bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of galanin on basal and stimulated secretion of prolactin, gonadotropins, thyrotropin, adrenocorticotropin and cortisol in humans
Authors: Arvat Emanuela , Gianotti Laura , Ramunni Josefina , Grottoli Silvia , Brossa Pier Carlo , Bertagna Angela , Camanni Franco , Ghigo Ezio 
Published: December 2008

Arvat E, Gianotti L, Ramunni J, Grottoli S, Brossa PC, Bertagna A, Camanni F, Ghigo E, Effect of galanin on basal and stimulated secretion of prolactin, gonadotropins, thyrotropin, adrenocorticotropin and cortisol in humans. Eur J Endocrinol 1995;133:300–4. ISSN 0804–4643.
Galanin enhances both baseline and growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH)-induced GH secretion both in animals and in man. Although galanin has a clear influence on the secretion of other anterior pituitary hormones in animals, in man it increases prolactin (PRL) slightly but does not affect spontaneous thyrotropin (TSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) or adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) secretion. The aim of our study was to verify the effect of galanin on basal and releasing hormone-stimulated release of gonadotropins, PRL, TSH, ACTH and cortisol secretion. As GH release has been shown to be inhibited by corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), we also studied the effect of CRH on galanin-stimulated GH increase. The effect of porcine galanin (15 μg/kg iv infused in 60 min) alone and in combination with thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH, 200 μg iv bolus), CRH (100 μg iv bolus) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH, 100 μg iv bolus) on GH, PRL, TSH, ACTH, cortisol, FSH and LH secretion in seven normal young women (aged 25–30 years) was studied. Galanin infusion caused an increase in serum GH levels (p < 0.02) but failed to modify significantly the spontaneous PRL, LH, FSH, TSH, ACTH and cortisol secretion. The combined administration of TRH, GnRH and CRH caused a significant increase in PRL (p < 0.02), LH (p < 0.02), FSH (p < 0.02), TSH (p < 0.02), ACTH (p < 0.02) and cortisol (p < 0.05), but not in GH levels. Galanin infusion significantly enhanced the PRL response to TRH + GnRH + CRH administration (p < 0.05), while the releasing hormone-stimulated levels of LH, FSH, TSH, ACTH and cortisol were not influenced by galanin. The GH release after the combined administration of GAL, TRH, GnRH and CRH was similar to that observed after galanin alone. In conclusion, the present results support the view that galanin plays a role in the control of GH and PRL secretion in humans. On the other hand, galanin does not seem to have any influence on the secretion of the other pituitary hormones in humans. However, a role for galanin in the modulation of hypophysiotropic neurohormone function at the hypothalamic level cannot be ruled out.
Ezio Ghigo, Divisione di Endocrinologia, Ospedale Molinette. Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126 Torino, Italy
Long-distance and long-term follow-up of a patient with intermittent Cushing's disease by salivary cortisol measurements
Authors: Mosnier-Pudar H , Thomopoulos P , Bertagna X , Fournier C , Guiban D , Luton JP 
Published: December 2008

Mosnier-Pudar H, Thomopoulos P, Bertagna X, Fournier C, Guiban D, Luton JP. Long-distance and long-term follow-up of a patient with intermittent Cushing's disease by salivary cortisol measurements. Eur J Endocrinol 1995;133:313–6. ISSN 0804–4643
Salivary cortisol is an excellent indicator of the plasma free cortisol concentration in normal and pathological situations. We took advantage of its ease of sampling, allowing multiple collections at home, to follow the course of a patient with Cushing's disease living in North Africa. This 48-year-old woman presented with a clinically moderate hypercortisolism caused by a large basophilic pituitary adenoma. Bilateral extension to the cavernous sinuses precluded surgical therapy. She went into spontaneous remission based on clinical signs as well as biochemical findings. During the following 2 years she demonstrated intermittent relapses that were treated by radiotherapy (50 Gy), followed by ketoconazole and then o-paraprime-dichloro-diphenyl-dichloroethane (Op′DDD). After a prolonged clinical remission, Cushing's syndrome again became active. Bromocriptine was started without effect and a new treatment with Op′DDD was began. Evaluation and follow-up were performed during hospitalizations and mainly through the measurements of salivary cortisol in more than 100 samples sent from North Africa by air mail to our department in Paris. Thus we were able to demonstrate intermittent overproduction of cortisol before any treatment, with periods of normal and even low values, and to follow the efficacy of therapy and to detect the relapses. We conclude that measurement of salivary cortisol is a valuable tool in difficult clinical situations such as intermittent hypercortisolism and remoteness between the patient and hospital.
H Mosnier-Pudar, Clinique des Maladies Endocriniennes et Metaboliques, Hôpital Cochin, 27 rue du Faubourg Saint Jacques, 75014 Paris, France
A case of cyclical Cushing's disease associated with corticosteroidbinding globulin deficiency: a rare pitfall in the diagnosis of Cushing's disease
Authors: Watanobe Hajime , Nigawara Takeshi , Nasushita Ryo , Sasaki Shinsuke , Takebe Kazuo 
Published: December 2008

