The effect of the preceding day's protein intake on basal metabolic rates in young adults

1. Changes in basal metabolic rates (BMR), following alterations in the preceding day's dietary protein (8.6, 11.5 and 14.0% of energy) were studied in eight, young, healthy adults over 4 d. 2. Results showed a significant training effect, with BMR values 4.8% lower on day 4 of the study period. Analysis of the results by ANOVA revealed a significant interaction between subjects and diets (P less than 0.005), a significant difference between subjects but no differences in BMR due to the protein content of the diets. 3. Mean coefficient of variation (CV) for intra- and inter-individual differences in BMR from day-to-day was of the order of 4 and 9% respectively. 4. Changes in protein content of the preceding day's diet do not influence variations in BMR which appear to be random in nature with a true CV of 3.8%.

Stimulation of rat placental cell DNA synthesis by transferrin

The purpose of the present investigation was to evaluate the in vitro requirements for rat placental cell DNA synthesis. A cell line established from the labyrinth region of midgestation rat chorioallantoic placentas was used to examine the actions of various agents. Transferrin was found to stimulate rat placental cell DNA synthesis and cell proliferation. The effects of transferrin on rat placental cell growth paralleled those observed with fetal bovine serum. Rat placental cells were responsive to both rat and human transferrin. Iron-saturated (holo-) transferrin was a more potent stimulator of rat placental cell DNA synthesis than was iron-free (apo-) transferrin. Addition of insulin, epidermal growth factor, or insulin-like growth factor-II to serum-free medium supplemented with rat transferrin did not significantly enhance rat placental cell DNA synthesis beyond that observed with only transferrin. The results demonstrate that a population of cells exists within the rat chorioallantoic placenta that are highly responsive to transferrin.

Mouse and rat placental cell lines express abundant amounts of laminin

Placental cell lines derived from midgestation placentae of outbred mice and rats were evaluated for the expression of the extracellular matrix protein laminin. The murine cell line, which has not been previously reported, demonstrates morphological characteristics similar to those of the rat cell line. Placental cell lines grow vigorously both in vitro and when transplanted to the peritoneum of allogeneic hosts. When transplanted, placental cells form cyst-like structures (with acellular cores) suspended in the peritoneal fluid, and invade abdominal structures forming solid masses. Using immunohistology, laminin was identified within in vitro cultured cells, within cyst-like structures and their acellular cores, and as a major component of the extracellular matrix of solid masses. Laminin was also identified in the normal rat chorioallantoic placenta. Evaluation of extracts from in vitro cultured placental cells, transplanted placental cells, and the normal chorioallantoic placenta by electrophoresis and immunoblotting demonstrated that laminins were composed of two species with molecular weights of 400,000 (A-chain) and 200,000 (B-chains). Mouse and rat placental cell lines may be valuable for studying laminin biosynthesis and function in the developing placenta.

Cytoplasmic organelles of trypanosomatids: a cytochemical and stereological study

The cytoplasmic organelles of different protozoa of the family Trypanosomatidae were characterized by ultrastructural cytochemistry and stereology. Data were obtained for mitochondria, lipid inclusions, glycosomes (peroxisome-like organelle), empty membrane-bounded vacuoles, reservosomes of Trypanosoma spp., multivesicular body of Crithidia fasciculata and dense granules of Crithidia oncopelti. The stereological analysis (D = mean diameter, Vv = volume density and Nv = numerical density) was performed in glutaraldehyde-formaldehyde and osmium tetroxide-potassium ferricyanide fixed parasites, which showed an excellent preservation of the membranes and cytoplasmic organelles. Lipid inclusions, not limited by a unit membrane, appeared electron-dense after post-fixation in an osmium-imidazole buffered solution. Catalase, a peroxisomal enzyme, was detected only in the glycosomes of the lower trypanosomatids. Empty membrane-bounded vacuoles showed positive reaction when the cells were incubated in a medium specific for the detection of the lysosomal enzyme acid phosphatase. The reservosomes of Trypanosoma spp., sub-genus Schizotrypanum, could be differentiated from the multivesicular bodies of other trypanosomatids, since they lack true vesicles. They contain lipid inclusions dispersed in an electron-dense matrix which stained positively when the cells were incubated in ethanolic phosphotungstic acid to detect basic proteins.

Expression of histocompatibility antigens, transferrin receptors, intermediate filaments, and alkaline phosphatase by in vitro cultured rat placental cells and rat placental cells in situ

Rat placental cells (RPCs) derived from the chorioallantoic placenta of day-12 Holtzman rats were tested for the expression of class I and class II RT I histocompatibility antigens, transferrin receptors, intermediate filaments, and alkaline phosphatase. The binding of mouse monoclonal antibodies to those antigens by RPCs was compared with the binding of the same reagents to rat placental cells in situ. RPCs expressed low levels of class I antigens and failed to express detectable levels of class II antigens. RPCs resisted up-regulation of expression of class I antigens by interferon-gamma, and did not express class II antigens following exposure to medium containing interferon. Transferrin receptors; cytokeratin intermediate filaments, and alkaline phosphatase were universally expressed by RPCs. Taken together with the patterns of expression of the same antigens by rat placental cells in situ, the results suggest that RPCs comprise labyrinthine trophoblast cells. Those cells may provide a valuable new approach for studying the structures and functions of trophoblast cells in vitro.

Ultrastructure of cultured rat placental cells

Rat placental cells (RPCs) derived from explants of gestation day 12 chorioallantoic placental primordia were propagated as ascites RPCs and as in vitro cultured RPCs. Although the morphological characteristics of ascites RPCs and in vitro cultured RPCs differed markedly by light microscopy, evaluation by electron microscopy revealed that all RPCs were epithelioid. Morphological differences at the light microscope level were attributable to environmental conditions. When RPCs were compared with placental cells in situ, RPC characteristics most closely resembled those of layer-one trophoblast cells (germinal cytotrophoblast) present in the labyrinthine region of the placenta. RPCs, which appear to be a relatively homogeneous population of trophoblast cells, may be valuable tools for evaluating the relationships between maternal and fetal cells during pregnancy and for studying the growth and differentiation of extraembryonic cells.

Development and retention of phenotypically specialized cells in pituitary allografts in the hamster (Mesocricetus auratus)

We used immunohistochemistry to identify cells present in pituitary allografts in the hamster. Hypophyses removed from neonatal hamsters or adenohypophyses removed from adult females were placed beneath renal capsules of hypophysectomized adult females. Serum PRL, LH, and GH concentrations were measured at two, five and eight weeks after placement of allografts. Allografts were removed after eight weeks and stained for cells containing PRL, LH, FSH, GH, or ACTH. Allografts did not release LH or GH. Those of adult adenohypophyseal tissue released significantly more PRL. The morphology of allografts of neonatal hypophyseal tissue resembled that of the adult adenohypophysis in situ. Lactotrophs, corticotrophs, somatotrophs and LH-cells were observed; very few FSH-cells were present. Allografts of adult adenohypophyseal tissue contained pituitary cells, numerous cavities, often enclosing lymphoid cells, and fibrous tissue. Atypical lactotrophs were the numerically dominant cells in these allografts; all other cells were present. The LH-cells outnumbered FSH-cells. These observations suggest that: (a) development of normal adenohypophyseal morphology can occur in an ectopic position; (b) intracellular hormones are present in cells in an ectopic site; (c) development and retention of intracellular FSH is more dependent on occupation of the normal position of the adenohypophysis than is retention of intracellular LH; and (d) release of PRL occurs from atypical cells in allografts of adult adenohypophyseal tissue.

Identification of multiple low molecular weight placental prolactin-like proteins produced by rat trophoblast cells

Rat trophoblast tissue was found to synthesize a number of low molecular weight proteins possessing prolactin-like characteristics. There appear to be at least three proteins that cross-react with antisera to pituitary prolactin. Two of the proteins had a molecular weight of 25,000, similar to ovine pituitary prolactin, and isoelectric points of 6.8 and 7.0. The third immunoreactive protein had a lower molecular weight (23,500), similar in size to human placental lactogen, and a slightly more acidic isoelectric point of 6.75. The molecular weight variants cross-reacted with an antipeptide serum that was generated to a synthetic peptide representing amino acids 150 to 164 of rat placental lactogen-2 (PL-2). Based on this analysis, we consider these proteins to be related to PL-2. Analysis of trophoblast proteins by gel-filtration chromatography resulted in the identification of another trophoblast prolactin. This material eluted earlier than PL-2-related proteins on a gel-filtration column, possessed prolactin-like activity (determined by competition with ovine pituitary prolactin for rabbit mammary gland or rat liver prolactin receptors) but showed limited cross-reactivity with either the antiserum to pituitary prolactin or the antiserum to the PL-2 peptide. We have thus identified multiple low molecular weight trophoblast prolactins, possessing different biochemical and immunological characteristics.

Establishment of a rat placental cell line expressing characteristics of extraembryonic membranes

A cell line was derived from midgestation chorioallantoic placental explants of the outbred Holtzman rat. The cell line was found to express characteristics of extraembryonic membranes and to grow when introduced into allogeneic hosts. Growth in allogeneic hosts was detected following intraperitoneal injection of the cells but not following subcutaneous injection. The transplanted cells grew as cystic structures free in the peritoneum and as solid masses adhered to various abdominal organs. Cystic structures had a homogeneous morphology consisting of an epithelial-like cell layer surrounding a fluid-filled sac. Solid masses had a heterogeneous morphology, containing parts resembling normal components of the extraembryonic membranes (trophoblast, parietal, and visceral yolk sacs). Biochemical analysis of the placenta-derived cell line and transplanted structures derived from the cell line indicated that the cells had the potential to produce a variety of proteins characteristic of extraembryonic tissues. Cultured cells and both types of in vivo transplants produced the basement membrane protein, laminin. Peritoneal cystic structures also contained alpha-fetoprotein mRNA and very high levels of c-fos mRNA. Solid masses demonstrated elevated alkaline phosphatase activity, a marker of trophoblast cells. Cells grown in vitro expressed elevated c-myc mRNA levels, whereas, c-myc mRNA levels were reduced in the in vivo transplants. The behavior of the cell line in vitro and following in vivo transplantation suggests it contains elements capable of differentiation toward various components of the extraembryonic membranes. The results indicate that the rat placental cell line will be valuable for future studies on the differentiation of trophoblast cells and other components of the extraembryonic membranes.

Long-term stability of metabolic rates in young adult males

The resting metabolic rates (RMRs) of 10 adult males of body mass index around 19 were estimated between 6-36 (mean 18.2 +/- 2.3) months of an earlier recording. There were no significant differences in the body weights, RMRs and respiratory quotients (RQ). The coefficients of variation (CV) of intra-individual differences in body weight and RMR were both 2.5 per cent. In those subjects who showed a change in body weight ie, greater than +/- 1 kg over a period of 22.0 +/- 3.0 months, the CV (4.3 per cent) of weight change was greater than the CV (1.9 per cent) of intra-individual differences in RMR.

Ultrastructural visualization of lipids in trypanosomatids

An imidazole-buffered osmium tetroxide solution was used to visualize lipids at the ultrastructural level in the following members of the family Trypanosomatidae: Trypanosoma cruzi, T. dionisii, T. vespertilionis. T. rangeli, Crithidia deanei, C. fasciculata, C. oncopelti, and Blastocrithidia culicis. Electron-dense material was seen in various lipid droplets found in all parasites and in the multivesicular structure of members of the sub-genus Schizotrypanum. High contrast of some membranes, mainly those which enclose the mitochondrion, the nucleus, and the endoplasmic reticulum, was observed even in unstained sections. X-ray microanalysis confirmed that the electron density of lipid droplets of B. culicis and membrane-bounded dense granules of C. oncopelti was due to the presence of osmium.

Placental lactogen production and functional differentiation of rat trophoblast cells in vitro

Cells from the labyrinth region of the developing rat chorioallantoic placenta were able to differentiate in vitro into cells capable of producing placental lactogen. Progesterone selectively inhibited placental lactogen production by labyrinth cell cultures undergoing differentiation but had no apparent effect on lactogen production by mature trophoblast giant cells. The measurement of placental lactogen production is a useful method for monitoring the functional differentiation of rat trophoblast cells in vitro.

Developmental changes in the intraplacental distribution of placental lactogen and alkaline phosphatase in the rat

The junctional and labyrinth regions of the rat chorioallantoic placenta during the second half of gestation showed different patterns of development with regard to DNA, protein, placental lactogen and alkaline phosphatase content. DNA and protein measurements indicated that growth of the labyrinth region was more rapid and persisted for longer during gestation than did growth in the junctional zone. At midpregnancy the junctional zone was the main source of placental lactogen whereas by late pregnancy both regions contributed considerable amounts. On Day 20 of gestation the labyrinth region contained significantly more placental lactogen than did the junctional zone. Alkaline phosphatase activity was predominant in the labyrinth zone throughout the second half of gestation. The results indicate that the chorioallantoic placenta is composed of two functionally distinct regions.

Fine structure of Blastocrithidia culicis as seen in thin sections and freeze-fracture replicas

The fine structure of epimastigotes of Blastocrithidia culicis was studied by transmission electron microscopy of thin sections and freeze-fracture replicas. This parasite presents a well developed endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complex systems. Differences in the density and organization of the intramembranous particles were observed between the membranes which enclose the cell body and the flagellum. Ridge-like elevations, visualized in freeze-fracture replicas, were observed in sites where the mitochondrial branches touched the plasma membrane. A special array of membrane particles was observed on both faces of the flagellar and the cell body membranes at the region where the flagellum adheres to the cell body. It appeared as strands made of two rows of membrane particles. Filipin-treated cells were used for the localization of membrane sterols in freeze-fracture replicas. The number of filipin-sterol complexes varied from cell to cell. In some cells, rows of filipin-sterol complexes were seen. No complexes were observed in the region of the attachment of the flagellum to the cell body.

