Aromatase inhibitors in cigarette smoke, tobacco leaves and other plants.

A chance observation that cigarette smoke interferes with the aromatase assay led us to investigate tobacco leaf and smoke extracts for the presence of aromatase inhibitors. The highest inhibitory activity was found in the basic fraction of cigarette smoke. Further purification of this fraction led to the identification of N-n-octanoylnornicotine.

The apparent shift in distribution of aromatase activity in the subcellular fraction of human term placenta stored at -96 degrees C.

The effects of storage at -96 degrees C on the distribution of the total aromatase activity in the homogenate, 900 xg pellet and 900 xg supernatant of two human term placentas were studied. Both specific and total aromatase activities in the 900 xg pellet increased through storage at -96 degrees C, while that in the 900 xg supernatant decreased. The ratio of total aromatase activity between the 900 xg pellet and 900 xg supernatant was about 2:1 in fresh placenta, but the ratio was about 19:1 in placenta stored at -96 degrees C for 3.

Multiple forms of aromatase and response of breast cancer aromatase to antiplacental aromatase II antibodies.

Two distinct aromatase-active protein complexes are solubilized by use of deoxycholate and separated by diethylamino-ethyl-cellulose chromatography from lyophilized powder of 900 X g precipitate fraction of human term placenta. Aromatase activity to produce estriol, the major estrogen of human pregnancy, was designated to be aromatase I activity and measured by estriol formation from 16 alpha-hydroxytestosterone. Aromatases II activity was the designation for that which produces estrone plus estradiol and was measured by androstenedione aromatization.

The abortifacient effect of 16,16-dimethyl-trans-delta 2-PGE1 methyl ester, a new prostaglandin analogue, on mid-trimester pregnancies and long-term follow-up observations.

The present clinical trials revealed that 16,16-Dimethyl-trans-delta 2-PGE1 methyl ester in the form of vaginal suppositories is highly effective in inducing mid-trimester termination of pregnancies. It also showed that prior treatment with laminaria and metreurynter may enhance the success rate while reducing the incidence and severity of side effects. It is easy and safe to use clinically, with minimal side effects, and in our series, revealed no deleterious effects on ensuing reproductive physiology.

A radioimmunoassay of plasma 18-hydroxy-11-deoxycorticosterone.

A radioimmunoassay for the measurement of plasma 18-hydroxy-11-deoxycorticosterone (18-OH-DOC) has been developed. The antiserum for 18-OH-DOC was produced in rabbits immunized with 18-OH-DOC-3-(0-carboxymethyl) oxime-bovine serum albumin. This antiserum was used at a final dilution of 1:40,000 and the main cross reactants were aldosterone at 29.

The effects of intramyometrial injection of prostaglandin F2alpha on severe post-partum hemorrhage.

Effectiveness of prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) in controlling postpartum uterine hemorrhage was evaluated with the following results. (1) Systemic administration, whether by continuous i.v.