bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acromegaly due to ectopic growth hormone-releasing hormone secretion by a bronchial carcinoid tumour. Dynamic hormonal responses to various stimuli
Authors: Glikson Michael , Gil-Ad Irit , Galun Eithan , Dresner Rivka , Zilberman Shalom , Halperin Yizhak , Okon Elimelech , Laron Zvi , Rubinow Alan 
Published: June 2009

Abstract.
Ectopic GHRH is a relatively uncommon cause of acromegaly, which should be differentiated from pituitary adenoma, in order to avoid damage to the pituitary gland from unnecessary interventions. We report here on a 66-year-old man with acromegaly due to a GHRH-secreting bronchial carcinoid tumour, who recovered completely following removal of the tumour. His hormonal status was studied before and after the operation. Basal GH, GHRH, IGF-I and PRL levels, as well as plasma GH response to glucose load and TRH administration were abnormal before the operation, and became normal thereafter. The somatostatin analogue SMS 201-995 was found to be a potent inhibitor of the ectopic GHRH and the GH secretion (>500 to 42 ng/l and 15.4 μg/l to 0.8 μg/l, respectively). The effect on GHRH proved to be due to direct effect of somatostatin on the tumour cells, as demonstrated in tissue culture studies. A mixed meal was found immediately to suppress GHRH levels without such an effect on GH secretion. We conclude that the neuroendocrine tests usually practised in acromegaly cannot differentiate between ectopic GHRH secretion and pituitary adenoma. High plasma GHRH levels may serve as a diagnostic test for excessive GHRH production, which is almost always ectopic. These high levels are suppressible by somatostatin and a mixed meal.
Effect of α-adrenergic blockade on pituitary hormonal responses to insulin-induced hypoglycemia in humans
Authors: Fisher B. Miles , Thornton Steve , Hepburn David A. , Morton James J. , Baylis Peter H. , Beastall Graham H. , Gray Christina E. , Frier Brian M. 
Published: June 2009

Abstract.
Arginine vasopressin, oxytocin and ACTH are released from the pituitary gland in response to acute hypoglycemia. To investigate the role of α-adrenergic mechanisms in mediating this response, 6 non-diabetic subjects were studied during hypoglycemia induced by 0.15 IU/kg iv insulin under control conditions, and during non-selective α-adrenergic blockade with phentolamine. In the control study plasma arginine vasopressin rose from 1.6±0.8 pmol/l (mean ± sem) basally to a maximum of 2.5±0.8 pmol/l following hypoglycemia (p<0.05). An exaggerated response was found during phentolamine blockade, with a maximum plasma vasopressin of 11.5±0.4 pmol/l (by analysis of variance, p<0.05). The plasma oxytocin response to hypoglycemia was similarily increased during phentolamine compared to control. Plasma growth hormone rose to 94±19 mU/l, and during blockade with phentolamine the response was significantly reduced reaching a peak of 34±7 mU/l (by analysis of variance, p<0.05). ACTH and prolactin both increased in response to hypoglycemia, but the increases were not affected by phentolamine. An α-adrenergic mechanism appears to inhibit the release of arginine vasopressin and oxytocin in response to hypoglycemia, but does not appear to affect the secretion of ACTH.
Prolactinoma and body weight: A retrospective study
Authors: Creemers L. B. , Zelissen P. M. J. , van 't Verlaat J. W. , Koppeschaar H. P. F. 
Published: June 2009

Abstract.
Body weight and weight history in association with hormone levels were studied retrospectively in 47 patients with prolactinoma; macroprolactinoma was diagnosed in 36, microprolactinoma in 11 patients. At the time of diagnosis a weight history could be traced in 14 patients, 9 patients having gained weight (11.8± 2 kg), 1 with a weight loss of 5 kg, and 4 reporting unaltered body weight. Body weight and Body Mass Index before treatment were 83±2.4 kg and 27.3±0.6 kg/m2, respectively. In the male patients the prevalence of BMI≥25 was greater than in the average Dutch male population (p<0.001). After 6 months of treatment, mainly with bromocriptine, patients with macroprolactinoma had lost 5.5± 1.6% (p<0.002) of initial body weight. No significant weight change occurred in patients with microprolactinoma. Weight loss did not correlate with degree of hyperprolactinemia, nor with decrease of prolactin levels during treatment, in either group of patients. Thyroid or gonadal function were not associated with weight loss either. It appears that prolactinoma is associated with a higher frequency of overweight, as far as patients with macroprolactinoma are concerned.
Production of a specific polyclonal antibody against the rat β thyroid receptor, using synthetic peptide as antigen
Authors: Puymirat J. , Gadbois P. , Dussault L. , Garceau L. , Dussault J. H. 
Published: June 2009