Regulation of testicular LH/hCG receptors in golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) during development

During prepubertal development in the golden hamster, there are major age-related changes in the number of testicular LH/hCG receptors. Between 22 and 35 days of age, there was greater than 10-fold increase in testicular LH/hCG receptors, followed by a decrease at Day 37. Concomitant with, but preceding slightly, the changes in receptors, were increases in plasma LH and FSH and most noticeably prolactin concentrations, between Days 10 and 20 of age. Inhibition of the increases in plasma levels of prolactin by daily injections of bromocriptine, between 14 and 31 days of age, resulted in suppressed testicular and seminal vesicle weights, and decreased content and concentration of testicular LH/hCG receptors. Similarly, the premature increase in plasma prolactin concentrations in prepubertal hamsters between 6 and 20 days of age, by means of ectopic pituitary transplants, resulted in increased testicular and seminal vesicle weights, as well as an increase in the concentration of testicular LH/hCG receptors. These results strongly suggest that increases in plasma prolactin values during development are important in enhancement of the development of testicular LH/hCG receptors.

Placental lactogen secretion in the mouse: in vitro responses and ovarian and hormonal influences

In vivo and in vitro methodologies were utilized to study the regulation of placental lactogen (PL) secretion in the mouse. Chorioallantoic placental explants obtained from midpregnant (day 10 of gestation) C3H/HeN or Swiss Webster mouse conceptuses behaved differently in culture than explants of chorioallantoic placentas obtained later in pregnancy. Midpregnant placental explants maintained or showed an increasing amount of PL output per day for 5-6 days of culture, while gestationally older placental explants demonstrated a progressive decline in PL output per day over the 5-6-day culture period. On selected days of gestation, bilaterally ovariectomized C3H/HeN or Swiss Webster mice were shown to have significantly higher serum PL concentrations than sham operated mice. Reduction of serum progesterone concentrations by unilateral ovariectomy and/or partial lutectomy had no significant effect on serum PL concentrations. Progesterone significantly reduced PL production by midpregnant placental explants from both C3H/HeN and Swiss Webster mice, whereas 17 beta-estradiol did not significantly affect PL release in vitro. PL production by mouse chorioallantoic placentas has gestational specific characteristics in vitro and is responsive to regulatory influences of the maternal ovaries and progesterone.

Ectopic pituitary grafts in mice: hormone levels, effects on fertility, and the development of adenomyosis uteri, prolactinomas, and mammary carcinomas

Some endocrinological consequences of grafting hypophyses of mice to sites distant from the hypothalamic-pituitary portal vessels were investigated. Serum PRL levels in recipients rose within 3 weeks to levels seen during pregnancy, resulting in a premature increase in serum progesterone (P) levels. After 7 weeks, luteolytic effects were evident in BALB/c females, and P values had plateaued in the range of those seen in normal adult animals, while in BALB/c X C3H F1 hybrids, this effect was delayed, and P values rose, reaching, in some animals, levels reported during pregnancy. Despite continuing hyperprolactinemia, the fertility of graft-bearing females was reduced only slightly. By the 6th month, lesions of adenomyosis were frequent in uteri of C3H and F1 hybrids, but essentially absent from BALB/c animals. The number of corpora lutea was reduced in all experimental groups, yet serum P values were somewhat elevated in hybrid females and BALB/c animals bearing three grafts. Evidence is presented indicating that PRL enhances the action of P on both the estrogen-stimulating vagina and uterus. Small groups of grafted BALB/c and hybrid females not infected with exogenous mouse mammary tumor virus were allowed to survive until mammary cancers developed or until they reached 18 months of age. The grafts in the hybrids routinely became adenomatous, producing serm PRL levels of 1-21 X 10(3) ng/ml; only one secreted excessive GH. Adenomyosis wained in the aged hybrids, apparently due to declining ovarian function. The majority of the animals developed adenoid cystic mammary cancers that seemed to arise from areas of hyperplasia within dilated ducts rather than from alveolar hyperplasias, as is most frequently the case in mice carrying exogenous mouse mammary tumor virus.

Effects of different numbers of ectopic pituitary transplants on regulation of testicular LH/hCG and prolactin receptors in the hamster (Mesocricetus auratus)

Adult male hamsters were given transplants of 1/2, 1, 2, 3 or 4 pituitaries under the kidney capsule and were killed 4 weeks later. Pituitary transplants produced a significant, dose-related increase in plasma prolactin levels, no changes in plasma LH and an increase in plasma FSH. Concentration of LH/hCG receptors in the testes was significantly increased in animals with 2 or 3 transplants and concentration of testicular prolactin receptors was significantly increased in those given 2 transplants. The apparent stimulatory effects of 1/2, 1 or 4 transplants on testicular LH/hCG and prolactin binding were not statistically significant. Some of the animals were injected with 0.3 i.u. hCG/g body weight 24 h before being killed. This produced a significant reduction in the levels of prolactin receptors and an apparent reduction in the levels of LH/hCG receptors in the testes. Elevation of plasma testosterone concentrations in response to hCG was significantly greater in animals given 3 or 4 pituitary transplants than in the remaining groups. These results provide further evidence that prolactin increases the number of LH/hCG and prolactin receptors in the hamster testis and suggest that changing the number of ectopic pituitary transplants may result in biphasic effects on the testis, with 2 or 3 transplants being maximally stimulatory.

