Summary The effects of a new, synthetic analogue of vasopressin, DDAVP (l‐deamino‐8‐d‐arginine vasopressin), was investigated in 10 children with diabetes insipidus due to deficient secretion of antidiuretic hormone. The lack of pressor activity, and the specific and long‐lasting antidiuretic effect of this preparation was confirmed. During an observation period of 8–19 months it was found that intranasal administration of 1.25‐10 μg of DDAVP twice daily was sufficient to normalize drinking and urine production in all the patients. No side effects were observed. It is concluded that DDAVP is a valuable alternative in the treatment of vasopressin sensitive diabetes insipidus in children, and that it is well suited for long‐term use.

The effects of the calcium antagonist, nifedipine, on uterine activity induced by prostaglandins F,, (PGFZa) and E, (PGE,) were studied in women undergoing therapeutic midtrimester abortion, and in patients with a missed abortion in the 16th to 27th week of pregnancy. In the five subjects receiving intra-amniotic PGF,, (25 to 40 mg) for midtrimester abortion, nifedipine (30 mg orally) decreased uterine activity from a mean of 372 to 203 Montevideo Units. The effect on the intensity of the contractions was pronounced; frequency and basal tone were little affected. In patients with missed abortion, uterine contractions were induced by extra-amniotic application of PGE, (0.5 to 1.5 mg) in a viscous gel. The activity was often more irregular than that in the women receiving intra-amniotic PGF2,. However, nifedipine (30 mg orally) had a marked inhibitory effect on the uterine contractions. It is concluded that nifedipine can be used for treatment of uterine hyperactivity induced by prostaglandins. Combined treatment with p,-adrenoceptor stimulants might be considered.

Myometrial tissue was obtained from non‐pregnant women subjected to hysterectomy because of various gynaecological disorders, and from women undergoing caesarean section. Strip preparations were dissected and isometric tension was recorded. Nifedipine (2.9×10‐8‐2.9×10‐6M) inhibited spontaneous contractile activity, mainly by reducing the amplitude of contraction in both non‐pregnant and pregnant myometrium. The drug also inhibited potassium induced contractions in a concentration dependent manner. This effect seemed to be more pronounced in pregnant than in non‐pregnant tissue. In preparations of pregnant human myometrium, normally polarized or potassium depolarized, oxytocin induced a contractile activity that was effectively inhibited by nifedipine. Nifedipine also relaxed contractions induced by vasopressin in isolated non‐pregnant myometrium. It is concluded that the relaxant effect of nifedipine on isolated pregnant and non‐pregnant human myometrium can be explained by inhibition of calcium influx. The results thus support the view, that calcium influx is an important step in the initiation of contractile activity in human uterine smooth muscle.

An established standardized terminology is necessary for communication of scientific information, and for prevention of mistreatment and misdiagnosis. Terminology concerning the lower urinary tract has been much discussed; in particular, the meaning of terms like lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), urgency, frequency and nocturia, overactive bladder (OAB), and detrusor overactivity (DO). It is natural and desirable that all suggested definitions are subject to criticism, and it is important that discussions for improvement of the existing terminology continue.