bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gonadal function after multimodality treatment in men with testicular germ cell cancer
Authors: Palmieri G , Lotrecchiano G , Ricci G , Spiezia R , Lombardi G , Bianco AR , Torino G 
Published: December 2008

Palmieri G, Lotrecchiano G, Ricci G, Spiezia R, Lombardi G, Bianco AR, Torino G. Gonadal function after multimodality treatment in men with testicular germ cell cancer. Eur J Endocrinol 1996;134:431–6. ISSN 0804–4643
We evaluated gonadal function in 63 patients with testicular cancer both within 1 month of unilateral orchiectomy before further treatment (pretreatment) and 3 years after treatment discontinuation (post-treatment). Sixteen patients underwent orchiectomy alone (group 1), nine patients underwent infradiaphragmatic radiotherapy (group 2) and 28 patients received four cycles (group 3) and 10 patients received six cycles (group 4) of cisplatin-based chemotherapy (cisplatin, vinblastine and bleomycin—PVB, or cisplatin, etoposide and bleomycin—PEB), Pretreatment semen analyses showed reduced sperm cell density, motility and impaired morphology of spermatozoa in all four groups (p>0.05). At the same time elevated estradiol and decreased serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in 28.5% of subjects were correlated with high serum beta human chorionic gonadotropin concentrations. Semen analyses revealed the lowest values for all parameters after infradiaphragmatic radiotherapy. Sperm cell count, motility and morphology were significantly better in patients treated with orchiectomy alone or with a conventional dose of chemotherapy than in the groups that received radiotherapy or high doses of chemotherapy (p < 0.05). We also observed a correlation between serum FSH values and sperm cell density for both pretreatment and post-treatment in every group of patients (p<0.05). Persistent subclinical Leydig cell dysfunction in groups treated with radiotherapy or high doses of chemotherapy was expressed by increased basal luteinizing hormone levels (78% of patients in group 2 vs 60% of patients in group 4) (p < 0.05) and by normal testosterone serum values (89% of patients in group 2 vs 80% of patients in group 4). Spermatogenesis and Leydig cell function are, therefore, persistently impaired in the majority of testicular cancer patients treated with radiotherapy or with more intensive chemotherapy.
G Palmieri, Dipartimento di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Molecolare e Clinica, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università "Federico II", Via S Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy
Circulating levels of immunoreactive parathyroid hormone-related protein and intact parathyroid hormone in human fetuses and newborns
Authors: Papantoniou Nicholas E , Papapetrou Peter D , Antsaklis Aristidis J , Kontoleon Panayotis E , Mesogitis Spyros A , Aravantinos Denis 
Published: December 2008

Papantoniou NE, Papapetrou PD, Antsaklis AJ, Kontoleon PE, Mesogitis SA, Aravantinos D. Circulating levels of immunoreactive parathyroid hormone-related protein and intact parathyroid hormone in human fetuses and newborns. Eur J Endocrinol 1996;134:437–42. ISSN 0804–4643
Undetectable or extremely low levels of circulating immunoreactive parathyroid hormone (PTH) have been reported in human newborns while PTH bioactivity was high. This prompted the hypothesis that the fetal calcemic hormone might be PTH-related protein. The purpose of this study was to measure circulating immunoreactive PTH-related protein in human fetuses and newborns in order to investigate this hypothesis. Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP(1–86)) and intact PTH were measured using two-site immunoradiometric assays in plasma obtained by cordocentesis from 23 fetuses (19–33 weeks of gestation), from 17 newborns at term (38–41 weeks), from their mothers and from 22 normal women of reproductive age. Plasma PTHrP was detectable in all but one of the fetuses and newborns and in all the mothers and the controls. The mean level was similar among fetuses (19–33 weeks) (0.43 ± 0.18 pmol/l), newborns (0.48 ±0.12), mothers (0.48 ±0.14) and normal controls (0.46 ± 0.09). Plasma PTH was found to be significantly higher in fetuses at midgestation (1.0 ± 0.99 pmol/l) than in the newborns (0.22 ± 0.21) (p < 0.0025); maternal PTH was significantly higher compared to fetal level at mid-gestation (2.1 ± 1.0, p < 0.01) as well as at term (2.69 ± 1.40, p < 0.001). In the control women PTH was 3.07 ± 1.25 pmol/l. These results showed that plasma amino-terminal PTHrP-(1–86)) is detectable during the second half of human fetal life and its level remains unchanged during this period of time, in contrast to changing levels of fetal plasma PTH. The relatively low PTHrP-(1–86) level that we found in the newborns is not responsible for the high PTH-like bioactivity found by some investigators in cord blood at term.
Peter D Papapetrou, Second Division of Endocrinology, "Alexandra" Hospital, 80 Vas. Sofias & Lourou Streets, Athens 115 28, Greece
Modulation by retinoic acid of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) and IGF binding protein expression in human SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Babajko Sylvie , Binoux Michel 
Published: December 2008

