bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SERUM PROGESTERONE AND SERUM UNCONJUGATED OESTRADIOL-17β IN UNABORTED HYDATIDIFORM MOLE
Authors: Dawood M. Yusoff 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT
Both serum progesterone and serum unconjugated oestradiol-17β (Oe2) were measured by competitive protein binding assay and radioimmunoassay respectively in 42 cases of unaborted hydatidiform mole. Serum human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) was measured by a haemagglutination-inhibition technique. In 26 cases of intact molar pregnancies without theca lutein cysts (TLC), serum progesterone ranged from 18.0 to 289.0 ng/ml with a mean ± standard error of the mean (sem) of 65.9 ± 13.1 ng/ml; serum Oe2 ranged from 4.0 to 37.0 ng/ml with a mean ± sem of 17.9 ± 1.9 ng/ml; serum HCG ranged from 60 to 1920 IU/ml with a mean ± sem of 531.5 ± 105.7 IU/ml. In contrast, 16 cases of intact molar pregnancies with TLC had serum progesterone ranging from 34.1 to 288.0 ng/ml with a mean ± sem of 134.1 ± 2.4 ng/ml; serum Oe2 ranging from 1.7 to 76.3 ng/ml with a mean ± sem of 31.5 ± 5.3 ng/ml; serum HCG ranging from 320 to 2560 IU/ml with a mean ± sem 1400 ± 196.2 ng/ml. The differences between the mean of these three hormones in hydatidiform mole with and without TLC were significant (progesterone: P < 0.005; Oe2: P < 0.0125; HCG: P < 0.005). There was a significant correlation between serum HCG and serum Oe2 (coefficient of correlation r =+0.3565, P < 0.0125) and between serum Oe2 and serum progesterone (r = +0.3787, P < 0.0125). There was no significant difference in the mean levels of serum progesterone, Oe2 and HCG in hydatidiform mole with and without subsequent malignant sequelae. The mean ratios of Oe2/progesterone were essentially similar in moles with and without TLC and with and without malignant sequelae. The significance of these findings are discussed.
INHIBITION OF PLACENTAL 3β-HYDROXY-STEROID DEHYDROGENASE BY NATURALLY OCCURRING STEROIDS. A POTENTIAL MECHANISM REGULATING OESTROGEN SYNTHESIS FROM UNCONJUGATED PRECURSORS
Authors: Townsley John D. 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT
We have proposed that inhibition of placental steroid 3-sulphatase by endogenous steroids may regulate oestrogen synthesis during human pregnancy. The possibility that an additional regulatory mechanism, involving the placental 3β-hydroxy-steroid dehydrogenase (SDH), may also be operative has now been examined. Inhibitory effects of naturally occurring steroids on SDH activity were determined from the reduction in initial rate of conversion of 3H-dehydroepiandrosterone to non-digitonin precipitable products by 10 000 × g supernatant from homogenates of human term placentae. The apparent Km for dehydroepiandrosterone was 0.33 × 10−6 m. Δ4-3-Oxo products of SDH action (4-androstene-3,17-dione, app. Ki = 0.60 × 10−6 m; progesterone, app. Ki = 1.5 × 10−6 m) were the most potent inhibitors and appeared to act non-competitively. Δ5-3β-Hydroxy alternative substrates were less inhibitory and in the case of pregnenolone (app. Ki = 4.5 × 10−6 m) behaved competitively. 11β-, 16α-, 17α- or 21-hydroxylation and epimerization of 3β- or 17β-hydroxyl functions of inhibitors decreased their activity. It is concluded that inhibition of both sulphatase and SDH by endogenous steroids may provide complementary methods of regulating placental oestrogen synthesis in vivo. The SDH mechanism may regulate oestrogen synthesis from unconjugated precursors, either formed within the placenta or derived from the circulation. The major potential inhibitors appear to be Δ4-3-ketones, acting non-competitively, and formed within the placenta. In the sulphatase mechanism alternative substrates of extraplacenta origin, acting competitively, are the major potential inhibitors controlling utilization of conjugated precursors.
FUNCTION OF MYOMETRIAL GRAFT AT TIME OF PARTURITION IN THE RABBIT
Authors: Wagner Gorm 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT
Thirteen rabbits equipped with ear chambers containing myometrial grafts were studied during late pregnancy, spontaneous and induced parturition and early puerperium. Spontaneous electrical activity of the graft was recorded by means of F.-M. telemetry transmission in the unrestrained animals. Furthermore the reaction to intravenously injected oxytocin (threshold determination) was recorded daily. During the last 5 days before spontaneous delivery increasing spontaneous activity of the tissue was observed. During the same period the response to oxytocin increased. Concomitantly with the delivery of the litter a period of rhythmic activity was observed. This period had a sudden onset and lasted 12–55 min, while the delivery itself only lasted 6–16 min. Similar activity patterns could be evoked in the early post-partum period by 100 mU oxytocin given iv. In 3 rabbits, doses from 80–300 mU oxytocin induced complete delivery. During the 48 hours' period after delivery spontaneous activity (single spikes and series of bursts) was observed. The response to oxytocin was further increased. It is concluded that as the graft is not influenced by nervous regulation, mechanical influence or local humoral factors the spontaneous parturition and the change in excitability must therefore be due to one (or more) systemic, humoral factor(s).
SPECIFIC RECEPTORS FOR PROLACTIN IN THE OVARY
Authors: Saito Tokuko , Saxena Brij B. 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT
A role of prolactin (PRL) in ovarian function has been suggested in several species, but not unequivocally established except in the rat. We, therefore, examined the presence of specific receptor for PRL in ovaries of rat, cow, and human. Human PRL (hPRL) labelled with 125I by the lactoperoxidase method was shown to be capable of specific binding to rat mammary tissue homogenate. Human, cow, and rat ovarian homogenates and/or partially purified plasma membranes were also shown to specifically bind 125I-hPRL. Binding was a saturable phenomenon and was dependent on receptor protein concentration. Optimal binding was observed at pH 7.0 and at 37°C. Binding was reversibly inhibited by exposure of membranes to pH 10.0 and irreversibly destroyed by exposure to pH 3.0. Bound 125I-hPRL was displaceable by unlabelled human, ovine, and bovine PRL but not by FSH or LH. However, human chorionic somatomammotrophin (hCS) and hGH showed some competition with 125I-hPRL. Number of binding sites/mg protein was lowest (0.8 × 10−12 m) during metoestrus and increased during dioestrus (11 × 10−12 m) reaching the maximum number at pro-oestrus (24.6 × 10−12 m). These results demonstrate that presence of specific PRL receptor in the ovaries and are consistent with a role of PRL at the ovarian level.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF METHODS FOR ESTIMATING PRODUCTION RATES OF FSH
Authors: Raiti Salvatore , Blizzard Robert M. , Penny Robert , Migeon Claude J. 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT
The urinary excretion method and the constant infusion technique were used to estimate hFSH production rates (PR) in three normal men (aged 25–40 years). Both studies were also done in a hypophysectomized nine year old boy. The PR of hFSH in the urinary excretion studies ranged from 20.0 to 45.7 IU/24 h, whereas the constant infusion studies yielded PR's of 68.7 to 107.8 IU/24 h. Possible reasons for the discrepancy of the results obtained by the two methods are discussed. In the hypophysectomized patient, the metabolic clearance rate (MCR) of infused hFSH was much lower (4.3 ml/min) than in the normal adults (7.8 to 12.0 ml/min) and was not affected by the dose of hFSH given.
