bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Opposite effects of thyroid hormones on binding proteins for steroid hormones (sex hormone-binding globulin and corticosteroid-binding globulin) in humans
Authors: Dumoulin Sonia C , Perret Bertrand P , Bennet Antoine P , Caron Philippe J
Published: December 2008

Dumoulin SC, Perret BP, Bennet AP, Caron PJ. Opposite effects of thyroid hormones on binding proteins for steroid hormones (sex hormone-binding globulin and corticosteroid-binding globulin) in humans. Eur J Endocrinol 1995;132:594–8. ISSN 0804–4643

Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG) levels were evaluated in euthyroid (N = 111), hyper- (N = 58) and hypothyroid (N = 38) men, in pre- and postmenopausal women (study 1) and in hyper- (N = 24) and hypothyroid (N = 15) patients before and after treatment with carbimazole or levothyroxine therapy (study 2). The SHBG levels are increased in hyper- and decreased in hypothyroid patients, whereas CBG levels are increased in hypo- and decreased in hyperthyroid patients. The SHBG levels are higher in women than in men with similar thyroid status. Plasma SHBG levels are correlated positively whereas CBG levels are correlated negatively with free thyroid hormone concentrations in men as well as women. In hypothyroid patients, SHBG concentrations increased (p < 0.01) and CBG concentrations decreased (p < 0.01) during levothyroxine treatment. In hyperthyroid patients, SHBG concentrations decreased (p < 0.01) and CBG concentrations increased (p < 0.01) during antithyroid treatment. The SHBG and CBG concentrations in treated hypo- and hyperthyroid patients were not significantly different from those of euthyroid controls. Our data indicate that SHBG and CBG levels depend on thyroid status. Corticosteroid-binding globulin is an index of thyroid hormone action at the liver level whose changes are opposite to those of SHBG in hyper- and hypothyroidism.

Philippe Caron, Service d'Endocrinologie et Maladies Métaboliques, CHU Rangueil, 1 Avenue J Poulhès, 31054 Toulouse Cedex, France
Fine-needle aspiration cytology of benign nodular thyroid disease. Value of re-aspiration
Authors: Lucas Anna , Llatjós Mariona , Salinas Isabel , Reverter Jordi , Pizarro Eduarda , Sanmarti Anna
Published: December 2008

Lucas A, Llatjós M, Salinas I, Reverter J, Pizarro E, Sanmarti A. Fine-needle aspiration cytology of benign nodular thyroid disease. Value of re-aspiration. Eur J Endocrinol 1995;132:677–80. ISSN 0804–4643

Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) has become a widespread procedure for the study of thyroid nodules (TN). Some authors recommend the practice of repeated punctures for their follow-up. This study was done to determine the usefulness of repeated FNAC in patients with benign nodular thyroid disease. We have studied 251 fine-needle re-aspirations performed on 116 females aged 45.6 ± 14 years with benign nodular thyroid disease. The time elapsed between each consecutive FNAC was 1 year. No patients presented any changes in the size or consistency of their nodular goiters during this period; all FNACs were carried out by the same physician in the same thyroid area according to the Löwhagen technique, with a minimum of two or three aspirations of each nodule, and processed in the same way and valued by the same cytologist without any knowledge of previous cytological diagnoses. These were done using strictly classical criteria (Löwhagen). One hundred and five out of 116 patients (90.51%) with two consecutive FNACs (210) showed identical cytological diagnoses in the two specimens studied. The remaining 11 patients (9.48%) with two FNACs were diagnosed with colloid goiter and cyst alternately. Fifteen out of 19 patients (78.94%) with three FNACs showed identical cytological diagnoses in the three samples and the rest (21%) also demonstrated alternate diagnoses of colloid goiter and cyst. Our results show that the routine performance of repeated FNAC in the follow-up of females with benign nodular thyroid disease, without any clinical changes, is of limited usefulness.

A Lucas, Endocrinology Service, Hospital Universitari "Germans Trias i Pujol", Ctra. de Canyet s/n, 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Effects of acute hyperinsulinemia on plasma atrial and brain natriuretic peptide concentrations
Authors: Tanabe Akiyo , Naruse Mitsuhide , Wasada Taro , Naruse Kiyoko , Yoshimoto Takanobu , Omori Yasue , Demura Hiroshi
Published: December 2008

Tanabe A, Naruse M. Wasada T, Naruse K, Yoshimoto T, Omori Y, Demura H. Effects of acute hyperinsulinemia on plasma atrial and brain natriuretic peptide concentrations. Eur J Endocrinol 1995;132:693–8. ISSN 0804–4643

Impaired renal sodium excretion and increased plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) levels have been reported in patients with hypertension associated with insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. To clarify the interrelationship between hyperinsulinemia and plasma natriuretic peptides, we investigated the effects of physiological and non-physiological hyperinsulinemia on the plasma ANP and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels. Plasma immunoreactive insulin (IRI), ANP and BNP levels were determined by a euglycemic–hyperinsulinemic glucose clamp in 20 patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, by a glucose challenge test in 22 normal subjects and by an insulin challenge test in six normal subjects. Both in the glucose clamp and the glucose challenge test, plasma ANP showed a significant increase in association with increased plasma IRI and plasma volume. However, there was no significant correlation between the changes in plasma ANP levels and plasma IRI levels in view of the peak values and the area under the curve of their responses. In addition, the plasma ANP did not show any significant change despite the marked elevation of plasma IRI in the insulin challenge test. There was no significant change in plasma BNP under any of the hyperinsulinemic conditions. These findings provide in vivo evidence for the lack of a direct effect of acute hyperinsulinemia on natriuretic peptides, although the chronic effects of hyperinsulinemia remain to be elucidated.

