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Biomedical subjects

R Delsignore

Publications and source records attributed to R Delsignore.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1992

ACTH and beta-endorphin responses to physical exercise in adolescent women tested for anxiety and frustration.

Thirty healthy adolescent women (age: 14 years), high school students without clinical signs of psychiatric or major affective disorders, received psychological and endocrinological examinations. Two psychological tests were used: the Anxiety Score Test for Adolescents and the Pictures Frustration Test for Adolescents of Rosenzweig. On the basis of the results of these tests, subjects were divided into two groups: A (n = 21), normal subjects; B (n = 9), subjects with evidence of anxiety (n = 1), frustration (n = 1), or both (n = 7). Plasma levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and beta-endorphin were measured under basal conditions and after physical exercise (Step Test) in all subjects. Hormonal responses in groups A and B were compared. Basal concentrations of ACTH and cortisol were similar in the two groups, whereas basal beta-endorphin levels were significantly higher in group B than in group A. Exercise induced a slight but significant increase in plasma concentrations of both ACTH (32% increase) and beta-endorphin (60% increase) in group A. A striking increase in plasma ACTH (100% increment) and a slight increase of beta-endorphin (60% increment) levels were observed in group B after exercise. Absolute levels of ACTH and beta-endorphin after physical exercise were significantly higher in group B than in group A. These findings indicate increased levels of adrenocorticotropic and opioid activity in adolescent women with high scores on psychological measures of anxiety and frustration.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Sex-related responses of beta-endorphin, ACTH, GH and PRL to cold exposure in humans.

To establish a possible different reaction between the male and the female to short-term exposure to cold, thermal, cardiovascular and pituitary hormonal responses to cold stress were measured in eight normal men and eight women (ages 19-24). The women were eumenorrheic and were tested in the follicular phase. Each subject, lightly clad, was required to remain for 30 min in a room at an ambient temperature of 25 degrees C followed by a 30 min period in a cold room at 4 degrees C. A month later, control tests were carried out at a constant 25 degrees C temperature for 1 h in the same subjects. Skin temperature, heart rate, blood pressure and plasma levels of beta-endorphin, ACTH, cortisol, GH and PRL were measured before and after cold exposure in the two groups. Before the test, all examined parameters were similar in the two groups. During cooling, blood pressure rose and pulse rate decreased significantly in the men, but not in the women, whereas skin temperature dropped in both groups. However, after cold exposure skin temperature was significantly lower in the women than in the men. A slight, but not significant increase in beta-endorphin, ACTH, cortisol and GH levels was observed after cooling in the men, whereas the women showed significant increments of these hormones. When values of skin temperature were combined with the differential (after minus before cold test) hormonal values, significant negative correlations were found for beta-endorphin, ACTH, cortisol and GH.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed1992

[Long-term local tolerability to intranasally administered salmon calcitonin in post-menopausal osteoporosis].

The aim of this study was to acquire further knowledge relative to the local tolerability of synthetic salmon Calcitonin, administered by the intranasal route. The Authors have evaluated several olfactometry parameters in a group of patients treated for twelve months with the drug. The Wright matrix test and the olfacto-respiratory reflex test were performed. An evaluation regarding mucociliary transport time was additionally effected. No interference on the part of the drug was reported regarding the functional parameters of the nasal mucosa. The excellent local tolerability of intranasal salmon Calcitonin, as already indicated by other Authors, was confirmed, even in terms of specific parameters relative to the olfactory functions.

Administration, Intranasal↗
PubMed1992

Effects of heparan-sulphate administration on clotting parameters and serum thromboxane B2 levels in cholesterol fed rabbits.

We evaluated the effects of heparan-sulphate administration on clotting times, thromboelastographic parameters and serum thromboxane B2 levels in hypercholesterolemic rabbits with aortic atherosclerotic lesions (sudanophilic areas). 24 New Zealand male rabbits were divided into three groups of 8 animals each. Group A and B were fed a rabbit chow diet containing 0.7% of cholesterol whereas Group C was fed a standard rabbit diet without cholesterol. Group A was treated by subcutaneous route with 6 mg/kg/day of heparan sulphate. At the beginning of the study and after 3 and 6 months of treatment, serum cholesterol and thromboxane B2 levels were tested. Furthermore, at the end of the experiment, we evaluated plasma fibrinogen, aPTT, PT and TT values. The administration of heparan-sulphate in cholesterol fed rabbits produced: a reduction of plasma fibrinogen levels, without modifying aPTT and TT; a protective effect vs the lengthening in PT values, likely induced by cholesterol rich diet; a reduction of plasma thrombophilic activities and of aortic atheromasic involvement induced by dietetic cholesterol intake. However, increased serum thromboxane B2 levels, likely through a proaggregant activity were observed. We suggest that heparan-sulphate administration, in cholesterol fed rabbits, has a favourable effect on clotting parameters, while contrasting effects were found on platelet activity.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Reduced ACTH/cortisol responses to naloxone in men with Parkinson's disease.