CONDITIONS INFLUENCING THE DOSE-RESPONSE EFFECT OF GROWTH HORMONE ON LONGITUDINAL BONE GROWTH IN THE HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED RAT
Authors: Thorngren K.-G. , Hansson L. I. 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT
Various factors that might influence the dose-response effect of growth hormone on the longitudinal bone growth were investigated with tetracycline as intravital marker of the bone growth in hypophysectomized rats. These are of practical importance for the bioassay of growth hormone. The growth response was found to be almost the same for subcutaneous and intraperitoneal injection, whereas the intravenous route resulted in significantly lower growth response. The administration of growth hormone in various volumes subcutaneously did not significantly influence the dose-dependent growth response. Freezing of the dissolved growth hormone or addition of NaOH to the solution had no significant effect on the growth response. Cortisone acetate 0.5 mg/kg given at hypophysectomy increased the post-operative survival somewhat, without having any post-operative depressing influence on the growth hormone-induced longitudinal bone growth. The present investigation showed that in standardized conditions the dose-dependent growth response is constant.
NORMAL RESPONSE TO THYROTROPHIN RELEASING HORMONE (TRH) IN FAMILIAL THYROXINE-BINDING GLOBULIN DEFICIENCY
Authors: Hansen E. , Kirkegaard C. , Friis Th. , Siersbæk-Nielsen K. 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT
The response in serum thyrotrophin (TSH) to thyrotrophin releasing hormone (TRH) has been studied in 5 euthyroid patients with familial thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) deficiency. Total serum thyroxine (T4), serum triiodothyronine (T3) and free T4 index and free T3 index were significantly and equally decreased, but in spite of these findings the serum TSH and the response to TRH was normal. The TRH test seems to be a better indicator of the euthyroid state in familial TBG deficiency than the measurement of free T4 and free T3 in serum.
ENDOCRINE FUNCTION OF THE CANINE PANCREAS
Authors: Verschoor L. , Hulsmans H. A. M. , de Gruyl J. , Westbroek D. L. , MacDicken I. 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT
Pancreas transplantation was studied in the dog using a total duct ligated pancreas as allograft. In a group of 10 mongrel dogs the effects of longterm (6–36 months) total duct ligation on the endocrine pancreas function were studied by means of repeated intravenous glucose tolerance tests (iv-GTT). One year after total duct ligation the mean glucose assimilation coefficient (k-value) was 75%, the median insulin peak value (IPV) 63% and "total" insulin secretion in the first thirty minutes (TIS) 58 % of the pre-operative values. These levels were maintained up to three years after duct ligation.
The total duct ligated pancreas was then used as an allograft in 28 beagles in order to study the influence of DL-A (dog leucocyte-antigens) matching on the survival time of the graft. DL-A identity compared to one or two haplotype diference gave a fourfold increase in median survival time from 9 to 40 days. In a second group of 14 beagles with one haplotype difference the effect of immunosuppressive therapy was studied. The methods used (antilymphocyte serum and a combination of prednisone and azathioprine) increased the median survival time to the level seen in DL-A identity.
In conclusion the total duct ligated pancreas can be used as an insulin secreting allograft, providing rejection can be suppressed adequately.
AN ANALYSIS OF AN APPARENT SEX DIFFERENCE IN THE DESOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID CONTENT OF RAT LIVER
Authors: Leeuwin R. S. , Visser B. J. , Meer C. v. d. 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT
Using the extraction procedure of Schmidt & Thannhauser (1945) and the indole reaction for DNA according to Ceriotti (1952), the DNA content of female rat liver was about one and a half times that of male liver. Castration of male rats, with or without administration of testosterone propionate, had no effect on the liver DNA content. Spaying of female rats (5–6 weeks of age) caused a decrease of the liver DNA content. Substitution with oestradiol benzoate restored the amount of DNA. No significant sex difference was observed in the DNA content of either rat brain, kidney, spleen and thymus, or mouse liver. Dische's diphenylamine reaction showed no significant sex difference in the rat liver DNA content. It was concluded that rat liver may contain a substance which is controlled by oestrogens and which interferes with the indole reaction. The interfering factor is present in the protein fraction of the liver extract. The possible nature of this interfering substance is discussed.
CHANGES IN RAT ADRENAL MEDULLA FOLLOWING Δ9-TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL TREATMENT. A HISTOCHEMICAL STUDY
Authors: Biswas Bratati , Deb G. , Ghosh J. J. 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT
The effects of acute (10 mg/kg) and chronic (10 mg/kg for 30 days) administration of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) have been studied histochemically in the rat adrenal medulla, which include total catecholamines, noradrenaline, histometric measurements of adrenal medullary areas, calcium content of the medullary cells along with adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase), acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) and butyryl cholinesterase (BChE) activities.
Acute Δ9-THC treatment reduced the total catecholamine content (including noradrenaline) of the gland, was accompanied by increased ATPase, AChE, BChE activities and increased calcium distribution in the gland. Chronic Δ9-THC treatment caused significant hypertrophy of the chromaffin tissue, with decreased total catecholamine content, although noradrenaline containing areas exhibited no notable change. The calcium content and ATPase activity were increased along with a concomitant increase in AChE and BChE activities. Although the changes in adrenal medullary enzyme activities following both acute and chronic Δ9-THC treatment are qualitatively similar, marked quantitative increase is noted in the chronically treated groups. The results indicate an increased total catecholamine releasing activity of the adrenal medulla following acute Δ9-THC treatment, while chronic Δ9-THC administration produces a preferential release of adrenaline.
HUMAN PLACENTAL LACTOGEN CONCENTRATION DURING PHYSIOLOGICAL FLUCTUATIONS OF SERUM GLUCOSE IN NORMAL PREGNANT AND GESTATIONAL DIABETIC WOMEN
Authors: Kühl C. , Gæde P. , Klebe J. G. , Pedersen J. 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT
Oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) were carried out in 9 normal pregnant women and 11 non-obese gestational diabetics in late pregnancy. All samples were analysed for the content of glucose, insulin and placental lactogen hormone (HPL). Furthermore, spontaneous changes in the serum HPL concentration during a 3 h period were studied in 6 normal women in the 2nd half of pregnancy.
During OGTT only small and insignificant changes in the level of HPL were observed in both the normal subjects and the gestational diabetics. Furthermore, the mean HPL concentration curves of the normal subjects and the gestational diabetics were superimposed although the mean glucose concentration curves were significantly different. The study of spontaneous changes in HPL revealed only small and insignificant fluctuations in the serum HPL level, and the mean concentration curve resembled those obtained from the OGTT-study. It is concluded that neither the absolute serum glucose level, nor physiological fluctuations in the serum glucose concentration seemed to influence the serum concentration of HPL in this type of patients.
CIRCADIAN RHYTHM OF PLASMA CORTICOSTEROID IN ADULT FEMALE RATS: CHRONOLOGICAL SHIFTS IN ABNORMAL LIGHTING REGIMENS AND CONNECTION WITH OESTROUS CYCLE
Authors: Morimoto Yasuhiko , Oishi Tatsuo , Arisue Kazutaka , Ogawa Zensuke , Tanaka Fumiko , Yano Saburo , Yamamura Yuichi 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT
The circadian rhythm of plasma corticosteroid (CS) levels in adult female rats was studied chronologically under the following conditions: normal light-dark (LD), inverted light-dark (DL), constant dark (DD) and constant light (LL). Animals were accustomed to LD condition for 7 days before exposure to each abnormal lighting regimen. Normal circadian rhythm established under LD condition was clearly inverted on the third day of DL regimen, and the inverted rhythm persisted thereafter under DL condition. The circadian CS rhythm persisted essentially unchanged throughout DD condition, but lost its regular periodicity showing "free running" and changed day by day under LL condition. The average CS levels over a 24 h period were higher under LL than under DD condition. Plasma CS levels in each lighting regimen exhibited diurnal variations regardless of the vaginal smear patterns of autopsied animals. Exposure of rats to LL for 21 days made the circadian CS rhythm flat, but induced persistent oestrus in only a few animals.