Akiyo Tanabe, Department of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Endocrinology, Tokyo Women's Medical College, 8-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162, Japan
Effects of age and gender on pituitary-adrenocortical responsiveness in humans
Authors: Born Jan , Ditschuneit Ina , Schreiber Martin , Dodt Christoph , Fehm Horst L
Published: December 2008

Born J, Ditschuneit I, Schreiber M, Dodt C, Fehm HL. Effects of age and gender on pituitary-adrenocortical responsiveness in humans. Eur J Endocrinol 1995;132:705–11. ISSN 0804–4643

This study compared plasma concentrations of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and cortisol in young men (N = 10, mean age 24.4 years), young women (N = 10, mean age 25.4 years), old men (N = 8, mean age 81.6 years) and old women (N = 8. mean age 83.5 years) under basal resting conditions and after stimulation with either human corticotropin-releasing hormone (hCRH, 100 μg iv) or a combined injection of hCRH (100 μg and arginine vasopressin (VP, 0.5 IU iv). Basal secretion of cortisol did not differ among groups, but basal concentrations of ACTH were diminished in young women (p < 0.01), indicating an enhanced adrenal sensitivity to ACTH in these subjects. Pituitary responses to hCRH did not differ between young men and women. However, responses to hCRH/VP were stronger in the young females (p < 0.01), suggesting an enhanced pituitary responsiveness to the augmenting effect of VP on ACTH release in this group. Pituitary-adrenal secretory responses were greater in old than in young men after sole injection of hCRH (p < 0.05) and even more so after combined injection of hCRH/VP (p < 0.01). In old women, pituitary-adrenal secretory responses were also greater than in young women (p < 0.05). But, in particular for responses to hCRH/VP, these effects were less distinct than within the men. Results indicate an enhancing effect of age on pituitary responsiveness to the hypothalamic secretagogues hCRH and VP, modulated by the subject's gender.

Jan Born, Klinische Forschergruppe, Klinische Neuroendokrinologie, Medizinische Universität zu Lübeck, Haus 23 a, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
Growth hormone response to growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), insulin, clonidine and arginine after GHRH pretreatment in obese children: evidence of somatostatin increase?
Authors: Volta Cecilia , Bernasconi Sergio , lughetti Lorenzo , Ghizzoni Lucia , Rossi Maurizio , Costa Mauro , Cozzini Antonella
Published: December 2008

Volta C. Bernasconi S, lughetti L, Ghizzoni L, Rossi M, Costa M, Cozzini A. Growth hormone response to growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), insulin, clonidine and arginine after GHRH pretreatment in obese children: evidence of somatostatin increase? Eur J Endocrinol 1995; 132:716–21. ISSN 0804–4643

To clarify the possible neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying the impairment in growth hormone (GH) secretion present in obesity, the GH response to GH-releasing hormone (GHRH, N = 6), insulin hypoglycemia (N = 6), clonidine (N = 7) and arginine (N = 8) after GHRH pretreatment (1 μg/kg iv 2 h before the tests) was evaluated in 27 obese peripubertal children and in a group of normal-weight short-normal children (N = 26). Growth hormone-releasing hormone pretreatment and all further stimuli elicited a statistically significant GH response in both obese and short-normal children; in the latter group arginine did not induce a significant GH response. No differences were found among the GH responses after the second stimuli in obese children, while in short-normal children the arginine peak and area values were lower than after GHRH and clonidine. Comparison between the two groups showed similar baseline but higher stimulated GH levels in normal-weight children after all tests except ariginine, after which no difference was present. In conclusion, the neuroregulation of GH release seems to be similar qualitatively in normal-weight and obese youngsters; the different behavior observed after arginine, which is supposed to act through somatostatin inhibition, might be due to a chronic increase in somatostatinergic tone responsible for the lower stimulated GH levels in obesity.

Sergio Bernasconi, Clinica Pediatrica, Via Gransci 14, 43100 Parma, Italy
Effect of pinealectomy and melatonin treatment during pregnancy on the sexual development of the female and male rat offspring
Authors: López B Díaz , Urquijo MD Colmenero , Rodriguez ME Díaz , Fraguas A Arce , Parras A Esquifino , Fernández B Marín
Published: December 2008

Díaz López B, Colmenero Urquijo MD, Díaz Rodriguez ME, Arce Fraguas A, Esquifino Parras A, Marín Fernández B, Effect of pinealectomy and melatonin treatment during pregnancy on the sexual development of the female and male rat offspring. Eur J Endocrinol 1995;132:765–70. ISSN 0804–4643

