bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DISCORDANT SERUM α‐SUBUNIT AND FSH CONCENTRATIONS IN A WOMAN WITH A PITUITARY TUMOUR
Authors: CHAPMAN A. J. , MACFARLANE I. A. , SHALET S. M. , BEARDWELL C. G. , DUTTON J. , SUTTON M. L. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYWe have studied a women who presented at the age of 51 with a large FSH and a‐subunit producing pituitary adenoma. Following insertion of ventriculo‐peri‐toneal shunts and external pituitary irradiation there was no change in the elevated serum concentrations of FSH, and α‐subunit over a four year period although she developed both ACTH and TSH deficiency. Various drugs, however, did alter the FSH and α‐subunit concentrations and these changes suggest possible mechanisms controlling FSH secretion. Ethinyloestradiol 0.03 mg daily for three weeks suppressed serum FSH to 77% of the basal level (240 ± 35 i.u./l to 184 ±20 i.u./l) but α‐subunit rose to 130% of basal level (281±50 ng/ml to 366±40 ng/ml). On ethinyloestradiol 01 mg daily, FSH suppressed to 17% of basal (40 ±11 i.u./l) with no change in a‐subunit concentration, while on 0.2 mg daily suppression of FSH was similar but α‐subunit fell to 59% of basal (190 ±28 ng/ml). Dexamethasone, 3 mg daily for one week reduced FSH to 53% of the initial concentration and α‐subunit to 74% while bromocriptine 7.5 mg daily for three months, reduced FSH to 39% and α‐subunit to 66% of basal. Neither thyroxine, 0‐2 mg daily for four weeks, nor an LHRH analogue, (Buserelin, Hoechst) 200 μg, three times daily for three months elicited any effect. Chromatography on Sephadex G100 showed that serum FSH and α‐subunit both had Kav values somewhat lower than those of their standard counterparts (FSH, 0‐20 vs 0‐25; α‐subunit 0‐35 vs 045). We conclude that the dissociation between changes in FSH and α‐subunit after giving oestrogen, bromocriptine and dexamethasone suggests that these drugs inhibit the synthesis of both a and β‐subunits of FSH with the latter being more sensitive to their effects. The results seem inconsistent with the alternative possibility of impaired release of both subunits or impaired α‐β combination as the mechanism causing the fall in FSH secretion.
CONTRACEPTION WITH AN LHRH AGONIST: EFFECT ON GONADOTROPHIN AND STEROID SECRETION PATTERNS
Authors: KUHL H. , JUNG CLAUDIA , TAUBERT H.‐D. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYChronic treatment with the LHRH agonist d‐Ser(TBU)6‐LHRH (l‐9)‐EA (buserelin) has been suggested as a contraceptive method since it has been shown to inhibit ovulation. To elucidate the mechanism of this paradoxical action, we investigated the pattern of gonadotrophin and steroid secretion after the daily intranasal application of 300 μg of the agonist. Ten volunteers with ovulatory cycles received the analogue from Day 1 to Day 22 and 5 mg norethisterone acetate from Day 16 to Day 22. Blood samples were taken on Day 1,15, and 21 every 15 min for 6 h after the application of the agonist. LH secretion was increased nine‐fold on the first treatment day as compared to Day 2 of the preceding control cycle. Thereafter, it decreased slowly but was still elevated five‐fold on Day 21 of treatment. FSH release increased three‐fold on Day 1 but decreased thereafter to values similar to those of the controls. During treatment with the analogue, the LH/FSH ratio changed from 1‐3 (controls) to 3‐8 on Day 1 and to 5‐5 on Day 15 and 21 of treatment. Although the ovary retained follicular activity, ovulation was inhibited in every treatment cycle. This seemed to be due to an impairment of follicular steroid synthesis as indicated by a significant increase of 17α‐hydroxyprogesterone and testosterone levels for several hours after the application of the analogue. It appears that at least during the first treatment cycle of daily administration of buserelin the abolishment of pulsatile gonadotrophin release, and the abnormally increased ratio of LH/FSH secretion may possibly impair follicular maturation and thus contribute to the inhibition of ovulation.
