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Biomedical subjects

J Sandow

Publications and source records attributed to J Sandow.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

New analogues of secretin.

For the evaluation of structure/activity relationships, some porcine secretin analogues, modified in the N-terminus, have been synthesized by segment condensation in solution. The secretin activity of the analogues was defined as the volume of pancreatic juice secreted in rats and dogs. The exchange of the N-terminal pentapeptide for the N-terminal pentapeptide of human somatotropin releasing factor (h-SRF) resulted in a peptide ([1-Tyr,2,4-Di-Ala,5-Ile]secretin) with practically no SRF-activity (less than 1% SRF-activity up to 100 micrograms/kg in the rat), but surprisingly high secretin activity (almost 100% in the rat, but only 1150 CU/mg (27%) in the dog). [3-L-Cysteic acid]secretin showed 1750 CU/mg (39%) in the dog, but a less activity (23%) in the rat. [6-D-Phe]secretin and [5-D-allo-Thr]secretin are again strongly species specific. They exhibited an activity of less than 1% in the dog, but about 10-15% in the rat. The smallest secretin activity was observed with [1-Cys,6-Cys]secretin in the oxidized form. The activity in the rat with this analogue was only about 0.2%.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Improved enrichment of functionally intact anterior pituitary cells by sequential centrifugal elutriation and density gradient sedimentation.

By centrifugal elutriation and subsequent Percoll density gradient centrifugation, we obtained highly enriched cell populations of the anterior pituitary of ovariectomized adult rats. Enrichment of somatotrophs, gonadotrophs and mammotrophs was 90%, 80% and 77%, respectively (determined by immunocytochemistry). 41% of the GH-cells showed a medium cell size and the highest density. 52% of the LH-cells and 44% of the FSH-cells were found within the population of the large and medium-dense cells. 69% of the prolactin-cells belonged to the small-sized cells with low density. Thyrotrophs were found within all of the size ranges. The majority of the corticotrophs (82%) showed a small cell size. The enriched somatotrophs, LH-gonadotrophs, and mammotrophs responded to GRF, LRH and TRH. Before and after enrichment, somatotrophs and mammotrophs showed the same responsiveness to releasing hormones. In contrast, enriched LH-gonadotrophs exhibited a higher responsiveness to LRH than unfractionated LH-gonadotrophs.

Animals↗

Effect of long-term infusion of an LH-releasing hormone agonist on testicular function in bulls.

Continuous administration of LH-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists is an effective method of suppressing testosterone secretion in the male. The effect of the LH-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist, buserelin, administered to bulls by constant infusion from osmotic minipumps was studied. In one experiment with four treated and one control bull, 109 micrograms buserelin/day were administered for 22 days. Immediately after implantation, serum testosterone concentrations rose from below 35 nmol/l to 35-105 nmol/l, and all four buserelin-infused bulls showed increased testosterone secretion during the treatment period. After removal of the minipumps, testosterone concentrations decreased to pretreatment levels. In a second experiment bulls were infused for 42 days (four treated and one control), and identical results were obtained. Testosterone secretion was stimulated (52-87 nmol/l serum) during the entire treatment period. These results demonstrate that conditions for stimulation of the pituitary-testicular axis may vary between species. Infusion of low doses of LHRH-agonists in bulls has an extended stimulatory effect without immediate desensitization of gonadotrophin release.

Animals↗

The different mechanisms for suppression of pituitary and testicular function.

The differential mechanisms reducing androgen secretion by LHRH agonists are discussed with relevance to clinical therapy. LH secretion can be desensitised by exposure to agonists using high doses, frequent injections or sustained release/constant infusion. The desensitized pituitary is refractory to hypothalamic stimulation. Pituitary receptor suppression is associated with depletion of pituitary gonadotrophin content, and a decline of LH and FSH secretion to a basal rate. Recovery of LH responsiveness to endogenous LHRH stimulation requires restitution of gonadotrophin content (about 7 days in rats). After long-term infusions in normal men, testosterone secretion recovers within 7-10 days. The binding capacity of testicular LH/hCG receptors is reduced in rats after supraphysiological gonadotrophin stimulation, by agonists or directly by hCG, concomitantly the steroidogenic capacity of the testis in vitro is impaired. Qualitative changes in androgen biosynthesis are a marked fall in testosterone production and dose-dependent enhancement of progesterone production. After 12 months of buserelin injections, the changes in hCG-stimulated rat testes are an increased ratio of progesterone/17-OH-progesterone (inhibition of 17-hydroxylase), a reduced capacity for secretion of androstenedione and testosterone (block of 17,20-desmolase), and increased 5 alpha-pregnane-3,20-dione (this steroid inhibits the 17,20-desmolase, similarly to progesterone). After treatment, Leydig cell function recovers completely. Leydig cell hyperplasia is observed as a result of the steroidogenic changes. These findings in rats have not been observed in dogs, monkeys or in humans.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Androgen Antagonists↗

