[Total serum testosterone levels and urinary 17-ketosteroids of men with epilepsy and decreased sexual activity].
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to B Buntner.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
In 32 women with seizures occurring mainly in the premenstrual phase and during bleeding, (group A) and in 31 women with epilepsy without this relationship of the seizures to the menstrual cycle (group B) the metabolites of adrenocortical hormones (17-ketosteroids and 17-hydroxycorticosteroids) were determined in 24-hour urine. The investigations were done during 2 days preceding menstrual bleeding, in most cases during three menstrual cycles. A significant reduction of the excretion of 17-ketosteroids and total 17-hydroxycorticosteroids was found in both groups as compared to the accepted normal value (p less than 0.01). However, no significant difference was observed in the excretion of these hormones between these groups of patients, although in group A he values of 17-ketosteroids were lower than in group B. On the basis of these results it is suggested that deficiency of androgenic hormones may contribute to the occurrence of seizures on the days before the onset of menstrual bleeding, and the effect of anticonvulsant treatment on the decreased excretion of these hormones is discussed.
In 32 women with epileptic seizures related in time to the premenstrual phase (group A) and 31 women with seizures unrelated to this phase (group B) oestrone oestradiol and oestriol and progesterone metabolites (alpha and beta-pregnanediol) were determined in 24-hour urine. The investigations were carried out during 2 days preceding the onset of menstrual bleeding usually during three successive cycles. A significant reduction was observed in the amounts of all three oestrogen fractions in relation to normal values on both days (without any significant difference between the groups). Women with epilepsy excreted 56-60% less oestrogens than healthy women. Similarly the levels of alpha and beta-pregnanediol were significantly below the accepted normal range. The obtained results are insufficient for accepting the role of oestrogens in the development of lowered convulsive threshold on the days preceding menstrual bleeding. On the other hand, it may be concluded that progesterone deficiency may have an effect on the appearance of greater readiness to seizures before menstruation in epileptic women.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
The investigations were carried out on sexually mature Wistar rats divided into three groups: control group, a group kept always in darkness, and a group exposed continually to light. In each group a subgroup was isolated which was subjected to formalin stress. In all animals aldosterone and corticosterone concentrations in adrenal venous blood were determined spectrophotometrically. Thin layer chromatography was used for separation of steroids. It was found that keeping the rats in darkness caused a fall in the concentrations of corticosterone and aldosterone, while stress caused in the rats kept in darkness a rise of the concentrations of both these hormones. Continuous exposure to light reduced the concentration of aldosterone to undetectable values and of corticosterone by 90% in relation to the control group. Decrease of hormones level was observed in the stressed and non-stressed subgroups.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
In 27 epileptic patients (16 females and 11 males) aged 23-61 years, the serum ACTH levels were estimated by radioimmunoassay (RIA). The men serum ACTH level in epileptic patients was lower than in control group. In epileptic patients there were differences depending on the course of epilepsy and treatment applied. There were lower mean serum ACTH levels in patients with earlier age of epilepsy onset, frequent seizures and generalized discharges in eeg records. Lower serum ACTH amounts were found in patients with long-term treatment with phenytoin and polytherapy applied. It may be supposed that in patients long-term treated because of epilepsy the hormonal disturbances involve not only adrenal cortex but also higher parts of neuroendocrinological system.
PURPOSE: To elucidate melatonin secretion through the pineal gland in patients with night blindness. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Blood samples for melatonin RIA assay were taken from 14 patients at 8 o'clock a.m. and p.m., before and after 3 weeks therapy with Trental, Cocarboxylase and vitamin B12. RESULTS: Usual rhythm of melatonin secretion was demonstrated. The applied treatment influenced melatonin secretion in the youngest group of patients. CONCLUSION: Damage of the photoreceptors in the retina affects melatonin secretion and its circadian rhythm.