LACK OF INHIBITION OF ANTERIOR PITUITARY HORMONE RELEASE DURING CHRONIC TREATMENT WITH CALCIUM ANTAGONISTS
Authors: D'ARMIENTO M. , PONTECORVI A. , BIGI F. , CRISTOFARO A. M. DE , REDA G. , GRECO V. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYCalcium antagonists are widely used for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders, especially ischaemic heart disease. It has been demonstrated that these drugs, either in vitro or acutely administered in humans, inhibit the basal and stimulated secretion of pituitary hormones by blocking calcium influx through slow calcium channels. To see if a similar effect could be detected after their chronic administration, we studied the basal, TRH‐ and LHRH‐stimulated TSH, PRL, LH and FSH release in 18 male subjects with chronic stable angina before and on the 30th day of oral treatment with verapamil (n=8; 80 mg three times a day) or with nifedipine (n=10; 10 mg three times a day). Neither drug had any effect on basal TSH, PRL, LH and FSH values or on their response to the specific hypothalamic‐releasing hormones. These results suggest that the chronic administration of calcium antagonists, at the usual therapeutic doses, does not effect the process of stimulus‐secretidn coupling of anterior pituitary hormones, ruling out any impairment of the related target glands which have been expected on the basis of previous studies.
MATERNAL THYROID HORMONE LEVELS IN PREGNANCY AND THE SUBSEQUENT COGNITIVE AND MOTOR PERFORMANCE OF THE CHILDREN
Authors: PHAROAH P. O. D. , CONNOLLY K. J. , EKINS R. P. , HARDING ANN G. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYSerum levels of thyroxine and triiodothyronine during pregnancy were measured in women from a severely iodine deficient region in the highlands of Papua New Guinea. Subsequently the children born to these women were examined when aged 10‐12 years and measures made of intellectual ability and motor competence. A significant correlation between these measures in the children and the maternal thyroxine but not maternal triiodothyronine level was observed. It is speculated that maternal thyroxine and not triiodothyronine may be essential for normal neurological maturation of the fetus before the fetal thyroid becomes functional.
CIRCULATING CATECHOLAMINE, THYROTROPHIN, THYROID HORMONE AND PROLACTIN RESPONSES OF NORMAL SUBJECTS TO ACUTE COLD EXPOSURE
Authors: O'MALLEY B. P. , COOK N. , RICHARDSON A. , BARNETT D. B. , ROSENTHAL F. D. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYThe responses of circulating catecholamines, TSH, thyroid hormones and prolactin to 30 min of acute cold exposure (4°C) were measured in eight normal volunteers over a 2 h period. There was a rise in circulating noradrenaline, TSH, T4 and T3 levels and a fall in circulating prolactin in the subjects studied, but no change in circulating adrenaline levels nor any alteration in the T4/T3 ratio. The thyroid axis of normal individuals can respond rapidly to acute cold exposure. In addition, the increased plasma noradrenaline levels accompanied by unaltered adrenaline levels suggest that the stimulus exerted by cold does not evoke a generalised stress response, but rather that the sympathetic nervous system is selectively stimulated.
BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE PARATHYROID HORMONE IN FAMILIAL HYPOCALCIURIC HYPERCALCAEMIA
Authors: ALLGROVE J. , SANGAL A. K. , LOW D. C. , WELLER P. H. , LOVERIDGE N. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYBiologically active PTH (bio‐PTH) has been assayed by the cytochemical bioassay in five members (three affected) of a family with typical features of familial hypocalciuric hypercalcaemia (FHH). Carboxy‐terminal immunoreactive PTH was undetectable and bio‐PTH was within the normal range in all the subjects regardless of whether or not they were hypercalcaemic. These results suggest that increased biological activity of circulating PTH cannot account for the hypercalcaemia of FHH.
