56 results on '"Rees LH"'
Search Results
2. Morphine directly modulates the release of stimulated corticotrophin-releasing factor-41 from rat hypothalamus in vitro
- Author
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Tsagarakis, S, Navarra, P, Rees, LH, Besser, M, Grossman, A, and Navara, P
- Subjects
Male ,endocrine system ,medicine.medical_specialty ,medicine.drug_class ,Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone ,Hypothalamus ,(+)-Naloxone ,Adrenocorticotropic hormone ,Biology ,In Vitro Techniques ,Corticotropin-releasing hormone ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Norepinephrine ,Endocrinology ,Adrenocorticotropic Hormone ,Opioid receptor ,Pituitary Gland, Anterior ,Internal medicine ,medicine ,Animals ,Veratridine ,Morphine ,Naloxone ,Rats, Inbred Strains ,Peptide Fragments ,Rats ,chemistry ,hormones, hormone substitutes, and hormone antagonists ,Acetylcholine ,medicine.drug - Abstract
The actions of opioids and opiates on the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis are currently controversial. In the rat, morphine is reported to both stimulate and inhibit ACTH and corticosterone secretion, but the precise sites and mechanisms of these effects have remained unclear. To analyze further the hypothalamic actions of morphine, we have investigated its effect on hypothalamic fragments in vitro and measured the major CRF, CRF-41, by a specific RIA. The acute effects of morphine on both basal and stimulated ACTH release from dispersed pituitary cells were also investigated. Morphine (10(-8)-10(-6) M) did not significantly alter the basal secretion of CRF-41. However, similar concentrations of morphine inhibited CRF-41 release stimulated by norepinephrine in a dose-dependent manner. Similarly, morphine (10(-6) M) inhibited acetylcholine (10(-9) M)- and serotonin (10(-7) M)-stimulated CRF-41 release. The stimulatory effect on CRF-41 release induced by veratridine (10(-6) M) was inhibited by approximately 50% in the presence of morphine. KCl (28 nM)-mediated CRF-41 release was also significantly inhibited by morphine. Naloxone (10(-7)-10(-5) M) had no significant effect on either basal or norepinephrine-induced CRF-41 release, but reversed the inhibitory effect of morphine on norepinephrine-induced CRF-41 secretion in a dose-dependent manner. Morphine (10(-6)-10(-5) M) had no effect on either basal or CRF-41-stimulated ACTH release from dispersed pituitary cells. These data suggest that the predominant effect of morphine on hypothalamic CRF-41 release in vitro is suppression of the release induced by a variety of putative neurotransmitters and depolarizing agents. This inhibitory effect is reversed by naloxone, suggesting that it is mediated by opiate receptors, presumably situated directly on CRF-41 neurons.
- Published
- 2016
3. Synthesis and Crystal Structure of a Cumulenic Quinoidal Porphyrin Dimer with Strong Electronic Absorption in the Infrared We thank the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (UK) and the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA, UK) for support and the EPSRC Mass Spectrometry Service in Swansea for FAB mass spectra
- Author
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Blake, IM, Rees, LH, Claridge, TD, and Anderson, HL
- Published
- 2016
4. Pro-opiomelanocortin gene expression in cells of the immune system
- Author
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Buzzetti, Raffaella, Giovannini, Claudio, Mcloughin, L, and Rees, Lh
- Published
- 1992
5. Chromatographic characterization of opioid peptides in cells of the immune system
- Author
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Mcloughiln, L, Hucks, B, Buzzetti, Raffaella, and Rees, Lh
- Published
- 1992
6. Proopiomelanocortin derived peptides in cells of the immune system
- Author
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Buzzetti, Raffaella, Mcloughiln, L, Lavender, Pm, Clark, Ajl, and Rees, Lh
- Published
- 1990
7. Explanation at the opioid receptor level for differing toxicity of morphine and morphine 6-glucuronide
- Author
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Hucks, D, primary, Thompson, PI, additional, McLoughlin, L, additional, Joel, SP, additional, Patel, N, additional, Grossman, A, additional, Rees, LH, additional, and Slevin, ML, additional
- Published
- 1992
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
8. POMC derived peptides: heterogeneity in health and disease
- Author
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Mcloughlinl, L, Buzzetti, Raffaella, Lavender, P, Clarke, A, and Rees, Lh
- Published
- 1989
9. Proopiomelanocortin related peptides and the immune system
- Author
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Buzzetti, Raffaella, Mcloughlin, L, Scavo, D, and Rees, Lh
- Published
- 1989
10. Long-term effects of radiotherapy for acromegaly on circulating prolactin
- Author
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Ciccarelli, E, Corsello, Salvatore Maria, Plowman, Pn, Jones, Ae, Touzel, R, Rees, Lh, Besser, Gm, Wass, Ja, Corsello, Salvatore Maria (ORCID:0000-0002-4544-7274), Ciccarelli, E, Corsello, Salvatore Maria, Plowman, Pn, Jones, Ae, Touzel, R, Rees, Lh, Besser, Gm, Wass, Ja, and Corsello, Salvatore Maria (ORCID:0000-0002-4544-7274)
- Abstract
In 61 acromegalic patients, serum PRL was assessed (off medical treatment) before and 2 to 12 (mean 6.4) years after external beam radiotherapy. Before radiotherapy elevated PRL levels were present in 22 of 35 males (63%) and 12 of 26 females (46%) and were above 1000 mU/l in 11 males and 5 females. When studied for up to 5 years after radiotherapy, 22 of 23 (96%) patients who had not had surgery and who had normal PRL pre-radiotherapy showed an increased PRL level and this was also seen in 17 of 27 (63%) who had been hyperprolactinaemic initially. In contrast, 10 of 27 patients (37%) who had elevated pre-radiotherapy levels (all greater than 1000 mU/l) had a reduction in PRL values after radiotherapy. In all 11 patients who underwent surgery before radiotherapy, an increase in PRL was seen after radiotherapy. In the 21 patients followed for 10-12 years, the peak PRL value occurred 1-6 years after radiotherapy. After this, a progressive reduction of PRL to normal was seen. Normal levels were reached 4 to 10 years after radiotherapy. No correlation was found between pretreatment PRL values and final GH values in the whole group, nor between changes in PRL and the development of impaired ACTH or TSH secretion. Thus, different patterns of PRL behaviour suggest that radiotherapy treatment may either produce hyperprolactinemia from mild hypothalamic damage or ablate PRL secreting cells if they were present in the tumour before treatment. These changes do not predict final GH results or the development of hypopituitarism after radiotherapy.
- Published
- 1989
11. TREATMENT OF GH-DEFICIENT CHILDREN WITH TWICE DAILY SUBCUTANEOUS GHRH(1-29)NH2
- Author
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Ross, Rjm, primary, Rodda, C, additional, Tsagarakis, S, additional, Davies, Psw, additional, Ngafoong, L, additional, Rees, Lh, additional, Preece, Ma, additional, Savage, Mo, additional, and Besser, Cm, additional
- Published
- 1986
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
12. Medical education in the new millennium.
- Author
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Rees LH
- Subjects
- Forecasting, Humans, Medical Informatics, United Kingdom, Education, Medical trends
- Abstract
This article reviews current trends in undergraduate and postgraduate medical education and speculates on the future in the new millennium.
- Published
- 2000
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
13. Preparation for medical school.
- Author
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Rees LH
- Published
- 1994
14. Oral contraception in patients with hyperprolactinaemia.
- Author
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Moult PJ, Dacie JE, Rees LH, and Besser GM
- Subjects
- Adult, Bromocriptine therapeutic use, Ethinyl Estradiol therapeutic use, Female, Humans, Lynestrenol therapeutic use, Pituitary Neoplasms drug therapy, Contraceptives, Oral adverse effects, Pituitary Neoplasms blood, Prolactin blood
- Published
- 1982
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
15. Response of circulating immunoreactive somatostatin to nutritional stimuli in normal subjects.
- Author
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Penman E, Wass JA, Medbak S, Morgan L, Lewis JM, Besser GM, and Rees LH
- Subjects
- Adult, Dietary Carbohydrates pharmacology, Dietary Fats pharmacology, Dietary Proteins pharmacology, Dithiothreitol pharmacology, Humans, Male, Molecular Weight, Somatostatin immunology, Nutritional Physiological Phenomena, Somatostatin blood
- Abstract
We have previously reported that in normal subjects plasma immunoreactive somatostatin levels rise after a mixed meal. The contribution of individual nutrients to this rise, and the molecular nature of the somatostatin immunoreactivity measured, have now been studied. Six normal healthy subjects received, on separate occasions, isocaloric (520 calories) and isovolumetric (260 ml) quantities of carbohydrate, protein, and fat. The mean fasting plasma somatostatin level was 29 +/- 5 pg/ml. After carbohydrate a peak of 48 +/- 7 pg/ml was reached at 30 min, and after protein and fat there were more sustained rises with peak levels of 74 +/- 8 pg/ml and 80 +/- 9 pg/ml, respectively. Sephadex G50 chromatography of extracts of fasting peripheral plasma showed two main peaks of somatostatin immunoreactivity, one coeluting with cyclic somatostatin and a larger peak of approximately 3500 molecular weight (mol wt). Levels of both 1600 and 35000 mol wt somatostatin were increased 60 min after a mixed meal. Approximately 80% of the 3500 mol wt form of somatostatin could be converted to the 1600 mol wt form by treatment with dithiothreitol (an agent which reduces disulphide bonds). It is concluded that: (a) in normal subjects fat and protein are potent stimuli for somatostatin release; (b) somatostatin in normal peripheral plasma exists in multiple forms, and that both 1600 and 35000 mol w forms of somatostatin immunoreactivity are stimulated by feeding; (c) the 3500 mol wt form could represent a dimer of somatostatin or a somatostatin molecule linked to a second peptide chain by disulphide bonds.
- Published
- 1981
16. Tamoxifen, aminoglutethimide and danazol: effect of therapy on hormones in post-menopausal patients with breast cancer.
- Author
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Coombes RC, Powles TJ, Rees LH, Ratcliffe WA, Nash AG, Henk M, Ford HT, Gazet JC, and Neville AM
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- Androgens blood, Breast Neoplasms blood, Drug Therapy, Combination, Estradiol blood, Female, Gonadotropins, Pituitary blood, Humans, Menopause, Aminoglutethimide therapeutic use, Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols, Breast Neoplasms drug therapy, Danazol therapeutic use, Hormones blood, Pregnadienes therapeutic use, Tamoxifen therapeutic use
- Abstract
Gonadotrophins, oestradiol, androstenedione, testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHAS) were measured sequentially in 72 patients with advanced breast cancer receiving endocrine therapy of various types. Tamoxifen significantly reduced gonadotrophins but did not effect other hormones. Danazol also reduced gonadotrophins. Aminoglutethimide (AGT) reduced oestradiol and DHAS but had not effect on gonadotrophins. The effects of administering tamoxifen, AGT and danazol together (TAD) together were therefore examined. This combination reduced gonadotrophins, oestradiol and DHAS, but no further than tamoxifen and AGT alone. The degree and duration of hormone suppression were similar in both responders and non-responders to tamoxifen, AGT or TAD, though patients responding to AGT showed more complete suppression at the end of the course of treatment, perhaps because they were treated longer. On relapse, adequate gonadotrophin and steroid suppression was demonstrated in patients receiving tamoxifen and AGT respectively. We conclude that (a) response to endocrine therapy is unlikely to be related to the degree of endocrine suppression produced by the therapy; (b) combination endocrine therapy does not further reduce serum-hormone concentrations and (c) relapse is unlikely to be due to escape from the hormone-inhibitory effects of endocrine agents.
- Published
- 1982
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
17. Circulating growth hormone releasing factor concentrations in normal subjects and patients with acromegaly.
- Author
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Penny ES, Penman E, Price J, Rees LH, Sopwith AM, Wass JA, Lytras N, and Besser GM
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- Acromegaly therapy, Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Growth Hormone blood, Humans, Middle Aged, Radioimmunoassay methods, Reference Values, Acromegaly blood, Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone blood
- Abstract
A highly specific and sensitive radioimmunoassay was developed for measuring circulating growth hormone releasing factor (GRF) in human plasma. Before measuring immunoreactive GRF plasma samples were extracted on to Vycor glass. Immunoreactive GRF concentrations in plasma samples from 37 fasting normal subjects ranged from less than 10 to 60 ng/l (mean 21 ng/l). Fasting concentrations in 76 out of 80 acromegalic subjects were within the normal range, but the remaining four patients had values of 92 to 25 000 ng/l. Of these, only the patient with the highest concentration had evidence of ectopic GRF secretion from a disseminated carcinoid tumour. Two of the others had longstanding pituitary tumours, and the fourth patient had a pituitary growth hormone (GH) secreting tumour proved by its removal and subsequent remission of acromegaly. There was no correlation between serum GH and plasma immunoreactive GRF concentrations, irrespective of whether the patients were untreated or had been given radiotherapy or dopamine agonists. The assay should help elucidate the physiological role(s) of GRF and may also prove useful in differentiating between pituitary and hypothalamic defects in patients with acromegaly.
