Endocrine Abstracts

Cutaneous pigmentation results from the synthesis of melanin by the melanocytes. Its distribution pattern in the surrounding keratinocytes determines the actual colour of the skin. ACTH and α-MSH are equipotent at the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC-1R) that is expressed on the cell surface of melanocytes. Activation of these receptors stimulates both proliferation of melanocytes and melanin synthesis.We present the case of a 66-year-old lady. Originall...

A 31-year gentleman presented with a four day history of anxiety and confusion. Over several months, he had noticed red eyes and a ‘stomach-ache’. A collateral history revealed a previous episode of confusion and concern about excessive alcohol intake. He denied any current medication. On examination, he had bilateral conjunctivitis. Investigations demonstrated severe hypercalcaemia of 3.54 mmol/l (NR 2.15–2.6 mmol/l). He was treated with intravenous fluids and ...

We present the case of a 33-year-old woman diagnosed with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to classical 21-hydroxylase deficiency following a salt-losing crisis as a newborn. She had previously been controlled on dexamethasone 0.25 mg bd and fludrocortisone 100 mcg od, as evidenced by high-normal 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) and low-normal testosterone levels (8.5 and 0.4 nmol/l respectively).However, she had experienced significant symptoms o...

This gentleman was diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism at the age of 34 and was found to have multiple manifestations of MEN1.Hyperparathyroidism: He was diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism and underwent a parathyroidectomy with removal of 2 glands. Four years later calcium levels were raised once again and two further hyperplastic glands were removed, with cure of his hypercalcaemia.Gastrinoma and other pancreatic islet cell tumours...

Kisspeptin, the endogenous ligand of the GPR54 receptor, is a key regulator of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. GPR54-null mice exhibit reproductive dysfunction and exogenous kisspeptin potently stimulates the HPG axis in rodents, primates and human males. The effects of kisspeptin administration to human females are not known.Aim: To investigate the effects of kisspeptin on luteinising hormone (LH) release during the menstrual cycle in fema...

The rise in the prevalence of obesity has imparted urgency to the study of the mechanisms of appetite regulation. Oxyntomodulin (OXM) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) are anorexigenic gut hormones thought to act via the same receptor. There is an increasing body of evidence, however, that they may act via distinct pathways. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly being used as a tool for tracking changes in neuronal activity in vivo through time. Manganese-e...

(This poster is based on OC17)...