bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SQUALENE AND LANOSTEROL SYNTHESIS IN THE FOETO-PLACENTAL UNIT AT MIDGESTATION
Authors: van Leusden H. A. , Siemerink M. , Telegdy G. , Diczfalusy E.
Published: December 2008

In order to investigate the synthesis of squalene and lanosterol in the human foeto-placental unit at midgestation, two complete foeto-placental units, two isolated midgestation foetuses and two isolated midgestation placentas were perfused with [14C] sodium acetate immediately following their removal at laparotomy. The perfusions were carried out at 36°C for 90 minutes, administering 5.0 mCi (foeto-placental units), or 2.5 mCi (separate perfusions of foetuses or placentas) amounts of [14C] sodium acetate.

Chromatographic evidence indicated the presence of [14C] squalene-like material in the extracts of all adrenals and livers. Radiochemically homogeneous squalene was isolated in the form of squalene dodecabromide from one adrenal and two liver extracts, which were studied more in detail. In the extracts of all placentas, testicles, carcasses and perfusates, the presence of any [14C] squalene was excluded by crystallization.

Sufficient material for the identification of [14C] lanosterol was present in the extracts of three adrenals, three livers, four testicles and two carcasses. From all these extracts radiochemically homogeneous [14C]-lanosterol was isolated. The [14C] lanosterol-like material present in all perfusates was so limited that it precluded further identification.

In the extracts of three placentas, the presence of any [14C] lanosterol was excluded by crystallization. From the extract of a separately perfused placenta a minute amount of radiochemically homogeneous [14C] lanosterol was isolated.

It is concluded that the midgestation human foetus is capable of synthesizing major quantities of squalene and lanosterol. Little, if any, squalene and lanosterol are formed by the midgestation human placenta.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE FORMATION AND CONVERSION OF ANDROGENIC HORMONES IN THE RAT ADRENAL GLAND
Authors: Koref O. , Steczek K. , Fehér T.
Published: December 2008

Incubated rat adrenal slices failed to convert cholesterol, pregnenolone and 17-OH-progesterone into C19-steroids under the experimental conditions used. Dehydroepiandrosterone was converted to androstenedione and 11-OH-androstenedione. The formation of androstenedione and 11-OH-androstenedione could also be demonstrated by using testosterone precursor. Corticotrophin in vitro did not affect the rate of conversion and the amount of 11-hydroxylated derivative increased when ATP was also added to the medium. Human chorionic gonadotrophin enhanced 11-hydroxylation in the presence of ATP. Inhibition of 11β-hydroxylase activity by metopirone was not affected by ATP.
UPTAKE AND BINDING IN VIVO OF 3H LABELLED ANDROGEN IN THE RAT EPIDIDYMIS AND DUCTUS DEFERENS
Authors: Hansson Vidar , Tveter Kjell J.
Published: December 2008

Following the administration of [3H] testosterone and [3H]5α-dihydrotestosterone to adult castrated male rats, a selective uptake of androgen was found in the epididymis and ductus deferens,in contrast to the much lower uptake by skeletal muscle. Simultaneous administration of non-labelled androgen reduced the uptake in the epididymis and ductus deferens by about 60–70 per cent. One day after castration, the uptake in the epididymis was about 54 per cent higher than in the intact animals. The 105 000 × g supernatant fraction of homogenates obtained from both the ductus deferens and the epididymis, contained androphilic macromolecules excluded from Sephadex G-100 gel.

The 600 × g crude nuclear fraction of homogenized epididymal tissue contained salt extractable androgen binding macromolecules.
ANTIBODY RESPONSE IN THE GUINEA PIG AGAINST IODINATED PIG INSULIN PREPARATIONS
Authors: Andersen O. Ortved , Brunfeldt K. , Hansen B. A.
Published: December 2008

Guinea pigs are immunized with pig insulin with an iodine content of 0–10.4 127I/mole. It is shown that a qualitatively different antibody formation occurs against the various 127I-insulin preparations. It is also demonstrated that labelling with 125I of the 127Iliodinated insulin does not introduce any detectable changes in the reactivity with the corresponding antisera.
AN ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC STUDY OF NORMAL AND NEOPLASTIC ACIDOPHIL CELLS OF THE RAT PITUITARY
Authors: Schelin U. , Lundin P. M.
Published: December 2008

The morphology of normal and neoplastic acidophil cells of the rat pituitary has been studied by electron microscopy with special reference to the size and shape of the secretory granules. In the female rats, pregnant or non-pregnant, growth hormone (GH) cells and prolactin cells are easily separated, but in the male rats this separation is very uncertain. Acidophil tumours with granules similar to the GH type or to the prolactin type can be induced with stilboestrol treatment. These results indicate a close relationship between the two types of acidophil cells. They may be derived from a common progenitor which can be differentiated into either GH or prolactin cell or they may represent one cell type capable of producing both hormones.
EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES LEADING TO A RELATIVE ACCUMULATION OF NON-THYROGLOBULIN THYROIDAL IODOCOMPOUNDS IN RAT THYROID GLANDS
Authors: Kohler H. , Haeberli A. , Binswanger Ch. , von Gruenigen C. , Studer H.
Published: December 2008

A small amount (3–4 per cent) of the homogenate of normal rat thyroid glands, labelled with radioiodine, resists enzymatic digestion by pancreatin and pronase and remains at the origin in alkaline and acid paper chromatography (»origin material«). Under certain conditions the pancreatin resistant compound can account for over 50 per cent of intrathyroidal iodine. The percentage of labelled origin material increases when the interval between single shot labelling and enzymatic digestion of the gland is extended to several days or weeks. The phenomenon is even more pronounced when the rats are kept on a low iodine diet (LID) during the whole experiment. Furthermore a relative increase of the labelled iodinated material occurs when rat thyroid glands are blocked with a thyrostatic drug or labelled to near isotopic equilibrium instead of short term labelling only. If the rats are kept on LID during the equilibration procedure, the relative concentration of origin material will again exceed that found in the thyroids of the control rats kept on HID.