Trophoblast giant cell release of placental lactogens: temporal and regional characteristics

Placental lactogen (PL) production by rat trophoblast giant cells was studied using in vitro methods. The influence of trophoblast giant cell location within the conceptus and day of trophoblast giant cell isolation on the type of PL released in vitro were investigated. The effect of trophoblast giant cell location on the amount of PL, progesterone, and testosterone released in vitro was also evaluated. Trophoblast giant cells release two types of PLs in vitro; a high-molecular-weight lactogen, PL-1, and a low-molecular-weight lactogen, PL-2. The type of PL released by trophoblast giant cells was not influenced by their location within the conceptus at the time of dissection. Location did influence the amount of hormone produced by trophoblast giant cells. Mural trophoblast giant cells were more active in the production of PL, progesterone, and testosterone. The type of PL released by trophoblast giant cells is highly dependent upon the day of gestation the cells are removed for study. Trophoblast giant cells isolated on Day 10 of gestation release predominantly PL-1, while those cells isolated 24 hr later (Day 11 of gestation) release predominantly PL-2. The switch from PL-1 to PL-2 production that occurs in vivo does not occur under the in vitro conditions employed in this report.

Does prolactin modify testosterone feedback in the hamster? Suppression of plasma prolactin inhibits photoperiod-induced decreases in testosterone feedback sensitivity

The hormonal changes during the photoperiodically driven annual reproductive cycle of the male golden hamster can be explained partially by a change in the sensitivity of the hypothalamo-pituitary axis to negative feedback by testosterone (T). The present studies test the hypothesis that the increases in plasma levels of LH and FSH that follow photo-stimulation are due to decreasing feedback sensitivity and examine if this change in sensitivity is dependent upon increasing PRL levels. Adult males were exposed to a lighting schedule of 5 h of light, 19 h of darkness (5:19) for 12 weeks to induce gonadal regression. The animals were castrated; treated with an inhibitor of PRL release, bromocriptine (CB-154), or oil; and received a Silastic capsule that was empty or filled with T. Subsequently, the animals were transferred to 14:10 and killed 9 or 31 days later. There were no significant changes in FSH and LH in animals receiving oil injections and empty implants between days 9 and 31, suggesting no steroid-independent changes in gonadotropin secretion during this time period. However, 4-mm T implants were more effective in suppressing LH and FSH levels on day 9 than on day 31. This suggests that there is a gradual decrease in feedback sensitivity to T following photostimulation. T was more effective in inhibiting LH and FSH levels in CB-154-treated than in oil-treated animals on both day 9 and day 31. Thus, increases in PRL release are instrumental in causing decreases in feedback sensitivity following photostimulation.

Does prolactin modify testosterone feedback in the hamster? Pituitary grafts alter the ability of testosterone to suppress luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone release in castrated male hamsters

Adult male golden hamsters maintained in a long photoperiod (14 h of light and 10 h of darkness) or in a short photoperiod (5 h of light and 19 h of darkness for 7 weeks) were castrated and either given one anterior pituitary transplant under the kidney capsule or sham-operated. Additional animals were castrated and grafted or sham-grafted at the time of transfer to the short photoperiod. Starting 2 weeks after castration, all animals were injected three times a week with 20 micrograms testosterone propionate (TP). After 3 weeks, the dose of TP was increased to 80 micrograms and, after an additional 2 weeks, to 320 micrograms per injection. Blood samples were collected 2 weeks after castration and 1 day after the last injection of 20, 80, and 320 micrograms TP. Short photoperiod reduced and pituitary grafts increased plasma PRL levels. Plasma testosterone levels were related to the dose of injected TP, but were not influenced by photoperiod or pituitary transplants. Before the onset of TP injections, plasma LH and FSH levels in grafted and sham-grafted hamsters did not differ. In each of the three photoperiod conditions, injections of TP were consistently less effective in suppressing plasma gonadotropin levels in pituitary-grafted animals than in sham-grafted controls. These results indicate that PRL modulates the effects of exogenous testosterone on LH and FSH release in adult castrated male golden hamsters, this effect of PRL is due to reducing the sensitivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary system to feedback inhibition by testosterone, and suppression of pituitary PRL release in short photoperiod may be partially responsible for the concomitant increase in the sensitivity of LH and FSH release to inhibition by testosterone.

Pre-parturitional changes in serum prolactin, placental lactogen, growth hormone, progesterone, and corticosterone in the C3H/HeN mouse

Pre-parturitional changes in serum prolactin, placental lactogen, growth hormone, progesterone, and corticosterone in the C3H/HeN mouse are described. Serum prolactin concentrations display an apparent biphasic pre-parturitional increase. Both serum placental lactogen and growth hormone concentrations are elevated during the second half of pregnancy. Serum placental lactogen concentrations remain elevated until parturition, whereas serum growth hormone concentrations decline on the last two days of pregnancy. Serum progesterone and corticosterone concentrations are elevated during the latter half of pregnancy and decline on the day preceding parturition.

