[N-stearoylethanolamine effect on the level of 11-hydroxycorticosteroids, cytokines IL-1, IL-6 and TNFalpha in rats with nonspecific inflammation caused by thermal burn of skin]

The mechanisms of anti-inflammatory action of saturated N-acylethanolamine--N-stearoylethanolamine (NSE) were investigated on the rat model of nonspecific inflammation (thermal burns of the skin). The results showed that the NSE application in a form of aqueous suspension (10 mg/ml) on the damaged skin area during 12 days significantly accelerated the healing process of burned wounds. NSE also prevented the increase of 11-hydroxycorticosteroids content in the blood of rats with burns. There was also found a significant decrease of cytokines (IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNFalpha) levels under the NSE action. This way may be one of the mechanisms of NSE anti-inflammatory action.

[The modelling of N-stearoylethanolamine effect of 17beta-estradiol in the organism of male rats]

The influence of N-stearoylethanolamine (NSE) on total 11-hydroxycorticosteroids (11-HCS) and testosterone level in the blood of male rats in normal conditions and under the action of 17beta-estradiol (400 mkg/kg of body weight during 3 days) was studied. It was shown that NSE administration per os (50 mg/kg of body weight during 7 days) to intact animals did not change the level of 11-HCS and of testosterone. The administration of NSE to estrogenized male rats decreased the elevated level of 11-HCS and normalized the amount of testosterone in blood. The correction of alterated weight of adenohypophysis and testis of estrogenized male rats compared to control can be a direct evidence of NSE-mediated modelling of the effect on hypothalamic-pituitary hormone system. The effect of NSE in the testis of estrogenized male rats inhibited the process of lipid peroxidation, caused the decrease of the amount of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and increased the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase. The NSE showed more expressed antioxidative effect compared to vitamin E. Taking into consideration all above mentioned data we suggested that NSE administration to male rats protected Leydig cells from damage under the increase of estrogen level.

Identification of steroid biosynthetic defects in genotype-proven heterozygous individuals for 17alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase deficiency

OBJECTIVE

P450c17 deficiency (17alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase deficiency, 17OHD) is a rare form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia caused by CYP17A1 gene mutations. The D487_F489 deletion in exon 8 and Y329fs in exon 6 are relatively frequent mutations of the CYP17A1 gene in China that completely abolish the enzyme activity of P450c17. However, little remains known about steroid biosynthetic functions in carriers with these mutations in a single allele of the CYP17A1 gene, who are assumed to have 50% P450c17 activity. We investigated adrenal steroidogenic function in genotype-proven heterozygotes carrying such mutations in the CYP17A1 gene in vivo.

PATIENTS AND DESIGN

Eight patients and fourteen family members from five families with 17OHD were recruited. The mutations of the CYP17A1 gene in these individuals were screened by sequencing. The hormonal response to cosyntropin (ACTH) was evaluated in the 14 genotype-proven carriers and 45 age- and gender-matched normal controls.

RESULTS

Fourteen carriers of the CYP17A1 mutation - seven with the D487_F489 deletion, six with Y329fs and one with H373L - were identified from the five families with 17OHD. Compared with normal controls, carriers showed lower basal and ACTH-stimulated cortisol levels but higher ACTH-stimulated corticosterone levels. The ratios of corticosterone to cortisol in the genotype-proven heterozygotes were higher than those of the normal controls at the baseline and after cosyntropin stimulation. Similarly, the progesterone levels and the ratios of progesterone to 17-hydroxyprogesterone in the male heterozygotes were also higher than those of the normal controls, both before and after ACTH stimulation.

CONCLUSION

Genotype-proven carriers of the CYP17A1 mutation who lack apparent clinical symptoms exhibit decreased adrenal 17alpha-hydroxylase activity and altered adrenal gland reserve for steroid biosynthesis.