Watanobe H, Nigawara T, Nasushita R, Sasaki S, Takebe K. A case of cyclical Cushing's disease associated with corticosteroid-binding globulin deficiency: a rare pitfall in the diagnosis of Cushing's disease. Eur J Endocrinol 1995;133:317–9. ISSN 0804–4643
We experienced an extremely unusual combination of Cushing's disease and corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG) deficiency that has been reported in only one similar case to date. A 53-year-old woman presented at a medical clinic with clinical Cushing's disease. However, her plasma levels of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and cortisol were in the normal range. Six months later, during a second visit, a high urinary excretion of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids was found, but plasma ACTH and cortisol levels were normal again. Further investigation revealed a decreased CBG concentration. Free plasma cortisol levels were clearly elevated. Furthermore, the Cushing's disease of our patient was complicated by periodic secretion of ACTH and cortisol, with high or normal outputs of corticosteroids occurring alternately every 1–3 days, which explained the occasionally normal plasma ACTH and cortisol levels. A combination of a decreased serum CBG concentration and periodic secretion of ACTH can be an important pitfall in the diagnosis of Cushing's disease.
Hajime Watanobe, Third Department of Internal Medicine, Hirosaki University School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori 036, Japan
Subcutaneous octreotide treatment of a growth hormone-releasing hormone-secreting bronchial carcinoid: superiority of continuous versus intermittent administration to control hormonal secretion
Authors: Lefebvre Sophie , De Paepe Lutgarde , Abs Roger , Rahier Jacques , Selvais Philippe , Maiter Dominique 
Published: December 2008

Lefebvre S, De Paepe L, Abs R, Rahier J, Selvais P, Maiter D. Subcutaneous octreotide treatment of a growth hormone-releasing hormone-secreting bronchial carcinoid: superiority of continuous versus intermittent administration to control hormonal secretion. Eur J Endocrinol 1995;133:320–4. ISSN 0804–4643
Diagnosis of ectopic acromegaly was made in a 21-year-old female patient who 3 years before had undergone a right pneumectomy for a disseminated bronchial carcinoid. Plasma growth hormonereleasing hormone (GHRH) concentrations were markedly elevated (6440 ng/l; normal value <100 ng/l), as were serum GH (187 μg/l; normal <5 μg/l) and plasma insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) levels (6.7 U/ml; normal <2 U/ml). Retrospective immunohistochemical examination of the carcinoid tumor was positive for GHRH and the tumoral content of GHRH was 2130 ng/g wet weight. Subcutaneous treatment with octreotide was begun and first resulted in a profound inhibition of GH hypersecretion, normalization of plasma IGF-I and only partial reduction of GHRH concentrations. However, the initial dose of 3 × 100 μg had to be increased gradually to 4 × 750 μg because of a progressive deterioration of the hormonal control. After 15 months of intermittent therapy, octreotide was administered by continuous sc infusion. This treatment improved compliance, allowed the daily dose of octreotide to be reduced to 1500 μg and normalized serum GH levels. A near-normalization of the plasma IGF-I concentrations was also obtained, whereas the suppression of plasma GHRH concentrations remained incomplete. Despite favorable evolution of the endocrine parameters, intramedullar metastases were diagnosed and required radiation therapy. This observation emphasizes the superiority of continuous over intermittent administration of octreotide in the treatment of ectopic acromegaly. It also shows that the somatostatin analog acts more at the pituitary level to inhibit GH secretion than at the site of the neuroendocrine tumor.
S Lefebvre, Division of Rheumatology, Clinique du Refuge, Rue du Couvent 39, B-7700 Mouscron, Belgium
Expression of sex hormone-binding globulin mRNA in human ovarian cancers
Authors: Misao Ryou , Nakanishi Yoshihito , Fujimoto Jiro , Hori Masashi , Ichigo Satoshi , Tamaya Teruhiko 
Published: December 2008

