bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cushing's syndrome presenting the coexistence of a pituitary corticotrophic cell hyperplasia and a unilateral functional adrenal adenoma
Authors: Watanobe Hajime , Kawagishi Takahiko , Hirai Yuichi , Sato Tatsuro , Tsutsui Masahiro , Kamata Yoshimasa , Takebe Kazuo 
Published: December 2008

Abstract. A very unusual case of Cushing's syndrome is presented. Most of the preoperative biochemical and radiological examinations were compatible with Cushing's syndrome owing to a right adrenal adenoma. Exceptional findings include normal concentrations of adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) in plasma as well as a disturbance of its circadian rhythmicity and a significant adrenocortical responsiveness to exogenous ACTH. Secretory patterns of ACTH did not change even after right adrenalectomy.
Studies in vitro revealed that the adenoma itself, but not the surrounding normal adrenal, was the source of cortisol secreted in response to ACTH. Post mortem examinations disclosed unexpectedly a hormonally inactive left adrenal adenoma and a focal hyperplastic lesion of the anterior pituitary with an ACTH concentration 53 times higher than that of the remaining tissue of the gland.
It is a possibility that this case may have represented a transition between pituitary-dependent adrenocortical hyperplasia and adrenal adenoma to this date reported in only one similar case.
Autologous mixed lymphocyte reaction in Graves' disease: relationship to clinical status
Authors: Bagnasco M. , Ciprandi G. , Orlandini A. , Torre G. , Canonica G. W. , Giordano G. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract. The autologous mixed lymphocyte reaction (AMLR), i.e. the ability of T lymphocytes to proliferate when cultured with autologous non-T cell fractions, is an 'in vitro' phenomenon showing immunological memory and specificity, probably related to the cooperation ability of immunocompetent cells.
We have evaluated AMLR in 27 patients with Graves' disease of varying clinical status (untreated and treated with antithyroid drugs, surgery or 131I). The results obtained show:
Impaired AMLR in untreated patients (as in other autoimmune diseases). Significantly higher AMLR in cured patiens, and that AMLR in cured patients varies with the treatment (higher after surgery or radioiodine than after medical treatment).
These results are consistent with the hypothesis of a functional defect of T cells in Graves' disease, which improves when clinical remission is achieved.
Effect of etomidate on cortisol biosynthesis: site of action after induction of anaesthesia
Authors: De Coster R. , Helmers J. H.J. H. , Noorduin H. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract. To determine the site of inhibition of etomidate on cortisol biosynthesis, plasma cortisol, aldosterone, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, 11-deoxycortisol and ACTH levels were measured in healthy women before and after the administration of a single dose of either 0.20 mg kg−1 etomidate (mean value, n = 10) or 3.15 mg kg−1 thiopental (n = 9) for induction of anaesthesia in a randomized trial.
Etomidate produced a smaller increase in plasma cortisol and had a later onset of action than thiopental. Plasma ACTH levels, however, rose higher in the etomidate-induced patients to reach peak levels 6 h after drug administration. In the same group, plasma aldosterone remained below the control levels but still within the normal range, whereas it rose about 2-fold in the thiopental group. Plasma levels of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone and 11β-deoxycortisol were hardly modified after thiopental but increased significantly and remained high for 6 h after etomidate injection. This marked rise in precursors together with a blunted and delayed cortisol response to high ACTH levels, and slightly lowered plasma aldosterone concentration indicates a blockage of 1 1β-hydroxylation in adrenal cortisol synthesis after induction of anaesthesia with etomidate.
Incomplete androgen insensitivity: asymmetry in morphology and steroid profile and metabolism of the gonads. An analysis of a case
Authors: Fredricsson Bengt , Carlström Kjell , Kjessler Berndt , Lindstedt Jan , Plöen Leif , Ritzén Martin , de la Torre Bartolomé 
Published: December 2008

Abstract. A patient with clinical manifestations of the incomplete androgen insensitivity syndrome was studied with respect to peripheral blood levels of steroids and steroid sulphates before, during and after gonadectomy. Steroid and steroid sulphate concentrations were also analyzed in spermatic venous blood and gonadal tissue collected during surgery. The metabolic capacity of gonadal tissue was also studied in vitro using progesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate and oestrone sulphate as substrates.
