[Endocrinology 1996-1997]

Post-traumatic stress-induced disorders are still the focus of interest and most recently discussions are under way whether stress-induced cortisol excess leads to atrophy of the brain. In investigation on carcinogenesis the first reports were published on the use of antisense-oligonucleotides during inhibition of the development of tumours by a humoral mechanism and on the gene-based neuroendocrine differentiation of the lungs, perhaps associated with the basis for the development of small cell carcinoma. The oncogenic action of superoxides has also humoral mediators. Interest in nitrogen oxide is focused on two areas: inflammations and hypertension. Intraluminal NO concentrations increase in asthma 2-10x, in cystitis 30-100x, in Crohn's disease 20-200x. Humoral mechanisms in asthma offer new drugs--inhibitors of the development or action of leucotrienes. The basal NO production is reduced in "essential" hypertension but it is not known whether it is the cause or consequence. IGF-I increases the formation of NO in the vascular wall and thus perhaps reduces vascular contractility. As far as IGF is concerned, it is obvious that if recombinant preparations will be available, they will be tested in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, myotonic dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, catabolic conditions, osteoporosis, in renal failure and to promote wound healing. STH may also prove useful in cardiac failure, in particular in cardiac cachexia. That TRH has receptors in the gut is not surprising, it acts, however, even there via TSH. Thrombopoietin is being tested in clinical trials. Neocytolysis is a new phenomenon: when erythropoietin secretion declines new erythrocytes disappear and only old ones remain in the blood stream. Alpha-adducin is a renal tubular protein, regulating the sodium balance.