[Neurohumoral mechanisms of the rat heart adaptation to overload]

The present study confirms involvement of the sympathicoadrenal system in adaptation of heart to overload. Besides, at formation of chronic heart failure (CHF) there have been revealed a rise of the histamine and serotonin levels in blood plasma and myocardium as well as glucocorticoid hyperactivation.

[Effect of stress on the content of free radical oxidation products in subcellular brain fractions in rats of pubertal age]

The purpose of the present work is to study the influence of immobilization stress of different intensity on the content of protein and lipid oxidation products in subcellular brain fractions in rats of different age. It has been shown that 30-minute immobilization of 1.5-month, 2-month- and 12-month-old rats was not accompanied by accumulation of protein and lipid oxidation products in subcellular brain fractions. A prolonged immobilization of 1.5-month-old rats was accompanied by manifestations of oxidative stress in subcellular brain fractions; such manifestations were not characteristic of the rats of older age groups.

Adrenal function in 23 children with paracoccidioidomycosis

Adrenal involvement by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis was described at necropsies and in many clinical studies, but only in adults. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate adrenal function in children with paracoccidioidomycosis. Twenty-three children with the systemic form of paracoccidioidomycosis were evaluated and divided in two Groups: Group A (n = 8) included children before treatment and Group B (n = 15) children after the end of treatment. Plasma cortisol (basal and after ACTH test), ACTH, renin activity, aldosterone, sodium and potassium were measured. They were within normal range in all cases, except for renin activity and aldosterone, which were elevated in some cases. Group A patients showed basal and post-ACTH cortisol levels significantly greater than Group B patients. The results showed that adrenal function was not compromised in these children with paracoccidioidomycosis.

[Optimization of hepatoprotective therapy of viral hepatitis with consideration of neuromediatory link of pathogenesis]

AIM

To study therapeutic efficacy of hepatoprotective modalities on the experimental hepatitis model and in patients with parenteral hepatitis B and C regarding neurogenic amines and their coefficients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

38 hepatoprotectors were screened for the highest activity in 1000 white rats with toxic hepatitis. Blood catecholamines (CA), histamine (H), serotonin (S), 11-oxycorticosteroids (11-OCS) were studied in 100 patients with acute hepatitis B and C.

RESULTS

The recommended hepatoprotectors optimized treatment of hepatitis, led to rapid correction of abdominal and dyspeptic syndromes, normalization of bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, cytolysis enzymes levels, improvement of neuromediatory balance. Six-month follow-up demonstrated improvement of biochemical indices in patients given hepatoprotectors with a confirmed action.

CONCLUSION

Hepatoprotectors are necessary in pathogenetic treatment of acute hepatitis B and C.

[Effects of estradiol on synthesis of corticosteroids, protein kinase A and C activity in the adrenal cortex of intact and orchiectomized rats]

Estradiol treatment produced significant increase of total 11-hydroxycorticosteroids level in the blood of intact and castrated rats. Activity of protein kinase A increased in the cytosol and membrane fraction of adrenocorticocytes of intact and orchiectomized rats after estradiol influence. Activity of protein kinase C significantly raised in the cytosol and membrane fraction of adrenocortical cells in all investigated groups. Our results suggest that cAMP-dependent protein kinase A and protein kinase C mediate estradiol effects in adrenal cortex.

[Effect of the perturbed geomagnetic field on the metabolism of the rat connective tissue during heat exposure]

The biochemical data of the researches of the perturbed geomagnetic field influence on the metabolism of the rat's connective tissue by the heating are presented. The possibility of adrenal glands reaction modification under using the perturbed geomagnetic field after high temperature is shown.