Misao R, Nakanishi Y, Fujimoto J. Hori M, Ichigo S, Tamaya T. Expression of sex hormone-binding globulin mRNA in human ovarian cancers. Eur J Endocrinol 1995;133:327–34. ISSN 0804–4643
To know the role of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in the intracellular steroidal actions in human ovarian cancers, the expression of SHBG mRNA as a substitute for intracellular SHBG expression was investigated in normal ovarian tissues and ovarian tumors. In the present study, we used competitive reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction–Southern blot analysis to evaluate SHBG mRNA levels. The expression of SHBG mRNA was detected in all normal ovaries and benign and malignant ovarian tumors analyzed. There were no significant differences in the mean SHBG mRNA levels among the three types of tissue. The expression in normal ovaries was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in premenopause, suggesting the predominance of a sex steroid hormone effect on ovarian SHBG synthesis. Relative overexpression of SHBG mRNA was observed in six out of 22 cases (27%) of ovarian cancer (three cases of endometrioid adenocarcinoma, two cases of serous cystadenocarcinoma and one case of mucinous cystadenocarcinoma) in comparison with normal ovaries and benign ovarian tumors. There was no difference in expression among the clinical stages of ovarian cancers. These data suggest that normal human ovaries and ovarian tumors might synthesize SHBG intracellularly, ovarian cancers might conserve an estrogen-associated property via SHBG and the regulation of intracellular SHBG expression might be changed in some cancers.
Ryou Misao, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gifu University School of Medicine, 40 Tsukasamachi, Gifu 500, Japan
Alterations in atrial natriuretic peptide gene expression during endurance training in rats
Authors: Azizi Chafik , Bouissou Philippe , Galen François-Xavier , Lattion Anne-Laure , Lartigue Martine , Carayon Alain 
Published: December 2008

Azizi C, Bouissou P. Galen F-X, Lattion A-L, Lartigue M, Carayon A. Alterations in atrial natriuretic peptide expression during endurance training in rats. Eur J Endocrinol 1995;133:361–5. ISSN 0804–4643
Spontaneous and experimental rises of intracardiac pressure and/or volume increase the level of atrial natriuretic (ANP) mRNA in rat atrial tissue. There is expanding evidence that ANP synthesis is increased in the ventricle under such conditions. However, little is known with regard to the myocardial ANP synthesis response to physical training. In this study, plasma and atrial immunoreactive ANP concentrations were measured in Sprague-Dawley rats trained on a treadmill and compared to sedentary controls. Atrial natriuretic peptide mRNA was detected in the heart cavities of each group by dot-blot hybridization analysis. Physical training reduced the mean immunoreactive ANP plasma levels from 405 ± 99 to 303 ± 45 ng/l (p < 0.05). Immunoreactive ANP in the left atrium was depleted after endurance training, while immunoreactive ANP concentration in the right atrium was unaffected. Physical training resulted in a 70% (p < 0.01) rise in ANP mRNA of the right atrium, while no changes in the other compartments were found. These data indicate that during physical training: ANP mRNA does not increase in ventricles; despite depletion of immunoreactive ANP in the left atrium, no corresponding changes of ANP mRNA are detected; and ANP mRNA increases in the right atrium while its immunoreactive ANP does not. These findings suggest that during chronic exercise the ratio between immunoreactive ANP and ANP gene expression in the atria may be altered.
C Azizi, Service de Biochimie, CHU Pitré-Salpêtrière. 91 boulevard de l'Hôpital, 75634 Paris Cedex 13. France
Plasma testosterone surge and luteinizing hormone beta (LH-β) following parturition: lack of association in the male rat
Authors: McGivern Robert F , Hermans Ralph HM , Handa Robert J , Longo Lawrence D 
Published: December 2008

