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LH
Terms modified by LH Selected AbstractsOXYGEN TRANSMISSION RATE THROUGH MICRO-PERFORATED FILMS: MEASUREMENT AND MODEL COMPARISONJOURNAL OF FOOD PROCESS ENGINEERING, Issue 2 2001V. GHOSH ABSTRACT Static and flow-through techniques were used to experimentally measure the oxygen transmission rate of micro-perforated films. The static method simulates the actual package conditions but is very time consuming. Whereas, the flow-through method is relatively simple and takes less time to give the results, but it gave higher values than that obtained by the static method. A regression equation was developed to correlate the data obtained by these two methods. Published models for predicting gas exchange through micro-perforations were evaluated. The predicted data by these models were compared with the experimental data obtained by the static method and the flow-through method for six different films. The model proposed by Fishman et al. (1996) (J=-D(c-cA)/Lh; Lh= thickness of the film + radius of the perforation) had very good agreement with the experimental data from the static method. [source] Cells of the Arcuate Nucleus and Ventromedial Nucleus of the Ovariectomized Ewe that Respond to Oestrogen: A Study Using Fos ImmunohistochemistryJOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 11 2001I. J. Clarke Abstract Oestrogen produces a positive feedback effect on the secretion of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) when implanted into the ventromedial/arcuate nucleus of the ovariectomized (OVX) ewe. This has led to the belief that it is in this area of the hypothalamus that oestrogen causes the preovulatory surge in GnRH/LH. To date, however, the cell types that are integral to this response have not been identified. The present study aimed to examine cellular responsiveness to oestrogen in this region of the brain using Fos immunohistochemistry and further aimed to determine the cell type that shows an acute response to oestrogen. OVX ewes (n = 4,6 per group) were given i.m. injections of oestradiol benzoate or oil (vehicle) and were killed 1,6 h later. Brains were perfused for immunohistochemistry. The number of cells in the arcuate nucleus which were immunopositive for Fos was greater (two- to fourfold) in the oestradiol benzoate-treated OVX ewes (n = 5) 1 h after injection. The number of Fos-positive cells in the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus was 10-fold greater in the oestradiol benzoate-treated ewes 1 h after injection. Because there were high levels of Fos-immunoreactive cells in oil-treated ewes, we repeated the experiment with i.v. injection of 50 µg oestrogen or vehicle (n = 5). With this latter procedure, we found that oestrogen injection caused a significant increase in the number of Fos immunoreactive cells in the arcuate nucleus within 1 h, but there was no response in the ventromedial hypothalamus. To further characterize the types of cells that might respond to oestrogen, we double-labelled cells for Fos and either adrenocorticotropin hormone, neuropeptide Y or tyrosine hydroxylase (a marker for dopaminergic cells). These cell types could account for less than 30% of the total number of cells that were Fos-positive and oestrogen treatment did not cause an increase in the Fos labelling of any of these types of cell. These data show that oestrogen activates cells of the arcuate/ventromedial hypothalamus within 1 h of injection and that this response could relate to the feedback effects of this gonadal hormone. The majority of cells that produce Fos following oestrogen injection are of unknown phenotype. The data further suggest that induction of cells of the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus require more prolonged oestrogen stimulus than cells of the arcuate nucelus. [source] Physiological functions of glucose-inhibited neuronesACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 1 2009D. Burdakov Abstract Glucose-inhibited neurones are an integral part of neurocircuits regulating cognitive arousal, body weight and vital adaptive behaviours. Their firing is directly suppressed by extracellular glucose through poorly understood signalling cascades culminating in opening of post-synaptic K+ or possibly Cl, channels. In mammalian brains, two groups of glucose-inhibited neurones are best understood at present: neurones of the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) that express peptide transmitters NPY and agouti-related peptide (AgRP) and neurones of the lateral hypothalamus (LH) that express peptide transmitters orexins/hypocretins. The activity of ARC NPY/AgRP neurones promotes food intake and suppresses energy expenditure, and their destruction causes a severe reduction in food intake and body weight. The physiological actions of ARC NPY/AgRP cells are mediated by projections to numerous hypothalamic areas, as well as extrahypothalamic sites such as the thalamus and ventral tegmental area. Orexin/hypocretin neurones of the LH are critical for normal wakefulness, energy expenditure and reward-seeking, and their destruction causes narcolepsy. Orexin actions are mediated by highly widespread central projections to virtually all brain areas except the cerebellum, including monosynaptic innervation of the cerebral cortex and autonomic pre-ganglionic neurones. There, orexins act on two specific G-protein-coupled receptors generally linked to neuronal excitation. In addition to sensing physiological changes in sugar levels, the firing of both NPY/AgRP and orexin neurones is inhibited by the ,satiety' hormone leptin and stimulated by the ,hunger' hormone ghrelin. Glucose-inhibited neurones are thus well placed to coordinate diverse brain states and behaviours based on energy levels. [source] Effects of a yoga breath intervention alone and in combination with an exposure therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder and depression in survivors of the 2004 South-East Asia tsunamiACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 4 2010T. Descilo Descilo T, Vedamurtachar A, Gerbarg PL, Nagaraja D, Gangadhar BN, Damodaran B, Adelson B, Braslow LH, Marcus S, Brown RP. Effects of a yoga breath intervention alone and in combination with an exposure therapy for PTSD and depression in survivors of the 2004 South-East Asia tsunami. Objective:, This study evaluated the effect of a yoga breath program alone and followed by a trauma reduction exposure technique on post-traumatic stress disorder and depression in survivors of the 2004 Asian tsunami. Method:, In this non-randomized study, 183 tsunami survivors who scored 50 or above on the Post-traumatic Checklist-17 (PCL-17) were assigned by camps to one of three groups: yoga breath intervention, yoga breath intervention followed by 3,8 h of trauma reduction exposure technique or 6-week wait list. Measures for post-traumatic stress disorder (PCL-17) and depression (BDI-21) were performed at baseline and at 6, 12 and 24 weeks. Data were analyzed using anova and mixed effects regression. Results:, The effect of treatment vs. control was significant at 6 weeks (F2,178 = 279.616, P < 0.001): mean PCL-17 declined by 42.5 ± 10.0 SD with yoga breath, 39.2 ± 17.2 with Yoga breath + exposure and 4.6 ± 13.2 in the control. Conclusion:, Yoga breath-based interventions may help relieve psychological distress following mass disasters. [source] Regulation of oocyte maturation in fishDEVELOPMENT GROWTH & DIFFERENTIATION, Issue 2008Yoshitaka Nagahama A period of oocyte growth is followed by a process called oocyte maturation (the resumption of meiosis) which occurs prior to ovulation and is a prerequisite for successful fertilization. Our studies using fish models have revealed that oocyte maturation is a three-step induction process involving gonadotropin (LH), maturation-inducing hormone (MIH), and maturation-promoting factor (MPF). LH acts on the ovarian follicle layer to produce MIH (17,, 20,-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one, 17,, 20,-DP, in most fishes). The interaction of ovarian thecal and granulosa cell layers (two-cell type model), is required for the synthesis of 17,,20,-DP. The dramatic increase in the capacity of postvitellogenic follicles to produce 17,,20,-DP in response to LH is correlated with decreases in P450c17 (P450c17-I) and P450 aromatase (oP450arom) mRNA and increases in the novel form of P450c17 (P450c17-II) and 20,-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20,-HSD) mRNA. Transcription factors such as Ad4BP/SF-1, Foxl2, and CREB may be involved in the regulation of expression of these steroidogenic enzymes. A distinct family of G-protein-coupled membrane-bound MIH receptors has been shown to mediate non-genomic actions of 17,, 20,-DP. The MIH signal induces the de novo synthesis of cyclin B from the stored mRNA, which activates a preexisting 35 kDa cdc2 kinase via phosphorylation of its threonine 161 by cyclin-dependent kinase activating kinase, thus producing the 34 kDa active cdc2 (active MPF). Upon egg activation, MPF is inactivated by degradation of cyclin B. This process is initiated by the 26S proteasome through the first cut in its NH2 terminus at lysine 57. [source] Letrozole normalizes serum testosterone in severely obese men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadismDIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM, Issue 3 2005H. De Boer Background:, Morbid obesity is associated with increased estradiol production as a result of aromatase-dependent conversion of testosterone to estradiol. The elevated serum estradiol levels may inhibit pituitary LH secretion to such extent that hypogonadotropic hypogonadism can result. Normalization of the disturbed estradiol-testosterone balance may be beneficial to reverse the adverse effects of hypogonadism. Aim:, To examine whether aromatase inhibition with Letrozole can normalize serum testosterone levels in severely obese men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Patients and Methods:, Ten severely obese men, mean age 48.2 ± 2.3 (s.e.) years and body mass index 42.1 ± 2.6 kg/m2, were treated with Letrozole for 6 weeks in doses ranging from 7.5 to 17.5 mg per week. Results:, Six weeks of treatment decreased serum estradiol from 120 ± 20 to 70 ± 9 pmol/l (p = 0.006). None of the subjects developed an estradiol level of less than 40 pmol/l. LH increased from 4.5 ± 0.8 to 14.8 ± 2.3 U/l (p < 0.001). Total testosterone rose from 7.5 ± 1.0 to 23.8 ± 3.0 nmol/l (p < 0.001) without a concomitant change in sex hormone-binding globulin level. Those treated with Letrozole 17.5 mg per week had an excessive LH response. Conclusion:, Short-term Letrozole treatment normalized serum testosterone levels in all obese men. The clinical significance of this intervention remains to be established in controlled, long-term studies. [source] Reproductive hormonal changes and catamenial pattern in adolescent females with epilepsyEPILEPSIA, Issue 9 2008Hamed A. El-Khayat Summary Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the effect of epilepsy on the reproductive hormones levels among female patients, and to investigate the frequency of catamenial pattern of seizures. Methods: A total of 42 female patients with epilepsy and 21 healthy females (control group) were included. Subjects were at least 2 years postmenarche with regular cycles. Symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) were assessed using calendar of premenstrual experience scoring. Patients were evaluated for catamenial pattern of seizures. Levels of FSH, LH, estradiol (E), and progesterone (P) were assessed for all subjects in the three phases of the cycles. Pelvi-abdominal ultrasound was performed near time of ovulation, to follow up size of mature follicle. Results: Symptoms of PMS were not different in patients and controls, or in patients with and those without catamenial tendency. In both perimenstrual (M) and midluteal phases, FSH and P levels were lower and E/P ratio higher in patients group. There was a catamenial pattern of seizures in 31% of patients (53.8% M C1; 46.15% inadequate luteal phase C3pattern). Patients with C3pattern showed lower P levels in the midluteal phase compared to patients with noncatamenial pattern, to those with C1pattern or to controls. Patients with C1pattern had lower P levels than controls in the M phase. Conclusion: There was evident disruption in the reproductive hormones in female patients with epilepsy with lower FSH and P levels and higher E/P ratio. A total of 31% of patients showed catamenial pattern of seizures (C1and C3patterns) that was significantly related to P withdrawal. [source] The effects of dexamethasone and prednisolone on pituitary and ovarian function in the mareEQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 5 2010R. A. FERRIS Summary Reasons for performing study: Persistent mating induced endometritis is among the most common causes of infertility in the mare. Recently, improved pregnancy rates have been reported when corticosteroids were administered to ,problem mares' specifically, to modulate the post mating inflammatory response; however, the effect of treatment on pituitary and ovarian function requires further study. Objectives: To evaluate the effects of prolonged treatment with glucocorticoids on pituitary and ovarian function. Methods: Eighteen cycling Quarter Horse mares in early oestrus were assigned randomly to one of 3 treatment groups: dexamethasone 0.05 mg/kg bwt i.v. twice a day, prednisolone 0.5 mg/kg per os twice a day, or placebo for 5 days. Mares were examined by ultrasound daily to evaluate reproductive function. Blood samples