Elucidation and Characteristics of Non-opioid -Endorphin Receptors in Rat Adrenal Cortex

beta-Endorphin-like decapeptide immunorphin (SLTCLVKGFY), a selective agonist of non-opioid beta-endorphin receptor, was labeled with tritium to specific activity of 24 Ci/mmol. It was used for the detection and characterization of non-opioid beta-endorphin receptors on rat adrenal cortex membranes (Kd1 = 39.6 +/- 2.0 nM, Bmax1 = 40.7 +/- 2.3 pmol/mg protein; Kd2 = 0.25 +/- 0.01 micro M, Bmax2 = 187.8 +/- 9.4 pmol/mg protein). beta-Endorphin was found to inhibit the [3H]immunorphin specific binding to membranes (Ki = 70.0 +/- 9.2 nM); naloxone, [Met5]enkephalin, and alpha- and gamma-endorphins tested in parallel were inactive. Immunorphin at concentrations of 10(-9)-10(-6) M was found to inhibit the adenylate cyclase activity in adrenocortical membranes, while intramuscular injection of immunorphin at doses of 10-100 micro g/kg was found to reduce the secretion of 11-oxycorticosteroids from the adrenals to the bloodstream.

[An ACTH-like peptide immunocortin: effect on the activity of cells from the rat adrenal cortex]

The effect of immunocortin, an ACTH-like decapeptide VKKPGSSVKV corresponding to the 11-20 sequence of the variable part of the human IgG1 heavy chain on the content of 11-hydroxycorticosteroids (CS) in rat adrenal glands and blood serum in vivo was studied. An intramuscular injection of immunocortin at a dose of 10 microg/kg was found in an hour to induce a twofold decrease in CS content in the adrenal glands and a 1.8-fold increase in the blood serum CS content. At the same time, an immunocortin dose of 100 microg/kg exerted practically no effect on the CS content and its dose of 1000 microg/kg increased the CS content both in adrenal glands and in blood serum by 1.6 and 2.2 times, respectively. Four hours after the injection of any of the three doses of immunocortin, the CS content in adrenal glands did not differ from the control value, and after 24 h the content decreased threefold. Immunocortin was shown to be bound by the ACTH receptors in the membranes of the rat adrenal cortex with a high affinity and specificity (inhibiting the specific binding of 125I-labeled ACTH-(11-24) peptide with Ki of 1.2 nM).

The Effects of Lesions to the Striatum on the Function of the Hypothalamo–Hypophyseal–Adrenal System in Adrenalectomized Rats

Experiments on white rats were performed to study the effects of bilateral lesioning of the striatum on activation of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal-adrenal system (HHAS) after unilateral adrenalectomy. These studies showed that increases in the weight of the surviving adrenal gland were smaller in striatectomized rats than in controls. There was a significant decrease in corticosteroid production by the intact gland. These changes were most marked after destruction of the dorsal parts of the nucleus. These data provide evidence for involvement of the striatum in controlling HHAS activity via a feedback mechanism.

[Modification of the effects of microwave irradiation on biochemical processes by using foreign protein]

The biochemical data on the influence of electromagnetic fields in microwave range on the hormonal-mediator regulation systems are presented. The possibility of biological effects modification under combined action of microwave radiation and foreign protein is discussed.

[Changes in the fractional collagen composition of the kidneys in rats under immobilization stress and alloxan diabetes]

Content of free hydroxyproline, total collagen and neutral salt-soluble, citrate-soluble, nonsoluble fractions of collagen and also collagenolytic activity on combined immobilization stress days 3, 10, 15 and 30 in alloxan diabetes were studied in homogenates of the cortical zone of rats' kidneys. Changes in the fractional collagen composition were found phasic. The additional stress load on its days 1-10 attenuates but in the following days aggravates the catabolic action of alloxan diabetes on collagen metabolism in the kidneys.

[Neuroimmune relations in the rat thymus caused by recombinant interleukin-1beta administration]

Interrelations among changes in 11-oxycorticosteroids (11-OSC) in blood plasma, catecholamines (CA), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in nerve fibres of the thymus, as well as qualitative content and proliferative capacity of thymic and blood cells under the effect of the rat recombinant interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta) normally and under conditions of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical depression, were studied. The changes were the most obvious within 15 and 120 min following the IL-2 beta administration: elevation of the 11-OSC, increase in the CA content, and decrease in the AChE activity in thymic nerve fibres. Preliminary administration of dexamethasone prevented the effects.

