Increase In Prolactin Research Articles

Patterns of changes in immune and hormonal regulation in hand-arm vibration syndrome and sensorineural hearing loss

The purpose of the research was to identify changes in immune and hormonal regulation in patients with hand-arm vibration syndrome and sensorineural hearing loss to substantiate informative biomarkers. Materials and methods . Men with occupational injury induced by exposure to vibration and noise were examined. The first group included 26 people diagnosed with stage 1 and 2 hand-arm vibration syndrome. The second group consisted of 38 patients diagnosed with s ensorineural hearing loss . Serum levels of c ortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, prolactin, free triiodothyronine (T 3 ), free thyroxine (T 4 ), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and interleukins IL-1β, IL-8, IL-10 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results. The results of the study revealed the peculiarities in the immune and hormonal regulation in hand-arm vibration syndrome and sensorineural hearing loss. More pronounced changes were observed in sensorineural hearing loss. A common pattern in patients with hand-arm vibration syndrome and sensorineural hearing loss was an increase in cortisol, prolactin and IL-8 and a decrease in free T 4 and IL-1β. Differences in the identified changes in the immune and hormonal status were characterized by increased TSH production in the first group, and increased free T 3 production and decreased IL-10 in the second group. In hand-arm vibration syndrome, high levels of cortisol were accompanied by a decrease in the IL-1β and IL-10 concentrations. In sensorineural hearing loss, an increase in the prolactin concentration was accompanied by increased production of IL-8. Conclusions . The identified features of immune and hormonal relations may be induced by the intensity of cortisol and prolactin production under the effects of various physical factors. Persistent high levels of cortisol and prolactin in the examined patients are important pathogenetically significant factors in the development of the disease. New laboratory indicators (IL-4, prolactin, free T 3 ) for additional diagnosis of occupational sensorineural hearing loss were identified.

Pelatihan Pijat Oksitosin bagi Pendamping Ibu Nifas

Inadequate milk production in the first days after delivery is caused by a lack of stimulation of the hormone prolactin and the hormone oxytocin. Decreasing milk production is caused by decreased stimulation of hormones prolactin and oxytocin. Efforts that can be made to stimulate the increase of hormone prolactin and oxytocin, including initiating early breastfeeding, expressing breast milk, and doing oxytocin massage, are practical and efficient in increasing milk production. Data from the Public Health Office of Palu in 2017 and 2018 showed that the average of exclusive breastfeeding coverage in 11 sub-districts in Central Sulawesi Province is <50% and specifically Kota Palu exclusive breastfeeding coverage only 49.6% in 2017 and then dropped to 49, 3% in 2018. Oxytocin massage training has never been conducted at the Tawaeli Community Health Center, especially for postpartum mothers companions such as Posyandu Cadres, Husbands, or Families. The method used in community service activities was discussions, simulations, and demonstrations using leaflet and audiovisual media. The number of puerperal mothers who attended the training was 25 people. The results of training activities for postpartum mothers in the Kayumalue Ngapa village obtained that the results of knowledge analysis overall increased in the knowledge of 25 participants after attending the training, with an average increase of 13 points. The p-value<0,001 results meant that statistically, there was a significant effect on the increase of knowledge of postpartum mothers companion after attending oxytocin massage training. To sum up that there is a significant increase in knowledge between before and after training on oxytocin massage in stimulating milk production. It is recommended that health workers need to be consistent and continuous in giving training to the companion of the postpartum mother (husband, family or cadre) in order to be able to assist the process of changing behavior for the postpartum mother to provide exclusive breastfeeding and conduct care during the postpartum period.