Autoradiography revealed that the centre of a PTU-blocked thyroid gland contains little radioactivity whereas large amounts of labelled colloid remain in the peripheral follicles. Mechanical separation of the peripheral layers from the thyroid core indicates that the enzyme resistant material is located mainly in hypcrplastic follicles. Ultracentrifugation studies have shown that the substance is heterogeneous. A small fraction is sedimented at low centrifugal speed, the bulk, however, remains in the supernatant and is of low molecular weight as shown by sucrose density centrifugation and sephadex gel filtration.
ANTIGONADOTROPHIC PROFILE OF ANTISERA AGAINST HUMAN GONADOTROPHIN PREPARATIONS
Authors: Petrusz P. , Robyn C. , Diczfalusy E.
Published: December 2008

Forty-two antisera were prepared in rabbits against human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG), human hypophysial gonadotrophin (HHG), human urinary luteinizing hormone (LH) and human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG) preparations. The gonadotrophic profiles of the antigens were previously characterized by bioassay, immunoassay and bioimmunoassay methods.

The 25 most potent antisera were tested in statistically valid bioassays for their HCG and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) neutralizing activities as well as for their neutralizing potencies against the FSH-like activity present in HCG preparations.

The anti-HCG/anti-FSH ratios of the anti-HCG sera tested varied between 6.2 and > 254, while those of the anti-HHG, anti-LH and anti-HMG sera were close to 2. It was found that the total dose of immunological activity (anti-HCG neutralizing and anti-FSH neutralizing potency) rather than that of the biological activity administered to the rabbits was decisive for obtaining antisera with high anti-HCG and anti-FSH titers. Immunization with a highly purified HCG preparation (> 17 000 IU/mg) resulted in antisera exhibiting lower anti-HCG/anti-FSH ratios than did immunization with partially purified preparations. A highly purified urinary LH preparation which did not contain any detectable FSH activity gave rise to antisera exhibiting anti-HCG/anti-FSH ratios of approximately 2.0. These highly purified HCG and LH preparations were shown previously to possess high anti-FSH neutralizing potencies (Petrusz et al. 1971b).

Booster injections did not change significantly the quality or the titer of the antigonadotrophic sera studied.

The HCG neutralizing potency of anti-HCG sera was approximately 3 times higher when assayed against a highly purified HCG preparation (> 17 000 IU/mg) as compared to potency estimates obtained against the laboratory standard of HCG (about 2000 IU/mg). It is suggested that consideration should be given to the establishment of standard preparations of antigonadotrophic sera.

It is concluded that bioimmunoassays are more suitably than conventional bioassay methods for the assessment of the antigenic purity of human gonadotrophin preparations.
URINARY EXCRETION OF MONO- AND DISULPHATES OF C19 AND C21 STEROIDS WITH REFERENCE TO THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE
Authors: Jänne Olli
Published: December 2008

The urinary excretion of mono- and disulphates of C19 and C21 steroids was determined in seven women during the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. The enhanced production of progesterone during the postovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle was reflected in the appearance of 5α-pregnane-3β,20α-diol disulphate in the urine of all the women studied, in amounts ranging from 26 to 206 μg/24 h. In addition, the urinary excretion of epiandrosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, 16α-hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone and 3β,17β-dihydroxy-5-androsten-16-one as well as of total C19O2 17-ketosteroids and of total 16-oxygenated ketonic C19 steroids was significantly higher during the luteal than during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. The increase in the excretion of dehydroepiandrosterone and 16α-hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone sulphates were quantitatively very similar, the mean increase being 314 and 350 μg/24 h, respectively.
BEEINFLUSSUNG DER OVARIALFUNKTION ERWACHSENER WEIBLICHER RATTEN DURCH NEONATALE BEHANDLUNG MIT VERSCHIEDENEN STEROIDEN MIT BEKANNTER GESTAGENWIRKUNG
Authors: Cupceancu B. , Neumann F. , Steinbeck H.
Published: December 2008

The influence of a single neonatal dose of synthetic gestagens on the differentiation of the gonadotrophin-secretion pattern was studied. Norethindrone acetate, norethindrone oenanthate and ethinodiol diacetate established an acyclic male pattern of gonadotrophin secretion, as evidenced by permanent vaginal oestrus, lack of corpora lutea in the ovaries and lasting sterility. The same syndrome was also caused by neonatal allylestrenol and medroxyprogesterone acetate treatment, although with higher doses. The effect of norethandrolone was less pronounced. The vaginal cycle and the ovary were not influenced by neonatal treatment with megestrol acetate, norgestrol, gestonorone caproate, chlormadinone acetate or clomegestone acetate. However, fertility was distinctly decreased in animals treated with the last mentioned steroids – with the exception of chlormadinone acetate.
UPTAKE AND BINDING OF 5α-DIHYDROTESTOSTERONE IN RAT VENTRAL PROSTATE IN VIVO
Authors: Hansson Vidar , Tveter Kjell J. , Attramadal Arne
Published: December 2008

Following the intravenous administration of [3H] 5α-dihydrotestosterone to adult castrated male rats, the highest uptake of radioactivity was found in the liver and the prostate, in contrast to the much lower uptake in muscle tissue and blood. The results were essentially the same as after the administration of [3H] testosterone. The uptake in the prostate was, however, retained for a long period of time, while the concentration of radioactivity in the liver decreased rapidly after administration and was already lower than that in the prostate after 30 minutes.

