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Biomedical subjects

G A Groves

Publications and source records attributed to G A Groves.

13 recordsLinked to original sources

A neuroheptapeptide influence on cognitive functioning in the elderly.

The heptapeptide core common to melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) and adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) was administered as a single subcutaneous dose of 30 mg to 13 elderly human subjects (9 men, 4 women) in a double-blind, cross-over design. Significant improvement was found in the Benton Visual Retention Test after MSH/ACTH 4--10 as compared with administration of saline. This appeared to be greater in men than women. No side effects or laboratory abnormalities were observed. The behavioral results are consistent with our earlier findings in men and rats of improved visual attention after administration of MSH and extend them to the elderly population.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

MSH/ACTH4-10 influences on the CAR in human subjects: a negative finding.

Twenty normal, male, paid volunteers were randomly assigned to MSH/ACTH4-10 or diluent control groups. Following a subcutaneous injection of either 30 mg MSH/ACTH4-10 or diluent, all subjects were placed in an active conditioned avoidance response situation where they learned to avoid a painful electric shock by pressing a key during a safe interval between a warning signal (light) and shock onset. MSH/ACTH4-10 did not influence any parameter of the acquisition or extinction process. The between subjects' variability of autonomic variables was significantly less for the MSH/ACTH4-10 group. Results indicate that inhibition of extinction of conditioned avoidance responding does not generalize across species from rat to man.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

Alternative behavioral approaches to the treatment of homosexuality.

Radical changes in attitudes toward homosexuality in American society are integrated into a new perspective for the therapist confronted by a client who engages in homosexual behavior. The traditional mandatory attempt to eradicate homosexual behavior has been expanded into three options, any one of which may be pursued by the therapist at the client's request: (1) modification of homosexual in favor of heterosexual behavior, (2) enhancement of homosexual behavior, and (3) ignoring of homosexual behavior if it is functionally unrelated to the presenting symptoms. Therapists' negative attitudes toward clients who engage in homosexual behavior are such as to abrogate expanded options and may results in therapeutic efforts at modification of homosexual behavior in defiance of the client's expressed wishes. Contrary to current professional belief, careful analysis and the use of appropriate techniques such as systematic desensitization, orgasmic reconditioning, and training in heterosocial skills generally obviate the necessity for aversive procedures in those instances where homosexual behavior is to be modified in favor of heterosexual behavior. Three case histories are presented illustrating the use of each of the expanded options described above.

Attitude↗