A comparison of alprazolam with amitriptyline in the treatment of patients with neurotic or reactive depression. A report of a randomised, double blind study by a General Practitioner Working Party

104 patients suffering from neurotic or reactive depression were treated with either alprazolam or amitriptyline in randomised, double-blind fashion. Seventeen patients were either lost to follow-up or withdrawn before week 2 (13 due to side effects and 1 because she was feeling better). A further 7 patients did not comply with the protocol, giving a total of 24 patients whose data were not considered suitable for inclusion in the analysis of therapeutic assessments. Evaluation of the 80 patients (40 in each group) who completed at least 2 weeks of the 4-week study demonstrate that both treatments produced a statistically significant response rate. There was a more rapid effect in those patients who received amitriptyline, but there was no significant difference in response between the treatment groups after 4 weeks treatment. Analysis of safety and side effect data on 101 patients (50 treated with alprazolam and 51 with amitriptyline) shows no statistically significant difference in the overall number of side effects experienced in each group, although 11 of those patients who received amitriptyline withdrew because of adverse reactions before completing the study compared to 6 in the alprazolam group. These results suggest that alprazolam may be a useful treatment for patients with neurotic or reactive depression not requiring hospitalisation.

Radioimmunoassay investigations of 20 beta-hydroxylated steroids in maturing/ovulating female rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri)

Radioimmunoassays, combined with thin-layer chromatography, have been used to test for the presence of 17 alpha,20 beta-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one, 17 alpha,20 beta,21-trihy-droxy-4-pregnen-3-one, and 20 beta-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one, and for the presence of their 5-pregnene and 5 alpha-pregnane analogs, in the blood and ovarian incubation media of maturing/ovulating female rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri). All of these steroids have previously been shown to be more or less equipotent in in vitro oocyte final maturation assays. Only two steroids were found: 17 alpha,20 beta-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one, the presence of which has already been firmly established, and 17 alpha,20 beta, 21-trihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one, which has not been previously identified in rainbow trout. The amounts of 17 alpha,20 beta, 21-trihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one found in vivo and in vitro were, however, only 1-1.5% of those of 17 alpha,20 beta-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one, and therefore seem unlikely to play a significant role in the induction of oocyte final maturation.

Seasonal variations in testicular germ cell stages and in plasma concentrations of sex steroids in male rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) maturing at 2 years old

Male rainbow trout of an autumn- and a spring-spawning strain were sampled every 28 days over a period of 2 years, starting when they were approximately 6 months old. Plasma concentrations of testosterone (T), 11-ketotestosterone (11-K), and 17 alpha,20 beta-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (17,20 beta-P) were measured by radioimmunoassay. A histometric method was used to determine the absolute quantities of several germ cell stages, including spermatogonia B, spermatocytes, spermatids, spermatozoa, and resorbing spermatozoa. The general pattern of gonadal development in the two strains was similar, e.g., steroids peaking in the order T----11-K----17,20 beta-P. However, there were a large number of differences--in the timing of first appearance of various parameters, in the timing and magnitude of various peaks, in the histological appearance of the regressing testes, and in the heterogeneity of the male population. T and 11-K levels were not associated with any particular germ cell stage in the two strains. Peak 17,20 beta-P levels coincided with the period when ovulated females were present and milt production was maximal.

Structure-activity relationships of C21 steroids in an in vitro oocyte maturation bioassay in rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri

Rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri, oocytes were used in an in vitro bioassay to test for the potency of C21 steroids in inducing final maturation. A wide range of steroids was used and most of the assays were replicated at least 3 times and up to 10 times with the most effective steroids. 17 alpha,20 beta-Dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (17,20 beta-P), which has been identified as the natural maturation-inducing steroid in Salmoniformes, was used as the reference steroid. Four steroids, 17 alpha,20 beta,21-trihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one; 3 alpha,17 alpha,20 beta-trihydroxy-5 alpha-pregnane; 3 beta,17 alpha,20 beta-trihydroxy-5 alpha-pregnane; and 3 alpha,17 alpha,20 beta,21-tetrahydroxy-5 alpha-pregnane were found to be equipotent with 17,20 beta-P. Analysis of the structure-activity relationships indicated that, for maximum biological activity, steroids must have a planar nucleus (as in delta 4 and 5 alpha-reduced steroids), a hydroxyl or keto group at position 3, and hydroxyl groups at positions 17 and 20 beta. Steroids with delta 5 or 5 beta-reduced conformations and/or hydroxyl or keto groups at position 11 had a much reduced biological activity.