Sexual development of female and male rat offspring of control, pinealectomized (PIN-X) or melatonin (MEL 2 50 μg/100 g body wt)-treated mother rats during pregnancy was studied. Newborns were studied at the following phases of sexual development: neonate (5 days old), infantile (15 days old), juvenile (25 and 30 days old) and pubertal phase (55 days). In female offspring, MEL treatment during pregnancy significantly increased plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) in 15- and 25-day-old rats; however, at the end of the prepubertal period (30 days) the concentration of plasma LH decreased significantly as compared to control rats. This hormonal pattern was different from that observed in offspring of control and PIN-X rats, which had low LH levels at 25 days of age and higher LH levels at 30 days of age. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) did not vary significantly among the three groups. Plasma prolactin levels were affected by PIN-X of the mother, showing significantly higher levels in the 5-day-old offspring than in the controls; plasma prolactin levels were also affected by MEL treatment of the mother, producing hyperprolactinemia in the 30-day-old female offspring. In male offspring, sexual development in control male rats progressed rapidly with significantly increased LH and FSH levels at 25 and 30 days compared to those measured during the neonatal and infantile periods. Pinealectomy of the mother induced the following modifications: in 5-, 15- and 30-day-old male rats, decreased LH levels were measured relative to the other two groups studied in 5- and 25-day-old rats, significantly lower FSH levels than in the control rats were recorded. However, in 5- and 15-day-old rats, significantly higher prolactin levels than in control rats were measured. Melatonin injections during pregnancy decreased FSH levels at 5, 25, 30 and 55 days as compared to the control males. Also, MEL increased LH levels in 25-day-old rats and significantly decreased prolactin levels in 15- and 55-day-old rats as compared to the other two groups. These results indicate that the mother's pineal gland and MEL treatment can act on fetal development and influence the postnatal ontogeny of the hormones involved in the neuroendocrine–reproductive axis in developing rats. The effect of MEL was apparent during pubertal stages of the offspring, while the effect of PIN-X was more apparent during the juvenile period of the young rats.

Beatriz Díaz López, Dpt. Biología Funcional, Arca Fisiología, Fac, Medicina, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006-Oviedo, Spain
Changes in mRNA levels of a pituitary-specific trans-acting factor, Pit-1, and prolactin during the rat estrous cycle
Authors: Lee Byung J , Kim Jin H , Lee Chae K , Kang Hae M , Kim Hyun C , Kang Sung G
Published: December 2008

Lee BJ, Kim JH, Lee CK, Kang HM, Kim HC, Kang SG. Changes in mRNA levels of a pituitary-specific trans-acting factor, Pit-1, and prolactin during the rat estrous cycle. Eur J Endocrinol 1995;132:771–6. ISSN 0804–4643

The present study examined the changes in mRNA levels of a pituitary-specific trans-acting factor, Pit-1, and prolactin during the rat estrous cycle. Total cytoplasmic RNA was analyzed by Northern blot and slot-blot hybridization to examine the prolactin mRNA level. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to examine the Pit-1 mRNA level. Proestrous and estrous prolactin mRNA levels were significantly higher than the metestrous and diestrous levels, whereas Pit-1 mRNA levels of the estrous and metestrous stages were about two- to threefold higher than those of the proestrous and diestrous stages. Proestrous Pit-1 mRNA levels increased gradually from 10.00 h to 20.00 h, while prolactin mRNA levels slightly decreased until 14.00 h but increased later until 20.00 h. During the rat estrous cycle, especially in the afternoon of the proestrous day, changes of prolactin mRNA levels seem to follow a prior increase of Pit-1 mRNA. Therefore, Pit-1 may be partly involved in the regulation of prolactin gene expression according to the rat estrous cycle. Estradiol administration to ovariectomized rats significantly increased both the mRNA levels of prolactin and Pit-1, which suggests that the gene expression of Pit-1 is regulated by estrogen through indirect extracellular pathways.

Byung Ju Lee, Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, University of Ulsan 680-749, Ulsan, South Korea
Calcitonin, calcitonin gene-related peptide, adrenomedullin and amylin: homologous peptides, separate receptors and overlapping biological actions
Authors: Muff Roman , Born Walter , Fischer Jan A
Published: December 2008

Muff R, Born W, Fischer JA. Calcitonin, calcitonin gene-related peptide, adrenomedullin and amylin: homologous peptides, separate receptors and overlapping biological actions. Eur J Endocrinol 1995;133:17–20. ISSN 0804–4643

Calcitonin, calcitonin gene-related peptide, adrenomedullin and amylin are structurally related peptides with N-terminal 6–7 amino acid ring structures linked by a disulfide bridge and with amidated C-termini. Among the related bioactive peptides, the structures of the calcitonin receptor and subtypes thereof have been identified so far through molecular cloning. Cross-reaction between receptors of calcitonin, calcitonin gene-related peptide, adrenomedullin and amylin, as well as overlapping biological actions, anticipate that the respective receptors belong to a family of G-protein-coupled receptors that include those of parathyroid hormone, secretin and vasointestinal peptide.

Jan A Fischer, Klinik Balgrist, Forchstrasse 340, CH-8008 Zurich, Switzerland
Glycoprotein hormone alpha-subunit production and plurihormonality in human corticotroph tumours—an in vitro and immunohistochemical study
Authors: Desai Bhaloo , Burrin Jacqueline M , Nott Catherine A , Geddes Jennian F , Lamb Edmund J , Aylwin Simon JB , Wood Diana F , Thakkar Chandra , Monson John P
Published: December 2008

Desai B, Burrin JM, Nott CA, Geddes JF, Lamb EJ, Aylwin SJB, Wood DF, Thakkar C, Monson JP. Glycoprotein hormone alpha-subunit production and plurihormonality in human corticotroph tumours—an in vitro and immunohistochemical study. Eur J Endocrinol 1995;133:25–32. ISSN 0804–4643

