Endocrine Abstracts

There can be few mechanisms subject to more powerful evolutionary forces than ovulation. In all species the number of ovulatory follicles is carefully regulated to match the optimum number of offspring which can be successfully reared. In monovulatory species like the cow and our own it is essential that there is only a single ovulatory (Graafian) follicle if the disastrous consequences of multiple pregnancy are to be avoided. Folliculogenesis involves initial recruitment from...

David T Baird, Centre for Reproductive Biology, University of Edinburgh, UK AbstractDavid Baird was born in Glasgow in 1935 and was educated at Aberdeen Grammar School and the Universities of Aberdeen, Cambridge and Edinburgh. After graduating in medicine in 1959 he received clinical training in endocrinology, obstetrics and gynaecology in Edinburgh and London obtaining MRCP as well MRCOG. Between 1965 and 1968 he work...

Synthetic C19 gestogens which are used in combination with testosterone as hormonal contraception in men bind to both the androgen and progesterone receptor. The relative contribution of these two components is unclear. In this study, we have compared the effect of a synthetic gestogen (desogestrel) with naturally occurring progesterone on the pattern of secretion of LH and FSH in healthy volunteers. Twenty men aged 18-40 were randomised to receive either progesterone (gestone...

Genes that encode neuropeptides can be recognized in the human genome because their products are (1) highly conserved across species, (2) trafficked though cells by secretory signal peptides and (3) susceptible to proteolytic cleavage at consensus sequences for processing to neuroactive products. One candidate gene is oesophageal cancer-related gene (ECRG4) which was first identified by screening for up- or down-regulated genes in oesophageal cancer. The product of ECRG4, whic...

Gene delivery to the CNS is undermined by the lack of suitable vectors capable of delivering genes with sufficient specificity, efficacy and safety. In previous studies we have shown that bacteriophage particles, which lack tropism for mammalian cells, can be genetically modified to display specific ligands that allow binding, internalisation and cell transduction of receptor-bearing target cells. Moreover, phage particles can be forced to evolve using combinatorial techniques...

Gene delivery to the CNS is undermined by the lack of suitable vectors capable of delivering genes with sufficient specificity, efficacy and safety. In previous studies we have shown that bacteriophage particles, which lack tropism for mammalian cells, can be genetically modified to display specific ligands that allow binding, internalisation and cell transduction of receptor-bearing target cells. Moreover, phage particles can be forced to evolve using combinatorial techniques...

While the hypothalamo-pituitary axis is known to contain high levels of basic FGF (FGF2) and its high affinity receptor FGFR1, the physiological role of FGF2 in this region needs elucidation. Here, we demonstrate that FGF2 and arginine vasopressin (AVP) co-localize within the cytoplasm of nearly all supraoptic and paraventricular magnocellular neurons of human hypothalamus as well as the axonal processes of the neurohypophysis. High-resolution confocal imaging indicates that F...

A small subset of genes in the human genome encode peptides that have intrinsic therapeutic value. These genes, collectively known as the "theratome", most often encode ligands and are of particular interest to endocrinology. The genes encoding growth hormone, somatostatin, erythropoeitin, neuropeptides, placental and pituitary hormones are all examples of the theratome. Unfortunately, the sequences encoding many ligands are not always detectable within the sequences of their ...

Introduction: Evaluation of XY DSD requires a combination of endocrine and genetic tests. It is unclear whether these two sets of investigations should be performed stepwise or in parallel.Aims: The aim of the study was to document the range of endocrine and genetic abnormalities identified in all XY boys who were investigated at one specialist multidisciplinary service.Methods: Case records were reviewed to collect information fro...

Background: Neuroendocrine tumours of the appendix (ANET) are relatively indolent tumours typically identified incidentally at surgery for suspected appendicitis. The role of right hemicolectomy (RH) for tumours with ‘high risk’ features is debated. We compared the management of ANET at three centres against ENETS criteria for therapy selection.Methods: Retrospective review of all patients diagnosed with ANET at three tertiary centres. Patients...