ARGININE INFUSION INCREASES PERIPHERAL PLASMA SOMATOSTATIN IN MAN
Authors: SKARE S. , HANSSEN K. F. , KRIZ V. , TORJESEN P. A. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYA somatostatin (SRIF) radioimmunoassay is described, using an antiserum raised in rabbit, reacting more with SRIF‐14 than ‐28. Glass tubes were employed for the assay because our tracer, 125I 1‐Tyr‐SRIF, was adsorbed to plastic (23% non specific binding). Vycor extraction was used, and following Sephadex G‐50 chromatography, the plasma extract showed two forms, coeluting with SRIF‐28 and ‐14. Fifteen healthy subjects, eight women and seven men, 21‐39 years old, received an infusion of arginine chloride (2‐38 mmol/kg) for 20 min, or saline. An immediate rise in plasma SRIF from the mean basal level at 2 min was shown. Maximal value was 240±30 pmol/1 (P &lt: 001) after 10 min followed by a rapid descent towards the basal level after the infusion. A temporal relationship was observed between the SRIF, insulin and glucagon responses following arginine infusion, while the GH levels increased only after the SRIF levels had declined, indicating an inhibition of GH. This is further supported by the high degree of correlation (r=0‐87) between SRIF‐ and GH increments. It is suggested that plasma SRIF measurement during arginine infusion gives an estimate of the pancreatic SRIF releasing capacity.
A RADIOIMMUNOASSAY FOR GnRH AGONIST ANALOGUE IN SERUM OF PATIENTS WITH PROSTATE CANCER TREATED WITH D‐Ser (tBu)6AZA Gly10 GnRH
Authors: CLAYTON R. N. , BAILEY L. C. , COTTAM J. , ARKELL D. , PERREN T. J. , BLACKLEDGE G. R. P. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYA radioimmunoassay is described for D‐Ser (tBu)6 AZA Gly10 GnRH (ICI 118630) in serum of prostate cancer patients treated chronically with this peptide to produce a medical castration. With 125I‐118630 as the label, and an anti‐GnRH serum, the specificity of the assay is directed to the N‐terminal end of the peptide, and putative degradation products have < 6% cross‐reactivity. The assay appears specific for intact 118630 which, after subcutaneous administration of 250 μg, has a half‐time of disappearance from the serum of 4·9 ± 0·4 h and a volume of distribution of 13·7 ± 0·8 litres. Continuous subcutaneous infusion of 120 μg 118630/d gave stable serum concentrations of between 2–3 ng/ml for up to 63 d which were very similar to values predicted from pharmacokinetic analysis of the analogue clearance rate. This contrasts with the ‘peak and trough’ pattern of serum 118630 levels measured in two subjects after 118630 administration from a subcutaneous implant containing 3·6 mg of peptide in a biodegradable formulation. Serum 118630 levels peaked at between 6–8 ng/ml 15 d after the implant and fell to < 1 ng/ml at 29 d, immediately before the next implant. Serum 118630 levels following a second 3·6 mg implant were almost identical with respect to absolute concentration and time to peak value as after the first implant. This assay will be of value not only for evaluation of the pharmacokinetics of GnRH analogue release from new long‐acting formulations, but also for correlation of serum peptide concentrations with pituitary gonadotroph desensitization.