Glycoprotein hormone alpha-subunit (αSU) is a recognized product of clinically non-functioning, glycoprotein hormone-secreting and somatotroph adenomas but has not been studied systematically in corticotroph tumours. We have performed immunohistochemistry for αSU in a consecutive series of four corticotroph tumours causing Nelson's syndrome, three corticotroph macroadenomas, 12 corticotroph microadenomas and one adrenocorticotrophin-secreting bronchial carcinoid tumour. In addition we have assessed αSU secretion in vitro in corticotroph adenomas from two subjects with Cushing's disease and two subjects with Nelson's syndrome. Immunohistochemistry, performed after microwave treatment of sections to enhance antigen retrieval, demonstrated αSU positivity in 3/4 Nelson's tumours, 2/3 corticotroph macroadenomas, 7/12 microadenomas and one bronchial carcinoid. Eight of the 13 tumours positive for αSU were also immunostained after microwave pretreatment of sections for thyrotrophin (six positive), follicle-stimulating hormone (four positive), luteinizing hormone (three positive), β-chorionic gonadotrophin (five positive), growth hormone (three positive) and prolactin (two positive) immunoreactivity. In vitro cell cultures of all four tumours studied secreted adrenocorticotrophin and three secreted αSU, with the variable presence of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, thyrotrophin, growth hormone and prolactin, in basal culture. The αSU secretion was augmented by phorbol ester (160 ± 15%, sem, n = 3 wells; p < 0.01) and 8-bromo-cAMP (138 ± 8%; p < 0.05) in one tumour. These data indicate that plurihormonality and, in particular, αSU elaboration and secretion by corticotroph tumours is more common than hitherto recognized. Possible mechanisms include abnormal or deregulated gene expression, autocrine or paracrine effects or a stem cell origin of tumour. The possible relationship of αSU production to corticotroph tumour behaviour and prognosis remains to be established.

John P Monson, Dept of Endocrinology, Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel, London El 1BB, UK
Hormonal serum profiles and follicular development after intramuscular and pulsatile intravenous administration of human menopausal gonadotrophin
Authors: Duijkers Ingrid JM , Hollanders Hans MG , Willemsen Wim NP , Thomas Chris MG , Borm George F , Vemer Hans M
Published: December 2008

Duijkers IJM, Hollanders HMG, Willemsen WNP, Thomas CMG, Borm GF, Vemer HM, Hormonal serum profiles and follicular development after intramuscular and pulsatile intravenous administration of human menopausal gonadotrophin, Eur J Endocrinol 1995;133:57–64. ISSN 0804–4643

A study was performed to compare, in a randomized way, the effect of pulsatile intravenous (iv) and intramuscular (im) human menopausal gonadotrophin (hMG) administration on hormonal serum profiles and follicular development in in vitro fertilization (IVF). Fourteen IVF patients participated in the study, aged between 20 and 40 years, with a normal endocrine profile, no hormonal medication used for at least 3 months previously, no endometriosis, both ovaries present and a normal male factor. Seven patients were treated with im hMG at a daily dose of 150IU and seven patients with pulsatile iv hMG at a daily dose of 112.5IU, in both cases in combination with buserelin. Ultrasonography was performed every other day during the stimulation phase and blood samples were collected once daily up to five times a day during the entire IVF cycle. Serum concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, 17β-oestradiol, progesterone and human chorionic gonadotrophin were determined. There were no differences in hormonal profiles between the two groups. The numbers of retrieved oocytes, fertilization rates and mean embryo quality were identical in this study, as was follicular growth. In conclusion, in the present randomized study no differences were observed in hormonal levels or follicular development after im and pulsatile iv hMG treatment.

Ingrid JM Duijkers, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Nijmegen St Radboud, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Serum concentrations of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), IGF binding proteins 1 and 3 and growth hormone binding protein in obese women and the effects of growth hormone administration: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Jørgensen Jens OL , Pedersen Sten B , Børglum Jens , Frystyk Jan , Ho Ken KY , Christiansen Jens S , Ørskov Hans , Blum Werner F , Richelsen Bjørn
Published: December 2008

Jørgensen JOL, Pedersen SB, Borglum J, Frystyk J, Ho KKY, Christiansen JS, Ørskov H, Blum WF, Richelsen B. Serum concentrations of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), IGF binding proteins 1 and 3 and growth hormone binding protein in obese women and the effects of growth hormone administration: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Eur J Endocrinol 1995;133:65–70. ISSN 0804–4643

Obesity is associated with suppressed growth hormone (GH) concentrations but relatively little is known about insulin-like growth factors(IGFs) and binding proteins for GH and IGFs (GHBP and IGFBPs) and the modulatory effect of GH administration. In a double-blind, crossover design we studied the impact of 5 weeks of placebo or GH administration (0.03 mg·kg−1 body wt·day−1) in nine obese women (mean± sem; age 30.4 ± 2.4 years; body mass index 37.0 ± 2.8kg/m2) on IGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP-1 and -3 and GHBP. Serum IGF-I (μg/l) levels were subnormal and increased significantly following GH (117 ± 16 (placebo) vs 434 ± 33 (GH) vs 198 ± 15 (control (p < 0.01)). By contrast, serum IGF-II (μg/l) levels were in the normal range and remained unchanged (608 ± 20 (placebo) vs 647 ± 40 (GH) (NS)). Serum IGFBP-3 was in the normal range and increased significantly during GH treatment, although relatively less than IGF-I, such that the molar ratio between IGF-I and IGFBP-3 increased with GH treatment, whereas the ratio between IGF-I + IGF-II and IGFBP-3 remained unchanged. Serum IGFBP-1 was low in the placebo situation but became further and almost completely suppressed during GH treatment. During a 2-h hyperinsulinemic, euglycemic glucose clamp, IGFBP-1 decreased in the placebo study and remained suppressed during GH. Serum GHBP (nmol/l) levels were elevated substantially compared to non-obese controls (p < 0.001) and did not change during GH treatment (2.37 ± 0.36 (placebo) vs 2.21 ± 0.25 (GH) vs 0.80 ± 0.19 (control)). In conclusion. obese subjects have low total IGF-I levels but may exhibit relatively increased free IGF-I levels due to the suppression of IGFBP-1. This presumed elevation in free IGF-1 in obesity may explain the normal levels of IGFBP-3 and IGF-II, which contrasts with classic GH deficiency. Furthermore, obese subjects are responsive to exogenous GH in terms of total IGF-I generation and normalization of the ratio between IGF-I and IGFBP-3. Finally, obesity is associated with marked elevations in GHBP levels that were unaffected by 5 weeks of GH administration.