Abstract.
We have developed a polyclonal antibody to a synthetic peptide corresponding to the deduced amino acid residues 67–80 of the amino terminal sequence of the rat thyroid receptor β cDNA. Immunopositive sera were identifed by radioimmunoassay and purified by affinity chromatography. The antibody specifically immunoprecipitated the labelled thyroid receptor β synthetized in vitro but not the rat thyroid receptor α. Furthermore, 38% of the L-T3 binding capacity of the rat liver nuclear receptor were immunoabsorbed by this antibody. By immunocytochemistry, this antibody stained specifically the nuclei of hepatocytes while no staining was observed in the rat testis. This study presents a specific polyclonal antibody against the thyroid receptor β. This antibody will be of a great help in determining the role of the β receptors in the mechanism of action of thyroid hormone.
Biological responses of ICI 164,384 and other anti-estrogens in vaginal and uterine cells of fetal guinea pig in culture
Authors: Chetrite Gérard , Pasqualini Jorge Raul 
Published: June 2009

Abstract.
The biological response of the anti-estrogens, ICI 164,384, 4-hydroxytamoxifen and tamoxifen were studied in isolated cells of the vagina and uterus of fetal guinea pig in culture. ICI 164,384 in these two cell lines provokes a significant stimulatory effect on the progesterone receptor levels. This is in opposition to available information where this compound is considered to have full anti-estrogenic properties. At the concentration of 10−8 mol/l ICI 164,384 stimulates progesterone receptor 2-3 times in relation to the non-treated cells. 4-hydroxytamoxifen acts as an agonist in the vaginal cells, but as an antagonist in the uterine cells, in which it can block the stimulatory effect provoked by ICI 164,384. Progesterone, which inhibits progesterone receptor, can block in both cells the stimulatory action of ICI 164,384. No effect of the different compounds tested was found in proliferation or [3H]thymidine incorporation. The agonistic effect of the anti-estrogen ICI 164,384 adds new information about the complexity of the mechanism of antiestrogen action and gives additional models to explore the biological responses of these compounds.
Ontogeny and nutritional regulation of the serum growth hormone-binding protein in the rat
Authors: Mulumba Nkuadi , Massa Guy , Ketelslegers Jean-Marie , Maes Marc 
Published: June 2009

Abstract.
The ontogeny and the nutritional regulation of the serum growth hormone-binding protein in Wistar rats was studied in vitro using Ultrogel AcA34 filtration of serum incubated with 125I-bovine growth hormone. The level of the specific binding of GH to serum GH-binding protein was low in 1-week-old rats (female rats 2.3±0.9%; N=6, and male rats 2.1±8%; N=6 ) and increased with puberty, to reach 10-fold higher levels in 12-week-old adult female (26.1±2.3%; N=6) and 5-fold higher levels in adult male rats (11.2±0.9%; N=6). From 6 weeks of age and onwards, the level of serum GH-binding protein was significantly higher in female than in male rats, reflecting sexual dimorphism. The nutritional dependence of GH-binding protein was supported by the 46% decline of serum GH-binding protein levels in 6-week-old female rats fasted for 3 days (11.6±0.9 and 6.3±1.1% in control and fasted rats, respectively; N=8/group; p<0.001). After 4 days of refeeding, no difference was found between control and experimental animals. During development and after nutritional manipulation, Scatchard analysis revealed that the changes in GH-binding protein were due to changes in binding capacity and not affinity. The levels of serum GH-binding protein were positively correlated with the levels of hepatic GH binding sites, suggesting that the regulation of both proteins is closely related during development and in states of nutritional sufficiency and deprivation.
Hormonal effects of apomorphine and cholecystokinin in pigs: modification of the response to cholecystokinin by a dopamine antagonist (metoclopramide) and a kappa opioid agonist (PD117302)
Authors: Parrott R. F. , Ebenezer I. S. , Baldwin B. A. , Forsling M. L. 
Published: June 2009