SAT-052 A Novel Oral Testosterone Therapy (TLANDO) Safely Restores Testosterone to Eugonadal Levels with Fixed Dose Treatment

Most testosterone (T) replacement therapy (TRT) products have relied on dose titration to achieve eugonadal levels. However, dose titration in clinical practice can be time-consuming, expensive, and subject to errors. TLANDO (LPCN 1021) is a novel oral testosterone undecanoate (TU) product absorbed via the intestinal lymphatic pathway. A previous clinical study (NCT02081300) suggested that titration with TLANDO has little to no impact to improve PK profiles. The objective of this study was to assess whether fixed dose of TLANDO can restore testosterone to eugonadal levels. A 24 day, open-label, single-arm, multicenter study with TLANDO in hypogonadal men (NCT03242590) was conducted. Subjects (N=95) received 225 mg testosterone undecanoate orally twice a day (i.e., 30 minutes after morning and evening meals) for 24 days. On Day 24, blood samples were collected over a 24 hour period. The primary endpoint was the percentage of TLANDO-treated subjects who achieved a 24-hour average serum T concentration within the eugonadal range of 300 to 1080 ng/dL after 24 days of treatment. Mean peak serum T concentration was calculated based on daily TLANDO administration at Day 24. Key safety endpoints included incidence of adverse events (AEs), physical examination results, clinical laboratory test results, and changes in HCT, lipids, and PSA. Treatment compliance was calculated as a percentage of the amount of study drug used divided by the amount of study drug expected to be used. 94 subjects completed the study with mean age of 56.0 years, mean BMI 32.8 kg/m2, and baseline T level 202 ± 75 ng/dL. 80% of subjects achieved a 24-hour average serum T concentration within the normal range at Day 24. The lower and upper bounds of the 95% confidence interval was 72% and 88% respectively. Following daily administration of TLANDO at Day 24, the mean peak serum T concentration was 1178 ± 484 ng/dL. The incidence of treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) was 21%. The most frequently reported TEAEs were blood prolactin increase (6.3%), weight increase (2.1%), headache (2.1%), and musculoskeletal pain (2.1%). No deaths were reported during the study. Increase in hematocrit (0.9%) and PSA (0.2 μg/L) was observed. Decrease in lipids was observed (-6.9 mg/dL for HDL, -1.5 mg/dL for LDL, -8.9 mg/dL for triglycerides, and -10.6 mg/dL for total cholesterol). Overall mean treatment compliance was 99.7 ± 4.9%. In conclusion, a twice-daily, fixed-dose of TLANDO (450 mg TU total daily dose) successfully achieved target serum T level and achieved a safety profile consistent with that of other approved TRT products.

Estimation of Serum AdiponectinIrisin and Apelin in Iraqi Obese Women Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a status that impact a woman’s hormone levels.A total of (128) samples was divided into four groups (Obese with PCOS, low weight with PCOS ,Obese without PCOS ,and Healthy control) collected from Kamal Al-Samarraiehospital, Ministry-of Health in Baghdad-Iraq during the period of April 2017- August 2017. The aim of the study toevaluation from Serum AdiponectinIrisin and Apelin in Iraqi obese women patients with PCOS. The result shows The BMI of obese with PCOS patients and obese without PCOS was significantly higher (P<0.05) when compared to the values of the control group. No significant with other groups ,also Significant increase of Prolactin (p<0.05) in Obese with PCOS and low weight with PCOS groups in relation to Obese without PCOS and control groups. A non- significant elevation (p>0.05)when comparing between Obese without PCOS, and control groups. The levels of FSH , LH and Testosterone showed significantly change(p<0.05) in Obese with PCOS and low weight with PCOS groups when comparing with Obese without PCOS and control group. followed by no-significant with other groups ,also shows significant change(p<0.05)when comparing between Obese without PCOS and control group ,showed that adiponectin level showed a significant higher level in the control group ,Obese without PCOS group ,low weight with PCOS patients ,and Obese with PCOS patients . Oppositely, the results of the Irisin showed a significant higher level in the Obese with PCOS patients then the low weight with PCOS group followed by the Obese without PCOS and control group. While Apelin level recorded the highest level Obese with PCOS group.

