Effects of naloxone on adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) and cortisol in obese subjects.
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Adolescent↗
Biomedical subjects
F Monaco
Publications and source records attributed to F Monaco.
Primary papillary carcinoma arising from median ectopic thyroid in multinodular goitre.
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Aged↗
The brain distribution of old and new antiepileptic drugs.
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Animals↗
Growth delay in Down syndrome and zinc sulphate supplementation.
Children affected with Down syndrome (DS) show deficient growth, immunodeficiency--especially concerning the T-cell population--and low plasma zinc levels. New growth charts have been recently proposed, and zinc supplementation to the diet has been reported to improve transiently the efficiency of the immune system. The aim of this study was to evaluate if in DS children zinc sulphate therapy could improve the growth rate and affect some endocrine parameters. We studied 22 patients (16 males and 6 females) who received zinc sulphate for 6 to 9 months. Fifteen of 22 patients studied reached a higher centile in their growth rate, whereas the remaining seven showed no change, at least to date. The average height velocity changed from 23.84 +/- 7.98 mm/6 months to 40.80 +/- 7.68 mm/6 months. Growth hormone serum level was 5.94 +/- 4.89 ng/ml compared with 7.49 +/- 6.75 ng/ml before and after therapy, respectively. Somatomedin serum level was 160.27 +/- 68.88 mU/ml and 205 +/- 124.07 mU/ml before and after therapy, respectively. In conclusion, zinc sulphate therapy of patients with DS affects not only the immune system, as previously reported, but can also accelerate growth.
Adolescent↗
A simple and disposable visual measuring device to assay antiepileptic drugs from whole blood samples.
This study evaluated a new, simple, disposable visual measuring device (AccuLevel), which uses enzyme immunochromatography to indicate visually, without any instrument, the concentrations of three major antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in small blood samples. Drug levels (30 values for diphenylhydantoin, 41 for phenobarbital, and 40 for carbamazepine) obtained by AccuLevel were compared with those obtained with the enzyme-multiplied immunoassay technique (EMIT). Results showed an excellent correlation between EMIT and AccuLevel data for the three major AEDs. The method appears to be particularly suitable in outpatients and in case of emergency.
Anticonvulsants↗
Conventional vs controlled-release carbamazepine: a multicentre, double-blind, cross-over study.
The tolerability and pharmacokinetics of a new controlled-release (CR) formulation of carbamazepine (CBZ), were assessed in a multicentre, double-blind, cross-over trial, carried out in 48 epileptic patients (21 men, 27 women; mean age 34.2 years) on conventional CBZ monotherapy, but without complete seizure control (n = 22) or with intermittent side effects (n = 4), or with both (n = 22). Eligible patients were randomized to conventional CBZ or CR CBZ, each given in sequence at individualized daily doses, subdivided into the lowest number of administrations. Each period of the cross-over consisted of a first phase of optimal dose finding (lasting up to two months) and a second one of maintenance (lasting one month) used for evaluation. At the end of each period, a 10-h plasma CBZ and CBZ-epoxide concentration profile, as well as the tolerability and the efficacy of the drugs, were evaluated. The mean CBZ daily dose increased by 16% during the administration of the CR formulation. Fluctuations of total CBZ and 10, 11-epoxide plasma level daily profiles at steady-state were significantly (p less than 0.001) lower during CR CBZ treatment, leading to a significant (p less than 0.001) decrease in intermittent side effects (6 patients on CR CBZ vs 26 on conventional CBZ). Finally, 38 patients on CR CBZ (vs 15 patients on conventional CBZ) were treated with a b.i.d. regimen.
Adolescent↗
Is zinc deficiency a cause of subclinical hypothyroidism in Down syndrome?
