bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RESPONSES OF PLASMA OXYTOCIN AND ARGININE VASOPRESSIN TO NAUSEA INDUCED BY APOMORPHINE AND IPECACUANHA
Authors: NUSSEY S. S. , HAWTHORN J. , PAGE S. R. , ANG V. T. Y. , JENKINS J. S. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYApomorphine, a centrally‐acting emetic, was administered subcutaneously (50 /μg/kg) to nine normal subjects (four male, five female; aged 22‐36 years) and four patients with idiopathic diabetes insipidus (DI) (one male, three female; aged 24‐49 years). In the normal subjects this stimulus caused nausea (and vomiting in seven of nine) with a latency of 9‐5 ± 0‐9 min which was followed by a large increase in plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP) concentration (from 0‐9 ± 0‐2 pmol/1 to 249 ± 104 pmol/1 at 15 min after the onset of symptoms; mean ± SEM, P<001). There was a small but significant increase in plasma oxytocin (OXT) concentration (from 1‐6 ± 0‐4 pmol/1 to 6‐2 ± 3‐4 pmol/1; P<005). Mean arterial pressure (MAP) fell slightly (from 87±1‐9 mm Hg to 71±4‐4 mm Hg; P < 005) 15 min after the onset of nausea; there was no change in blood haematocrit or plasma osmolality and sodium concentration. In the DI patients apomorphine produced nausea (with vomiting in three of four) with a latency of 100±1 ‐4 min but failed to cause an increase in either plasma AVP or OXT. In the DI patients the fall in MAP did not reach statistical significance (83 ± 4 mm Hg to 71 ± 11 mm Hg); there was also no change in haematocrit, osmolality or sodium concentration. Ipecacuanha, an emetic with both peripheral and central actions, was administered orally to seven normal subjects (three male, four female; aged 22‐36 years) six of whom also underwent apomorphine tests. Nausea followed with a latency of 16‐9 ± 3‐2 min (with vomiting in five of seven). However, despite producing symptoms considered by the subjects to be as severe as those caused by apomorphine there was no increase in plasma AVP or OXT. In contrast to apomorphine, ipecacuanha produced a significant increase in MAP (from 82 ± 2 mm Hg to 11101+7 mm Hg; P<0‐05) and pulse rate (62 ± 3 min‐1 to 76 ± 4 mm‐1; P<0‐05); there was no change in haematocrit, osmolality or sodium concentration.The results provide evidence that OXT neurones are affected by the pathological process involved in the aetiology of idiopathic DI in some patients. They indicate that while nausea (and vomiting) produce elevations of plasma OXT and AVP these sequelae are not essential to these physiological processes. Finally, we interpret the failure of ipecacuanha‐induced nausea to increase plasma AVP and OXT concentrations as evidence that the neuroendocrine response to nausea, in the human, may depend on the site of action of the emetic stimulus.
A SPECIFIC CARRIER SUBSTANCE FOR HUMAN CORTICOTROPHIN RELEASING FACTOR IN LATE GESTATIONAL MATERNAL PLASMA WHICH COULD MASK THE ACTH‐RELEASING ACTIVITY
Authors: LINTON E. A. , WOLFE C. D. A. , BEHAN D. P. , LOWRY P. J. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYLate gestational maternal plasma contains a carrier substance for corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF‐41) with a molecular weight in the region of 40000. Using gel chromatography and CRF‐41 immunoradiometric assay (IRMA), we show that binding of the peptide to its plasma carrier can be disrupted by treatment with urea. The binding capacity of the carrier substance is not saturated, since time‐dependent incorporation of synthetic CRF‐41 occurs at 4°C. The carrier substance is also present in normal male plasma. It is specific for human CRF‐41, not binding to ACTH, GnRH, vasopressin or ovine CRF‐41. Most of the high concentration of CRF‐41 in late gestational maternal plasma is bound to the carrier. Dilutions of pooled fractions containing carrier‐bound CRF‐41 after chromatography of maternal plasma had ACTH‐releasing activity as did the synthetic peptide. However, the more concentrated chromatographic fractions at the apex of the carrier‐bound CRF‐41 peak showed reduced bioactivity, indicating that the higher concentrations of carrier in the original maternal plasma could mask the ACTH‐releasing activity of CRF‐41.