The data suggest that (1) an unexpectedly rapid inversion of the circadian CS rhythm occurs if animals are exposed to inverted light-dark environment; (2) constant darkness seems to be a near-natural environment for rats, and changes little of the pre-established circadian CS rhythm; (3) constant light, on the contrary, is assumed to be a stress for rats, and disrupts the circadian CS rhythm and elevates CS levels; (4) the change in circadian CS rhythm in adult female rats is not mediated by a change in gonadal function and the two conditions may not be connected directly with each other.
PROGESTERONE, 20α-DIHYDROPROGRESTERONE AND 20β-DIHYDROPROGESTERONE LEVELS IN DIFFERENT COMPARTMENTS FROM THE HUMAN FOETO-PLACENTAL UNIT
Authors: Runnebaum B. , Runnebaum H. , Stöber I. , Zander J. 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT
The endogenous levels of progesterone, 20α-dihydroprogesterone and 20β-dihydroprogesterone in different foetal tissues, in placental tissue and in foetal blood during pregnancy (week 9–25) were determined by gas-liquid chromatography or by radioimmunoassay. The identification of these steroids in foetal tissues was based on the behaviour in paper and thin-layer chromatography, the formation of different derivatives, and the retention times in gas-liquid chromatography. For additional identification of progesterone and 20α-dihydroprogesterone a mass spectrum was obtained.
The average concentrations of progesterone (P), 20α-dihydroprogesterone (20α-DHP) and 20β-dihydroprogesterone (20β-DHP) in foetal tissues were as follows (ng/g wet weight tissue): brain, P 119.0 ± 45.5, 20α-DHP 86.9 ± 44.7 and 20β-DHP 9.7; lungs, P 257.7 ± 195.7, 20α-DHP 60.3 ± 26.4 and 20β-DHP 7.8; liver, P 103.7 ± 84.6, 20α-DHP 95.2 ± 89.8 and 20β-DHP 17.8; adrenals, P 295.7 ± 90.0 and 20α-DHP 254.5 ± 194.6; kidneys, P 214.2 ± 155.3 and 20α-DHP 76.6 ± 43.0; intestine, P 273.2 ± 166.7, 20α-DHP 77.9 ± 51.2 and 20β-DHP 8.7; residual tissues, P 246.3 ± 178.3 and 20α-DHP 54.8 ± 44.5
The average concentrations in placental tissue and in foetal plasma (week 12–18) were as follows (ng/g wet weight tissue or ng/ml plasma): placenta, P 2619. ± 2153.6 and 20α-DHP 461.0 ± 155.9; foetal plasma, P 378.7 ± 231.8 and 20α-DHP 283.0 ± 108.9
These results indicate that some foetal organs contain a high 20α-reductase activity at least during the first half of pregnancy.
THE EFFECT OF MAINTENANCE HAEMODIALYSIS AND RENAL TRANSPLANTATION ON THE PLASMA TESTOSTERONE LEVELS OF MALE PATIENTS IN CHRONIC RENAL FAILURE
Authors: Zadeh J. Alaghband , Koutsaimanis K. G. , Roberts A. P. , Curtis R. , Daly J. R. 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT
Plasma testosterone levels were measured at the beginning of a 14 h period of haemodialysis, one hour later, midway through the period and at the end, in 18 male patients in chronic renal failure. The level fell from 8.70 ± 2.63 nmol/l at the start to 8.08 ± 3.33 nmol/l at the midpoint, and rose again to 10.12 ± 3.9 nmol/l at the end of a dialysis. All seven of the patients tested on a non-dialysis day showed similar levels at the same time. At the beginning of a 10 h dialysis period 19 other male patients showed a plasma testosterone level of 10.12 ± 3.99 nmol/l and, at the end, of 8.98 ± 4.54 nmol/l.
Over the same period the plasma corticosteroids rose from 301 ± 101 nmol/l to 483 ± 199 nmol/l. Eight male patients who had had successful renal transplantation had plasma testosterone levels of 15.08 ± 7.49 nmol/l.
