Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of pS2 in breast cancers, benign tumors, and normal breast tissues. Correlation with prognosis and adjuvant hormone therapy.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies against recombinant pS2 was devised. It was used to measure pS2 concentration in the cytosol of 339 breast cancer, 15 fibroadenomas, 16 cases of benign breast disease, and 6 normal breast tissues. The mean value of pS2 concentration was higher in cancer, but the protein could be detected readily in benign tumors and even in normal breast.

Effects of counterregulatory hormones on insulin-induced glucose utilization by individual tissues in rats.

The effect of counterregulatory hormones (epinephrine, norepinephrine and glucocorticoids) on insulin-induced glucose utilization in individual tissues of normal rats was investigated in vivo. This was done in normoglycaemic conditions, using the euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp combined with an injection of 2-[1-3H]-deoxyglucose. The main effect of these hormones was to reduce insulin-induced glucose utilization in skeletal muscles and particularly in the oxidative one.

Synthesis of 7 alpha- and beta-carboxymethyl derivatives of cortisol, corticosterone, deoxycorticosterone and cortisone. Immunogenic properties of cortisol, corticosterone and deoxycorticosterone derivatives.

7 alpha- and 7 beta-Carboxymethylderivatives of cortisol, corticosterone and deoxycorticosterone have been synthetized. After coupling to bovine serum albumin, they were used to elicit antibodies in rabbits. Highly specific antisera were obtained which may possibly be used for a direct radioimmunoassay of these steroids in human and rodent plasma.

Effects of long-term grouping on serum cortisol levels in Microcebus murinus (Prosimii).

The influence of social interactions on plasma cortisol was studied in captive Microcebus murinus, a prosimian primate. Regardless the group composition, there is an annual variation in cortisol levels characterized by an autumn peak that coincides with the fattening and sexual resting period. The beginning of activity, early in January, is accompanied by a fall in cortisol levels.

Sexual inhibition in a prosimian primate: a pheromone-like effect.

The effect of dominant urine odour on plasma levels of testosterone and cortisol was studied in the prosimian primate Microcebus murinus. This species shows a photoperiod-dependent cycle of sexual activity. In particular, mean testosterone levels vary from 15 nmol/l during the annual rest period to 245 nmol/l during the breeding season.