GONADOTROPHINS, OESTRADIOL AND PROGESTERONE DURING THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE IN BULIMIA NERVOSA
Authors: PIRKE K. M. , DOGS M. , FICHTER M. M. , TUSCHL R. J. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYGonadotrophins and gonadal hormones were studied during the menstrual cycle or during 5 weeks when no cycles occurred in 15 patients who were diagnosed as having bulimia by DSM III criteria. Nine healthy age‐matched women served as controls. Based on plasma oestradiol (E2) values patients were divided into two groups. Group I (n= 8) did not show E2 increases greater than 444 pmol/l indicating that no follicular development took place. Group II showed normal follicular hormone production during the follicular phase but impaired progesterone (P4) levels during the luteal phase. Studies of episodic gonadotrophin secretion during the follicular phase revealed low average LH and FSH values and reduced amplitude but no significant changes of frequency in group I. Our data indicate that impaired follicular maturation as seen in about half of the bulimic patients is caused by impaired gonadotrophin secretion.
HIGHER THAN CONVENTIONAL DOSES OF CARBIMAZOLE IN THE TREATMENT OF THYROTOXICOSIS
Authors: O'MALLEY B. P. , ROSENTHAL F. D. , NORTHOVER B. J. , JENNINGS P. E. , WOODS K. L. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYIn order to ascertain whether higher than conventional doses of carbimazole achieve more rapid control of thyrotoxicosis, 30 thyrotoxic patients were alternately allocated into two groups, group 1 (15 subjects) receiving a conventional starting dose of 45 mg orally daily and group 2(15 subjects) a dose of 100 mg orally. In addition to weekly estimations of serum T4, T3, free T4, free T3 and TSH, the systolic time intervals ratio (STI), a measure of left ventricular contractility, was calculated as an accurate measure of peripheral thyroid hormone activity, the study end‐point being a normal STI (0.26‐0.32). None of the individuals studied experienced side‐effects during the study period. Mean pre‐treatment STI values for the two treatment groups were the same at entry (0.20). The mean recovery times for STI was 4‐4 weeks (SE 0.3) in the high dose group and 5.9 weeks (SE 0.4) in the low dose group (P=0.0037). There was a definite trend towards a shorter recovery time for free T3 in the higher dose group (P=0.057) but no apparent differences for T4, T3 and free T4. Higher than conventional doses of carbimazole may be advisable in the initial treatment of severe thyrotoxicosis.
HYPERMINERALOCORTICISM WITHOUT ELEVATION OF PLASMA ALDOSTERONE: DEOXYCORTICOSTERONE‐PRODUCING ADRENAL ADENOMA AND HYPERPLASIA
Authors: ISHIKAWA SAN‐E , SAITO TOSHIKAZU , KANEKO KENZO , OKADA KOJI , FUKUDA SHUICHI , KUZUYA TAKESHI 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYTwo female patients were admitted for evaluation of hypertension and hypokalaemia. Plasma renin activity was suppressed and plasma aldosterone levels were within the normal value in a 52‐year‐old woman and below the normal value in the other patient, a 62‐year‐old woman. Plasma 11 ‐deoxycorticosterone (DOC) levels were as high as 113 and 1–47 nmol/1, respectively. Adrenal scintigram and abdominal CT scan clearly showed a right adrenal tumour in the 52‐year‐old woman. After adrenalectomy plasma DOC level decreased to the normal level of 0–12 nmol/1, and her blood pressure and serum potassium became normal. Abdominal CT scan revealed no finding of adrenal tumour in the older woman. These results indicate that these two patients had hypermineralocorticism with elevation of plasma DOC. One patient had a DOC‐producing adrenal adenoma, and the other probably had bilateral adrenal hyperplasia.
CHARACTERIZATION OF HUMAN PLATELET VASOPRESSIN RECEPTOR AND THE RELATION BETWEEN VASOPRESSIN‐INDUCED PLATELET AGGREGATION AND VASOPRESSIN BINDING TO PLATELETS
Authors: INABA KIYOSHI , UMEDA YUKIHISA , YAMANE YOKO , URAKAMI MASAYA , INADA MITSUO 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYImmunoreactive AVP was found to be much higher in platelets than in platelet‐free plasma (PFP) in normal subjects (12–8 ± 6–3 versus 1 –7 ± 0–8 fmol/ml). AVP levels in PFP were appreciably elevated in parallel with the elevation of plasma osmolality induced by the acute osmotic stimulation, while the AVP levels in platelets did not change before and after the stimulation.Binding studies on intact platelets demonstrated specific binding sites for [3H]AVP. The specific binding was time, temperature and concentration–dependent, saturable and reversible, with the maximal binding capacity (Bmax) of 169–9 ± 14–4 sites/platelet and affinity of 4–84±115 × 108m−1. The affinity constants for unlabelled AVP, lysine vasopressin (LVP), oxytocin (OT) and dDAVP were 9–0, 8–5, 7–4 and 6–6, respectively, and the inhibition constant for d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)AVP (V1‐antagonist) was 7–7. There was a highly significant correlation between the affinity constants of AVP analogues and their relative vasopressor activities in vivo, whereas no such correlation was found between the affinity constants and antidiuretic activities.AVP caused platelet aggregation with the maximal aggregation of 48–0 ± 25–1 % at 230 nm of AVP. A significant correlation was observed between the maximal percentage aggregation and Bmax of [3H]AVP to intact platelets. These results suggest that the platelet vasopressin receptor belongs to the V1 vascular subtype and mediates platelet aggregation.
