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Biomedical subjects

G Zizzo

Publications and source records attributed to G Zizzo.

27 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1992

Effects of prolonged treatment with diltiazem on pituitary secretion of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, thyrotropin and prolactin.

In previous studies it has been observed that acute administration or short-term treatment with calcium channel blockers can influence the secretion of some pituitary hormones. In this study, we have examined the effect of the long-term administration of diltiazem on luteinizing-hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), thyrotropin (TSH) and prolactin (PRL) levels under basal conditions and after gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)/thyrotropin-releasing-hormone (TRH) stimulation in 12 subjects affected by cardiovascular diseases who were treated with diltiazem (60 mg 3 times/day per os) for more than 6 months and in 12 healthy volunteers of the same age. The basal levels of the studied hormones were similar in the two groups. In both the treated patients and the control subjects, a statistically significant increase (p < 0.01) in LH, FSH, TSH and PRL levels was observed after GnRH/TRH administration. Comparing the respective areas under the LH, FSH, TSH and PRL response curves between the two groups did not present any statistically significant difference. These findings indicate that long-term therapy with diltiazem does not alter pituitary hormone secretion.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Evidence of altered dopaminergic modulation of prolactin and thyrotropin secretion in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

In order to evaluate the functional activity of the tubero-infundibular dopaminergic system in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), we analysed the prolactin (PRL) and thyrotropin (TSH) responses to the dopamine antagonist sulpiride. We studied 8 euthyroid women affected by PCOS and 7 normal women. The mean baseline PRL values were normal in both groups. After sulpiride administration the incremental area under the PRL profile in PCOS was significantly lower than in normal subjects (p less than 0.01). The mean basal plasma TSH levels were significantly higher in the PCOS than in the control group (p less than 0.01). After sulpiride administration the incremental area under the TSH profile was significantly lower in PCOS patients than in normal women (p less than 0.01). The higher basal plasma levels of TSH, the blunted response of PRL and the lack of response of TSH to sulpiride in PCOS suggest a relative decrease of the dopaminergic activity in PCOS patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

[Evaluation of dopaminergic activity of the hypothalamus in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome].

To evaluate the hypothalamic dopaminergic activity in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), we studied the PRL, TSH, LH and FSH responses to i.m. administration of sulpiride in five euthyroid women affected by PCOS and in five normal women. The mean basal PRL and TSH plasma levels resulted significantly higher (p less than 0.01) in PCOS subjects with respect to normal subjects. The incremental area under PRL and TSH profiles, after sulpiride administration, were significantly lower (p less than 0.05) in PCOS patients than in the control group; no significant variation of LH and FSH plasma levels resulted. Our data suggest a decrease dopaminergic activity in PCOS.

Dopamine Agents↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Daily variations in catecholamine excretion are not influenced by very low calorie diet in obese women.

The increase in metabolic efficiency during energy restriction seems to be an established phenomenon in obese patients. The sympathoadrenal system is involved in the control of energy expenditure and the catecholamine responses to stimuli vary during the day. We therefore studied the circadian pattern of urinary catecholamine excretion during 4-h collections for two consecutive days in a group of 20 obese female patients during and after a very low calorie diet (500 kcal/die). The diet period induced a significant weight loss in all the patients studied (99.1 +/- 3.7 vs 92.5 +/- 4.1 Kg; p < 0.01). The mean daily excretion of epinephrine did not change after 24 days of diet restriction when compared with the value obtained at the 4th day (12.0 +/- 2.5 vs 10.3 +/- 2.2 nmol/4 h respectively; p = NS) while a slight decrease was observed in the mean daily excretion of norepinephrine (52.5 +/- 8.7 vs 66.6 +/- 9.3 nmol/4 h respectively; p = NS). A circadian rhythm was detected for epinephrine and norepinephrine excretion both during and after very low calorie diet. No significant changes were found in the chronobiological characteristics of epinephrine and norepinephrine with the peak of excretion in the afternoon both during (epinephrine: 16:30 h; norepinephrine: 16:45 h) and after the diet (epinephrine: 17:35 h; norepinephrine: 18:00 h). It seems doubtful that alterations in the chronobiological pattern of catecholamines play a role in the metabolic adaptation occurring during very low calorie diet in obese females.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Acute suppurative thyroiditis in a patient with prior subacute thyroiditis].

Acute suppurative thyroiditis is an uncommon thyroid disorder usually caused by bacterial infection. The most common route of infection is a fistula that originates from the fundus of the pyriform sinus. Pre-existing thyroid disease, most commonly nodular goiter, has been reported to be present in acute suppurative thyroiditis. A 44 year old man presented a subacute thyroiditis, resolved by nonsteroidal antiinflammatory treatment. One year later, the patient abruptly complained of fever and painful swelling in the thyroid region. A relapse subacute thyroiditis was diagnosed and prednisone treatment was started. A few days later owing to a worsening of the pain and of the clinical features the patient was referred to our department. He presented dysphagia and he was feverish, the overlying skin of the neck swelling was erythematous and warm. There was a neutrophilia (83.7%). Plasma FT4, FT3 and TSH were normal. Anterior neck region ultrasonography showed an enlargement of the left thyroid lobe with poorly defined shapes and inhomogeneous parenchyma while the right lobe of the gland was normal. The 131-I thyroid scan showed a large cold area in the upper part of the left thyroid lobe and preserved radionuclide uptake in the residual parenchyma. The RAIU was normal. We diagnosed acute suppurative thyroiditis and started antibiotics treatment. The day after the patient was still feverish and he gave out from the mouth a great quantity of sero-purulent material with a swelling reduction and improvement of the neck pain. Barium swallow examination did not show any fistula in the cervical esophagus. The fistula opening was demonstrated by indirect laryngoscopy in the postero-lateral side of hypopharynx.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Abscess↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Changes in the blood levels of adrenal hormones after prolonged physical activity].

In order to evaluate the effect of prolonged physical activity on the adrenal cortex we have measured the plasma blood level of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), androstenedione (A) and cortisol (C) in ten moderately trained male subjects an hour before and 5-10 minutes after an hour of swimming. Mean plasma levels of DHEAS after physical activity were significantly higher respect to pre-exercise levels. The mean plasma levels of A pre- and post-exercise also demonstrated a significantly difference. Cortisol levels did not increase significantly after this kind of physical activity. These results suggest that prolonged exercise determines an independent activation of the cortical zona reticularis as to that of the zona fasciculata.

Adrenal Cortex↗