Worcester Foundation for Biomedical Research

About: Worcester Foundation for Biomedical Research is a based out in . It is known for research contribution in the topics: Estrone & Estrogen. The organization has 2195 authors who have published 2646 publications receiving 115809 citations. The organization is also known as: Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology.

Progesterone: Its Possible Role in the Biosynthesis of Cardenolides in Digitalis lanata

Abstract: The incorporation of progestrone-7α-3H and pregnenolone-7α-3H into digitoxigenin, gitoxigenin, and digoxigenin in isolated, surviving leaves of Digitalis lanata was demonstrated. In addition, the conversion of pregnenolone to progesterone in the same system was proved. The results tend to indicate that progesterone is as good a precursor of cardenolides as pregnenolone It is suggested that the biosynthesis of cardenolides might proceed through the intermediacy of progesterone.

Relative Potency of Various Steroids in an Anabolic-Androgenic Assay Using the Castrated Rat1

Abstract: Twenty-two steroids administered by subcutaneous injection were studied in an androgenic-anabolic assay using the castrated immature rat and the end-points seminal vesicles, ventral prostate and levator ani. Changes in the activities of the testosterone, 17α-methyltestosterone, 5α-dihydrotestosterone and δ2-(5α)-androsten-17β-ol molecules by the addition of various functional groups are described and discussed. A parallel study of 8 steroids is described, using essentially the same test except that the compounds were administered by gavage. Changes in the activities of 17α-methyltestosterone and in the Δ2-(5α)-androsten- 17β-ol molecule by the addition of various functional groups are described and discussed.

Mutational analysis of the Drosophila miniature-dusky (m-dy) locus: effects on cell size and circadian rhythms.

Abstract: A mutational analysis has been performed to explore the function of the Drosophila melanogaster miniature-dusky (m-dy) locus. Mutations at this locus affect wing development, fertility and behavior. The genetic characterization of 13 different mutations suggests that m and dy variants are alleles of a single complex gene. All of these mutations alter wing size, apparently by reducing the volume of individual epidermal cells of the developing wing. In m mutants, epidermal cell boundaries persist in the mature wing, whereas they normally degenerate 1-2 hr after eclosion in wild-type or dy flies. This has permitted the direct visualization of cell size differences among several m mutants. Mutations at the m-dy locus also affect behavioral processes. Three out of nine dy alleles (dyn1, dyn3 and dyn4) lengthen the circadian period of the activity and eclosion rhythms by approximately 1.5 hr. In contrast, m mutants have normal circadian periods, but an abnormally large percentage of individuals express aperiodic bouts of activity. These behavior genetic studies also indicate that an existing "rhythm" mutation known as Andante is an allele of the m-dy locus. The differential effects of certain m-dy mutations on wing and behavioral phenotypes suggest that separable domains of function exist within this locus.