Babajko S, Binoux M. Modulation by retinoic acid of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) and IGF binding protein expression in human SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cells. Eur J Endocrinol 1996;134:474–80. ISSN 0804–4643
Growth in neuroblastoma cells is regulated by insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) whose action is modulated by IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs). In this study, SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cells were shown to produce IGF-II, IGFBP-2, IGFBP-4 and small quantities of IGFBP-6. We have studied the effects of a natural morphogen, retinoic acid (RA), on growth and IGFBP expression in these cells. In all experiments, cells were cultured in serum-free medium and treated with 1 μmol/l RA for 12 h. Cell number increased by almost 50% during the first 24 h after the beginning of treatment. This stimulation was inhibited by 80% or more in the presence of the anti-type 1 IGF receptor antibody α-IR3 and anti-IGF-II antibody. The IGF-II concentrations in the culture media, measured after acidic gel filtration, increased about 1.5-fold and Northern blotting showed a concomitant increase in IGF-II mRNA levels. The mitogenic effect of RA therefore reflects its stimulation of IGF-II production. The availability of IGF-II to the cells may also be enhanced because of the proteolysis of IGFBP-2 to which it is bound. After this initial phase, proliferation ceased despite continued IGF-II production between 24 and 72 h. Both IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-4 production decreased, whereas that of IGFBP-6 increased. These changes appeared both in the protein quantities and in their mRNAs. Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 6 has a strong affinity for IGF-II, 5–10 times that of IGFBP-2 and at least 10 times that of the type 1 IGF receptor, and the arrested proliferation may result, at least in part, from sequestration by IGFBP-6 of the IGF-II secreted.
Sylvie Babajko, INSERM U142, Hôpital Saint Antoine, 184 rue du Faubourg, St Antoine, 75571 Paris Cedex 12, France
Measurement of activin in biological fluids by radioimmunoassay, utilizing dissociating agents to remove the interference of follistatin
Authors: McFarlane James R , Foulds Lynda M , Pisciotta Angelique , Robertson David M , de Kretser David M 
Published: December 2008

McFarlane JR, Foulds LM, Pisciotta A, Robertson DM, de Kretser DM. Measurement of activin in biological fluids by radioimmunoassay, utilizing dissociating agents to remove the interference of follistatin. Eur J Endocrinol 1996;134:481–9. ISSN 0804–4643
Activin, a dimer of the β-subunits of inhibin, is a member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) superfamily of growth factors and has a widespread range of actions in a variety of tissues. The investigation of the physiology of activin action has been facilitated in recent years by the availability of immunoassays in addition to bioassays. Follistatin has been shown to bind to activin with a high affinity and therefore interferes in both radioimmunoassays and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). In this study we examined the effect of various surfactants and 1.4-dioxane on the measurement of activin in the presence of follistatin by radioimmunoassay. The addition of a combination of sodium deoxycholate, Tween 20 and sodium dodecyl sulphate removed the interference of follistatin in the radioimmunoassay. The measured content of activin in male rat serum, human male serum, human female serum and bovine follicular fluid rose from 3.29 to 4.15, < 0.48 to 2.87, 2.42 to 4.17 and 30.9 to 85.6 ng/ml, respectively, when assayed in the presence of the dissociating reagents. It was unclear whether the altered potencies were due to a dissociation of the follistatin/activin complex rather than the exposure of the epitope on activin recognized by the antiserum. Serum concentrations of activin were lower than those found in testicular cytosols, and after castration no change in serum activin levels was observed, suggesting that the testis does not contribute significantly to circulating activin levels. The use of the dissociating reagents in the radioimmunoassay will enable studies to be carried out that more accurately measure the activin content of various biological fluids, and thus lead to a greater understanding of the physiology of this growth factor.
James McFarlane, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Level 3, Block E, Monash Medical Centre, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
Expression of endothelin precursor genes in human trophoblast in culture
Authors: Robert Brigitte , Malassiné André , Bourgeois Christelle , Mignot Thérèse-Marie , Cronier Laurent , Ferré Françoise , Duc-Goiran Paulette 
Published: December 2008

