Specific binding of 3H-progesterone to a plasma protein in the guinea pig fetus]

The presence of a protein that binds specifically and with high affinity to progesterone is found in the plasma of fetal guinea Pig. Progesterone and 5 alpha-dihydroxyprogesterone strongly compete for the 3H-progesterone-protein complex. 5 beta-dihydroxy progesterone, 20 beta-dihydroxyprogesterone, testosterone and synthetic progestagen, R-5020 (17,21-dimethyl-19-norpregna-4, 9-diene-3,20 dione), also compete but less intensely. 17-hydroxyprogesterone, aldosterone, cortisol, oestradiol and oestrone have no effect. The 3H-progesterone-protein, complex has an affinity of Kd = 8.8 +/- 3.5 x 10(-10) M and in sucrose density gradient the sedimentation coefficient is 4.6 S.     

Evolution of testosterone metabolism during neonatal life in the guinea pig]

The neonatal period is characterized in the male Guinea-Pig by a steady increase in the metabolic clearance rate of testosterone and by a decrease in the conversion rate of testosterone to androstenedione. The transient rise in testosterone production rate on day 3 is concomitant with the neonatal peak in plasma testosterone.     

Stimulation of peripheral guinea pig blood lymphocytes by autologous epidermal cells]

Using a strictly autologous (and not syngeneic) mixed culture system in the guinea-pig, it was shown that Mitomycin C treated ear epidermal cells (E) were capable of stimulating peripheral blood lymphocytes (L) from the same animal. The proliferative response of the lymphocytes as measured by 3H thymidine incorporation, is optimal on the 5th day of culture, and when the ratio of the concentrations of the two cell populations (L : E) is 1 : 1. The autoreactivity of the lymphocytes varies with the animal.     

Levels of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in guinea pig sex canals during embryonic life]

At the undifferentiated stage, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone levels were comparable in sexual ducts of both sexes. An hormonal sexual dimorphism appeared at the time of differentiation: while testosterone rapidly decreased in the female ducts, it considerably increased in those of the male. Testosterone rather than DHT seems to be responsible for the wolffian duct stabilization in the male foetus.     

Enclomiphene induces luteolysis in the nonpregnant guinea pig

The effect of two antiestrogens, enclomiphene and tamoxifen, on luteal function in the guinea pig was compared to that of estradiol, a known luteolysin. Enclomiphene caused premature luteolysis when administered during the early or mid-luteal phase of the cycle, but was not as potent as estradiol. Tamoxifen had no effect. The luteolytic effect of enclomiphene was mediated by the uterus, as has been shown for estradiol.     

Enclomiphene induces luteolysis in the nonpregnant guinea pig

Summary The effect of two antiestrogens, enclomiphene and tamoxifen, on luteal function in the guinea pig was compared to that of estradiol, a known luteolysin. Enclomiphene caused premature luteolysis when administered during the early or mid-luteal phase of the cycle, but was not as potent as estradiol. Tamoxifen had no effect. The luteolytic effect of enclomiphene was mediated by the uterus, as has been shown for estradiol.     

Modification of human adenovirus type 7 after culture in guinea pig brain cells in vitro]

Multiplication of human adenovirus 7 (Ad7) is restricted in subcultures of adult Guinea Pig brain cells. It was however possible to recover enough infectious virus to purify it, and to study its properties. Several properties are similar to that of Ad 7 produced in HeLa cells but differences in sensitivity to cesium chloride and in its polypeptide composition were found.     

A thiol protease of peritoneal macrophages in the guinea pig

Proteolytic enzymes of the guinea pig peritoneal exudate macrophages were investigated using synthetic fluorogenic peptide substrates. Among several enzymes, t-butyloxycarbonyl-phenylalanyl-seryl-arginine 4-methylcoumaryl-7-amide cleaving enzymes had the highest activity, and the activity in exudate macrophages was about 3 times stronger than that in resident macrophages. The molecular weight of the enzyme was around 35,000 and optimal pH around 6.5-7.0. It was inhibited by thiol-blocking reagents, suggesting a thiol protease.     

A thiol protease of peritoneal macrophages in the guinea pig

Summary Proteolytic enzymes of the guinea pig peritoneal exudate macrophages were investigated using synthetic fluorogenic peptide substrates. Among several enzymes, t-butyloxycarbonyl-phenylalanyl-seryl-arginine 4-methylcoumaryl-7-amide cleaving enzymes had the highest activity, and the activity in exudate macrophages was about 3 times tronger than that in resident thiol-blocking reagents, suggesting a thiol protease.We thank Dr Yoshiaki Motozato, Kumamoto University, for kind donation of Cellulofine GC-700 and valuable discussions. This work is supported in part by the Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture of Japan.     

Demonstration of a cytosol protein binding cholesterol in the adrenal glands]

Characterization of a cytosolic protein of adrenal origin that binds cholesterol. Adrenal cytosol contains a thermostable protein which binds cholesterol specifically and non-covalently. The sedimentation coefficient of the complex is close to 3 S. The side chain of the cholesterol molecule is responsible for the binding specificity.     

Evolution of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in plasma, testicle and ovary of the guinea pig throughout fetal life]

High testosterone concentrations were found in the plasma of male fetus at the stage of sexual differentiation. Then the fetal testis is the principal source of circulating testosterone; its action on the Wolffian duct would occur by the systemic pathway. In female fetus, androgens were synthesized by the gonad and the relatively high levels found in the plasma have probably another source.     

Action potentials of the guinea pig heart in sodium deficient solutions

Zusammenfassung Es werden Aktionspotentiale vom Meerschweinchenvorhof in Badelösungen verschiedener Na-Konzentrationen mittels intrazellulärer Elektroden registriert. Während das Aktionspotential desVentrikels relativ unempfindlich gegen Veränderungen der Na-Konzentration bleibt^{4, 6}, lässt sich die «Na-Hypothese» für denVorhof anwenden.

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Aided by a grant from the Italian Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerehe.