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At least 595 records · Page 33Linked to original sources

Female epispadias: report of a case and review of the literature.

Female epispadias is a congenital anomaly representing a mild form of the spectrum of exstrophy of the bladder. Unrecognized an untreated, the handicap associated with the physical malformation can create overwhelming clinical and psychological problems for the affected female. Radiographic findings of spinal dysrhaphism with diastasis of the public bones are often associated with, and can afford the first clue to, the physical findings of absent clitoris, ununited labia and patulous and foreshortned urethra.

Child, Preschool↗

The nuclear accumulation of [3H]testosterone and [3H]estradiol in the brain of the female primate: evidence for the aromatization hypothesis.

To identify the metabolites of estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) in nuclei obtained from the female primate brain and, hence, to investigate the mechanism of their actions on behavior, 9 ovariectomized adult rhesus monkeys were studied. Two of these females were injected with 5.5 mCi [3H]T, and 30 min later, samples of 14 brain areas, pituitary gland, and peripheral tissues were removed and homogenized. Purified cell nuclei and a crude cytosol fraction were prepared, extracted with ether, and fractionated by HPLC to identify steroid metabolites. In nuclei from the hypothalamus, preoptic area, and amygdala, [3H]E2 formed locally was the major form of radioactivity. In nuclei from the clitoris, [3H]dihydrotestosterone was the major form of radioactivity, and in nuclei in all other brain samples and in the pituitary gland and uterus, [3H]T predominated. Two females (controls) were pretreated for 5 days with oil sc, injected with 1 mCi [3H]E2, and killed 60 min later. In these females, elevated nuclear concentrations of [3H]E2 were found in the hypothalamus, preoptic area, amygdala, pituitary gland, and uterus. Similar results were obtained in 2 females that were pretreated for 5 days with 2 mg/day dihydrotestosterone propionate, sc, and then injected with 1 mCi [3H]E2. In 3 females that were pretreated for 5 days with 2 mg/day T propionate, sc, and then injected with 1 mCi [3H]E2, levels of [3H]E2 were reduced by 100% (P less than 0.01) in nuclei from preoptic area and amygdala compared with control values and by 78% (P less than 0.05) in nuclei from the hypothalamus. There were no comparable reductions in steroid levels in cerebral cortex, pituitary gland, or uterus. This is the first direct evidence in the brain of a female primate that the actions of T and E2 involve the same receptor systems.

Amygdala↗

Endocrine studies in a phenotypic girl with XY gonadal agenesis.

An 18-year-old phenotypic girl with XY gonadal agenesis had endocrine studies. The patient had a small amount of sexual hair, a slightly enlarged clitoris, normal labia and no posterior fusion. Her vagina was of normal length, but no cervix was palpable. At laparoscopy, no gonads, uterus or fallopian tubes were identified. The buccal smear was chromatin negative and the karyotype was 46XY. The 24 h LH plasma pattern was qualitatively similar to that found in normal late pubertal subjects, but the values were in the castrate range. The 24h mean plasma concentrations of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone were 16.4 ng/dl and 14.2 ng/dl, respectively. Urinary estrogen excretion was 15 and 19 mug/day. These clinical and endocrine findings suggest that the patient was a genetic male in whom Mullerian regression occurred normally; however, the testes probably ceased functioning early in gestation preventing normal development of the Wolffian system. This set of events resulted in agenesis of the gonaductal system and female external genitalia. The patient represents the second example of this variation of male pseudohermaphroditism associated with XY gonadal agenesis.

Adolescent↗

A syndrome of female pseudohermaphrodism, hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, and multicystic ovaries associated with missense mutations in the gene encoding aromatase (P450arom).