[State of the hypophyseal-adrenal system during surgical correction of heart defects under various anesthesiological methods and at distant periods after surgery]

The concentration of 11-HOCS in the blood plasma was measured in 278 patients with heart diseases operated on under various anesthesias at different stages of surgical correction of the defects and in the immediate postoperative period. Plasma ACTH level was measured in 137 of these operated on under deep hypothermia and hypothermal perfusion. The hormonal response was the most expressed in patients operated on under normothermia, whereas in patients exposed to hypothermia the reaction was minimal. 141 patients were examined in remote periods after surgery. Blood plasma 11-HOCS level was normal in the cases with good and satisfactory results of surgical treatment, whereas in those with poor results it was higher or lower than normally.

[The state of the hypophyseal-adrenal system during surgical correction of heart diseases under conditions of different anesthesia and in distant periods after surgery]

Blood plasma levels of 11-HOCS were measured in 278 patients with heart diseases operated on under different anesthesia at various stages of surgical correction of the diseases and during the immediate postoperative period. Blood plasma ACTH levels were measured in 137 patients operated on under deep hypothermal protection and hypothermal perfusion. The most manifest hormonal response was observed during surgery under normothermia, whereas under conditions of hypothermal perfusion the reaction to intervention was the minimal. A total of 141 patients were examined in remote periods after surgery. Blood plasma 11-HOCS levels were normal in patients with good and satisfactory results of surgical treatment and increased for decreased in those with unsatisfactory results.

[Circadian rhythm of cortisol in patients after reconstruction surgery of the esophagus using various intestinal segments for transplantation]

The authors determined the circadian rhythm of cortisol expressed as blood 11-hydroxycorticosteroid level (11 OHCS) in group of healthy subjects and in 3 groups of patients after the formation of an artificial oesophagus from the jejunum, large intestine and ileum and caecum. In all examined patients the normal circadian rhythm of 11 OHCS was maintained. In patients with oesophagus made up of jejunum and large intestine mean level 11 OHCS in blood was insignificantly higher in comparison with a group healthy subjects. In group patients with the oesophagus made up of ileum and caecum the 11 OHCS level in blood was significantly lower in comparison to the group of healthy subjects and to patients with oesophagus made up of jejunum and large intestine.

[Study on Alpiniae Fructus. I. Pharmacological evidence of efficacy of Alpiniae Fructus on ancient herbal literature]

Pharmacological effects on anti-diuresis, anti-ulceration, anti-dementia and learning function of 50% ethanolic extract (AO-ext) from Alpiniae Fructus (fruit of Alpinia oxyphylla) removed seed vessel were investigated in order to prove the evidence of the efficacy of Alpiniae Fructus on the ancient herbal literature. AO-ext showed the effects of anti-diuresis, anti-ulceration, anti-dementia and on increase in the learning function in animals. And also, AO-ext exhibited the increasing effect on the serum 11-hydroxycorticosteroid (11-OHCS) level in the above-described experimental animals and in intact and hypophysectomized rats.

[The coupling of the contrariwise changes in the steroid-secreting activity of the adrenals and the steroid-metabolizing activity of the liver in rats after x-ray irradiation]

The rat adrenal cortex activation is accompanied by inhibition of steroid metabolism in liver and vice versa at acute radiation disease caused by X-ray irradiation. A coupling of contrary changes of corticosteroid secretion and metabolism evidences that there is common regulation of these functions. The possible ACTH participation in coupling of adrenals and liver functions and the liver role in radiation hypercorticism genesis are discussed.

