[Metabolic evaluation and etiology of "preclinical hypothyroidism": a preliminary report].

The TRH test, using synthetic TRH (TSH-releasing hormone) is the most sensitive test for the assessment of thyroid function. It may show elevated basal TSH and/or an exaggerated TSH response to TRH, despite normal thyroid hormone levels (T4, FT4I, T3). This condition is termed "preclinical hypothyroidism" (pc hypo).

[Improved thyroid diagnosis in borderline hyperthyroidism by determination of free T3 index].

The measurements of circulating total thyroxine (T4) and total triiodothyronine (T3) depend on the concentrations of thyroid hormone binding proteins, especially TBG. A simple approach, the calculation of free T3 index (FT3I) and augmented FT3I (aFT3I) from total T3 and T3-resin uptake, corrects the total serum T3 for variation in thyroid hormone binding capacity. In a group of 95 patients with borderline elevated T3 levels (3.

[Effect of the dopamin antagonist metoclopramide on the TSH response after oral TRH in the TSH suppression syndrome ("preclinical hyperthyroidism"). Preliminary report].

The TSH response to exogenous TRH may be diminished or absent not only on overt hyperthyroidism but also in other situations, e.g. obesity, old age, multinodular goiter and depression.

[Value of the oral TRH test for the evaluation of thyroid function in impaired TSH reserve. Preliminary report].

Oral TRH (40 mg) exerts a marked and protracted stimulatory effect on TSH release. The potency of oral TRH in stimulating TSH and T3 was evaluated in 26 euthyroid patients with absent or impaired TSH response in the i.v.

Endogenous nature of circadian rhythms in calcium metabolism.

Rats studied when the lights are on from 0600 to 1800 daily and fed only in the dark period displayed circadian rhythms in plasma calcium (ionized and total) and 45Ca concentrations, 6 and 8 days after 45Ca administration. In rats fed a calcium-deficient diet, the amplitude of daily variation of plasma ionized and total calcium increased markedly whereas plasma 45Ca daily fluctuation remained essentially unchanged. In the calcium-deficient rats, significant correlations between plasma calcium and 45Ca and between plasma calcium and magnesium were observed throughout the 24 h; circadian periodicity of calcium metabolism persisted in rats fasted overnight, regardless of the illumination schedule.

Inhibition of rat basal pancreatic secretion by intraduodenal bile.

The effect on basal exocrine pancreatic secretion of diversion from and reintroduction into the duodenum of bile has been studied on conscious rats provided with pancreatic, biliary and duodenal fistulae. Diversion of bile from the intestine augmented protein output by 30%. After an eight-hour diversion recirculation of bile into the duodenum reduced pancreatic protein output by 30%; volume being not significantly modified.

[Ectopic hormone formation and tumor markers in bronchial neoplasms].

Carcinoma of the bronchus can produce several polypeptide hormones and therefore has the capacity to cause most syndromes of endocrine hyperfunction. All pituitary hormones can be synthesized ectopically; furthermore, the production of hormones from the hypothalamus (CRF), the placenta (HCG, HPL) and the C-cells of the thyroid (calcitonin), as well as parathormone and prostaglandins has been described. The paraneoplastic syndrome may often be more dangerous for the patient than the tumor growth itself, and can lead to early death.

The short metyrapone test: comparison of the plasma ACTH response to metyrapone and insulin-induced hypoglycaemia.

Plasma ACTH levels in response to metyrapone and insulin hypoglycaemia were compared in subjects with normal pituitary-adrenal function. After a single dose of 2 g of metyrapone given with a snack at midnight, the ACTH level was 468 ng/l +/- 66 )SEM) at 07.30 h the next morning (mean increment approximately nine fold over normal morning values).

A technique for multiple, high-rate blood samplings via an external cannula in rats.

A method for obtaining multiple, high-rate blood sample collections from rats without the use of anesthesia and anticoagulant is described. The surgical procedure consists of a bypass of the carotid via a cannula; this cannula forms a loop above the rat's head and is available for blood sampling. The method permits the investigation of high-frequency oscillations in blood components of rat.

[Regulation of calcium metabolism ; its rhythmic variations].

In rats fed a calcium-deficient diet, the amplitude of daily variation of plasma ionized and total calcium increased markedly whereas plasma 45Ca daily fluctuation remained essentially unchanged. Normal daily fluctuations in plasma 45Ca, lost after thyroparathyroidectomy, were restored by feeding rats a high-calcium diet. A suggestion is that circadian rhythmicity originates as a result of dynamic properties involving nonlinear processes of calcium metabolism.

[Biology of breast cancer: current approaches to new treatment modalities].

After years of progress, there appear to be few new developments in the treatment of breast cancer at the present time. Aspects of breast cancer are discussed which might offer new therapeutic possibilities. The rather schematic management of the patient with breast cancer is less than well matched with the variable biology and the multitude of factors influencing risk and prognosis.

[Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), a new metabolic in vitro thyroid function test].

SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) is a carrier protein for the sex hormones testosterone and estradiol with a molecular weight of about 95000 dalton. It can be used as a metabolic test of thyroid function. SHBG was measured by the adsorption method of Mickelson and Petra; the SHBG contained in serum is incubated with 3H-5alpha-dihydrotestosterone and adsorbed to a cellulose filter.

Cyproteroneacetate and ACTH adrenal function.

Cyproteroneacetate, an antiandrogenic and gonadotropin-inhibiting steroid, has a marked ACTH suppressive effect. In rats, adrenal atrophy and severe impairment of ACTH and corticosterone responses to stress are induced by a 10-day treatment with 3-0.75 mg/100 g BW cyproteroneacetate/day.

[The influence of the galenic form of 131I administration on the results of radioiodine tests--comparison of 131I in capsules and in solutions (author's transl)].

A comparative study of thyroid uptake and PB131I in two groups of 20 euthyroid persons each was performed. In one group 131I was administered in the form of capsules and in the other as a solution. The application of 131I in capsule form showed no significant decrease of thyroid uptake at 2, 24 and 48 hr but a significant diminishment of PB131I 48 hr after capsule ingestion (p less than 0,05).