Tissue eosinophilia and Leishmania mexicana mexicana eosinophil interactions in murine cutaneous leishmaniasis

Outbred albino mice were infected subcutaneously with 10(6) amastigotes of Leishmania mexicana mexicana and the subsequent lesions were evaluated by light and electron microscopy at various intervals after infection. The animals developed persistent nodules and a spectrum of lesions of variable size which was correlated with the host's ability to control the parasite in the tissue. During the acute phase of the disease the histopathological results showed an accumulation of granulocytes, some mononuclear phagocytes and a predominance of eosinophils as compared to other cell types. In this early acute phase, eosinophils were found in the tissue together with normal and degranulating mast cells. In the granulomatous inflammatory reaction of the chronic phases, there was infiltration of granulocytes parallel to parasite multiplication and the formation of parasitized vacuolated macrophages. The number of eosinophils was consistently greater than neutrophils, regardless of lesion type or number of parasites present in the tissue. During the acute reaction, the granulocytes apparently destroyed many parasites; however, there was an unvaryingly low level of phagocytosis of amastigotes during the chronic stages by both eosinophils and neutrophils. Neutrophils seemed to be more effective than eosinophils in the killing of ingested parasites. A close association between eosinophils and parasitized macrophages was seen in the chronic lesions; thus, eosinophils might contribute to parasite destruction through co-operation with macrophages.

Seasonal reproduction in the mongoose, Herpestes auropunctatus. IV. Organ weight and hormone changes in the female

The mongoose, Herpestes auropunctatus, shows a well-defined breeding season in Hawaii. In this study, females were live-trapped throughout the year and sacrificed within 48 hr to obtain information about reproductive organ weights and gonadotropin levels. Pregnant females were found from February through September and lactating females from March through October. Body weight did not change significantly throughout the year, but anterior pituitary, adrenal, ovarian, and uterine weights were significantly reduced during the nonbreeding season. LH and FSH levels were extremely variable among individuals and, although mean values were higher during the breeding than during the non-breeding season, no significant differences could be demonstrated. After castration, there was not a clearcut rise in either LH or FSH, regardless of the season of the year, when animals were followed for up to l5 days. This contrasts with the male mongoose, where FSH rose significantly by 4 days after castration in either the breeding or nonbreeding season, while LH rose more slowly in the nonbreeding season but by l0 days after castration was significantly elevated and comparable to values in males castrated in the breeding season. We conclude that the female mongoose population shows less synchrony in changes in gonadotropin levels than the males, in spite of the well-defined breeding season.

Neuroendocrine changes in male hamsters following photostimulation

Transfer of gonadally regressed male golden hamsters from a short (5 L:19 D) to a stimulatory (14 L:10 D) photoperiod elicits, within 24 hr, significant changes in hypothalamic dopamine, serotonin, and possibly norepinephrine metabolism. Hypothalamic LHRH content was significantly elevated in short-photoperiod animals, but within 24 hr of transfer to a 14:10 photoperiod, LHRH declined to levels not different from those in hamsters maintained continuously in a long photoperiod. Plasma FSH levels were also significantly elevated within 24 hr of transfer, but increases in plasma LH were somewhat slower. Chronic treatment with the tyrosine hydroxylase inhibitor, alpha-methyl tyrosine (alpha MPT), which inhibits catecholamine synthesis, blocked the effect of a stimulatory photoperiod on plasma FSH levels, while treatment of 5:19 hamsters with the catecholamine precursor, L-dopa, mimicked the effects of photostimulation on plasma FSH levels. Testicular weights were not affected by alpha MPT or L-dopa treatment for 1 week. From these data, it appears that endocrine events associated with photoperiod-induced testicular recrudescence are under the control of hypothalamic neurotransmitters.

Identification of a placental lactogen in pregnant Snell and Ames dwarf mice

Sera and placentas from pregnant dwarf mice contain a placental lactogen. This placental lactogen has immunological and electrophoretic properties similar to those of placental lactogen from normal mice.

Effects of short photoperiod on the ability of golden hamster pituitaries to secrete prolactin and gonadotropins in vitro

Transfer of male golden (Syrian) hamsters from a 14L:10D (light:dark) to a 5L:19D photoperiod induced significant changes in pituitary function tested in vitro. Within 27 days after transfer to a 5L:19D photoperiod, basal prolactin (Prl) release was significantly depressed and response to dopamine (DA) was significantly enhanced as compared to Prl release by pituitaries from 14L: 10D hamsters. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) release tended to be depressed after 9 or 27 days of 5L:19D exposure, but the effect was not significant. After 77 days of 5L:19D exposure, Prl release was further suppressed, while FSH release surpassed that seen in 14L:10D pituitaries. In vitro FSH response to luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) was also enhanced at this time. After 15 weeks of exposure to a short photoperiod, FSH secretion was still elevated above control levels, but Prl release and Prl response to DA were no longer different from that of 14L: 10D controls. Secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) in vitro, either basal or LHRH stimulated, was not affected by photoperiod at any time tested. From these results, we conclude that short photoperiod exposure does not reduce the pituitary's ability to secrete LH or FSH, although secretion of Prl is severely attenuated.