were collected daily to measure luteinising hormone (LH), progesterone and cortisol levels. Results: Dexamethasone treatment caused greater (P<0.05) suppression of endogenous cortisol concentration (9.4 ± 1.1 ng/ml) compared to prednisolone- (41.9 ± 4.0 ng/ml) or placebo-treated mares (32.4 ± 3.8 ng/ml). After 24 h, mares treated with dexamethasone exhibited lower uterine oedema scores than prednisolone- or placebo-treated mares. An ovulation rate of 40% was observed in dexamethasone-treated mares (2/5) compared to 83% for prednisolone (5/6) and 100% for placebo-treated (6/6) mares. An absence of a LH surge was noted in 3 of 5 dexamethasone-treated mares and one of 6 prednisolone-treated mares. Conclusions: Repeated administration of dexamethasone to mares in oestrus is associated with decreased uterine oedema, suppression of LH and a high rate of ovulation failure. It is recommended that dexamethasone treatment is limited to only 1 or 2 days and that a lower dose is considered in the management of persistent mating induced endometritis to avoid potential adverse affects on reproductive function. [source] Effects of unilateral laser-assisted ventriculocordectomy in horses with laryngeal hemiplegiaEQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 6 2006P. ROBINSON Summary Reasons for performing study: Recent studies have evaluated surgical techniques aimed at reducing noise and improving airway function in horses with recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN). These techniques require general anaesthesia and are invasive. A minimally invasive transnasal surgical technique for treatment of RLN that may be employed in the standing, sedated horse would be advantageous. Objective: To determine whether unilateral laser-assisted ventriculocordectomy (LVC) improves upper airway function and reduces noise during inhalation in exercising horses with laryngeal hemiplegia (LH). Methods: Six Standardbred horses were used; respiratory sound and inspiratory transupper airway pressure (Pui) measured before and after induction of LH, and 60, 90 and 120 days after LVC. Inspiratory sound level (SL) and the sound intensities of formants 1, 2 and 3 (F1, F2 and F3, respectively), were measured using computer-based sound analysis programmes. In addition, upper airway endoscopy was performed at each time interval, at rest and during treadmill exercise. Results: In LH-affected horses, Pui, SL and the sound intensity of F2 and F3 were increased significantly from baseline values. At 60 days after LVC, Pui and SL had returned to baseline, and F2 and F3 values had improved partially compared to LH values. At 90 and 120 days, however, SL increased again to LH levels. Conclusions: LVC decreases LH-associated airway obstruction by 60 days after surgery, and reduces inspiratory noise but not as effectively as bilateral ventriculocordectomy. Potential relevance: LVC may be recommended as a treatment of LH, where reduction of upper airway obstruction and respiratory noise is desired and the owner wishes to avoid risks associated with a laryngotomy incision or general anaesthesia. [source] Effect of oxytocin on nitric oxide activity controlling gonadotropin secretion in humansEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 5 2003P. Chiodera Abstract Background Previously described inhibitory effects of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor L-NAME on luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH)-induced LH and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion in humans suggested modulation by nitric oxide (NO) of the gonadotropin-releasing action of LH-RH. Design In order to establish whether oxytocin (OT) participates in this regulatory mechanism, 10 normal men were treated with LH-RH (100 µg as an i.v. bolus) given alone or in the presence of L-NAME (40 µg kg,1 injected plus 50 µg kg,1 infused i.v. for 60 min), OT (2 IU injected plus 4 IU infused i.v. for 60 min) or a combination of both drugs. Results The administration of OT was unable to change the gonadotropin responses to LH-RH. In contrast, L-NAME significantly reduced both FSH and LH increments induced by LH-RH. When L-NAME was given in the presence of OT, the LH and FSH responses to LH-RH were similar to those observed after the administration of LH-RH alone. Conclusion These data suggest antagonistic actions of OT and L-NAME in the control of NOS activity in regulation of gonadotropin secretion induced by LH-RH. [source] Impaired estrogen-induced negative feedback on gonadotropin secretion in patients with gonadotropin-secreting and nonfunctioning pituitary adenomasEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 5 2002A. Lania Abstract Background Several in vitro studies suggest that gonadotropin-secreting pituitary adenomas (Gn-omas) and non functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPA) originate from gonadotroph cells. Patients with Gn-oma and NFPA frequently show abnormal gonadotropin response to TRH. The aim of the study was to investigate whether the estrogen-induced negative feedback is operating in either patients with Gn-oma or NFPA. Materials and methods Serum gonadotropin levels were evaluated at 24 h after ethinylestradiol administration (1 mg per os; EE2 test) in seven patients with a diagnosis of Gn-oma, based on the presence of high follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and/or lutenising hormone (LH) levels with normal or high levels of sex steroids, in 22 patients with NFPA with normal or low levels of gonadotropin and sex steroids, and 30 sex- and age-matched healthy subjects. A normal response to EE2 test was arbitrarily defined as a serum LH and FSH decrease of at least 40 and 30% below basal levels. Results Among patients with Gn-oma, only one had a normal FSH inhibition and another, a normal LH inhibition. Among the 22 patients with NFPA, the EE2 test caused a normal FSH or LH reduction in 10 and 15, respectively, while a normal reduction of both FSH and LH was observed in nine. Conclusions The study demonstrates that estrogen-induced negative feedback of gonadotropin secretion is disrupted in almost all patients with Gn-oma and in half of those with NFPA. This defective feedback is reminiscent of the resistance to thyroid hormones and glucocorticoids observed in patients with thyroid-stimulating hormone- (TSH-) and adrenocorticotropic hormone- (ACTH-)secreting adenomas, respectively. [source] Tetranuclear Manganese Complexes with [MnII4] and [MnII2MnIII2] Units: Syntheses, Structures, Magnetic Properties, and DFT Study,EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 28 2010Lucjan B. Jerzykiewicz Abstract Two tetranuclear manganese compounds, [Mn4(,3,,2 -L)4Br4(LH)4] (1) and [Mn4(,3,,2 -L)2(,,,2 -L)4L2Br2] (2), with cubane and defect dicubane-like cores were synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, magnetic