Jens OL Jørgensen, Medical Department M, Aarhus Kommunehospital, DK-8000 C, Aarhus, Denmark
Influence of meal composition on the postprandial response of the pituitary–thyroid axis
Authors: Kamat Vinay , Hecht Wendy L , Rubin Robert T
Published: December 2008

Kamat V, Hecht WL, Rubin RT. Influence of meal composition on the postprandial response of the pituitary–thyroid axis. Eur J Endocrinol 1995;133:75–9. ISSN 0804–4643

Ingestion of food can result in an acute decline of serum thyrotropin (TSH) concentrations, but it is not known whether meal composition and/or stomach distension are influential. Normal men and women were given a normocaloric or hypocaloric, isobulk meal at lunch and at dinner in a randomized design. The normocaloric, but not the isobulk, meal resulted in a significant decline in serum TSH at both lunch and dinner; thyroid hormones and cortisol were not affected significantly. These findings suggest that meal composition is influential in the acute postprandial decline of serum TSH in man. A possible mechanism is food-induced elevation of somatostatin and consequent suppression of TSH secretion.

Robert T Rubin, Neurosciences Research Center, Allegheny General Hospital, 320 E North Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15212-4772, USA
Ectopic posterior pituitary tissue and paracentric inversion of the short arm of chromosome 1 in twins
Authors: Siegel Selma F , Ahdab-Barmada Mamdouha , Arslanian Silva , Foley Thomas P
Published: December 2008

Siegel SF, Ahdab-Barmada M, Arslanian S, Foley Jr TP. Ectopic posterior pituitary tissue and paracentric inversion of the short arm of chromosome 1 in twins. Eur J Endocrinol 1995;133:87–92. ISSN 0804–4643

Twin boys with hypopituitarism, hypoplasia of the anterior pituitary gland, ectopic posterior pituitary tissue and paracentric inversion of the short arm of chromosome 1 are described. The smooth appearance at the base of the median eminence and the absence of a pituitary stalk at autopsy in these boys implies that the hypopituitarism resulted from a developmental aberration. It remains to be determined if there is a causal relationship between the chromosome 1 anomaly and hypopituitarism.

Selma F Siegel, Division of Endocrinology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, 3705 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
Growth hormone (GH)-releasing heptapeptide, but not GH-releasing hormone, inhibits thyrotropin-stimulated thyroid hormone secretion and cAMP formation in cultured human thyroid follicles
Authors: Kraiem Z , Bowers CY , Sobel E , Laron Z
Published: December 2008

Kraiem Z., Bowers CY, Sobel E, Laron Z. Growth hormone (GH)-releasing heptapeptide, but not GHreleasing hormone, inhibits thyrotropin-stimulated thyroid hormone secretion and cAMP formation in cultured human thyroid follicles. Eur J Endocrinol 1995;133:117–20. ISSN 0804–4643

Synthetic heptapeptide growth hormone-releasing peptide-1 (GHRP-1) potently stimulates GH release in many species, including humans. We investigated the direct in vitro effect of this peptide, compared to growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), on cultured human thyroid follicles. The results indicate that whereas GHRP-1 (6–600 μg/l) or GHRH (6–600 μg/l) alone had no effect on basal triiodothyronine (T3) secretion or cAMP formation, the heptapeptide (6–600 μg/l), but not GHRH (6–1200 μg/l), dose-dependently inhibited thyrotropin (TSH)-stimulated T3 secretion and cAMP formation. Moreover, GHRP-1 also dose-dependently inhibited forskolin-stimulated T3 secretion. It would seem, therefore, that the GHRP-1-induced inhibitory effect on thyroid function is located downstream of cAMP formation, without necessarily excluding an additional inhibitory action at a pre-cAMP site. These results additionally demonstrate differences in the mode of action of GHRP-1 and GHRH.

Z Kraiem, Endocrine Research Unit, Carmel Medical Center, 7 Michal Street, Haifa 34362, Israel
Dexamethasone-induced changes in glucose transporter 4 in rat heart muscle, skeletal muscle and adipocytes
Authors: Oda Naohisa , Nakai Akira , Mokuno Takehiko , Sawai Yoshikuni , Nishida Yuko , Mano Toshiki , Asano Kiyoshi , Itoh Yasutoshi , Kotake Motoko , Kato Sumio , Masunaga Rumi , Iwase Katsumi , Tsujimura Toru , Itoh Mitsuyasu , Kawabe Tetsuya , Nagasaka Akio
Published: December 2008

Oda N, Nakai A, Mokuno T, Sawai Y, Nishida Y, Mano T, Asano K, Itoh Y, Kotake M, Kato S, Masunaga R, Iwase K, Tsujimura T, Itoh M, Kawabe T, Nagasaka A. Dexamethasone-induced changes in glucose transporter 4 in rat heart muscle, skeletal muscle and adipocytes. Eur J Endocrinol 1995;133:121–6. ISSN 0804–4643