Robert B, Malassiné A, Bourgeois C, Mignot T-M, Cronier L, Ferré F, Duc-Goiran P. Expression of endothelin precursor genes in human trophoblast in culture. Eur J Endocrinol 1996;134:490–6. ISSN 0804–4643
We have shown previously the presence of immunoreactive endothelin in cultured trophoblastic cells from human term placenta as well as in the trophoblast-conditioned medium. To confirm whether or not the differentiated syncytiotrophoblast is a site for endothelin synthesis, we investigated, by reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction, the expression of the three preproendothelin genes in 3-day cultured trophoblast. While no endothelin-2 precursor mRNA was detected, preproendothelin-1 mRNA was found to be expressed by the trophoblast. The endothelin-3 precursor gene was also expressed, but at low level and it was detected only after Southern blotting and oligonucleotide hybridization. The ability of trophoblast in culture to express the endothelin precursor genes supports the idea that, in human term placenta, villous syncytiotrophoblast that lines the intervillous space containing maternal blood acts as an endothelial layer.
B Robert, U.361 INSERM, Maternité Baudelocque, 123 Bld de Port-Royal, 75014 Paris, France
Expression of sterol carrier protein 2 (SCP2) in human adrenocortical tissue
Authors: Yanase Toshihiko , Hara Takayuki , Sakai Yoshiyuki , Takayanagi Ryoichi , Nawata Hajime 
Published: December 2008

Yanase T, Hara T, Sakai Y, Takayanagi R, Nawata H. Expression of sterol carrier protein 2 (SCP2) in human adrenocortical tissue. Eur J Endocrinol 1996;134:501–7. ISSN 0804–4643
Sterol carrier protein 2 (SCP2) has been implicated in adrenal steroidogenesis by in vitro studies. In order to clarify the clinical significance of SCP2 in human steroidogenesis, we investigated the expression of SCP2 mRNA in various types of adrenocortical tissue and one testis and examined the correlation between the amounts of SCP2 and other values such as the free cholesterol content and the cholesterol side-chain cleavage (SCC) activity in the tissue mitochondria, The types of adrenocortical tissue examined included adrenocortical carcinomas (N = 3), adrenocortical adenomas from patients with Conn's syndrome (N = 3) and from patients with Cushing's syndrome (N = 3), non-functioning adrenocortical adenomas (N = 2) and normal adrenal glands (N = 2). Northern blot hybridization predominantly revealed a 1.8-kb SCP2 mRNA in all tissue specimens examined. The mRNA concentrations of SCP2 in two out of three adrenocortical carcinomas were relatively lower than those in other types of tissue. No other special tendency was observed regarding the mRNA expression levels in various tissue specimens. The mRNA concentrations of SCP2 correlated significantly with mitochondrial contents of free cholesterol (r = 0.67, p < 0.01), but was not correlated with the SCC activities in mitochondria measured by an in vitro enzyme assay. The mitochondrial SCC activities, however, were correlated significantly with the protein levels of mitochondrial P-450 scc determined by a Western blot analysis (r = 0.79, p < 0.01). The significant positive correlation between mRNA concentrations of SCP2 and the mitochondrial content of free cholesterol suggests that the central role of SCP2 in human steroidogenic tissues may be in part a translocation of cytoplasmic free cholesterol to the mitochondria, as demonstrated previously by in vitro studies.
Toshihiko Yanase, Third Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812, Japan
Luteinizing hormone receptor mutations and sex differentiation
Authors: Themmen Axel PN , Brunner Han G 
Published: December 2008

