The contribution of sonographic evaluation of ovarian size in patients with polycystic ovarian disease.

The ovarian size of 44 patients with clinical and endocrinologic findings suggesting polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) was studied by ultrasound examination. Reproducibility of the ovarian parameters (transverse, longitudinal, and anteroposterior diameters, and volume) was also evaluated. The endocrine status of each patient was evaluated by assay of blood levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, 17 beta-estradiol (17 beta E2), and serum prolactin (PRL).

Effects of increased central dopaminergic tonus on gonadotropin secretion.

Gonadotropin secretion was investigated in 10 healthy volunteers (5 men and 5 women in the early follicular phase of cycle) by the following procedures: i) infusion of saline over 4 1/2 h period; ii) infusion of dopamine (DA) 4 microgram/kg bw/min over 4 h period; iii) oral administration of L-dopa (D) 100 mg plus carbidopa (C) 35 mg after 24 h pretreatment with C 50 mg every 6 h. This last pharmacological approach selectively enhances the central dopaminergic tonus. Blood samples were withdrawn every 15 min over 4 1/2 h period.