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Abstract: PYY(3-36) is a gut regulatory peptide which has recently been found to reduce appetite. Variability of this effect across different experimental conditions has led to confusion and polarization of opinion on its potential as an anti-obesity treatment. This review summarizes recent progress in this area. The basic anorexigenic effect leading to weight loss in rodents has now been confirmed by several groups. Anorexia has also been confirmed in human studies although optimal route and dosing remain to be defined. Gastric bypass causes PYY levels to rise, which may in part mediate the weight loss occurring after this surgery, and levels have been found to be normal or low in obese people. The straightforward ARC model of mechanism, involving inhibition and activation, respectively, of NPY and POMC neurons, is giving way to a more complicated system involving vagal afferent signals. Conclusion: It works, but not how we thought it did. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The melanocortins are peptide products of post-translational processing of the pro-opiomelanocortin precursor protein. Melanocortin-expressing neurons are found in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus and the nucleus of the solitary tract in the brain stem. The central melanocortin system is involved in a number of biological functions, including regulation of energy homeostasis. Hypothalamic and brain stem circuits interpret and integrate a number of peripheral inputs to provide a coordinated central response. This review examines the effect of these peripheral signals on central melanocortin signaling. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Focuses on the role of 'regulatory peptide' to describe neural versus hormonal control of bodily functions. Characterization of regulatory peptide discovered since 1960; Assessment of potent vasoactive substance composition; Interrelations of VIP antibodies and the local circulation in the body.

Assesses the effect of substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide on pancreatic endocrine responses. Pancreatic polypeptides; Acetylcholine; Secretion of insulin and glucagon; Cardiovascular responses.

Examines the peptide somatostatin. Implication of somatostatin in inhibiting the release of growth hormone from the pituitary; Importance of somatostatin in human disease; Accounts on the therapeutic use of somatostatin.

Investigates the use of imaging technique in the diagnosis and management amyloidosis in Still's disease. Symptoms of Still's disease; Treatment of the disease with aspirin, corticosteroid and physical therapy; Presence of proteinuria in patients with amyloidosis.

Focuses on the treatment of advanced carcinoma of the prostate gland in Great Britain. Effectiveness of endocrine treatment for prostatic cancer; Use of combined orchidectomy and stilboestrol for metastases treatment; Application of ketoconazole as a primary therapeutic agent.

Examines the release of secretin in patients with duodenal ulcer. Reduction in secretin release in smokers; Measurement of gastric juice volume and hydrogen ion concentration; Response of plasma secretin to intraduodenal acid.

Examines the existence of calcitonin gene related peptide in Great Britain. Isolation of peptide from human medullary carcinoma; Essence of the peptide on the neurotransmitter in the peripheral sensory nervous system; Capabilities of calcitonin gene related peptide.

Evalautes complications associated with gastrinoma syndrome. Identification of causes of peptic ulceration; Factors increasing the likelihood of gastrinoma development; Measurement of gastric acid output to distinguish gastric conditions; Localization of gastrinoma.

Examines the hypergastrinemia on a peptic ulcer patient with antral gastrin cell hyperplasia. Aspects of intractable ulceration with tumor; Use of radioimmunoassay of gastrin on the diagnosis; Increase of plasma levels on patients.

Abstract: The kisspeptin hormones are a family of peptides encoded by the KiSS-1 gene, which bind to the G-protein coupled receptor-54 (GPR54). Interactions between kisspeptin and GPR54 are thought to play a critical role in reproduction. In agreement with animal data, kisspeptin-54 administration acutely stimulates the release of gonadotrophins in both male and female healthy subjects, with no observed adverse effects. Furthermore, its potency is comparable to those of other gonadotrophin secretagogues studied. The kisspeptin-GPR54 system thus offers a novel means of therapeutically manipulating the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis in humans. This article aims to provide a focused review of the experimental data which inform us how kisspeptin influences the HPG axis in humans. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Obesity is a growing epidemic, causally associated with a number of serious medical conditions, including diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, and several cancers. The gut hormones ghrelin and peptide YY are secreted from the gut in response to changes to nutritional status. While food intake is stimulated by ghrelin, it is inhibited by peptide YY. The discovery, anatomy, and physiology of ghrelin and peptide YY are discussed, focusing on the adaptive changes in diseases such as obesity and anorexia nervosa. Ghrelin and PYY are important therapeutic targets in the quest to find an effective antiobesity treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the efficacy of somatostatin in the treatment of dumping syndrome. Reduction of the symptoms of the syndrome following oral glucose administration; Inhibition of the secretion of enteroglucagon; Prevention of reactive hypoglycemia.

Investigates the influence of hyperglucagonaemia in surgical patients. Significance on the increase of plasma glucagon level; Complexity on the relationship of plasma glucagon to plasma insulin; Consequence of surgical operation.

Examines the diagnosis of patient with metabolic disorder. Evaluation of human genes for the analysis; Signs and symptoms of a disease; Measurement of fructose sugar from the mouth wash specimen; Detection of symptomless carriers of the disease.

The gut hormone oxyntomodulin (OXM) causes weight loss by reducing appetite and increasing energy expenditure. Several analogues are being developed to treat obesity. Exactly how oxyntomodulin works, however, remains controversial. OXM can activate both glucagon and GLP-1 receptors but no specific receptor has been identified. It is thought that the anorectic effect occurs predominantly through GLP-1 receptor activation but, to date, it has not been formally confirmed which receptor is responsible for the increased energy expenditure. We developed OX-SR, a sustained-release OXM analogue. It produces a significant and sustained increase in energy expenditure in rats as measured by indirect calorimetry. We now show that this increase in energy expenditure occurs via activation of the glucagon receptor. Blockade of the GLP-1 receptor with Exendin 9–39 does not block the increase in oxygen consumption caused by OX-SR. However, when activity at the glucagon receptor is lost, there is no increase in energy expenditure. Glucagon receptor activity therefore appears to be essential for OX-SR’s effects on energy expenditure. The development of future ‘dual agonist’ analogues will require careful balancing of GLP-1 and glucagon receptor activities to obtain optimal effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the plasma motilin concentration in pregnancy. Alteration in the plasma motilin concentration; Influence of pregnancy on the decrease of plasma motilin; Cause of plasma motilin alteration in pregnancy.

Examines the presence of tumor secreting vasoactive intestinal peptide in watery diarrhea syndrome. Methods used in the localization of tumors; Details of the case report on watery diarrhea; Response of the syndrome to medications; Diagnosis of vipoma.

Examines diabetes mellitus in idiopathic hemochromatosis. Reference to islet cell destruction by iron; Impairment of glucagon responses; Deterioration of carbohydrate metabolism.

