David Gonzalez-Barcena

Psycho-physiologic correlates of MSH activity in man

Abstract The role of MSH in man is unknown. Administration of 10 mg synthetic alpha melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) to 5 human subjects resulted in a significant increase in the averaged somatosensory cortical evoked response (AER). This change in the amplitude of the somatosensory evoked response was so marked that it could be seen on single trials of the EEG. The AER further increased during attention. Performance on the Benton Visual Retention Test also improved significantly after infusion of MSH. These findings demonstrate extra-pigmentary effects of MSH in man and suggest an effect upon the attentive process.

Lack of Effect of Steroids on Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone (TRH) Mediated Thyrotropin (TSH) Release in Man

Plasma thyrotropin levels were measured after the acute i.v. administration of 400 µg of synthetic thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) in 6 patients with Addison’s disease, 2 patients with thrombo-cyt

STIMULATION OF LUTEINISING HORMONE (L.H.) RELEASE AFTER ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF AN ANALOGUE OF L.H. RELEASING HORMONE

An analogue of luteinising-hormone-releasing hormone ([D-Leu-6, desGly-NH2-10]-L.H.R.H.-ethylamide) was administered by mouth to thirteen healthy men. In eight men 10 mg of this superactive L.H.R.H. analogue significantly increased mean plasma-L.H. within 45 minutes of administration. This increase was sustained for more than 5 hours. 2 mg of the analogue did not significantly increase plasma-gonadotrophin concentrations in the five men to whom this smaller dose was given. Oral administration of some L.H.R.H. analogues would seem to be effective in releasing L.H. in man.