measurements, and DFT calculations (LH = 2-methoxyethanol). The magnetic properties of the resulting [Mn4] building blocks are presented and discussed in detail. In particular, in 2 the MnIII,O,MnIII angle 103.12(8)° is the largest observed to date for such a system. The conjunction of antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic interactions within the tetranuclear mixed-valent MnII2MnIII2 complexes results in an unusual ST = 1 ground state. [source] Assembly of Dinuclear CuII Rigid Blocks by Bridging Azido or Poly(thiocyanato)chromates: Synthesis, Structures and Magnetic Properties of Coordination Polymers and Polynuclear ComplexesEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 8 2010Sergey V. Kolotilov Abstract Reaction of a dinuclear cationic copper(II) complex of 4,4,-[2-(3-hydroxyiminobutyl)imino]biphenyl [CuII2(LH)2]2+ with N3, resulted in the formation of a dinuclear azido [CuII2(LH)2(N3)2(H2O)2] complex or a 2D coordination polymer [CuII2(LH)2(N3)2]n. Reaction of the dinuclear complex with [CrIII(NCS)6]3, or [CrIII(NCS)4(NH3)2], produced a 2D polymer {[CuII2(LH)2(CH3CN)2]3[CrIII(NCS)6]2}n or a 1D chain, constructed from tetranuclear units {[CuII2(LH)2][CrIII(NCS)4(NH3)2]2}n. Structures of the compounds were determined by X-ray crystallography and complexes were characterised by the temperature dependency of the magnetic susceptibility and by ESR spectroscopy. Magnetic properties of homometallic compounds were fit with the model of a dimer with the Hamiltonian , = ,J,1·,2. For heterometallic complexes ,MT curves were fit as the superposition of magnetism resulting from both [CuII2(LH)2]2+ and the adjacent CrIII -containing anion. J values for the complexes lie in the range from ,12.74(4) to ,17.77(8) cm,1. It was shown that the 4,4,-biphenyl bridge efficiently mediates exchange interactions. [source] Unconventional Spin Crossover in Dinuclear and Trinuclear Iron(III) Complexes with Cyanido and Metallacyanido BridgesEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 21 2009alitro Abstract A nonsymmetrical triamine, 1,6-diamino-4-azahexane, was Schiff-condensed with (X-substituted) o -salicylaldehyde to yield pentadentate ligands X-L5: salpet and MeBu-salpet. These ligands form mononuclear, dinuclear, and trinuclear FeIII complexes, whose structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray analysis. Of the mononuclear complexes, [FeIII(salpet)Cl] and [FeIII(MeBu-salpet)Cl] are high spin (S = 5/2), whereas [FeIII(salpet)CN]·MeOH is low spin (S = 1/2). The dinuclear and trinuclear complexes show a kind ofthermally induced spin crossover. The dinuclear complex [L5FeIII(CN)FeIIIL5](ClO4)·2H2O (L5 = salpet) is a mixed-spin assembly: the C -coordinated FeIII center is low spin (L) and the N -coordinated FeIII center is high spin (H) at low temperature; an antiferromagnetic interaction occurs between them. This LH reference state is mixed with the LL one. Upon heating, the system shows an increasing content of the HH state. Also, the dinuclear complex [L5FeIII(CN)FeIIIL5](BPh4)·2MeCN (L5 = MeBu-salpet) exhibits a spin transition between LH and HH spin pairs. The mixed-valence trinuclear complex [L5FeIII{FeII(CN)5(NO)}FeIIIL5]·0.5MeOH·3.75H2O (L5 = salpet) shows spin crossover with a residual high-spin fraction at liquid He temperature owing to the LL + LH ground state. The metallacyanido-bridged complex [L5FeIII{Ni(CN)4}FeIIIL5]·2MeOH (L5 = MeBu-salpet) contains a high-spin pair, HH, over the whole temperature interval with a ferromagnetic exchange interaction. A theoretical model was outlined that allows simultaneous fitting of all available experimental data (magnetic susceptibility, magnetization, high-spin mole fraction obtained from the Mössbauer spectra) on a common set of parameters. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009) [source] (Benzimidazolylmethyl)cyclen: A Potential Sensitive Fluorescent PET Chemosensor for ZincEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 32 2007Abir El Majzoub Abstract A new fluorescent probe for Zn2+, methylbenzimidazole-pendant cyclen [LH: 1-(benzimidazol-2-ylmethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane] was designed and synthesized. The protonation constants of (benzimidazolylmethyl)cyclen and the stability constants of the corresponding zinc complex were determined by potentiometric titrations. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis showed that LH and Zn2+ form a 1:1 complex [ZnLH]2+. The results of potentiometric, 1H NMR and UV titrations indicated that above pH 8, [ZnLH]2+ mainly deprotonates into [ZnL]+. On addition of successive amounts of Zn2+ at pH 10.4 (2,×,10,2 mol,L,1 CAPS, 25 °C), the fluorescence emission of cyclen(methylbenzimidazole) increases linearly by a factor of 3.(© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007) [source] A New Pentadentate Ligand Forms Both a Di- and a Mononuclear MnII Complex: Electrochemical, Spectroscopic and Superoxide Dismutase Activity StudiesEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 28 2007Federico Cisnetti Abstract The X-ray crystal structure of the dinuclear complex[1(PF6)2] derived from a new ligand bearing both imidazole and phenolato moieties, namely N -(2-hydroxybenzyl)- N,N,-bis[2-(N -methylimidazolyl)methyl]ethane-1,2-diamine (LH), is described and its properties in organic solvent (CH3CN) investigated (EPR, electrochemistry). [1(PF6)2] is shown to be a mononuclear MnII species in aqueous solution and displays an efficient SOD-like activity, as measured by the McCord,Fridovich assay performed both in conventional phosphate buffer and in a noncoordinating buffer (PIPES). (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007) [source] Chemical and Electrochemical Behaviours of a New Phenolato-Bridged Complex [(L)MnIIMnII(L)]2+.EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 21 2006Dinuclear Mono-µ-Oxido [(L)MnIII(µ-O)MnIII/IV(L)]2+/3+ Species, Pathways to Mononuclear Chlorido [(L)MnII/III/IVCl]0/1/2+ Abstract The X-ray structure of a new dinuclear phenolato-bridged Mn2II complex abbreviated as [(L)MnMn(L)]2+ (1), where LH is the [N4O] phenol containing ligand N,N -bis(2-pyridylmethyl)- N, -salicylidene-ethane-1,2-diamine ligand, is reported. A J value of ,3.3 cm,1 (H = ,J,1·,2) was determined from the magnetic measurements and the 9.4 GHz EPR spectra of both powder and frozen acetonitrile solution samples were analyzed with temperature. The cyclic voltammetry of 1 displays a reversible anodic wave at E1/2 = 0.46 V vs. SCE associated with the two-electron oxidation of 1 yielding the dinuclear Mn2III complex [(L)MnMn(L)]4+ (2). The easy air oxidation of 1 gives the mono-,-oxido Mn2III complex [(L)Mn(, - O)Mn(L)]2+ (3). A rational route to the formation of the mixed-valence Mn2III,IV complex [(L)Mn(, - O)Mn(L)]3+ (4) starting from 1 by bulk electrolysis at EP = 0.75 V vs. SCE in the presence of one equiv. of base per manganese ion is also briefly reported. Addition of chloride ions to 1 led to the cleavage of the phenolato bridges to give the mononuclear MnII complex [(L)MnCl] (5). Cyclic voltammetry of 5 displays two reversible anodic waves at E1/2 = 0.21 and E1/2 = 1.15 V vs. SCE, assigned to the two successive one-electron abstractions giving the MnIII and MnIV species [(L)MnCl]+ (6) and [(L)MnCl]2+ (7), respectively. The electronic signatures from UV/Visible and EPR spectroscopy of the electrochemically prepared samples of 6 and 7 confirmed the respective oxidation states. For instance, 7 displays a broad and intense absorption band characteristic of a phenolato to MnIV charge-transfer transition at 690 nm (2000 M,1,cm,1) and its 9.4 GHz EPR spectrum shows a strong transition at g = 5.2 consistent with a rhombically distorted S = 3/2 system with a zero-field splitting dominating the Zeeman effect. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006) [source] Configuration of Octahedral Metal Compounds , Equilibrium, Crystal and Molecular Structure of Nickel(II) Complexes of Linear N2O4, N4S2 or N6 Donors Set Atoms LigandsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 6 2004Aminou Mohamadou Abstract Two new nickel(II) complexes of symmetric hexadentate mixed-ligand N,O [1,12-bis(2-pyridyl)-5,8-dioxa-2,11-diazadodecane (pydado)] and N,S [1,12-bis(2-pyridyl)-5,8-dithia-2,11-diazadodecane (pydadt)] donor atoms have been synthesised as perchlorate salts and characterised by X-ray crystallography and ligand-field spectroscopy. In both complexes the Ni2+ ion is hexacoordinate. The cation [Ni(pydado)]2+ is pseudo-octahedral with the two pyridyl groups in trans position; all Ni,N and Ni,O bond lengths are practically equivalent. In [Ni(pydadt)]2+ complex, however, the size of the thioether sulfur atoms imposes a C2v symmetry; the pyridyl groups and the sulfur atoms are in trans positions and all Ni,N bond lengths are equivalent. The comparison of these structures with those of octahedral cobalt, copper and zinc complexes with the same ligands shows that their configurations depend not only on the nature of the two central donor atoms of the ligand, but also on the nature of the metallic ion. In aqueous solution, the stability constants of the NiII chelates with these two ligands, determined by potentiometry, show the formation of [Ni(LH)]3+ and [NiL]2+ species in all cases. The chelating power of the pydadt ligand is slightly greater than that of pydado. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004) [source] Chronic cognitive sequelae after traumatic brain injury are not related to growth hormone deficiency in adultsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 5 2010D. Pavlovic Objective:, The objective of the study was to asses the possible influence of hypothalamo,pituitary deficiencies, and growth hormone (GH) deficiency in particular, on cognition in adult patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI is a recently identified risk factor for cognitive deficits and hypopituitarism. Even the patients with favorable outcome after TBI may present with persistent bodily, psychosocial, and cognitive impairments, resembling patients with untreated partial or complete pituitary insufficiency. Design:, We performed retrospective and cross-sectional study of endocrine and cognitive function in TBI in 61 patients (aged 37.7 ± 1.7 years) of both sexes (44 m,17 f), at least 1 year after TBI (3.9 ± 0.6 years). Serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I), thyroxin, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone (in men), prolactin, and cortisol were measured, and GH secretion was assessed by growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) + growth hormone releasing peptide-6 (GHRP-6) test. Cognitive function was assessed by using a standard neuropsychological battery. Results:, GH deficiency (GHD) and GH insufficiency (GHI) were found in 20 patients (32.8%). After adjustment for confounders [age, body mass index (BMI), education level, time elapsed from TBI], there were no significant differences in results of neuropsychological tests between patients with TBI with GHD, GHI, and normal GH secretion. There were no correlations of neuropsychological variables with stimulated peak GH secretion or IGF-I level. Conclusions:, GHD persists long after the TBI, independently of trauma severity and age at traumatic event. GH secretion is more sensitive to TBI than other pituitary hormones. No evidence is found for an association of cognitive function impairment and somatotropic axis impairment in adult patients tested more than 1 year after the TBI. [source] Changes in direct current (DC) potentials and infra-slow EEG oscillations at the onset of the luteinizing hormone (LH) pulseEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 11 2000Lisa Marshall Abstract An essential function of the neuroendocrine system lies in the coordination of hypothalamo-pituitary secretory activity with neocortical neuronal activity. Cortical direct current (DC) potential shifts and EEG were monitored in conjunction with the circulating concentration of luteinizing hormone (LH) in humans while asleep to assess a hypothalamic,neocortical interaction. The onset of an LH pulse was accompanied (i) at frontocortical locations by a transient positive DC potential shift of ,,3 min duration and peak amplitude 50 ,V; (ii) at frontal and central locations by an increase in power of infra-slow EEG oscillations for periodicities between 64 and 320 s. Results uniquely demonstrate a coupling of hypothalamo-pituitary activity with regulation of neocortical excitability. [source] Testosterone response to GnRH in a female songbird varies with stage of reproduction: implications for adult behaviour and maternal effectsFUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY, Issue 4 2007JODIE M. JAWOR Summary 1Despite considerable recent interest in plasma and yolk testosterone (T) in female birds, relatively little is known about environmental regulation of female T, individual variation in female T or the relationship between plasma and yolk T. 2In breeding females of a wild population of dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis), we assessed variation in the responsiveness of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis to a challenge with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) by measuring circulating T before and 30 min after a standardized injection of GnRH. We asked whether response to challenge varied seasonally or with stage of reproduction and whether it was repeatable within individuals or related to T deposited in eggs. 3Initial and post-challenge levels of T were measured using enzyme immunoassay. In