Effects of chronic neuroleptic therapy on human PRL secretion and testicular function.

Correlation between secretion of testicular steroids and plasma prolactin (PRL) levels, before and during bromocriptin treatment, was studied in 20 psychiatric patients under neuroleptic therapy for two years or longer. Eleven of them were under additional treatment with antiparkinson drugs (AP group). Plasma PRL, testosterone (T), 5 alpha dihydrotestostérone (DHT), 17 beta-estradiol (E2), 17 alpha OH-progestérone (17 alpha OHP), and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (D-S) were measured by specific RIA both at basal level and in response to testicular stimulation by hCG. Mean basal PRL levels were normal in the patients under neuroleptic treatment along (Ne group), and slightly elevated in the AP group. In the Ne group, an unexpected, significant increase occurred in mean plasma PRL during the hCG stimulation, before bromocriptine treatment. Mean basal steroid levels were normal in both groups. The testicular responses to hCG, as reflected by the T, E2, 17 alpha OHP, and DHT mean plasma levels, were within the normal ranges in the AP group; in the Ne group, however, T and DHT displayed a subnormal mean increase, while E2 and 17 alpha OHP responses were within the normal range. These results suggest that some modifications of the enzymatic activity for testicular steroidogenesis could be induced in the patients under neuroleptic treatment alone. Moreover, a significant reverse correlation was found between PRL and T basal in both group; this correlation disappeared during the bromocriptine treatment.

Persistence of antibody titers after vaccination with rubella virus vaccine ("Cendehill" strain).

In 1967-1968 a trial of "Cendehill strain" rubella vaccine was initiated in a group of 3 to 22 year-old prescreened seronegative girls, most being between 8 and 16 years of age. Sera from the vaccinees were taken at regular intervals during a period of 8 to 10 years. The evolution of the antibodies was followed over this period. No antibody titer change was observed in 75 to 78% of the sera. A four fold increase was shown in 6 to 10% and a four fold decrease in 15% of the vaccinees. All sera still showed a positive titer at the end of the period. The importance of these results for the final objective of rubella vaccination will be discussed.

[Specific cytolytic activity of human lymphocytes following vaccination with vaccinia virus and measles virus]. / Activité cytolytique spècifique des lymphocytes humains après vaccination par les virus de la vaccine et de la rougeole.

Human peripheral lymphocytes harvested 7 days after vaccination with vaccinia virus or measles virus lyse specifically target cells infected with the corresponding virus. This cytotoxic activity is found in a subpopulation of lymphocytes depleted of T-cells and containing lymphocytes bearing Fc receptor. The activity can also be transferred by supernatant of immune lymphocytes on addition of normal lymphocyte. These results suggest that two types of cell are involved: an antibody-secreting cell providing specific antiviral antibody (B-cells), and an effector cell bearing Fc receptor (K-cells).

[Cancer mortality in patients of psychiatric hospitals]. / La mortalité par cancer chez les patients psychiatriques hospitalisés

Studies on cancer mortality in psychiatric patients, especially schizphrenics, are reviewed. The divergences between these studies may be partially explained by the different statistical methods employed. It is difficult to compare the populations observed, due to the influence of such elements as the method of sampling, the period of observation of psychotic patients, diagnostic methods and criteria etc. On the whole, it is concluded that no major difference could be demonstrated with certainty between a non-selected population of psychotic patients (excluding psychoorganic cases) and the general population. With regard to schizophrenics, the hypothesis of a lower mortality from cancer cannot be ruled out on the grounds of studies carried out at the Lausanne psychiatric clinic. However, reports on cancer incidence have not yet confirmed this hypothesis and further studies are needed to verify it. Various factors are discussed which may modify cancer risk in psychiatric patients in hospital such as tobacco, food, sexual activity, neuropleptics, and biochemical and immunological factors. Lastly, the psychosomatic hypothesis of carcinogenesis is discussed in the framework of this review.