No inhibition of corticotrophin (ACTH)-hypersecretion in adrenal insufficiency by somatostatin

Somatostatin (250 micrograms as a bolus iv and 250 micrograms as a 1 h infusion) was administered to 6 patients with primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease). The fall in plasma ACTH during the infusion period ranged between 0-30% with a mean reduction of 11.2 +/- 11.6%. These findings suggest that with the method employed, somatostatin is not an inhibitor of ACTH secretion in a condition in which glucocorticoids are lacking.

Probable pituitary adenoma with adrenocorticotropin hypersecretion (corticotropinoma) secondary to Addison's disease

A 50-yr-old woman with Addison's disease from the age of 14 yr was diagnosed as empty sella turcica in 1974 (Rev Clin Esp 139: 183, 1975). She subsequently continued with hyperpigmentation in spite of adequate hormone substitution therapy which permitted her to lead a normal life. When studied she showed an extreme elevation of plasma ACTH (1500--2000 pg/ml), and with dexamethasone (2 and 8 mg/day) continued to have levels of 900 pg/ml. With 60 mg hydrocortisone daily, effects of overdosage were observed (swelling and Cushingoid facies) associated with depigmentation. However, she continued to manifest levels of plasma ACTH of 700 pg/ml and an absence of circadian rhythm. It seems likely that this patient represents a case of pituitary ACTH secretory adenoma (corticotropinoma) secondary to the preexisting Addison's disease. The circulating levels of other pituitary hormones were normal.

[Induction of labor with the help of the prostaglandins E1, E2, F1alpha, and F2alpha]

The authors report their experiences in inducing labour between the 34th and the 43rd week of amenorrhea by the administration of prostaglandins. The detailed results of several series are compared: PGF2alpha by venous perfusion alone (100 cases) or associated with buccal oxytocin (100 other cases), PGE1 by perfusion (25 cases), PGF2alpha and PGE2 by intra-amniotic injection in cases of fetal death (25 cases). After an extremely detailed discussion of the maternal and fetal results and of the secondary effects, the authors explain the indications, the means of introduction, and also the dosages. Finally they compare the effects of prostaglandins in full-term inductions and in so-called therapeutic abortions.

Studies of intermediary metabolism in radish cotyledons. Turnover of photosynthetic products in 14CO2 pulse-chase experiments

Ability of 11-day-old radish cotyledons to carry out photosynthesis has been examined by supplying 14CO2 to cotyledon disks for periods ranging from 30 s to 20 min. Carbon-14 was rapidly incorporated into malate, citrate, sugar phosphates, and a number of amino acids. The kinetics of 14C incorporation suggest that carbon initially enters components of the organic acid and sugar phosphate fraction, being then rapidly transferred to the amino acids and sugars. In pulse-chase experiments, illuminated cotyledon disks were incubated with 14CO2 for 30 min then transferred to air containing 12CO2 for periods up to 240 min with illumination. During such postpulse incubations, considerable losses of 14C occurred from most of the principal compounds labeled during the chase incubation. As these losses were not entirely accounted for by losses of label to the incubation medium they can largely be attributed to metabolic turnover of these compounds. It is concluded that, in general, the photosynthesis of radish cotyledons is similar to that of mature leaves and of physiological significance as a route for synthesis of several important cellular constituents required for seedling growth and development.