Aldosterone metabolism in cultures of rat renal cortical and medullary cells.

The metabolism of 4-(14)C-d-aldosterone (at 3 nM) was studied in the primary target organ of the hormone, in renal cortical and medullary cell cultures obtained from Wistar rats. Larger amounts of aldosterone were metabolized in medullary cells than in cortical cells, as measured by a decreased 4-(14)C-d-aldosterone radioactivity concentration (26+/-9% and 12+/-7% of the initial aldosterone added, respectively (n=5, p<0.05)). The 14C radiometabolites of aldosterone in both cultures co-chromatographed with 5alpha dihydro- (DHA) and 3alpha,3beta tetrahydroaldosterone (THA). Aldosterone metabolism was totally inhibited by a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist canrenoat (Soldactone) (at 10(-5) to 10(-3) M), while the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist RU 38486 (Roussel UCLAF) (at 10(-5) to 10(-4) M) had no effect. Thus, the study confirmed that, in rat kidney, aldosterone can be converted to its reduced metabolites by a metabolism which is inhibited by a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist. This indicated that the metabolism might play some role in modulation of the intracellular response to aldosterone in the kidney.

[Vasectomy: who regrets it and why?]. / Vasektomi: hvem har fortrudt og hvorfor?

In order to determine the real percentage of sterilised men who regretted their sterilisation and for which reasons, a retrospective questionnaire survey was conducted in 1990-1991 on 244 men sterilised between 1980 and 1983. Information was also collected from their case records. 7.4% of the sterilised men regretted their decision. Of these, 39% were younger than 30, and 94% had started a relation with another woman. The lower age limit for sterilisation according to the law is 25 years, 37% found this age limit too low and 6% found it too high. We conclude that it should be considered whether the legal lower age limit for sterilisation is too low. It is important to thoroughly inform the patient about problems in sexual relations and alternative methods of contraception before he decides on sterilisation.

PIP: During January 1980-February 1983, a total of 421 men were referred to the urological department of Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, for vasectomy operations, of whom 19 opted out. In 1990, questionnaires were mailed out to 367 of these men. 246 (68%) returned them, but 2 were incomplete, thus a sample was left for analysis of 244 men who had been sterilized 8-10 years before. The inquiry concerned the percentage of regret among them and its causes. 18 (7.4%) regretted their decision, of whom 7 (39%) had been under 30 years of age at the time of operation. In contrast, of the remaining 226 who did not regret it, only 27 (12%) were under 30. A total of 61 (25%) established a new relationship after sterilization. 17 of those who regretted vasectomy had a new relationship, constituting 94% of all those regretting. 37% of the whole sample thought that the legal age limit for sterilization was low, 57% thought it was acceptable, and 6% thought it was too high. At the time of sterilization, 235 (96%) were in steady relationship and 9 were single. 50% of men who regretted their decision and subsequently underwent sterilization reversal operations were under 30 years of age with a median age of 29, compared to 39 years for those regretted it but did not attempt sterilization reversal. The average number of children before sterilization was 2.1, among those regretting it was 2.6, and among those not regretting 2.1. Among the causes of sterilization 210 (86%) cited the desire not to have more children, 120 (49%) cited their relationship, and some referred to the many side effects of oral contraceptives, previous miscarriage, complicated birth, and the desire to have a better sex life. The questions concerning changes in sex life was answered by 77 (32%) as better, 157 (64%) experienced no change, and 10 (4%) said it had become worse. 166 patients (68%) were satisfied with prior instruction from their physician, 161 (66%) from the department, and 217 (89%) had been counseled with at least one case illustration.