- Published
- 1984
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
18. Met-enkephalin circulates in human plasma.
- Author
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Clement-Jones V, Lowry PJ, Rees LH, and Besser GM
- Subjects
- Adrenal Glands metabolism, Adrenocorticotropic Hormone metabolism, Amino Acid Sequence, Endorphins metabolism, Humans, Molecular Weight, Peptide Fragments blood, Protein Precursors metabolism, Radioimmunoassay, beta-Lipotropin metabolism, Endorphins blood, Enkephalins blood
- Abstract
The physiological roles of Met-enkephalin and Leu-enkephalin are still unknown. They may act as neurotransmitters in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Met-enkephalin has been detected in several species in a variety of tissues including brain, spinal cord and gut using bioassays, opiate receptor assays and radioimmunoassays (RIA). It has also been detected in human gut immunocytochemically and in human brain and cerebrospinal fluid by opiate receptor assay and RIA. However, all reported assays show some degree of cross-reaction with Leu-enkephalin and unequivocal differentiation between the two enkephalins and the larger endorphins has not always been possible. Thus the existence of Met-enkephalin in human tissues and fluids remains in doubt. Using a highly specific RIA, we have now obtained evidence that Met-enkephalin-like material circulates in the plasma of normal subjects and may be secreted by the adrenal gland. Chromatographically the material exists in plasma mainly as the intact pentapeptide and not as the biologically inactive degradation product Gly-Gly-Phe-Met as would be expected from metabolic studies.
- Published
- 1980
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
19. Experience with selective venous sampling in diagnosis of ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome.
- Author
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Drury PL, Ratter S, Tomlin S, Williams J, Dacie JE, Rees LH, and Besser GM
- Subjects
- ACTH Syndrome, Ectopic blood, Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Cushing Syndrome blood, Diagnosis, Differential, Female, Humans, Jugular Veins, Male, Middle Aged, ACTH Syndrome, Ectopic diagnosis, ACTH Syndrome, Ectopic etiology, Adrenocorticotropic Hormone blood, Cushing Syndrome diagnosis, Paraneoplastic Endocrine Syndromes diagnosis, Paraneoplastic Endocrine Syndromes etiology
- Abstract
Twenty-three patients with adrenocorticotrophic hormone-(ACTH)-dependent Cushing's syndrome were subjected to selective venous catheterisation and sampling for ACTH on a total of 26 occasions. Out of 10 patients with pituitary-dependent disease, nine had raised ACTH concentrations in one or both high internal jugular vein samples. Eight patients had 11 proved sites of ectopic hormone production: of these, six were correctly identified by the sampling technique, and in four of them this was the only accurate method of localisation. The results of one catheterisation were misleading, and on 10 occasions they were inconclusive; five patients remained undiagnosed by any method. Overall, 15 of the 26 catheterisations provided diagnostically valuable information. Selective venous catheterisation and sampling for ACTH is effective in confirming a pituitary source of the hormone and may be valuable in locating the source of ectopic ACTH production in some cases.
- Published
- 1982
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
20. Studies on the release and degradation of the human melanocyte stimulating hormone.
- Author
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Gilkes JJ, Bloomfield GA, Scott AP, and Rees LH
- Subjects
- Cross Reactions, Humans, Klinefelter Syndrome metabolism, Male, Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormones blood, Peptides metabolism, Radioimmunoassay, Syndrome, Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormones metabolism
- Published
- 1974
21. Expression of pro-opiomelanocortin gene and quantification of adrenocorticotropic hormone-like immunoreactivity in human normal peripheral mononuclear cells and lymphoid and myeloid malignancies.
- Author
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Buzzetti R, McLoughlin L, Lavender PM, Clark AJ, and Rees LH
- Subjects
- Blotting, Northern, Cell Line, DNA Probes, Humans, Molecular Weight, Adrenocorticotropic Hormone blood, Gene Expression Regulation drug effects, Leukemia blood, Leukocytes, Mononuclear analysis, Lymphoma blood, Pro-Opiomelanocortin genetics
- Abstract
Using Northern blotting with a human genomic DNA probe for the pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) gene, we have shown specific mRNA in normal human peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMC); the presence of specific mRNA was also observed in a T lymphocyte cell line derived from a patient with lymphoma. We then demonstrated that PBMC translate the message into protein. Thus, using a radioimmunoassay with an antibody for ACTH, a median of 29 pg of ACTH-like immunoreactivity (ACTH-LIR) was found in 10(7) PBMC. ACTH-LIR was also detected in seven different cell lines derived from patients with lymphoid and myeloid malignancies, two of them JM and U937 showing the highest values 135 and 108 pg/10(7) cells, respectively. The chromatographic characterization of this ACTH-LIR showed, at least, three molecular forms of immunoreactive ACTH with molecular weights of the order of 31,000 POMC, 22,000 ACTH, and 4,500 ACTH, in addition to high-molecular-weight material (greater than 43,000). We conclude that PBMC produce ACTH-LIR which may act as a paracrine immunomodulator in a similar way to lymphokines and/or may signal the adrenal gland to secrete glucocorticoids.
- Published
- 1989
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
22. Growth hormone releasing factor: comparison of two analogues and demonstration of hypothalamic defect in growth hormone release after radiotherapy.
- Author
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Grossman A, Lytras N, Savage MO, Wass JA, Coy DH, Rees LH, Jones AE, and Besser GM
- Subjects
- Adult, Female, Growth Hormone deficiency, Humans, Hypoglycemia blood, Hypothalamus drug effects, Male, Middle Aged, Pituitary Neoplasms metabolism, Sermorelin, Growth Hormone blood, Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone pharmacology, Hypothalamus metabolism, Peptide Fragments pharmacology, Pituitary Neoplasms radiotherapy, Prolactin metabolism
- Abstract
Human pancreatic growth hormone releasing factor (hpGHRF(1-40] stimulates the release of growth hormone in normal subjects and some patients with growth hormone deficiency. A study comparing the shorter chain amidated analogue hpGHRF(1-29) with an equivalent dose of hpGHRF(1-40) in seven normal subjects showed no significant difference in growth hormone response between the two preparations. Six patients with prolactinomas were also tested; these patients had received megavoltage radiotherapy previously but had developed growth hormone deficiency as shown by insulin induced hypoglycaemia. In all six patients 200 micrograms hpGHRF(1-40) or hpGHRF(1-29)NH2 produced an increase in the serum growth hormone concentration. These data suggest that hpGHRF(1-29)NH2 may be useful for testing the readily releasable pool of growth hormone in the pituitary and that cases of hypothalamo-pituitary irradiation resulting in growth hormone deficiency may be due to failure of synthesis or delivery of endogenous GHRF from the hypothalamus to pituitary cells.
