HYPERTENSION

Il capitolo riguarda la patogenesi e la gestione dell'ipertensione nell'ambito della patologia acromegalic

MicroRNAs and possible role in pituitary adenoma

This review reports the current knowledge of microRNA (miRNA) expression in pituitary adenomas, focussing on recent microarray data. Moreover, discussion in provided concerning the possible role of validated and putative targets of the most dysregulated miRNA in pituitary adenoma pathogenesis

ASSE GH-IGF-I NELL'INVECCHIAMENTO

ASSE GH-IGF-I NELL'INVECCHIAMENT

Prolactin releasing and luteinizing hormone inhibiting activity of dermorphin shorter homologues in the rat

Prolactin releasing and luteinizing hormone inhibiting activity of dermorphin shorter homologues in the ra

Failure of angiotensin II to affect prolactin concentration in normal women

The manuscript demonstrates that angiotensin II does not affect prolactin concentration in normal wome

Measurement of human red cell angiotensinase activity by angiotensin II radioimmunoassay

A method for measuring human red cell angiotensinase activity by angiotensin II radioimmunoassay is presented

Dermorphin decreases plasma LH levels in human: Evidence for a modulatory role of gonadal steroids

Dermorphin decreases plasma LH levels in human: Evidence for a modulatory role of gonadal steroid

Atrial natriuretic peptide and circadian blood pressure regulation: clues from a chronobiological approach

A critical review of the data available in the literature today permits a better understanding of the multiple actions of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) on the cardiovascular system. Moreover, the results of chronobiological studies suggest a role for this peptide in the determination of the circadian rhythm of blood pressure (BP). ANP can affect BP by several mechanisms, including modification of renal function and vascular tone, counteraction of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, and action on brain regulatory sites. A series of interrelated events may follow from very small changes in the plasma levels of ANP. The endpoints are blood volume and BP reduction, but they are rapidly offset (mainly by reactive sympathetic activation) as soon as blood volume or pressure is threatened. The circadian rhythms of BP and ANP are antiphasic under normal conditions and in essential hypertension. The loss in the nocturnal decrease of BP is accompanied by a comparable loss in the nocturnal surge of ANP in hypertensive renal failure and hypotensive heart failure. In the latter condition, BP and ANP variabilities correlate significantly both before and after therapy-induced functional recovery, independently of the mean BP levels. Autonomic function modulates the secretion of ANP, which seems more apt to determine only transient changes in BP levels, as suggested by the short half-life of the peptide and the buffering role of its clearance receptors. There is now sufficient evidence that ANP contributes to short-term control over BP and electrolyte balance, in contrast and in opposition to the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which is involved primarily in long-term BP control. By interfering with other well-established neurohormonal factors, ANP appears to be an additional modulator of the circadian rhythm of BP