After the injection of [3H] 5α-dihydrotestosterone in vivo, the labelled adrogen was found to be associated with macromolecules in the prostatic cytosol and with salt extractable nuclear macromolecules.
POTENCY ESTIMATES OF HUMAN GONADOTROPHINS BY A BIOASSAY AND THREE IMMUNOASSAY METHODS
Authors: Robyn C. , L'Hermite M. , Petrusz P. , Diczfalusy E.
Published: December 2008

Human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG), human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG) and human hypophysial gonadotrophin (HHG) preparations were assayed by a bioassay and three immunoassay methods. The bioassay method was based on the increase in weight of the accessory reproductive organs of immature male rats. The immunoassays included haemagglutination inhibition, a radioimmunoassay using the double antibody technique and a solid phase radioimmunoassay using coated tubes. The same anti-HCG serum was employed in all immunoassays.

When relatively crude HCG preparations (< 6000 IU/mg) were assayed, there was a highly significant (P < 0.001) correlation between the estimates obtained by all methods. However, when highly purified HCG preparations (> 6000 IU/mg) were assayed, the bioassay gave significantly higher potency estimates than the immunoassays. Furthermore, the estimates obtained by radioimmunoassays were significantly higher than those obtained by haemagglutination inhibition. However, the results obtained by the two radioimmunoassays showed a highly significant (P < 0.001) correlation.

The regression coefficient of the line relating the logit transform of the response to loge, of the dose was significantly higher (b =−1.700±0.7322)) in assays employing the double antibody technique (a non-equilibrium system) than in solid phase (b =−0.945 ± 0.116) immunoassays (an equilibrium system).

When highly purified HCG preparations were assayed by the double antibody technique, the regression coefficients were significantly higher than those obtained with the standard preparations.

In relation to their biological activity, HMG preparations contained much less immunological activity, than HHG preparations. In addition, the regression lines obtained with HCG, HMG and HHG preparations showed significant deviations from parallelism when estimated by radioimmunoassays.

The precision and sensitivity of the four assay methods increased in the following order: bioassay, haemagglutination inhibition, solid phase radioimmunoassay and radioimmunoassay involving the use of the double antibody technique.

It is concluded that in relation to their biological activity, marked differences exist in the immunological activities of highly purified and relatively crude HCG preparations. In addition, the immunological activities of HCG, HMG and HHG preparations are dissimilar, when immunoassayed by the use of an anti-HCG serum.
RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN PHYSICO-CHEMICAL, IMMUNOLOGICAL AND BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHIN
Authors: Matthies D. L. , Diczfalusy E.
Published: December 2008

Gel filtration of pregnancy urine on Sephadex G-100 separates two molecular species related to human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG). One is a slightly retarded fraction which possesses biological activity but little or no immunological activity. The other is a highly retarded fraction which possesses immunological activity but no detectable biological activity. The highly retarded material could not be detected in pregnancy serum nor in extracts of first trimester placentas. A nonpregnant woman injected intravenously with purified HCG which displayed only slight retardation on the column produced urine which contained the highly retarded material. Experiments are described, the results of which suggest that the highly retarded material is a separate component of urine, probably generated by the kidney.
THE EARLY ANTIBODY RESPONSE TO HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE
Authors: Warner Stanley M. , Frasier S. Douglas
Published: December 2008

The development of antibodies to human growth hormone (HGH) was studied in three growth hormone deficient patients utilizing specific antisera to Ig G and Ig M immunoglobulins. At 2½ weeks after beginning growth hormone administration binding of HGH131I to Ig M (12.1–16.3 %) and Ig G (8.8–11.2 %) immunoglobulins was demonstrated. At 13 weeks after the onset of therapy binding to Ig M had decreased (7.2-9.4 %) and the binding to Ig G had increased (11.2–15.7 %). The binding of HGH131I to immunoglobulins was inhibited by unlabelled HGH. These findings, which are typical of the sequential development of antibodies of different immunoglobulin classes seen in the early antibody response, strengthen the concept that the binding of HGH131I to plasma proteins observed in response to HGH therapy represents the development of specific antibody.
THE EFFECT OF CORTICOTROPHIN ON THE RAT UTERINE WEIGHT RESPONSE TO HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHIN
Authors: Hipkin L. J.
Published: December 2008

The activity of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) in the mouse uterus assay is augmented by the daily injection of corticotrophin (ACTH). This phenomenon has been further investigated in the rat.

Synthetic ACTH (75μg) and dehydroepiandrosterone (1.0 mg) augmented responses to 0.1 IU, 0.2 IU and 0.4 IU HCG in the rat uterus assay. The basal uterine weight was also elevated by the treatment. This effect could not be demonstrated in castrated or hypophysectomised animals, and in the latter the response to HCG was not augmented. Cortisone and corticosterone did not affect HCG assay.

Cortisone administration did not suppress the augmenting effect of either carbon tetrachloride or urine extract administration on HCG activity. Mean uterine weights from bilaterally adrenalectomised rats were significantly higher than those from intact or sham operated animals.