INCREASED PRODUCTION OF α‐MELANOCYTE‐STIMULATING HORMONE IN THE PITUITARY GLAND OF PATIENTS WITH UNTREATED ADDISON'S DISEASE
Authors: COATES P. J. , McNICOL A. M. , DONIACH I. , REES L. H. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYThere is evidence that peptides related to α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (α‐MSH) are involved in regulating the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex in certain species. We have investigated the amount of immunoreactive (IR)‐ α‐MSH in the human pituitary gland of patients suffering from Addison's disease. We show increased numbers of cells containing demonstrable IR‐α‐MSH in the anterior lobe in these patients. Using an antiserum with specificity for the acetylated N‐terminus of α‐MSH we suggest that the major form present is desacetyl‐α‐MSH. These findings are in keeping with a role for anterior lobe derived desacetyl‐α‐MSH in the regulation of the human adrenal cortex.
A MULTIPLE TIMEPOINT STUDY OF N‐TERMINAL PRO‐OPIOMELANOCORTIN IN DEPRESSION USING A TWO‐SITE RECOGNITION IMMUNORADIOMETRIC ASSAY
Authors: CHARLTON B. G. , FERRIER I. N. , LEAKE A. , EDWARDSON J. A. , ECCLESTON D. , CROWCOMBE K. , McLEAN J. , JACKSON S. , LOWRY P. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY N‐pro‐opiomelanocortin (N‐POMC) is secreted from the same precursor as ACTH and β‐endorphin. Elevated plasma ACTH and β‐endorphin β‐lipotro‐phin concentrations have been reported in depression, however there have been no previous studies of N‐POMC. Twenty‐five patients with major depression and 18 control subjects were studied at five timepoints to examine diurnal rhythm and the effect of a dexamethasone suppression test. N‐POMC was measured using a newly developed two‐site recognition immunoradiometric assay (IRMA). This demonstrated advantages of sensitivity, specificity and simplicity compared with existing radioimmunoassays. N‐POMC exhibited a pattern of diurnal rhythm and suppression in response to dexamethasone as described for other POMC derived peptides. Depressed subjects had higher levels of N‐POMC at 0900 h post‐dexamethasone than did control subjects. In conclusion, the results of this study are consistent with a hypothesis of cosecretion of POMC‐derived peptides. N‐POMC has a similar pattern of abnormal concentrations to ACTH and β‐endorphin /β‐Iipotrophin in depression. This constitutes probable evidence of POMC‐derived peptide resistance to glucocorticoid feedback in this condition.
CYCLICAL CUSHING'S SYNDROME PRESENTING AS SHORT STATURE IN A BOY WITH RECURRENT ATRIAL MYXOMAS AND FRECKLED SKIN PIGMENTATION
Authors: CARSON D. J. , SLOAN J. M. , CLELAND J. , RUSSELL C. F. J. , ATKINSON A. B. , SHERIDAN B. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYA young male patient demonstrated unusual features of Cushing's syndrome, atrial myxomas and freckled skin pigmentation. At 4.5 years of age he presented with intermittent swelling of his face and abdomen associated with weight gain and mild hypertension. A left atrial myxoma, suspected from routine physical examination, was surgically removed at 6.1 years of age. The initial mild symptoms clinically thought to be due to Cushing's syndrome, persisted intermittently without any consistent biochemical abnormality. At 10 years of age height velocity decreased and at 12 years early osteoporosis was observed radiologically. Repeated dexamethasone tests revealed a paradoxical increase in cortisol and corticotrophin from normal basal levels. Further investigation showed a cyclical pattern of hypercortisolism. The removal of a pituitary microadenoma failed to correct the features of Cushing's syndrome or prevent intermittent hypercortisolism. At 15.3 years a second left atrial myxoma was removed. This was followed by bilateral adrenalectomy. Histologically the features were consistent with primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease. This is the first patient described with cyclical Cushing's syndrome as part of this unusual complex of disorders.
