Endocrine Abstracts

Objective: In the marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) the LH is functionally replaced by the chorionic gonadotropin (CG). However, disparate to the human LH/hCG system, marmoset CG is expressed in both, the pituitary and in the placenta. Previously, we could show the presence of a tissue-specific promoter system in the marmoset. Alternative promoters, as well as different first exons, either a pituitary or a novel placenta specific one, are being employed to direct tissue spe...

Background: Rathke cleft cysts (RCC) are benign, epithelial-lined cystic lesions arising from remnants of Rathke's pouch. Although reported in 13-22% of normal autopsies, they are rarely symptomatic. Their outcome after surgery remains unclear.Aim: To analyse the clinical/laboratory features and treatment outcome of patients who presented to the Departments of Endocrinology and Neurosurgery with symptomatic RCC (histologically confirmed) between 1977-200...

A 67 year old man with 1 month history of malaise was referred when his thyroid profile suggested secondary hypothyroidism with a fT4 of 4.9 picomoles per litre, fT3 3.4 picomoles per litre and TSH 0.03 milli units per litre. Physical signs were unremarkable. Investigations:- cortisol (random) 294 nanomols per litre, prolactin 960 micro units per millilitre, testosterone < 0.04 nanomols per litre, FSH 5.2 units per litre, LH 0.07 units per litre and IGF-1 17.7 nanomols per ...

Encephalocoeles are congenital defects in the skull through which meninges and brain tissues herniate. Basal encephalocoeles represent 1.5% of all encephalocoeles and are found in 1:35,000 live births. Transphenoidal basal encephaloceles are very rare, representing only 5% of all basal encephaloceles. The pituitary and surrounding structures are drawn into the encephalocele with visual and hormonal disturbances being recorded in the few cases described.A...

Lymphocytic hypophysitis is a rare autoimmune disease of the pituitary gland.A 39-year-old woman presented with a 6-month history of general malaise, anorexia, nausea and vomiting followed by a 3-month history of secondary amenorrhoea. Basal pituitary function testing revealed: fT4 5.1 picomoles per litre, TSH 1.6 milliunits per litre, cortisol 32 nanomoles per litre, prolactin 1167 microinternational units per millilitre, LH 2.8 units per litre and FSH ...

A 31 year old man with a 12 month history of uncontrolled hypertension was referred for further investigation. He complained of easy bruising, muscle weakness and severe back and hip pains. Clinical signs included cushingnoid facies, centripetal obesity, atrophic skin, peripheral oedema and BP of 150/104. Initial investigations confirmed Cushing's syndrome with 24 hour urinary free cortisol 696 nanomols per litre and 9am plasma cortisol 658 nanomols per litre following midnigh...

A previously well 46-year-old nulliparous woman presented with nausea, polydipsia, polyuria, nocturia, loss of appetite, weight loss of 3 months and secondary amenorrhoea of 9 months duration.Examination revealed the presence of a mass apparently arising from the pelvis, this being confirmed by CT scanning. Investigations: calcium 4.3millimols per litre, phosphate 0.8millimols per litre, albumin 45grams per litre, parathyroid hormone <0.6picomols per litre (1.6-6.9), gl...