Serotonin-immunoreactive cells of peculiar shape in the urethral epithelium of the human penis

The present study deals with endocrine-like cells in the urethra of human penis. A large number of basal-granulated cells immunoreactive for serotonin were dispersed in the urethral epithelium. No cellular elements were stained positively with antisera against bioactive peptides. The serotonin-immunoreactive cells consisted of a small oval perikaryon and slender processes, and resembled neurons in shape. An apical process reached the urethral lumen. The basal processes frequently branched out in a dendritic fashion, some running laterally for a considerable distance. The number of cells immunoreactive for serotonin was remarkably reduced in subjects over 60 years of age.

Radio gas chromatography for evaluation of sub-cellular hormone synthesis in the androgen insensitivity syndrome

This paper gives a description of a radio gas-liquid chromatographic method for the evaluation of androgen hormone synthesis patterns in the testicular tissue of a patient suffering from the androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS). A modified dual-column gas chromatography system, equipped with column switching facilities and a radioactivity monitor run parallel to a flame ionisation detector, enables the monitoring of radioactive intermediates of testosterone anabolism and catabolism, generated from a labelled precursor. Tissue preparations were incubated with tritiated pregnenolone for 45 min at 37 degrees C. Steroid hormones were stripped from the aqueous phase by solvent extraction and analysed by gas chromatography as methoxitrimethylsilyl (MO-TMS) derivatives on a 15 m X 0.32 mm I.D. fused-silica capillary column coated with DB-5. The results reveal abnormal enzyme kinetics due to accelerated precursor utilisation. The findings reflect the pathophysiology of AIS at the sub-cellular level of the androgen hormone target organ.

Male infertility

Male infertility can affect up to one in ten couples attempting a pregnancy. Careful history taking and thorough physical examination, supplemented by laboratory and clinical measurements, are important in reaching an accurate diagnosis of this increasingly complex subject. Available treatment options are outlined for a range of clinical conditions and their anticipated success rates are discussed.

Peptide-hormone- and serotonin-immunoreactive tumour cells in carcinoma of the prostate

In order to establish the extent of neuroendocrine differentiation and the occurrence of neurohormonal peptides in the neoplastic cells of prostatic carcinomas, silver-staining and immunocytochemical techniques were used. All gave satisfactory results. The incidence of the neuroendocrine cells seemed to be higher in the fresh "Bouin-fixed" biopsy specimens than in the conventionally "formalin-fixed" specimens from archival paraffin blocks. All carcinomas demonstrated argyrophil cells as an integral element of the tumour. In highly differentiated carcinomas (grade I) these cells were scattered focally, intermingled with non-argyrophil cells in typical adenocarcinomas; their incidence was estimated to be about the same as in benign prostatic hyperplasia. Most of them were immunoreactive with antisera raised against serotonin and/or TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). In moderately and poorly differentiated (grades II-III) carcinomas, however, the argyrophil cells were more numerous and showed greater variation in growth pattern; only occasionally they displayed a typical carcinoid-like structure. Moderately and poorly differentiated carcinomas also showed a greater variation in the number and kinds of peptide immunoreactivities than the highly differentiated carcinomas. In addition to serotonin- and TSH-immunoreactive cells as the most prevalent type, now also human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG-alpha), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), leu-enkephalin, beta-endorphin, somatostatin, glucagon and calcitonin immunoreactive cells could be found within certain tumour areas and often with a distinctly patchy distribution. In two cases, where the tumour cells in the metastases were also investigated, they were found to be both argyrophil and immunoreactive with the same antisera as those of the primary tumour. Our findings emphasise the fact that prostatic carcinomas are more complex and heterogenous than previously thought, exhibiting endocrine differentiation as an integral element of virtually all prostatic adenocarcinomas.

Hormonal parameters in follicular fluid and the fertilization rate of in vitro cultured oocytes

Oocytes and matched samples of follicular fluid were obtained from 52 preovulatory follicles aspirated laparoscopically for in vitro fertilization (IVF). Follicular fluid concentrations of estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), testosterone (T), prolactin (HPRL), prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha), prostaglandin E (PGE), protein content, and collagenolytic activity were measured and related to the fertilization rate of oocytes cultured in vitro. High concentrations of P and low levels of T and HPRL were associated with mature, fertilizable oocytes. Levels of PGF2 alpha, PGE, and follicular fluid protein concentrations were similar in both groups. Mean collagenolytic activity was increased in the fertilized oocytes, although no significant difference could be observed. Our data demonstrate a close association between follicular fluid steroid and HPRL concentrations and successful fertilization of oocytes.