Abstract: Neuromedin B (NMB) is a highly conserved bombesin-related peptide found in mammals. NMB mRNA is detected in the central nervous system (CNS) and is highly expressed in the rat hypothalamus, in particular the medial preoptic area and the arcuate nucleus. The mammalian bombesin family of receptors consists of three closely related G protein coupled receptors, BB1, BB2 and BB3. The BB1 receptor subtype has the highest affinity for NMB. NMB has well documented roles in the regulation of the thyroid axis and the stress axis in rats. However, there is little available data regarding the role of NMB in the regulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis. It is known that the NMB receptor is expressed in immortalised gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) releasing GT1-7 cells and murine forebrain GnRH neurons, and that anterior pituitary NMB-immunoreactivity is altered by changes in the sex steroid environment. The objective of these studies was thus to further investigate the effects of NMB on the HPG axis. Intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of NMB (10nmol) to adult male rats significantly increased plasma luteinising hormone (LH) levels 30min after injection (plasma LH ng/ml; saline 0.69±0.07, 10nmol NMB 1.33±0.17, P<0.01). In vitro, NMB stimulated GnRH release from hypothalamic explants from male rats and from hypothalamic GT1-7 cells. NMB had no significant effect on LH release from anterior pituitary explants from male rats, or from pituitary LβT2 cells in vitro. These results suggest a previously unreported role for NMB in the stimulation of the HPG axis via hypothalamic GnRH. Further work is now required to determine the receptor mediating the effects of NMB on the reproductive axis and the physiological role of NMB in reproduction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (gastric bypass) patients reportedly have changes in perception and consumption of sweet-tasting foods. This study aimed to further investigate alterations in sweet food intake in rats and sucrose detection in humans after gastric bypass. Wistar rats were randomized to gastric bypass or sham-operations and preference for sucrose (sweet), sodium chloride (salty), citric acid (sour) and quinine hydrochloride (bitter) was assessed with standard two-bottle intake tests (vs. water). Intestinal T1R2 and T1R3 expression and plasma levels of glucagon-like-peptide 1 (GLP-1) and peptide YY (PYY) were measured. Furthermore, obese patients and normal weight controls were tested for sucrose taste detection thresholds pre- and postoperatively. Visual analogue scales measuring hedonic perception were used to determine the sucrose concentration considered by patients and controls as “just about right” pre- and postoperatively. Gastric bypass reduced the sucrose intake relative to water in rats (p<0.001). Preoperative sucrose exposure reduced this effect. Preference or aversion for compounds representative of other taste qualities in naïve rats remained unaffected. Intestinal T1R2 and T1R3 expression was significantly decreased in the alimentary limb while plasma levels of GLP-1 and PYY were elevated after bypass in rats (p=0.01). Bypass patients showed increased taste sensitivity to low sucrose concentrations compared with controls (p<0.05), but both groups considered the same sucrose concentration as “just about right” postoperatively. In conclusion, gastric bypass reduces sucrose intake relative to water in sucrose-naïve rats, but preoperative sucrose experience attenuates this effect. Changes in sucrose taste detection do not predict hedonic taste ratings of sucrose in bypass patients which remain unchanged. Thus, factors other than the unconditional affective value of the taste may also play a role in determining food preferences after gastric bypass. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The effects of acute and repeated intraparaventricular (iPVN) administration of human relaxin-3 (H3) were examined on food intake, energy expenditure, and the hypothalamo–pituitary thyroid axis in male Wistar rats. An acute high dose iPVN injection of H3 significantly increased food intake 1 h post-administration [0.4±0.1 g (vehicle) vs 1.6±0.5 g (180 pmol H3), 2.4±0.5 g (540 pmol H3) and 2.2±0.5 g (1620 pmol H3), p <0.05 for all doses vs vehicle]. Repeated iPVN H3 injection (180 pmol/twice a day for 7 days) significantly increased cumulative food intake in ad libitum fed animals compared with vehicle [211.8±7.1 g (vehicle) vs 261.6±6.7 g (ad libitum fed H3), p <0.05]. Plasma leptin was increased in the H3 ad libitum fed group. Plasma thyroid stimulating hormone was significantly decreased after acute and repeated administration of H3. These data suggest H3 may play a role in long-term control of food intake. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The gastric and hypothalamic hormone ghrelin is the endogenous agonist of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor GHS-R1a. Ghrelin stimulates growth hormone release and appetite via the hypothalamus. However, putative direct peripheral effects of ghrelin remain poorly understood. Rat adipose tissue expresses GHS-R1a mRNA, suggesting ghrelin may directly influence adipocyte function. We have investigated the effects of ghrelin on insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in isolated white adipocytes in vitro. RT-PCR confirmed the expression of GHS-R1a mRNA in epididymal adipose tissue. However, GHS-R1a expression was not detected in the peri-renal fat pads. Ghrelin increased insulin-stimulated deoxyglucose uptake in isolated white adipocytes extracted from the epididymal fat pads of male Wistar rats. Ghrelin 1000 nM significantly increased deoxyglucose uptake by 55% in the presence of 0.1 nM insulin. However, ghrelin administration in the absence of insulin had no effect on adipocyte deoxyglucose uptake, suggesting that ghrelin acts synergistically with insulin. Des-acyl ghrelin, a major circulating non-octanylated form of ghrelin, had no effect on insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. Furthermore, acylated ghrelin had no effect on deoxyglucose uptake in adipocytes from peri-renal fat pads suggesting that ghrelin may influence glucose uptake via the GHS-R1a. Ghrelin therefore appears to directly potentiate adipocyte insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in selective adipocyte populations. Ghrelin may play a role in adipocyte regulation of glucose homeostasis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a hypothalamic neuropeptide thought to play an important role in the regulation of food intake and energy expenditure. Our aim was to over-express bioactive NPY in the lateral ventricle by implanting cells transfected with NPY cDNA. Cells from the RIN 1056a clonal rat islet cell line were transfected with NPY cDNA. Radioimmunoassay, chromatography and receptor binding assays were used to ensure the secreted NPY was bioactive, before and after implantation. NPY cDNA transfected and untransfected control cells were encapsulated in PVDF hollow fibres to prevent tumour formation and implanted into the lateral ventricle of male Wistar rats. The effects on body weight and food intake were measured for 15 days. Animals implanted with NPY cDNA transfected RIN 1056a cells showed a greater rise in body weight than controls. This difference was statistically significant five days after implantation, and remained so until the end of the experiment. Cumulative food intake was also increased in rats implanted with NPY cDNA transfected RIN 1056a cells, but this difference failed to reach statistical significance. We have demonstrated that implantation of NPY over-expressing cells into the lateral hypothalamus of rats increases body weight gain. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) was originally isolated from rat brain, but CART is also synthesized and stored in the anterior pituitary. The localization of pituitary CART and factors regulating its synthesis are largely unknown. The regulation of pituitary CART synthesis and release in response to CRH and glucocorticoids was examined in vitro and in vivo. CART immunoreactivity (CART-IR) was released from anterior pituitary segments. This release was increased 15-fold in response to corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). Intraperitoneal administration of CRH to rats significantly increased plasma CARTIR. Furthermore, CART-IR content and plasma CART-IR were significantly increased in adrenalectomized rats, and anterior pituitary CART mRNA expression, CART-IR content, and plasma CART-IR were significantly decreased in corticosterone-treated rats. Plasma CART-IR showed a pattern of diurnal variation similar to that of ACTH and corticosterone, and plasma CART-IR was positively correlated with corticosterone. CART-IR was detectable in the medium of the corticotroph cell line ATT-20. Dual in situ hybridization for prepro-CART (ppCART) mRNA expression and immunocytochemistry for ACTH showed localization of ppCART mRNA to a subpopulation of ACTH-immunoreactive cells. These findings demonstrate that pituitary CART expression and release are regulated by CRH and the glucocorticoid environment and that pituitary CART is partly localized to corticotrophs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE:: The role of the melanocortin system in the feeding effects of peripheral peptide YY3-36 (PYY3-36) and ghrelin was investigated using the agouti (Ay/a) mouse as a model of abnormal melanocortin signalling. Furthermore, we examined whether the ectopic expression of agouti protein in Ay/a mice results in complete MC4-R inhibition, by studying the effects of peripheral alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (a-MSH) and leptin on food intake. DESIGN:: Adult Ay/a mice were studied in the pre-obese state (7-8 weeks) and obese state (14-15 weeks). Animals received PYY3-36 (0.02?µmol/kg), NDP-a-MSH (0.2?µmol/kg), leptin (2?µmol/kg) (all 24?h fasted state) and ghrelin (0.2?µmol/kg) (fed state) by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection. Age-matched Ay/a controls received i.p. saline. A separate cohort of wild-type (WT), age-matched controls received the same peptide dose or saline. Food intake was measured at 1, 2, 4, 8 and 24?h post-injection and compared in all four groups. Plasma leptin-, ghrelin- and PYY-like immunoreactivity (IR) were measured using radioimmunoassay (RIA). RESULTS:: At 2?h post-injection, PYY3-36 reduced food intake in pre-obese and obese Ay/a mice, whereas ghrelin had no effect. Plasma ghrelin levels were significantly reduced in pre-obese and obese Ay/a mice compared to WT controls. Peripheral administration of NDP-a-MSH and leptin acutely suppressed feeding (0-2?h) in pre-obese and obese Ay/a mice. CONCLUSIONS:: Responsiveness of pre-obese and obese Ay/a mice to PYY3-36 suggests that the melanocortin system may not be essential for the anorectic effects of this peptide. Melanocortinergic antagonism by agouti protein in Ay/a mice may be sufficient to block the effects of endogenous, but not exogenous PYY3-36, a-MSH and leptin. The mechanism underlying ghrelin resistance in Ay/a mice may result from antagonism of hypothalamic melanocortin receptors-4 by agouti protein, supporting a role for the melanocortin system in mediating ghrelin's actions.International Journal of Obesity (2004) 28, 886-893. doi:10.1038/sj.ijo.0802646 Published online 18 May 2004 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The roles of the melanocortin 3 receptor (MC3-R) and its agonist, γ2-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (γ2-MSH) in the regulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis are poorly understood. Here we show γ2-MSH stimulated intracellular cAMP accumulation and gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion in the immortalised GnRH cell line GT1-7. The MC3/4-R antagonist Agrp blocked these actions. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction demonstrated GT1-7 cells express MC3-R mRNA. γ2-MSH also stimulated GnRH release from hypothalamic explants. In vivo, γ2-MSH administration into the medial preoptic area significantly increased plasma luteinising hormone. MC3-R and γ2-MSH may modulate the HPG axis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