We report the features of a new syndrome of aromatase deficiency due to molecular defects in the CYP19 (P450arom) gene in a 46,XX female. At birth, the patient presented with a nonadrenal form of female pseudohermaphrodism. At 17 months of age, laparotomy revealed normal female internal genital structures; the histological appearance of the ovaries was normal. FSH concentrations were markedly elevated at 9.4 ng/mL LER 869, and estrone and estradiol levels were undetectable (< 37 pmol/L). By 14 yr of age, she had failed to exhibit breast development. The clitoris had enlarged to 4 x 2 cm, and pubic hair was Tanner stage IV. The plasma concentration of testosterone was elevated at 3294 pmol/L, as was androstenedione at 9951 pmol/L. Plasma estradiol levels were below 37 pmol/L. ACTH and dexamethasone tests indicated a nonadrenal source of testosterone and androstenedione. Plasma gonadotropin levels were in the castrate range. Pelvic sonography and magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple 4- to 6-cm ovarian cysts bilaterally. Despite increased circulating androgens and clitoral growth, the bone age was 10 yr at chronologic age 14 2/12 yr. Estrogen replacement therapy resulted in a growth spurt, breast development, menarche, suppression of gonadotropin levels, and resolution of the cysts. The clinical findings suggested the diagnosis of P450arom deficiency. Analyses of genomic DNA from ovarian fibroblasts demonstrated two single base changes in the coding region of the P450arom gene, one at 1303 basepairs (C-T), R435C, and the other at 1310 basepairs (G-A), C437Y, in exon 10. The molecular genetic studies indicate that the patient is a compound heterozygote for these mutations. Expression of these mutations showed that the R435C mutation had 1.1% the activity of the wild-type P450arom enzyme, whereas the C437Y mutation demonstrated no activity. The cardinal features of this syndrome are a consequence of P450arom deficiency: 1) the fetal masculinization in this syndrome can be ascribed to defective placental conversion of C19 steroids to estrogens, leading to exposure of the female fetus to excessive amounts of testosterone; 2) the pubertal failure, mild virilization, multicystic ovaries, and hyperstimulation of the ovaries by FSH and LH are the result of the inability of the ovary to aromatize testosterone and androstenedione to estrogens; and 3) the striking delay in bone age at 14 2/12 yr supports the notion that estrogens, in contrast to androgens, are the major sex steroid driving skeletal maturation during puberty. Familial P450arom deficiency, although rare, may be more common than previously suspected.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

17-alpha-Hydroxypregnenolone↗

Origin of an ovarian steroid cell tumor causing isosexual pseudoprecocious puberty demonstrated by the expression of adrenal steroidogenic enzymes and adrenocorticotropin receptor.

Ovarian steroid cell tumors are rare neoplasms composed of typical steroid hormone-secreting cells. Most ovarian steroid cell tumors, however, cannot be appropriately classified on a morphological basis, because the neoplastic cells closely resemble adrenal cortical cells. Nevertheless, the true adrenal origin of such tumors has been difficult to demonstrate. Here we report a 3-yr-old girl with isosexual pseudoprecocious puberty due to an ovarian steroid tumor whose adrenal cell origin was determined by the presence of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) of adrenal-specific steroidogenic P450 enzymes (P450c11 and P450c21) and ACTH receptor (ACTHR). Her height was +2.3 SD, and she had Tanner stage III breast development, Tanner stage II pubic hair, and a normal clitoris. Bone age was 5 yr. Basal gonadotropin levels were undetectable (<0.6 U/L for LH and <1.0 U/L for FSH) and remained undetectable after stimulation with 100 microg GnRH, i.v. Basal serum testosterone and 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels were slightly elevated, whereas basal serum androstenedione, estradiol, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels were clearly elevated. Pelvic ultrasound disclosed an enlarged uterus and an adnexal multicystic mass in the right ovary, and pathological studies disclosed an ovarian steroid cell tumor. To establish the cellular origin of the tumor we determined the presence of mRNA for P450c11, P450c21, and ACTHR in tumor tissue and normal adrenal and ovarian tissue. Detection of ACTHR, P450c21, and P450c11 mRNAs isoforms was achieved in tumoral and adrenal control tissue, but not in the ovary control tissue. The RT-PCR products of P450c11 from adrenal control tissue were composed by both BglI-sensitive and -resistant complementary DNAs, indicating the presence of both P450c11AS and P450c11beta, whereas RT-PCR product from the tumor was resistant to BglI digestion, indicating only the presence of P450c11beta. We conclude that the histological origin of so-called adrenal rest tumor could be reliably determined by assessing the expression of specific genes in the tumor as P450c11beta and P450c21. The use ofthese molecular tools will allow a more precise classification of an important subset of the ovarian steroid cell tumors and can help to identify ectopic adrenal tissue in ovary and testis.