Usefulness of Serum NT-proBNP in Diagnosis of Generalized Seizures in Egyptian Children

Background Seizures may occur in as many as 1% of children. The most urgent type of seizures is generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS). N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) has been considered as a promising biomarker in numerous acute illnesses. We aimed to evaluate usefulness of NT‐proBNP for diagnosis of generalized seizures in children. Materials and Methods This prospective case control study was conducted upon 80 children who were classified into four groups; Group I: included 20 patients with idiopathic generalized epileptic seizures. Group II: included 20 patients with focal epileptic seizures. Group III: included 20 patients with febrile seizures. Group IV: included 20 apparently healthy, age and sex matched children as a normal control. Complete blood count (CBC), blood chemistries, including random blood glucose, calcium, sodium, C-reactive protein (CRP) level, serum prolactin and NT‐proBNP were performed for all children. Results Our results revealed significant increase of both prolactin and NT‐proBNP in generalized epileptic and febrile seizure groups than in focal epileptic and control groups (p 384 pg/ml, sensitivity (90 %), and specificity (70.2%) which was near the results of prolactin at a cut-off value> 25.9 ng/ml, and showed sensitivity (95.1%), and specificity (71.3%). Conclusion Based on the results, NT‐proBNP increase in generalized seizures either epileptic or febrile; and may be a promising marker to adjust the diagnosis of it at the emergency setting, when history and clinical presentation are equivocal.

Enjoying sad music: A test of the prolactin theory

Philosophers have long wrestled with the apparent paradox of the enjoyment of negative emotional portrayals in the arts. An example of this apparent paradox is the enjoyment among some listeners of nominally sad music. An experiment is reported in which 39 participants listened to sad and happy music while serum prolactin (PRL) concentrations were measured. The purpose of the experiment was to test an a priori theory, proposed by Huron, that liking sad music is mediated by elevated PRL levels. Contrary to the theory, sad music did not result in a significant increase in PRL; nor was the pleasure of listening to sad music associated with increased PRL. Nominally happy music did result in a decrease of PRL, especially for those participants who most prefer happy music over sad music. The effect was greatest for those who score high on a measure of loneliness. Consistent with other studies, the degree of liking sad music over happy music was found to correlate with trait openness to experience, although this effect was not echoed in PRL levels. Post-hoc analyses indicate that PRL decreases were most marked for male listeners and those who score high on a loneliness measure. In general, the results are not consistent with the theory proposed by Huron.

Features of women’s reproductive dysfunctions associated with prolonged stressful situations

The number of appeals of migrant women and servicewomen for specialized gynecological care has increased during the years of the armed conflict in Eastern Ukraine. The aim of the work was a comprehensive study of the hormonal function of pituitary gland, ovaries, thyroid gland and adrenal glands in women of reproductive age with various types of menstrual cycle disorders caused by a prolonged stressful situation. Materials and methods. With the help of immune-enzyme analysis the authors have conducted a study of pituitary hormones (FSH, LH, prolactin), ovarian hormones (estradiol, progesterone, free T), thyroid hormones (TSH, FТ 4 ) and thyroid peroxidase antibodies, as well as adrenal glands hormones (ACTH, cortisol (urine), DHEA-s) of 74 migrant women and servicewomen with menstrual disorders caused by a stressful situation. According to complaints, women were divided into 2 subgroups: with amenorrhea 34 (45.9 %) and abnormal uterine bleeding – 40 (54.1 %). Results. Women with stressed amenorrhea had a significant 2 times (P < 0.05) increase in FSH; 1.9 times – LH; 1.6 times – prolactin (which is not typical for classical hyperprolactinemia) and 3.2 times decrease in estradiol, 3.9 times – progesterone in comparison to the control group. Dysfunction of the thyroid gland was recorded, in particular 2 times decrease in FT 4 and 1.7 times increase in thyroperoxidase antibodies relative to the control. A significant 1.6 times increase in ACTH, 1.8 times increase in cortisol (urine) and 1.6 times increase in DHEA-s were detected compared with the control. Women with abnormal uterine bleeding had a significant 1.5 times (P < 0.05) increase in prolactin, 1.3 times increase in estradiol, and a 2.5 times decrease in progesterone compared to the control women group. 90.5 % of women of reproductive age with menstrual cycle disorders caused by the influence of prolonged stress factor had hormonal disorders of the ovaries, adrenal glands and thyroid gland. Conclusions . In women with stress-related amenorrhea there is a violation of the relationship in the hypothalamic – pituitary system while maintaining the negative feedback loops of the pituitary-ovarian axis or ovarian depletion; post-traumatic stress disorders have a significant pathological effect on the reproductive system of women who have experienced such suffering.

