The influence of thyroactive substances on the induction of cervico-vaginal tumours in intact and castrate rats

The effect of the administration of L-thyroxine and of methylthiouracil alone, together, in combination with stilboestrol or in the perinatal period on the induction of cervico-vaginal tumours by weekly local applications of DMBA was investigated in intact and castrate rats and compared with carcinogenesis in animals not additionally treated.In intact rats the rate of sarcoma induction is accelerated by methylthiouracil, delayed and reduced by methylthiouracil plus L-thyroxine and delayed by perinatal injection of either L-thyroxine or methylthiouracil. In castrates sarcoma induction is accelerated and increased by L-thyroxine, methylthiouracil and by combination of either substance with stilboestrol; it is accelerated but not significantly increased by combined treatment with the thyroactive compounds.The incidence of epithelial neoplasms is accelerated and increased in intacts and in castrates by methylthiouracil. This effect is slightly reduced in intacts but potentiated in castrates by additional stilboestrol treatment as well as by administration of L-thyroxine plus methylthiouracil.The incidence of sarcomas is significantly greater in intact than in spayed rats not additionally treated, greater in castrates than in intacts given L-thyroxine ± stilboestrol and not significantly different in intacts and castrates with any of the other additional medications. For epithelial tumours the incidence is low and similar in both groups without additional treatment, greater in spayed than intact animals given methylthiouracil plus stilboestrol or plus L-thyroxine.The influence of the thyroactive compounds on the induction of epithelial and sarcomatous tumours is not correlated with their effect on gain in body weight nor on growth of the stroma and of the epithelium of the vagina, cervix and uterus. Changes induced in the thyroid gland and the hypophysis are not correlated with those on carcinogenesis.Central and local factors may account for the differential response in carcinogenesis of intacts and castrates as well as of the epithelial and connective tissue of the cervico-vaginal tract to medication with thyroactive compounds.

Antiandrogens and reproductive development

The most undesirable side effect of a new gestagen intended for the treatment of pregnancy disturbances is the virilization of female foetuses. In 1961, our drug company developed a new highly effective gestagen, cyproterone acetate (figure 1) (Wiechert & Neumann 1965). We were given the task to test this substance in animal experiments for desirable and undesirable effects, particularly for the occurrence of virilization. As this drug was intended for the treatment of pregnancy disturbances, such as threatening or habitual abortion, it had to be free of virilizing side effects.

Toward a medical understanding of marihuana

This paper is based on a review of the English language medical literature over the past 35 years on Indian Hemp, with direct reference being made to the more significant articles published during that time. The paucity of direct experimental observation is noted and the difficulties in experimental studies are highlighted by descriptions of the wide variations in the potency of Indian Hemp derivatives. Specific references are provided for the wide range of observations made in relation to acute and chronic physical and psychological effects, personal characteristics of the users and possible factors in causation. It is concluded that marihuana is a poorly defined intoxicant which varies in potency, deteriorates with time and whose chemical composition is largely unknown at present. There are wide variations in human response and the state of intoxication itself carries with it varying degrees of unpleasant physical and psychological experiences. The association between hashish and, to a lesser extent, marihuana and short-term and long-term complications is discussed in relation to complex variables, of which the drug is but one factor.