTH IN THE YOUNG HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED GUINEA-PIG
Authors: CLAYTON BARBARA E. , WORDEN JANET M.
Published: December 2008

1. Following hypophysectomy, young female guinea-pigs showed an initial fall in body weight followed by a steady increase for many months, although the mean growth curve never reached that of intact guinea-pigs. There was proportionately more growth in length than in body weight.

2. After hypophysectomy the adrenal glands did not increase in weight when the animals grew. The concentration of ascorbic acid in the adrenals was unchanged by hypophysectomy.

3. After hypophysectomy the thyroid glands showed a smaller increase in weight than in intact guinea-pigs.

4. Closure of the epiphyses was usually delayed by hypophysectomy.

5. In relation to body weight the abdominal fat pads were smaller in hypophysectomized than in intact guinea-pigs. The carcass contained a slightly increased percentage of total nitrogen but the percentages of fat and carbohydrate were not significantly different from those of intact guinea-pigs.

6. Although the absolute weights of the livers were less in hypophysectomized guinea-pigs compared with intact ones, their relative weights were the same. Hypophysectomy resulted in an increased percentage in the fat content of the liver, and no change in the percentages of carbohydrate or total nitrogen.

7. Hypophysectomized guinea-pigs showed insulin hypersensitivity for at least 5 weeks after operation, although it was reduced by the administration of cortisol. Three months after hypophysectomy this increased sensitivity was lost.
THE RESPONSE TO OVARIAN HORMONE ADMINISTRATION IN THE COW ESTIMATED FROM THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF CERVICAL SECRETIONS
Authors: GLOVER F. A.
Published: December 2008

Hexoestrol and progesterone were given to three ovariectomized cows and the consistency of mucus taken from the cervix uteri was measured. Whenever either of the hormones was clearly predominant, as in normal oestrus and during pregnancy, the pattern of changes in the consistency of the mucus found in the intact animal could be faithfully reproduced. Attempts to simulate the dioestrous phase gave indefinite results.

The levels of hormone administration corresponding to the different phases of the reproductive cycle varied from 0·1 to 0·8 mg/day for hexoestrol and 10–20 mg for progesterone, rising to 70 mg during attempts to simulate the last third of pregnancy. All hormones were given by daily subcutaneous injection. The 'oral/subcutaneous ratio' for hexoestrol, as judged by the consistency of cervical mucus, was found to be about 10.

During a separate experiment on intact heifers, it was observed that mucus much more like the normal type was produced by injections of oily solutions of hormones than by tablet implants or by injections of microcrystals.
SODIUM EXCRETION IN THE ADRENALECTOMIZED RAT AFTER INTRAVENOUS SALINE INFUSION
Authors: EDMONDS C. J.
Published: December 2008

The excretion of sodium, potassium and water, and the changes of glomerular filtration rate (g.f.r.) in response to intravenous infusions of hypertonic saline have been studied in normal and adrenalectomized rats.

The increase in sodium excretion in response to infusion was considerably depressed after adrenalectomy. It was not restored to normal by cortisone or cortisol administration, although the adrenalectomized rats treated with these steroids were able to excrete water after a water load as rapidly as normal rats.

Potassium excretion was increased to a similar extent by the infusions in both normal and adrenalectomized rats.

g.f.r. rose in both groups during the infusion but the rise was depressed by adrenalectomy. In both normal and adrenalectomized rats treated with cortisone, g.f.r. remained elevated throughout the infusion, but the initial rise was less rapid in the latter than in the normal animals. In adrenalectomized rats maintained on 1% saline only, the rise of g.f.r. was not sustained and by the 4th hr of infusion had fallen to the pre-infusion level. When i.v. cortisol was given immediately before the infusion, the initial rise of g.f.r. was restored to normal.

Comparison of the changes of g.f.r. with those of sodium excretion suggested that impairment of sodium excretion during the infusions was due, in part at least, to a change in renal tubular reabsorption of sodium following adrenalectomy.
SOME EFFECTS OF ARTIFICIAL CRYPTORCHIDISM ON THE ACCESSORY REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS OF THE RAT
Authors: CLEGG E. J.
Published: December 2008

Artificial cryptorchidism results in a short-lived increase in testicular hormone production which is evidenced by changes in the accessory reproductive organs. These changes include increases in organ weight, in citric acid and fructose production, and in cell height. Subsequently, there is a fall in hormone production, which continues at a fairly constant level.
STUDIES ON THE INFLUENCE OF ANABOLIC STEROIDS ON EXPERIMENTAL ATHEROMA: ANDROSTANOLONE
Authors: CAMPBELL R. S. F. , LAWRIE T. D. V. , McALPINE S. G. , PIRRIE R. , RIFKIND B.
Published: December 2008

The effect of androstanolone on experimentally induced atheroma in cockerels is described. It was found that daily doses of 5 and 25 mg over the last 3 weeks of an 8-week feeding experiment resulted in a significantly lower incidence of coronary atheroma. The incidence of aortic atheroma was not reduced but its severity appeared to be less. These results were obtained without a significant alteration in either the plasma cholesterol or phospholipid levels, or in the cholesterol/phospholipid ratio. The significance of the results is briefly discussed.
CHANGES IN ELECTROLYTES AND 17-OXOSTEROIDS IN THE RAT SUBJECTED TO COLD ENVIRONMENT
Authors: MUNDAY K. A. , BLANE G. F.
Published: December 2008

1. Transiently high plasma sodium and low potassium levels have been recorded in rats exposed to severe cold (0° C) for periods of up to 48 hr. At the same time the whole blood haematocrit value was reduced. No such changes occurred in similarly exposed adrenalectomized rats.

2. The Na/K ratio of urine produced by rats during the first 12 hr of exposure was found to be abnormally low, i.e. suggestive of sodium retention with potassium loss.

3. A rapid increase in urinary 17-oxosteroid (17-KS) output was shown to occur in rats exposed to cold, but the level falls to subnormal levels within 36–48 hr and remains subnormal even though the cold stress continues to act.

4. These observations have been tentatively interpreted as evidence of early adrenal hyperactivity with release of hormones of the 'mineralocorticoid-type' during the acute stress caused by cold.
PERIPHERAL EFFECTS OF l-THYROXINE ON HAIR GROWTH AND COLORATION IN CATTLE
Authors: BERMAN A.
Published: December 2008

An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that thyroid secretion may have a direct effect on hair growth and coloration in cattle, offering a common basis both for photoperiodic and thermally induced changes in the coat.

600 μg l-thyroxine were applied daily over an area of 100 cm2 of the left lumbar region of six cows for 46 days, and an identical amount of solvent to the corresponding area of the right lumbar region which served as a control. The cows were subjected to a constant day length of 12 hr, a constant air temperature (31·7±0·8° C) and constant relative humidity (69·0 ± 5·6%). Hair growth was determined by the weight of hair grown on the 100 cm2 areas during the experimental period after an initial clipping. The amount of pigment in 100 mg hair was determined spectrophotometrically following digestion of hair in 0·5 n-NaOH.

The topical application of l-thyroxine increased hair growth by 18% and pigmentation by 18·7% above the values on the control areas. This suggests a possible role of the thyroid in the control of the annual cycle in hair growth and shedding in cattle.
A STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF OVARIECTOMY, OESTROGEN AND PROGESTERONE ON THE MELANOCYTES AND MELANIN IN THE SKIN OF THE FEMALE GUINEA-PIG
Authors: BISCHITZ P. G. , SNELL R. S.
Published: December 2008

1. The effects of ovariectomy, oestrogen and progesterone on the melanocytes and melanin in the skin of the ear, anterior abdominal wall, areola, and sole of foot have been studied in pure black and pure red guinea-pigs.

2. Following ovariectomy the melanin content of the melanocytes was reduced and many of the melanocytes became smaller in size and had shortened dendritic processes. Some melanocytes had a deformed appearance, which varied from a minor irregularity of the cell contour to an advanced degree of cell collapse with fragmentation of the dendritic processes. A significant reduction of the melanocyte count occurred only in the areola, and this was accompanied by a reduction in the amount of free melanin.

3. In the ovariectomized animals which received oestrogen the amount of melanin was increased both inside and outside the melanocytes in all the regions. The greatest increase occurred in the areola where it was mainly due to a large increase of free melanin. In the nonsexual skin areas there was a smaller increase of free melanin but a greater increase in melanin within the melanocytes. No statistically significant changes in the counts were produced in any of the skin regions.

4. In the ovariectomized animals which received progesterone the amount and depth of colour of the melanin increased both within and outside the melanocytes and this was most marked in the ear. No statistically significant changes in the counts were produced in any of the skin regions. The general effect produced by progesterone was found to be less than that which occurred after oestrogen.
OESTROGEN ANTAGONISMS: THE EFFECTS OF OESTRIOL AND 16-EPIOESTRIOL ON OESTRONE-INDUCED UTERINE GROWTH IN SPAYED RATS
Authors: EDGREN R. A. , CALHOUN D. W.
Published: December 2008

Studies on spayed rats treated simultaneously with mixtures of oestrone and oestriol showed that at low dose levels of oestrone the minor uterine growth response produced is augmented by oestriol; at intermediate doses of oestrone the response is inhibited by oestriol. Large doses of oestrone appear to be unaffected. 16-Epioestriol would appear to show a somewhat similar pattern of activities. We believe that these data suggest that oestriol, and perhaps 16-epioestriol, may act as a sort of biological buffer for the stronger oestrogens, maintaining the uterus when titres of the stronger oestrogens are low, restricting their actions when they are relatively high.
THE EFFECT OF ADRENAL STEROIDS UPON THE SECRETION OF HYPOTONIC URINE BY THE RAT
Authors: KENNEDY G. C.
Published: December 2008