Midpregnancy elevation of serum androstenedione levels in the C3H/HeN mouse: placental origin

The purpose of this study was to characterize the serum profile of androstenedione during pregnancy in the C3H/HeN mouse and to determine the site of its production. Serum androstenedione levels were characterized by a prominent midpregnancy elevation and were substantially higher than testosterone levels during pregnancy. The results of our studies support a placental site of production for androstenedione during midpregnancy: 1) uterine venous levels of androstenedione are higher than peripheral androstenedione levels at midpregnancy and during the second half of pregnancy, 2) developmental changes in the in vitro release of androstenedione by conceptuses coincide temporally with serum changes in androstenedione levels, 3) the day 10 placenta releases significantly more androstenedione in vitro than do other endocrine tissues from day 10 of pregnancy, and 4) serum androstenedione levels are maintained after bilateral ovariectomy on day 10 of pregnancy.

Effects of handling and ether anesthesia on serum prolactin levels in the golden hamster

The effects of handling and ether stress on serum prolactin (PRL) levels in gonadally active and gonadally regressed male golden hamsters and in females in different stages of the estrous cycle were examined. Males, regardless of reproductive state or photoperiod, showed no significant alterations in serum PRL levels following exposure to ether and cardiac puncture, in contrast to females, which showed a significant elevation in serum PRL following these two procedures. This increase was small and inconsistent in females etherized for 1 min, but it was very pronounced in females etherized for 6 min. In females there was also a slight but significant increase in PRL following transfer from the animal room to the laboratory. Thus, routine experimental manipulations, such as moving the animals to a laboratory and ether exposure, induce significant and variable elevations of serum prolactin in female hamsters.

Genetic and litter size effects on serum placental lactogen in the mouse

Placental lactogen (PL) and progesterone are important hormones of pregnancy in the mouse. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of genetic differences and litter size on serum PL levels in the mouse. Serum progesterone levels were also measured in some experiments. Two features of serum PL levels under genetic control were identified: 1) the gestational profile of serum PL and 2) absolute serum PL levels. Breeding combinations that resulted in profound effects on serum PL levels were without significant affect on serum progesterone levels. Serum concentrations of PL and progesterone were directly proportional to litter size. Conceptus number was found to significantly affect ovarian progesterone release. The presence of uterine tissue antagonized the luteotropic actions of the conceptus but did not affect serum PL levels.

Identification and partial characterization of a lactogen from the midpregnant mouse conceptus

Previously, we demonstrated that measurement of serum lactogenic hormones during pregnancy in the mouse by the rabbit mammary gland radioreceptor assay (RRA) and specific RIAs for mouse PRL (mPRL) and mouse placental lactogen (mPL) showed a large RRA to RIA activity ratio during midpregnancy. The purpose of this study was to begin to characterize this discrepancy in midpregnancy PRL-like activity. The elution profile of serum from midpregnant mice on Sephadex G-100 showed a characteristic peak in RRA activity (elution volume/void volume = 1.5), distinct from either mPRL or mPL (both approximately elution volume/void volume = 2.0). This PRL-like activity was not recognized by antisera to either mPRL or mPL. The source of the midpregnancy lactogen was localized to the conceptus. The hormone was found to have an apparent molecular weight of 50,000 (based on Sephadex G-100 chromatography) and an electrophoretic mobility similar to mPRL (Rf = 0.5-0.6) and to be lactogenic in the in vitro mouse mammary gland explant bioassay. We have demonstrated the existence of a midpregnancy lactogen that is different from mPL and mPRL and is of conceptus origin.

Development of a homologous radioimmunoassay for secreted hamster prolactin

A specific and sensitive homologous radioimmunoassay has been developed for secreted hamster prolactin. Hamster serum and pituitary extracts showed parallel dilution-response curves with hamster prolactin. The sensitivity of the assay ranged from 0.5 to 1.0 ng/ml, and the intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation were 6 and 10%, respectively. Additionally we have demonstrated that the rat prolactin radioimmunoassay kit distributed by the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism, and Digestive Diseases is an inadequate method for the measurement of hamster prolactin.

Role of daylength in the regulation of reproductive function in the male mongoose, Herpestes auropunctatus

The male mongoose, Herpestes auropunctatus, displays a distinct seasonal reproductive rhythm in environments which show minimal changes in daylength. This investigation was designed to evaluate whether the reproductive system of the male mongoose was responsive to photoperiodic manipulations. Four experiments were conducted; two during the breeding season, one during the inactive season, and one during the recrudescence phase. Serum androgen levels and reproductive organ weights were similar in males exposed to either short (6L:18D) or control photoperiods (14L:10D) when the photoperiodic adjustment was initiated in April; however, serum androgen levels were significantly depressed after 60 days exposure to short photoperiods as were weights of prostate glands when the photoperiodic manipulation was initiated in May. An increase in the number of hours of light per day during the inactive season did not affect serum androgen levels or reproductive organ weights. Exposure to a very short photoperiod (2L:22D) during the recrudescence phase delayed, but did not prevent, the increase in serum androgen levels. Although the reproductive system of the male mongoose is responsive to daylength adjustments, the response is less pronounced when compared to the effects of photoperiod in other seasonal breeders.

Placental and serum hormone changes during the second half of pregnancy in the hamster

The concentrations of androgen, estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin-like hormones in serum, placentae, and media from placental incubations during the second half of pregnancy in the hamster were determined. Concentrations of prolactin-like activity in serum, placentae, and media from placental incubations increased from Day 8 to Day 14 of gestation. On Day 16 of pregnancy the content and in vitro release of placental prolactin-like activity declined; however, serum prolactin-like activity increased. The in vitro release of 3H-protein by hamster placentae showed gestational changes resembling the pattern of in vitro placental lactogen release. Serum and placental content of progesterone increased from Day 8 to Day 14 of gestation and declined from Day 14 to Day 16. In vitro placental progesterone release increased from Day 8 to Day 12 and declined from Day 12 to Day 16. Serum estrogen levels were elevated during the second half of pregnancy, whereas serum androgen levels were minimal. Neither estrogen nor androgen production by hamster placentae could be detected.

Gestational effects on placental and serum androgen, progesterone and prolactin-like activity in the mouse

The concentrations of androgen, progesterone and prolactin-like activity in serum, placentae and media from placental incubations during the second half of pregnancy in the C3H mouse were evaluated. Serum concentrations, placental content and in-vitro placental release of androgen were raised on day 10 of pregnancy. Serum progesterone levels showed minor fluctuations during the second half of gestation, whereas placenta content and in-vitro release of progesterone were increased on day 10 of gestation. The serum profile of prolactin-like activity showed a significant mid-pregnancy increase on day 10 which did not correlate with placental content or in-vitro placental release of prolactin-like activity. The placental content and in-vitro release of prolactin-like activity were low during mid-pregnancy and increased during the latter days of gestation when serum prolactin-like activity was reduced.

The development and characterization of a homologous radioimmunoassay for mouse placental lactogen

A highly specific and sensitive homologous radioimmunoassay (RIA) has been developed for mouse placental lactogen(mPL). Mouse pregnancy serum and placental extracts showed parallel dilution-response curves, and no significant cross-reaction was seen with either mouse growth hormone or mouse prolactin. The sensitivity of the assay ranged from 0.5 to 1.0 ng/ml, and the intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation were 5 and 11%, respectively. By RIA, mPL levels were detectable on day 9 of pregnancy (1 ng/ml) and increased until day 14 (100-150 ng/ml) in both C3H and BALB/c strains. On days 14-18 of pregnancy, mPL levels were maintained (95-125 ng/ml) in C3H mice, while they continued to increase (greater than 250 ng/ml) in BALB/c mice. In both strains, a midpregnancy peak in prolactin-like activity was detected by a radioreceptor assay but not by the mPL RIA.

Critical time period for the vagino-cervical stimulus to induce pseudopregnancy in the dioestrous rat

Groups of rats experienced mechanical stimulation of the vagino-cervical region in induce pseudopregnancy at various intervals from 0900 h on dioestrus -- 1 (D -- 1) to 1800 h on D -- 2. Twenty-four of 26 rats which were stimulated on D -- 1 experienced immediate pseudopregnancy whereas when the stimulus was given on D -- 2, 39 of 45 rats continued to cycle and the latest time when such mechanical stimulation would reliably induce immediate pseudopregnancy was 2400 h on D -- 1. Abolition of the dark phase between 1800 h D -- 1 and 0600 h D -- 2 did no alter this critical time period (2400 h on D -- 1). Stimulation as late as 1200 h on D -- 2 caused alterations in the normal pattern of 4-day cyclicity in 8 of 11 rats.

Progestagen effects on elicitation of aggressive behaviour in male mice

Effects of progesterone on production of androgen-dependent aggression-eliciting pheromones were investigated. Two groups of anosmic (non-fighting) castrated mice treated with testosterone or with testosterone and progesterone, respectively, were attacked to the same degree by intact, isolated (fighting) mice while control mice (castrated only) were attacked less. The findings support the ideas that progesterone may inhibit androgen-induced aggression via a neural and not via a somatic mechanism.