Abstract.
Three experiments were carried out to investgate some of the mechanisms involved in the endocrine responses of pigs to the emetic agents apomorphine and cholecystokinin. In Experiment 1, plasma levels of vasopressin and cortisol were measured in prepubertal pigs (N=5) treated with iv apomorphine (25 μg/kg) or saline vehicle. In Experiment 2, concentrations of vasopressin and cortisol were determined in pigs given iv sulphated cholecystokinin octapeptide (1.3 μg/kg), metoclopramide (300 μg/kg), metoclopramide + cholecystokinin, and an oral dose of the kappa opioid agonist PD 117302 (20 μg) alone, or followed by iv cholecystokinin. In Experiment 3, operant feeding behaviour was quantified in pigs (N=4) given cholecystokinin (1 μg/kg) or cholecystokinin preceded by oral PD 117302. Following apomorphine injection in Experiment 1, there was a rapid, transient, rise in plasma vasopressin. Cholecystokinin had a similar effect on vasopressin secretion in Experiment 2 and also induced a later rise in plasma cortisol. Pre-treatment with metoclopramide appeared to reduce both of these effects of cholecystokinin, but only the decrease in cortisol was statistically significant. However, oral administration of PD 117302 abolished the effect of cholecystokinin on vasopressin release and reduced the subsequent rise in cortisol. The inhibitory effect of cholecystokinin on feeding was unaltered by PD 117302 treatment in Experiment 3. The results obtained with apomorphine and metoclopramide, together, suggest that the neuroendocrine effects of cholecystokinin in the pig may involve an action on central dopamine receptors while the effects of PD 117302 indicate that kappa opioids may modify the hormonal responses to cholecystokinin by a peripheral action.
Cortisol increases the susceptibility of rat islets to interleukin 1
Authors: Stahl Matthias , Cheng Hua , Linde Susanne , Nielsen Jens Høiriis 
Published: June 2009

Abstract.
Interleukin 1β has been proposed to play an essential role in the pathogenesis of IDDM by direct interaction with the pancreatic beta-cell. Glucocorticoids are widely used as immunosuppressive agents and have been suggested to interfere both with the production and action of interleukin 1. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the interaction between cortisol and interleukin-1 on the pancreatic beta-cell function in vitro. Newborn rat islets were precultured for seven days before they were exposed to interleukin 1 with or without addition of cortisol. The release of insulin to the culture medium was followed and the insulin content and biosynthesis were measured after one week in culture. Cortisol, 10−6 mol/l, resulted in a 50% lower rate of release during the culture period and a similar reduction in storage and biosynthesis of insulin in the islets at the end of the culture period. In the control islets interleukin 1, 0.5 μg/l, resulted in an early increase in insulin release followed by a marked reduction. In the cortisol-treated islets interleukin 1 increased the release up to 72 h followed by a moderate decrease. In the control islets, interleukin 1 reduced the insulin content to about 50%, whereas in the cortisol-treated islets interleukin 1 resulted in an even greater reduction, to about 30%. This additional effect of cortisol seems not to be due to an augmented cytotoxic effect of interleukin 1 as indicated by the DNA content of the islets and the viability of the cells. In conclusion, cortisol treatment augmented both the early stimulatory and the late inhibitory effects of interleukin 1 on insulin release and biosynthesis in isolated pancreatic islets in culture.
Long-term growth hormone treatment in growth hormone deficient adults
Authors: Jørgensen Jens O. L. , Pedersen Søren A. , Thuesen Leif , Jørgensen Jørgen , Møller Jens , Müller Jørn , Skakkebæk Niels E. , Christiansen Jens S. 
Published: June 2009

