Notes on the Radioimmunoassay of Human Thyrotrophin

A rapid solid-phase radioimmunoassay for human plasma follicle-stimulating hormone

The measurement of plasma levels of human follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) has proved to be of value for the study of the hypothalamic-hypophyseal-gonadal axis, greatly facilitating the diagnosis and mangement of problems relating to the menopause and infertility. In the present work a solid-phase radioimmunoassay for human FSH has been developed. This system is characterised by high precision, is economical, and is considerably faster to operate than conventional double antibody systems used in the hospital assay service. Reference values for plasma FSH in various endocrine states are recorded and discussed.

Hypothalamic-pituitary function following successful treatment of intracranial tumours

Hypothalamic-pituitary function was examined in seventeen patients treated in the past for extrasellar intracranial tumours. All patients had received a course of external cranial irradiation. Biochemical abnormalities of endocrine function were present in almost all of the patients. In particular, the growth hormone response to insulin induced hypoglycaemic stress was impaired in eleven out of fifteen patients. Preliminary data from a group of seven patients with intracranial tumours prior to radiotherapy are also presented. The possibility that cranial irradiation causes hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction is discussed. The results suggest that endocrine assessment should be considered in patients who have been treated for intracranial tumours, even in the absence of direct pituitary involvement.