Contemporary approaches to the diagnosis of hyperprolactinemia

Hyperprolactinemia (HP) is a persistent prolactin increase in serum. HP is a common endocrinopathy that impairs reproductive function, long term HP may lead to the metabolic disorders and a decrease in bone mineral density.Prolactin increase may be result of many physiological and pathological conditions, the diagnosis of which directly affects treatment approaches.Evaluation of prolactin is not only the basis for the HP diagnosis but also an indirect indicator of its cause. For this reason it is important to recognize the possible difficulties in theHP diagnosis associated with the following factors: pulsate nature of prolactin secretion; sensitivity to various exogenous and endogenous factors; presence of various molecular prolactin forms (macroprolactinemia) and rare laboratory artifacts (hook effect). Laboratory studies are also used to evaluate other endocrinopathies that can be the primary HP cause (hypothyroidism) or coexisting conditions (mixed pituitary adenomas, polycystic ovary syndrome). Stress-induced HP has to be differentiated from physiological HP via repeated prolactin tests is gaining increasing clinical importance.The article provides an overview of modern research and relevant clinical guidelines for the diagnosis of various HP causes and offers an algorithmic approach for this clinical problem, the main principles are: to exclude iatrogenic causes, pregnancy and hypothyroidism at the initial stage of diagnosis; in the absence of neuroophthalmic symptoms and prolactin levels under 50–80 ng/ml repeated prolactin testing may be necessary to exclude physiological HP; screening for macroprolactinemia in all cases of prolactin level under of 200 ng/ml allows diagnosing macroprolactinemia or non-functioning pituitary adenoma; if MRT shows on macroprolactinoma and/or there are neuroophthalmic symptoms in combination with a normal or slightly elevated prolactin level it is necessary to exclude possible hook effect; in order to exclude mixed pituitary adenomas based on clinical features it is necessary to evaluate growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor 1, adrenocorticotrophic and thyroid-stimulating hormones in addition to prolactin

Rapid prolactin induction in adult male rats after treatment with diethylstilbestrol.

Diethylstilbestrol (DES) is a synthetic oestrogen known to disrupt the endocrine system and to cause reproductive toxicity mediated via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis; however, its molecular mechanism of action is poorly understood. In the present study, we found that, after only 1week of exposure to DES, blood testosterone dramatically decreased and that this decrease was associated with a strong induction of prolactin (PRL). Even with the increase in PRL, the luteinising hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone mRNAs slightly decreased. Our results show that, after 48hours of a single dose of DES, there was a six-fold increase in PRL expression. After exploring the upstream mechanisms, we determined that dopamine, which inhibits PRL secretion in male rats, did not decrease in the pituitary gland of DES-treated rats, whereas vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), which mediates the acute release of PRL, was elevated. Serotonin (5-HT) increased in the brain of male rats 24hours after a single DES treatment; however, PRL, VIP or 5-HT was not induced by DES in female rats. Our results indicate that DES induces the expression of pituitary PRL in male rats by stimulating VIP in the hypothalamus and 5-HT in the central nervous system.

