Lester D. Odell

Studies on beta-glucuronidase: I. Activities in human endometrium

Abstract Endometrial biopsies (suction curette) were obtained from thirty-six different women at various stages of the normal menstrual cycle. These specimens were assayed for glucuronidase activity. An increase in the activity of this enzyme with the passage of time following the first day of menses was detected during the first two thirds of the menstrual cycle. The endometrial glucuronidase declined in the last interval of the cycle. Considerable variation was noted and could be explained in part by the character of the clinical material studied. The presence or absence of progestational endometrium seemed to play a role of little importance.

Plasma acetylcholinesterase activity

Abstract ChE activity in plasma from normal adult nonmenstruating, nonpregnant women, from women during normal pregnancy, and from patients with toxemia of pregnancy was determined manometrically. Significant differences were observed among the three groups. This difference was independent of medication (Sodium Amytal), and could not be attributed to the effect of inhibitors or activators in the blood. The significance of these changes is discussed.

Beta-glucuronidase activity in human female genital cancer

Abstract The activity of the enzyme B-glucuronidase in the vaginal secretions is attributed to bacterial action and cellular debris in patients without cancer, and to cancer cells, in addition, in women with cervical carcinoma. The pattern of enzyme activity in gynecologic tissues shows a significant difference between benign and malignant vulva, vagina, and cervix but no difference between benign and malignant endometrium or ovary. The differences observed between activities in various gynecologic tissues are independent of cellularity (nitrogen) and water content. Irradiation leads to a decrease in activity of enzyme in vaginal secretions and in tissues, more consistently in the latter. Lymph nodes invaded by cancer contain an increased activity of enzyme.

Liberation of beta-glucuronidase activity by bacteria cultured from the human vagina and cervix

Abstract In the presence of menthol glucuronide each of seven different bacterial strains isolated from the normal and abnormal vagina and cervix of human beings liberated the enzyme, β-glucuronidase. Cultures of Trichomonas vaginalis with bacteria liberated more enzyme activity than bacteria-free cultures of Trichomonas vaginalis .

Renal response to thermal stimulus.

Abstract The immersion of one hand, or foot, in an ice-water bath maintained at a temperatue of 1° C results in a decreased urine flow. This phenomenon is associated with an increased in the specific gravity of urine, and in some instances, a change in protein excretion per minute. Variations in systolic and diastolic blood pressure accompany this experience but do not correlate, in the degree of the response, with the protein excretion per minute. The fetal heart rate does not vary significantly. Maternal pulse and respiratory rates tend to decrease. Experiments to date conducted under anesthesia indicate that ice immersion may stimulate the liberation of an antidiuretic hormone. The site of liberation is probably not within the immersed limb, or within the kidney. Evidence presented supports its origin as being above the level of cervical 4. The phenomenon is apparently not abolished by inhalation anesthesia. It is believed that the site of liberation may be the posterior pituitary gland.