Charcoal-dextran treatment of fetal bovine serum removes an inhibitor of human CFU-megakaryocytes

Serum has been shown to have an inhibitory effect on the growth of human megakaryocyte colony-forming units (CFU-Meg), both in the methylcellulose and plasma clot systems. Charcoal-dextran (CD) treatment of fetal bovine serum (FBS), a method that is known to adsorb free hormones and various other substances from their protein-bound counterparts, has been used for the improvement of human erythroid colony growth. We now report a CD treatment of FBS to improve human CFU-Meg growth, using a modified plasma clot colony assay. We found 22.9 +/- 1.9 (SEM) colonies in cultures containing CD-treated FBS, as compared to 7.1 +/- 0.9 colonies with control FBS (different at p less than or equal to 0.0001). Serum treated with dextran alone produced 5.0 +/- 1.6 colonies, which did not differ from control FBS. Cultures containing CD-treated human AB serum, human AB plasma, and citrated bovine plasma yielded significantly (p less than 0.05) fewer colonies than those with CD-treated FBS. Endotoxin, cortisol, T3, T4, insulin, estradiol, testosterone, and erythropoietin levels were not changed in a consistent direction by the CD treatment. Our treatment of FBS with CD allows improved growth of human CFU-Meg colonies and likely represents the removal of an as-yet-undefined inhibitor(s) of CFU-Meg. This technique provides the ability to assay for stimulators or potentiators less hampered by the influence of an undefined inhibitor(s).

[Effect of drugs on indices of endocrine gland function]

The authors discussed problems concerning the effect of medicines on laboratory diagnosis. They presented evidence of the effect medicines on indices of function of endocrine glands.

Relationships between polypronuclear fertilization and follicular fluid hormones in gonadotropin-treated women

Similar incidences of congenital abnormalities in in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) pregnancies and births in the general population have not supported earlier concerns that IVF may increase chromosomal aberrations. Nevertheless, polypronuclear fertilization is a common, undesirable, and poorly understood outcome of IVF. We evaluated hormone levels in 20 follicular fluids that were associated with mature oocytes that have fertilized abnormally (greater than or equal to pronuclei) and compared them to follicles with mature oocytes that cleaved normally, fertilized but failed to cleave, or did not fertilize. Progesterone (P), androstenedione, estradiol, percent free estradiol, sex hormone-binding globulin, insulin, and prolactin were measured. P levels were significantly higher in follicular fluids associated with oocytes that fertilized abnormally than in the other groups. Levels of the other hormones were similar in all the study groups. We conclude that IVF of oocytes from highly luteinized follicles as judged by P levels may result in polypronuclear fertilization.

Tumour markers in diagnosis and management

The 20-year period since the discovery of AFP by Abelev has seen the introduction of a wide range of new tumour markers and it is now clear that PLC is biologically heterogeneous. Hepatoblastomas, fibrolamellar carcinomas, hepatocellular carcinomas and cholangiocarcinomas may secrete a variety of distinctive markers which are predominantly glycoproteins, and may resemble those found in placenta or fetal liver. Diagnostically, AFP remains the best marker for HCC, both in sensitivity and specificity; it is known to consist of isoforms. In patients with elevated serum AFP and filling defects on liver scan, Con A reactive AFP may differentiate PLC from hepatic metastases, whilst fucosylated AFP may distinguish PLC from benign disorders when AFP is non-diagnostically elevated. With this recognition of tumour heterogeneity the value of a multiple-marker approach has become apparent. The measurement of vitamin B12 binding protein and neurotensin should lead to the detection of most patients with the fibrolamellar variant of HCC and many of these should be resectable. In patients with normal serum AFP levels, HCC-associated GGTP is of major value whilst in low-incidence areas for HCC, patients should also be screened for H-ALP; using a multiple marker approach in high-risk groups, 90% of clinically diagnosed hepatocellular carcinomas are serologically positive. The Chinese and Alaskan studies, in which small, potentially resectable tumours were detected, suggest that it is now possible to achieve 5-year survival figures of up to 60% in HCC patients detected by screening. The value of such a strategy in low-incidence countries is currently under study. In patient monitoring, as in diagnosis, AFP remains the outstanding marker. In AFP-negative patients, other markers including vitamin B12-binding protein, neurotensin, HCC-specific isoenzymes, des-gamma-carboxy-prothrombin and alpha-fucosidase, are of undoubted diagnostic value, but their value as indicants of disease progression remains to be established. In monitoring the response of hepatic metastases, CEA remains the least unsatisfactory marker but should always be used in conjunction with serial ultrasound scans. Tumour markers now play an important role in the diagnosis and monitoring of PLC but a role is also emerging in tumour imaging and drug targeting. The next 20 years should see the introduction of tumour markers of high sensitivity and specificity which make a fundamental contribution not only to detection and monitoring, but also to the effective treatment of liver cancer.