Profound differences between the two gonads were noted with respect to both steroid content and release into pampiniform veins and to in vitro conversion of progesterone and oestrone sulphate. Histological examination revealed the presence of seminiferous tubules with carcinoma in situ in both gonads.
It is suggested that the differences between the gonads may be due to an autonomous steroid production in the right gonad in spite of adequate or even elevated gonadotrophic stimulation resulting in a steroidogenic situation resembling the complete androgen insenstitivity syndrome, while the conditions found in the left gonad more resembles the incomplete form of the disease.
Bioassayable growth hormone activity in blood from healthy individuals and acromegalic patients
Authors: Thorngren Karl-Göran , Hallengren Bengt 
Published: December 2008

Abstract. Biological growth activity (bioassayable GH) was determined in blood from healthy individuals and from patients with acromegaly using the rate of longitudinal bone growth in hypophysectomized rats with tetracycline as intravital marker. Also radioimmunoassayable GH and somatomedin A activity were determined.
In pooled plasma or serum from normal subjects no bioassayable growth activity was demonstrated. In the clinically active acromegalic patients as a group as well as in one individual patient there was a significant (P <0.05) bioassayable growth activity in serum as compared to serum from normal subjects. The bioassay determination of GH in plasma/serum from normal subjects and acromegalic patients was hampered by the toxicity and the problems connected with the administration of large volumes.
Beneficial effects of intensive plasma exchange followed by immunosuppressive therapy in severe Graves' ophthalmopathy
Authors: Glinoer D. , Etienne-Decerf J. , Schrooyen M. , Sand G. , Hoyoux P. , Mahieu P. , Winand R. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract. Nine patients with severe Graves' ophthalmopathy were treated by intensive plasma exchange, followed by immunosuppression. Severity of ocular involvement and response to therapy were evaluated clinically by numerical scoring (ophthalmopathy index). Serum thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) and urinary excretion of glycosaminoglycans (GAG) were measured immediately before and immediately after plasmapheresis.
Plasma exchange was rapidly accompanied by marked clinical improvement in 8/9 patients. The most marked effects were on soft tissue involvement, proptosis, intraocular pressure, and visual acuity. The ophthalmopathy index decreased from 9.7 ± 4.1 to 5.7 ± 2.2 (P <0.001) after plasmapheresis. Serum TSI levels were initially elevated in 6 patients and remained positive in 3 patients after treatment. Urinary GAG excretion was initially 2- to 12-fold normal levels and was decreased by 60%. After plasmapheresis, patients received immunosuppressive drugs for 3–6 months. The follow-up period, after withdrawal of drugs, ranged from 5 to 38 months with a median of 17 months. The ocular condition remained stable in 6 patients. Three patients had a relapse 1 year after plasmapheresis: they were treated a second time by plasma exchange with subsequent improvement.
In conclusion, intensive plasma exchange provided prompt and effective improvement in patients with severe progressive Graves' ophthalmopathy. This therapeutic procedure, followed by immunosuppression, gave long lasting results. Relapses were responsive to plasmapheresis therapy. The data suggest that plasma exchange may represent the best primary treatment for severe progressive Graves' ophthalmopathy
Selective determination of C-terminal (70–84) hPTH: elevated concentrations in cholestatic liver disease
Authors: Rittinghaus E. F. , Jüppner H. , Burdelski M. , Hesch R. D. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract. In order to obtain a better resolution of circulating PTH-fragments, we developed a radioimmunoassay with an antiserum raised against the synthetic 70–84 hPTH molecule in a sheep. [125I](69 Tyr) 70–84 hPTH was used as the radioactive tracer with the antiserum at a final dilution of 1:200 000. Displacement curves showed that only the 70–84 hPTH, (69 Tyr) 70–84 hPTH and 53–84 hPTH fragments were able to compete with the tracer. Synthetic 28–48 hPTH, 44–68 hPTH, (61 Tyr) 62–68 hPTH, purified 1–84 hPTH and 53–84 bPTH showed no ability to displace the tracer indicating that the idiotype of the antibody is directed against the 70–84 portion that is usually hidden within the globular structure of the intact molecule. Healthy adults revealed PTH-peptide levels of 153 ± 86 pg/ml (mean ± 2 sd); 2 sd range: 67–239 pg/ml.