Adrenal Glands↗

Male Pseudohermaphroditism in a raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procynoides).

A wild raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procynoides) which died due to a traffic accident on 18 October 2001, and was determined to be 4.5 years old, was examined. Visual appearance of the external genitalia in this animal showed to be female with a large penis-like clitoris protruding from the vulvar juncture. Visual examination of the internal genitalia revealed that the animal possessed both testes and uterus. Histological appearance of the removed gonads showed only Sertoli cells but no spermatogenesis. Using polymerase chain reaction with skin biopsy directed against the sex-determining region on the Y chromosome (SRY) gene, the genomic SRY gene was expressed as a single band and sequenced. Based on these findings, this raccoon dog was diagnosed as male pseudohermaphrodite.

Animals↗

Emerging therapies for female sexual dysfunction.

Epidemiological studies in the US, the UK and Sweden indicate that approximately 40% of women aged 18 - 59 have significant complaints about their sexual lives. The majority of complaints concern low sexual desire. Other common problems include difficulty reaching orgasm, insufficient lubrication and painful coitus. A vacuum erection device which increases blood flow to the clitoris has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. There are no pharmacological agents with approval for the treatment of female sexual dysfunction. Phosphodiesterase inhibitors and other drugs which cause genital vasocongestion in women appear to have minimal clinical efficacy. Although many of these agents increase the vasocongestive response to sexual stimulation, there is minimal correlation between subjective and objective measures of sexual arousal in women. Trials with androgens have clearly and convincingly demonstrated that supraphysiological doses of testosterone increase libido in postmenopausal women. The long-term safety of such doses is unclear. To date, no studies have shown lower doses of androgens to be beneficial. There have been minimal studies of drugs targeting the central nervous system to date. Bupropion may have a beneficial effect on orgasm attainment in women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder.

Androgens↗

Female genital cutting: a harmless practice?

A recent article in Medical Anthropology Quarterly (Obermeyer 1999) argues that the "facts" about the "harmful effects" of female genital cutting (FGC) are "not sufficiently supported by the evidence" (p. 79). The article suggests three further hypotheses, among others: (1) FGC may be of minimal harm because the more educated continue the practice just as much as the less educated; (2) FGC may be of minimal harm because it is so widespread and persistent; (3) FGC may be of minimal harm because the supposed link between the clitoris and female sexual pleasure is a social construction rather than a physiological reality. I challenge these hypotheses. I say that by appropriate standards of evaluation, FGC is harmful. Finally, I submit that most FGC is a proper matter of concern because it is the irreversible reduction of a human capacity in the absence of meaningful consent.

Africa↗

46,XY male pseudohermaphroditism due to early foetal testicular dysgenesis.

A 17 year old patient with female phenotype and 46,XY karyotype presented because of primary amenorrhoea. Enlarged clitoris and pubic hair were observed and no breast development. Gonadotrophin values were greatly raised into the castrate range, while testosterone was at the upper limit of the normal range for females. No uterus, Fallopian tubes or remnants of Mullerian and Wolffian products were found at laparotomy. Bilateral inguinal masses were removed and proved to be testicular tissue. This case report shows that gonads can be present in patients with the clinical and endocrinological characteristics of the syndrome of 'true agonadism'.