Seasonal variations in parameters of milt production and in plasma concentration of sex steroids of male rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri)

Concentrations of testosterone (T), 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) and 17 alpha-hydroxy-20 beta-dihydroprogesterone (17 alpha 20 beta P) were measured by a direct radioimmunoassay technique in the plasma of male rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri, from two winter-spawning strains and one autumn-spawning strain. There was no evidence that milt production, its volume and density or the ionic composition of the seminal plasma could be related to the levels of 11-KT or T. Peak plasma T levels were reached just before production of milt could first be detected by handstripping. The concentration of 17 alpha 20 beta P remained elevated throughout the period of milt production and there was evidence that this steroid might be associated with the control of the ionic composition of seminal plasma.

Endocrine changes during natural spawning in the white sucker, Catostomus commersoni. II. Steroid hormones

Blood samples were taken from white suckers (Catostomus commersoni) during their annual spring spawning migration and analyzed by radioimmunoassay for gonadotropin (GtH), estradiol-17 beta (E2), testosterone (T), 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT), 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17-P), 17 alpha-hydroxy-20 beta-dihydroprogesterone (17, 20-P), androstenedione (A), and cortisol. GtH, 17-P, and 17,20-P levels were low in prespawning fish of both sexes, rose to their highest levels in ovulated females and spawning males, and then fell to low levels in spent fish. In females, E2, T, and A levels were high in prespawning fish and declined significantly at ovulation, dropping to lowest levels in spent fish. In males, 11-KT, T, and A levels were highest in prespawning fish, and lowest in spent fish. Cortisol levels were highest in spermiating males and ovulated females. Plasma profiles of the sex steroids in the white sucker are very similar to those observed in the rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri).

A comparison of the female reproductive cycles of autumn-spawning and winter-spawning strains of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri Richardson)

Annual changes in the plasma concentration of testosterone, 17 beta-estradiol, 17 alpha-hydroxy-20 beta-dihydroprogesterone, vitellogenin, and gonadotrophin were monitored by radioimmunoassay in females of autumn- and winter-spawning strains of rainbow trout. The annual profile of steroids and of vitellogenin, and the relationships between these parameters, were similar in the two strains, except that most changes occurred 2 months later in the winter-spawning strain than they did in the autumn-spawning strain. The times during which most fish ovulated in each strain were approximately 3 months apart, while gonadotrophin peaks, which were only detected about the time of ovulation, were 4 months apart. This phase shifting between the strains is discussed in terms of the environmental control of the reproductive cycle.

Hormone changes during ovulation in the rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri Richardson)

Plasma levels of 17 beta-oestradiol, testosterone, 17 alpha-hydroxy-20 beta-dihydroprogesterone, 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone, and gonadotrophin were measured in 14 female rainbow trout during the course of their first ovulation period. Gonadotrophin levels were rising at the beginning of the experiment (12-16 days prior to ovulation) and kept rising to reach a peak (65 ng ml-1) at 20 days after ovulation. 17 alpha-Hydroxy-20 beta-dihydroprogesterone levels rose rapidly to reach a peak (317 ng ml-1) 4 days prior to ovulation and fell gradually over a further 32 days. 17 beta-Oestradiol fell 15-17 ng ml-1 12 days prior to ovulation to basal levels (2-3 ng ml-1) at 4 days prior to ovulation, and remained low. Testosterone fell more slowly, however, from a peak value (276 ng ml-1) 8 days prior to ovulation to basal levels 28 days postovulation. 17 alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone appeared in plasma at the same time as 17 alpha-hydroxy-20 beta-dihydroprogesterone. The level of 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone rose more slowly, however, and stayed at a fairly constant level (about 100 ng ml-1) for 16-20 days. These results give the first clear picture of the interrelationships between some of the major hormones known to be involved in salmonid reproduction. They support the existence of feedback inhibition between the sex steroids and gonadotrophin, and provide further evidence for the important role of 17 alpha-hydroxy-20 beta-dihydroprogesterone in the processes of oocyte maturation and ovulation. It is suggested that the rapid rise in 17 alpha-hydroxy-20 beta-dihydroprogesterone prior to ovulation is due to the switching of already highly active steroid cells from C19 (androgen) to C21 (progestagen) production.

Light inactivation of metronidazole sensitivity discs

We found that daylight inactivated metronidazole sensitivity discs. They should therefore be stored in light-proof containers.

ACTH release during passive avoidance behavior

ACTH was measured by radioimmunoassay during learning and retention of a passive avoidance response. Electric footshock, used during the learning trial, appeared to be a weaker stimulus for ACTH release than was the retention test. Moreover high latency scores during retention were associated with high plasma ACTH levels, whereas shorter latencies were associated with lower levels. The results indicate that psychological mechanisms organizing behavioral coping are important in the response of the pituitary-adrenocortical system to stimuli which are related to a previous adversive experience.

