Alpha globulin intracytoplasmic hepatocyte globules in round heart disease in turkeys, visualized by immunofluorescent technique

The intracytoplasmic hepatocyte globules described in round heart disease of turkeys were found by immunofluorescent technique to contain alpha globulins. The diagnostic value of this method is discussed.

Partial feminization of hepatic steroid metabolism in male rats after neonatal administration of cyproterone acetate

The metabolism of (4-14C)4-androstene-3,17-dione, (4-14C)5alpha-androstane-3alpha, 17beta-diol and (1,2-3H)5alpha-androstane-3alpha, 17beta-diol 3,17-disulphate was studied using the microsomal fraction and the metabolism of (4-14C)4-androstene-3,17-dione was studied using the 105 000 g supernatant fraction of liver from male and female rats aged 5 months that had been treated with cyproterone acetate before (from day 13 of pregnancy) and after birth (until 3 weeks of age). Nearly all sex-dependent enzyme activities in the treated male rats were changes in a direction characteristic of female rats: 5alpha-reductase active on 4-androstene-3,17-dione increased in activity whereas 3beta- and 17alpha-hydroxysteroid reductases and 6beta- and 16alpha-hydroxylases active on 4-androstene-3,17-dione and 2alpha-, 2beta- and 18-hydroxylases active on 5alpha-androstane-3alpha,17beta-diol decreased in activity. Enzyme activities not under gonadal control, i.e. 3alpha- and 17beta-hydroxysteroid reductases active on 4-androstene-3,17-dione and 7alpha-hydroxylase active on both 4-androstene-3,17-dione and 5alpha-androstane-3alpha, 17beta-diol, were not affected by cyproterone acetate. The liver enzyme activities in treated female rate were generally not affected although significant effects were noted in two cases; in one of these (17alpha-hydroxysteroid reductase) a testosterone-like effect was observed. The results obtained are probably best explained in the following way: treatment with theanti-androgen during the neonatal period results in less efficient imprinting of the hypothalamo-hypophysial system leading to less pronounced masculine setting of sex-dependent enzyme levels and also to a relative androgen unresponsiveness. It is suggested that the biochemical methods used in the degree of neonatal sexual differentiation of the hypothalamo-hypophysial system than biological and psychological methods previously available.

[Theoretical and experimental principles and clinical aplications of the antiandrognes (author's transl)]

It is reported the accumulated experience over the last ten years on a synthetic gestegen with a powerful antiandrogenic action: the cyproterone acetate. The effects on androgen dependent processes like: structure and function of genital accesory glands, on skin and sebaceous glands, bone maturation and growth, libido and testicular function are reported, together with the clinical results obtained in the treatment of acne, hirsutism, sexual perversions and as male anticonceptive. The influence of cyproterone acetate on the androgen dependent embrionary processew of differentiation are also discussed as wll as the female anticonceptive action and its effects on other endocrine systems.

Histopathology of the myocardium in 50 apparently healthy cats

Post-mortem examination revealed that about 30% of the cats were free from lesions. Few animals showed active muscle necrosis or extensive fibrosis, but the occurrence of other cardiac lesions suggests that any cat giving variable or abnormal responses in pharmacological studies should be examined for such pathological changes.

Hepatozoon-like schizonts were found in 42% of the animals.

Special problems in toxicity testing of long acting depot contraceptives

Two types of so-called "depot contraceptives", long-acting steroids which are of interest for human use, were studied in animals.

Norethisterone oenanthate, mainly gestagenic in the human and other species, turned out to be predominantly oestrogenic in rats. This oestrogenicity caused indirectly, via an enhanced hypophysial prolactin secretion, the well-known hypophysial and mammary tumours in rats.

Another synthetic gestagen, 4,6-dichloro- 17- acetoxy- 16α-methyl-4,6-pregnadiene-3,20-dione, which might be considered in its biological actions similar to preparations containing chlormadinone acetate or medroxy-progesterone acetate, induced no signs of oestrogenicity in dogs. It is surmised that its gestagenic influence indirectly, and probaby, via an enhanced hypophysial prolactin secretion caused "mammary nodules" in this "non-rodent" species. These studies have born out mainly two facts:

Hence, animal work with "gestagens" has only limited predictive value with respect to their possible effects in the human species. Therefore, inflexible recommendations are not helpful in solving the safety problem of long-acting steroids which affect primarily reproductive processes.

Spontaneous aortic rupture in turkeys and the vascularization of the aortic wall

Images

Hepatozoon-like parasite (schizonts) in the myocardium of the domestic cat

In a survey of 100 necropsies on cats, 36 were found to have Hepatozoom sp. schizonts in the myocardium. The schizonts appeared lo he located in the capillary lumen. Two forms of schizonts were seen, one containing peripheral rosettes of merozoite-like formations and the other filled with them, showing a cyst-like structure. No parasites were seen in the peripheral blood, spleen, and lymph nodes.