Ernest Knobil

PLACENTAL TRANSFER OF THYROTROPIC HORMONE, THYROXINE, TRIIODOTHYRONINE, AND INSULIN IN THE RAT*

Although an impressive body of knowledge relating to fetal endocrine function has been been amassed in recent years, the interrelationships and interactions between the maternal and fetal endocrine systems have received but scant attention. The influence of maternal hormones on fetal development in general, and on the fetal endocrine system in particular, is in large measure a matter for conjecture. The acquisition of understanding in this last area is largely dependent on information concerning the permeability of the placenta to maternal hormones. This paper is concerned primarily with the placental transfer of hormones from mother to fetus in the rat as studied in our laboratory by the use of experimental approaches designed to provide indirect evidence for such transfers.

Effects of Hypophysectomy, ACTH, Cortisone and Estradiol on the β-Glucuronidase Activity of Adrenal Gland in the Rat.

Summary The effects of hypophysectomy and ACTH, cortisone acetate and estradiol benzoate administration on the β-glucuroni-dase activity of the adrenal gland in the rat have been investigated. ACTH, cortisone and estradiol, while producing their characteristic effects on adrenal and body weights, failed to modify the β-glucuronidase concentrations in the gland. Hypophysectomy, on the other hand, effected a statistically significant increase in adrenal β-glucuronidase activity.

Effects of large doses of desoxycorticosterone acetate, cortisone acetate and ACTH in intact rhesus monkeys.

Summary The effects of large doses of ACTH, cortisone acetate and desoxycorti-costerone acetate were investigated in the intact rhesus monkey. ACTH was without effect on hematocrit and the blood levels of glucose, non-protein nitrogen, amino acid nitrogen, inorganic phosphorous, sodium, potassium and chloride, although the adrenal glands were strongly stimulated as evidenced by adrenal gland weight and histological examination. Cortisone acetate and desoxy-corticosterone acetate effected a decrease in serum potassium and a lowering of the hematocrit without altering the levels of the other blood constituents. One of the 6 animals receiving cortisone suffered a significant weight loss, but hyperglycemia and elevated glucose tolerance curves were never observed. A transient polydipsia and edema were noted in the course of desoxycorticosterone administration.