Adolescent↗

Effect of maternal treatment with altrenogest on age at puberty, hormone concentrations, pituitary response to exogenous GnRH, oestrous cycle characteristics and fertility of fillies.

Puberty was studied using 15 fillies of Quarter Horse phenotype. Fillies were from dams treated daily from Days 20 to 325 of gestation with: (1) 2 ml neobee oil per 50 kg body weight (controls); or (2) 2 ml altrenogest (2.2 mg/ml) per 50 kg body weight. The clitoris was measured at birth and approximately every 12 weeks until 84 weeks of age. Blood samples were collected from 9 fillies (5 treated, 4 controls) every 4 days over a 28-day period at 8-week intervals from 4 to 68 weeks of age; sampling continued every 4 days after 72 weeks of age until first oestrus. Blood samples were collected daily during oestrus (greater than or equal to 35 mm follicle) and on Days 4, 6, 10, and 14 after ovulation for the first 2 oestrous cycles. GnRH challenges (5 micrograms/kg) were administered every 8 weeks from 32 to 96 weeks of age. Puberty was defined as the first oestrus with ovulation. Beginning 1 February 1987, fillies were teased daily and their ovaries were examined by ultrasonography every 3 days (daily during oestrus). Fillies were inseminated with 500 x 10(6) motile spermatozoa from one stallion. Pregnancy was diagnosed by ultrasonography on Days 11, 12, 15 and every 5 days until Day 50 after ovulation. Prenatal altrenogest treatment caused clitoral enlargement (P less than 0.05) and increased serum concentrations of LH from 1 to 7 months of age. The amount of LH released in response to exogenous GnRH was greater (P less than 0.05) in treated fillies at 32, 64, and 72 weeks of age. Treated fillies had higher serum concentrations of FSH from 1 to 4 months (P less than 0.05), but FSH was lower (P less than 0.05) in treated fillies before and during first oestrus. Serum concentrations of LH and FSH peaked transiently at 10 months and LH was depressed from 64 to 88 weeks and began to rise 14 days before first oestrus. Concentrations of FSH began to decline 14 days before first oestrus. The median age at puberty was 90 weeks. Durations of oestrus, dioestrus, and the oestrous cycle were not different between groups and were similar to those for adult mares. First cycle pregnancy rates and overall rates were 100 and 82% and 100 and 91.7% for control and treated fillies, respectively (P greater than 0.05). Maternal treatment with altrenogest did alter gonadotrophin secretion before puberty, but had no effect on functional reproductive performance in fillies.

Animals↗

Studies of the oestrous cycle, oestrus and pregnancy in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus).

As an integral part of the development of an artificial insemination programme in the captive koala, female reproductive physiology and behaviour were studied. The oestrous cycle in non-mated and mated koalas was characterized by means of behavioural oestrus, morphology of external genitalia and changes in the peripheral plasma concentrations of oestradiol and progestogen. The mean (+/- SEM) duration of the non-mated oestrous cycle and duration of oestrus in 12 koalas was 32.9 +/- 1.1 (n = 22) and 10.3 +/- 0.9 (n = 24) days, respectively. Although the commencement of oestrous behaviour was associated with increasing or high concentrations of oestradiol, there were no consistent changes in the morphology or appearance of the clitoris, pericloacal region, pouch or mammary teats that could be used to characterize the non-mated cycle. As progestogen concentrations remained at basal values throughout the interoestrous period, non-mated cycles were considered non-luteal and presumed anovulatory. After mating of the 12 koalas, six females gave birth with a mean (+/- SEM) gestation of 34.8 +/- 0.3 days, whereas the remaining six non-parturient females returned to oestrus 49.5 +/- 1. 0 days later. After mating, oestrous behaviour ceased and the progestogen profile showed a significant increase in both pregnant and non-parturient females, indicating that a luteal phase had been induced by the physical act of mating. Progestogen concentrations throughout the luteal phase of the pregnant females were significantly higher than those of non-parturient females. Parturition was associated with a decreasing concentration of progestogen, which was increased above that of basal concentrations until 7 days post partum.