To clarify the effect of glucocorticoid on glucose transporters (GLUT) in adipocytes and muscle, we examined the changes of GLUT4 in rat heart muscle, skeletal muscle and adipocytes during long-term administration of dexamethasone and the translocation of GLUT4. The levels of GLUT4 in the plasma membrane and the low-density microsome fraction were measured by Western blotting using anti-GLUT4 peptide antibody. The levels of GLUT4 in the heart and skeletal muscles of rat were unchanged by treatment of dexamethasone. In the adipocytes the level of GLUT4 in plasma membrane was changed, but it was decreased in the low-density microsome fraction. Although adipocytes are less involved in blood sugar regulation than skeletal muscle, this finding suggests that glucose metabolism in Cushing's syndrome is affected partly by a decrease of GLUT4 in the adipocytes.

Akio Nagasaka, Department of Internal Medicine, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi 470-11, Japan
Transcavernous surgery; an effective treatment for pituitary macroadenomas
Authors: Matsuno Akira , Sasaki Tomio , Saito Nobuhito , Mochizuki Toshihiro , Fujimaki Takamitsu , Kirino Takaaki , Takakura Kintomo
Published: December 2008

Matsuno A, Sasaki T, Saito N, Mochizuki T, Fujimaki T, Kirino T, Takakura K. Transcavernous surgery; an effective treatment for pituitary macroadenomas. Eur J Endocrinol 1995:133:156–65. ISSN 0804–4643

The endocrinological outcome in four patients with pituitary macroadenomas laterally invading the cavernous sinus, who were treated surgically by the transcranial transcavernous approach, was compared with that in four patients with macroadenomas that had been removed transsphenoidally. The decrease in the elevated serum levels of anterior pituitary hormones after transcavernous surgery ranged from 58.4% to 90.1%, whereas after transsphenoidal surgery it ranged from 0% to 46.1%. The responsiveness of pituitary hormones to stimulation tests was restored and maintained after transcranial transcavernous surgery. Transsphenoidal surgery achieved neither sufficient tumor reduction nor produced a satisfactory endocrinological remission. When cavernous sinus invasion is suspected by magnetic resonance imaging, even if it cannot be confirmed with certainty, transcranial transcavernous surgery is recommended. It is a useful surgical procedure for obtaining a sufficient degree of tumor extirpation and satisfactory endocrinological improvement in patients with macro-adenomas laterally invading the cavernous sinus, particularly somatotroph or corticotroph macro-adenomas. Postoperatively, mild cranial nerve paresis may occur, but this may resolve in 1–4 months.

Akira Matsuno, Department of Neurosurgery, Teikyo University Ichihara Hospital, 3426-3 Anegasaki, Ichihara City, Chiba 299-01, Japan
Altered adrenocorticotropin and cortisol response to corticotropin-releasing hormone in HIV-1 infection
Authors: Biglino Alberto , Limone Paolo , Forno Brunella , Pollono Annamaria , Cariti Giuseppe , Molinatti Gian Michele , Gioannini Paolo
Published: December 2008

Biglino A, Limone P, Forno B, Pollono A, Cariti G, Molinatti GM, Gioannini P. Altered adrenocorticotropin and cortisol response to corticotropin-releasing hormone in HIV-I infection. Eur J Endocrinol 1995;133:173-9. ISSN 0804-4643

Alterations of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis are common in HIV infection. To characterize further the site of these derangements and their possible causes, eight male drug addicts with symptomatic HIV infection (stage IV C2) underwent the following investigations: repeated baseline determinations of cortisol, adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-6 and interferon alpha (IFN-α): and ovine corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) test (100 μg IV) for ACTH and cortisol determinations. Baseline cortisol levels were either normal or elevated in all patients. A significant positive linear correlation was found between baseline levels of cortisol and both IL-6 (r=0.955; p<0.001) and IL-1β (r=0.863; p<0.005), but not between cortisol and ACTH or between ACTH and circulating cytokines. Both ACTH and cortisol responses to CRH were nearly absent in six out of eight patients, and delayed in the others. The areas under the curves of both ACTH and cortisol after CRH were significantly lower in HIV patients than in a group of eight healthy control subjects (p=0.0157 for ACTH and p=0.046 for cortisol). Our data suggest the possibility of an inappropriate stimulation of the HPA axis in symptomatic HIV infection by HIV-induced release of cytokines, with a blunted pituitary and adrenal response to CRH.

Paolo Limone, Institute of Internal Medicine, University of Torino, C.so AM Dogliotti 14, 10126 Torino, Italy
Reduced bone mineral density in adults with growth hormone (GH) deficiency: increased bone turnover during 12 months of GH substitution therapy
Authors: Degerblad Marie , Bengtsson Bengt-Åke , Bramnert Margareta , Johnell Olof , Manhem Per , Rosén Thord , Thorén Marja
Published: December 2008

Degerblad M, Bengtsson B-Å, Bramnert M, Johnell O, Manhem P, Rosén T, Thorén M. Reduced bone mineral density in adults with growth hormone (GH) deficiency: increased bone turnover during 12 months of GH substitution therapy. Eur J Endocrinol 1995;133:180–8. ISSN 0804–4643