The results are discussed with reference to the augmentation of HCG activity produced by non-specific stressful procedures.
A RAPID TEST OF ADRENOCORTICAL FUNCTION USING HOMACTID (SYNTHETIC αh1–28 ACTH)
Authors: Woodings D. F. , Young P.
Published: December 2008

As a short test of adrenocortical function, plasma cortisol values were determined before, and 15 and 30 minutes after, a single intravenous injection of 10 μg of a synthetic polypeptide αh1–28 ACTH (HOMACTID) given between 9 and 10 a. m. Its usefulness in a screening test to exclude primary adrenocortical insufficiency is suggested based on a single plasma corticosteroid concentration obtained 30 minutes after the HOMACTID injection, a normal response being a level of greater than 19 μg/100 ml at this time.

In 30 control subjects the mean plasma cortisol level rose by 8.9 (± se 0.8) μg/100 ml at 15 minutes and 12.0 (± se 0.9) μg/100 ml at 30 minutes from a resting value of 15.5 (± se 1.1) μg/100 ml.

HOMACTID can thus be used as a quick test of adrenal function in the same way as Synacthen®.
IMMUNOASSAY OF HUMAN PITUITARY LUTEINIZING HORMONE (LH) IN URINE. A COMPARISON BETWEEN A HAEMAGGLUTINATION AND RADIOIMMUNOSORBENT METHOD
Authors: Hobson Bruce
Published: December 2008

A modified haemagglutination inhibition test (Luteonosticon) was used to estimate human pituitary LH in urines from 66 women and 2 men. The results were compared with those obtained by a radioimmunosorbent method on the same urine samples. The correlation between the results of the two methods was highly significant (P < 0.001).
OXYDATION DES ANABOLIKUMS 1-METHYL-ANDROST-1-EN-17β-OL-3-ON MIT WASSERSTOFFTRANSFER AUF ÖSTRON
Authors: Wenzel Martin
Published: December 2008

With the aid of metenolon-17α-T a tritium-transfer to oestrone in rat liver slices was demonstrated. This tritium-transfer from metenolon17α-T to oestrone yielding tritium-labelled oestradiol had a higher efficiency in male than in female rat liver. Correspondingly in the presence of metenolon the relation of oestrone to oestradiol is changed more in male than in female rat liver.

Looking for biochemical differences between the anabolic steroid metenolon and testosterone the oxydation at C17 was measured in different organs of the rat using 17α-T-labelled steroids. The highest oxydation rate was found for both steroids in the liver. In the sexual organs of male rats the oxydation rate of testosterone was 50–10 times higher than that of the anabolic steroid. This difference was less in sexual organs of female rats.

This result of a greater biochemical difference between both steroids in males than in females leads to the question, whether the dissociation between the anabolic and the androgen effects is higher in males than in females.
FAILLURE TO DETECT 3β,11β,17α,21-TETRAHYDROXY-5-PREGNEN-20-ONE IN PLASMA OBTAINED FROM HUMAN UMBILICAL CORDS AND HUMAN INFANT URINE
Authors: Melville Edith , Kelly R. W. , Mitchell F. L.
Published: December 2008

A possible pathway for the synthesis of cortisol in utero and in early infancy, via Δ5 steroidal intermediates has been suggested by the tentative identification of hydroxylated derivatives of 3β-hydroxy-5-pregnen-20-one. The penultimate compound in such a pathway (3β,11β,17α,21-tetrahydroxy-5-pregnen-20-one) has been searched for in blood from umbilical cords and in infant urine. None could be detected at a level of 0.5 μg/100 ml.
INFLUENCE OF DYDROGESTERONE (6-DEHYDRORETROPROGESTERONE, DUPHASTON®) ON OVULATION IN THE RAT, RABBIT AND MONKEY
Authors: Claassen V. , Morsink L. , de Wachter A. M.
Published: December 2008

The effect of dydrogesterone on ovulation has been studied in several experiments in the rat, rabbit and monkey and compared with progesterone and chlormadinone acetate.

In rats the effect of dydrogesterone is comparable to that of sc progesterone in that it can both induce and delay ovulation. In rabbits, dydrogesterone, in contrast to progesterone, only weakly inhibits induced ovulation.

In monkeys, dydrogesterone apparently does not interfere with ovulation when administered im in doses of 0.2 mg/kg twice daily from day 5 onwards in the cycle.
ADRENOCORTICAL RESPONSE TO ETHANOL IN MICE: MODIFICATION BY CHRONIC ETHANOL CONSUMPTION
Authors: Kakihana R. , Butte J. C. , Hathaway A. , Noble E. P.
Published: December 2008

The effect of chronic ethanol consumption (10 % in water, v/v) on the adrenocortical response to acute injection of ethanol (1.6 g/kg) is studied in C57BL mice. The chronic consumption of ethanol resulted in the alteration of the temporal pattern of the adrenocortical response with peak corticosterone elevation occurring at 20 minutes and significantly lower levels than in the controls at all time points studied thereafter. This alteration of the pituitary-adrenal system demonstrated by the low plasma corticosterone level 60 minutes after alcohol injection takes place as quickly as after one week of ethanol consumption but deadaptation of this endocrine response is slower than the adaptation process. Data are presented to indicate that alcohol metabolism, adrenal sensitivity, and corticosterone turnover are not likely to be factors responsible for the differences in the steroid levels in ethanol-adapted and non-adapted mice.
INFLUENCE OF THE LITHIUM ION ON THE BIOSYNTHESIS OF THYROXINE AND THYROGLOBULIN IN THE RAT
Authors: Ljunggren J.-G. , Sedvall G. , Levin K. , Fyrö B.
Published: December 2008