Animals↗

Endocrine differentiation of fetal ovaries and testes of the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta): timing of androgen-independent versus androgen-driven genital development.

Female spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) have an erectile peniform clitoris and a pseudoscrotum but no external vagina, all established by day 35 of a 110-day gestation. Recent studies indicate that these events are androgen-independent, although androgen secretion by fetal ovaries and testis was hypothesized previously to induce phallic development in both sexes. We present the first data relating to the capacity of the ovaries and testes of the spotted hyena to synthesize androgens at different stages of fetal life. Specifically, spotted hyena fetal gonads were examined by immunohistochemistry at GD 30, 45, 48, 65, and 95 for androgen-synthesizing enzymes, as related to the morphological development. Enzymes included 17alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase cytochrome P450 (P450c17), cytochrome b5, 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3betaHSD), and cholesterol side-chain cleavage cytochrome P450 (P450scc). Anti-Müllerian-hormone (AMH) expression was also examined. AMH was strongly expressed in fetal Sertoli cells from GD 30 and after. P450c17 expression was detected in Leydig cells of developing testes and surprisingly in Müllerian duct epithelium. Fetal ovaries began to organize and differentiate by GD 45, and medullary cells expressed P450c17, cytochrome b5, 3betaHSD, and P450scc. The findings support the hypothesis that external genital morphology is probably androgen-independent initially, but that fetal testicular androgens modify the secondary, male-specific phallic form and accessory organs. Fetal ovaries appear to develop substantial androgen-synthesizing capacity but not until phallic differentiation is complete, i.e. after GD 45 based on circulating androstenedione concentrations. During late gestation, fetal ovaries and testes synthesize androgens, possibly organizing the neural substrates of aggressive behaviors observed at birth in spotted hyenas. These data provide an endocrine rationale for sexual dimorphisms in phallic structure and reveal a potential source of androgenic support for neonatal aggression in female and male C. crocuta.

Androgens↗

Successful treatment of bowenoid papulosis in a 9-year-old girl with vertically acquired human immunodeficiency virus.

A 9-year-old black girl with vertically acquired human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and no history of condyloma acuminata presented with a 4-year history of enlarging and spreading dark brown flat papules in the perineum. Some of the lesions were confluent and extended from the clitoris to the labia majora and posteriorly to the buttocks and perianal region. A biopsy of one of the lesions showed bowenoid features. Our patient had a normal Pap smear, but vaginal and cervical biopsy specimens revealed human papillomavirus type 16. Therapy with topical imiquimod cream every other day was started, but little improvement was noted after 2 months. Application of 25% podophyllin every 4 to 8 weeks was added, and improvement was noted within 1 month. After 1 year of treatment, the patient had complete resolution of all lesions, and she has had no further appearance of lesions. Our case emphasizes the need for increased awareness of the potential for development of bowenoid papulosis in HIV-positive children as well as the successful treatment of our patient with topical therapy alone.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Leopard syndrome, a neural crest disorder: a case report.

A case of Leopard syndrome with full clinical expression is reported. In addition to the cardinal signs of the syndrome this patient presented some abnormalities which have not been previously described such as macroglossia, multiple dental anomalies, basilar impression and platybasia, megacolon, hypertrophy of clitoris and anal ectopy. The presence of dental anomalies and megacolon may represent involvement of the dental papillae and myenteric plexus favoring the view that the syndrome results from a derangement of the neural crest elements.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

[Pudendo-anal reflex in normal women].

