[Anthology of the first clinical studies with hypothalamic hormones: a story of successful international cooperation].
Our early pioneering clinical trials in Mexico with natural and synthetic thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LH-RH) also known as gonadotropin releasing hormone (Gn-RH), were reviewed. Highly purified TRH of porcine origin was shown to stimulate Thyrotropin (TSH) release in hypothyroid cretins. Subsequent tests with synthetic TRH also demonstrated significant increases in plasma TSH in normal men and women as well as in patients with primary hypothyroidism and other endocrine disorders. Even more extensive clinical studies were carried out with highly purified natural porcine LH-RH. Subjects with normal basal serum levels of gonadotropins, low levels (men and women pretreated with steroids) and high levels (e.g. post menopausal women) all responded to LH-RH with a release of LH and FSH. The results of these early studies with the natural LH-RH were confirmed by the use of synthetic LH-RH. These investigations made in Mexico with TRH and LH-RH preceded all other clinical studies by a wide margin. Subsequently various clinical investigations with LH-RH agonists and antagonists were also carried out. All these studies played a major role in introducing hypothalamic-releasing hormones into clinical medicine.
Schally
Andrew V
AV
Polypeptide and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA.
Gual
Carlos
C
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D013973:Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; D013973:Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone