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Biomedical subjects

F Girard

Publications and source records attributed to F Girard.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
PubMed1986

Compared effects of ACTH, angiotensin II and POMC peptides on isolated human adrenal cells.

Human adrenocortical tissue obtained, on eight occasions, at the time of nephrectomy for renal carcinoma (outside the adrenal pole) was treated by collagenase to dissociate the cells. These were hen submitted to a short, 2-h, incubation with the N-terminal fragment (16 K) of POMC, its derivative, gamma 3-MSH, beta-lipotropin and beta-endorphin, in parallel with ACTH 1-24 (Synacthen Ciba) and angiotensin II (AII, Hypertensin Ciba). Under the influence of ACTH (10(-10) M), and AII (10(-10) M), basal glucocorticoid output, including more than 80% cortisol, was increased by factors of 3 +/- 0.51 (SEM) and 1.35 +/- 0.12 (SEM), respectively. The corresponding aldosterone responses were 1.60 +/- 0.13 for ACTH and 1.38 +/- 0.09 for AII. With the exception of gamma 3-MSH, the POMC peptides under study had no steroidogenic effect. gamma 3-MSH (10(-9) M) and AII (10(-10) M) stimulated aldosterone production to approximately similar levels of, respectively, 1.23 +/- 0.05 and 1.38 +/- 0.09 times the basal production. In contrast to AII however, gamma 3-MSH showed no apparent effect on glucocorticoid output. Steroidogenic response to ACTH was potentiated by gamma 3-MSH at a concentration of 10(-10) M which, when used alone, proved ineffective. This potentiating effect was pronounced for the aldosterone response, whereas the glucocorticoid production was hardly affected. This action ceased to be visible when the cells reached maximal stimulation by ACTH. These findings suggest that gamma 3-MSH--a portion of the 16 K fragment--may have a possible role in aldosterone secretion.

Adrenal Glands↗
PubMed1986

Human beta-melanocyte-stimulating hormone revisited.

It is generally accepted that human beta-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (h beta MSH) does not normally exist in humans but was merely an artifactually generated 22-amino acid peptide corresponding to a lipotropin (LPH) fragment (residues 35-56). We examined whether the shorter 18-amino acid peptide h beta MSH-(5-22) could be detected in some human tissues. Normal human pituitaries and hypothalami as well as corticotropin-secreting pituitary and nonpituitary tumors were extracted and chromatographed on Sephadex G-50, and the fractions were measured with two radioimmunoassays using either a COOH-terminal human gamma LPH (h gamma LPH) antiserum that recognized equally h gamma LPH, h beta MSH, and h beta MSH-(5-22) or a mid-portion h gamma LPH antiserum that recognized h gamma LPH and h beta MSH but not h beta MSH-(5-22). Normal pituitaries and pituitary tumors contained a single immunoreactive material coeluting with h gamma LPH. The hypothalami and the nonpituitary tumors all contained h gamma LPH and a smaller molecular weight material that was only detected in the COOH-terminal h gamma LPH radioimmunoassay; its elution volume (Ve/V, 0.75) was identical to that of h beta MSH-(5-22) but different from that of h beta MSH (Ve/V, 0.60); on reversed-phase HPLC, it coeluted with synthetic h beta MSH-(5-22) with a retention time different from that of h beta MSH. It is concluded that h beta MSH-(5-22) that corresponds to the 18-amino acid peptide h beta LPH-(39-56), flanked by two pairs of basic amino acids within the h beta LPH molecule, is a normal maturation product of proopiomelanocortin in human nonpituitary tissues.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1986

Clinical experience with Somatonorm.

