Treatment of 63 oophorectomised women with oestrogen for five years prevented the reduction in bone mineral content observed in 57 women treated with a placebo preparation. When onset of therapy was delayed for three to six years there was a highly significant increase in bone mineral content mainly during the first three years of treatment. During the next two years there was no further increase in bone mineral, while the placebo-treated groups continued to lose bone at about 1% per annum. In association with the changes in bone mass, the expected biochemical effects of oestrogen therapy also persisted for at least three years, and were compatible with a prolonged increase in parathyroid activity but a reduction in bone turnover.

Adult↗

PubMed1976

The effect of thymoxamine and cromolyn sodium on postexercise bronchoconstriction in asthma.

Of the 22 patients with extrinsic bronchial asthma, 13 patients developed post-exercise bronchoconstriction after treadmill exercise, whereas in 9 patients treadmill exercise had no effect on the ventilatory capacity. No statistical difference in the resting lung volumes and CO transfer factor was found between the two groups. A significant inhibition of postexercise bronchoconstriction was observed in 12 of 13 patients following thymoxamine or cromolyn sodium inhalation. Inhibition of postexercise bronchoconstriction by alpha blockade with thymoxamine suggests that increased alpha adrenergic activity in the presence of diminished beta receptor responsiveness to catecholamines, norepinephrine released during exercise could have a marked alpha agonistic effect giving rise to bronchoconstriction. It has been suggested that cromolyn sodium has a cyclic phosphodiesterase inhibiting action. This might increase levels of AMP and restore the beta receptor responsiveness to catecholamines.

Airway Obstruction↗

PubMed1975

Attitudes towards alcoholism.

An attitude survey of psychiatrists has shown that alcoholism is the least favoured of the organic and psychiatric illnesses. They considered that this attitude was shared by general physicians and surgeons. The unfavourable attitudes towards alcoholism are unlikely to improve the success of treatment programmes. It is suggested that education within the professions is needed.

Alcoholism↗