C-terminal PTH-peptide (70–84 hPTH) concentration was normal in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and chronic renal failure, thus excluding that neither the kidney nor the parathyroid gland is involved in the generation of this C-terminal PTH-peptide sequence. Increased levels of 70–84 hPTH immunoreactivity were found in most individuals with severe cholestatic liver disease. Since the liver appears to be responsible for part of the peripheral PTH metabolism, this assay system might be used as an indicator of altered liver function.
α- and β-adrenergic receptor activity in circulating blood cells of patients with phaeochromocytoma: effects of adrenalectomy
Authors: Ratge Dieter , Wisser Hermann 
Published: December 2008

Abstract. In many tissues adrenergic responsiveness may be impaired by chronic exposure to adrenergic agonists. We examined the effects of high levels of circulating norepinephrine and epinephrine to α2- and β2-adrenoceptors on platelets and mononuclear leucocytes (MNL) of patients with phaeochromocytoma. When compared with controls the density of β2-receptors prior to removal of the tumour was diminished by 67% (500 ± 160 sites/cell, n = 7 vs 1500 ± 350 sites/cell, n = 29; P < 0.001). Binding affinities for [3H]dihydroalprenolol (apparent KD = 0.45 ± 0.16 nmol/l in phaeochromocvtoma, 0.52 ± 0.19 nmol/l in controls) were not significantly different in MNL preparations from the two groups. MNL adenylate cyclase activities in response to 10 μmol/l (-) isoproterenol was lower in the patients (7.5 vs 22 pmol cAMP/106 MNL/10 min; P < 0.001). Conversely, the number of α2-adrenoceptors on platelets and the affinity of these receptors for [3H]yohimbine did not differ between patients and controls.
Ensuing adrenalectomy the regeneration of the β-adrenergic cAMP-system results from a two-phase process. A prompt but moderate restoration was followed by a gradual rise to the normal range within about 1 to 2 months indicating the dynamic character of the β2-adrenoceptor cAMP-system in MNL. We conclude that the downregulation observed in MNL, which appears not to be operative in human platelets, represents only one mechanism of feedback control in the sympatho-adrenal-system protecting tissues from prolonged stimulation by excessive catecholamines.
ERRATUM
Authors: del Pozo E. , Neufeld M. , Schlüter K. , Tortosa F. , Clarenbach P. , Bieder E. , Wendel L. , Nüesch E. , Marbach P. , Cramer H. , Kerp L. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract. The pharmacokinetics and the endocrine profile of a new low molecular somatostatin derivative, SMS 201–995, were investigated in a group of 35 normal subjects. Clearance studies (n = 6) for this peptide showed a prolonged half-life in plasma, 113 min, following single sc injections of 50 or 100 μg. Arginine stimulation tests (n = 6) were conducted immediately and 180 min after sc injection of 50 μg of SMS 201–995. The stimulatory effect of arginine on GH and insulin was counteracted by the peptide at the P < 0.001 and P < 0.02 significance level, respectively. Delayed arginine stimulation revealed a persistent blockade of the GH release (P < 0.02), whereas a recovery of the insulin response was observed. Plasma glucagon increments following a standard protein meal (n = 10) were significantly (P < 0.001) inhibited by previous sc injection of 50 μg of SMS 201-995. Pretreatment with 50 and 100 μg of SMS 201-995 sc (n = 9) inhibited (P < 0.001) the stimulatory effect of TRH (200 μg iv) on TSH without modifying basal levels. The injection of 100 μg/h during sleep completely abolished the nocturnal GH peak in 4 volunteers. No rebound rise after decline of the suppressive action on GH was recorded in any of the trials.
