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Changes in neurotensin-like immunoreactivity during menopausal hot flashes
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|June 1, 1985
Summary
Menopausal hot flashes are linked to elevated neurotensin (NT) levels, specifically C-terminal variants. These NT variants may play a role in the physiological changes associated with hot flashes.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
Background:
- Menopausal hot flashes are common vasomotor symptoms.
- Neurotensin (NT) is a peptide with known vasoactive and cardioactive properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of neurotensin (NT) in menopausal hot flashes.
- To identify the specific forms of NT elevated during hot flashes.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of plasma immunoreactive neurotensin (iNT) during hot flashes in women.
- Immunochemical and high-pressure liquid chromatography analyses to characterize NT variants.
- Correlation of iNT levels with physiological changes like heart rate and finger temperature.
Main Results:
- Plasma iNT levels significantly increased during hot flashes (245 +/- 65%).
- Elevated iNT peaked approximately 3.6 minutes after hot flash onset.
- The increased iNT consisted primarily of C-terminal NT variants, not NT itself or its known metabolites.
Conclusions:
- Specific C-terminal neurotensin (NT) variants are elevated during menopausal hot flashes.
- These NT variants are potentially involved in the pathophysiology of hot flashes.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms of NT variants in hot flashes.