Themmen APN, Brunner HG. Luteinizing hormone receptor mutations and sex differentiation. Eur J Endocrinol 1996;134:533–40. ISSN 0804–4643
Mutations in the luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor gene have been found in patients with abnormalities in their sexual differentiation. In this paper we review results obtained in the studies of these LH receptor mutations. Activating and inactivating mutations are discussed with respect to the mechanism of action of LH/human chorionic gonadotrophin but also in light of their impact of the present knowledge of the physiology of sex differentiation and gonadal function.
APN Themmen, Department of Endocrinology and Reproduction, Erasmus University Rotterdam, 3000 DR Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Analysis of normal and truncated holo- and apo-retinol-binding protein (RBP) in human serum: altered ratios in chronic renal failure
Authors: Jaconi Stefano , Saurat Jean-Hilaire , Siegenthaler Georges 
Published: December 2008

Jaconi S, Saurat J-H, Siegenthaler G. Analysis of normal and truncated holo- and apo-retinol-binding protein (RBP) in human serum: altered ratios in chronic renal failure. Eur J Endocrinol 1996;134:576–82. ISSN 0804–4643
Retinol, the precursor of the retinoic acid hormone, is transported in the serum by a specific carrier, the retinol-binding protein (RBP). Compared to serum of healthy controls, the serum of patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) contains markedly increased levels of the RBP form truncated at the C-terminal, des(182Leu-183Leu). (RBP2). which suggests that RBP2 is cleared by the kidney in healthy people but accumulates in serum of CRF patients (Jaconi S, et al. J Lipid Res 1995;36:1247–53). To understand better the mechanism of retinol transport, we have developed a new analytical strategy to analyze the various forms of RBP that circulate in the blood: RBP with and without retinol (holo- and apo-RBP, respectively), RBP bound or not to transthyretin (TTR) and to determine in which of these forms RBP2 circulates. We confirm, but now by direct measurement, that holo-RBP and, to a larger extent, apo-RBP are increased in CRF serum compared to normal serum. We also show that almost all apo-RBP and about 50% of total holo-RBP, corresponding to RBP excess in CRF serum, circulate free and are not complexed to TTR, the remaining 50% being complexed to TTR. This observation suggests that the high levels of free holo-RBP, not bound to TTR, which correspond to the increase in total RBPs measured in CRF serum, may alter the tissue uptake of retinol and be responsible for the signs of hypervitaminosis A observed in these patients. Secondly, we found that the truncation resulting in RBP2 does not alter its binding properties for retinol nor those of holo-RBP2 for TTR. We observed that the high amounts of free holo-RBP2 and holo-RBP in sera of CRF patients were low in normal serum, suggesting that these forms are cleared by the kidney in normal conditions. The possible role of free holo-RBPs is discussed in the context of retinol recycling.
Georges Siegenthaler, Clinique de Dermatologie, Hôpital Cantonal Universitaire, CH-1211 Geneve 14, Switzerland
Glucose-stimulated elevation of cytoplasmic calcium is defective in the diabetic Chinese hamster islet B cell
Authors: Lindström Per , Sehlin Janove , Frankel Barbara J 
Published: December 2008

Lindström P. Sehlin J, Frankel BJ. Glucose-stimulated elevation of cytoplasmic calcium is defective in the diabetic Chinese hamster islet B cell. Eur J Endocrinol 1996:134:617–25. ISSN 0804–4643
To characterize insulin release and cytoplasmic free Ca2+ [Ca2+]i) levels in the diabetic Chinese hamster islet B cell, islets from genetically normal subline M) and diabetic (subline L) hamsters were collagenase isolated. Insulin release and glucose utilization (conversion of D-[5-3H]glucose to 3H2O) were measured in whole islets; [Ca2+]i levels were measured in single islet cells using fura-2, The Ca2+ channel agonist, 12 mmol/l perchlorate, ClO4−, increased the subnormal insulin response during 20 mmol/l glucose perifusion, but did not normalize it. Glucose utilization measured over a 2-h period was normal. Glucose induced an initial decrease and then a rise in [Ca2+]i in 85% of the normal (presumably B) cells. In diabetic cells, the [Ca2+]i response was delayed, subnormal and only observed in 23% of the cells. When perchlorate or another Ca2+ channel agonist, 10 μmol/l CGP 28392, was added with glucose, a larger proportion of the diabetic cells (61–67%) showed increased [Ca2+]i and the mean [Ca2+]i response was not different from normal. However, neither perchlorate nor CGP 28392 could normalize glucose-stimulated insulin release, and K+-induced insulin release was decreased in diabetic islets. The K+ -induced [Ca2+]i rise was essentially normal in all the diabetic islet cells. Therefore, the diabetic hamster islet appears to metabolize glucose normally, but has a diminished insulin response to glucose and K+. The Ca2+ channel agonists markedly improve the subnormal [Ca2+]i response but not the insulin response. Glucose-induced elevation of [Ca2−]i and exocytosis appear defective in the diabetic Chinese hamster B cell.
Per Lindström, Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Umea University, S-901 87 Umea, Sweden
Immunohistochemical localization and immunoblotting of androgen receptor in spinal neurons of male and female rats
Authors: Lumbroso S , Sandillon F , Georget V , Lobaccaro JM , Brinkmann AO , Privat A , Sultan C 
Published: December 2008