α-Melanocyte-stimulating-hormone (α-MSH) is an agonist at the melanocortin 3 receptor (MC3-R) and melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4-R). α-MSH stimulates corticosterone release from rat adrenal glomerulosa cells in vitro. Agouti-related protein (AgRP) an endogenous antagonist at the MC3-R and MC4-R, is expressed in the adrenal gland. We investigated the expression of the MC3-R and MC4-R and the role of AgRP in the adrenal gland. MC3-R and MC4-R expression was detected in rat adrenal gland using RT-PCR. The effect of AgRP on α-MSH-induced corticosterone release was investigated using dispersed rat adrenal glomerulosa cells. AgRP administered alone did not affect corticosterone release, but co-administration of AgRP and α-MSH attenuated α-MSH-induced corticosterone release. To investigate glucocorticoid feedback, adrenal AgRP expression was compared in rats treated with dexamethasone to controls. AgRP mRNA was increased in rats treated with dexamethasone treatment compared to controls. Our findings demonstrate that adrenal AgRP mRNA is regulated by glucocorticoids. AgRP acting via the MC3-R or MC4-R may have an inhibitory paracrine role, blocking α-MSH-induced corticosterone secretion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Plasma osteocalcin, a marker of osteoblastic activity, is reduced in starvation, malnutrition, and anorexia nervosa, resulting in low bone turnover osteoporosis. Contradictory findings about the role of leptin as a link between nutritional status and bone physiology have been reported. We demonstrate that leptin-deficient ob/ob and leptin-resistant db/db male mice have increased plasma osteocalcin, and that in male ob/ob mice osteocalcin is not decreased by starvation, unlike control mice. Intraperitoneal leptin administration increased plasma osteocalcin in male ob/ob mice, and prevented its fall during 24 h fasting and 5 days of food restriction in normal male mice. This effect may be mediated via actions on the hypothalamic–pituitary–testicular or –growth hormone axes, or a direct action on osteoblasts. These studies support the hypothesis that the fall in leptin during starvation and weight loss is responsible for the associated reduction in osteoblast activity, and suggest a role for leptin in regulating bone turnover. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Orexin A, synthesised in the posterolateral hypothalamus, has widespread distribution including the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), which is rich in thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) neurones. Nerve fibres in the PVN synapse on neurones that send polysynaptic projections to brown adipose tissue (BAT), which is important in thermogenesis. A number of observations suggests orexin A may be involved in regulation of metabolism and thermogenesis. We investigated the effect of orexin A injected intracerebroventricularly (ICV) on thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormones in male rats. We then examined the effect of chronic iPVN injections of orexin A on plasma TSH and uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1) protein in BAT. Orexin A (3 nmol) administered ICV significantly suppressed plasma TSH at 10 and 90 min. Orexin A (0.3 nmol) administered into the PVN twice daily for 3 days significantly increased day-time 2-h food intake, but did not significantly alter nocturnal food intake. Though chronic iPVN orexin A altered diurnal food intake, there was no effect on 24-h food intake or body weight. Furthermore, orexin A administered chronically into the PVN did not alter UCP-1 level in BAT, or plasma hormones relative to saline injected animals. Chronic iPVN orexin A does not appear to influence thermogenesis through activation of UCP-1 or the thyroid axis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