Estimation of the hepcidin level and some Biochemical parameters in patients of polycystic ovary Syndrome in Kirkuk city

Polycystic ovary Syndrome is a common disorder in the endocrine glands, which is characterized by the aggregation of small bags surrounded by theca internal layers bloated follicles .&#x0D; The level of hepcidin and some other biochemical parameters were examined in (60) patients In addition to (30) blood samples of healthy control .&#x0D; The results showed a significant decrease in hepcidin level as well as E2 and progesterone while there was a significant increase in prolactin and testosterone in polycystic ovarian syndrome patients Compared to healthy control. There was no correlation between hepcidin and all other parameters but there was some correlations among parameters used, there was positive correlations between FSH with LH and Testosterone as well as between E2 and Testosterone and between T4 and T3 .

Estimation of the hepcidin level and some Biochemical parameters in patients of polycystic ovary Syndrome in Kirkuk city

Polycystic ovary Syndrome is a common disorder in the endocrine glands, which is characterized by the aggregation of small bags surrounded by theca internal layers bloated follicles .&#x0D; The level of hepcidin and some other biochemical parameters were examined in (60) patients In addition to (30) blood samples of healthy control .&#x0D; The results showed a significant decrease in hepcidin level as well as E2 and progesterone while there was a significant increase in prolactin and testosterone in polycystic ovarian syndrome patients Compared to healthy control. There was no correlation between hepcidin and all other parameters but there was some correlations among parameters used, there was positive correlations between FSH with LH and Testosterone as well as between E2 and Testosterone and between T4 and T3 .&#x0D; &#x0D; http://dx.doi.org/10.25130/tjps.24.2019.069

Impact of Menstrual Function on Hormonal Response to Repeated Bouts of Intense Exercise.

BackgroundStrenous exercise stimulates the hypothalamic-pituitary (HP) axis in order to ensure homeostasis and promote anabolism. Furthermore, exercise stimulates a transient increase in the neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) suggested to mediate the anxiolytic effects of exercise. Athletes with secondary functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) have been reported to have lower BDNF, and a blunted HP axis response to exercise as athletes with overtraining syndrome.AimThe aim of the study was to investigate the hormonal and BDNF responses to a two-bout maximal exercise protocol with four hours of recovery in between in FHA and eumenorrheic (EUM) athletes.MethodsEumenorrheic (n = 16) and FHA (n = 14) endurance athletes were recruited from national teams and competitive clubs. Protocols included gynecological examination; body composition (DXA); 7-day assessment of energy availability; blood sampling pre and post the two exercises tests.ResultsThere were no differences between groups in hormonal responses to the first exercise bout. After the second exercise bout IGFBP-3 increased more in FHA compared with EUM athletes (2.1 ± 0.5 vs. 0.6 ± 0.6 μg/L, p = 0.048). There were non-significant trends toward higher increase in IGF-1 (39.3 ± 4.3 vs. 28.0 ± 4.6 μg/L, p = 0.074), BDNF (96.5 ± 22.9 vs. 34.4 ± 23.5 μg/L, p = 0.058), GH to cortisol ratio (0.329 ± 0.010 vs. 0.058 ± 0.010, p = 0.082), and decrease in IGF-1 to IGFBP-3 ratio (−2.04 ± 1.2 vs. 0.92 ± 1.22, p = 0.081) in athletes with FHA compared with EUM athletes. Furthermore, there was a non-significant trend toward a higher increase in prolactin to cortisol ratio in EUM athletes compared with athletes with FHA (0.60 ± 0.15 vs. 0.23 ± 0.15, p = 0.071). No differences in the hormonal or BDNF responses between the two exercise bouts as a result of menstrual function were found.ConclusionNo major differences in the hormonal or BDNF responses between the two exercise bouts as a result of menstrual function could be detected.