THE EFFECT OF VASOPRESSIN INFUSION ON GLUCOSE METABOLISM IN MAN
Authors: SPRUCE B. A. , MCCULLOCH A. J. , BURD J. , ØRSKOV H. , HEATON A. , BAYLIS P. H. , ALBERTI K. G. M. M. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYStudies on intact animals and isolated rat hepatocytes have shown that arginine vasopression (AVP) stimulates glycogen phosphorylase to break down gly‐cogen and raise plasma glucose concentrations. Since no similar work has been performed on healthy human adults, the effect of moderate (25 pmol/min) and high (75 pmol/min) dose AVP infusion on plasma glucose, intermediary metabolites, glucose kinetics, and circulating glucagon and insulin concentrations was investigated. After AVP infusion, plasma glucose rose from 4±9 ± 0±1 to a peak of 5±70±2 mmol/1 (P<0<001), but no changes in blood lactate, pyruvate, alanine, glycerol or 3‐hydroxybutyrate concentrations were observed. The glucose rise was accounted for entirely by an increase in the rate of appearance of glucose from 11±9 ± 0±43 to 13±38 · 0±63 μmol/kg/min (P < 0·001). Infusion of AVP also increased plasma glucagon concentrations from 38 ± 8 to 79 ± 20 pg/1 (P < 0·01). The hyperglycaemic effect of AVP may be mediated solely by stimulation of glucagon release, but we cannot exclude direct stimulation of glycogen phosphorylase activity.
A CASE OF PITUITARY DEPENDENT CUSHING'S DISEASE WITH CLINICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL FEATURES OF THE ECTOPIC ACTH SYNDROME
Authors: HALE ANN C. , MILLAR J. B. G. , RATTER SALLY J. , PICKARD J. D. , DONIACH I. , REES LESLEY H. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYA case of atypical pituitary dependent Cushing's disease is reported. The patient presented with clinical symptoms similar to those of the ectopic ACTH syndrome; notably a marked hypokalaemic alkalosis, widely fluctuating plasma cortisol levels, greatly elevated plasma ACTH levels, and failure to suppress both plasma cortisol and ACTH levels following high dose oral dexamethasone. However, a large aggressive pituitary tumour was detected by skull X‐ray and computed tomography. Removal of the pituitary tumour led to full remission of the patient's Cushing's syndrome. Pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC) related peptides in the plasma and tumour tissue extract of this patient have been characterized by gel‐filtration and Concanavalin‐A Sepharose affinity chromatography, indicating processing of POMC in a manner more usually associated with ectopic tumours.
ABNORMAL VITAMIN D METABOLISM IN PAGET'S DISEASE OF BONE
Authors: GUILLARD‐CUMMING D. F. , BEARD D. J. , DOUGLAS D. L. , JOHNSON S. K. , LAWSON‐MATTHEW P. J. , RUSSELL R. G. G. , KANIS J. A. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYWe have studied several biochemical indices of bone turnover and vitamin D metabolism in 32 untreated patients with Paget's disease and in 32 age‐matched control subjects. Patients with Paget's disease, as expected, were characterized by high bone turnover, as judged by alkaline phosphatase and urinary excretion of hydroxyproline. Serum values of 24,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 (24,25(OH)2D3) and the ratio of 24,25(OH)2D3 to 25‐OHD were significantly lower in patients than in control subjects. Serum concentrations of 1,25(OH)2D3 were normal in Paget's disease. The distribution of values for 24,25(OH)2D3 was log normal. On the basis of the normal range computed from control subjects, patients were divided into those with low or normal values for 24,25(OH)2D3. Disease activity, as judged by biochemical indices was significantly higher in the patients with the lower values of 24,25(OH)2D3. We conclude that Paget's disease is characterized by low circulating concentrations of 24,25(OH)2D3, particularly in patients with more extensive or severe disease.