Rats were treated intraperitoneally (ip) with saline, lithium chloride or propylthiouracil (PTU) for two weeks. The uptake of iodine-125 and iodine-131 into the thyroid gland was markedly reduced by PTU and lithium treatment. PB125I was significantly reduced after lithium and PTU, as was the PBI. There was no evidence for an inhibitory effect of lithium on the biosynthesis of thyroxine or thyroglobulin. Thyroxine synthesis was markedly affected by PTU-treatment. The iodination of tyrosine was particularly reduced.
EFFECTS OF LOCAL APPLICATION OF TESTOSTERONE, TESTOSTERONE PROPIONATE OR 5α-DIHYDROTESTOSTERONE INTO THE SEMINAL VESICLE OF IMMATURE AND ADULT CASTRATE RATS
Authors: Fujii Tomoko , Nakazawa Reiko
Published: December 2008

Testosterone, testosterone propionate or 5α-dihydrotestosterone injected into the lumen of the seminal vesicle of 4-week-old or adult castrate rats failed to stimulate the growth of the seminal vesicle in doses of 0.02 to 50 μg when the steroids were dissolved in 50 to 70 % propylene glycol. Only a larger amount of the steroids in propylene glycol, 300 μg per lobe, produced an increase in the weight of the seminal vesicle of adult castrate rats. The application of 10 μg of each steroid in olive oil, however, stimulated the growth of the seminal vesicle in immature castrate rats 24 and 48 h after treatment.

The instillation of testosterone, testosterone propionate or 5α-dihydrotestosterone dissolved in olive oil into the lumen of the seminal vesicle of immature castrate rats produced a greater increase in the weight of the ventral prostate than in the seminal vesicle. When 10 μg of the steroid was instilled, the weight of the seminal vesicle increased by 25 % above the control value, whereas the increase in the prostate was more than 50 % above the control value at 24 h. The prostate responded with increased growth after the steroids were injected into the lumen of the ligated lobes of the seminal vesicle of adult castrate rats. Testosterone was less effective than testosterone propionate or 5α-dihydrotestosterone.
EFFECT OF ANTI-ANDROGENS ON THE UPTAKE AND BINDING OF ANDROGEN BY HUMAN BENIGN NODULAR PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA IN VITRO
Authors: Hansson Vidar , Tveter Kjell J.
Published: December 2008

The effect of anti-androgenic compounds on the uptake and binding of androgen in human benign nodular prostatic hyperplasia was studied in vitro.

The two anti-androgenic compounds, Cyproterone (1,2α-methylene-6-chloro-4,6-pregnadien-17α-ol-3,20-dione) and 17α-methyl-β-nortestosterone (SK & F 7690) were both capable of reducing the uptake of 3H-labelled testeosterone. In four patients, the average reduction caused by Cyproterone was 27 per cent and by 17α-methyl-β-nortestosterone 38 per cent.

These two compounds were also capable of reducing the formation of androgen-macromolecular complexes both in the cytosol and in nuclei obtained from prostatic homogenates.
A LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF THE URINARY EXCRETION OF INDIVIDUAL STEROIDS IN CHILDREN FROM 3 TO 7 YEARS OLD
Authors: Gupta D. , Marshall W. A.
Published: December 2008

A longitudinal study was made of the daily urinary excretion, on or near each birthday, of a number of C19 and C21 steroids in 9 healthy girls and 5 healthy boys aged 3 to 7 years. The amount of androsterone excreted by each individual increased slowly during the period of study but the absolute amounts varied greatly between individuals. The excretion of aetiocholanolone was greater than that of androsterone, contrary to reported findings in older children. Small amounts of DHA were found. Testosterone was found in only about 40% of samples; epitestosterone in 70 % and 11β-OH-androsterone in only 62 %. Cortisol metabolites were excreted in amounts which increased with age and all three metabolites of corticosterone were present in most specimens. 11-Deoxycortisol was found in about 50 % of the samples and THS in 63 %. The mean trend in the ratio of glucuronides to sulphates of the 11-deoxy-17-oxosteroids decreased with increasing age, but the 11-deoxy-11-oxy ratio of 17-oxosteroids increased as did the 5α/5β ratio of the C19 and C21 steroids.

No sex differences were observed. The excretion of cortisol metabolites showed a positive correlation with height and weight. 11-Deoxy-17-oxosteroids were positively correlated with the weight. No significant relationships between steroid excretion and skeletal maturity were found.
DETERMINATION OF THYROGLOBULIN ANTIBODIES USING CHROMIC CHLORIDE AS A COUPLING REAGENT
Authors: Aho K. , Virkola P. , Heinonen O. P.
Published: December 2008

Chromic chloride can be used for the coupling of thyroglobulin on red cells. Less thyroglobulin is needed and the test is less time-consuming than previous techniques. Thyroglobulin antibodies in an international standard serum and in the sera of 1137 subjects were determined by this technique and the result compared with the results of the TA-test. Antibodies were detected in 12.3 per cent of the females and in 3.1 per cent of the males. All the antibodies found belonged to 7S globulins. In the total sample there were two hypothyroid patients, both with thyroglobulin antibodies in low titres. The mean cholesterol value in 89 subjects with antibodies was not higher than the mean value in matched controls.
EFFECT OF NEMBUTAL AND NIALAMIDE ON THE PARS INTERMEDIA AND SKIN COLOUR CHANGES IN RANA CYANOPHLYCTIS SCHNEIDER
Authors: Dutt N. H. Gopal , Rajasekharasetty M. R.
Published: December 2008