Seasonal changes in body mass, insulin, and glucocorticoids of free-living golden-mantled ground squirrels

The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between seasonal variation in levels of insulin, cortisol, and corticosterone and body mass in a natural population of golden-mantled ground squirrels (Spermophilus saturatus) over the active season, from April to August. The body mass of females is at an active season minimum on emergence from hibernation, increases during pregnancy and lactation, and shows a further rise during fattening, reaching a peak in August. Males are heavier than females on emergence from hibernation, lose mass during the mating period, then gradually increase to a maximum in August. Plasma insulin titers generally reflected these patterns of change in body mass. Levels in males were almost double those of females on emergence, then decreased as body mass was lost during mating. Male values increased in July and peaked in August, coincident with the body mass maximum. Females, in contrast, showed very low insulin levels in April on emergence and increased levels during lactation, continuing high into the fattening period. Corticosterone levels were low in both sexes at the beginning of the season and rose throughout most of the active season; female levels exceeded those of males during the lactation phase. Cortisol titers gradually decreased over the first half of the active season in both sexes, but later increased to a seasonal maximum at the end of the season, coincident with the peak in body mass.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[The participation of the brain dopamine receptors in the functional alteration of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal-adrenal cortex system in rat progeny that received alcohol with the maternal milk]

The rat experiments have shown that cerucal-induced blockade of dopamine receptors in the brain normalizes hypothalamo-hypophyseo-adrenocortical parameters in the early postnatal period in newborn rats alcoholized during lactation, as well as reduces the functional activity of the links in this system in the formation of sexual maturity and early puberty. It is suggested that dopamine might play a significant role in the mechanism of action of alcohol through its receptors on the rat offsprings' hypothalamo_hypophyseo-adrenocortical system.

[The effect of adenosine on the hypothalamo-hypophyseal-adrenal system]

The effect of various doses of intraperitoneally administered adenosine on the content of corticotropin and corticosteroids on the blood plasma was studied in Wistar rats. Dependence of the effect exerted by adenosine on the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal system on its dose was demonstrated: 1 hour after nucleoside administration in a dose of 50 mg/kg corticotropin concentration increased; 1 hour after adenosine administration in a dose of 25 mg/kg the level of corticosteroids in the blood plasma decreased.

[Biologically active substances during treatment of pulmonary hypertension with ATP infusions immediately after general anesthesia and surgery of hypervolemic congenital heart defects]

In 95 patients with hypervolemic congenital heart valve defects (42 with interventricular and interatrial septal defects, and 53 with patent ductus arteriosus) mixed venous blood levels of serotonin, histamine, adrenalin, noradrenaline, total 11-hydroxycorticosteroids were studied using spectrofluorimetry, cyclic adenosine- and guanosine monophosphate (cAMP and cGMP), prostaglandins E + A and F2 alpha and their interaction were assessed using radioimmunoassay and correlation analysis, respectively. Immediately after general anesthesia and surgical correction of septal defects using cardiopulmonary bypass adrenalin level was increased, while noradrenaline, cAMP, cGMP, prostaglandin E + A levels remained high. Similar pattern was observed in patients after arterial duct ligation. Mean pulmonary artery pressure was elevated in both groups of patients (above 4 kPa). Effective therapy of pulmonary hypertension with intravenous ATP infusions immediately after general anesthesia and elimination of septal defects (20 patients) was accompanied by a decline in noradrenaline, cGMP and total 11-hydroxycorticosteroid level (with adrenalin level increased), while after open arterial duct ligation (20 patients) it was followed by a drop in noradrenaline and prostaglandin F2 alpha level (with adrenalin level increased) and the activation of the interaction of biologically active substances aimed predominantly at attenuation of vasoconstrictor reactions in the lungs.

[Hormonal changes shortly after surgery in patients operated for stomach ulcer]

The content of gastrin, pituitary thyrotropin hormone (TTH), the thyroid hormones thyroxin (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), and 11-OCS in blood serum and the daily catecholamine content in urine were studied in 86 patients in the early periods, 2-4 weeks, after resection of the stomach or selective proximal vagotomy (SPV). The content of gastrin, TTH, T4, and 11-OCS in blood was reduced and catecholamine excretion diminished in patients after gastric resection. After SPV the concentration of gastrin increased and that of TTH reduced. A certain relationship between the clinical course of peptic ulcer and the indices studied was revealed. The application of rehabilitation measures in the early periods after operations on the stomach improves the neuroendocrine regulation in the organism and the functional condition of the alimentary organs.

