Endocrine Abstracts

Corticotropin Releasing Hormone (CRH) is the hypothalamic mediator of the stress response that ultimately results in increased release of glucocorticoid. CRH exerts its effects by binding to the CRH receptors 1 and 2 that belong to the family of the GPCRs. As we and others have shown in rodent and human tissues, peripherally expressed CRH is a potent proinflammatory factor. The immunomodulatory effects of CRH are exerted by its activation of the NF-κB DNA binding activity...

In human GL cells, 11beta-HSD catalyses the interconversion of cortisol (F) with its inert 11-ketosteroid metabolite, cortisone (E). Since GL cells synthesise prostaglandins (PGs), and PGs have been shown to modulate the expression and activity of the cloned 11beta-HSD enzymes, the objective of the present study was to establish whether locally synthesised PGs affected the net oxidation of F to E by 11beta-HSD in human GL cells recovered from the ovaries of women undergoing co...

We present a case of a 44-year-old chef, presenting with a fortnight’s history of a pruritic rash over his trunk and axillae. He was diagnosed to have hypertension, which was treated by lifestyle interventions. His diet was poor, and he drank 40 units of alcohol per week. His parents had hypercholesterolemia, but there was no history of premature coronary artery disease. On examination, his BMI was 31.62 kg/m2, and he had eruptive xanthomata on his chest, abdom...

Although double adenomas may be present in 1% of autopsy pituitaries, in patients with pituitary disease they are extremely rare. In previously reported surgical series an incidence of 0.37–1.64% has been observed. We report a 55 year old lady with features suggestive of acromegaly and a double pituitary adenoma on MRI. The diagnosis of acromegaly was confirmed by an elevated serum IGF-I and a nadir growth hormone of 10.3 mU/l during a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test. Ot...

PGE2 stimulates progesterone synthesis in the primate corpus luteum, apparently via cAMP. Human GL cells express functional EP1 and EP2 receptors via which PGE2 elevates the intracellular calcium and cAMP concentrations respectively (Harris et al, 2001, BBRC 285:1089). In the present study, we have determined the involvement of EP1 and EP2 receptors in the stimulation of cAMP accumulation and progesterone synthesis in these human ovarian cel...

Introduction: Sarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory disorder that affects the lungs and the lymph nodes commonly. The involvement of the nervous system in this disease is infrequent with prevalence lower than 10%. The diagnosis could be challenging when the neurologic disease presents in a patient without previously known sarcoidosis.Case Report: A 39-year-old Caucasian gentleman was brought to the Emergency department with a one week’s history ...

69-year-old male with background of hypertension and dyslipidaemia was admitted to ENT with a food bolus obstruction. CXR on admission revealed a well-defined mass in the right lower lobe consistent with lung cancer. Oesophagoscopy revealed a narrowing level secondary to external compression. A staging CT of chest and abdomen confirmed a mass on the right base invading the main right lower lobe bronchus. Incidentally there was an 8 cm infra renal abdominal aortic aneurysm. The...

66 year old patient was diagnosed with macroprolactinoma and started on treatment with Cabergoline at a dose 250 μg twice weekly. Initial echocardiogram was normal and CT chest showed clear lung fields except mild left upper zone consolidation. During a routine follow up appointment 8 months after the initiation of treatment, the blood tests showed abnormal renal function and prolactin level was controlled. CT KUB showed features suggestive of retroperitoneal fibrosis lea...

41 year old male presented in 1992 with 2 years history of blurring of vision, headaches, dizzy spells. Had Right supratemporal visual field defect, pituitary MRI which showed cystic pituitary lesion. Had TSS in May 1992 and histology showed Rathkes pouch cyst. Post operatively developed DI and started on DDAVP.SST,TRH and GnRH tests were normal. Persisted retro orbital head aches, developed nasal and temporal field loss. MRI in Sept 1992 showed large intrasellar recurrence of...

Introduction: Prolonged hypoaldosteronism is an uncommon complication following unilateral adrenalectomy for primary aldosteronism. There are only 5 case reports in literature. However, a retrospective series involving 110 patients found that it occurred in 5% of patients. We present our experience with two patients.Case presentation: Patient 1 was a 51-year-old male presenting with a 7-year history of difficult-to-manage hypertension. He was intolerant ...