Endocrine Abstracts

Within the pituitary, GnRH acts via type I GnRH receptors to cause a Gq/11 mediated activation of PLC and consequent acute stimulation of gonadotrophin secretion and chronic regulation of gonadotrophin and GnRHR synthesis. The therapeutic effects of GnRH analogues are primarily (if not entirely) dependent upon activation, desensitisation or blockade of this system. There is also abundant evidence for expression of GnRHRs in extra-pituitary sites including the CNS, t...

BACKGROUND: We have previously demonstrated that in weight losing gastrointestinal cancer patients appetite is poor despite low circulating leptin concentrations. One explanation for the apparent inability of these low circulating leptin concentrations to increase appetite might be a decrease in the leptin binding component resulting in high concentrations of 'free' biologically active leptin. The present study was designed to investigate this possibility, furthermore the effe...