a subset of these females, luteinising hormone (LH) was measured using radioimmunoassay (RIA). In addition, eggs were collected from nests of 15 females that had received a GnRH challenge, and yolk T was measured using RIA. 4During most of the breeding season, plasma T did not increase in response to GnRH. GnRH consistently caused increases in plasma T only during the 7 days before oviposition, when females were rapidly depositing yolk in eggs but had not yet begun to lay them. Among a small subset of females we found a positive correlation between the magnitude of this increase in plasma T in response to GnRH during egg development and the amount of T deposited in the yolk of eggs collected at a later time. 5These results suggest that ovarian response to GnRH-induced increases in LH is greatest when females are actively depositing yolk into eggs. Factors that stimulate the release of GnRH during egg formation may result in higher levels of plasma T which could influence adult female behaviour. Further, because plasma T was correlated with later yolk T, factors that stimulate GnRH release may also lead to higher levels of yolk T potentially influencing offspring development or behaviour. [source] CDP-choline increases plasma ACTH and potentiates the stimulated release of GH, TSH and LH: the cholinergic involvementFUNDAMENTAL & CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 5 2004Sinan Cavun Abstract In the present study, we investigated the effect of intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of cytidine-5,-diphosphate (CDP) choline on plasma adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), serum growth hormone (GH), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in conscious rats. The involvement of cholinergic mechanisms in these effects was also determined. In basal conditions, CDP-choline (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 ,mol, i.c.v.) increased plasma ACTH levels dose- and time-dependently, but it did not affect the TSH, GH, FSH and LH levels. In stimulated conditions, i.c.v. administration of CDP-choline (1 ,mol, i.c.v.) produced an increase in clonidine-stimulated GH, thyrotyropin-releasing hormone (TRH)-stimulated TSH, LH-releasing hormone (LHRH)-stimulated LH, but not FSH levels. Injection of equimolar dose of choline (1 ,mol, i.c.v.) produced similar effects on hormone levels, but cytidine (1 ,mol, i.c.v.) failed to alter plasma levels of these hormones. Pretreatment with hemicholinium-3, a neuronal high affinity choline uptake inhibitor, (20 ,g, i.c.v.) completely blocked the observed hormone responses to CDP-choline. The increase in plasma ACTH levels induced by CDP-choline (1 ,mol, i.c.v.) was abolished by pretreatment with mecamylamine, a nicotinic receptor antagonist, (50 ,g, i.c.v.) but not atropine, a muscarinic receptor antagonist, (10 ,g, i.c.v.). The increase in stimulated levels of serum TSH by CDP-choline (1 ,mol, i.c.v.) was blocked by atropine but not by mecamylamine pretreatment. However, CDP-choline induced increases in serum GH and LH levels were greatly attenuated by both atropine and mecamylamine pretreatments. The results show that CDP-choline can increase plasma ACTH and produce additional increases in serum levels of TSH, GH and LH stimulated by TRH, clonidine and LHRH, respectively. The activation of central cholinergic system, mainly through the presynaptic mechanisms, was involved in these effects. Central nicotinic receptors solely mediated the increase in plasma ACTH levels while the activation of central muscarinic receptors was involved in the increase in TSH levels. Both muscarinic and nicotinic receptor activations, separately, mediated the increases in serum GH and LH levels after CDP-choline. [source] Vascular reactivity to angiotensin II alone or combined with a thromboxane A2 mimetic in the isolated perfused kidney of Lyon hypertensive ratsFUNDAMENTAL & CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 1 2002Valérie Oréa The aim of this study was to evaluate whether thromboxane A2 -prostaglandin H2 (TP) receptor activation potentiates the renal vasoconstrictor effect of Angiotensin II (Ang II) in genetically hypertensive rats of the Lyon strain (LH). Concentration-response curves (CRCs) to Ang II (5 pM to 10 nM), to the specific TP receptor agonist U46619 (7.5,960 nM) and to a mixture of Ang II + U46619 (fixed molar ratio of 1 : 9) were obtained in single-pass perfused kidneys isolated from 8 week-old LH and low blood pressure (LL) control rats. Baseline vascular resistance was significantly increased in LH compared to LL kidneys. Comparison of the CRCs obtained for Ang II and U46619 showed that, in both strains, Ang II was about 100 times more potent than U46619. For both drugs, the pD2 or slope values did not differ among the two strains. Co-activation of TP receptors, analyzed with the method of Pöch and Holzmann, tended to potentiate the effects of Ang II in LH but not in LL kidneys. In conclusion, isolated perfused kidneys of LH rat did not exhibit an increased vascular sensitivity to acute infusion of Ang II or U46619 compared to control LL ones. In addition, the results suggest that the interactions between Ang II and TP receptor agonist may differ among the two strains. [source] The effect of sexual hormone abnormalities on proximal femur bone mineral density in hemodialysis patients and the possible role of RANKLHEMODIALYSIS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 1 2008Konstantinos K. DOUMOUCHTSIS Abstract Sexual hormone concentrations are commonly affected in chronic renal failure. The contribution of sex steroids to bone turnover regulation implies that sex steroid's dysfunction may be implicated in the emergence of renal osteodystrophy. This study was conducted to evaluate sex steroids and gonadotrophins in hemodialysis (HD) patients and to investigate their role in bone homeostasis in concert with other hormones and cytokines. Bone mineral density (BMD) at the proximal femur and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), osteoprotegerin, soluble receptor activator of NF-,B ligand (sRANKL), prolactin, total testosterone, estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) were measured in serum samples in 42 patients, 21 men and 21 women, on maintenance HD therapy. Possible associations between clinical characteristics, biochemical parameters, and BMD values were investigated. In male HD patients, the testosterone concentration declined significantly with aging, whereas the estradiol level increased with longer duration of HD. Concurrently, testosterone correlated negatively with sRANKL concentrations (r=,0.520, p=0.016). Luteinizing hormone levels in male patients demonstrated statistically significant negative correlations with BMD values of the proximal femur. In the entire cohort of patients, FSH