McGivern RF, Hermans RHM, Handa RJ, Longo LD. Plasma testosterone surge and luteinizing hormone beta (LH-β) following parturition: lack of association in the male rat. Eur J Endocrinol 1995; 133:366–74. ISSN 0804–4643
Studies examining the role of luteinizing hormone (LH) in the initiation of the postnatal surge of testosterone in the male rat have produced ambiguous results. We examined the pattern of postnatal LH secretion in the newborn male rat, coincident with plasma testosterone levels, using a specific monoclonal antibody for LH-β. In some males, we attempted to block LH secretion and the postnatal testosterone surge by injecting males with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist, an LH antibody or progesterone immediately after delivery by cesarean section on day 22. Following injection, animals were immediately sacrificed (time 0) or housed in a humidified incubator maintained at 30°C until sacrifice at 60, 120, 240, 360 or 480 min after delivery. Plasma from individual animals was measured subsequently for LH-β and testosterone by radioimmunoassay. Results revealed a postnatal surge of testosterone which peaked at 2 h after delivery in males from all treatment groups. This testosterone surge was not accompanied by a postnatal rise in plasma LH-β in any group. Administration of the GnRH antagonist or the ethanol vehicle produced a transient drop of approximately 25% in LH-β levels at 60 min but did not decrease the postnatal testosterone surge in the same animals. Additional studies in untreated males and females born by cesarean section or natural birth also failed to reveal a postnatal rise in plasma LH-β during the first 3 h after birth. Plasma levels in both sexes were significantly lower in animals delivered by cesarean section compared to natural birth. Overall, these results indicate that the postnatal surge of testosterone occurs without a corresponding surge of detectable LH-β in the male rat.
Robert F McGivern, 6363 Alvarado Ct, Suite 200H. San Diego, CA 92120, USA
Thyroid hormones and brain development
Authors: Bernal Juan , Nunez Jacques 
Published: December 2008

Bernal J, Nunez J. Thyroid hormones and brain development. Eur J Endocrinol 1995;133:390–8. ISSN 0804–4643
Thyroid hormone is a major physiological regulator of mammalian brain development. Cell differentiation, migration and gene expression are altered as a consequence of thyroid hormone deficiency or excess. The physiological role of thyroid hormone can perhaps be defined so as to ensure the timed coordination of different developmental events through specific effects on the rate of cell differentiation and gene expression. All triiodothyronine (T3) receptor isoforms are expressed in the brain and their spatial and temporal patterns of expression suggest unique and complementary functions for the different isoforms. Cell biology studies suggest a role for T3 and its receptors in oligodendroglial and neuronal differentiation and the control of cell death. Some of the effects on neuronal differentiation might be due to an action of thyroid hormone on the production of neurotropins and their receptors. In recent years a number of T3-dependent genes have been identified in the rat brain, such as myelin protein-encoding genes or specific neuronal genes, and thyroid hormone-responsive elements have been demonstrated in some of these genes. The identification of the gene network regulated by thyroid hormone during brain development, the elucidation of the mechanism of regulation and the clarification of the physiological roles of the regulated genes remain major goals for future studies.
Jacques Nunez, INSERM U282. Hôpital Henri Mondor, 94010 Créteil, France
Early polycystic ovary-like syndrome in girls with central precocious puberty and exaggerated adrenal response
Authors: Lazar Liora , Kauli Rivka , Bruchis Celia , Nordenberg Jardena , Galatzer Avinoam , Pertzelan Athalia 
Published: December 2008

Lazar L, Kauli R, Bruchis C, Nordenberg J, Galatzer A, Pertzelan A. Early polycystic ovary-like syndrome in girls with central precocious puberty and exaggerated adrenal response. Eur J Endocrinol 1995;133:403–6. ISSN 0804–4643
Exaggerated adrenal response (ExAR), i.e. hypersecretion of both 17-hydroxypregnenolone (170HPreg) and 17-hydroxyprogesterone(17OHP) in response to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation, is frequently found in women with polycystic ovary (PCO) syndrome who had precocious adrenarche. In an earlier study we found an abnormal adrenal response in girls with idiopathic true central precocious puberty (CPP) at early stages of puberty. On follow-up it was noted that a significant number of girls with CPP develop PCO-like syndrome at a relatively young age. The aim of the present study was to determine if there is an association between ExAR and early PCO in girls with a history of CPP. Included were 49 girls with a history of CPP, 34 of whom were treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analog. All 49 were evaluated at full maturity, at ages 12.5–14 years, 0.5–4 years after menarche or resumption of menses. Of the 49 girls, 20 had at least 3/4 clinical signs of PCO (irregular menses, hirsutism, acne and obesity) and were defined as PCOlike+, whereas 29 did not fulfil the criteria and were considered PCO-like -. Girls with a definite enzyme deficiency were excluded from the study. All participants underwent a combined iv ACTHGnRH test at early follicular phase. The PCO-like + girls all revealed ExAR, i.e. an elevated stimulated 17OHPreg of 63.4 ± 9.6 nmol/l (normal 28.6 ± 9.2 nmol/l) and a normal stimulated 17OHPreg/ 17OHP ratio of 7.1 ± 1.8 (normal 6.2 ± 2.7), whereas all the PCO-like – had a normal adrenal response (30.0 ±8.7 and 5.3 ± 2.0 nmol/l, respectively). Compared to the PCO-like – girls, those with PCO-like± had significantly higher levels of testosterone (1.8 ± 0.7 vs 1.0 ± 0.5 nmol/l; p < 0.001), androstenedione (6.6 ±3.2 vs 4.7 ± 1.8 nmol/l; p < 0.02) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (7.8 ± 4.7 vs 4.2 ± 2.5 μmol/l; p < 0.004), and a trend toward inappropriate luteinizing hormone secretion. The prevalence of ExAR (40.8%) in the mature CPP girls (confined to only PCO-like ±) was similar to that previously found by us in another group of girls with CPP at early puberty (44.6%). In conclusion, our findings indicate that the pattern of adrenal response remains unchanged from early puberty to adulthood and is probably inherent. As only the girls with CPP who developed early PCO syndrome showed ExAR, it is suggested that ExAR in early puberty may serve as a predictive marker for the eventual development of PCO.
A Pertzelan, Institute of Pediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology, Children's Medical Center of Israel, Beilinson Medical Campus, Kaplan Street, Petah Tiqva 49202, Israel
Growth hormone-releasing effect of oral growth hormone-releasing peptide 6 (GHRP-6) administration in children with short stature
Authors: Bellone J , Ghizzoni L , Aimaretti G , Volta C , Boghen MF , Bernasconi S , Ghigo E 
Published: December 2008

Bellone J, Ghizzoni L, Aimaretti G, Volta C, Boghen MF, Bernasconi S, Ghigo E. Growth hormonereleasing effect of oral growth hormone-releasing peptide 6 (GHRP-6) administration in children with short stature. Eur J Endocrinol 1995;133:425–9. ISSN 0804–4643
Growth hormone-releasing peptide 6 (GHRP-6) is a synthetic hexapeptide with a potent GH-releasing activity after intravenous, subcutaneous, Intranasal and oral administration in man. Previous data showed its activity also in some patients with GH deficiency. The aim of our study was to verify the GH-releasing activity of oral GHRP-6 administration on GH secretion in children with normal short stature. The effect of oral GHRP-6 (300 μg/kg) was compared with that of the maximally effective dose of intravenous GH-releasing hormone (GHRH-29, 1 μg/kg). As the GHRH-induced GH rise in children is potentiated by arginine (ARG), even when administered by oral route at low dose (4 g), we studied also the interaction of oral GHRP-6 and ARG administration. We studied 13 children (nine boys and four girls aged 6.2–10.5 years, pubertal stage I) with normal short stature (height less than –2 sd score; height velocity more than –2 sd score; normal bone age; insulin-like growth factor I > 70 μg/l), In a first group of children (N = 7), oral GHRP-6 administration induced a GH response (mean ± sem, peak at 60 min vs baseline: 18.8 ±3.0 vs 1.1 ± 0.3 μg/l, p < 0.0006; area under curve: 1527.3 ± 263.9 μgl−1 h) which was similar to that elicited by GHRH (peak at 45 min vs baseline: 20.8 ±4.5 vs 2.2±0.9 μg/l, p <0.007; area under curve: 1429.4 ± 248.2 μgl−1 h−1). In a second group of children (N = 6), the GH response to oral GHRP-6 administration (peak at 75 min vs baseline: 18.5 ±5.1 vs 1.5 ± 0.6 μg/l, p < 0.01; area under curve: 1598.5 ± 289.3 μgl−1 h−1) was not modified by co-administration of oral ARG (peak at 90 min vs baseline: 15.2 ±5.6 vs 0.9±0.3 μg/l, p < 0.002; area under curve: 1327.8 ± 193.2 μgl−1 h−1). The amount of GH released and the timing of the somatotrope response after the oral administration of GHRP-6 were similar in the two groups. In conclusion, the present data show that in normal short children the oral administration of GHRP-6 is able to increase GH secretion to an extent similar to that observed after intravenous administration of the maximally effective GHRH dose. Moreover, in contrast to GHRH, the effect of GHRP-6 is not enhanced by low-dose oral ARG. As this amino acid likely acts via inhibition of hypothalamic somatostatin release, our data suggest that a decrease in the somatostatinergic activity does not improve the GH-releasing effect of GHRP-6 in childhood, at variance with that observed after GHRH. Our results suggest that GHRP-6 could be clinically useful to stimulate GH secretion in short children.
E Ghigo, Divisione di Endocrinologia, Ospedale Molinette, C. so. AM Dogliotti 14, 10126 Torino, Italy