Ross D. Jacobs

Carbohydrate pathways of the endometrium: Effects on ovular growth

Abstract From these data, it can be said that the metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins is deranged in patients with the history of sterility and repeated abortions or congenital malformations. In these cases, all other conditions which could account for sterility or abortion were found to be in order. The abnormal histochemical changes, the alterations in the Krebs citric acid cycle, the decreased secretion of glucose-6-phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase together with the inability of the tissue to synthesize amino acids to RNA and DNA and hence on to the various enzymes needed in the carbohydrate metabolism probably indicate that the endometrial tissue in these patients was not carrying on the process of glycolysis or glycogenesis in a satisfactory manner. This may be due to (1) lack of estrogen and progesterone due to pituitary or ovarian failure, (2) anatomic, structural, and physiologic abnormality of the uterus and/or endometrium, (3) poor blood supply due to capillary disease, (4) a combination of all three factors. Any one of these factors may affect the amount of glucose and oxygen delivered to this tissue. In some instances these abnormal changes can be corrected by the proper use of the ovarian steroids.

The influence of estradiol-17β on cholinesterase activity in the lung

Abstract Estradiol-17β (2 mg. per day) was administered to healthy adult oophorectomized white New Zealand rabbits for a period of 6 days. The rabbits were then anesthetized and the left lung was removed. The total protein content, wet to dry weight ratio, and cholinesterase (ChE) activity were determined. Compared to the controls there was a significant increase in ChE activity in the lungs of the estrogen-treated rabbits, when expressed on the basis of wet weight, dry weight, or protein content of the tissues. It is suggested that this increase in ChE reflects an elevated acetylcholine concentration.

Comparative Effects of Ovarian Steroids on Glycogen Metabolism of Rat, Rabbit and Guinea Pig Uterine Tissue

Summary The effects of the ovarian steroids, estrogen and progesterone on uterine glycogen metabolism in the rat, guinea pig and rabbit were compared. Estrogen caused a uterine glycogenic response in all three species which was maximal, 48 hr following the initiation of treatment to adult ovariectomized females. Progesterone treatment to these animals following a 48-hr estrogen prime elicited a significant increase in uterine phosphorylase activity in the guinea pig and rabbit but had no effect on rat uterine phosphorylase. Studies on the individual components of the rabbit uterus (myometrium and endometrium) in response to estrogen and progesterone revealed different effects in uterine glycogen metabolism. The myometrium was more responsive to estrogen while the endometrium was more responsive to progesterone in terms of uterine glycogenesis. These findings suggest that different cell types within the uterus respond differently to different steroids depending on the endocrine state of the animal.