- Published
- 1984
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
23. Brain opiates and corticotrophin-related peptides. The Goulstonian Lecture 1980.
- Author
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Rees LH
- Subjects
- Acupuncture Therapy, Adrenocorticotropic Hormone metabolism, Endorphins metabolism, Enkephalin, Methionine, Enkephalins analysis, Humans, Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormones analysis, Neoplasms metabolism, Radioimmunoassay, beta-Endorphin, beta-Lipotropin analysis, Adrenocorticotropic Hormone analysis, Brain Chemistry, Endorphins analysis
- Published
- 1981
24. Ectopic production of methionine enkephalin and beta-endorphin.
- Author
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Pullan PT, Clement-Jones V, Corder R, Lowry PJ, Rees GM, Rees LH, Besser GM, Macedo MM, and Galvao-Teles A
- Subjects
- Adult, Enkephalins biosynthesis, Female, Humans, Lung metabolism, Methionine, Thymus Gland metabolism, ACTH Syndrome, Ectopic metabolism, Carcinoid Tumor metabolism, Endorphins biosynthesis, Paraneoplastic Endocrine Syndromes metabolism
- Abstract
Immunoreactive methionine enkephalin and beta-endorphin were sought by serial dilution of tissue extracts and assay of chromatographic fractions in non-endocrine tumour tissue from three patients with the ectopic adrenocorticotrophin syndrome associated with carcinoid tumours and in normal lung tissue and thymic tissue from a patient with myasthenia gravis. In all cases serial dilution of extracts showed parellelism to standard radioimmunoassay curves. The two peptides were found in high concentration in the three tumours but were undetectable in the control tissues. In a single case tested the methionine enkephalin concentration in a vein draining the tumour was twice that in a peripheral vein. In view of their profound effect on behaviour in animals and potent analgesic activity in animals and man the ectopic secretion of methionine enkephalin and beta-endorphin may modify the clinical features of a wide variety of tumours and produce some of the diverse clinical syndromes associated with malignancy.
- Published
- 1980
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
25. Erroneous diagnosis of phaeochromocytoma in hypertensive patient on labetalol.
- Author
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Bouloux PM, Featherstone RM, Clement-Jones V, Rees LH, and Goligher JE
- Subjects
- Diagnostic Errors, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Adrenal Gland Neoplasms diagnosis, Ethanolamines adverse effects, Hypertension drug therapy, Labetalol adverse effects, Pheochromocytoma diagnosis
- Published
- 1985
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
26. Gonadal function in men treated for acute leukaemia.
- Author
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Waxman J, Terry Y, Rees LH, and Lister TA
- Subjects
- Acute Disease, Adult, Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols therapeutic use, Combined Modality Therapy, Estradiol blood, Gonadotropins, Pituitary blood, Humans, Leukemia blood, Leukemia therapy, Male, Oligospermia etiology, Progesterone blood, Prolactin blood, Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin blood, Sperm Count, Leukemia physiopathology, Testis physiopathology
- Abstract
Gonadal function was assessed in eight men in remission of leukaemia who had completed treatment eight months to eight years previously. All four men treated for acute myeloid leukaemia had normal sperm counts and motility, compared with only one of the four with acute lymphatic or undifferentiated leukaemia. Hormonal studies indicated that the sterility resulted from gonadal failure rather than pituitary dysfunction after cranial irradiation. These findings are important in the counselling of patients with leukaemia.
- Published
- 1983
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
27. Cyproheptadine and Cushing's disease.
- Author
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Burrows AW, Burke CW, and Rees LH
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Cushing Syndrome drug therapy, Cyproheptadine therapeutic use
- Published
- 1977
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
28. Pregnancy in patients presenting with hyperprolactinaemia.
- Author
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Thorner MO, Edwards CR, Charlesworth M, Dacie JE, Moult PJ, Rees LH, Jones AE, and Besser GM
- Subjects
- Bromocriptine therapeutic use, Female, Humans, Infertility, Female drug therapy, Pituitary Irradiation, Pituitary Neoplasms diagnostic imaging, Pituitary Neoplasms radiotherapy, Pregnancy, Radiography, Sella Turcica diagnostic imaging, Pituitary Neoplasms blood, Pregnancy Complications blood, Prolactin blood
- Abstract
Ninety-two pregnancies occurred in 76 hyperprolactinaemic patients treated with bromocriptine. Half conceived within three months of attempted conception. There was no evidence of an increased rate of spontaneous abortion, fetal abnormality, or multiple pregnancy; the three twin pregnancies occurred in women who were additionally treated with clomiphene and human chorionic gonadotrophin. Thirty-one patients had radiological evidence of a pituitary tumour; 14 with major radiograph changes in the pituitary fossa or serum prolactin concentrations greater than 100 ng/ml received pituitary irradiation before conception. None of the latter showed evidence of enlargement of the tumour during pregnancy. In contrast two of the four patients with similar tumours but who were not irradiated developed visual field defects, one with gross destruction of the pituitary fossa. Prophylactic treatment to limit subsequent tumour expansion during pregnancy in patients with prolactinomas is indicated, and pituitary irradiation before conception appears to be a safe and effective method to achieve this goal.