In order to establish whether the inhibitory control exerted by endogenous opioid peptides on ACTH/cortisol secretion changes in patients affected by Parkinson's disease, ten parkinsonian male subjects and eight age matched normal controls were tested with naloxone (4 mg an i.v. bolus plus 10 mg infused in two hours). In a different occasion all subjects were tested with normal saline. Experiments started at 09.00 h. Plasma ACTH and cortisol concentrations showed a slight physiological decline during saline test in both groups. In the normal controls and in the parkinsonian patients both ACTH and cortisol levels were significantly higher after naloxone administration than during saline test. However, both naloxone induced ACTH and cortisol responses were significantly higher in normal than in parkinsonian subjects. In agreement with the well-known opioid deficiency characterizing the parkinsonian brain, these data show a reduced opioid inhibitory control of ACTH/cortisol secretion in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed1991

Immunohistological characterization of lymph nodes in two cases of adult onset Still's disease.

Although lymphadenopathy occurs in 60% of patients with adult Still's disease, its histopathological pattern has only recently been described. We report on the immunohistological study of a lymph node biopsy and the clinical course of 2 patients with adult Still's disease. The lymph node histology was characterized by a diffuse paracortical expansion with a high content of immunoblasts and plump endothelium venules. Immunohistochemistry using the alkaline phosphatase, antialkaline phosphatase technique showed the mixed B and T cell nature both of proliferating cells and immunoblasts. When antiheavy and light chain reagents were applied, the B cell component became polytypic. Our report stresses the relevance of immunohistological investigation in the diagnostic approach to Still's disease in which histological findings, if taken alone, might be misleading.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Failure of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) derivative, baclofen, to stimulate growth hormone secretion in Parkinson's disease.

In order to evaluate whether the stimulating effect of GABA on growth hormone (GH) secretion changes in patients affected by Parkinson's disease, ten male parkinsonian patients and ten age matched normal controls were tested with the GABA derivative and GABAergic agent Baclofen (10 mg in a single oral administration at 09.00 h) (experimental test). In a different occasion, normal men and parkinsonian patients were tested with a placebo (control test). Basal GH levels were similar in normal controls and parkinsonian patients and remained unmodified during the control test. Plasma GH levels rose three times within 120 min after the administration of baclofen in the normal subjects. In contrast, plasma GH concentrations remained unmodified after baclofen treatment in the parkinsonian patients. In agreement with previous reports in the literature showing alterations of GABAergic neurotransmission in the parkinsonian brain, these data show a reduced GABAergic control of GH secretion in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Aged↗
PubMed1991

Histological evidence of increased turnover in bone from spontaneously hypertensive rats.

24 weeks-old spontaneously hypertensive male rats and normotensive genetic controls were subjected to: histomorphometry of the proximal tibiae, assay of mineral density of the femurs by dual photon absorptiometry, and measurement of the calcium content of the femoral bone ash by atomic absorption spectophotometry. Compared with the controls, the hypertensive rats showed osteopenia and increased bone turnover; their osteoid volumes and the surface area of both osteoclasts and osteoblasts were all increased. The data suggest that, during aging, spontaneously hypertensive rats both lose bone mass more rapidly and also have an increased skeletal metabolic rate with respect to the controls.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

[Calcium folinate in old age].

The authors report the results obtained in a group of 60 elderly patients (age greater than or equal to 65 years) treated with a 15 mg tablet of calcium folinate per day for 60 days. The drug was very well tolerated and it significantly improved the blood chemistry and clinical parameters considered.

Aged↗
PubMed1990

[Comparison of HbA1c, fructosamine and the main metabolic parameters in a non-insulin-dependent diabetic population].

Our objective was the checking of clinical data obtainable from the assay of some parameters in NID diabetic individuals. To this end, we studied 133 patients--57 males and 76 females, average age 74.36 +/- 1.01 years, 72.6% of which were above 65 years of age. The control population was subdivided as follows: 50 subjects, 26 F and 24 M; average age 71.25 +/- 1.32 years, with normal glucidic tolerance as assessed by OGTT. Current glycemia, average glycemia, fructosamine, glycosylated hemoglobin, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol and apolipoprotein B were obviously much higher than normal in the individuals admitted to the study. A statistically significant correlation was found between average glycemia, glycosylated hemoglobin, LDL-cholesterol and blood triglycerides (p less than 0.05). No correlation was found between current glycemia, fructosamine and glycosylated hemoglobin. Similarly, serum fructosamine was unrelated to the parameters studied. In our study, fructosamine, glycosylated hemoglobin and current glycemia offered unrelatable data. Hence, in our opinion it is necessary to assay these three parameters contemporaneously for a reliable assessment of metabolic compensation.

Aged↗
PubMed1989

Effects of ovariectomy on blood and plasma viscosity, fibrinogen and whole blood filterability.