‘CHEMICAL HYPERTHYROIDISM’: THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ELEVATED SERUM THYROXINE LEVELS IN l‐THYROXINE TREATED INDIVIDUALS
Authors: RENDELL M. , SALMON D. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYWe have previously reported that l‐thyroxine treated patients may often have elevated serum T4 concentrations and yet show no clinical signs of hyperthyroidism. We found that such patients had normal serum T3 concentrations. The present study explored the relationship between serum T3 and T4 and dosage of l‐thyroxine. Retrospective analysis of 99 patient records was performed. There was an increase of serum T4, serum T3 resin uptake (T3R), and T3 with increasing dose of l‐thyroxine. The T3/T4 ratio decreased with increasing dose of l‐thyroxine and with increasing T4. This phenomenon was analysed prospectively by starting 23 individuals on l‐thyroxine and progressively incrementing the dose until either symptoms of hyperthyroidism developed or T4 levels exceeded the upper unit of the normal range. Once again, there was a progressive increase in serum T4, T3R, and T3 with increasing dose of l‐thyroxine. At even the lowest dose of l‐thyroxine (0.05 mg), there was a marked fall in T3/T4 ratio as compared to untreated individuals. The T3/T4 ratio fell further with increasing dose but with a fairly weak correlation. The decrease in T3/T4 ratio showed a much stronger correlation with serum T4. Of the 23 individuals, all exceeded the upper limit of the normal range of serum T4. No individual with elevated T4 developed clinical signs of hyperthyroidism unless serum T3 was also elevated beyond the normal range. Of eight individuals who reached elevated T3 levels, six demonstrated clinical signs of hyperthyroidism. We conclude that l‐thyroxine treated individuals may show elevated T4 levels and yet be clinically euthyroid as a consequence of a relative decrease in T3 levels. Serum T3 appears to be the most reliable indicator of possible hyperthyroidism in l‐thyroxine treated patients.
PROLONGED FOLLICULAR PHASE AND DEPRESSED GONADOTROPHINS FOLLOWING HYSTERECTOMY AND CORPUS LUTE‐ECTOMY IN WOMEN WITH PREMENSTRUAL TENSION SYNDROME
Authors: BÄCKSTRÖM T. , SMITH S. , LOTHIAN H. , BAIRD D. T. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYIn an attempt to obtain further information on the aetiology of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), the endocrine changes following enucleation of the corpus luteum in the mid‐luteal phase of the cycle were studied in seven patients with PMS, and the results compared to details of seven control patients undergoing hysterectomy for menstrual problems. In the luteal phase, before surgery, the concentration of progesterone and FSH was lower, while that of oestradiol was slightly higher, in women with PMS. Following enucleation of the corpus luteum, follicular development and ovulation recommenced more slowly in women with PMS compared to controls (time to ovulation: 21 (range 18–24, vs 19(14–20) d, P < 0.01). During the follicular phase there was no difference between the two groups in the concentration of oestradiol. The rise in concentration of FSH following enucleation was delayed in patients with PMS, and the serum FSH concentration was significantly lower during the late follicular phase of the cycle, but not during the mid follicular phase. The results suggest that these women with PMS have a more sensitive ‘feed‐back’ than the controls, resulting in a lower preovulatory FSH level even though the oestradiol levels were not different. The results also suggest that the abnormalities described during the preoperative luteal phase are associated with the delay in the initial FSH rise.
THE ASSESSMENT OF OVULATION BY A COMBINATION OF ULTRASOUND AND DETAILED SERIAL HORMONE PROFILES IN 35 WOMEN WITH LONG‐STANDING UNEXPLAINED INFERTILITY
Authors: PETSOS P. , CHANDLER C. , OAK M. , RATCLIFFE W. A. , WOOD R. , ANDERSON D. C. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYWe have examined for the presence of subtle hormonal abnormalites in women with long‐standing unexplained infertility. For a full cycle serum LH, FSH, progesterone and oestradiol levels were measured about three times a week, and serial ultrasound scans of the ovaries made until the time of apparent ovulation. The results on 45 cycles in 35 women with unexplained infertility and in three normal volunteers are presented. Normal ovulatory cycles were defined by a length of 26–32 d, and progressive follicular maturation followed by disappearance or abrupt reduction in size of a follicle within 48 h of the recorded LH peak, followed by progressive and sustained rise in serum progesterone levels to more than 25 nmol/l and a luteal phase length of ≥ 13 d. Thirty spontaneous cycles (28 women) were clearly normal while 15 spontaneous cycles (12 women) were abnormal. Abnormalities included luteinization of an unruptured follicle (eight cycles), absence of follicular development (two cycles), poor follicular development (two cycles), persistence of a large ovarian cyst from the preceeding cycle (two cycles) and one aluteal cycle. Six of the abnormal cycles were characterized hormonally by inappropriate elevation of serum LH levels throughout. If this study had been based only on serial ultrasound scans, all results on abnormal cycles might have been misinterpreted. If it had been conducted only with (multiple) progesterone determinations and the level of > 25 nmol/l had been taken as indicative of ovulation nine clearly abnormal cycles would have been considered as normal. We conclude that the combination of the hormonal and ultrasound assessment of ovulation increases our confidence for confirmation of normality and reveals various ovulatory disorders which are possibly due to an endocrinological defect or defects.