A total of 21 patients with hGH deficiency was included in a double-blind, randomized, comparative multicentre trial of somatrem (Somatonorm) and pituitary hGH. Owing to the withdrawal of the latter product, only 6 months follow-up can be evaluated. Growth velocities on both preparations were similar, and patients with complete hGH deficiency responded better than those with only partial deficiency. No specific side-effects were noted, but antibodies to hGH were noted in two patients on Somatonorm. Antibodies to Escherichia coli polypeptide (ECP) were found in both groups. In an open study of 14 children treated with Somatonorm, growth velocity increased from a mean of 3.26 +/- 0.42 cm/year to 7.1 +/- 0.47 cm/year during the 1 year of follow-up; in this time, bone age increased by 10 months. No clinical or biological abnormalities were detected, though 50% of the children developed anti-hGH antibodies and 13 out of 14 developed Z scores greater than 0.1 for ECP antibodies, compared with 5 out of 14 before treatment.

Antibody Formation↗
PubMed1986

Pituitary-adrenal response to the antiglucocorticoid action of RU 486 in Cushing's syndrome.

RU 486 [17 beta-hydroxy-11 beta-(4-dimethylaminophenyl)17 alpha-(prop-1-ynyl)estra-4,9-dien-3-one] is a steroid analog which antagonizes glucocorticoid action at the receptor level. The pituitary-adrenal response to RU 486 was evaluated in patients with Cushing's syndrome. The acute administration of 400 mg RU 486 at 0800 h in five patients with Cushing's disease induced no significant change in plasma cortisol during the next 10 h compared with the administration of placebo. However, prolonged administration (400 mg daily for 3 days) caused activation of the pituitary-adrenal axis; urinary cortisol increased the most from 727 to 5720, 830 to 8200, 610 to 1020, 110 to 570, and 300 to 990 micrograms/day. Plasma cortisol and lipotropins increased to a lesser extent. Hormone changes appeared on the second day of drug administration and lasted up to 3-4 days after the drug was discontinued. In two patients with nonpituitary-dependent Cushing's syndrome, RU 486 induced no significant change in steroid secretion. We conclude that RU 486 induced a delayed and prolonged pituitary-adrenal response in Cushing's disease; whether the resulting cortisol overproduction will overcome the peripheral effect of RU 486 remains to be determined.

17-Hydroxycorticosteroids↗
PubMed1986

Serum levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) and IGF-binding protein in constitutionally short children and adolescents.

Serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF) and IGF-binding protein (IGF-bp) levels were studied in 92 constitutionally short children and adolescents (height less than mean for age -2 SD) and in 13 subjects after completion of growth. IGF levels increased with age in a manner similar to that in normal subjects, but at lower levels (P less than 0.001). The values were 0.41 +/- 0.03 SEM U/ml in 1 to 5 year old children, 0.72 +/- 0.03 U/ml in 6- to 16 year old prepubescent children and 0.95 +/- 0.05 U/ml during puberty. IGF-bp levels developed in a similar way, the values being 0.45 +/- 0.06, 0.61 +/- 0.04 and 0.85 +/- 0.06 U/ml, respectively, for the three periods considered. Both IGF and IGF-bp levels in each of the three groups were significantly lower than those in normal subjects at the same stage of development. After fusion of the epiphyses, IGF and IGF-bp levels were within the normal range. A longitudinal study was undertaken in 15 subjects, showing increases in height corresponding with increases in IGF levels. For all the subjects studied during their growth period, there was a correlation between height age and IGF levels (r = 0.64, P less than 0.001). All the subjects exhibited a normal rise in GH levels following stimulation. Although the possibility of quantitative or qualitative disorders of GH biosynthesis cannot be excluded in some of the cases, our data are compatible with the hypothesis that the growth retardation observed in constitutionally short children results, at least in part, from insufficient IGF production during post-natal growth.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

[Appearance of the normal knee by MRI using a surface antenna].

NMR imaging of the knee using a surface aerial provides remarkable anatomical detail of this joint without the need for invasive procedures or stressful positioning. Results of the use of this technique on seven normal knees confirmed the precise anatomical details provided, with direct visualization of the femorotibial interline and particularly of the cruciate ligaments, menisci and cartilages. This method allows a new diagnostic approach to the knee, especially for traumatic or tumoral lesions, and greater efficacy of treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Lung mechanics in growing guinea-pigs treated with growth hormone.