- Published
- 1979
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
29. Role of foetal adrenocorticotrophin during parturition in sheep.
- Author
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Rees LH, Jack PM, Thomas AL, and Nathanielsz PW
- Subjects
- Adrenocorticotropic Hormone blood, Animals, Delivery, Obstetric, Female, Gestational Age, Hydrocortisone blood, Pregnancy, Sheep, Time Factors, Adrenocorticotropic Hormone physiology, Fetus physiology, Labor, Obstetric
- Published
- 1975
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
30. Relationship between gastric acid and elevated plasma somatostatinlike immunoreactivity after a mixed meal.
- Author
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Lucey MR, Wass JA, Rees LH, Dawson AM, and Fairclough PD
- Subjects
- Adult, Cimetidine pharmacology, Fats administration & dosage, Humans, Hydrochloric Acid pharmacology, Hydrogen-Ion Concentration, Male, Somatostatin immunology, Eating, Gastric Acid metabolism, Somatostatin blood
- Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine whether hydrochloric acid plays a role mediating the post-prandial increase in plasma somatostatinlike immunoreactivity in normal subjects. Intravenous infusion of cimetidine was found to reduce by 45% the postprandial increment in plasma somatostatin-like immunoreactivity. This effect was reversed by concomitant intragastric administration of 0.1 N hydrochloric acid, which in previous studies in fasted subjects had not affected plasma somatostatinlike immunoreactivity. The effects of cimetidine on postprandial plasma gastrin were the inverse of those observed on postprandial somatostatin. There was a greatly enhanced increment in postprandial plasma gastrin during cimetidine infusion, which was reduced significantly toward control levels by concomitant intragastric infusion of hydrochloric acid. To exclude direct inhibition by cimetidine of nutrient-stimulated plasma somatostatinlike immunoreactivity we studied the effect of cimetidine on plasma somatostatinlike immunoreactivity stimulated by an intraduodenal infusion of fat. Cimetidine did not alter the incremental response of somatostatinlike immunoreactivity to intraduodenal fat infusion. These data show that cimetidine does not invariably reduce nutrient-stimulated plasma somatostatinlike immunoreactivity and are consistent with the hypothesis that the action of cimetidine in reducing the plasma somatostatin response to ingestion of a meal is a consequence of reduction of postprandial acid secretion. These data suggest that the postprandial elevation in plasma somatostatin observed in humans is mediated in part through postprandial secretion of gastric acid, which in turn acts to elevate plasma somatostatin.
- Published
- 1989
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
31. Cloning and characterization of cDNAs encoding human gastrin-releasing peptide.
- Author
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Spindel ER, Chin WW, Price J, Rees LH, Besser GM, and Habener JF
- Subjects
- Amino Acid Sequence, Base Sequence, Carcinoid Tumor genetics, DNA Restriction Enzymes, Gastrin-Releasing Peptide, Humans, Liver Neoplasms genetics, Liver Neoplasms secondary, Nucleic Acid Hybridization, Poly A isolation & purification, RNA isolation & purification, RNA, Messenger genetics, Bombesin genetics, Cloning, Molecular, DNA metabolism, Peptides genetics
- Abstract
We have prepared and cloned cDNAs derived from poly(A)+ RNA from a human pulmonary carcinoid tumor rich in immunoreactivity to gastrin-releasing peptide, a peptide closely related in structure to amphibian bombesin. Mixtures of synthetic oligodeoxyribonucleotides corresponding to amphibian bombesin were used as hybridization probes to screen a cDNA library prepared from the tumor RNA. Sequencing of the recombinant plasmids shows that human gastrin-releasing peptide (hGRP) mRNA encodes a precursor of 148 amino acids containing a typical signal sequence, hGRP consisting of 27 or 28 amino acids, and a carboxyl-terminal extension peptide. hGRP is flanked at its carboxyl terminus by two basic amino acids, following a glycine used for amidation of the carboxyl-terminal methionine. RNA blot analyses of tumor RNA show a major mRNA of 900 bases and a minor mRNA of 850 bases. Blot hybridization analyses using human genomic DNA are consistent with a single hGRP-encoding gene. The presence of two mRNAs encoding the hGRP precursor protein in the face of a single hGRP gene raises the possibility of alternative processing of the single RNA transcript.
- Published
- 1984
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
32. Plasma immunoreactive corticotrophin and lipotrophin in Cushing's syndrome and Addison's disease.
- Author
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Gilkes JJ, Rees LH, and Besser GM
- Subjects
- Adrenalectomy, Clinical Trials as Topic, Humans, Hydrocortisone metabolism, Pigmentation Disorders complications, Addison Disease blood, Adrenocorticotropic Hormone blood, Cushing Syndrome blood, beta-Lipotropin blood
- Abstract
Plasma immunoreactive corticotrophin (ACTH) and lipotrophin (LPH) were measured in patients with raised circulating concentrations from a pituitary or an ectopic source. They were measured again in seven patients after they had received hydrocortisone. Plasma ACTH concentrations were higher than LPH concentrations in patients with a pituitary source of their hormones, whereas this relation was reversed when the source was ectopic. After hydrocortisone administration the half life of immunoreactive ACTH was 40 minutes and that of LPH 95 minutes, resulting in a reversal of the normal relation of ACTH to LPH. The use of two antisera with different specificities for measuring LPH has further shown that pituitary LPH differs from ectopic LPH. Relatively less gamma-LPH than beta-LPH was produced from ectopic sources, the relation being reversed in patients with a pituitary source for their raised concentrations. Measuring plasma LPH as well as ACTH might therefore help in deciding whether a patient with Cushing's syndrome has a pituitary or ectopic source of ACTH, which sometimes presents a difficult clinical problem.
- Published
- 1977
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
33. Metyrapone in long-term management of Cushing's disease.
- Author
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Jeffcoate WJ, Rees LH, Tomlin S, Jones AE, Edwards CR, and Besser GM
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adrenocorticotropic Hormone blood, Adult, Cushing Syndrome radiotherapy, Female, Hirsutism chemically induced, Humans, Male, Metyrapone adverse effects, Middle Aged, Prolactin blood, Water-Electrolyte Imbalance chemically induced, Cushing Syndrome drug therapy, Metyrapone therapeutic use
- Abstract
Metyrapone was used in the long-term management of 13 patients with pituitary-dependent bilateral adrenal hyperplasia (Cushing's disease). The total length of treatment ranged from two to 66 months, with a mean of 21 months. The clinical features of the disease rapidly improved on metyrapone and this improvement was maintained. Although plasma ACTH concentrations rose in all patients, the increase was insufficient to overcome the adrenal blockade induced by the drug. Eight of the 13 patients had additional external pituitary irradiation as definitive treatment of their disease and one underwent a transfrontal hypophysectomy. Radiotherapy cured one patient, and after three years metyrapone was withdrawn. Slight hirsuties was noted in four of the seven women who received the drug for six months or more. A fifth woman had more severe hirsuties and this led to bilateral adrenalectomy. Other than hirsuties, side effects were few and the routine use of metyrapone is recommended as an adjunct to more definitive treatment in all patients who present with Cushing's syndrome, irrespective of aetiology.