Changes in aggressive behavior, thermoregulation, and endocrine responses in BALB/cLac and C57Bl/6J mice under cold exposure

Effect of cold exposure on aggressive behavior, on the concentrations of testosterone and glucocorticoids, as well as on the oxygen consumption at different ambient temperatures, and calorigenic effect of noradrenaline have been studied in BALB/cLac and C57Bl/6J males. Under normal temperature conditions, there have been no significant interstrain differences. After cold exposure (5 weeks at 6-8 degrees C), C57Bl/6J mice exhibited more pronounced adaptive changes in thermoregulation and endocrine status (increase of glucocorticoids and decrease of testosterone concentrations were less expressed in C57Bl/6J than in BALB/cLac). At the same time, males of this strain demonstrated more intensive aggression than BALB/cLac mice. Some relations between physiological and behavioral changes caused by cold exposure are discussed.

[The significance of feedback in accomplishing the rat hypothalamic nonapeptidergic center reaction to short-term immobilization stress]

Stress response of oxytocin- and vasopressinergic cells in the supraoptic and paraventricular centers of the hypothalamus was studied morphometrically in rats with intact hypophysis and 7 days after hypophysectomy. Severe immobilization (for 20 min.) was applied as an unspecific short-term stress. In nonoperated rats the immobilization resulted in diminution of functional activity of vasopressinergic cells in the paraventricular nucleus exclusively: nucleolar volume of these cells reduced to 80% (P < 0.05). The same pattern of reaction of nonapeptidergic cells was revealed in the hypophysectomized rats under stress immobilization. The stress blood concentration of vasopressin, ACTH, 11-HOCS clearly increased in nonoperated rats but not in the hypophysectomized rats. TSH plasma concentration and the thyroid gland activity did not alter under stress in both groups of rats. Thus, the data evidence for the response of nonapeptidergic hypothalamic centers is not influenced by fluctuations of the hormone level in blood under short-term stress.

[The importance of studying 11-HCS in determining the optimal times for the correction of congenital heart defects]

The hormonal reaction of the adrenal cortex to growing physical exercise was studied in 42 patients with congenital heart diseases and 54 healthy persons. The age of the people under examination was from 7 to 35 years. It was found that in response to submaximal physical exercise a reliable drop of glucocorticoid activity of the adrenals takes place in patients as early as at the period of the second childhood. It is observed not only in people with light hypertension but also in those with relatively favourable course of the disease. These findings evidence to early correction of the defect.

[Status of water-electrolyte homeostasis and the systems of hormonal regulation during 237-day space flight]

On mission days 216-219 two crewmembers collected urine and recorded their food and water consumption during three days on end. The cosmonaut-physician withdrew blood samples from the vein and finger. In addition, he made venipuncture to himself and drew blood. Urine and blood samples were frozen and returned to the ground for analysis. In spite of individual variations of each cosmonaut, they all showed a trend for water and sodium retention which was provided by adequate hormonal rearrangement, i. e. increased production of ADH and aldosterone. No disorders in calcium and phosphorus metabolism were seen. Immediately postflight the cosmonauts displayed typical changes in fluid-electrolyte balance and renal function that suggested body dehydration and adjustment to Earth's gravity.

[The interrelation of the levels of glucocorticoids and insulin in the blood of irradiated animals]

Similar changes in blood levels of immunoreactive insulin (IRI) and glucocorticoids (GC) were observed in rats, mice and dogs after X-irradiation with lethal doses. The use of the blood GC/IRI ratio indices in estimating the functional status of the exposed organism is discussed.