Because growth hormone excess has been reported to accelerate lung growth in acromegalic men and in adult rats, effects of growth hormone were tested in prepuberal guinea-pigs. From week 2 to week 4, five guinea-pigs were injected daily with human growth hormone (0.1 mg/kg) and compared with five injected with saline. At week 4 lung mechanices were measured and the animals sacrificed. Growth hormone-injected guinea-pigs gained more weight than saline ones (P less than 0.01) and had heavier livers (P less than 0.01). However, no difference was observed between both groups for lung weight, volume or distensibility.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Late-onset adrenal hyperplasia in hirsutism.

We studied the incidence of late-onset adrenal hyperplasia as a cause of hirsutism, its association with the major histocompatibility complex, and its clinical expression. Twenty-four of 400 women seen because of hirsutism were found to have late-onset adrenal hyperplasia, diagnosed on the basis of a high plasma level of 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and its marked increase after ACTH stimulation. The degree of hirsutism varied widely. Plasma antigen levels were high, especially the level of androstenedione, whereas 5 alpha-reductase activity, considered to be a good index of peripheral androgen utilization, showed frequent normal or low values. The 24 patients were genotyped, along with 84 family members, and plasma hormones were measured in the family members. We found a high correlation between late-onset adrenal hyperplasia and HLA antigens B14 and Aw33. Similar biologic profiles were observed in the patients and those of their siblings who were HLA identical (n = 9), confirming that late-onset adrenal hyperplasia is linked to the histocompatibility complex. These nine siblings had no hirsutism. We therefore conclude that the role of skin sensitivity to androgens is important in determining the clinical expression of this disorder.

17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone↗
PubMed1985

Pro-opiomelanocortin peptides in the human hypothalamus: comparative study between normal subjects and Parkinson patients.

The concentrations of gamma 3-melanotropin-, alpha-melanotropin-, corticotropin-, gamma-lipotropin- and beta-endorphin-immunoreactivities were determined simultaneously, before and after gel exclusion chromatography, in whole hypothalamic extracts of normal subjects and Parkinson patients. All five immunoreactivities were present and were all significantly correlated to each other. Shorter peptides (alpha-melanotropin, gamma 3-melanotropin, beta-endorphin and a lipotropin37-58-like peptide) were the dominant products. Whereas the dopamine content was significantly reduced in Parkinson patients, there was no significant difference for any peptide between normal subjects and Parkinson patients, either in tissue concentrations or in chromatographic patterns.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed1985

The physiology of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF).

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) was characterized, purified and synthesized in 1981 by Vale. The composition of this 41 amino-acid peptide varies slightly from one species to another. Its principal origin is the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus and, by the portal vessels, it reaches the adenohypophysis where it stimulates the corticotrophs. The effects of CRF have been analysed by in vitro and in vivo experiments. Some actions on the autonomic nervous system have been described. The action of CRF on adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) secretion is predominant, but it acts in relation with arginine-vasopressin and accessorily with angiotensin and catecholamines. Adrenal steroids act on feedback control of CRF secretion in the hypothalamus and also on pituitary corticotrophs. The CRF function starts between the 16th and 19th day in the fetal rat. The placenta is able to produce CRF.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed1985

