Endocrine Abstracts

The insulin stress test (IST) continues to be considered a potent test for assessing ACTH and GH reserve. The test has been shown to be safe when performed in an experienced unit. Many endocrine nurse specialists independently perform IST's using appropriate protocols. We audited all consecutive IST's performed by an individual endocrine specialist nurse in our unit. IST was not performed if patients had a history of seizure, ischaemic heart disease or were > 60 yrs. All pa...

Vasopressin release is stimulated following the administration of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA ) in man. MDMA and a major metabolite, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxymethamphetamine (HMMA), have also been shown to stimulate neurohypophysial hormone release in vitro. A study has now been performed comparing the response to four other metabolites with the parent compound. Hypothalami obtained from male Wistar rats were exposed to medium alone (B1) and the medium containing ...