- Published
- 1977
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
34. Corticotropin-releasing factor is a potent inhibitor of sexual receptivity in the female rat.
- Author
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Sirinathsinghji DJ, Rees LH, Rivier J, and Vale W
- Subjects
- Adrenocorticotropic Hormone physiology, Aggression physiology, Animals, Endorphins physiology, Female, Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone physiology, Humans, Posture, Rats, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone physiology, Hypothalamus physiology, Mesencephalon physiology, Sexual Behavior, Animal physiology
- Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), the recently characterized and synthesized 41-amino acid polypeptide isolated from ovine hypothalami, has been shown to be a potent stimulator of adenohypophyseal beta-endorphin and corticotropin (ACTH) secretion both in vitro and in vivo. In common with other regulatory peptides, CRF has also been demonstrated to possess extra-hypophysiotropic roles. Indeed, intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) administered CRF elicits several endocrine and behavioural responses compatible with the concept that this peptide could be a key signal in coordinating the organism's endocrine and behavioural responses to stressful and other adaptive stimuli. We now provide the first evidence for neurally placed CRF in the control of a specific hormone-dependent behavioural response and unequivocally demonstrate an extremely potent suppressive effect of CRF on sexual behaviour in the female rat when microinfused into the arcuate-ventromedial area of the hypothalamus (ARC-VMH) and the mesencephalic central grey (MCG).
- Published
- 1983
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
35. Release of beta endorphin and met-enkephalin during exercise in normal women: response to training.
- Author
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Howlett TA, Tomlin S, Ngahfoong L, Rees LH, Bullen BA, Skrinar GS, and McArthur JW
- Subjects
- Adaptation, Physiological, Adult, Female, Humans, Menstruation Disturbances blood, Running, beta-Endorphin, Endorphins blood, Enkephalin, Methionine blood, Physical Education and Training, Physical Exertion
- Abstract
Plasma beta endorphin and met-enkephalin concentrations were measured in response to treadmill exercises in 15 normal women before, during, and after an intensive programme of exercise training. Significant release of beta endorphin occurred in all three test runs, and the pattern and amount of release were not altered by training. Before training dramatic release of met-enkephalin was observed in seven subjects and smaller rises observed in a further four, and this response was almost abolished by training. This represents the first observed "physiological" stimulus to met-enkephalin release. Endogenous opioid peptides play a part in adaptive changes to exercise training and probably contribute to the menstrual disturbances of women athletes.
- Published
- 1984
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
36. Possible placental origin of ACTH in normal human pregnancy.
- Author
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Rees LH, Burke CW, Chard T, Evans SW, and Letchworth AT
- Subjects
- Adrenocorticotropic Hormone blood, Female, Humans, Hydrocortisone urine, Iodine Radioisotopes, Radioimmunoassay, Time Factors, Adrenocorticotropic Hormone biosynthesis, Placenta metabolism, Pregnancy
- Published
- 1975
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
37. Plasma corticotrophin levels in addison-schilder's disease.
- Author
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Rees LH, Grant DB, and Wilson J
- Subjects
- 17-Hydroxycorticosteroids urine, 17-Ketosteroids urine, Addison Disease urine, Adrenocorticotropic Hormone immunology, Child, Child, Preschool, Cosyntropin, Diffuse Cerebral Sclerosis of Schilder urine, Humans, Immune Sera, Male, Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormones blood, Sex Factors, Addison Disease blood, Adrenocorticotropic Hormone blood, Diffuse Cerebral Sclerosis of Schilder blood
- Abstract
Raised plasma immunoreactive corticotrophin (ACTH) levels were found in five boys with the sex-linked disorder progressive leucodystrophy associated with adrenal insufficiency (Addison-Schilder's disease) and in a symptom-free brother of one of them. Similar ACTH concentrations were found using two antisera, one against the N-terminal part of the ACTH molecule and the other against the C-terminal part. In one patient the circulating ACTH had normal biological activity as measured using the cytochemical ACTH bioassay. Immunoreactive beta/-melanocyte-stimulating hormone was also determined in one patient and found to be raised.
- Published
- 1975
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
38. Circulating [Met]enkephalin and catecholamine responses to acute hypotension and hypertension in anaesthetized greyhounds.
- Author
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Mason DF, Medbak S, and Rees LH
- Subjects
- Anesthesia, Angiotensin II pharmacology, Animals, Chromatography, Gel, Dogs, Epinephrine blood, Nitroprusside pharmacology, Norepinephrine blood, Radioimmunoassay, Time Factors, Catecholamines blood, Enkephalin, Methionine blood, Hypertension blood, Hypotension blood
- Abstract
The effects of either hypotension induced by sodium nitroprusside or hexamethonium or hypertension produced by angiotensin II or noradrenaline on the circulating levels of methionine enkephalin ([Met]enkephalin)-like immunoreactivity (MLI), adrenaline and noradrenaline in anaesthetized greyhounds were examined. Nitroprusside infusions (200 and 400 micrograms min-1) induced a fall in blood pressure accompanied by significant rises in plasma MLI and catecholamine concentrations. Concomitant administration of a high dose of naloxone did not alter the fall in blood pressure produced by nitroprusside but was associated with greater rises in circulating MLI and catecholamines when compared to nitroprusside alone, suggesting that [Met]enkephalin is not involved in the hypotensive action of nitroprusside. Intravenous hexamethonium (2.5 mg kg-1) provoked a fall in blood pressure which was not associated with any changes in plasma MLI. However, it produced a fall in plasma noradrenaline and a rise in plasma adrenaline. Thus it appears that neural mechanisms are required, at least in part, for the release of MLI. Angiotensin II (1.25 micrograms kg-1 min-1) and noradrenaline (8 micrograms kg-1 min-1) infusions produced an elevation in blood pressure without altering the circulating MLI levels. Study of the molecular forms of circulating MLI, before and during hypotension, revealed that the large molecular weight enkephalin-containing peptides with approximate molecular sizes of 18kD and 8kD were the predominant forms both in the basal and stimulated states. It is concluded that circulating [Met]enkephalin is not involved in the tonic control of blood pressure but it may modulate catecholamine release following hypotension as part of the stress response.