THE HUMAN LEUCOCYTE SODIUM PUMP IN CUSHING'S SYNDROME
Authors: NG L. L. , EVANS D. J. , BURKE C. W. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYBecause corticosteroids have important effects on sodium homeostasis, we studied leucocyte 22Na efflux in patients with Cushing's syndrome. The ouabain‐sensitive 22Na+ efflux rate constant was raised in Cushing's syndrome (mean ± SD 2.84 ± 0.32 vs 2.35 ± 0.53/h, P < 0.001, n= 15). This efflux rate constant correlated with the urinary free cortisol (rs= 0.61, P < 0.02), but less significantly with the 0900 h plasma cortisol (rs=0.46, P <0.08). There was no correlation with the supine plasma aldosterone. Intracellular sodium content was significantly lower in Cushing's syndrome (21.1 ± 4.6 vs 27.8 ± 9.5 mmol/kg dry weight, P < 0.01), with a raised intracellular potassium to sodium content ratio (16.1 ± 3.3 vs 12.9 ± 3.6, P < 0.01). After treatment of the Cushing's syndrome by trans‐sphenoidal adenomectomy or adrenalectomy, these defects in cellular sodium balance were corrected. Thus, the distribution of sodium between intra‐ and extracellular fluid may be affected by adrenal corticosteroids via an action on the sodium pump.
NEUROFIBROMATOSIS ASSOCIATED WITH SOMATOSTATINOMA: A REPORT OF TWO PATIENTS
Authors: SWINBURN B. A. , YEONG MEE LING , LANE M. R. , NICHOLSON G. I. , HOLDAWAY I. M. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYTwo patients with neurofibromatosis and somatostatinoma are described, one patient in addition having a parathyroid adenoma diagnosed post mortem. The other patient had a partial somatostatinoma syndrome with diabetes, abdominal pain and cholelithiasis. The tumour was diagnosed preoperatively and metabolic studies demonstrated mild diabetes mellitus apparently due to supression of insulin secretion by somatostatin, since oral glucose tolerance returned to normal post‐operatively despite hemipancreatectomy. The tumour also secreted gastrin. There are now 18 reported cases of neurofibromatosis and duodenal carcinoid tumours which makes a genuine association between these two conditions very likely. With the present two cases, seven of the carcinoid tumours in this group have been positively identified as somatostatinomas. The histological finding of psammoma bodies is important in the diagnosis of duodenal somatostatinomas.
CHANGES IN SERUM INSULIN CONCENTRATION DURING PUBERTY AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO GROWTH HORMONE
Authors: HINDMARSH P. , DI SILVIO L. , PRINGLE P. J. , KURTZ A. B. , BROOK C. G. D. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYIn 40 tall and short children we have demonstrated using oral glucose tolerance tests that there is an increase in serum insulin concentration during puberty with no change in blood glucose concentration. Fasting serum insulin concentration rose from a pre‐pubertal value between 4.0 and 5.7 mU/l to values between 11.0 and 14.6 mU/l during puberty. This rise in both fasting serum insulin concentration and the incremental area under the insulin curve is probably due to changes in circulating GH concentrations. In 16 tall girls a rise in serum GH concentration was observed during pubertal growth and the rise was accompanied by a two‐ to three‐fold increase in fasting serum insulin concentration. In 13 children in whom 24 h growth hormone profiles were recorded higher insulin concentrations were seen in those who secreted the most growth hormone. These data suggest that during pubertal growth in diabetic children the standard dosage of insulin administered (0.9 units/kg per day) should be doubled or possibly tripled to maintain good metabolic control and maximize pubertal growth.
THE EFFECT OF ANTITHYROID DRUGS ON B AND T CELL ACTIVITY IN VITRO
Authors: WILSON R. , McKILLOP J. H. , CHOPRA M. , THOMSON J. A. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYThis study examined the abilities of methimazole, propylthiouracil (PTU) and propranolol to exert an immunosuppressive effect in vitro. Incubation of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) with propranolol showed the drug to have no effect on either B‐ or T‐cell activity. Methimazole or PTU at concentrations of ≥ 10−5M resulted in significantly lower amounts of IgG and IgM being released into the culture medium. Both drugs were also found to have a direct effect on T‐cell function as they caused the percentage of total and suppressor cells to increase towards normal levels. The three drugs were all found to have some free radical scavenging ability. These ranked PTU > methimazole > propranolol. These in‐vitro findings would suggest that both methimazole and PTU have some direct effect on the immune system. It would seem more likely however that these effects are mediated via interleukin 2 rather than by their ability to act as free radical scavengers.
