H. Van Cauwenberge

Molecular configuration and conformation of aldosterone, 18-hydroxy-11-deoxycorticosterone and a new urinary 18-hydroxy-steroid—an n.m.r. study

Abstract The 1 Hmr and 13 Cmr spectra of aldosterone in various solvents show only the tautomeric forms with hemi-acetal[11–18] and hemi-ketal [18–20] bridges. The predominant form of 18-hydroxy-11-deoxycorticosterone (18-OH-DOC) in CDCl 3 (compound M of Dominguez) is the hemi-ketal [18–20] tautomer. Two forms are detected in CD 3 OD: the hemiketal tautomer and very likely a dimer. Other derivatives are found in the presence of water and small amounts of acid. The 18-hydroxy-tautomer with a 2O-C O is not found. Two unknown steroids (compound x and compound y ) were isolated from the urine of patients with hypertension and/or adrenal disorders. The 1 Hmr spectroscopy indicates that the following structure can be proposed for compound x : a : a derivative of dihydro-18-hydroxy-deoxycorticosterone hydroxylated either at 4β and 9α or less probably at 5α and 9α. b : a derivative of dihydro-18-hydroxy-dehydrocorticosterone hydroxylated either at 4β or 5α or 9α. The behaviour of compound x in solution is very similar to that of 18-OH-DOC (predominance of the 18–20 hemi-ketal, formation of dimer and of other derivatives).

Effects of a progestogen on normal human breast epithelial cell apoptosis in vitro and in vivo

Many investigators have reported cyclic proliferation of normal human breast epithelial cells. A delicate balance between proliferation and apoptosis (programmed cell death) ensures breast homeostasis. Both the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle are characterized by proliferation, whereas apoptosis occurs only at the end of the latter phase. In this study, we observed that the withdrawal of a synthetic progestin (nomegestrol acetate or NOMAC), but not continuous treatment with it, induced apoptosis of normal human breast epithelial cells in vitro and in women who applied NOMAC gel to their breasts. Furthermore, this apoptotic response was specific to normal breast cells, since withdrawal of NOMAC did not induce apoptosis of tumoral T47D cells in vitro or of fibroadenoma cells in women. These observations open up new perspectives in the prevention of hyperplasia and breast cancer.

Progesterone Receptor Activation. An Alternative to SERMs in Breast Cancer

Data regarding the effects of progesterone and a progestagen on human normal breast epithelial cell proliferation and apoptosis are presented here. In postmenopausal women, adding progesterone to percutaneously administrated oestradiol significantly reduces the proliferation induced by oestradiol. In vitro and in premenopausal women, stopping the administration of nomegestrol acetate triggers a peak of apoptosis. Fibro-adenoma and cancerous cells do not show this regulation of apoptosis. Progesterone seems to be important in normal breast homeostasis.

Essais d'inhibition de l'action inflammatoire cutanée du chloroforme chez le rat

(1)—In the rat, total extracts of cortex, cortisone and A.C.T.H. do not retard the fixation of a vital colorant at the level of a cutaneous zone irritated by chloroform. (2)—Phenergan prolongs the delay in the appearance of the blue. (3)—Sodium salicylate selectively inhibits the inflammatory cutaneous action of chloroform, even after adrenalectomy.

Action antiinflammatoire comparée de l'A.C.T.H., de la cortisone et du salicylate de soude

The inflammatory reaction of the skin produced by chloroform is inhibited by A.C.T.H. and sodium salicylate. Sodium salicylate exerts this effect by an immediate action as well as through adreno-cortical stimulation. Cortisone and Phenergan have no effect on the reaction studied by the authors.

Observation D’un Cas De Périartérite Noueuse Traité Par L’aspirine Avec Dosage Des Corticostéroïdes Urinaires

SummaryThe recovery by aspirin and antibiotic drugs of a case of Periarteritis nodosa of unknown etiology and in which no hypersensitivity reaction could be suspected, led us to consider the relationship between the stress due to the disease, the urinary excretion of adrenal cortex steroids and the administration of aspirin. Though no definite answer can be given to this problem at the present time it however led us to consider the relation between the recovery of the patient, the adrenals secretion and the salicylate therapy.

Influence De L’A.C.T.H., De La Cortisone Et De Substances Dites « A.C.T.H. Producing » Sur L’Evolution Des Infections A Salmonella Chez Le Rat

Summary1. With the high dosages described in this paper, cortisone, A.C.T.H., sodium salicylate and P.A.S., injected to rats immediately after the inoculation of S. typhimurium, increase the mortality rate. A similar result is obtained when some dosages of these drugs are administered during the days prior to bacterial infection.2. Given in smaller dosages after the infection, Cortisone, A.C.T.H., sodium salicylate and P.A.S. seem to hinder the infectious process. Small amounts of cortisone given prior to bacterial inoculation increase mortality.3. Administered after the infection of the rat by S. typhimurium, Cortisone, A.C.T.H. and perhaps also sodium salicylate associated with chloramphenicol, increase the action of this antibiotic.4. Given at high dosages before bacterial inoculation, cortisone increases the mortality although chloramphenicol was given at the time of infection. In similar conditions, A.C.T.H. and sodium salicylate are without action.5. The application of these findings to human medici...

Premiers Resultats de L'enquete Epidemiologique du Cbh Concernant la Frequence de L'hypertension Dans la Population Belge

SummaryA blood pressure survey was made of a cross-section of tie Belgian population, consisting of about 2.000 people (71% of whom were women) their ages ranging from 20 to 60 years. After ten minutes recumbent rest, four consecutive measurements of blood pressure were made. An interview with each person permitted the existence of Previously known hypertension and possible antihyperensive treatment to be taken into account.The distribution of systolic and diastolic pressures was studied and revealed curves comparable to those in the existing literature. Between the ages of 20 and 40 years, women nave, on the average, lower pressure than men.When the blood pressure (average of 4 measurements) exceeded 140/90 mmHg, another examination was made to three weeks later. On the basis of these two determinations, the individuals were classified as normal (66%)hypertensive (on both determinations more than 160/95 mmHg : 11%) and borderline hypertensive (23%).Among the hypertensives, more than a third were not awar...

Role de l' alpha 1-glycoproteine acide plasmatique dans la fixation de l'aminopyrine.

AbstractUnder certain pathological conditions the binding of various substances by serum proteins is altered. The plasma concentrations of alpha, -acid glycoprotein, also known as orosomucoid are reported to be elevated in stressful situation and in certain disease states like acute myocardial infarction. The binding of aminopyrine to serum proteins and α1-acid glycoprotein was determined using equilibrium dialysis.It appears that α1-acid glycoprotein has specific binding sites for aminopyrine. Aminopyrine was also bound to other serum proteins. On addition the results indicate that an increase of α1-acid glycoprotein to concentrations such as those seen in some pathological states does not really alter the percent of aminopyrine bind to serum proteins.

Multiple Myeloma Assessment by Isoelectric Focusing in Patients with Apparently Increased Beta-Globulin on Cellulose Acetate Electrophoresis

Abstract In this study, thin-layer isoelectric focusing on polyacrylamide gel was used to analyze the immunoglobulin (Ig) fractions of patients with multiple myeloma who demonstrated a falsely increased β-globulin band on cellulose acetate electrophoresis.