- Published
- 1987
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
39. Abnormal growth hormone release in response to human pancreatic growth hormone releasing factor in acromegaly.
- Author
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Besser GM, Rees LH, Wass JA, Savage MO, Grossman A, and Lytras N
- Subjects
- Acromegaly physiopathology, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone, Humans, Growth Hormone metabolism, Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone
- Published
- 1983
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
40. Treatment of prolactinomas with megavoltage radiotherapy.
- Author
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Grossman A, Cohen BL, Charlesworth M, Plowman PN, Rees LH, Wass JA, Jones AE, and Besser GM
- Subjects
- Adenoma drug therapy, Adenoma metabolism, Adolescent, Adult, Combined Modality Therapy, Ergolines therapeutic use, Female, Fertility, Humans, Middle Aged, Pituitary Hormones, Anterior blood, Pituitary Neoplasms drug therapy, Pituitary Neoplasms metabolism, Prolactin blood, Adenoma radiotherapy, Pituitary Neoplasms radiotherapy, Prolactin metabolism, Radiotherapy, High-Energy
- Abstract
The outcome of treatment of 36 women with prolactinomas using megavoltage radiotherapy combined with interim dopamine agonists (bromocriptine, lysuride, pergolide) was reviewed; 16 of the women showed radiological evidence of a macroadenoma. The most common presenting symptom was secondary amenorrhoea; 26 of the patients had galactorrhoea. In 29 patients who wished to conceive the ovulation rate (as indicated by circulating progesterone concentrations) was 97% and the successful fertility rate 86%. No patient had enlargement of the tumour during pregnancy and there were no complications of radiotherapy. No further tumour enlargement was detected in serial skull radiographs, and an improvement in size of the fossa was noted in 45% of those assessed. When medical treatment was withdrawn a mean of 4.2 years (range 1-11) after radiotherapy in the 27 patients who had completed their families the serum prolactin concentration had fallen appreciably in 26 of them and later became normal in eight. The incidence of growth hormone deficiency rose from 24% of the whole group before radiotherapy to 79% afterwards. Only one patient required thyroxine, and one was receiving gonadotrophin. No patient became deficient in adrenocorticotrophic hormone. A regimen of megavoltage radiotherapy and interim bromocriptine allows women with prolactinomas safely to undergo pregnancy and results in the long term prospect of tumour shrinkage and control of hyperprolactinaemia.
- Published
- 1984
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
41. Bromocriptine in management of large pituitary tumours.
- Author
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Wass JA, Williams J, Charlesworth M, Kingsley DP, Halliday AM, Doniach I, Rees LH, McDonald WI, and Besser GM
- Subjects
- Adult, Aged, Clinical Trials as Topic, Female, Growth Hormone blood, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Pituitary Neoplasms blood, Pituitary Neoplasms complications, Prolactin blood, Prospective Studies, Vision Disorders complications, Visual Fields, Bromocriptine therapeutic use, Pituitary Neoplasms drug therapy
- Abstract
Bromocriptine has an accepted place in the management of small pituitary tumours that secrete either prolactin or growth hormone. The treatment of large tumours with extrasellar extensions is more difficult, however: though surgery is the standard treatment, it is often unsuccessful in returning excessive hormone secretion to normal and may cause hypopituitarism. A prospective trial was undertaken to assess the frequency with which changes in pituitary function and size of large tumours occurs. Nineteen patients were studied before and during treatment with bromocriptine (7.5 to 60 ml/day) for three to 22 months, using contrast radiology and a detailed assessment of pituitary function. Eighteen patients had hyperprolactinaemia and two of these also had raised concentrations of growth hormones; one patient had an apparently non-functioning tumour. In 12 patients (63%) tumour size decreased with bromocriptine and no tumour enlarged. Nine patients had visual-field defects, which improved in seven, becoming normal in five. Pituitary function improved in nine patients (47%) becoming entirely normal in three. Bromocriptine should be the treatment of choice in patients with large pituitary tumours with extrasellar extensions, provided close supervision is maintained.
- Published
- 1982
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
42. Long-term treatment of acromegaly with bromocriptine.
- Author
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Wass JA, Thorner MO, Morris DV, Rees LH, Mason AS, Jones AE, and Besser GM
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Bromocriptine administration & dosage, Female, Growth Hormone blood, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Time Factors, Acromegaly drug therapy, Bromocriptine therapeutic use, Ergolines therapeutic use
- Abstract
Seventy-three patients with active acromegaly were treated for three to 25 months with bromocriptine 10-60 mg/day. Seventy-one patients showed symptomatic and objective clinical improvement. This included reduction in excessive sweating, hand and foot size, and the number of headaches; improved facial appearance; and increased energy and libido. Abnormal visual fields became normal in two patients, one of whom had concomitant radiotherapy. Mean circulating growth hormone levels, obtained by averaging serial samples through the day, fell by more than 7 microng/l or became undetectable in 58 patients (79%) but did not reach normal values: only 15 patients had mean levels on treatment of 5 microng/l or less. Twenty-three patients were diabetic before treatment, and glucose tolerance became normal in 15 and improved in a further five. Provided the drug was started slowly side effects were minor when compared with the considerable clinical benefit obtained.
- Published
- 1977
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
43. A reappraisal of human beta MSH.
- Author
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Bloomfield GA, Scott AP, Lowry PJ, Gilkes JJ, and Rees LH
- Subjects
- Amino Acid Sequence, Chromatography, Gel, Humans, In Vitro Techniques, Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormones blood, Molecular Weight, Peptides analysis, Radioimmunoassay, Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormones analysis, Pituitary Gland analysis
- Published
- 1974
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
44. Isolated ACTH deficiency and TSH deficiency in the adult.
- Author
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Burke CW, Moore RA, Rees LH, Bottazzo GF, Mashiter K, and Bitensky L
- Subjects
- Adrenocorticotropic Hormone metabolism, Alcoholism complications, Autoantibodies immunology, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone physiology, Female, Humans, Hypoglycemia etiology, Hypothalamus physiopathology, Male, Middle Aged, Pituitary Diseases immunology, Pituitary Diseases metabolism, Pituitary Gland physiopathology, Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone pharmacology, Adrenocorticotropic Hormone deficiency, Thyrotropin deficiency
- Published
- 1979
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
45. Gonadal function in Hodgkin's disease: long-term follow-up of chemotherapy.
- Author
-
Waxman JH, Terry YA, Wrigley PF, Malpas JS, Rees LH, Besser GM, and Lister TA
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Amenorrhea chemically induced, Child, Drug Therapy, Combination, Female, Follow-Up Studies, Hodgkin Disease physiopathology, Humans, Male, Mechlorethamine adverse effects, Middle Aged, Oligospermia chemically induced, Prednisolone adverse effects, Procarbazine adverse effects, Vinblastine adverse effects, Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols, Hodgkin Disease drug therapy, Ovary physiopathology, Testis physiopathology
- Abstract
A long-term study of gonadal function was conducted in 46 men and 28 women in prolonged remission of advanced Hodgkin's disease after cyclical combination chemotherapy with nitrogen mustard, vinblastine, prednisolone, and procarbazine. The mean follow-up was 6.9 years. Azoospermia or profound oligospermia occurred in 36 of the men, but late recovery was occasionally observed. Testosterone secretion was preserved. Amenorrhoea and gonadal hormone deficiency developed in 22 of the women and never recovered. Partial or complete chemical sterilisation and gonadal hormone deficiency is currently a consequence of cure of advanced Hodgkin's disease in most patients.