Inspiratory force reserve of the respiratory muscles in children with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate inspiratory muscle force reserve in children with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In 15 hyperinflated (FRC/TLC, 65 +/- 0.7%) children, maximal mouth inspiratory static pressure (PImax) at FRC, mouth occlusion pressure (P0.1), tidal volume (VT), inspiratory time (TI), and total duration of the respiratory cycle (Ttot) were all measured. It was found that PImax at FRC was reduced compared with predicted values. However, after lung volume correction, PImax was in the normal range, and P0.1 was higher, TI was shorter, and Ti/Ttot was lower than predicted. The estimated mean inspiratory pressure for breathing at rest (PI) was significantly higher than predicted and was related to total pulmonary resistance (r = 0.74, p less than 0.001). The fraction of PImax developed by the respiratory muscles for breathing at rest (PI/PImax) significantly increased. The higher the PI/PImax ratio, the more the TI/Ttot ratio decreased (r = -0.64, p = 0.01). At rest, our subjects had to develop a mean inspiratory power (W) of as much as 48% (range, 30 to 76%) of the critical W above which fatigue occurs. Thus, even minimal increases in breathing load might expose children with COPD to respiratory muscle fatigue and to respiratory failure.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

Altered proopiomelanocortin gene expression in adrenocorticotropin-producing nonpituitary tumors. Comparative studies with corticotropic adenomas and normal pituitaries.

In order to assess the mechanisms of proopiomelanocortin (POMC) gene expression in human ACTH-producing tumors, we performed the simultaneous evaluation of POMC products and messenger RNA (mRNA) in tissue fragments obtained from two corticotropic adenomas, five nonpituitary tumors, and two normal human pituitaries. The POMC products were examined using a combination of gel exclusion chromatography and four different radioimmunoassays directed against gamma 3 melanocyte stimulating hormone (gamma 3MSH), ACTH, gamma-lipotropin (gamma LPH), and beta-endorphin. The POMCmRNA was detected and analyzed by dot and northern blot hybridization using a single-stranded genomic DNA probe corresponding to the coding region of the human POMC gene. Tissue concentrations of POMC products and mRNA showed parallel distributions. Immunoreactive gamma 3MSH and gamma LPH patterns revealed only 16-kD fragment- and gamma LPH-like peptides in normal and tumoral pituitaries; additional gamma 3MSH- and/or beta MSH-like peptides were found in all five nonpituitary tumors. A single POMCmRNA of approximately 1,200 bases (b) was detected in normal and tumoral pituitaries; a single identical POMCmRNA was also found in four nonpituitary tumors. A thymic carcinoid tumor, in addition to the 1,200-b POMCmRNA, contained equal amounts of a second larger POMCmRNA of approximately 1,450 b. It is concluded that POMC gene expression appears qualitatively unaltered in corticotropic adenomas. In nonpituitary tumors, in contrast, abnormal POMC processing is frequent; in addition, an extra POMCmRNA was detected in a thymic tumor with a greater length than the normal mRNA; the mechanisms and pathophysiological implications of these modifications remain to be elucidated.

Adenoma↗
PubMed1985

Effects of proopiomelanocortin peptides and angiotensin II on steroidogenesis in isolated aldosteronoma cells.

Cells isolated from five aldosterone-producing adenomas were used to study glucocorticoid and aldosterone production in response to ACTH, angiotensin II (A II), and peptides derived from proopiomelanocortin (POMC), viz. the 16K N-terminal fragment (16K) and its derivative, gamma 3MSH and the C-terminal fragment beta-lipotropin (beta LPH) and its derivative beta-endorphin. At concentrations similar to those of ACTH and A II (10(-12)-10(-10) M), 16K, gamma 3MSH, and beta LPH selectively stimulated aldosterone production, which reached levels close to those obtained with A II. ACTH, however, was the most effective stimulant of steroidogenesis. The 16K, gamma 3MSH, and beta LPH peptides potentiated the action of ACTH, particularly in the case of aldosterone production. beta-Endorphin, whether used alone or in association with ACTH, had no effect on steroidogenesis at the dose used (10(-10) M). The principal glucocorticoid products of the adenoma cells were cortisol and corticosterone. The ratios of corticosterone to cortisol (B/F) and aldosterone to corticosterone (A/B) varied considerably from one adenoma to another, both basally and in response to ACTH. Nevertheless, within individual adenomas, the mean B/F ratio induced by ACTH [0.280 +/- 0.013 (+/- SEM)] was significantly larger than that induced by A II (0.127 +/- 0.007; P less than 0.001). By contrast, the A/B ratio in response to ACTH (0.061 +/- 0.003) was significantly smaller than that in response to A II (0.159 +/- 0.010; P less than 0.001). The values obtained with 16K (B/F, 0.106 +/- 0.010; A/B, 0.192 +/- 0.028) and gamma 3MSH (B/F, 0.122 +/- 0.012; A/B, 0.178 +/- 0.020) were close to those obtained with A II. 16K and gamma 3MSH potentiated ACTH's effect on steroidogenesis mainly by increasing the A/B ratio from 0.061 +/- 0.003 for ACTH alone to 0.100 +/- 0.008 for 16K plus ACTH (P less than 0.005) and to 0.092 +/- 0.005 for gamma 3MSH plus ACTH (P less than 0.001). The findings suggest that the stimulation of aldosterone production by 16K and gamma 3MSH in aldosteronoma cells is of the A II type and that these peptides may play a role in the genesis of primary aldosteronism.

