bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immunoreactive β-endorphin/lipotrophin in the chronically cannulated ovine foetus: response to bilateral foetal adrenalectomy
Authors: Hennessy D. P. , Hardy K. J. , Quigley M. E. , Wintour E. Marelyn , Yen S. S. C. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract.
Adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) is derived from a 'stem' hormone of approximately 31 000 daltons. In man, cleavage of this hormone can produce equimolar amounts of ACTH and β-lipotrophin (β-LPH) in the plasma. Further cleavage of β-LPH in either the pituitary or plasma can release β-endorphin (β-EP). The plasma concentrations of both ACTH and β-EP can be increased by stressful stimuli, adrenalectomy, pituitary-adrenal disorders, or decreased with glucocorticoid treatment.
This study investigated the presence of β-EP/LPH in the intact and adrenalectomized (adrX) ovine foetus. Three ovine foetuses were bilaterally adrX at the time of implantation of cannulae into the carotid artery and jugular vein (106–120 days gestation). The foetuses of 9 ewes were chronically cannulated (95–115 days gestation) to serve as controls. Gestation length was 147 ± 5 days. Plasma β-EP/LPH was measured using a heterologous modification of a human β-EP RIA. The assay system had molar cross-reactivity of about 20% with ovine β-LPH, thus results are expressed as β-EP/LPH-like immunoreactivity (IR-β-EP/LPH).
In the intact unstressed foetus the plasma IR-β-EP/LPH concentration was relatively constant throughout gestation 228.9 ± 12.0 pg/ml (mean ± sem, n = 35) except for the last 48 h prior to either parturition, abortion or in utero foetal death when concentrations were seen to rise to 357 ± 56.8 pg/ml (n = 10) in 5 out of 6 sheep. During gestation the IR-β-EP/LPH in amniotic fluid was less than in foetal plasma the mean being 130.5 ± 14.8 (n = 10). IR-β-EP/LPH in maternal plasma was similar to that in foetal plasma.
In the adrX foetus data has been arbitrarily divided into 3 age groups 90–121, 122–135 and > 136 days gestation, the IR-β-EP/LPH concentrations being 202.7 ± 16.3 (n = 9), 404.6 ± 54.8 (n = 13) and 2566 ± 681 (n = 5) pg/ml, respectively. The elevated IR-β-EP/LPH seen after 122 days does not appear to be reflected in either foetal urine or amniotic fluid. It can be suggested that the pituitary feedback systems controlling both IR-ACTH and IR-β-EP/LPH start to mature or change after 122 days gestation.
In summary these findings show the presence of an immunoassayable substance with β-EP/LPH-like reactivity in the plasma of the ovine foetus, and that this IR-β-EP/LPH can often increase prior to parturition, abortion of foetal death. After 122 days gestation IR-β-EP/LPH increases in adrX foetuses, suggesting that after this time feedback control systems with some product of the foetal adrenal first begin to appear.
Experimental induction of C cell tumours in thyroid by increased dietary content of vitamin D3
Authors: Thurston Valerie , Williams E. D. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract.
Neonatal Wistar rats were given either 0, 5 or 10 μCi 131I within 24 h of birth. Following weaning, they were fed a diet high, normal or deficient in vitamin D, for up to 2 years. Animals were sacrificed at approximately 3 monthly intervals, and serial sections of thyroid scanned for C cell tumours following calcitonin localization. Plasma calcium levels were also measured, and all results statistically analyzed.
As expected, those animals given the high vitamin D had significantly raised calcium levels over those on a normal D diet, whilst those given a low D diet had lower calcium levels than normal.
Analysis of the incidence of C cell tumours showed that those given a high D diet had significantly more C cell tumours, whilst those on a low D diet had significantly fewer than normal. Radiation dose also influenced C cell tumour incidence.
There was a significant relationship between the vitamin D content of the diet and the incidence of C cell tumours, with those animals on a high D diet having the largest number of tumours. It is suggested that vitamin D or its metabolites may directly promote C cell growth, and that the high incidence of C cell tumours in the normal laboratory rat reflects the artificially high vitamin D content of the laboratory rat diet. The dietary vitamin D content may also be relevant to the variation in geographical incidence of medullary carcinoma in man. We consider it likely that vitamin D metabolites may play a significant role in the control of C cell function, hyperplasia and tumour formation in the rat, and that this may be more important in tumour formation than the role of serum calcium variation.
Durable remission of Cushing's disease after OP'DDD treatment
Authors: Couzinet Béatrice , Thomopoulos Pierre , Schaison Gilbert 
Published: December 2008