Electronmicroscopical, immunohistochemical, immunocytochemical and biological evidence for the occurrence of cardiac hormones (ANP/CDD) in chondrichthyes

As representatives of the vertebrate class of chondrichthyes the plagostomian species Squalus acanthias, Scyliorhinus canicula and Raja clavata as well as the holocephalan species Chimaera monstrosa were investigated for the presence of cardiac hormones of the atrial natriuretic polypeptide/cardiodilatin- (ANP/CDD-) family. ANP/CDD-immunoreactive cells were detected in the atria and the ventricles of all species studied. While these cells failed to react with antisera raised against the N-terminus of CDD-126 (= gamma-ANP) they reacted with all antisera directed against sequences of the C-terminus of CDD-126 (CDD 99-126) which is identical to alpha-ANP. The ANP/CDD-immunoreactive cells were found in high numbers in all regions of the atria and in moderate density also in the ventricles. In correspondence, in the electron microscope, myoendocrine cells which were characterized by dense-cored secretory granules were identified in the atrial and ventricular myocardium. With the use of the protein A-gold technique, ANP/CDD-immunoreactivity was determined within the secretory granules. Furthermore, in the bioassay, prepurified extracts of the atria and the ventricles of Scyliorhinus and Chimaera exerted dose-dependent relaxations of the pre-contracted mammalian (rabbit) aorta. In both cases the atrial extracts proved to be more potent than the ventricular extracts. The present findings indicate that myoendocrine cells occur in the atria and ventricles of chondrichthyes and that these cells contain homologous cardiac hormones of the ANP/CDD-family in their secretory granules. The results are compared with those obtained earlier for the other vertebrate classes and their phylogenetic and functional significance is discussed.

The measurement of hormones in saliva: possibilities and pitfalls

The easy stress-free, non-invasive nature of saliva collection makes it one of the most accessible body fluids and it is potentially of value in studying normal human physiology as well as pathology. Measurements of salivary hormone levels will usually only be of value if they reflect the plasma level of the hormone and the relationship between the saliva and plasma levels of many hormones have been studied by a number of groups. The measurement of the salivary level is a valuable clinical tool for some hormones (e.g. cortisol, oestriol, progesterone), is of little value for others (e.g. cortisone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, thyroxine, pituitary hormones) and for many others the saliva/plasma relationship is not yet sufficiently understood to assess the value of the salivary measurement. As well as reviewing the state of our knowledge of the salivary concentration of many hormones this review outlines a number of "rules of thumb" concerning the presence of hormones in saliva, their saliva/plasma relationship and the potential usefulness of assays of their salivary concentration.

The effect of carbon monoxide on hormone levels and organ weights in rats

Male Wistar rats were exposed continuously for 1 or 2 months to 25 or 100 ppm CO. The concentrations of noradrenaline in the hypothalamus, corticosterone and thyroxine in serum and of adrenal catecholamines were estimated. After exposure to 25 ppm CO no significant changes were observed in the serum corticosterone and thyroxine, hypothalamic noradrenaline, adrenal catecholamines levels, or in the weights of lung, spleen, adrenal glands, liver and the whole body. Exposure to 100 ppm CO induced a decrease in hypothalamic noradrenaline and serum thyroxine and an increase in adrenal catecholamines and serum corticosterone. Whole-body and organ weights were unchanged except for a slight decrease in liver weight. The results suggest a non-specific stress response in the rat to 100 ppm CO whilst concentration of 25 ppm CO was without any stress effect.