High concentrations of glucagon-like peptide-1 (7-36) amide (GLP-1) and its specific receptor (GLP-1R) have been found in the rat hypothalamus. In this study the actions of GLP-1 and its related peptides, exendin-4 (GLP-1R agonist), exendin (9-39) (GLP-1R antagonist) and GLP-1 (9-36) amide (the major GLP-1 metabolite) on levels of serotonin (5-HT), 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid (5-HIAA) and amino acids (Glu, Asp, Gln, Gly, Tyr, Trp, GABA) in the hypothalamus were investigated. Intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of GLP-1 (4 nmol) produced a significant reduction in levels of 5-HT (54%) and all measured amino acids (34 to 56%) compared with saline injected controls, whereas exendin (9-39) (4 nmol) was ineffective. ICV injection of exendin-4 produced a significant reduction in the levels of 5-HT, 5-HIAA, Trp, Glu, and Tyr. ICV injection of GLP-1(9-36) amide showed a statistically significant increase in the level of 5-HT, 5-HIAA and all the amino acids tested in this study. Prior administration of exendin (9-39) or GLP-1 (9-36) amide blocked the effects of GLP-1 on the levels of 5-HT and the amino acids. These data are consistent with exendin-4 being a GLP-1R agonist and exendin (9-39) being a specific GLP-1R antagonist. GLP-1 (9-36) amide, a primary metabolite of GLP-1, appears to act as an endogenous antagonist at the GLP-1R. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Parotid saliva was collected over a 12-min period from 24 insulin dependent diabetic patients with varying degrees of autonomic neuropathy and 12 age and sex matched non-diabetic controls. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) concentrations in saliva were measured by radio-immunoassay. The EGF concentrations in diabetics with no autonomic neuropathy or with combined autonomic neuropathy were equivalent but secretion of EGF was significantly elevated at the 6- and 12-min periods of collection in diabetic patients with early or established autonomic neuropathy. It is postulated that when parasympathetic autonomic neuropathy is present a relative "over-activity" of the sympathetic innervation promotes release of salivary EGF. This sympathetic predominance may maintain salivary EGF concentration despite the elevated salivary flow and volume which is associated with parasympathetic autonomic neuropathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the combined use of vasopressin and synthetic hypothalamic releasing factors as a test of anterior pituitary function. Side-effects of the test; Comparison on cortisol and growth hormone responses between releasing factors with vasopressin and insulin induced hypoglycemia; Reliability of the combined releasing factor test.