Blood and plasma viscosity, fibrinogen concentrations and whole blood filterability (VB) were evaluated before surgery and 7 and 30 days postoperatively in 2 groups of subjects, one of which comprised 10 hysterectomized women and the other 14 women who had undergone both hysterectomy and ovariectomy. Oestrogens and various metabolic haematological parameters were measured and correlated with the haemorrheological data. By day 7 after surgery fibrinogen concentrations and plasma viscosity had increased, while VB had decreased. Plasma viscosity and fibrinogen levels correlated negatively with VB in the non-ovariectomized women. Three weeks later almost complete normalization of all parameters was observed in all of the subjects, except for the persistence of low oestrogen concentrations and a further decrease in VB values in the ovariectomized patients, these parameters showing a positive correlation. This study demonstrates that haemorrheological alterations occur after hysterectomy (with or without ovariectomy) in the early post-operative period. The striking decrease in VB values and its correlation with the oestrogen concentrations observed 1 mth after ovariectomy suggest that the fall in oestrogen levels might be responsible for the decrease in whole blood filterability.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

[Homeostasis of blood glucose and abuse of exogenous opiates: evaluation of fructosamine and glycosylated hemoglobin].

The study was designed to assess glycaemic homeostasis in different situations of chronic stimulation of the opiate receptors by exogenous opiates. After an OGTT, levels of glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and serum fructosamine were measured in 3 groups of male drug addicts of comparable age. Group A consisted of 10 subjects undergoing substitution treatment with oral methadone. Group B consisted of 10 subjects addicted to intravenous injection of the syrup based methadone intended for oral administration. Group C consisted of 10 heroin addicts. Ten healthy subjects of the same age and sex were used as controls. Analysis of the results showed normal glucose tolerance in all groups with tendentially higher basal glycaemia levels in group B. HbA1c levels were significantly higher, though within normal limits, in group B than in either those receiving oral methadone (p less than 0.01) or the heroin addicts (p less than 0.01). The group B subjects also showed the highest fructosamine levels that were both well above normal limits and higher than those in the other groups in whom fructosamine levels were normal. The data therefore confirm normal glycaemia compensation in those taking oral methadone and in heroin addicts during the period considered. A new type of drug addiction involving the intravenous injection of methadone was also encountered. This produces an outstanding short-term change in glycaemic homeostasis and may well lead to future alterations in glucose tolerance.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Naloxone decreases the inhibiting effect of ethanol on the release of arginine-vasopressin induced by cigarette smoking in man.

In order to establish whether ethanol exerts its inhibiting effect on the nicotine-induced release of arginine-vasopressin (AVP) by interacting with an opioid pathway, six normal volunteers were treated with naloxone (2 or 4 mg as IV bolus, plus 5 or 10 mg infused over 105 minutes) during (2 nonfilter) cigarette smoking and ethanol (50 mL to 110 mL of whiskey) drinking. In addition, control experiments with naloxone, ethanol, or cigarette smoking alone were performed. When given alone, naloxone and ethanol did not modify AVP secretion, whereas nicotine increased plasma AVP levels by about 2.5-fold. This effect was completely blocked by ethanol. In the presence of naloxone, AVP rose only by about 1.7-fold in response to nicotine. Since naloxone only partially reversed the inhibiting effects of ethanol, only a partial involvement of opioid peptides in ethanol action might be supposed. Alternatively, ethanol and naloxone-sensitive opioids might produce their inhibiting effects on AVP rise in response to nicotine through independent pathways.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Pirenzepine inhibits growth hormone, but not thyrotropin response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone in patients with endogenous depression.

In order to evaluate whether in endogenous depression the anomalous growth hormone (GH) response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) is mediated by muscarinic cholinergic receptors, 12 patients were tested with TRH (200 micrograms iv) with and without previous treatment with the muscarinic cholinergic receptor blocker pirenzepine (40 mg iv 10 min before TRH). Control tests with normal saline also were performed. Administration of normal saline did not alter serum GH levels. In contrast, TRH injections significantly increased serum GH concentrations by about three-fold. This response was inhibited by pretreatment with pirenzepine. Another neuroendocrine marker of endogenous depression, the low TSH increase in response to TRH (delta less than or equal to 7 microU/ml), was observed in our patients. Pretreatment with pirenzepine did not modify this response. These data indicate that in patients with endogenous depression a muscarinic cholinergic mechanism is involved in the GH response but not in the TSH response to TRH.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Evaluation of erythrocyte deformability in pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women.

Whole blood filterability expressed as volume of red blood cells filtered per minute (VRBC) was evaluated in 10 pre-menopausal and 10 post-menopausal women. In addition, blood concentrations of total and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, fasting glucose and fibrinogen were measured and correlated with VRBC values. Whole blood filterability was significantly lower in the post-menopausal than in the pre-menopausal women. All the other parameters examined were higher after the menopause, except for HDL-cholesterol levels, which were found to be lower. The VRBC values correlated strongly with fibrinogen, triglyceride and HDL concentrations. These findings indicate that the higher plasma fibrinogen and triglyceride concentrations and the lower HDL-cholesterol levels observed in women after the menopause might be associated with haemorrheological changes. These might be partly responsible for the increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases in post-menopausal women.

Adult↗