The administration of pentobarbital sodium (nembutal) at low concentration causes darkening of the skin. However, at higher dose or after prolonged treatment a moderate blanching of the skin is noticed. Nialamide also produces a moderate blanching effect. Both these drugs considerably increase the number of colloid vesicles in the pars intermedia of the frog, Rana cyanophlyctis. These drugs, however, do not reverse the darkening of the skin due to ACTH in hypophysectomized frogs. Histochemical analysis suggests that the colloid vesicles may represent stored melanophore-stimulating hormone.
IN VITRO PROGESTERONE METABOLISM BY RAT TESTICULAR TISSUE AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Ficher M. , Steinberger E.
Published: December 2008

A systematic study of progesterone metabolism in incubates of testicular tissue from rats 1 to 120 days of age was conducted. Progesterone was avidly metabolized, regardless of the age of the animal. While striking age-dependent changes in the pattern of conversion of progesterone to androgens were observed, small amounts of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone and 17β-oestradiol were formed in all incubates, regardless of age of the animal. In newborn rats the major metabolites of progesterone were testosterone (44% conversion) and androstenedione (5% conversion). Formation of these two compounds gradually diminished with age until only small amounts were formed in tissue from 20-day old rats. From this nadir, conversion to testosterone started to increase at the age of 40 days, and reached constant adult fevels by 90 days; androstenedione started to increase at 30 days. Conversely, 5α-reduced androgens, androsterone, 5α-androstanediol and isoandrosterone, were barely detectable in testicular tissue of newborn rats, gradually increased to a peak by age 20–30 days, and then declined to barely detectable levels by age 90 days and older. These findings demonstrate that testicular tissue of postnatal rats of all ages contain enzymes involved in the biosynthetic pathways from progesterone to androgens, as well as aromatizing enzymes. The physiologic significance of 5α-reductase activity during differentiation of the androgen biosynthetic pathways remains to be determined.
URINARY TOTAL 17-HYDROXYCORTICOSTEROID OUTPUT IN INTACT AND OVARIECTOMIZED BITCHES
Authors: Bell E. T. , Christie D. W. , Parkes M. F.
Published: December 2008

Assays of urinary total 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OHCS) have been conducted in seven intact and seven ovariectomized Beagle bitches. Adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) stimulation and dexamethasone suppression tests were also undertaken.

Urine samples were collected for six days from each animal and the mean total 17-OHCS excretion was 2.3 ± 0.7 (sd) and 1.8 ± 0.3 mg/24 hours in the intact and ovariectomized bitches respectively. The difference in 17-OHCS excretion between the two groups of animals is not significant.

The administration of 40 IU ACTH caused a marked increase in 17-OHCS excretion in all animals. Dexamethasone was given at a dose level of 1.0 mg q. i. d. for two days. This resulted in a decrease in 17-OHCS output. However, the mean value was below the 95 % confidence limits of the control only in the ovariectomized group.
EINFLUSS VON CHORIONGONADOTROPHIN AUF DIE SEKRETION EINES UTERUSSPEZIFISCHEN PROTEINS DES KANINCHENS
Authors: Kirchner Christoph
Published: December 2008

β-Glycoprotein is one of the uterine specific proteins in the rabbit. Mainly after the 6th day post coitum (p. c.) is it secreted into the uterine lumen. Injections of HCG between the 2nd day 12 hours p. c. and the 4th day 12 hours p. c. cause a premature secretion. In this case on the 5th day 18 hours p. c. the concentration of β-glycoprotein is about 3 times higher than without hormone treatment, a value which normally would be expected 8–10 hours later.
SERUM PLACENTAL LACTOGEN (HPL) AS INDEX OF PLACENTAL FUNCTION
Authors: Spona J. , Janisch H.
Published: December 2008

A rapid and reproducible radioimmunoassay for serum placental lactogen (HPL) allowed quantitation of the endocrine function of the placenta and of its follow up during gestation. During the course of pregnancy subjects were followed up in order to determine the normal range of HPL levels during pregnancy. Low and decreasing levels of serum HPL were noted in pregnancies with placental insufficiency. The large quantities of HPL present, its autonomous production by the placenta and its short half-life all combine to make its measurement of practical value in the management of high-risk pregnancies.
SERUM THYROXINE DETERMINATION BY SATURATION ANALYSIS: A NEW METHOD AND STATISTICAL APPROACH
Authors: Burger A. , Scherrer J. R. , Miller B. , Vallotton M. B.
Published: December 2008

A new method for the measurement of total serum thyroxine (T4) by saturation analysis is presented along with technical details. Its main advantage over previously published methods is its sensitivity of 0.3 picomoles T4 (corresponding to 0.23 ng T4 or 152 pg iodine). It thus allows the measurement of serum thyroxine in very small volumes of human serum (7 μl) and, for the first time, in mouse serum. The use of Sephadex to extract thyroxine from the plasma gives more reproducible results and avoids the need to evaporate the extract to dryness, as in current methods.

A high speed digital computer was used for handling data processing. A new statistical algorithm was built into a code called REGSAT which is extensively described. This procedure allowed unskewed predictions of thyroxine levels in the samples and an estimate of the standard curves resolving power.
COMPARTMENTAL ARRANGEMENT OF STEROID PRECURSORS AND THE CONTROL OF STEROID HORMONE SECRETION IN RAT ADRENAL TISSUE IN VITRO
Authors: Whitehouse Barbara J. , Vinson G. P.
Published: December 2008

Using a technique of incubation with dialysis, capsules (zona glomerulosa) and inner zone preparations of adrenal tissue from control, cortisol treated and Frusemide treated rats have been studied. The formation of corticosterone, deoxycorticosterone and 18-hydroxydeoxycorticosterone from both endogenous precursors and from added [14C] progesterone was examined. In the inner zone incubations from control and cortisol treated rats, products from the two precursor types appeared to be quite miscible as judged by their dialysability. Cortisol treatment depressed the formation of all three products from endogenous precursors, while their formation from [14C] progesterone was unaffected. These findings are consistent with the conventional view of the major point of action of ACTH at a stage preceding pregnenolone formation.

