Benjamin H. Ershoff

Nutrition and the anterior pituitary with special reference to the general adaptation syndrome.

Publisher Summary The functions of the anterior pituitary and the target organs of its secretions are largely dependent on the nutritional state and the composition of the diet fed. Conversely, the various hormones of the anterior pituitary and its target organs profoundly affect the absorption, utilization, and excretion of nutrients and body requirements for specific dietary factors. The chapter presents available data on the nutrition–endocrine interrelationships of the mammalian organism, particularly as they pertain to the anterior pituitary, and with special reference to their role in the general adaptation syndrome. A number of interrelationships both specific and nonspecific between various nutrients and endocrine glands are discussed in the chapter. The nutritional state and the composition of the diet fed may profoundly affect (1) the synthesis and secretion of hormones, (2) the response of target organs and peripheral tissues thereto, and (3) the metabolism and excretion of hormonal substances.

Prolongation of Pseudopregnancy by Induction of Deciduomata in the Rat.

Summary The induction of deciduomata resulted in prolongation of pseudopregnancy to the period of normal pregnancy in the rat. This prolongation occurred in the absence of fetal tissue and was associated with the presence of metrial glands, maintenance of corpora lutea, and inhibition of follicular development.

Induction of Dental Caries and Pathological Changes in Periodontium of Rat with Hydrogen Peroxide and Other Oxidizing Agents

In preliminary studies in this laboratory it was observed that immature rats fed a stock ration and administered hydrogen peroxide in the drinking water as a 1 or 1.5 per cent solution developed extensive carious lesions and pathological changes in the periodontium. These effects were noted as early as the third week of peroxide administration and were well advanced after an 8-week period. They did not occur, however, in rats fed a similar diet with hydrogen peroxide omitted from the drinking water. The present series of experiments was undertaken to confirm and extend these earlier observations.

Comparative Effects of Alpha-Tocopherol, DPPD and Other Antioxidants on Muscular Dystrophy in Guinea Pig.∗

Summary DPPD, Santoquin and DBH delayed but did not prevent the occurrence of muscular dystrophy in guinea pigs fed a highly purified diet deficient in vit. E. In contrast to these results, alpha-tocopherol acetate was fully protective in this regard.

Effects of Prolonged Exposure to Gold on the Vitamin A Requirement of the Rat.

Summary Immature rats were fed purified rations deficient in vit. A under cold room (2°C) and room temperature (23°C) conditions. The following results were obtained: (1) rats depleted more rapidly under cold room conditions, (2) body weight at time of depletion was less in the cold room than room temperature series, and (3) length of survival after depletion was significantly decreased in the cold room series.

Effect of antioxidants on muscle and plasma lipids of vit. E-deficient guinea pigs.

Summary In guinea pigs with muscular dystrophy induced by feeding of Vit. E-deficient ration, there is a rise in cholesterol levels of plasma and skeletal muscle; these rises precede onset of dystrophy. Supplementation of Vit. E-deficient ration with antioxidants DPPD. BHT. DBH and Santoquin, although delaying onset of dystrophy symptoms, does not prevent the rise in plasma and muscle cholesterol and muscle total lipid in Vit. E-deficiency.

Effects of chorionic gonadotropin on sex organs of male rats deficient in essential fatty acids.

Summary Rats deficient in essential fatty acids exhibited a marked reduction in prostate and seminal vesicle weight. Administration of either methyl linoleate or chorionic gonadotropin restored these organs to normal weight.

An Antithyrotoxic Factor for the Rat Not Identical with Vitamin B12.

Summary Growth was markedly reduced in hypothyroid rats fed purified rations containing casein as the dietary protein and sucrose as the dietary carbohydrate. The retardation in growth was completely counteracted by the administration of a water-insoluble fraction of liver. Crystalline vitamin B12 was ineffective. The protective factor in liver is distinct from any of the known nutrients including vitamin B12.

Beneficial Effects of Fish Protein Concentrate on Increment in Body Weight and Microscopic Appearance of the Tibia and Alveolar Bone of Rats Fed a Wheat Flour-Containing Ration

Immature male rats fed a wheat flour-containing ration similar to diet 256 of McClure were retarded in growth and exhibited pathologic changes in the tibia and alveolar bone. A supplement of 8% fish protein concentrate promoted an increment in body weight comparable to that of rats fed a natural food stock ration and prevented the changes in the tibia and alveolar bone.

Beneficial effects of liver on growth and survival in the immature hyperthyroid mouse.

Summary Whole liver powder prolonged survival and counteracted the growth retardation of immature mice fed massive doses of desiccated thyroid, thyroxin or iodinated casein. The protective factor(s) was retained in the water-insoluble fraction of liver.