Adenoma↗
PubMed1985

Respiration during sleep in children with COPD.

Seventeen children (mean age, nine years) with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were studied during sleep. Electroencephalography, electrooculography, and electromyography were all recorded. Airflow was measured by nasal and oral thermistors, and abdominal and thoracic anteroposterior diameters by magnetometers. Transcutaneous partial pressure of O2 (tcPO2) and of CO2 (tcPCO2) were monitored. The average total sleep time was 283 min +/- 36 (1 SD). Breathing pauses (BP) five seconds or longer were measured. The mean time of BP expressed as a percentage of TST was 1.3 percent +/- 0.8 (1 SD). The BP occurred most frequently during REM sleep. Forty-six percent of BP were obstructive (OBP). The percentage of OBP was significantly related to the degree of lung resistance during wakefulness. Periodic breathing was observed with a mean frequency of 2.2 times per night (range: 0 to 7). Episodes with paradoxic inward rib cage motion were seen one to 29 times (mean 6.6). Drops in tcPCO2 greater than 5 mm Hg occurred one to eight times and 67 percent were observed during REM sleep. Compared to tcPCO2 during W the mean maximal decrease in tcPCO2 was 14 mm Hg (range 8 to 29). tcPCO2 rose with a mean maximal of 9.1 mm Hg (range 6 to 13). It was concluded that children with COPD had worsened gas exchange during sleep.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed1984

The contractile effect of bombesin, gastrin releasing peptide and various fragments in the rat stomach strip.

The contractile activity of bombesin (BB) and related peptides including the gastrin releasing peptide (GRP) was evaluated in the rat stomach strip. BB and GRP were found to elicit concentration-dependent contractile effects in concentrations varying between 5.0 X 10(-10) and 5.0 X 10(-7) M. EC50 values of BB and GRP were 6.5 X 10(-9) and 10(-8) M, respectively. The contractile effect of BB (1.5 X 10(-8) M) was not modified by a mixture of antagonists containing atropine (1.7 X 10(-6) M), mepyramine (1.2 X 10(-6) M), methysergide (1.4 X 10(-6) M), phentolamine (1.8 X 10(-6) M), propranolol (1.9 X 10(-6) M) and indomethacin (7.0 X 10(-6) M), nor by the nerve paralyzing drug tetrodotoxin (1.6 X 10(-6) M). These results suggest the existence of BB receptors in the rat stomach strip. The results also suggest that the contractile effects of BB in this tissue result from a direct effect on the smooth muscle cell. The data derived from our structure-activity study indicate that deletion of the N-terminal sequence pGlu1-Gln2-Arg3-Leu4-Gly5- from the BB molecule causes practically no loss of affinity and intrinsic activity. Further shortening of BB gives rise to a gradual reduction of both parameters. Residual contractile activity could still be observed with the tetra- and pentapeptide BB-(11-14) and BB-(10-14) at 10(-5) M.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