[Dynamics of lipid peroxidation and steroidogenesis in adrenal cortex during stress]

The phase character of lipid peroxidation has been found in the rabbit adrenal cortex in the process of adaptation to extreme loads. Under acute stress the activation of lipid peroxidation is directly dependent on the hormonal synthesis processes. Under conditions of the prolonged stress factor an enhancement of the lipid peroxidation intensity in the adrenal cortex coincides with a decrease in the steroidogenesis rate.

[Status of the pituitary-adrenal system and biogenic amine levels after extensive resection of the intestines]

A clinico-experimental investigations for the determination of contents of serotonin, histamine, 11-OCS and ACTH in blood as well as excretion of adrenaline and noradrenaline after extensive resection of the intestine are described. It was shown that the dynamics of contents of biologically active substances in the blood depended on the level of resection and terms after operation. Extensive resection of the intestine is followed by inhibition of the sympatho-adrenal system resulting in reduction of noradrenaline in blood and its excretion with increased excretion of adrenaline.

[Lipid peroxidation in the adrenal cortex during exhausting stress]

Under prolonged stress which is connected with exhaustion of functional resources of adrenal cortex the activation of lipid peroxidation processes in this gland was found. It is possible that the reason for such lipid peroxidation activation is the decrease in the content of adrenal cortex ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol.

[The effect of serotonin on the hypothalamic structures that participate in the regulation of the hypophyseal-adrenal cortex system]

The activation of the 11-hydroxycorticosteroids secretion by 5-hydroxytryptophan was confirmed in intact rats as well as in those with isolated mediobasal hypothalamus. Deafferentation of the medial basal hypothalamus did not prevent an increase of corticoliberin and vasopressin content in the external median eminence after adrenalectomy and led to an opposite response after 5-hydroxytryptophan injection in these rats. The activation of the vasopressinergic cells and increase of portal vessels' lumen occurred under the 5-hydroxytryptophan effect, particularly in rats subjected to deafferentation combined with adrenalectomy.

[The dependence of the corticoliberin-like activity of the hypothalamus on parathormone]

Corticoliberine-like activity of the paraventricular nucleus area and median eminence, concentration of plasma 11-oxycorticosteroids and total blood calcium were studied after parathyroidectomy, parathyroid hormone of calcium gluconate injections in rats. Hypercalcemia and especially parathyroid hormone stimulated the production and release of corticoliberine and possibly also those of vasopressin and oxytocin from the hypothalamus at resting as well as after a physical load. The function of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal-adrenocortical system seems to depend upon the level of parathyroid hormone in the organism.

[Gonadal and adrenal reactions to emotional stress in adult rats after the androgenization of their mothers during pregnancy]

The administration of testosterone propionate on the 26th and 18th days of Wistar rats pregnancy exerted no effect on adrenal activity during physiological resting or emotional stress in their progeny. However, in intact males, stress did not change the testosterone level whereas the estradiol content decreased in intact females. This difference in the estradiol level increased in emotional stress if the development of the females had occurred at an increased level of testosterone.

[Magnetic resonance tomography of the adrenals in the diagnosis of total and partial hypercorticism]

The paper is devoted to the use of a new method of nuclear magnetic resonance tomography (MR tomography) in the diagnosis of diseases of the adrenal glands developing with the syndrome of total and partial hypercorticism. A MR tomograph with resistive magnet (0.234 T) was employed. Altogether 25 patients were examined (21 with Itsenko-Cushing disease of various degrees of severity, 2 patients with Itsenko-Cushing syndrome and 2 patients with aldosteronoma). MR tomography was shown to possess a high informative value permitting the assessment of a type of adrenal changes without irradiation of a patient. In combination with routine methods of examination (hormonal investigation, retropneumoperitoneum, x-ray computerized tomography) MR tomography makes it possible to improve considerably the diagnosis of Itsenko-Cushing disease and to specify tumor sizes and tumor growth type.

[Characteristics of specific adaptation to cold and their relation to aggressive behavior and the stress level in house mice]

Change of calorigenic effect of noradrenaline after 5 week cold exposition (at 6-8 degrees C) as a criteria of specific adaptation was used. Individual differences of calorigenic reaction after cold exposition were negative correlation with blood corticosterone and positive correlation with aggressiveness in dyadic test.

[Levels of progesterone, 17 beta-estradiol and 11-hydroxycorticosteroid in the blood in cows in different types of puerperal conditions]

Changes in progesterone (P4), 17 beta-estradiol (E2) and 11-hydroxycorticosteroid (11-OHCS) concentrations in blood plasma were determined in daily intervals from the day of parturition to day 15 post partum (p.p.) in cows with physiological puerperium (n = 8), with puerperal endometritis (n = 6), and with placenta retention (n = 6). Cows with puerperium disorders (endometritis, placenta retention) had significantly higher P4 levels in the period from day 3 to day 7 p.p. than cows with physiological puerperium. E2 concentrations decreased to basal values following the parturition in cows with spontaneous parturitions and subsequent expulsion of the placenta. A delayed decrease in E2 concentrations after parturition and a significant increase on day 5 and day 7 p.p. were recorded in the group of animals with placenta retention. Significantly higher levels of 11-OHCS in blood plasma were detected by day 5 or by day 8 p.p. in cows with placenta retention and puerperal endometritis. Extraovarial sources of sexual steroids resulting in endocrine malfunctions are discussed as well as likely consequences for puerperium.

[A study of glycosaminoglycan metabolism upon the effect of stress factors on the body]

Several patterns of glycosaminoglycans (GAG's) metabolism in gastric tissue were studied in patients with acute form of gastric and duodenal ulcerous disease, caused and accompanied by multiple stressors . Similar studies were carried out in rats under conditions of stress caused by daily immobilization (in dorsal position) within 8 days. Under these stressor conditions distinct increase of 11-oxycorticosteroids content in blood was related to inhibition of hexosamines biosynthesis in gastric wall and to a decrease in content of GAG-s in gastric juice, mucosal membrane and wall cells. The rate of synthesis of hexosamines and hexuronic acids was increased, while content of GAG's was normalized in gastric tissues during adaptation of rats to the immobilization stress conditions, when moderate elevation in the 11-oxycorticosteroids content was observed.

[Functional characteristics of the adrenals in the ontogeny of male water voles Arvicola terrestris with various fur colorings]

Studies have been made of the effect of colour mutations on the adrenal function in growing male voles. In postnatal life, the level of 11-oxycorticosteroids in the blood exhibited similar changes in brown (wild phenotype) and black (mutant) voles. The highest level was found in 1-2-month animals; a decrease took place to the 6th month which was followed by a secondary increase at the age of 8 months. Corticosteron production in vitro is the highest in brown males 5-month. In black voles, after 2 months the production remains unchanged, being rather high. In 5-, 6- and 8-month voles, corticosteron production in vitro increased, but not decreased after prior incubation. In mutant voles, the adrenals are more sensitive to stimulating effect of ACTH (5 units per 1 g of the adrenals) and inhibitory effect of estradiol (40 ng/100 mg) in vitro.

[Glycolysis activation, a decrease in the glycogen reserve and the absence of glucocorticoid control over the enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism in the liver of rats under prolonged hypokinetic stress]

The content of 11-oxycorticosteroids in blood plasma, the content of glycogen in the liver and the correlation of processes of glycolysis and gluconeogenesis in it (according to the activity of the key enzymes) were studied in rats in the course of chronic stress (on day 5, 15, 30, 45, and 60) induced by keeping the animals under conditions of severe hypokinesia. The 11-oxycorticosteroic content increased on the 5th, 45th, and 60th day of stress. On the 5th day processes of gluconeogenesis in the liver prevailed over processes of glycolysis, on the 60th day glycolysis prevailed over gluconeogenesis. On the 45th-60th days the content of glycogen in the liver reduces and the activity of the key enzymes becomes exempt from hormonal control.