After destruction of the supraoptico-hypophysial tracts, rats drank up to twice their body weight of water daily. Subsequent adrenalectomy diminished their polyuria, but they continued to excrete abnormal quantities of urine which was slightly hypotonic to plasma. Cortisone alone caused a small and usually transient increase in the urine output of doubly operated rats, but deoxycortone alone almost restored the pre-adrenalectomy output. Full polyuria was restored by treatment with both steroids. Deoxycortone appeared to act directly on the distal tubule, where it stimulated the release of osmotically free water. Cortisone probably acted in part indirectly through an antagonism with antidiuretic hormone.
A METHOD FOR THE ESTIMATION OF OESTRIOL, OESTRONE AND OESTRADIOL-17β IN THE BLOOD OF THE PREGNANT WOMAN AND OF THE FOETUS
Authors: ROY EVELINE J. , BROWN J. B.
Published: December 2008

A chemical method for the estimation of oestriol, oestrone and oestradiol-17β in the blood of the pregnant woman and of the foetus is described. It is based on a method previously developed for urine and involves acid hydrolysis of whole blood, extraction of the phenolic fraction, methylation, chromatography on alumina columns and colorimetric measurement using a micro-modification of the Kober reaction. Kober-chromogenic impurities in the final extracts are derived from the procedure, not from the blood, and are eliminated by the spectrophotometric correction of Allen. The accuracy, precision, sensitivity and specificity of the method have been determined.
THE EFFECT OF CERTAIN THYROXINE ANALOGUES ON THE SERUM LIPIDS IN HUMAN SUBJECTS
Authors: BOYD G. S. , OLIVER M. F.
Published: December 2008

1. Certain analogues of thyroxine have been administered to twenty-six hypothyroid patients and 132 euthyroid hypercholesterolaemic men with coronary heart disease. The analogues studied were d-thyroxine, 3:5:3′:5′-tetraiodothyroformic acid, 3:5:3′:5′-tetraiodothyronamine, 3:5:3′-triiodo-l-thyronine, 3:5:3′-triiodo-d-thyronine, 3:5:3′-triiodothyroacetic acid, 3:5-diiodo-l-thyronine, 3:5-diiodo-d-thyronine and 3:5-diiodothyroacetic acid.

2. In both hypothyroid and euthyroid patients, most of these analogues reduced the serum cholesterol without necessarily elevating the basal metabolic rate (b.m.r.). Nevertheless, in euthyroid patients with coronary heart disease several produced angina in the absence of any change in b.m.r. and this has been regarded as a sign of increased myocardial metabolism insufficient to be reflected in the overall measure of b.m.r. of all tissues. The possible differential effect of these analogues on the oxygen requirements of various tissues is discussed.

3. Although it has been possible to maintain low cholesterol levels for periods up to 3 months during the administration of several of these analogues, the dose required for this purpose was often so close to the dose which provoked angina that most cannot be recommended for widespread administration for the reduction of the hypercholesterolaemia frequently found in patients who have coronary heart disease. d-Thyroxine may prove to be an exception and requires further clinical assessment.
EFFECT OF COMPOUNDS RELATED TO THYROXINE ON SERUM AND LIVER CHOLESTEROL AND ON ATHEROSCLEROSIS AND HEART WEIGHTS IN RATS AND MICE
Authors: CUTHBERTSON W. F. J. , ELCOATE P. V. , IRELAND D. M. , MILLS D. C. B. , SHEARLEY PATRICIA
Published: December 2008

1. Methods are described for comparing the activity of compounds related to thyroxine in controlling the increases in cholesterol concentration in the serum and in the liver, and the increased sudanophilia in the cardiovascular system, after feeding diets containing cholesterol, choline, fat and cholic acid.

2. The three test procedures described placed the compounds tested in a similar order of activity. Little activity could be detected in compounds not containing an iodine atom at both the 3 and 5 positions in the molecule. Compounds with iodine atoms at the 3:5:3′ positions were more active than those substituted at the 3:5:3′:5′ positions, which in turn were more active than the 3:5 di-substituted compounds. The l isomers of 3:5:3′-triiodo-thyronine and thyroxine were more active than the d isomers, but 3:5-diiodo-d-thyronine was as active as 3:5-diiodo-l-thyronine.

3. Methods are also described for comparing the activity of the same compounds in causing ventricular enlargement in mice maintained on a stock diet and in rats maintained on a diet containing added fat, cholesterol, choline and cholic acid or on a stock diet with added thiouracil.

