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C Kissel

Publications and source records attributed to C Kissel.

17 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Effects of luteinizing hormone and human chorionic gonadotropin on corpus luteum cells in a spheroid cell culture system.

The human corpus luteum (CL) is a highly vascularized, temporarily active endocrine gland and consists mainly of granulosa cells (GCs), theca cells (TCs), and endothelial cells (ECs). Its cyclic growth and development takes place under the influence of gonadotropic hormones. If pregnancy does occur, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) takes over the function of luteinizing hormone (LH) and, in contrast to LH, extends the functional life span of the CL. In this study, we investigated the effects of hCG and LH in a spheroidal cell culture model of CL development. Our data indicate that GCs secrete factors under the control of hCG that increase sprout formation of EC-spheroids. We demonstrate that the most prominent of these factors is VEGF-A. Furthermore, we found that both LH and hCG decrease sprout formation of GC-spheroids. After forming EC-GC coculture spheroids and consequently bringing GCs and ECs in close contact, sprouting increased under the influence of hCG, however not under LH. These experiments provide evidence for an hCG dependent functional switch in the GCs after coming in contact with ECs. Moreover, it demonstrates the considerably different effects of hCG and LH on GCs although their signaling is transmitted via the same receptor.

Cells, Cultured↗
PubMed1996

Minimal change glomerulonephritis in a 90-year-old patient: what is the ideal approach?

We report the case of a 90-year-old lady who presented with full-blown nephrotic syndrome. Percutaneous renal biopsy allowed us to confirm the diagnosis of minimal change glomerulopathy; she entered a 2-year period of remission after a 6-month course of prednisone (starting dose 1.5 mg/kg). The patient sustained minor effects of both renal biopsy and corticotherapy. Percutaneous renal biopsy is justified in the very elderly because the risk of mortality and morbidity related to corticotherapy outweigh the risk related to percutaneous renal biopsy, providing high-risk patients are excluded, such as amyloidosis or abnormal coagulation or uncontrolled arterial hypertension.

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PubMed1987

TRH-induced TSH and prolactin responses in the elderly.

Since there are divergencies in the thyrotropin (TSH) response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) in old age, and since a hypothalamopituitary dysfunction has been suggested in the elderly, we have studied the thyroid function and the TRH responsiveness of TSH and prolactin (PRL) in 56 euthyroid patients over 70 years old, grouped according to age (70-79, 80-89, 90 or more years) and sex. Results were compared to those of 15 postmenopausal women and 11 men. In the elderly patients there was a decrease in plasma tri-iodothyronine (T3) and an increase in reverse T3 (rT3) levels while thyroxine (T4), basal TSH and PRL levels remained normal. The mean TSH and PRL responses to TRH (250 micrograms i.v.) were reduced but there was no age effect within the elderly. Only a sex effect was detected, TSH and PRL responses being appreciably lowered in men. In eight patients without severe disease or malnutrition, the response of TSH was not significant. We conclude that despite an apparent euthyroid status, TSH and PRL responses are blunted in elderly patients, and more in men than in women. These data, consistent with a hypothetical hypothalamopituitary dysfunction, indicate the difficulties of thyroid status assessment in the elderly.

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PubMedDate not supplied

Topotecan as a continuous infusion over 14 days in recurrent ovarian cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: In recurrent ovarian cancer the topoisomerase-1 inhibitor topotecan shows activity after prior treatment with platinum and taxanes. Overall response rates of up to 38% in combination with an acceptable toxicity profile have been reported. We performed a pilot study to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and toxicity profile of a low-dose continuous infusion protocol of topotecan. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twelve patients with recurrent ovarian cancer and a measurable lesion received a continuous infusion of topotecan (0.4 mg/m2/d) over 14 days, repeated every 28 days. All patients had at least one prior platinum-containing regimen of chemotherapy (range 1-7). Responses were evaluated by ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scans and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). RESULTS: A total of 57 (median 5, range 1-12) topotecan treatment cycles were administered. The overall response rate was 2/12 (17%). Four patients had stable disease (33%), among them two patients with platinum-refractory tumors. The median time to progression was 26 (range 20-100) weeks. No grade 3 or 4 hematological toxicities were observed. However, one patient developed a grade 2 allergy leading to discontinuation of topotecan. CONCLUSION: Treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer with low-dose continuous infusion of topotecan over 14 days demonstrated response rates comparable to other dosing schedules with minimal toxicity in a preliminary series of 12 patients.

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