In Down syndrome there is a high incidence of overt or subclinical hypothyroidism as well as some immunological defects, early thymic involution associated to low serum zinc levels. Zinc supplementation to the diet has been reported to transiently improve thymic function; moreover thymic function has been shown to be in relation with the pituitary-thyroid axis. The aim of this study was to evaluate if, in Down patients, zinc therapy could improve also thyroid function, by determining serum levels of total and free thyroid hormones and basal TSH levels. In 52 patients studied, we found a high incidence of subclinical hypothyroidism (30%); in 17 patients treated with zinc sulphate we showed a reduction of FT3. More significantly, we detected 9 patients with low zinc levels in which zinc supplementation improved thyroid function, thus reducing the incidence of subclinical hypothyroidism.
Adolescent↗
Role of smoking in goiter morphology and thyrotropin response to TRH in untreated goitrous women.
Three groups of women were evaluated for TSH response to TRH and for goiter morphology by means of thyroid ultrasonography: group A = goitrous nonsmokers; group B1 = goitrous moderate-smokers; group B2 = goitrous heavy-smokers. They were compared with a control group (group C) made up nongoitrous, nonsmoking women. The size of the goiter was not correlated with the daily consumption of cigarettes, even though in heavy smokers a nodular goiter was prevalent as shown by ultrasonography. The serum values of TT3 showed significant differences between nonsmokers and heavy smokers (p less than (p less than 0.005), whereas the serum values of TT4 and of basal TSH showed no statistically significant differences. On the contrary, the TSH response to TRH showed a significant difference between heavy and nonsmokers (p less than 0.05). In conclusion, it has been demonstrated that goitrous cigarette heavy smokers show: i) A prevalence of statistically significant nodular goiter; ii) A significantly higher TT3 serum levels; iii) A significantly higher re-of TSH to TRH. These data suggest that cigarette smoking favors the development of nodular goiter and can involve the central regulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid interaction.
Adult↗
An unusual hormone pattern in a virilized woman affected by Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor. Report of a case.
A 24-year-old woman was admitted to hospital because of hirsutism, virilism and amenorrhea, which had appeared 6 months earlier. Endocrinological evaluation showed a slightly elevated serum level of testosterone (1.2 +/- 0.05 ng/ml), normal plasma levels of dehydroepiandrosteronesulfate (DHEA-S) (2,070 +/- 6 ng/ml), androstenedione (1.8 +/- 0.5 ng/ml) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)(42 +/- 3 nM/L); there was normal urinary 17-ketosteroid (17-KS) excretion (11.7 mg/24 h), low urinary estrogen (E) excretion (3 +/- 0.4 micrograms/24 h), suppressed basal gonadotropin concentrations (LH 0.9 microUI/ml; FSH 3.2 microUI/ml) and an exaggerated response to the LH-RH test. At laparotomy, a monolateral ovarian tumor was found, which was proved histologically to be a Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor. After tumor ablation, a regular menstrual cycle followed and progressive reduction of virilism was noted. This was followed within 4 months by complete normalization of LH, FSH, estrogen and progesterone serum levels. The responsiveness to LH-RH also became normalized. Two years after this operation, the patient had a normal pregnancy. This case of virilization in a woman affected by a benign Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor was primarily characterized by an unusual response of the hypothalamopituitary axis against an endocrinological background of notable alteration of the androgen/estrogen ratio, where the androgens were slightly increased and the estrogens greatly reduced.
Adult↗
[Is there a double pathway for the secretion of thyroglobulin: a "short circuit" weakly glycosyl-iodinated and a "long circuit" strongly glycosyl-iodinated?].
Intact rat thyroid lobes incubated in vitro release recently synthesized thyroglobulin (Tg) into the media at a faster rate than they release thyroglobulin stored in follicular structures. Differential release of this Tg fraction cannot be explained by morphological alterations in thyroid architecture during incubation. This rapidly excreted fraction exhibits a low density on rubidium chloride gradients characteristic of poorly sialylated and poorly iodinated thyroglobulin, comigrating on rubidium chloride gradients with thyroglobulin isolated from tunicamycin treated glands. This poorly sialylated and poorly iodinated thyroglobulin is itself unaffected in its density or release into the media by tunicamycin treatment. Tg isolated from the media of tunicamycin treated glands has nearly the same low iodine and low sialic acid content as rat serum thyroglobulin and does not incorporate radiolabelled glucosamine. This fraction thus appear to duplicate properties of low glycosylated-low iodinated thyroglobulin released from thyroid cells in organisms that have no follicular structures and no follicular storage process as well as from thyroid tissue in patients with thyroid disease states, particularly thyroid tumors. Thus it is proposed a "short loop" pathway of low-glycosylated low-iodinated thyroglobulin directly into circulation, that bypasses and is not stored in the follicular lumen, the "long loop".
