Radioimmunological determination of serum LH, FSH, and estradiol concentrations in prepubertal female rats demonstrates the temporal coincidence of increased serum levels of these hormones between days 9 and 21. Serum FSH and estradiol levels are continuously high during that time, whereas interindividual fluctuations in LH levels were enormous. No high LH, FSH, and estradiol levels were observed between day 21 and puberty, during which time serum prolactin and progesterone gradually increased. Serum testosterone in the female immature rats stayed uniformly low. It is suggested that increased serum estradiol levels in the presence of low prolactin levels (between day 10 and 20) act in a positive feedback fashion on the CNS-pituitary axis. The resulting increased gonadotropin levels are later (between day 20 and puberty) decreased by an inhibitory action of prolactin and/or progesterone on pituitary gonadotropin release. In male rats serum FSH and prolactin, which were low during the first 3 weeks, increased later to reach high levels during puberty. Serum LH was slightly elevated during the 2nd and 3rd week of life at which time serum progesterone also increased to reach the highest levels in the prepubertal period. Serum testosterone was higher in male than in female rats for the first 3 weeks of life; the difference between both sexes was significant but not striking. Between day 21 and the prepubertal period the testosterone levels were relatively low, but they increased again during puberty. Sex differences in androgen levels (measured with a less specific antibody) were more pronounced whereas estradiol levels in males showed the same pattern between birth and puberty as in the female littermates. These results suggest that not only testosterone but also other, not yet identified, androgens may be involved in the masculinzation of the brain.
Objectives: In the present study, therapeutic effects of the Cimicifuga racemosa preparation CR BNO 1055 (Klimadynon † /Menofem † ) on climacteric complaints, bone metabolism and endometrium will be compared with those of conjugated estrogens (CE) and placebo. The question whether CR BNO 1055 contains substances with selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) activity will be investigated. Methods: Sixty-two evaluable postmenopausal women were included in the double-blind, randomized, multicentre study, and treated either with CR BNO 1055 (daily dose corresponding to 40 mg herbal drug), 0.6 mg CE, or matching placebo, for 3 months. Menopausal symptoms were assessed by the menopause rating scale (MRS) and a diary. Levels of CrossLaps (marker of bone degradation) were determined by ELECSYS system and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (marker of bone formation) by an enzymatic assay. Endometrial thickness was measured via transvaginal ultrasound; vaginal cytology was also studied. The primary efficacy criterion was the change from baseline to end point in the MRS. Change from baseline was analyzed for the secondary variables too. Results: CR BNO 1055 proved to be equipotent to CE and superior to placebo in reducing climacteric complaints. Under both preparations, beneficial effects on bone metabolism have been observed in the serum. CR BNO 1055 had no effect on endometrial thickness, which was significantly increased by CE. Vaginal superficial cells were increased under CE and CR BNO 1055 treatment. Conclusion: The results concerning climacteric complaints and on bone metabolism indicate an equipotent effect of CR BNO 1055 in comparison to 0.6 mg CE per day. It is proposed that CR BNO 1055 contains substances with SERM activity, i.e. with desired effects in the brain/ hypothalamus, in the bone and in the vagina, but without exerting uterotrophic effects. #
Plasma concentrations of interleukins, particularly IL-6, increase after trauma and surgery. We have undertaken this study to see if the choice of anaesthetic directly or indirectly influences cytokine release. Twenty women (ASA I-II, aged 26-60 yr) undergoing elective hysterectomy for non-malignant disease were allocated randomly to receive either inhalation anaesthesia with isoflurane and nitrous oxide (group 1), or total i.v. anaesthesia with alfentanil and propofol (group 2). Blood samples for measurement of interleukins IL-1 beta and IL-6, and cortisol and prolactin concentrations were obtained at intervals from before induction to 6 h after surgery. IL-1 beta concentrations did not change during the study. IL-6 increased significantly in both groups (P < 0.05). The IL-6 increase in group 1 began earlier than in group 2. Median IL-6 concentrations were greater in group 1 (median 62 (range 0-214) pg ml-1 vs 46 (0-220) pg ml-1) (P < 0.01). Cortisol concentrations increased more rapidly and reached greater maximum concentrations in group 1. Prolactin concentrations increased immediately and to the same degree after induction in both groups, but were greater in group 2 after operation. We conclude that anaesthesia with alfentanil and propofol diminished release of IL-6 in response to abdominal surgery compared with isoflurane and that this reduction was an effect of alfentanil.
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