[Plasma noradrenaline in hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism].

Plasma noradrenaline concentrations (NA) were measured in 11 hypothyroid patients, 24 hypothyroid patients and 30 normal subjects after 30 minutes of supine rest and after 5 minutes of standing. Observed noradrenaline levels, after rest as well as after standing, were significantly higher in hypothyroid patients (NA rest = 0.66 +/- 0.

[Non-tumor-related hirsutism in the adult woman: ovarian dystrophy or disorders of adrenal gland hormonogenesis?].

As Yen admits, polycystic ovarian disease (POD) probably has several causes, one of which involves an adrenal origin. In 20 out of a group of 45 hirsute women, the authors detected a biologic pattern suggesting ovarian dystrophy. Kinetic investigation of the adrenal function in these subjects during a synacthen retard test detected abnormal adrenal hormone production due to partial enzymatic block: in 3 cases of 21-hydroxylase, in 1 case of 11-hydroxylase and in 3 cases of 3 beta-hydroxydehydrogenase.

[Assay of the free fraction of thyroxine. Its role in the study of thyroid function].

In a prospective study of 467 subjects with normal, increased or decreased thyroid function the results of free thyroxine (FT4) assays by 2 radioimmunological methods were compared with the free thyroxine index (FT1) and the T4/TBG ratio. It appeared from this study that FT4 assays were at least as good as the FT1 to confirm the diagnosis of euthyroidism and were distinctly superior to measurements of FT1, T4 adn T3 in patients with abnormal thyroid function. In view of the close correlation observed between clinical findings and the results of FT4 assays, a new strategy may be proposed to investigate thyroid function.