Safety chemistries and blood coagulation studies remained normal and no side-effects or untoward reactions were recorded throughout the investigation.
With its high potency, slow plasma clearance, and long action SMS 201–995 may represent a valuable tool in the long-term management of states of inappropriate GH secretion.
Effect of mouse epidermal growth factor on DNA and protein synthesis, progesterone and inhibin production by bovine granulosa cells in culture
Authors: Franchimont P. , Hazee-Hagelstein M. T. , Charlet-Renard Ch. , Jaspar J. M. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract. The effect of mouse epidermal growth factor (EGF) was investigated on DNA and protein synthesis, progesterone and inhibin production by bovine antral granulosa cells. When incubated for the whole period of culture, EGF inhibited inhibin production the second day of culture, progesterone the third and the fourth days whereas it stimulated DNA and protein synthesis only the fourth day of culture. Inhibition of progesterone and stimulation of DNA and protein were dose-dependent when treatment with EGF (pre-incubation) is followed by 24 h without EGF, a stimulatory effect on DNA and protein synthesis was observed after 48 and 72-h preincubation. Progesterone was reduced after 3 day preincubation and inhibin only after 2-day pre-incubation. Effects observed after 3-day pre-incubation were dosedependent. These experiments demonstrated the stimulatory effect of EGF on growth of granulosa cells and its inhibitory action on hormonal production by these cells in vitro.
The inhibitory effect on progesterone and inhibin production is more precocious than stimulatory effect on DNA and protein synthesis. The inhibitory action of EGF on granulosa cell production of progesterone and inhibin could thus be not directly dependent on its stimulatory action on DNA synthesis.
Plasma somatostatin is elevated in primary hypothyroidism compared with hyperthyroidism
Authors: Skare Ståle , Hanssen Kristian F. , Norman Nils 
Published: December 2008

Abstract. Increased pancreatic somatostatin (somatotrophin release inhibiting factor (SRIF)) has been found in hypothyroid rats. Therefore, we wanted to investigate plasma SRIF in patients with hypo- and hyperthyroidism.
Two groups of patients, 7 cases with autoimmune hypothyroidism, 31–75 years old, and 7 cases with Graves' disease, 19–43 years old, were compared with regard to plasma SRIF before, during and after an arginine infusion (0.5 g/kg/20 min). None of the patients suffered from diabetes mellitus or obesity.
Plasma SRIF was higher in the hypothyroid patients (mean basal value 21.5 ± 3.9, peak value 28.7 ± 5.1 pmol/l) compared with the hyperthyroid group (mean basal value 11.6 ± 3.3, peak value 16.2 ± 4.0 pmol/l). The hypothyroid group also had significantly higher serum insulin values during arginine stimulation. No difference was found in plasma glucagon, serum growth hormone (GH) or blood glucose.
In conclusion, plasma SRIF is elevated in primary hypothyroidism compared with hyperthyroidism. The reason for this finding is uncertain, but a reduced SRIF clearance is a possible explanation. The association of our findings with the reduced glucose tolerance in hyperthyroidism is discussed.
Endocrine profile of a long-acting somatostatin derivative SMS 201–995. Study in normal volunteers following subcutaneous administration
Authors: del Pozo E. , Neufeld M. , Schlüter K. , Tortosa F. , Clarenbach P. , Bieder E. , Wendel L. , Nüesch E. , Marbach P. , Cramer H. , Kerp L. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract. The pharmacokinetics and the endocrine profile of a new low molecular somatostatin derivative, SMS 201–995, were investigated in a group of 35 normal subjects. Clearance studies (n = 6) for this peptide showed a prolonged half-life in plasma, 113 min, following single sc injections of 50 or 100 μg. Arginine stimulation tests (n = 6) were conducted immediately and 180 min after sc injection of 50 μg of SMS 201–995. The stimulatory effect of arginine on GH and insulin was counteracted by the peptide at the P < 0.001 and P < 0.02 significance level, respectively. Delayed arginine stimulation revealed a persistent blockade of the GH release (P < 0.02), whereas a recovery of the insulin response was observed. Plasma glucagon increments following a standard protein meal (n = 10) were significantly (P < 0.001) inhibited by previous sc injection of 50 μg of SMS 202–995. Pretreatment with 50 and 100 μ of SMS 202–995 sc (n = 9) inhibited (P < 0.001) the stimulatory effect of TRH (200 μg iv) on TSH without modifying basal levels. The injection of 100 μg/h during sleep completely abolished the nocturnal GH peak in 4 volunteers. No rebound rise after decline of the suppressive action on GH was recorded in any of the trials.