[Animal experiment studies on the topical and systemic effectiveness of prednisolone-17-ethylcarbonate-21-propionate].

Prednisolone-17-ethyl carbonate-21-propionate (PrEP, Hoe 777) was tested for antiinflammatory activity in various animal models by topical and systemic administration. In those models being indicative of topical efficacy, the potency of PrEP was the same as that of desoximetasone. However, systemic effects after topical administration of PrEP in shaved skin of the dorsum of rats were relatively weak compared with the reference compound. Moreover, there were less systemic corticoid effects after s.c. administration of PrEP than after desoximetasone. Thus, PrEP is obviously a compound with a considerable split of topical and systemic activity, suggesting its testing in man for systemic effects after topical administration.

Administration, Topical↗

Effect of an intranasal LHRH agonist on gonadotrophins and hot flushes in post-menopausal women.

Alterations in circulating gonadotrophins have been reported at the time of onset of menopausal flushes. In order to study this association D-SER(TBU)6-EA10-LHRH, a luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist was given intranasally at a dose of 200 micrograms twice daily to 12 post-menopausal women to study its effect on gonadotrophin secretion and hot flushes. Following an initial period of 3-5 days of increased gonadotrophin secretion, pituitary desensitization occurred, with a significant suppression of circulating LH and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels (P less than 0.001) and a reduction in gonadotrophin pulse amplitude (P less than 0.05). This was accompanied by a significant diminution of the pituitary's response to exogenous LHRH (P less than 0.05). However, no significant alteration in the incidence of hot flushes was observed on such therapy.

Administration, Intranasal↗

Failure of high-dose sustained release luteinizing hormone releasing hormone agonist (buserelin) plus oral testosterone to suppress male fertility.

Previously we have demonstrated that sperm counts of normal young men decreased during constant subcutaneous infusion of the LHRH agonist buserelin (118 or 230 micrograms/d). In order to test whether azoospermia can be achieved with higher doses, seven young men received 450 micrograms buserelin subcutaneously daily for 12 weeks via extracorporeal osmotic minipumps. To avoid symptoms of androgen deficiency, oral supplementation with 80 mg/d testosterone undecanoate (TU) was initiated in week 5 and was increased to 120 mg/d by week 8. Follow-up after treatment lasted for another 12 weeks. In order to evaluate possible psychotropic effects of treatment-related endocrine changes, continuous psychometric testing was performed focusing on personality, emotions and sexuality. After an initial rise, both serum LH and FSH returned to normal. FSH was below normal during the 3rd-5th week following treatment. LHRH stimulation tests performed at the end of treatment showed pituitary desensitization. Serum T (always measured between 0800 and 1300 h at least 12 h after last TU) tended to decrease by week 7 and remained slightly depressed until the end of treatment while libido, potency and emotional well-being remained unchanged. While testicular volumes showed a reduction from week 7 of treatment to week 10 post-treatment, sperm counts decreased only insignificantly from 65 +/- 10 to 44 +/- 14 million per ml in week 12 post-treatment. Severe oligo- or azoospermia was not observed in any of the seven men. It is concluded that full androgen substitution by TU can drastically delay if not abolish the antifertility effect of LHRH-induced pituitary desensitization.

Administration, Oral↗

Suppression of follicular maturation by infusion of a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist starting during the late luteal phase in the stumptailed macaque monkey.

