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M F Kalin

Publications and source records attributed to M F Kalin.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

Regulation of insulin receptors in the human ovary: in vitro studies.

The association between insulin resistance and ovarian hyperstimulation has led to a hypothesis that insulin stimulates ovarian steroidogenesis. This possible effect of insulin on the ovary could be mediated by either the insulin receptor or the type I insulin-like growth factor (IGF) receptor, both of which have been described in the human ovary. We examined the in vitro regulation of insulin receptors by LH, FSH, multiplication-stimulating activity (MSA), and insulin in ovarian stromal fragments from 24 women. [125I]Insulin binding was measured in the presence and absence of increasing concentrations of insulin, IGF-I, LH, and FSH. Neither LH nor FSH competed with [125I]insulin for binding sites, but preincubation with LH or FSH reduced [125I]insulin binding by 19-38%. Preincubation with MSA reduced [125I]insulin binding by 34-48%. The affinity of the insulin receptors, determined by Scatchard analysis, did not change (Ka = 3.3 X 10(8) mol-1). A concentration of 10 ng/mL insulin in the preincubation medium reduced [125I]insulin binding by 40%, whereas an insulin concentration of 50 or 500 ng/mL completely obliterated specific [125I]insulin binding. [125I]Insulin binding fully recovered, however, 4 h after termination of tissue exposure to insulin. The specificity of [125I] insulin binding was confirmed by studies with IGF-I. We conclude that of the hormones examined, insulin is the most potent regulator of human ovarian insulin receptors in vitro. Down-regulation of insulin receptors by insulin was reversed within 4 h after withdrawal of insulin. MSA, FSH, and LH also down-regulated the number of human ovarian insulin receptors in vitro, but were less potent. These phenomena, if also present in vivo, could be important factors in the regulation of ovarian function by insulin in normal and pathological states.

Adult

Hyporeninemic hypoaldosteronism associated with acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

Four patients with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and persistent unexplained hyperkalemia were studied. Testing with cosyntropin (0.25 mg intravenously) revealed normal baseline and stimulated cortisol levels and adequate aldosterone stimulation. The baseline aldosterone level was low for the degree of hyperkalemia. Renin/aldosterone stimulation testing was performed by intravenous injection of 80 mg of furosemide followed by four hours of upright posture. This study showed low baseline renin and aldosterone levels and inadequate renin and aldosterone stimulation. Three patients were subsequently treated with fludrocortisone (0.1 to 0.2 mg per day), with normalization of serum potassium levels. It is concluded that hyporeninemic hypoaldosteronism is responsible for hyperkalemia in some patients with AIDS and that treatment with fludrocortisone is effective in these cases.

Acidosis

The gonadotropic function of insulin.

We have reviewed the role of insulin in ovarian physiology. Clinical observations and experimental data strongly support the hypothesis that insulin possesses gonadotropic activity, when acting alone or with FSH or LH. This idea is further supported by the recent discovery of insulin in follicular fluid. The idea that insulin has gonadotropic function can explain a variety of clinical observations, which otherwise are difficult to understand. For example, manifestations of ovarian hypofunction (primary amenorrhea, late menarche, anovulation, low pregnancy rate, and early menopause) in IDDM can be understood if it is accepted that insulin is necessary for the ovary to reach its full steroidogenic potential. The idea that insulin affects ovarian steroidogenesis also helps to understand the observation that hyperandrogenism frequently accompanies each of the various insulin-resistant states, regardless of the latter's etiology (e.g. genetic deficiency in the number of insulin receptors, antiinsulin receptor antibodies, obesity, etc.). The explanation for this association is based on the idea that hyperinsulinemia intensifies ovarian steroidogenesis, which manifests clinically as hyperandrogenism. Continuous stimulation of the ovary by insulin over a long period of time possibly produces morphological ovarian changes, such as hyperthecosis or polycystic changes; these changes commonly are observed among women with insulin resistance. The effects of insulin on ovarian cells are mediated possibly through binding of the peptide to its own receptor or to the IGF-1 receptor (the specificity spillover phenomenon). The latter could be an important mechanism in cases of insulin resistance. Potential mechanisms underlying the gonadotropic activity of insulin include direct effects on steroidogenic enzymes, modulation of FSH or LH receptor number, synergism with FSH or LH, or nonspecific enhancement of cell viability. The gonadotropic function of insulin adds yet another note to what has been termed a symphony of insulin action. Further investigation into this new area may yield greater insights not only into normal ovarian physiology, but also into the pathogeneses of such diverse entities as PCO, obesity, diabetes mellitus, and the syndromes of insulin resistance and acanthosis nigricans.

Animals