and LH were negatively associated with absolute values of proximal femur BMD. Gonadotrophin and sexual hormone concentrations in HD patients are associated with bone mineral status and consequently their derangements appear to contribute to the development of bone composition abnormalities in different types of renal osteodystrophy. Furthermore, testosterone's association with sRANKL levels in male HD patients suggests that RANKL may mediate the effect of testosterone on bone metabolism in these patients. [source] The mirror-neuron system and handedness: A "right" world?HUMAN BRAIN MAPPING, Issue 11 2008Maria A. Rocca Abstract To assess the relationship between the mirror-neuron system (MNS), an observation-execution matching system, and handedness, we acquired functional magnetic resonance imaging from 11 right-handed (RH) and eight left-handed (LH) subjects to identify regions involved in processing action (execution and observation) of the right and left upper limbs. During the execution tasks, LH subjects had a more bilateral pattern of activation than RH. An interaction between handedness and hand observed during the observation conditions was detected in several areas of the MNS and the motor system. The within- and between-groups analyses confirmed different lateralizations of the MNS and motor system activations in RH and LH subjects during the observation tasks of the dominant and nondominant limbs. The comparison of the execution vs. observation task demonstrated that during the execution task with their dominant limbs, RH subjects activated areas of the motor system in the left hemisphere, whereas LH subjects also activated areas of the MNS. During the execution task with the nondominant limbs, both groups activated regions of the MNS and motor system. Albeit this study is based on a small sample, the patterns of MNS activations observed in RH and LH subjects support the theory that suggests that this system is involved in brain functions lateralization. In LH people, this system might contribute to their adaptation to a world essentially built for right-handers through a mechanism of mirroring and imitation. Hum Brain Mapp, 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Effects of long-term exposure to ramelteon, a melatonin receptor agonist, on endocrine function in adults with chronic insomniaHUMAN PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY: CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL, Issue 2 2009Gary Richardson Abstract Objective To evaluate the effects of ramelteon, an MT1/MT2 melatonin receptor agonist used to treat insomnia, on endocrine function in adults with chronic insomnia. Methods This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, trial of adults (18,45 years) with chronic insomnia. Subjects received either ramelteon 16,mg or placebo nightly for 6 months. Hormonal measures of the thyroid, reproductive, and adrenal axes were analyzed monthly and compared with baseline and placebo values. Results While isolated changes were detected at some time points, there were no consistent statistically significant differences between treatments on measures of thyroid function (total T4, free T4, TSH, and total T3), adrenal function (AM cortisol, and ACTH), or on most reproductive endocrine measures [LH, FSH, estradiol (women), total, and free testosterone (men)]. Prolactin concentrations were increased overall in women in the ramelteon group compared with placebo (p,=,0.003). No clinical effects of elevated prolactin were reported; average menstrual cycle length, duration of menses, and ovulation probability did not differ between groups. Conclusions Long-term exposure to ramelteon 16,mg, a potent melatonin receptor agonist, resulted in mild, transient increase in prolactin, in women only, that were not associated with measurable reproductive effects. There were no consistent changes in other endocrine measures. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Effects of transdermal nicotine on lateralized identification and memory interferenceHUMAN PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY: CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL, Issue 5 2003F. Joseph McClernon Abstract It has been proposed that nicotine may enhance performance on tasks requiring primarily left hemisphere (LH) resources while impairing right hemisphere (RH)-based performance. However, this hypothesis has not been directly tested using a lateralized cognitive task. The effects of transdermal nicotine administration on lateralized consonant identification and memory interference were examined in dependent smokers and never-smokers. In a double-blind placebo-controlled design, smokers (n,=,24) and never-smokers (n,=,24) were assigned to receive a nicotine or placebo patch. Subjects completed a lateralized letter identification task that required them to identify strings of three consonants presented in the left or right visual field while keeping a word in memory. A distinct right-visual-field (RVF) advantage was observed for consonant identification, but this effect was unaltered by nicotine or smoking status. However, nicotine decreased word memory errors on trials where consonants were presented in the RVF and increased errors on LVF trials. Nicotine may enhance LH-based cognitive performance by increasing LH cognitive resources or by reducing the influence of RVF distracting stimuli. These findings are consistent with a model of the lateralized effects of nicotine on cognitive performance. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The hypothalamus-pituitary-testis axis in boys during the first six months of life: a comparison of cryptorchidism and hypospadias cases with controlsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY, Issue 5 2009Frank H. Pierik Summary It is inconclusive whether the feedback mechanisms of the hypothalamus-pituitary-testis (HTP) axis are already established in the first 6 months of life, partly due to the dramatic changes in HPT-axis hormone levels over this period. Moreover, it is unclear whether these hormone levels are aberrant in boys with cryptorchidism or hypospadias, and therefore predictive for future fertility. We studied the regulation mechanisms of the HTP axis, and the effect of age, in boys 1,6 months of age. Secondly, we studied testicular function - as reflected by HPT hormones - in newborns with cryptorchidism or hypospadias. Sera from a population sample of infants with cryptorchidism (n = 43), hypospadias (n = 41) and controls (n = 113) were analyzed for inhibin B, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). LH, testosterone, non-shbg-bound testosterone (NSBT), and AHM levels showed significant age-related trends. After age-correction, a negative correlation between FSH and inhibin B was observed (r = ,0.43). The only significant