The pudendo-anal reflex was studied in a sample of 31 normal women. Responses were obtained after bilateral independent stimulation of the clitoris, with surface recordings from both sides of the external anal sphincter. Responses were elicited with double-pulses of 0.2 ms duration with a interstimulus interval of 5 ms, frequency of stimulation was lower than 0.5 Hz. A minimal of four responses were recorded after supramaximal stimulation. In one volunteer no response was recorded after unilateral stimulation. Latencies of the responses from the right and left sides of the anal sfincter after right and left stimulation were 36.35+/-6.37, 36.28+/-6.23, 35.88+/-4.68, 36.44+/-4.45 ms, respectively. No relation was detected between latencies and age, body mass index and parity (considering either total parity or vaginal delivery only). In 12% of the recordings uncertainty was introduced in the latency measurements related to a poor signal-noise ratio.

Adolescent↗

Sry-negative XX sex reversal in a family of Norwegian Elkhounds.

Two related female Norwegian Elkhounds were evaluated at 6 and 8 months of age for enlarged clitori. Both had a 78 XX karyotype. Histology of their internal reproductive tracts demonstrated 1 to be an XX true hermaphrodite with bilateral ovotestes and the other to be an XX male with bilateral aspermatogenic testes. Polymerase chain reaction-based tests of genomic DNA showed that both dogs lacked Sry, the testis-determining gene. Pedigree analysis was consistent with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance, as has been reported in the American Cocker Spaniel and the German Shorthaired Pointer. This is the 1st reported case of familial Sry-negative XX sex reversal in the Norwegian Elkhound. A summary of 34 previously unreported cases of dogs with masculinized external genitalia and a normal 78 XX karyotype seen from 1980 to 1997 is given.

Animals↗

Vaginal erotic sensitivity by sexological examination.

We studied vaginal erotic sensitivity by vaginal sexological examinations as part of the evaluation and treatment process of couples complaining of female coital anorgasmia but readily orgasmic at female self--or partner-performed external genital stimulation. The existence on the anterior vaginal wall of an anatomically clearly definable erotically triggering entity, termed "The G Spot", was refuted by our findings. The entire anterior vaginal wall, including the deeper situated urinary bladder, periurethral tissues and Halban's fascia, rather than one specific spot, were found to be erotically sensitive in most of the women examined, and 64% of them learned how to reach orgasm by direct specific digital and/or coital stimulation of this area. All other parts of the vagina had poor erotic sensitivity. This supports our conceptualization of a 'clitoral/vaginal sensory arm of orgasmic reflex' including the clitoris, the entire anterior vaginal wall as well as the deeper situated tissues. Instead of looking for a 'vaginal (coital) orgasm' distinctly different from a 'clitoral orgasm', this concept speaks towards a 'genital orgasm' potentially achievable by separate or, most effectively, combined stimulation of those different trigger components of the genital sensory arm of the orgasmic reflex. The format and technique of the vaginal sexological examination are described, and its possible applications and limitations are discussed.

Adult↗

Sacral nervous function, hormonal levels and sexuality in premenopausal women before and after hysterectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the predictive value of sacral nervous function, result of pelvic examination and hormonal status on sexuality before and after subtotal hysterectomy. MATERIAL AND METHOD: One hundred and four women were examined and interviewed one month before and one year after hysterectomy for non-malignant diseases. Genital examination, sacral nervous function testing including vibrotactility were performed, and sex hormone levels were estimated at each occasion. The results were evaluated and compared using multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Postoperative experience of multiple orgasm was negatively correlated to three out of five measured factors for pelvic sacral function: i.e. vibrotactility of the clitoris, the external anal reflex and the levator muscle strength. No correlations were found between tests for sacral nervous function and a latent factor for sexuality before and after the operation. Preoperative uterine size did not show correlation to either preoperative or postoperative sexual parameters nor did uterine pain during vaginal examination. The preoperative sex hormone levels, and the result of histopathological examination showed no correlation to sexual variables. CONCLUSION: Preoperative somatic findings including sacral nervous function and pelvic muscular strength cannot be used as predictors for sexuality after subtotal hysterectomy.

Adult↗