[Comparative radioligand analysis of gene-engineered and human hypophyseal somatotropic hormones]

Somatogen, a human somatotropic hormone (HSH) prepared with the use of gene engineering (genHSH) does not differ from the highly purified substance of hypophysial hormone (hypHSH) in affinity to the antibodies produced on hypHSH and to the membrane receptor of the rabbit liver. 50 per cent inhibition of 125I hypHSH binding to the antibodies was observed at somatogen concentration of 8.2 ng/ml and hypHSH concentration of 7.9 ng/ml. The affinity constants of somatogen and hypHSH to the receptor amounted to 3.8 X 10(9) and 3.6 X 10(9) M-1, respectively. Somatogen for injections as a medicine contains 94.6 per cent of the hormone monomer and by the level of its homogeneity exceeds hypHSH as a medicine manufactured by Serano (Italy) and genHSH as a medicine manufactured by Kabi Vitrum (Sweden).

Chemical anatomy of the hypothalamus

The neuropeptide field has witnessed considerable research interest over the past decade, and a growing body of anatomic, biochemical, and electrophysiologic data have since emerged, supporting the existence and putative neuromodulatory function of a large variety of these peptide hormones in several extrahypothalamic brain regions. It is now evident that neuropeptides not only fulfill criteria required of putative neurotransmitters, but more generally act as modulators of neuronal activity. The author discusses vasopressin and oxytocin pathways, corticotropin releasing factor, atrial natriuretic factor, thyrotropin releasing hormone, somatostatin, motilin, growth hormone releasing factor, dopamine, gonadotropin releasing hormone, and substance P.

A study of different markers for neuroendocrine differentiation in breast carcinomas

Forty-two breast carcinomas were studied with different markers for detecting neuroendocrine differentiation. The Bodian and Grimelius silver stains were applied, as well as immunostaining for neurone specific enolase (NSE), chromogranin, prealbumin and a battery of hormones. All cases were studied by electron microscopy as well. The material included 29 infiltrating ductal carcinomas, 10 infiltrating lobular carcinomas and 3 tubular carcinomas. Immunostaining for hormones was obtained in 11 cases (gastrin and PP (4 cases each), leu-enkephalin (3 cases), substance P (2 cases), beta-endorphin (2 cases), ACTH (1 case) and bombesin (1 case). Three cases revealed immunostaining for more than one hormone. Sixteen cases were positively stained with rabbit anti-NSE (Dako Corporation) and included all the 11 cases with proven immunoreactivity for hormones. 20 cases were positively stained with sheep anti-NSE and only 8 of the 11 cases with immunoreactivity for hormones were included. Immunostaining for prealbumin was observed in only 1 case and chromogranin in only 5 cases. All cases were unstained with the Bodian stain, whereas 3 cases showed a positive argyrophilic reaction with the Grimelius technique. Ultrastructural studies revealed typical small membrane-bound electron dense granules in cytoplasm in 4 cases, all among the 11 cases with immunoreactivity for hormones. We conclude that immunostaining with rabbit anti-NSE is the best screening method for detecting breast carcinomas with neuroendocrine differentiation.

Postmortem endocrine levels in the vitreous humor

The vitreous humor and sera from 51 autopsy cases were assayed for progesterone, estradiol, thyroxine, triiodothyronine, TSH, FSH, LH and prolactin. The results indicate that the blood retinal barrier has unique properties of its own. All hormones were measurable in the sera. Progesterone, estradiol, T3 and T4 were not detected despite their lipid solubility and their small molecular size while the larger glycoprotein hormones were easily measureable.

Peptide hormone production in small cell lung carcinomas with particular reference to gastrin-releasing peptide

Tissues of 50 small cell lung carcinomas were examined for production of 17 peptide hormones. Only when the concentration of a peptide detected in the tumor was 10 pmol or more per g wet weight, was the peptide considered to be produced by the tumor. The frequency of production of at least one of these peptide hormones was 84%, and that of two or more hormones was 50%. These results indicate that peptide hormone production is a very common phenomenon in small cell lung carcinoma. Of the peptide hormones examined, gastrin-releasing peptide is produced with the highest frequency, suggesting that this peptide could play an important role in small cell lung carcinoma.