Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction. We have previously used a synthetic phage display library to derive single chain (ScAbs) antibodies which bind GnSAF bioactivity in-vitro. However, recovery of GnSAF using the ScAbs, which tended to aggregate and become unstable, was limited. We have therefore engineered these ScAbs into full-length human IgG forms.Methods. CDR regions from soluble expression plasmids for two different GnSAF-recognising ScAbs were amplified by PCR. Two uni...

There is evidence from animal studies that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3) is essential for normal reproductive function. Vitamin D deficient rats have reduced fertility, and VDR null mutant mice demonstrate impaired folliculogenesis. We have recently demonstrated that 1,25(OH)2D3 suppressed the production of oestradiol (E2) independently of progesterone (P) in luteinised, but not in non-luteinised human granulosa cells, suggesting that 1,25(OH)<s...

Background: It is well established that patients with acromegaly have compromised quality of life both during active disease, as well as whilst on remission. (1). In the recent years, there has been increasing emphasis on the importance of considering health-related quality of life (QoL) outcomes in the care of patients with acromegaly. The University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust introduced and implemented the use of a holistic needs assessment (HNA) tool in the P...

IGFs act as amplifiers of gonadotrophin (Gn) action in the ovary, but their activity is modulated by IGFBPs. In addition, we have shown IGF-independent inhibitory effects of IGFBP-4 on ovarian steroidogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible mechanism of action of IGFBP-4 in ovarian cells.Granulosa cells (GC) and theca were harvested from intact follicles (2.5-14mm) dissected from 8 pairs of ovaries collected with ethics committee a...

The role of prolactin in the regulation of ovarian folliculogenesis and in particular it's relationship to follicular atresia is as yet unclear; although a decline in prolactin concentrations in bovine follicular fluid appears to be related to morphological signs of atresia. In addition to the pituitary and endometrium sources of prolactin, there is also a local ovarian source of prolactin. Hence a potential autocrine mechanism of prolactin action may exist in the ovary. We in...

The IGF/IGFBPs are important in follicle growth and selection, with IGFBP-4 being one of the major players in this system. We have shown potent, IGF-independent, inhibitory effects of IGFBP-4 on steroidogenesis, explaining its' preferential proteolysis in healthy follicles. Two isoforms of IGFBP-4 exist, non-glycosylated and glycosylated, at approximately 24 and 28kDa, with different susceptibility to proteolysis. We therefore investigated the production of IGFBP-4 isoforms by...

IGFs and IGFBPs have an important role in folliculogenesis, with the profile of IGFBPs being different in healthy and atretic follicles. In particular, IGFBP-4, which is a potent inhibitor of steroidogenesis, is preferentially proteolysed in healthy follicles. We therefore investigated the production and activation of IGFBP-4 protease in human follicular cells.Follicles of 3-25mm were dissected from 13 pairs of ovaries collected with ethics committee app...

1,25-hydroxyvitamin D3 receptors (VDR) are present on rat granulosa cells and on human ovarian cancer cells, however little is known about 1,25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3) function in the ovary. Vitamin D deficient rats have reduced fertility, and VDR null mutant mice demonstrate impaired folliculogenesis. Vitamin D metabolites have been detected in follicular fluid. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a range of conce...

Background: Girls with Turner Syndrome (TS) are at increased risk of primary ovarian failure. Previous studies have demonstrated that urinary gonadotrophins (UG) can be used as a non- invasive biochemical marker of pubertal status but their value in monitoring and managing girls with primary ovarian failure is unclear.Aims: To determine the range of UG in girls with Turner Syndrome (TS) and its correlation to serum LH and FSH.Patie...

Background: In the UK, recombinant human growth hormone(rhGH) is approved for children with growth failure associated with six different conditions. According to NICE guidelines, clinicians should have a comprehensive discussion with patients and/or caregivers about treatment options. Research shows that patients retain only about 20% of the information provided during a consultation. This can be improved to around 50% when written information is also provided...