Abstract.
A long-term remission of a case of Cushing's disease is described. The patient received medical therapy in the form of OP'DDD for 3 years without radiotherapy nor surgery. Clinical and laboratory remission was maintained for 7 years after discontinuation of drug therapy. In particular, a normal circadian rhythm of plasma cortisol and ACTH and normal suppressibility by low doses of dexamethasone were observed. The evolution of this case suggests that the most likely aetiology was a reversible hypothalamic disorder.
Evidence for two independent effects of oestradiol benzoate on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
Authors: Kaulhausen Helmut , Weyand Cornelia 
Published: December 2008

Abstract.
Plasma renin concentrations (PRC), plasma renin substrate concentration (PRS), plasma aldosterone and cortisol concentrations as well as plama renin activity (PRA) were measured in ovariectomized subjects after im administration of 10 mg oestradiol benzoate (EB).
The esterified oestrogen exerts two independent effects on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.
1) 48 h after EB administration, PRS was significantly increased. Similar results were obtained for total plasma cortisol, reflecting transcortin concentration. In both cases, the increase was quantitatively related to the basal concentrations. These observations are consistent with the well known oestrogen-induced protein synthesis in the liver.
2) The elevation of PRC preceded that of PRS and was already significant 11 h after EB injection. The early rise in plasma renin activity was essentially caused by the increase in PRC, whereas an influence of the activated substrate synthesis was found later, between the 2nd and the 4th day post injection. The time course of plasma aldosterone concentration correlated well with the increased PRA.
The results provide evidence that EB has two different effects on the renin-aldosterone axis: an early one by elevating renin release and a delayed one by increasing renin substrate synthesis. Whereas the second mechanism can clearly be localized in the liver, extrarenal as well as direct renal effects of EB may be responsible for the renin stimulation.
Induction of ovulation in immature female rats by a single injection of 4-hydroxyoestradiol-dibenzoate
Authors: Emons Günter , Ball Peter 
Published: December 2008

Abstract.
This study was designed to test the ability of 2- and 4-hydroxyoestrogens to induce ovulations and the formation of corpora lutea in immature female rats. To this end 25 day old animals received a single injection of different doses of either 4-hydroxyoestradiol-dibenzoate (10, 25, 50 μg) or 2-hydroxyoestradiol-dibenzoate (25, 250 μg) or oestradiol-benzoate (10, 25, 50 μg). On day 31 the ovaries were checked for corpora lutea.
4-Hydroxyoestradiol-dibenzoate and oestradiol-benzoate in doses of 50 or 25 μg significantly increased the number of animals with corpora lutea whereas animals treated with 10 μg of either steroid did not differ significantly from the respective vehicle groups. 2-Hydroxyoestradioldibenzoate, even at the high dose of 250 μg did not show a significant effect.
This is the first demonstration that a catecholoestrogen 4-hydroxyoestradiol - can induce ovulation. As its potency in doing so is similar to that of oestradiol and as 4-hydroxyoestradiol can be formed in neuroendocrine tissues from primary oestrogens, we conclude that this catecholoestrogen might play a role in the regulation of ovulation.
Stimulation of transport of alpha-aminoisobutyric acid into the testes of immature mice in vivo by follicle-stimulating hormone
Authors: Oza Nila , Meanock Sarah J. , Davies A. G. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract.
Groups of immature mice were injected sc with radiocarbon-labelled alpha-aminoisobutyric acid (AIB) after being given a single sc injection of hFSH or of 0.9% saline. As an index of the transport of AIB, the specific activity of isotope was measured in homogenates of testis and of liver. FSH treatment caused statistically significant increases in the specific activity of isotope in the testes and in the ratio of testicular to liver specific activity. The effect was greatest in 9-day-old mice injected with FSH 16 h before removal of the testes. Uptake of labelled AIB was not stimulated after administration of hCG or testosterone. Doses of cycloheximide sufficient to reduce the rate of protein synthesis by over 99% did not impair testicular uptake of labelled AIB or the influence of FSH on AIB uptake. These results suggest that FSH stimulates amino acid transport into cells of the immature testis and that this action is independent of the stimulatory effect of FSH on testicular protein synthesis.
Urinary free and conjugated oestrone and oestradiol- 17β in early infancy
Authors: Kuhnle Ursula , Bidlingmaier Frank , Knorr Dietrich 
Published: December 2008