Imaging findings of lymphocytic hypophysitis easily misdiagnosed as pituitary adenoma

Objective To study the imaging features of lymphocytic hypophysitis in order to improve the accuracy of imaging diagnosis of the disease. Methods Imaging findings of 9 patients with lymphocytic hypophysitis admitted to Neurosurgery Department of Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2010 to December 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent laboratory examinations related to pituitary function. Except for 2 cases of slight increase in prolactin, the levels of other hormones were normal. All patients were examined with pre-contrast and post-contrast T1 weighted MR imaging and non-contrast T2 weighted MR imaging. Six patients received CT scan. Imaging diagnoses were all mistaken as pituitary adenomas. Results All cases showed diffuse enlargement of the pituitary, disappearance of neurohypophysis T1WI high signal and enlarged sella. Lesions showed iso-signal on both T1 and T2 weighted image with strong homogeneous or ring-like enhancement. Pituitary stalk was thickened in 5 cases. None of the cavernous sinus was involved in those cases. Lymphocytic hypophysitis was confirmed by pathologic examinations in all 9 patients. Conclusions Lymphocytic hypophysitis seems to have characteristic imaging findings. Compared with pituitary adenoma, lymphocytic hypophysitis does not destroy the sellar floor bone with no involvement of the cavernous sinus and it has diffuse pituitary enlargement and basically symmetrical shape. Those imaging findings of lymphocytic hypophysitis may help us improve the accuracy of imaging diagnosis. Key words: Autoimmune diseases; Lymphocytic hypophysitis; Magnetic resonance imaging; X-ray computed tomography

Prolactin Elevations and Permeability Glycoprotein.

To examine the role of permeability glycoprotein (P-gp) and its substrates in the mechanism of hyperprolactinemia. PubMed and Google Scholar were queried with the search term permeability glycoprotein crossed with antipsychotic, neuroleptic, prolactin, risperidone, paliperidone, and amisulpride. The searches were performed in early 2018 with no date restrictions. All references cited in PubMed were examined (108), but only the first 40 references of each search in Google Scholar (total of approximately 30,000 hits) for a total of 240 were examined. Approximately 100 references were felt to be relevant. Information regarding mechanism of action and clinical relevance was extracted as appropriate for the discussion. Risperidone, paliperidone, and amisulpride are associated with higher prolactin levels than would be anticipated from striatal dopamine receptor occupancy studies. This elevation occurs because the levels of these antipsychotics are higher in the anterior pituitary than in parts of the brain protected by the blood-brain barrier and P-gp. P-gp has high affinity to all these antipsychotics and selectively removes them from the brain and concentrates them in the blood draining the hypothalamus, allowing greater dopamine receptor blockade in the cells in the anterior pituitary that produce prolactin. The anatomy of the portal circulation, the presence of P-gp, and the high affinity of this protein to risperidone, paliperidone, and amisulpride all conspire to concentrate the antipsychotic concentration in the anterior pituitary to levels higher than in other parts of the brain, with consequent increase of prolactin above expectations.

Long-term effectiveness of oral second-generation antipsychotics in patients with schizophrenia and related disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of direct head-to-head comparisons.

Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) are recommended for maintenance treatment in schizophrenia. However, comparative long-term effectiveness among SGAs is unclear. Here we provide a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials lasting ≥⃒6 months comparing SGAs head-to-head in schizophrenia and related disorders. The primary outcome was all-cause discontinuation. Secondary outcomes included efficacy and tolerability, i.e., psychopathology, inefficacy-related and intolerability-related discontinuation, relapse, hospitalization, remission, functioning, quality of life, and adverse events. Pooled risk ratio and standardized mean difference were calculated using random-effects models. Across 59 studies (N=45,787), lasting 47.4±32.1 weeks (range 24-186), no consistent superiority of any SGA emerged across efficacy and tolerability outcomes. Regarding all-cause discontinuation, clozapine, olanzapine and risperidone were significantly (p<0.05) superior to several other SGAs, while quetiapine was inferior to several other SGAs. As to psychopathology, clozapine and olanzapine were superior to several other SGAs, while quetiapine and ziprasidone were inferior to several other SGAs. Data for other efficacy outcomes were sparse. Regarding intolerability-related discontinuation, risperidone was superior and clozapine was inferior to several other SGAs. Concerning weight gain, olanzapine was worse than all other compared non-clozapine SGAs, and risperidone was significantly worse than several other SGAs. As to prolactin increase, risperidone and amisulpride were significantly worse than several other SGAs. Regarding parkinsonism, olanzapine was superior to risperidone, without significant differences pertaining to akathisia. Concerning sedation and somnolence, clozapine and quetiapine were significantly worse than some other SGAs. In summary, different long-term SGA efficacy and tolerability patterns emerged. The long-term risk-benefit profiles of specific SGAs need to be tailored to individual patients to optimize maintenance treatment outcomes.

