Search

The effect on thyroid function was investigated in 22 patients undergoing arteriography with a new low osmolality contrast medium—sodium and meglumine ioxaglate (Hexabrix). Plasma thyroxine (T4), thyroxine resin uptake (TRU) and free thyroxine index (FTI) were measured before and at varying intervals up to 56 days after the arteriogram. Despite the large doses of Hexabrix used (up to 89.6 g of iodine), these tests of thyroid function did not reveal any significant change from pre-angiographic levels. It is concluded that Hexabrix as used for arteriography does not affect thyroid function.

Three highly polar unconjugated Δ4-3-oxosteroids containing a 6β-hydroxyl group have been isolated from human pregnancy urine. They have been identified as 6β,17α,20β,21-tetrahydroxypregn-4-ene-3,11-dione (compound 3), 6β,11β,17α,20α,21-pentahydroxypregn-4-en-3-one (Compound 4c) and 6β,11β,17α,20β,21-pentahydroxypregn-4-en-3-one (Compound 4d). Two further steroidal compounds were found, but have not as yet been identified. The isolation procedure involved the use of thin-layer chromatography for purification of the crude urinary extracts and paper chromatography for the isolation of the individual steroids. Chemical transformations and spectroscopic analyses have been used for the identification of the individual compounds.

6β-Hydroxycortisol (Compound 1), 6β,17α,20β,21-tetrahydroxypregn-4-ene-3,11-dione (Compound 3), and 6β,11β,17α,20β,21-pentahydroxy-pregn-4-en-3-one (Compound 4) were determined in liquor amnii obtained from women in the third trimester of pregnancy. The analytical method involved paper chromatography, followed by visual estimation of the fluorescence induced by treatment with sodium hydroxide.In normal pregnancy the following average values (μg./100 ml. liquor amnii) were found: Compound 1, 4·3; Compound 3, 3·1; Compound 4, 0·8. Statistically significant deviations from normal values were observed in pregnancies associated with Rhesus incompatibility, diabetes mellitus, anencephaly and idiopathic hydramnios.Explanations for these differences have been examined.

The respective mean 24 h urinary excretions of sulphoconjugated 16α-hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone, 16-oxo-androstenediol, and dehydroepiandrosterone were found to be 1040, 230, and 668 μg/24 h for normal males, and 621, 209, and 304 μg/24 h for normal non-pregnant females. None of the differences in mean steroid excretions between males and non-pregnant females was statistically significant according to the usual criterion for significance (P< 0.05).The mean excretions of sulphoconjugated 16α-hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone, 16-oxo-androstenediol and dehydroepiandrosterone between the 10th week of normal pregnancy and term were 1300, 505 and 226 μg/24 h respectively. No significant trend in the excretions of these neutral steroid sulphates between the 10th week of pregnancy and term could be detected.The increased excretion of both C-16 oxygenated steroid sulphates in pregnancy was highly significant (P< 0.001). In contrast, the statistical significance of the difference in excretion of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate between pregnant and non-pregnant females could not be established.There did not appear to be any relationship between the excretion of 16α-hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone sulphate and oestriol in normal pregnancy.The results are considered to be consistent with a limited transplacental passage of neutral steroids from the foetoplacental to maternal circulation.

Adrenocortical function was assessed in 20 patients receiving long-term corticosteroid drugs for a variety of non-endocrine disorders.In all cases plasma 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OHCS) levels were within or above normal limits 48 hours after abruptly stopping their drugs and a further marked rise occurred in 7 patients given metyrapone for 24 h. Urinary 17-OHCS excretion did not show a parallel rise. Taking the group as a whole, a small rise in the mean output occurred 48 hours after stopping therapy, and a further slightly greater rise followed metyrapone.3 patients had a relapse of their underlying condition during the test in spite of normal plasma and urinary 17-OHCS levels.