In contrast, the formation of corticosterone from endogenous precursors in the capsule was specifically depressed by cortisol treatment. The formation of deoxycorticosterone and 18-hydroxydeoxycorticosterone was unaffected; the yields of all three compounds from [14C] progesterone was also unaffected. At the same time the dialysibility of the material formed from endogenous precursors was greatly reduced, while the dialysibility of the radioactive products was unchanged.

In the Frusemide treated animals, capsule incubations showed no changes in formation of steroids from either precursor type and the miscibility of the steroid from the two sources was unaffected. In the inner zone incubations the formation of deoxycorticosterone and corticosterone was increased from both precursors, while the formation of 18-hydroxydeoxycorticosterone was reduced from endogenous precursors and unchanged from [14C] progesterone. Dialysibility of the steroids was unaffected by these procedures.

The results suggest that various mechanisms may operate to allow independent variations in secretion rates of compounds occurring after the point of pregnenolone formation – normally held to be the major point of ACTH action. In particular it appears that, when ACTH secretion is suppressed, steroid formed from endogenous precursors may become attached to a non-dialysable component in the capsule of the gland. It is an attractive hypothesis that this renders the steroid less vulnerable to 11β-hydroxylation although it remains vulnerable to 21- and 18-hydroxylation. This mechanism is not observed if products from [14C] progesterone are studied alone. Treatment with Frusemide shows that other mechanisms may also allow differential changes in secretion rates of the three compounds. These mechanisms await elucidation.
THE GROWTH OF THE VENTRAL PROSTATE, THE DORSOLATERAL PROSTATE, THE COAGULATING GLANDS AND THE SEMINAL VESICLES IN CASTRATED ADRENALECTOMIZED RATS INJECTED WITH OESTRADIOL AND/OR CORTISONE
Authors: Tisell Lars-Eric
Published: December 2008

The growth of the ventral and dorsolateral prostate, the coagulating glands and the seminal vesicles was studied morphologically in castrated adrenalectomized male rats following daily injections for sixteen days of oestradiol benzoate or cortisone acetate alone, or in combination. Oestradiol was given in daily doses of 0.001 mg or 0.010 mg. Cortisone was administered in daily doses of 1 mg or 3 mg.

After oestradiol alone the histological examination revealed an increase in the amount of fibromuscular tissue especially in the coagulating glands and the seminal vesicles but no signs of secretory activity in the epithelium. Cortisone alone induced a moderate stimulation of the epithelium in all the accessory reproductive organs but no signs of secretory activity were observed in the ventral prostate.

Oestradiol and cortisone given in combination induced pronounced proliferation of the epithelium in all the accessory reproductive organs. After this treatment the epithelium of the ventral prostate also showed signs of secretory activity. The response of the epithelium in all the accessory reproductive organs was dependent on the size of the dose of both oestradiol and cortisone. Cortisone counteracted the fibromuscular overgrowth especially observed in the coagulating glands and the seminal vesicles after oestradiol given alone. The individual smooth muscle cells, however, were better developed after the combined treatment.

The effects of the combined treatment are discussed in the light of the present knowledge of the individual effects of oestradiol and cortisone on the accessory reproductive organs. The importance of including a histological examination in experiments on hormonal dependent growth of the accessory reproductive organs of male rats is emphasized.
A DOUBLE COMPETITIVE BINDING METHOD OF MEASURING OESTRADIOL FROM MENSTRUAL CYCLE PLASMA WITH AND WITHOUT THE PRIOR PURIFICATION OF OESTRADIOL
Authors: Robertson D. M. , Mešter J. , Kellie A. E.
Published: December 2008

Oestradiol was determined in menstrual cycle plasma by a double competitive binding assay method applied with and without TLC purification of the steroid. The evaporated ether extract from plasma or from the oestradiol zone of a thin layer plate was incubated with a limited excess of rabbit uterine cytosol containing oestradiol receptor. The specificity and affinity of the receptor protein ensured the preferential binding of oestradiol to the virtual exclusion of other oestrogens and weak contaminating competitors introduced by the procedure. These unbound compounds were removed by charcoal incubation. The remaining supernatant was heat-treated to denature the receptor protein and the released oestradiol was determined by competitive binding with rabbit uterine oestradiol receptors. The methods have the advantage of high specificity; the direct assay which excludes the TLC step, is rapid, sensitive and suitable for the routine examination of normal menstrual cycles.
IN VIVO PERFUSION OF THE HUMAN LIVER WITH STEROIDS
Authors: Wortmann W. , Knapstein P. , Mappes G. , Dick G. , Oertel G. W.
Published: December 2008

[7α-3H] testosterone was injected into the portal vein of a 40-year-old man. In the following 40 min eight blood samples were withdrawn from one of the liver veins and analyzed for free and conjugated steroids. The data showed that free testosterone underwent rapid metabolism and conjugation. The metabolite pattern in plasma and urine is reported.
METHODS FOR THE EVALUATION OF THE BIOSYNTHESIS OF THYROXINE AND THYROGLOBULIN IN HUMAN THYROID SPECIMENS OBTAINED BY A SPECIAL NEEDLE BIOPSY TECHNIQUE
Authors: Ljunggren Jan-Gustaf , Radner Stig
Published: December 2008