group-differences were lower testosterone and NSBT levels in cryptorchidism cases, with a mean testosterone of 1.8 and 2.6 nmol/L and a mean NSBT of 0.48 and 0.70 nmol/L for cryptorchidism cases and controls, respectively. The higher levels of LH, testosterone, and NSBT in boys born pre-term or with a low birthweight indicate that abnormal prenatal development may determine postnatal testis function. Our results support the hypothesis that the inhibin B , FSH feedback loop is already functional before puberty. The lower testosterone and NSBT levels indicate that disturbed Leydig cell function can already be detected early after birth in cryptorchid boys. [source] Leptin levels in infertile male patients are correlated with inhibin B, testosterone and SHBG but not with sperm characteristicsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY, Issue 5 2007Branko Zorn Summary In the present study, differences in leptin levels between different groups of male patients presenting with infertility problems and possible correlations between leptin levels and clinical, spermiological, histological and hormonal characteristics were examined. Two hundred and ten male partners from infertile couples were included in the study. Based on clinical examination, spermiogram and testicular histology results, patients were divided into four groups: 42 men with non-obstructive azoospermia, 15 men with obstructive azoospermia, 68 men with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia and 85 men with normozoospermia. Serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), inhibin B, testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and leptin were measured. After adjustment for body mass index, there was a negative correlation between serum levels of leptin and inhibin B, total testosterone and SHBG (r = ,0.189, p = 0.009, r = ,0.250, p = 0.001 and r =,0.221, p = 0.003 respectively) but there was no correlation between leptin and classical sperm characteristics. Our results therefore demonstrate a link between leptin and testicular function, independently of FSH and LH, possibly involving testosterone and SHBG through a regulation of Leydig cell function. [source] An unusual association of pemphigus vulgaris with hyperprolactinemiaINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 10 2002MNAMS, Sujay Khandpur MD A 21-year-old unmarried woman presented with oral ulcerations and generalized, itchy, fluid-filled, skin lesions of 10 days' duration. The lesions ruptured spontaneously, resulting in extensive denuded areas covered by crusts. One month prior to this, she experienced pain and enlargement of both breasts with galactorrhea. Her menstrual cycles were normal initially, but later she developed menstrual irregularities. No past history suggestive of any other systemic or skin disease, including atopy or drug allergies, could be obtained. Her family history was not contributory. Dermatologic examination revealed multiple, flaccid bullae and extensive denuded areas of skin covered with crusts over the scalp, face, trunk, and upper and lower limbs (Fig. 1). Bulla spread sign and Nikolsky's sign were positive. The oral mucosa, including the lips, buccal surface, tongue, and palate, showed multiple erosions covered with necrotic slough. The rest of the mucocutaneous and systemic examination was within normal limits. Figure 1. Extensive erosions and flaccid bullae over the trunk with breast enlargement The patient's diagnostic work-up revealed: hemoglobin, 11.2 g%; total leukocyte count, 7400/mm3; differential leukocyte count, P62L34E2M2; erythrocyte sedimentation rate, 34 mm/h. A peripheral blood smear examination, urinalysis, blood sugar, and renal and liver function tests were normal. Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test and enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were nonreactive. Antinuclear antibody, lupus erythematosus (LE) cell, rheumatoid factor, and anti-dsDNA levels were normal. Serum protein electrophoresis demonstrated increased levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody. The serum prolactin level was significantly raised to 139.49 ng/mL (normal, 3.6,18.9 ng/mL). The sex hormone levels, however, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, and progesterone, were within normal limits. The thyroid hormone profile was also unaltered. Chest X-ray was normal. Ultrasound of the abdomen and pelvis revealed no visceral abnormality and computerized tomography (CT) scan of the pituitary sella showed no adenoma. Mammography was negative for breast malignancy. A Tzanck smear prepared from the base of the erosion showed multiple acantholytic cells and lymphocytes. Histologic examination from an intact vesicle was suggestive of pemphigus vulgaris (PV), showing a suprabasal cleft with acantholytic cells and the basal layer demonstrating a "row of tombstones" appearance (Fig. 2). Direct immunofluorescence (DIF) revealed the intercellular deposition of IgG and C3 throughout the epidermis in a "fishnet pattern." Indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) test performed on rat esophagus for circulating IgG antibody was positive in a titer of 1 : 120. Figure 2. Photomicrograph showing suprabasal cleft with "row of tombstones" appearance, suggestive of pemphigus vulgaris (hematoxylin and eosin, × 40) Based on the clinical and immunohistological features, a diagnosis of PV with idiopathic hyperprolactinemia was made. The patient was treated with bromocriptine mesylate (Tablet Proctinal, Glaxo Wellcome Ltd, India) at a dose of 2.5 mg twice a day. After 2 months of therapy, significant improvement in the skin lesions was observed. The existing lesions re-epithelialized with a drastic reduction in the number and distribution of new vesicles. However, no change in the mucosal erosions was noticed. IIF test demonstrated a lower antibody titer (1 : 40). The breast complaints also improved with a reduction in serum prolactin level to 6.5 ng/mL. The patient refused further treatment as she experienced nausea and dizziness with bromocriptine. After 2 weeks, the disease relapsed with the appearance of new vesicles over the forearms, abdomen, back, and thighs. She again complained of breast tenderness and galactorrhea, and the serum prolactin level was 95 ng/mL. The IgG titer increased to 1 : 120. Hence, treatment with oral prednisolone (2 mg/kg/day) and bromocriptine (2.5 mg twice a day) with an antiemetic was initiated. After 6 weeks, the skin lesions had cleared completely, the breast symptoms had improved, menses had become regular, and the prolactin level had decreased to 4 ng/mL. IIF test was negative for circulating antibody. Steroids were tapered off and maintenance therapy with bromocriptine at a dose of 2.5 mg/day was continued. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||