Animals↗
[Naloxone doesn't determine the response of growth hormone to clonidine in obese patients].
The effect of naloxone (opioid receptor blocker) on the impairment of growth hormone (GH) release after clonidine (alfa 2-adrenergic agonist) was investigated in 10 volunteer obese subjects. The patients (4 males and 6 females, 16-22 year old) with fat excess (15 +/- 2 kg) estimated by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) were studied repeatedly. The patients, were perfused by a slow saline infusion. 30 min later they received a bolus dose of clonidine (150 micrograms p.o.), followed 30 min later by a bolus dose of naloxone (10 mg i.v.) or a corresponding volume of isotonic sodium cloride (I.S.) for control. No significant changes occurred in blood GH concentration after clonidine administration and naloxone did not induce GH response at clonidine. These results suggest that in obese subjects the impairment of GH release after clonidine is not mediated via receptors sensitivity to naloxone.
Adolescent↗
[Partial deficiency in 21-hydroxylase in certain forms of hirsutism].
The ACTH test is important when hirsutism occurs in women with a slight 21-hydroxylase deficiency, and normal basal 17-OH Progesterone (17-OH-P/plasma levels). Extensive hormonal assays: LH, FSH, Prolactin, 17 beta-estradiol (E2), Estrone, 17OH-P, Androstenedione, Testosterone, Cortisol (C), Dehydroepiandrosterone-S (DEA-S) were carried out in 36 hirsute women. 13 of these presented hormone levels as found in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), 6 women presented a slight 21-hydroxylase deficiency (increased plasma 17-OH-P and decreased C after ACTH test with significant, p less than 0.01, increase of 17-OH-P/C and 17 women presented idiopathic hirsutism (IH). The hormonal pattern, in the basal condition, is not different in IH or in slight 21-hydroxylase deficiency. The ACTH test is able to differentiate between IH and adrenal hirsutism.
17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone↗
Enzymatic deglycosylation of human thyroglobulin: fluorescence studies.
The interaction between the carbohydrate and the amino acid residues in human thyroglobulin has been studied. Previous reports showed that the removal of the two terminal carbohydrates of the complex chains leads to an increase in thyroglobulin binding to thyroid membranes. In our study, after enzymatic release with glycosidases of the sugar moieties from thyroglobulin, a time-dependent decrease in tryptophan fluorescence has been observed. This decrease was also associated with a shift in the emission peak from 335 to 340 nm. The strong quenching of tryptophan emission was also accompanied by a decrease in the exposure of tryptophan residues, as shown by a Stern-Volmer analysis with the neutral quencher acrylamide. These data, together with the increase in fluorescence of the dansylated deglycosylated thyroglobulin, strongly suggest that a significant conformational change of thyroglobulin follows the deglycosylation of the protein.
Apoproteins↗
Free drug levels monitoring as a detector of false metabolic refractory epilepsy.
Unbound and total plasma levels of carbamazepine (CBZ) and phenobarbital (PB) were evaluated in a group of 12 refractory patients out of 397 subjects, with normal values of total drug concentration and unbound levels below the expected ones. We established a minimal acceptable 'subtherapeutic' free drug level, i.e. less than 9.62 micrograms/ml for PB and 1.36 micrograms/ml for CBZ. PB and CBZ dosages were increased during a 3-month period. We observed a normalization of free levels, unaccompanied by a significant decrease in seizure frequency. Free drug level monitoring may prove to be an unchallenged detector of false metabolic refractory epilepsy.