Abstract.
Conjugated and free urinary oestrone and oestradiol-17β were determined by radioimmunoassay in 98 urine samples of 44 normal male and female infants ranging from 7 days to 2 years of age.
Both sexes excreted significantly more oestrone and oestradiol-17β during the first 3 months of life compared to the end of the first year. Values peaked at the beginning of the second month. During the first 7 months of life, female infants excreted significantly more conjugated oestradiol-17β than oestrone, whereas male infants consistently excreted equal amounts of conjugated oestradiol-17β and oestrone. However, both sexes excreted significantly more free unconjugated oestrone than oestradiol-17β during the same period.
Concentrations of 2-hydroxyoestrogens in human sera measured by a heterologous immunoassay with an 125I-labelled ligand
Authors: Berg D. , Thaler F. , Kuss E. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract.
A heterologous immunoassay for 2-hydroxyoestrogens1 has been established in which antibodies raised against 2-hydroxyoestradiol-17-succinyl-BSA serve as binding protein and 2-hydroxyoestrone-17-cmo-[125I]iodohistamine as radioligand. Lipophilic serum components competing for binding sites in this system were defined as 'total 2-hydroxyoestrogens'. The underlying assumption of specificity was supported by the pattern of cross-reactivity evaluated with structural related steroids and o-diphenols and by the fact, that an additional chromatography of the serum extracts preceding the competing reaction had little if any effect. Sensitivity: 2.8 ± 1 pg/tube; accuracy: Y = 0.91x + 2.2; r = 0.989; precision: 5.8% intra-assay; 6.5% inter-assay. The following concentrations ( ± standard deviation) were found in the sera of healthy subjects.
Young men: 29 ± 5 pg/ml (n = 11); women follicular phase: 32 ± 8 pg/ml (n = 25); luteal phase: 53 ± 13 pg/ml (n = 23); postmenopausal women: 13 ± 4 pg/ml (n = 10); pregnant women 11th–20th week: 70 ± 16 mg/ml (n = 64); 36th–40th week: 240 ± 23 pg/ml (n = 40); newborn cord blood: 604 ± 43 pg/ml (n = 48).
Interrelationship between TSH- and prolactin secretion in patients with prolactinoma and autoimmune thyroiditis
Authors: Pelkonen Risto , Salmi J. , Lamberg B.-A. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract.
The relationship between the TSH and prolactin (Prl) responses to TRH has been investigated in 36 patients with prolactinoma, in 12 patients with symptomless autoimmune thyroiditis (SAT) and in 10 patients with Graves' disease in remission (GD). Autoimmune thyroiditis in combination with prolactinoma was found in 3 patients. The TSH -response was exaggerated in 4 prolactinoma patients without autoimmune thyroiditis. Moreover, in the patients with prolactinoma and intact function of the non-tumours pituitary gland the mean TSH increment was higher than in the controls. In patients with SAT, on the other hand, the Prl-response to TRH was significantly greater than that in the controls and in patients with GD.
The significance of these findings is not obvious but they suggest that TRH may be involved in the development of prolactin secreting adenomata.
Pituitary prolactinoma, adrenal aldosterone-producing adenomas, gastric schwannoma and colonic polyadenomas: a possible variant of multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type I
Authors: Doumith Roland , de Gennes Jean Luc , Cabane Jean Paul , Zygelman Nicole 
Published: December 2008

Abstract.
A large pituitary prolactinoma was found in a mentally deficient 45 year old woman presenting with amenorrhoea, glactorrhoea, headache, anaemia and hypertension, and removed surgically. She was subsequently found to have multiple adrenal aldosterone-producing adenomas, a gastric schwannoma and colonic polyadenomas. All these tumours were also removed surgically. Despite the absence of parathyroid and islet-cell hyperplasia, this case seems to be a variant of multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type I.
Effects of glucocorticoid on body growth and serum levels of somatomedin A in the rat
Authors: Asakawa Kumiko , Takano Kazue , Kogawa Megumi , Hasumi Yoko , Shizume Kazuo 
Published: December 2008

Abstract.
Serum levels of somatomedin A, as measured by radioreceptor assay, and body weight gain were 86.5 ± 9.2% and 166.9 ± 7.8% (N = 5) of the initial values, respectively, after 18 days administration of 2.5 mg cortisone acetate (CA). These values were significantly lower than those for saline treated rats (P < 0.005). Reduced serum somatomedin A and body growth rate were partially restored after halting the injection of CA.
Combined administration of daily doses of 100 μg hGH with CA did not prevent the decrease in somatomedin activity in treated rats. This observation suggests that GH plays a minor (or no) role in the fall of serum somatomedin A in CA-treated rats.
From these data we conclude that glucocorticoids reduce serum somatomedin by inhibiting the effect of GH on the generation of somatomedin.
Vasopressin in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus and benign intracranial hypertension
Authors: Hammer Mogens , Sørensen Per Soelberg , Gjerris Flemming , Larsen Kim 
Published: December 2008