The effect of continuous administration of an LHRH agonist for 14 days on follicular estradiol secretion was studied in adult female stumptailed macaque monkeys. The infusion was started either during the early follicular phase or during the late luteal phase. Both treatments resulted in a rise in serum concentrations of LH and FSH for 2-3 days, after which time values returned to basal levels. Infusion during the early follicular phase induced a rapid rise in serum concentrations of estradiol, which declined after 7-10 days. The normal rise in serum progesterone after midcycle failed to occur, indicating that ovulation had been inhibited. Infusion during the late luteal phase of the cycle prevented the normal rise in serum concentrations of FSH and estradiol at the end of the luteal phase, and there was no indication of follicular estradiol production during the subsequent infusion period. Removal of the minipumps after 14 days was followed promptly by normal cycles, regardless of when the infusion had been started. In a second experiment, infusion of LHRH agonist was started during the luteal phase and extended for 90 days. This resulted in marked and sustained suppression of estradiol secretion and total absence of progesterone rises. These findings show that in the monkey, a rapid and sustained suppression of estradiol production can be obtained if a long term infusion of LHRH agonist is started during the luteal phase of the cycle. Such an approach in women using infusion pumps or sustained delivery preparations may be the most effective way of achieving a medical ovariectomy for the treatment of endometriosis, leiomyomata, and other estrogen-dependent pathological conditions.

Animals↗

Functional integrity of anterior pituitary cells separated by a density gradient.

Using a continuous Percoll density gradient, endocrine cells of the anterior pituitary were separated. The cells were obtained from adult female Sprague-Dawley rats which had been ovariectomized for 7 days. The gradient revealed two equally sized populations of cells with densities of about 1.02 and 1.09 g/ml. Ninety-two per cent of the cellular GH content, 64% of LH, and 60% of TSH were found in the high density peak. Sixty-one per cent of the cellular Prl appeared in the low density peak. Immunocytochemical staining of the LH containing cells showed that 74% of the gonadotrophs were in the high density peak. After separation, the cells retained their responsiveness to LRH, TRH and GRF. Culture conditions influenced stimulated hormone release. Before stimulation, the cells were cultured either in tissue culture flasks (attached cells) or in Petri dishes (cells in suspension) for 3 days. After TRH-stimulation, suspended thyrotrophs released more TSH than attached thyrotrophs. Comparing the cells of both peaks, attached thyrotrophs of the high density peak showed higher stimulated TSH-release than those of the low density peak. The response of the gonadotrophs and somatotrophs to stimulation did not differ when culture conditions were changed. The present results demonstrate that the secretory activity of endocrine cells is influenced by culture conditions and should be evaluated fore each cell type.

Animals↗

Time- and dose-dependent alterations of basal and LH-RH-stimulated LH-release during treatment with various hormonal contraceptives.

The dose- and time-dependent effect of treatment with estrogen and progestogens on serum LH before and 15 min. after the i.v. injection of 150 ng LH-RH was investigated in intact female rats. The animals were injected s.c. daily with ethinyl estradiol (EE), levonorgestrel (NG), desogestrel (DG), norethisterone (NET), chlormadinone acetate (CMA) or cyproterone acetate (CPA) alone or in various combinations, and LH was measured after 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks of treatment and 2 weeks after termination of the injections. The treatment with low- and high-dosed combined preparations caused a marked decrease of basal LH levels which was not reversed 2 weeks after discontinuation. The combination of 30 and 50 micrograms EE with 125 or 250 micrograms NG was more effective in depressing LH-RH-induced LH release than that with 125 or 250 micrograms DG which were, however, reversible in all cases. The increase in the estrogen dose intensified the suppressive effect to a greater extent than the doubling of the progestogen dose. The suppression of the LH-RH-stimulated LH release occurred in a time-dependent manner; there was, however, a transitory amplification after 1 week when 50 micrograms EE/125 micrograms DG were tested. The high-dosed combinations of 50 micrograms EE with 500 micrograms NG, 2 mg NET, 2 mg CMA or 2 mg CPA brought about a very strong blockade of both basal and LH-RH-induced LH secretion which persisted 2 weeks after termination of treatment. The results indicate that even minor alterations in the doses of the estrogen and progestogen components of combined oral contraceptives (OC) may lead to considerable differences in the functional stage of the gonadotrophs which also depend on the duration of treatment.

Animals↗

Suppression of pituitary and testicular function in normal men by constant gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist infusion.

In a trial for male fertility control the effects of constant GnRH agonist (buserelin) infusion on pituitary and testicular function was investigated. The agonist was administered sc for 12 weeks to two groups of normal young men using extracorporeal osmotic minipumps. Seven men received 118 +/- 24 (SD) micrograms/day from pumps changed biweekly and four men received 230 +/- 27 micrograms/day from pumps changed weekly. After an initial rise serum LH, FSH, and testosterone decreased. The decrease occurred faster in the high dose group and these subjects had no LH response to acute GnRH stimulation after 4 weeks of treatment, whereas the response was drastically reduced in the group receiving the low dose. Androgen substitution with testosterone undecanoate (80-120 mg orally daily) was initiated when the subjects complained of decreased libido and/or potency or when serum testosterone fell below 10 nmol/liter on average in the fifth week. Sperm counts decreased significantly and below the lower normal limit of 20,000,000/ml. The nadir was reached in week 12 of treatment in the high dose group, and in week 4 post treatment in the low dose group. Despite desensitization of the pituitary and impaired testicular function azoospermia did not occur. A higher dose of agonist appears to be required to achieve this goal.

Adult↗

New approach in the treatment of prostate cancer: complete instead of partial withdrawal of androgens.

To completely eliminate androgens of both testicular and adrenal origin, 37 previously untreated patients with advanced (stages C or D) prostatic cancer received the combination therapy using an LHRH agonist (HOE-766) and a pure antiandrogen (RU-23908). The response criteria developed by the National Prostatic Cancer Project were used. A positive response (assessed by bone scan and/or serum prostatic acid phosphatase measured by radioimmunoassay was observed in 29 of the 30 cases who could be evaluated by these objective criteria (97%). The objective response was parallel to a rapid and marked improvement of the clinical signs and symptoms related to prostate cancer (prostatism, bone pain, and general well being). In marked contrast, the same combination therapy applied to patients previously treated with high doses of diethylstilbestrol (13 patients) showed a positive objective response in only 55% of cases. In 23 previously castrated patients showing relapse, an objective response was seen in only 25% of cases after neutralization of adrenal androgens by the antiandrogen. Previous treatment with chlorotrianisene (TACE) had no detectable effect on prostatic cancer and patients having previously received such treatment had a rate of positive response similar to previously untreated patients (five of five). In the previously untreated patients receiving the combination therapy, a 60% fall in serum prostatic acid phosphatase was observed as early as five days after starting treatment, at a time when the serum androgen concentration was 100% to 200% above control. Combined treatment with the pure antiandrogen completely prevents flare-up of the disease, a complication previously found in a significant proportion of patients treated with an LHRH agonist alone. The present data show that complete withdrawal of androgens by combined hormonal therapy with the LHRH agonist (or castration) and a pure antiandrogen leads to a positive objective response in more than 95% of cases as opposed to 60%-70% as reported by many groups using the previous partial hormonal therapy (castration or high doses of estrogens). Adrenal androgens are most likely responsible for this difference. The present study also shows that the proportion of androgen-sensitive cells decreases from more than 95% in untreated patients to 25% to 55% after previous partial hormonal therapy. Such data clearly indicate that the previous partial hormonal therapy exclusively aimed at neutralizing testicular androgens left 25% to 55% of cancer cells having a relatively low sensitivity to androgens in a hormonal milieu compatible with their continuous growth. No clinical or biochemical side effect could be detected except those related to reduced serum androgen levels.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Acid Phosphatase↗

The regulation of LHRH action at the pituitary and gonadal receptor level: a review.

Luteinizing hormone releasing-hormone (LHRH) and its highly active agonists are under clinical investigation for the control of reproductive function and for suppression of hormone dependent tumours. The regulation of LHRH action by pituitary receptors and expression of the biological LHRH effect by gonadotropin release and activation of steroid biosynthesis are discussed in this context. Pituitary LHRH receptors are controlled by autoregulation via endogenous LHRH secretion. The gonadal response to LHRH stimulation is regulated by LH action on receptors for LH, prolactin and FSH. Pituitary and gonadal inhibition are achieved by different mechanisms. Continuous exposure to LHRH blocks gonadotropin release and reduces pituitary LH/FSH content, whereas inhibition of steroid biosynthesis requires daily LH release to maintain receptor down-regulation. Pituitary enzymes involved in LHRH degradation at the receptor site are required for terminating hormone action, but their role in modulating hormonal responsiveness is secondary to receptor regulation. Direct gonadal effects of LHRH are exerted in the presence of gonadotropins by modulating the gonadotropin effect, e.g. in hypophysectomized animals. The presence of specific receptors for LHRH agonists in ovarian and testicular tissue suggests local control mechanisms for gonadotropin activation of steroid biosynthesis.

Animals↗