It is concluded that the plasma testosterone is low in chronic renal failure, but the circadian rhythm is preserved. Treatment with maintenance haemodialysis does not itself affect the plasma testosterone level, or alter the circadian rhythm despite the procedure's being a stress. Successful renal transplantation restores the plasma testosterone to normal in most cases.
HUMAN LYMPHOCYTE BINDING AND DEIODINATION OF THYROID HORMONES IN RELATION TO THYROID FUNCTION
Authors: Holm Ann-Charlotte , Lemarchand-Béraud Thérèse , Scazziga Bianca-Rosa , Cuttelod Serge 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT
The human lymphocyte has been investigated regarding its function as a thyroid hormone target cell. Binding and deiodination of the thyroid hormones were determined after simultaneous incubation of 131I-labelled L-thyroxine (131I-T4) and 125I-labelled L-triiodothyronine (125I-T3) with lymphocytes from healthy subjects, from hyperthyroid and primary hypothyroid patients before and after treatment.
The mean percentages of binding, 8.0 ± 0.5 (mean ± sem) for 131I-T4, and 9.7 ± 0.4 for 125I-T3 in the control group, were increased in the hyperthyroids to 10.1 ± 0.4 and 12.7 ± 0.6 respectively, and in the hypothyroids to 10.9 ± 0.7 and 12.8 ± 0.6. All elevated values returned to normal with successful treatment.
The mean percentage of deiodination, 12.0 ± 1.7 for 131I-T4, and 6.5 ± 0.9 for 125I-T3 in the control group, showed a threefold increase in the hyperthyroid patients, to 35.9 ± 3.2 and 20.2 ± 1.9 respectively and remained unaltered in the hypothyroid patients. The values of successfully treated hyperthyroid patients were normal and those of the treated hypothyroid patients below normal.
Human TSH added to the incubation medium stimulated the binding of both hormones, without influencing deiodination. Thus TSH might be active at the peripheral cellular level. This could contribute to the explanation of the increased binding by lymphocytes from primary hypothyroid patients with high serum concentrations of TSH.
A preliminary analysis of the binding characteristics revealed an equilibrium affinity constant of 1.03·1010 m−1 for T3, and of 3.97· 109 m−1 for T4, with corresponding total numbers of binding sites of 1500 and 2000 per cell.
It is concluded that, since lymphocyte activities closely reflect the thyroid function, these cells are well suited for studies on the peripheral fate of thyroid hormones and their cellular receptors.
QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF PANCREATIC ISLET DEVELOPMENT AND INSULIN STORAGE IN THE FOETAL AND NEWBORN RAT
Authors: Freie H. M. P. , Pasma A. , Bouman P. R. 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT
Pancreatic islet development and insulin storage were studied in foetal rats during the last 4 days of gestation (day 19 to 22 post-coitum (p. c.)) and in 1 and 5 days old neonatal rats. Adult female virgin rats were also studied. The percentage of granulated B-cells per islet, the degree of B-cell granulation and the islet insulin concentration rose from low levels on day 19 to adult levels on day 22 and remained stable after birth. This indicates that the qualitative maturation of the pancreatic islets as insulin producing units is completed on the last day of gestation.
The percentage of islet tissue slowly rose from 0.7 % at day 19 to 1.5 % on day 22. A further and much more rapid rise occurred during the first day of birth. At the 5th postnatal day the islets comprised 3.6 % of the pancreas versus 1.1% in adult rats. Likewise, the neonatal pancreatic insulin concentration was about 3 times higher than in the adult pancreas. The foetal pancreas as a whole showed rapid exponential growth between day 18 and 21 p. c., but a sudden decline in growth rate occurred from day 21 onward. The total mass of islet tissue, on the other hand, continued to expand at its high initial rate up to the first day after birth, whereafter this high rate also declined. The high concentration of insulin in the neonatal rat pancreas therefore appears to be due to differential growth rates of the endocrine and exocrine tissue during the last day of pregnancy and the first day after birth.