Abstract.
We have studied plasma and cerebrospinal fluid vasopressin (CSF-AVP) and osmolality in 28 patients with cervical or lumbar pain syndromes (control patients), 11 patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) and in 5 patients with benign intracranial hypertension (BIH). Vasopressin concentration in lumbar CSF to a high extent reflected the actual ventricular CSF-AVP concentration. In all groups CSF-AVP was lower than plasma AVP. Mean CSF-AVP in the control group was 1.3 pg/ml ± 0.1 (sem). In the NPH patients, who all suffered from severe dementia, CSF-AVP level was not different from that found in the control group (1.4 pg/ml ± 0.2). In contrast to the findings in the two other groups CSF osmolality in BIH patients was higher than plasma osmolality (P < 0.02). CSF-AVP in the BIH patients, characterized by an elevated intracranial pressure (ICP), was higher than in the control group (2.7 pg/ml ± 0.4, P < 0.001).
Early remission in thyrotoxicosis produced by short courses of treatment
Authors: Bing R. F. , Rosenthal F. D. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract.
Twenty-eight patients with Graves' disease were treated with short-term antithyroid drug therapy, i.e. treatment was discountinued as soon as they became euthyroid. This was less than 4 months in all patients. Ten patients remained euthyroid, although in two of these, thyrotoxicosis recurred after the patients had been euthyroid for more than 12 months. The other 18 patients relapsed within 12 weeks of stopping therapy, and only two have become euthyroid after a further 12 month period of treatment. All patients who remitted were thyrotoxic for the first time whereas all patients with a past history of thyroid disease relapsed. Positive thyroid microsomal antibody titres were more frequent in patients who remitted, otherwise there were no indicators of a favourable outcome.
The remission rate with antithyroid therapy which is only continued until the patient becomes euthyroid is similar to that for treatment lasting 12–18 months. Short-term therapy has the advantage of savings in both patient and clinician time.
Responses to TRH, T3 suppression tests and histological findings by needle biopsy in patients with simple goitre in Japan
Authors: Fukino Osamu , Tamai Hajime , Kumai Mitsuharu , Ohsako Noriyuki , Kuma Kanji , Nagataki Shigenobu 
Published: December 2008

Abstract.
Studies were performed in 120 patients with simple goitre, defined as relatively soft diffuse goitre. All were clinically and biochemically euthyroid and their antithyroid antibodies were negative. The TRH test was performed in 115, and a T3 suppression test was performed in 99 after the TRH test, while satisfactory biopsies of the thyroid were obtained in 37. The results showed that 28 of the 115 cases (24%) had an abnormal response to TRH; 8 (7%) were hyporesponders and 20 (17%) were hyperresponders. The T3 suppression test showed that 3 of 99 cases (3%) were non-suppressible. As determined by histological examination of the needle biopsy specimen, 17 of the 37 cases (46%) had normal follicles without lymphocytic infiltration, 10 (27%) had diffuse chronic thyroiditis, 5 (14%) had focal thyroiditis and 4 (11%) had diffuse epithelial hyperplastic change, and 1 (3%) had an adenomatous goitre.
It is suggested that simple goitre defined as above includes various thyroid diseases and that the results of TRH tests, antithyroid antibody estimations and histological findings do not correlate in many patients.
Defects in intrathyroidal binding of iodine and the perchlorate discharge test
Authors: Hilditch T. E. , Horton P. W. , McCruden D. C. , Young R. E. , Alexander W. D. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract.
The kinetics of [123I]iodide uptake were studied when organification of iodine by the thyroid gland was normal and when this binding function was diminished by drugs or disease. Each study was terminated by a sodium perchlorate discharge test (300–600 mg iv) at 60 min or, in some cases, 10–30 min. The results confirmed that binding takes place rapidly in the uninhibited gland with the binding rate constant being at least 0.150 min−1. Discharge from the uninhibited gland is less than 3.5% of the gland uptake when perchlorate is given 60 min after the radioiodide. Subjects with an intrinsic binding defect manifested discharges of 11% or greater of the 60 min uptake and the estimated binding rate constants ranged from 0.003–0.057 min−1. Thyrotoxic subjects receiving 5 mg carbimazole twice daily manifested discharges ranging from 5.4–64.2%, and in those receiving 20 mg twice daily the observed discharges were 67.6–94.6% of the 60 min uptake.
The study shows that a correctly performed perchlorate discharge test will detect minimal inhibition of iodine binding. An important factor is the duration of the follow-up period after perchlorate is given. In some of the cases studied discharge was not complete until 60 min after the perchlorate.
In vitro lymphocyte proliferation in response to polyclonal activators and microbial antigens, and production of immunoglobulins stimulating thyroid adenylate cyclase in Graves' disease
Authors: Bech Karine , Andersen Vagn , Madsen Stig Nistrup 
Published: December 2008

