Med Sci Monit 2001 Sep;7(5):1005-1012
Zych-Twardowska E, Wajgt A.
1st Chair and Department of Neurology,
Silesian Medical University in Katowice, Poland.
BACKGROUND:
Hormonal studies in patients with
multiple sclerosis are rare and they often produce results which are difficult
to interpret. These investigations, however, are becoming more and more
important as they may cast some light on possible interrelationships between
hormonal and immune systems. The aim of the present work was to investigate
endocrine function in patients with multiple sclerosis on the basis of
blood levels of selected pituitary (TSH, ACTH, GH) and thyroid hormones
(T3, T4), and cortisol.
MATERIAL AND METHODS:
Forty-nine MS subjects, including
25 menstruating women, 6 post-menopausal women and 18 men were included
in the analysis. The hormones were measured by radioimmunoassay and immunoradiometric
assay kids.
RESULTS:
Pituitary function in respect of
TSH, corticotropin and growth hormone secretion was normal. Both men and
women suffering from multiple sclerosis manifested low serum T3 concentrations
coexisting with normal T4 levels which may indicate changed peripheral
conversion pathway of thyroid hormones. On the other hand, the disturbances
in pituitary-adrenal cortex system in respect of glycocorticosteroid secretion
were not observed.
CONCLUSIONS:
Normal function in respect to pituitary
hormones (TSH, corticotropin, growth hormone) and normal T4 level versus
low serum T3 concentration may indicate changes in peripheral conversion
pathway of thyroid hormones in MS patients.
PMID: 11535950 [PubMed - in process]