Gonadotropins and gonadal steroids in androgen insensitivity (testicular feminization) syndrome: effects of castration and sex steroid administration.

Gonadotropin control mechanisms were examined in 12 subjects with the complete syndrome of androgen insensitivity (testicular feminization). This study confirmed the presence of elevated luteinizing hormone (LH) and normal follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) values in these subjects and suggests an intact feedback mechanism for FSH but not LH. This gives further credence to the opinion that estrogens and a nonsteroidal inhibin are important in FSH control. Because of an exaggerated pulsatile pattern of gonadotropins in intact and gonadectomized subjects, there were dramatic variations in gonadotropin levels. After gonadectomy, there was a marked rise in FSH and a further rise in LH. Administered estradiol benzoate and, to a lesser degree, testosterone propionate were capable of lowering LH levels. The effect of testosterone could be via conversion to estrogen(s) in the testes or elsewhere.

[Action of repeated doses of a beta-adrenergic in the response of plasma cyclic AMP in asthmatic patients]. / Acción de dosis repetitivas de un beta-adrenérgico en la respuesta del AMP cíclico plasmático en asmáticos.

The present work studies the behaviour of plasma cAMP after repeated doses of a beta mimetic currently used as a broncodilator in asthmatics. A group of patients repeatedly treated with Phenoterol showed increased cAMP values, particularly evident when compared with those obtained throughout the day. It is notable that this increase does not continue with treatment, but levels off and even shows some tendency to diminish. After the final dose of beta mimetic there is an abrupt fall of cAMP to initial (pre-treatment) values. It is suggested that the increase in nucleotide values is not maintained after repeated doses of beta-stimulants because asthmatics show a diminished response as a result of exhaustion or "tolerance" to the response. It is probable that, as in the case of some hormones, the receptors in the effector organs are exhausted.

Maternal plasma estrogens after dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate injection into the fetus.

To study the biogenesis of estrogens by the fetoplacental unit in late pregnancy, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate was injected directly into the fetus and maternal blood sampled at intervals for 2 hours thereafter. There was no increase of estrone, estradiol, or estriol concentration in the maternal circulation.

Treatment of fibrocystic disease of the breast with a prolactin inhibitor: 2-Br-alpha-ergocryptine (CB-154).

In order to evaluate the importance of prolactin in the pathogenesis and clinical evolution of fibrocystic disease of the breast, serum prolactin levels were determined in 7 patients affected by this condition before and during treatment with a prolactin inhibitor, 2-Br-alpha-ergocryptine (CB-154). Serum prolactin levels were found to be low or normal before treatment. During treatment with CB-154 there was an improvement in all patients but 2. The results of the study do not allow any conclusion on the possible relation between serum prolactin levels and fibrocystic disease of the breast but they indicate that CB-154 may be useful for treating patients with this disorder.