Autoimmune thyroiditis in 18q deletion syndrome

Deletion of a segment of the long arm of chromosome 18 causes characteristic physical features and mental retardation. Autoimmune disorders have been described with this syndrome in a limited number of reports. We describe 2 cases of autoimmune hypothyroidism in children with 18q deletion syndrome.     

Generation of a transgenic animal model of hyperthyroid Graves' disease

Graves' disease (GD) is an organ-specific autoimmune disease characterized by hyperthyroidism. Agonistic anti-thyrotropin receptor antibodies (thyroid-stimulating antibodies, TSAb), which mimic the thyrotropin (TSH) action, are thought to cause GD. The precise immunological mechanism of TSAb production, however, remains elusive. Previous immunization approaches using TSH receptor led to transient hyperthyroidism, but did not seem sufficient for comprehensive understanding of the development of autoimmune responses. To create GD-related autoimmunity in mice, we here generated TSAb-transgenic mice in which a patient-derived TSAb is expressed in B cells. Expression of the human TSAb in mice resulted in various manifestations of hyperthyroidism including increased free thyroxine levels with concomitantly decreased TSH levels, increased thyroid uptake of technetium pertechnetate, hyperthermia and thyroid hyperplasia. We found a correlation between the serum levels of human TSAb immunoglobulin and free thyroxine. In addition, conventional B cells expressing the TSAb were partially deleted in the periphery while B1 cells expressing the TSAb persisted and accumulated in the peritoneal cavity, a finding consistent with previous demonstrations that the maintenance of B1 cells plays an important role in the development of autoimmune diseases. Thus, our transgenic mouse may provide a novel and useful animal model for elucidating the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of GD.     

Cloning of cDNAs encoding the three pituitary glycoprotein hormone beta subunit precursor molecules in the Japanese toad,Bufo japonicus

Complementary DNAs encoding precursor molecules of the beta subunits of three pituitary glycoprotein hormones (LH, FSH, and TSH) of the Japanese toad (Bufo japonicus) were isolated and sequenced. Unexpectedly large numbers of single nucleotide substitutions were found in all three beta subunit cDNAs. The eight isolated LH beta precursor cDNA clones were classified into six forms of nucleotide sequence, with four nucleotide substitutions each in the apoprotein coding region and in the 3' untranslated region (UTR). In the deduced amino acid sequence, the LH beta subunit showed two forms with a single amino acid substitution. The seven isolated FSH beta subunit cDNAs were classified into two forms, which differed from each other at 11 positions in the 3' UTR. The six isolated TSH beta subunit clones were classified into four forms with 2 and 5 nucleotide substitutions in the signal peptide and apoprotein coding regions, respectively. However, all the substitutions in the apoprotein coding region were silent. The substitution in the signal peptide coding region could produce three forms of signal peptide. Amino acid sequence comparison revealed that the toad LH beta subunit is more similar to the fish GTH II beta subunit than to mammalian and avian LH beta subunits. We found that the toad LH beta subunit molecule is a partial chimera of LH and FSH; amino acid residues located in 36th to 42nd and 96th to 99th are identical or similar to those of not LH- but FSH-beta subunit in mammalian, whereas it is more similar to LH- than FSH-beta subunit in total. We also found that the toad FSH beta subunit is more similar to the fish GTH II beta subunit than to the fish GTH I beta subunit and that the toad TSH beta subunit is more similar to tetrapod TSH beta subunits than to fish TSH beta subunits.     

Alcohol decreases the nocturnal peak of TSH in healthy volunteers

Rationale Studies of ethanol's effects on TSH carried out during the daytime, when its secretion is at its nadir, do not reflect the true action of alcohol on TSH secretion since TSH peak occurs at night.Objective The present study investigated the effects of alcohol on the serum concentrations of TSH in healthy volunteers during a 26-h session.Methods The trial included a 26-h session during which alcohol was administered at a rate similar to that found in heavy drinkers, i.e. 256 g per day and a 26-h placebo session. Volunteers functioned as their own controls, and we controlled for masking effects in both sessions.Results The usual TSH circadian rhythm flattened during the alcohol session, and the usual peak in the middle of the night completely disappeared.Conclusion Alcohol dramatically decreased nocturnal TSH secretion in healthy volunteers.     

Hormonal changes induced by a partial opiate antagonist,nalorphine. Evaluation of PRL,GH, TSH,LH, FSH and cortisol secretion

Summary The effects of nalorphine 5 mg i. m., a partial opiate antagonist, on circulating levels of PRL, GH, TSH, LH, FSH and cortisol were studied in six healthy men. Nalorphine produced a prompt and sharp increase in serum PRL and a small, delayed rise in serum GH. Serum LH and cortisol decreased after drug administration and no change in serum FSH and TSH was observed. These findings are discussed and a possible site of action of nalorphine is suggested.     

新生儿TSH筛查数据在新生儿TSH筛查室内质量控制中应用

[目的]探讨用新生儿TSH筛查数据在新生儿筛病筛查室内质量控制应用的可能性.[方法]采用新生儿TSH筛查数据质控方法对新生儿疾病筛查数据进行室内质控并评价其效果.[结果]应用新生儿TSH筛查数据进行室内质量控制能够达到满意的效果,其中运用均值作质控比中位数的效果更好,＜9 mU/L筛查数据的均值作质控好于包括＞9 mU/L以上筛查数据的均值.[结论]应用新生儿TSH筛查数据进行室内质控是可行的,且经济实用,能有效避免日常工作中的失控现象.     

Hypothyroidism due to Hashimoto's thyroiditis masked by anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is typically associated with altered thyroid function tests, notably a low total and free T₃, and lower, but within normal range, free T₄ and TSH. A 16‐year‐old girl with a four‐year history of AN presented with elevated TSH that fluctuated with changes in weight. TSH was within normal limits (1.7–3.64 mIU/L) following periods of weight loss and elevated with weight gain (5.9–21.66 mIU/L). Antithyroperoxidase antibodies were markedly elevated, suggesting chronic Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Of note, the elevated TSH that would be expected in Hashimoto's thyroiditis was blunted by weight loss associated with AN. Physicians should be aware that AN may contribute to masking thyroid abnormalities in Hashimoto's thyroiditis. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2015; 48:932–935).     

盐酸坦索罗辛缓释制剂的研究进展

盐酸坦索罗辛广泛用于治疗良性前列腺增生症的下尿路症状,需要长期用药。口服盐酸坦索罗辛因药物吸收快、起效快,常导致低血压和眩晕等不良反应,故临床上建议应用其缓释制剂。目前国内外上市的盐酸坦索罗辛缓释制剂主要为缓释胶囊和缓释片,如Flomax^®,Harnal^®,国内仍以原研制剂Harnal^®缓释胶囊占有主要市场,鉴于该药良好的市场前景,对其缓释制剂的研究也越来越多。本文就盐酸坦索罗辛缓释制剂的研究进展做一综述。