Adolescent↗
[Preparation of 125I-labelled monoclonal antibodies of the insulin receptor].
Three monoclonal anti-insulin receptor antibodies have been labelled with 125I according to various methods (Cloramine T, Lactoperoxidase and IODO-GEN). The effect of labelling on antibody structure and function has been characterized using the following parameters: a) specific activity obtained in four different labelling procedures, at least; b) TCA labelled antibody precipitable 90 days after labelling; c) interaction between labelled antibodies and the insulin receptor; d) ability of antibodies to inhibit insulin-stimulated receptor auto-phosphorylation. Cloramine T method produced labelled antibody with constant specific activity; however, some preparations were unstable and showed reduced capacity to recognize the insulin receptor. Lactoperoxidase method produced stable antibodies; however, specific activity was highly variable and antibodies had low capacity to interact with the insulin receptor. The IODO-GEN method produced antibodies with constant specific activity, stable, high capacity to interact with the insulin receptor, and, moreover, maintaining in full the capacity to inhibit the insulin-stimulated auto-phosphorylation of the insulin receptor, since it does not induce antibody alterations which in turn affect antibody-receptor interaction biological action.
Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
[Endogenous opiate modulators of insulin secretion in the obese].
The effects of endogenous opiates on insulin response to oral glucose load were studied in obese subjects and in lean healthy volunteers. None of these having a family diabetes. After 3 days on an 1,800 cal./m2, 40% carbohydrate diet all subjects underwent two standard 75 g oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT), one of which was accompanied by an i. v. administration of 10 mg of, an antagonist of opiates, the naloxone. In one group of obese impaired oral glucose tolerance test occurred. All obese, but not the lean healthy volunteers, showed: 1) increased basal plasma insulin levels, 2) higher insulin response to OGTT, 3) a decrease in insulin response to OGTT after naloxone administration, with significant differences at 60 min (p less than 0.01) and 90 min (p less than 0.025). In none of the subjects significant differences were observed in blood glucose levels after OGTT plus naloxone administration. These data suggest that increased endogenous opiates may affect insulin response to glucose in obese with impaired or normal oral glucose tolerance test. At present there seems to be no satisfactory explanation for unchanged blood glucose levels during OGTT with and without naloxone despite a decrease in insulin secretion in the obese patients.
Adolescent↗
Distribution of diphenylhydantoin in the brain during experimental status epilepticus of the cat.
The distribution of diphenylhydantoin (PHT) (40 mg/kg i.p.) in the brain was investigated in cats with convulsive generalized (group 1) and focal penicillin-induced status epilepticus (group 2), and in controls. A significant increase in the amount of PHT entering the brain during the convulsive status was found, with peak brain levels at 45 min (12 +/- 3.2 micrograms/g vs. 6.0 +/- 0.8 in normal cats, P less than 0.05). In the focal status brain concentrations of PHT reached levels intermediate between controls and group 1 cats. At 15 min, elevated blood levels of the drug were paralleled by increased concentrations in the brain, whereas at 30 and 45 min other factors, such as changes in cerebral blood flow, cerebral pH, vascular resistance, metabolic derangement and blood-brain barrier disruption were presumably responsible for the altered brain PHT uptake. The relevance of these data to clinical practice is discussed, in relation to the treatment of human status epilepticus and the potentially neurotoxic effects of the drug.
Animals↗
[Fluorescent properties of (Na+/K+)ATPase].
1. The effect of ouabain on the molecular properties of (Na+/K+)-ATPase has been studied in purified preparations of the enzyme, isolated from the microsomal fraction of outer red medulla of porcine kidney, according to a modification of the method described by Jorgensen. 2. Ouabain, a specific inhibitor of (Na+/K+)-ATPase, binds at the potassium site of the enzyme, thus generating an increase in its stability towards the common denaturing agents, such as exposure to different concentration of guanidinium chloride (GdmC1) or to acidic solutions.
Animals↗