Abstract.
Growth hormone treatment in GH-deficient adults has proved beneficial in recent short-term trials, but long-term results have not yet been reported. Thirteen GH-deficient adults (4 females, 9 males; mean (sem) age 26.4 (1.7) years), who had completed 4 months of GH therapy in a double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over study were followed, for further 16.1 (0.8) months of uninterrupted GH therapy in an open design. A significant mean increase of 1.3 cm in linear height was recorded, whereas body mass index remained unchanged. Mean muscle volume of the thigh, estimated by computerised tomography, increased significantly compared with that of the initial placebo period (p=0.01), and a slight decrease was recorded in adipose tissue volume of the thigh (p=0.10) and subscapular skinfold thickness (p=0.10). Still, the muscle to fat ratio of the thigh was significantly lower compared with that of normal subjects (72.6/27.4 vs 77.9/22.1) (p<0.01). The mean isometric strength of the quadriceps muscles increased significantly during long-term GH therapy (p<0.01), but remained lower compared with that of normal subjects (1.66 (0.10) vs 2.13 (0.11) Nm/kg body weight). Exercise capacity performed on a bicycle ergometer increased significantly after long-term therapy (p<0.05), but still did not reach the values seen in normal subjects (22.5 (3.4) vs 37.4 (4.2) watt · min · kg−1· No adverse reactions were recorded during long-term therapy and hemoglobin A1c remained unchanged. These data suggest that long-term GH replacement therapy in GH-deficient adults has beneficial effects on several physiological features which are subnormal in these patients.
Thyroid dysfunction in 85-year-old men and women. Influence of non-thyroidal illness and drug treatment
Authors: Sundbeck Görel , Edén Staffan , Jagenburg Rudolf , Lindstedt Göran 
Published: June 2009

Abstract.
Serum TSH and free T4 were determined by chemiluminometric assays in 601 women and 285 men aged 85 years from the population study "70-year-old people in Gothenburg, Sweden". For individuals with serum TSH concentration above 6.0 mU/l, "antimicrosomal" antibodies were determined, to assess the etiology of the elevated TSH concentration. Clinical follow-up was done of survivors until the age of 88, and records were inspected also for individuals who died before that age. On the basis of these evaluations the prevalence of previously undetected hypothyroidism was estimated to 4.0% in women and 2.5% in men. Previously undetected hyperthyroidism was found in 2, at the most 4, out of 601 women; in one out of 285 men the diagnosis could not be excluded. Possible confounding factors for the evaluation of TSH and/or free T4 concentrations were analysed by permutation t-test followed by multiple regression analysis, which revealed correlations of log TSH concentration to body mass index (p<0.05), serum creatinine concentration (p<0.05), and diabetes mellitus (inverse relationship, p<0.01). Correlation was found of free T4 concentration to treatment with non-selective β-blocking agents (p<0.001) and digitalis glycosides (p<0.01). However, none of the factors influencing TSH and/or free T4 concentrations had any major influence on reference limits, nor could they account for individuals with "outlier" values.
Failure to confirm a growth hormone-releasing activity of corticotropin-releasing hormone in acromegaly: Comparison with the effects of other hypothalamic hormones
Authors: Watanobe Hajime , Sasaki Shinsuke , Takebe Kazuo 
Published: June 2009

Abstract.
We re-examined whether CRH stimulates GH secretion in acromegaly. Human CRH (100 μg) was given as an iv bolus to 15 patients with active acromegaly, and plasma GH levels were measured before and at intervals up to 120 min after the injection. For comparison, we assessed in all the patients the effects of TRH (500 μg), GnRH (100 μg), vasoactive intestinal peptide (100 μg) and peptide histidine methionine (100 μg), which are known paradoxically to stimulate GH secretion in acromegaly. A paradoxical GH response (>50% above the basal) to TRH, GnRH, vasoactive intestinal peptide and peptide histidine methionine was observed in 12 (80%), 4 (27%), 5 (33%) and 2 (13%) patients, respectively. All the patients were responsive to at least one of these 4 peptides. However, none of the patients showed a positive GH response to hCRH. These results do not support a GH-releasing activity of CRH in acromegaly. Even if CRH has such an effect, it does not appear as potent as TRH, GnRH, vasoactive intestinal peptide and peptide histidine methionine. However, the possibility cannot be excluded that our negative data might have been due to the use of hCRH vs ovine CRH in earlier studies.
Thyrotropin receptor antibodies following treatment with recombinant α-interferon in patients with hepatitis
Authors: Fonseca V. , Thomas M. , Dusheiko G. 
Published: June 2009