Incorporation of 14C-labelled amino acids into corticotrophin-like intermediate lobe peptide and alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone by the rat pituitary neurointermediate lobe in vitro, and the identification of four new pars intermedia peptides

At least seven radioactive peptides, which fractionated on Biogel P6, were found in rat neurointermediate lobes after incubation for 6 h with [14C]proline. Only three of these could be tentatively identified; one as alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) and two as forms of corticotrophin-like intermediate lobe peptide (CLIP). One other cross-reacted partially with a beta-malanocyte-stimulating hormone (beta-MSH) antiserum, was acidically charged and eluted on Biogel P6 in roughly the same position as ACTH. The other three peptides showed no resemblance to alpha-MSH, CLIP, beta-MSH or ACTH.

Development and validation of a radioimmunoassay for peptides related to beta-melanocyte-stimulating hormone in human plasma: the lipotropins

A radioimmunoassay is described for the measurement of human "beta-melanocyte-stimulating hormone" ("betah-MSH"). Two antisera have been used, one of which cross-reacts with synthetic betah-MSH as well as with the two larger pituitary peptides betah- and gammah-lipotropin (betah- and gammah-LPH) and the other mainly with betah-MSH and gammah-LPH. The sensitivity and reliability of the assay have been improved by employing a simple plasma extraction procedure, and the shelf-life of the iodinated betah-MSH tracer has been increased more than five-fold by storage in a concentrated human serum albumin solution. Using a 5 ml plasma sample the detection limit is 6 pg/ml. The mean resting "betah-MSH" level in normal subjects is 21 pg/ml (range 13-38 pg/ml) at 9 AM and 12 pg/ml (range 6-20 pg/ml) at 9 PM. Levels are considerably elevated (51-12,000 pg/ml) in patients with Addison's disease. Nelson's syndrome, Cushing's disease and the "ectopic" ACTH syndrome. After administration of insulin or pyrogen, the concentration of plasma "betah-MSH" increases in parallel with that of ACTH and they are approximately equivalent on a molar basis. The stability of purified betah- and gammah-LPH and endogenous "betah-MSH" when incubated in vitro in fresh blood or plasma are similar, in contrast to the less stable peptide synthetic betah-MSH. It is suggested that "betah-MSH" immunoreactivity in human plasma is due to betah- and gammah-LPH rather than betah-MSH.

Corticotrophin-like peptides in the rat pituitary

The pars intermedia of the rat pituitary contains a peptide resembling the 18–39 portion of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), which has been termed 'corticotrophin-like intermediate lobe peptide' (CLIP). It can be detected by its cross-reaction with an antiserum directed against the CO2H-terminal portion of the ACTH molecule; it has an amino acid composition identical to the 18–39 portion of human ACTH, except for one less glycine and an extra valine residue, and it is rapidly released from neurointermediate lobes maintained in organ culture. The pars intermedia also contains a peptide with an amino acid composition and biological potency identical to that of melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) isolated from other mammals, and which accounts for the bulk of melanocyte-stimulating activity in the pituitary. Rat ACTH resembles human ACTH in amino acid composition, except for an extra valine and one less glycine residue. On the basis of these data it is proposed that ACTH is the precursor of α-MSH and CLIP, which are both present in the cells of the pars intermedia.

Purification and characterization of porcine corticotrophin-like intermediate lobe peptide

Pig posterior pituitary lobe powder contains a peptide structurally identical to the 18–39 portion of porcine adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH). Its extraction by several different procedures is described and its susceptibility to degradation in the presence of 5% acetic acid has been noted. This degradation has been ascribed to the presence of acid proteases in the acetone-dried powder of the posterior pituitary lobe. The peptide has been isolated by chromatography on Biogel P6 and DEAE-cellulose, and characterized by enzyme fragmentation studies. It resembles the peptide isolated from rat neurointermediate lobes termed 'corticotrophin-like intermediate lobe peptide' and it is suggested that it is derived by the intracellular cleavage of ACTH in the pars intermedia cells, with subsequent formation of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone from the other adrenocorticotrophic fragment.

Adrenocorticotrophic and melanocyte-stimulating peptides in the human pituitary

The adrenocorticotrophic and melanocyte-stimulating peptides of the human pituitary were investigated by means of radioimmunoassay, bioassay and physicochemical procedures. Substantial amounts of adrenocorticotrophin and a peptide resembling beta-lipotrophin were identified in pituitary extracts, but alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, beta-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and corticotrophin-like intermediate lobe peptide, which have been identified in the pars intermedia of pituitaries from other vertebrates, were not found. The absence of beta-melanocyte-stimulating hormone appears to contradict previous chemical and radioimmunological studies. Our results suggest, however, that it is not a natural pituitary peptide but an artefact formed by enzymic degradation of beta-lipotrophin during extraction.