Premenstrual syndrome: beneficial effects of periodic, low-dose danazol.

Danazol (200 mg/day) or placebo was administered to patients with premenstrual syndrome from the onset of symptoms until the onset of menses, for two cycles each, in a prospective, double-blind, crossover design. Eleven of 14 patients improved on danazol. The symptom scores with danazol were significantly lower than those with placebo (P less than .035). No side effects were reported from the medication. We conclude that danazol, given periodically and in a relatively low dose, appears to have a beneficial effect in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome.

Induction of maternal-infant bonding in rhesus and cynomolgus monkeys after cesarean delivery.

Following cesarean section, five infants were swabbed with secretions from their dams vagina. All five infants were accepted and nursed by their dams. Eleven other infants delivered by cesarean section were not swabbed with vaginal secretions, and only one of the eleven infants was accepted and nursed by the dam.

Rapid recovery of estrogen-induced pituitary gonadotropin surges after luteectomy in rhesus monkeys.

In the presence of a functional corpus luteum, positive estrogen feedback on the surge modes of gonadotropin secretion is blocked in rhesus monkeys. We investigated the effects of luteectomy (Lx) on the time required for recovery of pituitary responsiveness (LH/FSH surges) to positive estrogen feedback. Estradiol-17 beta-3- benzoate (EB, 50 microgram/kg sc) was given: 1) 24th prior to, 2) the day of, or 3) 24 h after luteal ablation. Daily measurements of serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol-17 beta (e2) and progesterone (P) were made on each monkey for 5 days. Serum P fell to undetectable levels within 24 h after Lx, whereas E2 levels in circulation peaked within 24h after injection of EB. Among early follicular phase monkeys, this EB treatment results in typical midcycle type LH/FSH surges within 48h. Lx alone was not soon followed by significant changes in pituitary gonadotropin secretion. When circulating P levels were undetectable the pituitary responded fully to EB; that is, typical midcycle type FSH/LH surges occurred. When serum P was in the midst of declining after Lx, gonadotropin surges were present, but attenuated. However, when P levels remained elevated for more than 24 h after EB injection, the surge modes of FSH/LH secretion remained fully blocked. These results demonstrate that the suppressive influence of luteal secretions (principally progesterone) on positive estrogen feedback regulation of the surge modes of pituitary gonadotropin secretion is quite transient in these primates.

Effect of oral contraceptives and pregnancy on erythrocyte deformability and surface charge.

Erythrocyte deformability and surface charge were studied in normal premenopausal women, oral contraceptive users, and pregnant women. The increased incidence of thrombosis in women taking oral contraceptives could not be explained by decreased erythrocyte deformability or surface charge. However, the decreased erythrocyte deformability of late pregnancy may relate to thrombosis during this period and to increased hemolysis in patients with certain hemoglobinopathies.

PIP: Erythrocyte membrane deformability is a factor in blood viscosity. Progesterone and synthetic progestational steroids interact with the ery throcyte membrane and may be related to the decreased deformability. In women, reduction in net negative surface charge during pregnancy has bee n reported. This might overcome normal especially with a reduced rate of blood flow. These factors were investigated in blood taken from patients in a Family Planning Clinic and an Obstetrical Clinic. Patients taking oral contraceptives had used them for more than 2 months. Techniques employed are described. Erythrocyte deformability was unchanged in the contraceptive users. In pregnant women a difference in filtration time was observed, indicating decreased deformity of the erythrocytes. Net negative surface charge, as measured by electrophoretic mobility, was unchanged in oral contraceptive users and in pregnant women. The increased incidence of thrombosis in women taking oral contraceptives could not be explained by decreased erythrocyte deformability or surface charge. However, decreased deformability of erythrocytes in late pregnancy may relate to thrombosis during this period, and to increased hemolysis in patients with some hemoglobinopathies.