To evaluate the consequences of growth hormone (GH) deficiency on bone mineral density and to evaluate the effects of GH substitution therapy, 68 adults (25 females and 43 males) aged 22–61 (mean 44.2 ± 1.2) years with GH deficiency (GHD) were studied. Fifty-eight patients had panhypopituitarism, three had isolated GHD and in seven patients at least one additional pituitary function was affected. Twenty-one patients had childhood onset GHD. The patients were randomized to receive either GH in daily injections (0.125 IU · kg−1 · week−1 for the first 4 weeks and subsequently 0.25 IU · kg−1 · week−1) or placebo for 6 months. The trial continued as an open study with GH treatment for 6 or 12 months, with data presented as compiled data of 12 months of GH treatment in 64 patients. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and bone turnover was assessed by serum markers of bone metabolism (osteocalcin, procollagen I peptide, crosslinked telopeptide of type I collagen and alkaline phosphatase activity). In women with adult onset GHD (N = 19) and in men with childhood onset GHD (N = 15), total body, spine and hip BMD was significantly reduced at baseline compared to Swedish age- and sex-matched control material. In men with adult onset of GHD (N = 28), BMD did not differ from male controls. During the placebocontrolled period, GH induced decreased total body and spine BMD, probably due to an expansion of the remodelling space, whereas all serum markers of bone turnover increased. Compiled GH data showed similar results after 6 months of treatment. After 12 months of GH treatment, BMD did not differ from basal values except for total body BMD, which was lower, whereas the serum markers of bone metabolism were still increased as compared to basal values. Two-thirds of the patients experienced fluid retention with peripheral oedema and arthralgias on the higher GH dosage. One obese patient developed non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and was withdrawn from the study. These results demonstrate that GHD has negative effects on BMD and that GH substitution induces increased bone turnover. Continued long-term observations will reveal if there is a positive effect of GH substitution on bone mass in the adult GHD patient.

Marie Degerblad, Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Karolinska Hospital, S-17176 Stockholm, Sweden
Acute and chronic effects of octreotide on thyroid axis in growth hormone-secreting and clinically non-functioning pituitary adenomas
Authors: Colao Annamaria , Merola Bartolomeo , Ferone Diego , Marzullo Paolo , Cerbone Gaetana , Longobardi Salvatore , Di Somma Carolina , Lombardi Gaetano
Published: December 2008

Colao A, Merola B, Ferone D, Marzullo P, Cerbone G, Longobardi S, Di Somma C, Lombardi G. Acute and chronic effects of octreotide on thyroid axis in growth hormone-secreting and clinically non-functioning pituitary adenomas. Eur J Endocrinol 1995;133:189–94. ISSN 0804–4643

The effect of somatostatin on thyroid function was studied in 12 patients with growth hormone (GH)-secreting and eight patients with clinically non-functioning adenomas (NFA) and normal pituitary/ thyroid axis; the patients were subjected to the administration of octreotide (OCT), which is a longacting somatostatin analog. All the patients received an acute test with 100 μg of OCT, both short term (1 month) and long term (6 months), with doses ranging from 300 to 600 μg/day, Serum thyroxine (T4). triiodothyronine (T3), free T4, free T3, thyroglobulin and basal and thyrotropin (TSH)-releasing hormone (TRH)-stimulated TSH were evaluated before and after 1 and 6 months of therapy. Circulating GH and insulin-like growth-factor I (IGF-I) in acromegalics and GH, IGF-I and α-subunit in NFA were assessed at baseline and every month. The acute administration of 100 μg of OCT significantly reduced the TSH response to TRH (p < 0.01) in both acromegalics and NFA. In all the patients OCT administration caused a significant decrease of GH, IGF-I and α-subunit levels (p < 0.01). In addition, after 1 month of therapy both baseline and TRH-induced TSH secretion were decreased significantly in acromegalics and NFA. After 6 months of therapy, baseline and TRH-induced TSH was still reduced in NFA. Conversely, in acromegalics, baseline TSH levels were increased while TSH response to TRH was inhibited. No change of T4, T3, free T4 and free T3 was observed in NFA, whereas a slight but significant increase of T4 and decrease of T3 was recorded in acromegalics. In conclusion, OCT does seem to possess long-term suppressive effects on TSH response to TRH, both in acromegalics and NFA. The lack of basal TSH level inhibition in acromegalics could depend on the restored peripheral conversion of T4 into T3 due to the normalized GH levels during long-term OCT administration.

Annamaria Colao, Corso Europa 63, 80127 Napoli, Italy
Relationship between sex hormones, body composition and metabolic risk parameters in premenopausal women
Authors: Pedersen Steen B , Børglum Jens D , Brixen Kim , Richelsen Bjørn
Published: December 2008

Pedersen SB, Borglum JD, Brixen K, Richelsen B. Relationship between sex hormones, body composition and metabolic risk parameters in premenopausal women. Eur J Endocrinol 1995;133: 200–6. ISSN 0804–4643

The metabolic complications associated with obesity are dependent upon the degree of obesity and the distribution of adipose tissue. In order to evaluate the associations between sex hormone status, metabolic risk parameters, obesity and distribution of adipose tissue, 25 premenopausal women with a wide range of body mass index (19.3–48.1 kg/m2 were studied. Body composition was determined by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scan and anthropometric measurements; in addition, lipid and sex hormone status were determined and an oral glucose tolerance test was performed. We found that sex hormone-binding globulin was correlated negatively with total fat mass (r = –0.77, p < 0.001) and especially with abdominal localization of adipose tissue (r = –0.85, p < 0.001). Free testosterone was correlated positively with total fat mass (r = 0.40, p < 0.05) and with abdominal fat accumulation (r = 0.64, p < 0.001). Free estrogen was correlated negatively with total amount of adipose tissue (r = –0.40, p < 0.05) but not with the distribution of adipose tissue, Finally, total fatness, abdominal localization of adipose tissue and free testosterone were all associated with elevated metabolic risk factors. However, multiple regression analysis revealed that only abdominal localization of adipose tissue was independently associated with a higher risk profile, whereas the effects of sex hormones or total fatness disappeared when abdominal localization of adipose tissue was included in the analysis. In conclusion, these findings in premenopausal women indicate that the connection between sex hormones and metabolic risk factors might be indirect, probably operating through alterations in the amount of adipose tissue in the abdominal region.