Methods for the biochemical determination of the biosynthesis of thyroxine and thyroglobulin in thyroid specimens, obtained as an outpatient procedure by a new needle biopsy technique, are described. Thyroglobulin and its subunits are analyzed after in vitro incubation of thyroid specimens with 3H-leucine, followed by salt extraction and separation by linear sucrose gradient centrifugation or after salt extraction of the specimen and separation by disc electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gel. The relative amount of thyroxine and its precursors is determined after in vivo administration of 125I or 131I, salt extraction of the thyroid specimen, digestion with pronase and separation by radiochromatography.
EFFECT OF PERCHLORATE AND METHIMAZOLE ON IODINE METABOLISM
Authors: DeGroot Leslie J. , Buhler Ulrich
Published: December 2008

The increment in urinary iodide excretion was compared, in normal and thyrotoxic subjects, during the baseline state and after administration of potassium perchlorate or methimazole. In the normal subjects, perchlorate administration produced increments of urinary iodide that appear to be equivalent to hormonal iodine secretion per day. Urinary iodide excretion was increased to 2.2–2.8 fold this level by methimazole This result is interpreted as compatible with extensive intrathyroidal recirculation of iodotyrosine iodide and leakage of a small fraction of this iodide to the blood in normal subjects. In thyrotoxic subjects, the average increment in iodide excretion produced by perchlorate was 464 μg/day. Methimazole augmented urinary iodide excretion 2.2 fold the level found with perchlorate, indicating that there is extensive conservation of intrathyroidal iodide in thyrotoxicosis. The technique allows a qualitative estimation of efficiency of reutilization of intrathyroidal iodine.
BLOCKADE BY CHOLINERGIC AND ADRENERGIC BLOCKING AGENTS OF THE SUCKLING-INDUCED DEPLETION OF OXYTOCIN FROM THE NEUROHYPOPHYSIS OF THE LACTATING RAT
Authors: Ôba Toshiharu
Published: December 2008

Atropine and dibenamine were injected systemically in order to test whether they could suppress the release of oxytocin from the neurohypophysis in response to the suckling stimulus. The pups were isolated from their mothers for 8 h on the 9th or 10th day of lactation, and then allowed to suckle for 15 min. The lactating females were guillotined immediately after the end of the suckling period. The oxytocin content in the neurohypophysis was estimated by the method of van Dongen & Hays (1966). Atropine or dibenamine was injected 1 h before the onset of the suckling. In animals suckled by their pups for 15 min without drug treatment, the oxytocin content in the neurohypophysis was almost entirely depleted. Atropine injection only in non-suckled animals lowered the oxytocin content of the neurohypophysis. However, no further depletion of oxytocin could be elicited by the 15 min-suckling in atropinized animals. The content observed after the suckling period in the atropinized animals was significantly higher than that in rats receiving the suckling stimulus only. The oxytocin content in the neurohypophysis of non-suckling dibenamine-treated animals was similar to that in non-suckling controls. The suckling stimulus decreased the oxytocin content significantly in the dibenamine-treated animals. The effectiveness of atropine in blocking the suckling-inducedn depletion of oxytocin suggests that cholinergic pathways play a principal role in this type of oxytocin release.
EFFECT OF INTENSIVE NERVOUS STIMULATION ON THE FINE STRUCTURE OF THE ADENOHYPOPHYSIS AND ITS TARGET ORGANS
Authors: Árvay A. , Balogh Á. , Ladányi P. , Takács I. , Benkö K.
Published: December 2008

Female white rats were exposed to periodic, complex and intensive nervous stimulation for 9 months. The electron microscopic examination of the adenohypophysis, adrenal cortex, thyroid gland and ovaries provided ultrastructural evidences of markedly increased hormone producing activity as compared with the controls. These findings confirm the previous results of the authors regarding the effect of their specially designed intensive periodic stressful stimulation on the function of the endocrine system, i. e. an increase in the activity of all the endocrine glands examined (Árvay 1964, 1970).
IN VIVO CONVERSION OF RADIOACTIVE PROGESTERONE AND CORTICOSTERONE TO ADRENAL CORTICAL HORMONES IN NORMAL AND ACTH-TREATED RATS
Authors: Vecsei P. , Kessler H.
Published: December 2008

For the study of biosynthetic pathways and their alterations under various experimental conditions, the method of in vivo conversion is more suitable than in vitro incubation experiments. In rats, in vivo conversion of radioactive progesterone to corticosterone and aldosterone and of corticosterone to aldosterone was demonstrated. The conversion of progesterone and corticosterone to aldosterone occurred only in the presence of the adrenals, while a minimum extra-adrenal conversion of progesterone to corticosterone was observed.

After the administration of ACTH for 9 to 25 days, the adrenals became hypertrophied, and an increased conversion rate from progesterone to corticosterone was demonstrated. Simultaneously, the conversion rate of corticosterone to aldosterone was decreased. Such a change in the biosynthetic pathway of aldosterone may at least in part be responsible for the reduced production of aldosterone from endogenous precursors, observed after repeated administration of ACTH.
LATE THYROTOXICOSIS COMPLICATING AUTOIMMUNE THYROIDITIS
Authors: Gavras Irene , Thomson John A.
Published: December 2008

The cases of 2 women who had clinical and biochemical evidence of autoimmune thyroiditis, who progressed to develop hypothyroidism and who then, some years later, developed thyrotoxicosis are described. Possible mechanisms for the production of this unusual clinical course are discussed.