Abstract.
Cultures of blood lymphocytes from 16 patients with Graves' disease (GD) and 14 matched controls were studied. Incorporation of [14C]thymidine was significantly increased in unstimulated cultures of GD lymphocytes, while the incorporation after stimulation with polyclonal activators (concanavalin A, pokeweed mitogen, phytohaemagglutinin), microbial antigens (E. coli, Candida albicans extract, purified protein derivative of tuberculin, Yersinia enterocolitica serotype 3) and subcellular fractions of human thyroid antigens did not differ from the controls. Due to the increased incorporation in unstimulated cultures, stimulation index is not suitable as an indicator of lymphocyte sensitization. After polyclonal activation or stimulation with thyroid antigens the lymphocytes were cultured for up to 21 days, and the supernatants were investigated for thyroid adenylate cyclase stimulating immunoglobulins (TACSI). No TACSI were demonstrated in supernatants of the lymphocyte cultures neither after polyclonal activation nor after specific stimulation with several thyroid antigens.
Growth hormone, prolactin and cortisol nyctohemeral variations during naloxone-induced opiate receptor blockade in man
Authors: Delitala G. , Giusti M. , Rodriguez G. , Mazzocchi G. , Ferrini S. , Baccelliere L. , Montano V. , Rosadini G. , Giordano G. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract.
To evaluate the role of endogenous opioid peptides in prolactin (Prl), growth hormone (GH) and cortisol neuroregulation, 50 mg of the opiate antagonist naloxone was infused over 24 h to 6 normal male volunteers. An additional naloxone dose (5 mg) was given iv as a bolus injection at 20.00 h. Blood specimens were collected hourly by means of a portable constant withdrawal pump.
Naloxone failed to alter 24 h secretion of GH and Prl. The sleep-related GH and Prl rise was also unaffected by the opiate blocker. Moreover, naloxone failed to alter the circadian rhythm of cortisol and its 24 h concentration.
The results do not suggest a major role of opiate receptors in spontaneous GH, Prl and cortisol secretion in man.
Immunological and clinical characterization of patients with untreated euthyroid and hypothyroid autoimmune thyroiditis. Antibody spectrum, response to TRH and clinical study
Authors: Scherbaum W. A. , Stöckle G. , Wichmann J. , Berg P. A. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract.
In a region of endemic goitres, 200 untreated patients in whom thyroid microsomal (MCHA) and/or thyroglobulin (TGHA) antibodies have been detected were analyzed and other organ specific autoantibodies were tested. Thyroid function was assessed by a TRH test in all of them. Patients with previous thyroid disease and patients with clinical or biochemical signs of thyrotoxicosis were excluded.
In 58 (29%) of the patients diseases coexisted in which a high incidence of autoimmune reactions has been recognized. In the absence of the corresponding clinical disease, 13.7% of the patients had antibodies to parietal cells of the stomach, 3.1% had antibodies to adrenal cortex, 1% to steroid producing gonadal cells, 1% to pancreatic islet cells, and 0.5% of the patients had antibodies to striated muscle fibrils. The incidence of associated organ-specific autoantibodies was no higher in patients with hypothyroidism (36.4%) compared with patients who had a normal thyroid function (27.9%). The determination of a 'significant' thyroid antibody titre is discussed.
In 24.5% of the 200 patients a form of hypothyroidism was recognized. Fifty of the patients with TGHA titres ≥ 6400, and 56.2% of those with MCHA ≥ 102400 were hypothyroid. Patients with such titres of thyroid antibodies should be examined and followed up. Patients with associated islet cell or adrenal antibodies should be reinvestigated and followed up observing their glucose tolerance and adrenocortical function, respectively.