MON-441 Copeptin Response to Acute Hypoglycemia in Children and Adolescents

Introduction: Copeptin is a surrogate biomarker of vasopressin (AVP) and a well established stress marker in different acute clinical scenarios. Copeptin stimulation by acute hypoglycemia has been shown in the adult population and accurately identifies patients with posterior pituitary dysfunction. The role of AVP in the acute stress response remains to be defined and an interaction between AVP secretion and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation in response to hypoglycemia has been suggested, requiring further confirmation. Objectives: The aims of this study were to evaluate copeptin response to acute hypoglycemia in children and adolescents and to assess its potential association with other parameters of the counter-regulatory and inflammatory responses. Methods: This is a prospective single-center study involving 77 children and adolescents (mean age; 11.2 ± 3.1years; 58 males/19 females) undergoing insulin-tolerance test. Results: Baseline plasma copeptin levels (median: 5.2pmol/L, IQR: 3.9-7.7pmol/L) increased significantly after hypoglycemia (median: 9.7pmol/L, IQR: 5.8-14.3pmol/L) (P<0.0001). Counter-regulatory hormones - ACTH, cortisol, growth hormone, prolactin, adrenaline and noradrenaline - and inflammatory markers - IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF - also significantly increased after hypoglycemia (P<0.0001 for all measurements). Copeptin increment correlated significantly with the maximal increases of ACTH (rs:0.30; P: 0.010), cortisol (rs:0.33; P:0.003), prolactin (rs:0.25; P:0.03) and IL-6 (rs:0.35; P:0.008), and with BMI-SDS (rs:-0.28, P:0.01). In stepwise multivariate regression analysis, prolactin was the only independent variable that correlated with copeptin increment (P:0.009). Conclusion: Acute hypoglycemia elicits a significant copeptin response in children and adolescents, confirming the role of copeptin as an acute stress marker in the pediatric population. Interactions between stress-induced AVP/copeptin activation and the HPA axis, IL-6 inflammatory response and BMI were suggested by univariate analyses, although not confirmed by the multivariate analysis. Nevertheless, our data indicate that AVP/copeptin secretion during hypoglycemic stress may be linked to prolactin co-activation as prolactin maximal increase was the only variable independently related to copeptin response, reinforcing the concept that AVP/copeptin might act as a prolactin releasing factor in humans.

Effects of LH-RH infusion, castration and cryptorchidism on gonadotrophin and testosterone secretion in developing rams

Summary. The relationship between the pituitary gland and testis in rams was studied from birth to sexual maturity. The concentrations of LH, FSH and testosterone increased between 5 and 7 weeks of age; the rise was not correlated with any specific cytological change in the testis. An augmented pituitary response to LH-RH was demonstrated as levels of gonadotrophin increased. It is unclear whether this change in sensitivity plays a role in initiation of the pubertal process because Sertoli cell maturation, the earliest detectable change in the seminiferous epithelium, occurs between 17 and 21 weeks of age. Spermatocytes were first seen in biopsies taken at 31–36 weeks and spermatogenesis was established fully by 45 weeks. This second phase of testicular development was characterized by increases in prolactin, testosterone and LH. Leydig cells previously difficult to identify became recognizable at the time of sexual maturation.