SB Pedersen, University Clinic of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Aarthus, Amtssygehus, Tage Hansensgade, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
Urinary iodine excretion in Belarus children
Authors: Mityukova TA , Astakhova LN , Asenchyk LD , Orlov MM , VanMiddlesworth L
Published: December 2008

Mityukova TA, Astakhova LN, Asenchyk LD, Orlov MM, VanMiddlesworth L. Urinary iodine excretion in Belarus children. Eur J Endocrinol 1995;133:216–7. ISSN 0804–4643.

Casual urine samples were collected to determine iodine excretion of 1680 Belarus children during 1990–1994. The subjects, 8–16 years old, were from nine different regions of Belarus; 60% were from the Gomel oblast, which has been associated with relatively high levels of radioiodine fallout and increased incidence of thyroid cancer. Most of the median values indicate borderline/low iodine intake or mild iodine deficiency. Ranges were wide but 163 children excreted < 20 μgI/l urine and they should be considered severely deficient in iodine.

L VanMiddlesworth, Dept. of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Tennessee, 894 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
Modification of pancreatic digestive function by pituitary grafting in mice
Authors: Matsuda Manabu , Mori Takao , Park Min K , Kawashima Seiichiro
Published: December 2008

Matsuda M, Mori T, Park MK, Kawashima S. Modification of pancreatic digestive function by pituitary grafting in mice. Eur J Endocrinol 1995;133:221–6. ISSN 0804–4643

The effect of prolactin on the digestive potency of the acinar pancreas was examined in pituitary-grafted hyperprolactinemic mice, because our previous experiment showed that a marked proliferation of pancreatic acinar cells was induced by pituitary grafting in mice. To know whether the digestive function is modified, the tissue contents of pancreatic digestive enzymes, such as chymotrypsin, lipase, α-amylase and ribonuclease, were measured in the hyperprolactinemic mice. Pituitary grafting significantly increased the contents of chymotrypsin and lipase in the pancreas on day 12 after the operation without affecting intake of food, when compared to those in the sham-operated controls. On day 30, however, the differences between pituitary-grafted and control mice were no more discernible. Thus, the digestive enzyme activities are easily modified soon after the increase of circulating prolactin level. This effect of prolactin on the function of the pancreas may be responsible for "homeorhetic" control of nutrients during lactation. In another set of experiments in adrenalectomized–castrated or castrated mice, pituitary grafting induced an increase in the weight of the pancreas. In addition, adrenalectomy in combination with castration did not alter the pancreatic contents of chymotrypsin and lipase but decreased the amylase content. These results taken together seem to indicate that the effect of prolactin on the exocrine pancreas is not mediated by gonadal and adrenal steroid hormones.

Manabu Matsuda, Zoological Institute, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113, Japan
Myocardial production of prostaglandins: its role in atrial natriuretic peptide release
Authors: Azizi Chafik , Barthélemy Christiane , Masson Françoise , Maistre Geneviéve , Eurin Joëlle , Carayon Alain
Published: December 2008

Azizi C, Barthélemy C, Masson F, Maistre G, Eurin J, Carayon A. Myocardial production of prostaglandins: its role in atrial natriuretic peptide release. Eur J Endocrinol 1995;133:255–9. ISSN 0804–4643

In recent years, considerable evidence has been accumulated on prostaglandins (PG) in modulating atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) release. In the current study we investigated whether eicosanoids promote isoproterenol-induced ANP secretion from superfused rabbit sliced atria. Inclusion of the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin (10 μmol to the superfusing medium abolished isoproterenol-induced ANP release. Next, PGE2, but not PGF2α or PGI2 (10 μmol), increased ANP release. Furthermore, isoproterenol-induced PGE2 formation was fully attenuated by indomethacin. Dibutyl-cAMP (0.5 mmol) had no effect on PGE2 formation, and the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H89 (20 μmol) did not alter isoproterenol-induced PGE2 formation. On the other hand, indomethacin led to a significant decrease in isoprotrenol-induced cAMP production. In addition, PGE2 enhanced basal cAMP concentration in superfusates. Superfusion of sliced atria by forskolin (10 μmol) or by dibutylcAMP (0.5 mmol) produced a significant rise in ANP release. Finally, H89 was ineffective on basal ANP release but abolished the increase of ANP release in response to isoproterenol or to PGE2. We conclude that: the effect of isoproterenol on ANP release is sensitive to indomethacin and H89; PGE2, but not PGF2α or PGI2, increases ANP release; isoproterenol promotes myocardial PGE2 formation independently of adenylate cyclase and PKA activation pathways; and PGE2-induced ANP release is mediated by cAMP production and subsequent PKA activation. These results suggest that isoproterenol-induced ANP release appears to be mediated at least partly by PGE2 with underlying cAMP formation and PKA activation.

C Azizi, Service de Biochimie, CHU Pitié-Salpêtrère, 91 boulevard de l'hôpital, 75634 Paris Cedex 13, France