Lumbroso S. Sandillon F, Georget V. Lobaccaro JM, Brinkmann AO, Privat A, Sultan C. Immunohistochemical localization and immunoblotting of androgen receptor in spinal neurons of male and female rats. Eur J Endocrinol 1996:134;626–32. ISSN 0804–4643
Androgen activity in the central nervous system, as in other tissues, is mediated by the androgen receptor. We performed the precise localization of the androgen receptor in spinal cord of male and female adult rats by immunohistochemistry using polyclonal antibodies. Light microscopy indicated immunoreactivity in the anterior horn with a strong staining in motoneurons, but staining was also observed in the posterior horn. Electron microscopy showed a predominant nuclear immunostaining. A weaker but significant immunoreactive androgen receptor was also noted in the perinuclear/ intracysternal position. Moreover, no differences were found between male and female rats. Immuno-blotting demonstrated that the androgen receptor is expressed in both ventral and dorsal spinal cord, with an apparent molecular mass identical to that noted in other androgen-dependent tissues. The expression of androgen receptor in motoneurons corroborates the role of androgens in motoneuron growth, development and regeneration and underlies the possibility that androgen receptor abnormality leads to the motoneuron degeneration observed in X-linked spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy.
Charles Sultan, Unité BEDR, Hôpital Lapeyronie, 34295 Montpellier, France
Effect of triiodothyronine administration on estrogen receptor contents in peripuberal Sertoli cells
Authors: Panno ML , Sisci D , Salerno M , Lanzino M , Mauro L , Morrone EG , Pezzi V , Palmero S , Fugassa E , Andò S 
Published: December 2008

Panno ML, Sisci D, Salerno M, Lanzino M, Mauro L, Morrone EG, Pezzi V, Palmero S. Fugassa E, Andò S. Effect of triiodothyronine administration on estrogen receptor contents in peripuberal Sertoli cells. Eur J Endocrinol 1996:134:633–8. ISSN 0804–4643
The effects of thyroid hormone on androgen metabolism in peripuberal Sertoli cells through the inhibition of estradiol production have been reported previously. It was our intention to investigate further the possible role of thyroid hormone on the interaction between testicular steroids and Sertoli cells by analyzing the effects of triiodothyronine (T3) on estrogen receptor content in 2-, 3- and 4week-old euthyroid rats. Triiodothyronine treatment (3 μg/100 body wt per day) given during the last week prior to sacrifice resulted in reduced testicular growth in 2-week-old animals. Sertoli cells from all groups were cultured initially under basal conditions for the first 24 h and subsequently in the presence of testosterone and/or T3 for the additional 24 h. The in vitro addition of T3 induced a decrease of estrogen receptors (ERs) in 2- and 3-week-old animals that appeared more pronounced especially in the presence of T3 and testosterone. When T3 was tested in vivo we noticed that the decrease of ER content was even greater in all three groups under the in vitro influence of both T3 and testosterone. In 3-week-old animals a simultaneous assay of ERs in both nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments was performed. The ER concentrations in the nucleus were closely related to those of the cytoplasm. The in vivo administration of T3 was responsible for a greater decrease of ERs in the nucleus than in the cytosol. On the basis of these results, and in agreement with our previous data, we speculate that the effect of T3 in the maturational events of Sertoli cells could involve both estradiol production and ER content.
Sebastiano Andò Cattedra di Fisiopatologia Endocrina, Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare, Università della Calabria, 87030 Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy