Biomedical subjects

F G Berlinger

Publications and source records attributed to F G Berlinger.

11 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1983

Parathyroid localization by computed tomographic scanning.

Increased accuracy of parathyroid hormone assays has yielded an earlier diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism, often in an asymptomatic stage. Non-invasive modalities used to localize parathyroid abnormalities have not been accurate for small adenomas. Although arteriography has been shown to be accurate in detection of adenomas, the invasive nature of the study, as well as possible complications, minimizes its use in preoperative localization of parathyroid abnormalities. The computed tomographic (CT) scan was used preoperatively in eight patients to assess its accuracy in localizing parathyroid abnormalities. The radiographic findings were correlated with surgical and pathologic findings. The conditions of seven patients were correctly diagnosed preoperatively by the CT scan, including that of one patient with diffuse hyperplasia. With the increased accuracy attained by this noninvasive examination, we believe that CT scanning should be a routine part of the preoperative examination of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.

Adenoma↗

PubMed1980

Tissue sources of elevated serum alkaline phosphatase activity in hyperthyroid patients.

Total alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and its isoenzymes were studied in the sera of 72 hyperthyroid patients and 24 age- and sex-matched controls. Eighty-nine per cent of thyrotoxic patients had elevated total serum ALP activity. Both liver (LALP) and bone (BALP) isoenzymes were present in the sera of 75% of patients. Women (43%) most frequently had elevated levels of LALP and BALP. Men (41%) most often had elevated levels of BALP and normal levels of LALP. The units of BALP present, but not of LALP, were related to measures of thyroid function. Levels of the activity of the aminotransferases and lactic dehydrogenase were usually normal. Gammaglutamyl transferase activity was elevated in nearly 40% of both sexes. The data presented, when correlated with previously reported information, suggest that elevations of serum LALP activity may be due to hepatocellular necrosis with leakage of preformed enzyme into the serum.

Adult↗

PubMed1979

17 alpha-Hydroxylase deficiency. A combination of hydroxylation defect and reversible blockade in aldosterone biosynthesis.

We have studied the hormonal secretion and excretion patterns in a patient with the XX type of 17 alpha-hydroxylase deficiency. In the untreated state, the patient's urine contained only those steroids which do not require 17-hydroxylation in their biosynthesis. Aldosterone was not produced in the patient and the metabolic product of its immediate precursor, 18-hydroxy-11-dehydro-tetrahydrocorticosterone, was excreted in markedly elevated amounts. This apparent complete block in 18 oxidation was reversible upon long-term ACTH suppression within 27 days. Direct in vitro incubation of the patient's adrenal gland removed at operation demonstrated, 1) the complete lack of 17 alpha-hydroxylase activity, 2) the functional block in the ability to oxidize the hydroxyl group at the 18 methyl side chain. The addition of physiological concentrations of angiotensin to the incubation medium further showed, 3) angiotensin mildly stimulated the entire aldosterone biosynthetic pathway, 4) angiotensin directly stimulated the conversion of 18-hydroxycorticosterone to aldosterone. We propose that in this patient, 17-hydroxylase deficiency produced a decreased plasma concentration of cortisol, followed by stimulation of deoxycorticosterone production by ACTH. The resultant increase in extracellular fluid volume suppressed plasma renin activity. This resulted in a low plasma concentration of angiotensin II which directly suppressed oxidation of 18-hydroxycorticosterone to aldosterone. This defect has been called corticosterone methyl oxidase defect type 2.

18-Hydroxycorticosterone↗

PubMed1977

Cushing's syndrome associated with galactorrhea, amenorrhea, and hypothyroidism: a primary hypothalamic disorder.

A 19-year-old woman presented with a unique constellation of endocrinopathies, including Cushing's disease, post-partum galactorrhea, hypothalamic hypothyroidism and hypothalamic amenorrhea. There was no evidence of granulomatous or neoplastic disease in pituitary or hypothalamus. The potential role of excess glucocorticoids and disturbances in normal hypothalamic regulation of anterior pituitary function in the pathophysiology of this syndrome is discussed.

Adrenalectomy↗

PubMed1975

A plasma inhibitor of the renin-antirenin reaction and the in vitro generation of angiotensin I.

In the course of studies designed to develop a radioimmunoassay system for the detection of renin, we have identified in human plasma a potent inhibitor that interferes with the renin-antirenin reaction. Utilizing gel filtration, this renin-antirenin inhibitory activity was found to have the same molecular size as renin substrate. However, it could be separated from renin substrate by ion-exchange chromatography. When fractions containing this activity were tested in an in vitro system containing renin and renin substrate, they were found to inhibit the generation of angiotensin I.

Angiotensin II↗

PubMed1974