[Behavior of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal unit to stimulation with arginine, GnRH and TRH in patients with chronic uremia].

In 11 women aged from 20 to 47 years (average age 33,1 years) with chronic uremia, treated by hemodialysis, a sequential stimulation test (SST) with 0.5 g arginine hydrochloride per kg body weight, 25 micrograms GnRH and 200 micrograms TRH was performed to examine the responsibility of the hypothalamo-pituitary unit. For evaluation of basal and stimulated secretion of PRL, LH, FSH, TSH, and HGH the corresponding serum levels were determined by RIA. 10 of the 11 women showed a galactorrhoea. No correlation between levels of PRL and creatinine could be found. Menstrual disorders in women with chronic uremia are discussed in the context of basal LH serum levels nearly always unphysiologically increased. In a few cases disturbances of basal secretion of TSH and HGH, respectively, could be observed.