Endocrine Abstracts

Visfatin, a novel adipocytokine preferentially expressed in omental (Om) adipose tissue (AT), has been shown to exert insulin-mimetic effects in mice and humans. Recent studies in Asian populations show elevated serum visfatin levels in subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), suggesting a potential role for visfatin in the pathogenesis of this disease. Whilst central adiposity is closely related to IR and T2DM, the role of AT in the development of these conditions remai...

In addition to its central role in the control of thyrocyte growth and function, the TSHR is expressed during the differentiation of mesenchymal precursors. To explore further, we have developed an in vitro model in which TSHR activation is achieved by introducing constitutively active (M453T, L629F) TSHR, using retroviral vectors.We aimed to investigate the effect of TSHR activation on body composition, via the production of TNFα and express...

Macroprolactin is a complex of prolactin with immunoglobulin appearing to have limited biological activity, partly due to failure of this high-molecular weight complex to cross capillary walls.Macroprolactinaemia is a common phenomenon, it is thus important to identify this condition in order to avoid unnecessary investigations and treatment. Although the presence of macroprolactin can be confirmed by gel filtration chromatography, this is time consumin...

Ghrelin is a novel peptide that acts on the growth hormone segratagogue receptor in the pituitary and hypothalamus. It functions as a third physiological regulator of GH secretion along with GHRH and somatostatin. In addition to the action of ghrelin on the GH axis it appears to have a role in the determination of energy homeostasis. Whilst feeding suppresses ghrelin production and fasting stimulates ghrelin release the underlying mechanisms controlling this process remain unc...

T3 is an important regulator of skeletal development and adult bone maintenance. Thyroid hormone action requires efficient transport of T4 and T3 into target cells. We hypothesized that monocarboxylate transporter-8, encoded by Mct8 on the X-chromosome, is an essential thyroid hormone transporter in bone. To test this hypothesis, we determined the juvenile and adult skeletal phenotypes of male Mct8 knockout mice (Mct8KO) and Mct8D1D2KO compo...

T3 is an important regulator of skeletal development and adult bone maintenance. Thyroid hormone action requires efficient transport of T4 and T3 into target cells. We hypothesized that monocarboxylate transporter-8, encoded by Mct8 on the X-chromosome, is an essential thyroid hormone transporter in bone. To test this hypothesis, we determined the juvenile and adult skeletal phenotypes of male Mct8 knockout mice (Mct8KO) and Mct8D1D2KO compo...