Examines the effects of human pancreatic growth hormone releasing factor [GRF [1-44]] to growth hormone release in patients with hypopituitarism and acromegaly. Clinical and biochemical features of patients with acromegaly; Characteristics of patients with impaired pituitary function; Use of insulin stress test.

Examines the effects of oral bromocriptine in acromegaly in Great Britain. Reduction of tissue thickening; Improvement in facial features; Incidence of mild constipation.

Examines the association of diabetic autonomic neuropathy with hypoglycemia and hypoglycemic counterregulation in insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (DM). Identification of the plasma pancreatic polypeptide response of the patients; Symptoms of DM; Etiology of the deficiency of glucagon secretions.

Investigates patients with pancreatic and ganglioneuroblastoma tumors secreting vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) in Great Britain. Reduction of gastric acid secretion in patients; Variation of the duration of diarrhea before diagnosis; Increase in plasma VIP concentration in patients with bronchial carcinomas and pancreatic islet cell hyperplasia.

Examines the release of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in dumping syndrome. Value of VIP concentration in patients with gastrectomy; Correlation between rate of rise in plasma VIP concentration and packed cell volume; Factor affecting the pathogenesis of dumping syndrome.

Measures the concentration of gut hormones in tropical malabsorption. Evidence of severe tropical malabsorption on patients; Reduction of both gastric inhibitory polypeptide and insulin release; Pathophysiology of tropical malabsorption.

Examines the treatment of advanced carcinoma of the prostate with a gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist. Suppression of serum gonadotrophin and testosterone concentrations; Administration of the bilateral orchidectomy; Role of the hypothalamic pituitary axis in the serum testosterone concentration.

Reports the responsiveness of gas gangrene infection to surgical and medical treatment. Cause of gas gangrene; Occurrence of infection when local tissue conditions and heavy bacterial contamination lead to tissue hypoxia; Description of gas gangrene occurring in an intravenous drug misuse.

Investigates the biochemical effects of increasing doses of octreotide in patients with acromegaly. Administration of octreotide in patient with active acromegaly; Decrease in growth hormone and insulin concentrations; Normalization of growth hormone concentration by subcutaneous octreotide.

Examines the remission of symptoms during the long term treatment of metastatic pancreatic endocrine tumors or apudomas with somatostatin analogue. Reduction in tumor related hormone concentrations; Tolerance for the treatment; Methods of treatment.

Examines the long term treatment of acromegaly using somatostatin. Inhibition of secretion of growth hormone in patients with acromegaly; Relation between active acromegaly and increase morbidity and mortality; Concentrations of growth hormone before and following the treatment with selective mini somatostatin.

Examines the long term luteinizing hormone releasing hormone treatment for prostatic cancer in Great Britain. Failure of treatment; Implication in serum lutenizing hormone and testosterone; Improvement in daily administration.

Examines treatment of a malignant pancreatic endocrine tumor secreting parathyroid hormone related protein. Concentration of parathyroid hormone; Benefits of long-term utilization of octreotide in treating hypercalcaemia; Performance of a liver biosopy for vasoactive intestinal polypeptide.

Examines the somatostatin treatment for malignant hypercalcaemia. Effects of resistance to hypercalcaemia; Causes of humoral hypercalcaemia; Increase in serum concentrations of parathyroid hormone.