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF NEUROLOGICAL AND MYXOEDEMATOUS CRETINISM ASSOCIATED WITH SEVERE IODINE DEFICIENCY
Authors: CHAOUKI M. L. , MAOUI R. , BENMILOUD M. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYThe clinical and biochemical features of myxoedematous and neurological cretinism were studied in an endemic goitre area in Algeria (goitre prevalence 51.3%; endemic cretinism 1.1 %; mean urinary iodine level 127.6 nmol/l). When comparing the data collected in six different villages of the area, significant negative correlations were found between the decrease in urinary iodide and iodide/thiocyanate ratio (I/SCN) and the increase in prevalences of visible goitres, endemic cretinism and transient neonatal hypothyroidism. The cretins were divided on clinical signs into two groups: myxoedematous (MC) and neurological (NC) cretinism. Differences were noted in the neurological signs and the type of deafness encountered in both types. Although some overlap did exist, proximal spasticity and rigidity were characteristic of NC. The hormonal profiles of the two groups, including TRH tests, were clearly different. The two groups were similar with regard to the percentage of palpable thyroids, the absence of antimicrosomal and anti‐thyroglobulin antibodies, seropositive viral antibodies and thiocyanate concentrations in serum and urine. Thus it is unlikely that these factors have any significant aetiological role in NC. The data collected in the general population in this area and those obtained in the mothers of the myxoedematous and neurological cretins support the hypothesis that the neurological signs are the result of hypothyroxinaemia in the mothers and the fetus at different periods of pregnancy. They could be aggravated by neonatal hypothyroidism, which may be transient in NC and permanent in MC.
THE VALUE OF THYROID VOLUME MEASURED BY ULTRASONOGRAPHY IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF GOITRE
Authors: BERGHOUT A. , WIERSINGA W. M. , SMITS N. J. , TOUBER J. L. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYThyroid volume was measured by ultrasonography in 80 euthyroid patients with sporadic nontoxic goitre and in 50 healthy adults, all residing in non‐iodine deficient areas. All patients were referred because of complaints of goitre and had been diagnosed as cases of goitre by inspection and palpation. The thyroid volume in 15 patients with goitre (19%) was within the normal reference range (4.9–19.1 ml). Fourteen of the 15 patients had thyroid nodules larger (mean diameter 2.9 ± 1.1 cm) than those detected in nine of the healthy adults (mean diameter 0.8 ± 0.6 cm; P < 0.001). Thyroid size as estimated by inspection and palpation (grade OA to III according to Stanbury et al, 1974) was poorly related to thyroid volume measured by ultrasonography. In conclusion: (1) a thyroid volume within the normal reference range does not rule out the presence of nodular goitre; and (2) application of thyroid volume measurement by ultrasonography may prevent overestimation of goitre prevalence in epidemiological surveys.
GLUCOCORTICOIDS AND GLUCOSE METABOLISM: HEPATIC GLUCOSE PRODUCTION IN UNTREATED ADDISONIAN PATIENTS AND ON TWO DIFFERENT LEVELS OF GLUCOCORTICOID ADMINISTRATION
Authors: MALERBI D. , LIBERMAN B. , GIURNO‐FILHO A. , GIANNELLANETO D. , WAJCHENBERG B. L. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYPlasma glucose, insulin levels and hepatic glucose production rates were studied after an overnight fast in six Addisonian patients in three different conditions: off replacement treatment, on substitution therapy and on high‐dose glucocorti‐coid treatment. For comparison eight normal subjects were evaluated in basal conditions. Fasting plasma glucose and hepatic glucose production did not change significantly with either level of glucocorticoid treatment when compared to the untreated state and the normal controls, but there was a significant increase in plasma glucose levels in the high‐dose cortisone‐treated Addisonian patients when compared to the untreated state. Insulin levels were significantly lower in the untreated state and significantly higher in the high dose‐treated patients when compared to the normal controls. It is suggested that in these experimental conditions the peripheral actions of glucocorticoids are predominant over the hepatic effects by virtue of their ability to produce secondary changes in insulin levels, keeping the hepatic glucose production constant.