BONE METABOLISM IN ACUTE PARATHYROID CRISIS
Authors: CUNDY T. , DARBY A. J. , BERRY H. E. , PARSONS V. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYStudies on bone metabolism described in a fatal case of acute parathyroid crisis, occurring in a 48‐year‐old woman in whom serum immunoreactive parathyroid hormone levels were very high, and a 5 g parathyroid adenoma was found at operation. The histological and biochemical findings suggested a massive and acute increase in bone resorption. There was, however, no evidence of any compensatory increase in bone formation, indicating that acute parathyroid crisis is characterized by a marked dissociation between bone resorption and formation. It is suggested that a sudden fall in oestrogen levels may contribute to the pathogenesis of this disorder.
THE TREATMENT OF CENTRAL PRECOCIOUS PUBERTY USING AN INTRANASAL LHRH ANALOGUE (BUSERELIN)
Authors: STANHOPE R. , ADAMS J. , BROOK C. G. D. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYEight girls and one boy with precocious puberty were treated with intranasal (d‐Ser6)‐LHRH (buserelin) for 0.5–2.3 years (mean 1.2 years). Treatment regimen varied between 17 and 40 μg/kg/d in the girls to 10 μg/kg/d in the boy in two or three divided doses. Gonadotrophin‐dependent clinical signs showed arrest or regression whereas those of adrenarche progressed. Serial pelvic ultrasound assessment was used to monitor treatment in four girls. Although peak stimulated gonadotrophins reduced to prepubertal levels, basal gonadotrophins became elevated on treatment. The mode of action of buserelin was the abolition of gonadotrophin pulsatility. Initial data suggest an improved growth prognosis. We concluded that intranasal therapy is an alternative route of administration of LHRH analogue in the treatment of precocious puberty.
RECIPROCAL CHANGES OF SERUM THYROGLOBULIN AND TSH IN RESIDENTS OF A MODERATE ENDEMIC GOITRE AREA
Authors: FENZI G. F. , CECCARELLI C. , MACCHIA E. , MONZANI F. , BARTALENA L. , GIANI C. , CECCARELLI P. , LIPPI F. , BASCHIERI L. , PINCHERA A. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYSubjects living in iodine deficient areas were reported to have elevated serum thyroglobulin (Tg) concentrations. This finding was interpreted as related to thyroid stimulation. Discrepant results, however, were found when serum Tg concentrations were correlated either with serum TSH or with goitre size. In this study we investigated the relationships between goitre size, serum Tg and serum TSH in 488 unselected adult subjects living in an endemic area of North‐Western Tuscany (Garfagnana district). The control group comprised 352 subjects residing in a non‐endemic area. In the endemic area a high prevalence of goitre was found (80·1%), thyroid enlargement being slight to moderate in the majority of cases and very large only in six subjects. Serum Tg concentrations increased and serum TSH levels decreased with the size of goitre. Statistical analysis by the chi‐square cross correlation test showed that the converse changes of serum Tg and serum TSH in relation to goitre size were highly significant. These findings indicate that the increase of serum Tg occurring in endemic goitrous subjects may be related to factors other than TSH stimulation. Functional autonomy of the thyroid may account for the finding of low serum TSH and elevated serum Tg values in patients with large goitres. The present data do not exclude the possibility that the release of Tg is influenced by TSH stimulation, but indicate that other factors may be responsible for the increased levels of Tg found in endemic goitre.