Abstract.
We measured thyrotropin receptor antibodies in serum obtained from 2 groups of patients participating in clinical trials of recombinant interferon-α 2b for viral hepatitis. Group I: Patients with hepatitis B (N=8), received interferon 5×106 units thrice weekly for 4 months. Group II: Patients with non-A, non-B hepatitis (N=16) were randomized to receive interferon in a dose of either 0.25×106 or 3×106 U thrice weekly for 6 months and then crossed over to receive the other dosage schedule for a further 6 months. None of the patients developed thyrotoxicosis. Thyrotropin receptor antibody activity was detectable within the "normal range" (<10 U/l) in 6 patients prior to treatment. In Group I, thyrotropin receptor antibodies became detectable in 6 patients on treatment, in 4 of whom it was 10 U/l. In Group II, thyrotropin receptor antibody activity was unchanged on low-dose interferon, but on the higher dose became detectable in 9 patients, in 7 of whom it was >10 U/l. We conclude that treatment with interferon is associated with the development of thyrotropin receptor antibodies in a large proportion of patients. It is possible that in some patients treated with higher doses of interferon the increase in thyrotropin receptor antibody activity may be sufficient to induce hyperthyroidism.
Chronic treatment with Parlodel LAR® of patients with prolactin-secreting tumours. Different responsiveness of micro- and macroprolactinomas
Authors: Maraschini Caterina , Moro Mirella , Masala Antonio , Toja Paola , Alagna Sergio , Brunani Amelia , Rovasio Pier Paolo , Ginanni Anna , Lancranjan Ioana , Cavagnini Francesco 
Published: June 2009

Abstract.
Forty-one patients with prolactinoma (25 micro-, 16 macroprolactinomas) were treated with a long-acting injectable preparation of bromocriptine (Parlodel LAR®, Sandoz), 25-100 mg (mostly 50 mg) im every 4-8 weeks for as long as 43 months (median 19 months). The first injection caused a prompt fall of plasma PRL which reached its nadir value after 3 days. Thereafter, hormone levels remained well below initial values for 4 weeks or longer, though with the tendency, more pronounced in microprolactinoma patients, to rise again toward baseline. The prevalence of PRL normalization was greater in the macro- than in the microprolactinoma group. By repeated injections plasma PRL could be kept close to or within the normal limits in most of the patients. However, the extent of PRL inhibition was significantly greater in macro- than in microprolactinoma patients (p<0.01). Clinical improvement occurred in the majority of the patients, shrinkage of the tumour in 50% of them. Adverse reactions were generally mild or of moderate severity and subsided spontaneously in 24 h. They were less frequent (NS) and less severe (p<0.05) in macro- than in microprolactinoma patients. In conclusion: a. injectable bromocriptine (Parlodel LAR) is a highly effective preparation particularly suitable for the long-term treatment of tumourous hyperprolactinemia; b. patients with macroprolactinoma exhibit, compared with microprolactinoma patients, better responsiveness and better tolerability to injectable bromocriptine.
Circulating activated T cell subsets in autoimmune thyroid diseases: Differences between untreated and treated patients
Authors: Ohashi Hiroyuki , Okugawa Tadamasa , Itoh Mitsuyasu 
Published: June 2009

Abstract.
To investigate the relationships between lymphocyte subsets and thyroid function, peripheral blood lymphocytes were analysed with cell surface antigens of activated (HLA-DR+) T, helper T (CD4+2H4−, CD4+4B4+) and suppressor-inducer T (CD4+2H4+, CD4+4B4−) cells subsets in 56 patients with Graves' disease, 16 patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, 7 patients with typical subacute thyroiditis and 2 patients with the thyrotoxic phase of autoimmune thyroiditis. Both patients with Graves' disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis had increased percentages of HLA-DR+T (Ia+CD3+) cells as well as HLA-DR+ helper-inducer T (Ia+CD4+) cells, which seemed to be independent of treatments. The percentage of HLA-DR+ suppressor-cytotoxic T (Ia+CD8+) cells was increased in euthyroid or hypothyroid patients with Graves' disease following treatment, but was normal in hyperthyroid patients. The percentages of Ia+CD4+ cells and Ia+CD8+ were also increased in patients with thyrotoxic phases of subacute thyroiditis and autoimmune thyroiditis, whereas these abnormal values normalized in the remission phase. These findings suggest that an increase in Ia+CD4+ cells characteristically occurs during immune system activation in patients with hyperthyroid Graves' disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis and the thyrotoxic phase of subacute thyroiditis, whereas the activated CD8+ cells in Graves' disease are induced by antithyroidal therapy.