Distribution and fate of C14-amitriptyline in mice and rats

Summary The physiological distribution of intramuscularly and intravenously injected C¹⁴-amitriptyline was studied in mice using an autoradiographic technique. The compound rapidly leaves the blood and concentrates in the brain, lung and heart. High concentrations are also seen in the gastric mucosa, intestines, salivary glands and lachrymal glands.The compound is rapidly metabolized in the body. The excretion studies indicate that amitriptyline is excreted to a large extent into the bile as a glucuronide conjugate.The significance of the tissue distribution in relation to the main pharmacological action and to some of the side effects are discussed.The authors are indebted to Professor J. Rieder, Fa. Hoffmann-La Roche & Co., Basel, Switzerland for his helpful suggestions. Thanks are due to Mrs. G. Mabo, Mr. A. Nilsson and Mrs. B. Hagtorn for their valuable technical assistance. The authors are also indebted to Knut and Alice Wallenbergs Stiftelse for general equipment for isotope research work.     

Ultrasound in the detection of testicular tumours

Ultrasonic scanning provides high resolution sectional images of the scrotal content.
The value of ultrasound in the detection of testicular tumours is discussed based on the ultrasonic findings in the normal testis as well as the findings in two patients with malignant testicular tumours.     

The influence on the pituitary-ovarian function,cervical mucus and vaginal cytology of a new progestational compound

A new progestational preparation, 17α-ethinyl-18-methyl-11-methylene-4-estren-17β-ol (Org 2969) was subjected to clinical and laboratory assessment. Five women, all with a previously regular bleeding pattern, received 60 μg daily for 21 days. The treatment entailed an appreciable change in pituitary-ovarian function. Thus, judging by daily determinations of FSH, LH, progesterone and oestrogen plasma concentrations, no volunteer ovulated. The characteristic mid-cycle FSH and LH peaks failed to appear, and progesterone was almost totally suppressed. Oestrogen showed, as during the control period, a mid-cycle peak, but it fell later, and 3 out of 5 volunteers had increased plasma levels. Changes in cervical mucus and vaginal cytology were observed. The quantity, appearance, and spinnbarkeit of the cervical mucus were approximately as in the luteal phase of the control period. No sperm penetration was observed $\text{in vitro}$. The karyopyknotic index did not reflect the increasing oestrogen values.     

Incorporation of [14C] nicotine into growing melanin

Foetal eye melanin in pigmented mice showed much greater accumulation of injected [N-methyl-¹⁴C] nicotine-d-bitartrate than maternal eye melanin (ratio ca. 5:1). Nicotine seems to be accepted as a precursor in the formation of new melanin, due possibly to a structural resemblance to the main precursor of melanin, indole-5,6-quinone.