4. The tests involving ventricular hypertrophy placed all the compounds tested in approximately the same order of activity, broadly similar to that shown in published results obtained by the oxygen consumption rate or antigoitrogenic tests. Little, if any, activity could be detected except in compounds with iodine atoms at both the 3 and 5 positions in the molecule. Compounds with iodine atoms at the 3:5:3′ positions were more active than the corresponding compounds with iodine atoms at the 3:5:3′:5′ positions, which in turn were more active than the 3:5 di-substituted products. Iodinated l-thyronine derivatives were more active than the corresponding thyroacetic acid compounds, which in turn were more active than the thyroformic acid derivatives. Iodinated l-thyronine derivatives were more active than the d-isomers.

5. The ratio of the activity of a compound in preventing elevation of serum cholesterol to its effect on the heart was about three times as great for some, such as 3:5-diiodo-d-thyronine and d-thyroxine, as for others, such as 3:5:3′-triiodo-l-thyronine and l-thyroxine.
REVERSAL OF DIURNAL RHYTHMS OF WATER AND ELECTROLYTE EXCRETION IN MAN
Authors: SHARP G. W. G.
Published: December 2008

1. In Spitsbergen, with Arctic summer conditions of 24 hr daylight, an investigation of the diurnal rhythms of water and electrolyte excretion has been carried out in six human subjects. Diet, activity and lighting were carefully controlled in a study of the effect of reversal of the activity—sleep routine upon these rhythms.

2. All subjects showed the same general pattern of diurnal rhythm and reversal after inversion of routine.

3. The time taken for the excretory rhythms to reverse varied in individual subjects, but for any one subject the rhythms for the elimination of water, sodium and potassium reversed in phase with each other. This suggests that one prime factor is controlling the rhythm.

4. The rhythms are dependent upon habit and environment.

5. The significance of these findings and their possible relationship to adrenocortical activity are discussed.
PITUITARY GRAFTS AND MILK SECRETION IN HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED RATS
Authors: COWIE A. T. , TINDAL J. S. , BENSON G. K.
Published: December 2008

Lactating rats were implanted under the kidney capsule or in the anterior chamber of the eye with pituitary tissue obtained from their 7–8-day-old sucklings. These rats were again mated and were hypophysectomized on the 4th day of their second lactation. Injections of oxytocin were given thrice daily to induce milk ejection. In such rats the pituitary grafts under the kidney capsule gave a slight temporary maintenance of milk secretion. Substantial increases in the amount of milk and in the duration of milk secretion were obtained when the grafted animals were given daily injections of adrenocorticotrophin. The administration of antidiuretic hormone failed to increase significantly the milk yield of grafted animals. These observations are consistent with the view that such pituitary grafts secrete prolactin.
AN INVESTIGATION OF THE POSSIBLE PRECURSORS OF URINARY PREGNANETRIOL
Authors: FOTHERBY K. , LOVE D. N.
Published: December 2008

The conversion of three possible precursors of pregnanetriol, namely 11-deoxycortisol, 3β,17α-dihydroxypregn-5-en-20-one and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, to pregnanetriol has been studied quantitatively. After the intravenous injection of pregnanetriol, 66% of the dose was recovered as pregnanetriol in urine. The amounts of the three possible precursors converted to pregnanetriol were 0, 8 and 35% of the injected dose, respectively.

Evidence is presented to show that the pregnanetriol excreted after the injection of 3β,17α-dihydroxypregn-5-en-20-one was 5β-pregnance-3α,17α,20α-triol. The excretion of dehydroepiandrosterone was not increased by the injection of 3β,17α-dihydroxypregn-5-en-20-one.
CHANGES IN THE ADRENAL AND PITUITARY GLAND IN EXPERIMENTAL MALNUTRITION
Authors: ADAMS C. W. M. , FERNAND V. S. V. , SCHNIEDEN H.
Published: December 2008

1. An investigation has been made of the effects of malnutrition produced by a diet of cassava on the adrenal cortex and hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system of rodents.

2. The renal response to isotonic saline was impaired in the malnourished animals. A reduction in adrenal ascorbic acid and in neurohypophysial pressor content also occurred.

3. In response to an intravenous isotonic saline load, adrenalectomized animals were unable to excrete as great a volume of urine as sham-operated controls, but no differences were detected in urinary sodium output.

4. In the malnourished animals, histochemical observation revealed a fall in adrenal alkaline phosphatase activity and impaired synthesis and secretion of neurosecretory material in the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system.

5. From the evidence presented it is likely that the reduced renal response to isotonic saline in the malnourished animals reflects a disturbance in the adrenal cortex rather than increased secretion of antidiuretic hormone.