Effect of growth hormone on hair, serum, and urine zinc in growth hormone-deficient children.

The present study shows that growth hormone administration to 30 growth hormone-deficient children significantly increased their hair zinc concentration (147.0 +/- 31.9 micrograms/ml before, and 168.7 +/- 30.4 micrograms/g after) and decreased their urinary zinc excretion (514 +/- 170 micrograms/g creatine before and 353 +/- 162 micrograms/g creatinine after), suggesting a role for growth hormone in zinc metabolism in children. Since the increase in hair zinc was similar to that found with testosterone on human growth, we speculate that at least some of the anabolic effects of growth hormone and androgens are mediated through their effect on zinc metabolism.

Transient adrenogenital syndrome due to exposure to danazol in utero.

We describe a premature female infant exposed in utero to danazol during the first trimester of pregnancy. She was first observed in the newborn period with marked degree virilization and clinical findings suggestive of salt-losing congenital adrenal hyperplasia. This was supported by the high plasma levels of 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone and adrenocorticotropic hormone and low plasma cortisol level. Levels of testosterone, androstenedione, 11-deoxycortisol, and renin were also elevated. An excessive increase in the levels of 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone and 11-deoxycortisol to corticotropin administration associated with impaired increase in plasma cortisol level strongly suggests a partial block in the 21-hydroxylation of 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone. However, the high levels of 11-deoxycortisol also suggest a block of the steroid 11 beta-monooxygenase. A year later she was found to have normal basal levels of the adrenal steroids and normal response to corticotropin administration, pointing out the transitory nature of these abnormalities. It may be hypothesized that danazol produced a transitory block of the steroid 21- and 11 beta-monooxygenases in this child.