Serum prolactin and testosterone levels in captive and wild brown kiwi (Apteryx mantelli) during the prebreeding, breeding, and incubation periods.

In brown kiwi (Apteryx mantelli), the male is the primary incubator, a trait that is relatively rare among birds. The maintenance of avian incubation behavior is controlled by the protein hormone prolactin (PRL). Although steroid hormone concentrations in both wild and captive kiwi have previously been reported, this study is the first to report levels of PRL in captive and wild male and female kiwi through the prebreeding and breeding seasons, and to directly compare testosterone (T) concentrations between captive and wild males during the breeding and incubation periods. Female PRL concentrations increased at the time of oviposition, whereas male PRL concentrations rose gradually between the prebreeding and incubation periods. Although males are considered the main incubator, an increase in PRL levels could help females maintain behaviors such as nest guarding, or to take over incubation the event of mate loss. A gradual increase in PRL allows the male to be ready for incubation during the long breeding season. Interestingly, T concentrations in captive males did not decrease during incubation and was significantly higher than in wild males. Continual elevated T could have an impact on sperm production through negative feedback, thereby contributing to the low egg fertility seen in captive kiwi. Therefore, determining the underlying reason for the differences in hormone levels could be significant, if not vital, for improving the success of captive kiwi breeding programs.

Prolactin levels in drug-naïve first episode nonaffective psychosis patients compared with healthy controls. Sex differences

Recent studies have found hyperprolactinemia in first episode psychotic patients that had not previously received antipsychotic treatment (drug-naïve). Our goal was to learn whether there were differences in baseline prolactin concentrations between drug-naïve psychotic patients and healthy controls, as well as to study possible gender differences in the prolactin elevation. A cross-sectional study was conducted that included 61 drug-naïve psychosis patients and 45 healthy controls (aged between 14-55 years old). A blood sample was extracted between 8 and 10 a.m. Prolactin levels and TSH were determined. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was conducted across the sample. This study showed significantly higher levels of prolactin in drug-naïve patients compared to healthy controls. These results were maintained after controlling prolactin levels for sex, age, THC consumption, baseline TSH, and PSS. A significant correlation between prolactin and PSS was not observed. Significant differences in prolactin levels between men and women were not observed. These results are clinically important because if elevated baseline prolactin levels are detected in these patients, it will be necessary to initiate neuroleptics that do not increase this hormone. There was no evidence that stress was related to an increase in prolactin at the onset of psychosis.

Granulomatous lobular mastitis: a clinicopathological analysis of 300 cases

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathologic features and possible causes of granulomatous lobular mastitis(GLM). Methods: Three hundred cases of GLM were collected from surgical specimens diagnosed at Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2015 to November 2017. Morphologic features were reviewed using HE staining. A total of 116 cases were investigated by Gram staining. The expression of CD3, CD20, CD68, IgG, IgG4, CD38 and CD138 was detected by immunohistochemical staining. Results: The age of the patients was 23 to 47 years and the median age was 32 years. All patients were female, 96.7% (290/300) had a history of lactation.There were 143 cases of left breasts, 138 cases of right breast and 19 cases of bilateral breasts. Serum prolactin increased in 39.7%(119/300) patients. Within 15.7%(47/300) of patients were associated with nodular erythema or joint swelling and pain of the lower extremities. Pathological observation showed that lobular-centric suppurative granulomatous inflammation, accompanied by dilatation of intralobular and interlobular ducts. There were 16 cases accompanied with duct ectasia. Immunohistochemistry showed CD3-positive lymphocytes were more than CD20-positive lymphocytes in the peripheral aggregation zone of neutrophils within granulomatous lesions. Gram positive bacteria were found in the lipid vacuoles of the 51.7%(60/116) patients. Conclusions: GLM has distinctive histologic features. It may be related to corynebacterium infection, or accompanied by the increase of serum prolactin and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The age, location and history of the disease are importance in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis.