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Horm Metab Res 1976; 8(4): 299-302
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1093640
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© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Effect of an Oral Contraceptive on the Lysine-8-Vasopressin Test in the Diagnostic Evaluation of Pituitary Function

I. M. Penttilä , P.  Pystynen , S.  Nummi
  • Department of Clinical Chemistry and the Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Central Hospital of Kuopio, Finland
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Publication Date:
23 December 2008 (online)

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Abstract

A comparative study was performed on the plasma 11-hydroxycorticosteroids (11-OHCS) responses to lysines-8-vasopressin (LVP) hefore and during ingestion of an oral contraceptive with oestrogenic activity. A total of 19 healthy women with a normal menstrual cycle and normal plasma 11-OHCS content in blood samples at 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. were included in the study.

The results show that the mean response of plasma 11-OHCS to the administration of LVP was equal in magnitude before and during ingestion of the contraceptive, although the baseline value of 11-OHCS doubled as a result of the treatment. On the other hand, during contraceptive treatment the increase in plasma 11-OHCS concentration after the administration of LVP was somewhat slower, reaching its peak later than before treatment. The noticeable variation in individual responses of plasma 11-OHCS to LVP increased during the treatment. Three subjects showed weak responses to LVP, although the adrenocortical responses to exogenous ACTH were quite normal. The individual responses to LVP before and during ingestion of an oral contraceptive with oestrogenic activity are discussed.

Key words

ACTH - Oral Contraceptive - Plasma Copper - Plasma 11-Hydroxycorticosteroids - Vasopressin