- Published
- 1982
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
46. Plasma immunoreactive melanotrophic hormones in patients on maintenance haemodialysis.
- Author
-
Gilkes JJ, Eady RA, Rees LH, Munro DD, and Moorhead JF
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adrenal Cortex Hormones blood, Adrenocorticotropic Hormone blood, Adult, Chronic Disease, Female, Fluorometry, Humans, Kidney Failure, Chronic physiopathology, Kidney Failure, Chronic therapy, Male, Middle Aged, Radioimmunoassay, Skin Pigmentation, Kidney Failure, Chronic blood, Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormones blood, Renal Dialysis
- Abstract
Circulating levels of melanotrophic horomones and ACTH were determined in patients treated by maintenance dialysis for chronic renal failure. Plasma melanotrophic hormone levels were greatly increased in all patients studied (125-1100 ng/1 as compared with 12-36 ng/1 in normal adults) and were correlated with the duration of treatment. Skin pigmentation, especially in exposed areas, was notably increased, particularly in those patients with the highest plasma melanotrophic concentrations. Plasma ACTH levels were normal or only slightly raised and circulating corticosteroid concentrations, as determined by a fluorimetric method, all lay within the physiological range. The dissociation between ACTH and melanotrophic hormone levels in these patients may have been the result of a slower metabolic clearance of the latter.
- Published
- 1975
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
47. Familial glucocorticoid deficiency. Studies of diagnosis and pathogenesis.
- Author
-
Thistlethwaite D, Darling JA, Fraser R, Mason PA, Rees LH, and Harkness RA
- Subjects
- 17-Hydroxycorticosteroids urine, Adrenal Cortex Hormones blood, Adrenal Insufficiency etiology, Adrenocorticotropic Hormone blood, Adrenocorticotropic Hormone pharmacology, Aldosterone blood, Blood Glucose analysis, Body Height, Body Weight, Child, Preschool, Corticosterone blood, Cortisone therapeutic use, Deficiency Diseases drug therapy, Female, Humans, Hydrocortisone blood, Hydrocortisone therapeutic use, Hydrogen-Ion Concentration, Infant, Male, Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormones blood, Pigmentation Disorders drug therapy, Pigmentation Disorders etiology, Adrenal Insufficiency genetics, Glucocorticoids deficiency
- Abstract
The clinical and biochemical findings are described in 2 brothers who had intermittent hypoglycaemia generally precipitated by the "stress" of infection. Both were tall and pigmented. Both boys showed a failure of adrenocortical response to ACTH which was progressive in the eldest boy. The diagnosis of familial glucocorticoid deficiency (hereditary adrenocortical unresponsiveness) was confirmed by the absence of electrolyte imbalance even on a low sodium diet, and by very high levels of ACTH in plasma. High levels of deoxycorticosterone (DOC) were found in both children with normal levels of other plasma corticosteroids. It is suggested that the high levels of DOC may be in some way related to the apparent persistence of a "fetal" type of adrenocortical steroid biosynthesis for 18 months or more in these boys. After the diagnosis, established by relatively simple methods, treatment with cortisone acetate has 0een highly effective.
- Published
- 1975
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
48. Preparation and characterisation of a specific antiserum to the C-fragment of lipotropin.
- Author
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Snell CR, Jeffcoate W, Lowry PJ, Rees LH, and Smyth DG
- Subjects
- Animals, Antibody Formation, Binding Sites, Antibody, Cross Reactions, Humans, Rats, beta-Lipotropin metabolism, Immune Sera, beta-Lipotropin immunology
- Published
- 1977
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
49. Chlorpropamide alcohol flush and circulating met-enkephalin: a positive link.
- Author
-
Medbak S, Wass JA, Clement-Jones V, Cooke ED, Bowcock SA, Cudworth AG, and Rees LH
- Subjects
- Chlorpropamide therapeutic use, Diabetes Mellitus blood, Diabetes Mellitus drug therapy, Double-Blind Method, Drug Interactions, Enkephalin, Methionine, Erythema blood, Face, Female, Humans, Male, beta-Endorphin, Chlorpropamide adverse effects, Endorphins blood, Enkephalins blood, Erythema chemically induced, Wine adverse effects
- Abstract
Chlorpropamide-alcohol flushing may be due to sensitivity to endogenous opiates. To investigate this possibility the plasma met-enkephalin and beta-endorphin responses to sherry with and without chlorpropamide were studied in six patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes and in six normal subjects. After chlorpropamide all patients showed a rise in met-enkephalin concentrations from a basal level of 50 +/- 7.2 ng/l to a peak of 75 +/- 8.1 ng/l (p less than 0.001). In contrast, before chlorpropamide treatment was started met-enkephalin values did not change after alcohol. No significant changes in beta-endorphin values were observed. In six normal subjects pretreated with chlorpropamide the met-enkephalin concentration also rose from a basal level of 72 +/- 15 ng/l to a peak of 103 +/- 9.4 ng/l (p less than 0.002). Again, the met-enkephalin rise was not observed after placebo. Neither beta-endorphin concentrations nor facial temperature changed significantly. These data suggest that endogenous opiates may be implicated in CPAF. Furthermore, this is the first study in which a significant change in circulating met-enkephalin values has occurred.
- Published
- 1981
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
50. Plasma adrenocorticotrophin concentration during induction of parturition by the intravascular infusion of physiological amounts of cortisol into the sheep foetus.
- Author
-
Jack PM, Nathanielsz PW, Rees LH, and Thomas AL
- Subjects
- Animals, Female, Hydrocortisone blood, Pregnancy, Sheep, Adrenocorticotropic Hormone blood, Fetal Blood analysis, Hydrocortisone administration & dosage, Labor, Induced
- Published
- 1975
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