No abstract

The concentrations of FSH, LH, prolactin, oestradiol and progesterone were measured in peripheral plasma and follicular fluid of women throughout the menstrual cycle. With the exception of prolactin, concentrations of pituitary and steroid hormones in follicular fluid correlated with those in peripheral plasma. Follicle-stimulating hormone was present in a greater number of small follicles (smaller than 8mm) during or just after the peaks of FSH in peripheral plasma. During the mid-follicular phase the concentration of both FSH and oestradiol in fluid from large follicles (larger than or equal to 8 mm) was high. During the late follicular phase the large follicles (larger than or equal to 8 mm) contained high amounts of progesterone in addition to oestradiol, low physiological levels of prolactin, and concentrations of LH and FSH about 30 and 60% respectively of those found in plasma. By contrast no large 'active' follicles (larger than or equal to 8 mm) were found during the luteal phase although many contained both LH and FSH. Luteinizing hormone was present in a proportion of small follicles (smaller than 8 mm) during the late follicular and early luteal but not at other stages of the menstrual cycle. It is suggested that a precise sequence of hormonal changes occur within the microenvironment of the developing Graafian follicle; the order in which they occur may be of considerable importance for the growth of that follicle and secretory activity of the granulosa cells both before and after ovulation.

No abstract

The effects of combined treatment with the antiandrogen, cyproterone acetate, and ethinyl oestradiol on four women with long-standing hidradenitis suppurativa have been investigated. The condition was controlled successfully in all patients with 100 mg/day cyproterone acetate using the reversed sequential regimen; lowering the antiandrogen to 50 mg/day caused deterioration. Before treatment, plasma testosterone levels were within the normal range, but plasma androstenedione values were raised and sex hormone binding globulin levels were low. On treatment, the androstenedione concentration fell and sex hormone-binding globulin values were raised. However, since these levels were unaltered by reducing the antiandrogen dosage, the main action of the therapy is probably that of the antiandrogen within the target cells.

Cyclosporin A is a fungal metabolite whose inhibitory effect is on T lymphocytes and in particular on cells mediating rejection of allografts. Evidence suggests that it may be more effective than conventional immunosuppressive treatment in recipients of organ transplants.' Successful pregnancies have been reported in allograft recipients receiving cyclosporin daily from conception to delivery.2 3 We describe the clinical course of a pregnancy in a renal allograft recipient receiving cyclosporin A in which the fetus was growth retarded; we also review other such pregnancies.Case report