Safety chemistries and blood coagulation studies remained normal and no side-effects or untoward reactions were recorded throughout the investigation.
With its high potency, slow plasma clearance, and long action SMS 201–995 may represent a valuable tool in the long-term management of states of inappropriate GH secretion.
Paired determination of thyroid-stimulating and TSH-binding inhibitory activities in patients with Graves' disease during antithyroid drug treatment
Authors: Kasagi Kanji , Iida Yasuhiro , Konishi Junji , Misaki Takashi , Arai Keisuke , Endo Keigo , Torizuka Kanji , Kuma Kanji 
Published: December 2008

Abstract. Sequential changes in thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAb) and TSH-binding inhibitor immunoglobulins (TBII) during antithyroid drug treatment were studied in 17 patients with Graves' disease. Before treatment, TSAb and TBII were detected in 17 (100%) and 13 (76.5%) patients, respectively, with a significant correlation between the two activities (r = 0.600, n = 17, P < 0.02). In 9 patients who became euthyroid as early as after 1–4 months of treatment, the TSAb and TBII activities both gradually decreased, and there was a good correlation between the changes of these activities during treatment. Among the 7 patients in whom small changes in TSAb and TBII activities were observed, 4 showed poor control of the thyrotoxicosis during the whole observation period (7 months–2 years).
One patient who showed a marked dissociation between the changes in TSAb and TBII activities developed hypothyroidism, when his TBII became remarkably high. These potent TBII inhibited cAMP production induced by bTSH. These findings indicate that 1) changes in TSAb and TBII activities reflect the clinical course of hyperthyroidism in most patients with Graves' disease, and 2) development of a blocking-type of TBII may induce hypothyroidism in some patients after the treatment.
T3 releasing activity by Graves' sera from Graves' thyroid in vitro
Authors: Hoermann Rudolf , Mueller Reinhard , Saller Bernhard , Mann Klaus 
Published: December 2008

Abstract. The insensitivity of Graves' thyroid to stimulation of cAMP formation by TSH as well as Graves' immunoglobulins in vitro is well known. The present study was performed to find out Graves' sera which may induce a final activation i.e. stimulation of T3 release in Graves' thyroid slices despite this insensitivity of tissue and to characterize determinants responsible for the efficiency of those sera.
Out of 20 sera from patients with active untreated Graves' disease 6 were found to stimulate T3 release from Graves' thyroid in vitro. These 6 sera were effective in stimulating different Graves' glands, irrespective of pretreatment with propranolol, thiamazole (methimazole) or thiamazole plus iodine. In contrast, a significant response to bTSH was not observed in any Graves' gland. For comparison, 17/20 of the same sera were able to stimulate T3 release when tested on human goitrous thyroid. Sera which stimulated Graves' slices revealed no higher stimulating activities in goitrous tissue than serum samples which did not. All sera were additionally assessed for TSH binding inhibiting immunoglobulins in a radioreceptor assay. Remarkably, Graves' thyroid stimulating sera had a low or absent TSH binding inhibiting activity.
Thus, hormone release from Graves' thyroid in vitro – in contrast to that from goitrous tissue – could only be activated by a minority of Graves' sera. These Graves' thyroid stimulating sera could be characterized to contain a selected spectrum of biologically active antibodies with a high TSH agonistic potency stimulating in the presence of a negligible TSH binding inhibiting activity. We conclude the qualitative composition of the antibody spectrum in the individual sera, such as the occurrence of so-called 'TSH superagonists', rather than the height of antibody titre as determined by various methods seems to be relevant for their Graves' thyroid stimulating potency.