William P. Deiss

In vivo measurement of bone mass in the radius

Abstract A sensitive method for measuring bone mass in the radius is described. It employs a monochromatic gamma source (125I) to scan the bone. The method is quite reproducible with a coefficient of variation of approximately 2.5 per cent. An estimate of reliability indicates that most of the variation in a population survey is due to difference in the individuals rather than instrumentation error. Females have lower bone mass than males and Caucasians lower than Negroes. There is a marked decrease in the bone mass of women after age 50 and a more gradual loss in men after age 60. Scans at 3 cm. from the distal end of the radius measure primarily cancellous bone. Patients with vertebral collapse have significantly less mass at this site than those without collapse. Scans at 8 cm. measure primarily compact bone. The total mass measurement is useful for following individuals over extended periods. This figure may be divided by the scan width and, at the 8 cm. level, this provides a better figure to differentiate the abnormal individual from the population. This is a rapid, accurate method of determining bone mass which can easily produce comparable results in different laboratories.

Five Families with Multiple Endocrine Adenomatosis

Abstract Members of five families, in whom at least one member was known to have multiple endocrine tumors, were screened for involvement with multiple endocrine adenomatosis. Of 27 family members ...

Parathyroid hormone and urinary hydroxyproline

Abstract The response in urinary hydroxyproline peptide excretion to injection of parathyroid extract has been measured in human subjects. When 900 units were injected into normal subjects in 1 day, the increased excretion of hydroxyproline was noted on the day of injection. When the extract was administered chronically, 600 units a day were required to produce an increase in peptide excretion. Folowing the removal of a parathyroid adenoma in a patient with hyperparathyroidism, there was a rapid fall in the level of excretion. The response to injection of hormone was normal in patients with and without growth hormone. It is concluded that the increased excretion of hydroxyproline peptide in response to parathyroid hormone is dose dependent and probably related to increased resorption of bone, at least in response to acute administration of hormone. Presence or absence of growth hormone does not qualtitatively influence the observed increase.

Myositis ossificans progressiva: Case report with metabolic and histochemical studies

Abstract A classic case of myositis ossificans progressiva is reported. Metabolic studies are in accord with others in that the calcium and phosphorus balance and parathyroid function are normal. Certain histochemical observations suggest that the muscular tissue is intrinsically altered prior to its invasion by connective tissue, an assumption further supported by electromyographic findings. This hypothesis is contrary to the prevailing opinion that the muscle tissue changes are secondary to the connective tissue reactions. Speculations are made as to the effect of these observations on the present theories of etiology.

The Mechanism of Thyroid Hormone Secretion

Abstract Release of thyroid hormones from peptide linkage in follicular colloid to the circulation is normally carefully modulated by pituitary thyrotrophin. Secretion of these hormones is now thou...

SYMPTOMATIC OSTEOMALACIA SECONDARY TO CLINICALLY OCCULT CAUSES

Excerpt The purpose of this report is to describe two adult patients with disabling osteomalacia. The feature worthy of emphasis in each case is the negligible symptomatology referable to the organ...

Effects of changes in parathyroid status and calcium equilibrium on bone matrix metabolism.

Conclusion It may be concluded that the metabolic changes noted in in vitro incubations of bone from animals treated with PTE probably reflect the osseous action of the hormone and are not secondary to changes in level of calcium ion or release of calcitonin or thyrocalcitonin. The specific activity of matrix hydroxyproline is decreased and the specific activity of matrix hexosamine is increased in incubation of bone shortly following injection of PTE. Lactate production is enhanced and glucose uptake may be increased by the hormone. The level of equilibration of medium calcium may reflect the level of calcium bathing the bones at death of the animal.