Immunochemical localization of integrin subunits in the human placenta

Localization of integrins in the human placenta was examined in comparison with those of fibronectin and laminin. In the early chorionic villi, the alpha 5 and beta 1 subunits were localized on the basal surface of villous cytotrophoblastic cells, while the alpha 6 and beta 4 subunits were distributed around the entire surface of the cytotrophoblastic cells, suggesting that these cells attach to fibronectin rather than laminin on the epithelial basement membrane. In the term placenta, the alpha 5 subunit was not detected on the epithelial cells, but the beta 6 and beta 4 subunits were detected on the basal surface of syncytiotrophoblastic cells, suggesting that these cells make use of alpha 6 beta 4 integrin to attach to the trophoblastic basement membrane. These results suggest that cells utilize the specific receptor for their attachment in correspondence to the extracellular matrix component to which they attach.

Rapid transformant selection by human complement using HRF20 (CD59) cDNA as a selection marker

The 20 kDa homologous restriction factor (HRF20, CD59) prevents formation of membrane attack complexes of human complement. Transfection of the cDNA of HRF20 to heterologous cells, which are sensitive to human complement, thereby renders these cells resistant to human complement attack. This property can then be used as a selection marker of transfection. In addition, the procedure is short and can be performed within 8 h. Since only 1 h is required for incubation with complement, the damage to the transfected cells is limited compared with damage resulting from selection for drug resistance which requires 10 days or more of incubation in the presence of harmful agents.

[The effects of sevoflurane anesthesia with hypothermia on ischemic brain cellular respiration]

We examined the effects of sevoflurane anesthesia with hypothermia on ischemic brain cellular respiration using Wistar strain rats. Ischemia was induced by decapitation. L/P in brain increased during no anesthesia-normothermia-ischemia (1), then gradually, but not fully recovered during 2.5% sevoflurane anesthesia-normothermia-ischemia (2) and during 2.5% sevoflurane anesthesia-hypothermia-ischemia (3). Energy charge decreased during (1) and slight recovery was observed during (3). Respiratory control ratio in brain mitochondria decreased during (1) and recovery during (2) and (3) was slight. No recovery was observed in ADP/O. These findings indicate that during sevoflurane anesthesia with hypothermia, ischemic brain energy metabolism has an effect not on the mitochondrial energy producing processes but on the consuming system.

Cross-mating study on bone mass in the spontaneously osteoporotic mouse (SAM-P/6)

Genetic control of bone mass in the spontaneously osteoporotic mouse (SAM-P/6) was examined by classical cross-mating experiments, in which SAM-P/2 with a high bone mass was used as a control. Femoral bone mass corrected by size (= bone density) was assayed photometrically. F1 hybrids exhibited intermediate values between those of the two parental strains, i.e. higher than SAM-P/6 and lower than SAM-P/2. F2 hybrids showed a more widely distributed pattern with a mean value quite similar to that of F1 hybrids. The values for backcrosses were between those of F1 and the respective parental strains. They did not show segregations expected in cases of a single-gene control. Numerical analysis of data distribution in each generation suggested that strain-specific bone mass in these strains of mice is inherited as a polygenic characteristic and controlled by a relatively small number of genes.

Dynamics and participation of type II phospholipase A2 in rat zymosan-induced pleurisy

Intrapleural injection of zymosan into rats induces acute inflammation characterized by plasma leakage and cellular influx. The level of type II phospholipase A2 (PLA2) increased in the pleural fluid as well as in exudating leukocytes after the injection of zymosan. Rather low PLA2 activity was found in cell lysates, though treatment of such lysates at low pH increased the PLA2 activity drastically. The appearance of "acid-extracted" PLA2 activity in leukocytes preceded that of the extracellular enzyme activity, suggesting that pleural leukocytes might be one of the origins of the extracellular enzyme. Treatment of exudating pleural leukocytes with purified rat type II PLA2 elicited the production of prostaglandin E2, but not platelet-activating factor appreciably. These findings indicate that type II PLA2 might play a role in the progression of inflammation through the production of eicosanoids in the present inflammation model.

[A double-blind dose ranging study of weekly subcutaneous administration of rHuEPO (KRN5702) on post-phlebotomy anemia of patients scheduled for predeposit autologous blood transfusion (multicenter late PhII study)]

Preoperative blood reservation for autologous blood transfusion generally causes anemia. We performed a double blind controlled study to determine the optimal dose of subcutaneous rHuEPO (recombinant human erythropoietin, KRN5702) for preventing preoperative anemia due to blood reservation. Patients received KRN5702 subcutaneously once a week in a doses of 12000, 24000 or 36000 IU by a double blind technique. After storage of 1200 ml of their own blood right before surgery, their hemoglobin (Hb) averaged about 1 and was about 0.5 g/dl lower than the level before administration of KRN5702 in doses of 12000 and 24000 IU, respectively. This fall was significant. In patients receiving KRN5702 in a dose of 36000 IU, the level of Hb rose instead of a fall; Hb immediately before surgery was 1.1% higher than that before administration which, however, was not significant. This elevation indicates a possibility of abnormal elevation of Hb at this dose. The mean Hb value right before surgery was significantly lower in patients receiving 12000 IU KRN5702 than in patients of the other two groups. The recovery rate of Hb was an indicator to reflect improvement of anemic conditions, and increased as the dose increased after the blood reservation. The rate in the 12000 IU group was significantly lower than that in the other two groups; there was not much difference between the other two rates. We estimated that to reserve 1200 ml of autologous blood, 24000 IU of KRN5702 is adequate but not excessive. One patient receiving 24000 IU showed side effects including an elevation of body temperature, rash, and edema.

Persistent hyaloid vascular system in age-related cataract in a SAM strain of mouse

The cataractogenesis of age-related cataract in a strain of Senescence-Accelerated Mouse; SAM-P/9 was investigated. In the mature cataract, funnel-shaped tissue of the persistent hyaloid vascular system extended from the retinal papilla and covered the extremely protruding posterior pole of the cataractous lens, as seen using a stereomicroscope. Longitudinal examination of the eyes with transparent lenses using an ophthalmoscope revealed that the hyaloid vascular system persisted in about 90% of the 5-week-old mice, at least unilaterally. The eyes with transparent lenses in some old mice retained this tissue and a retrospective study revealed that cataract never occurred in eyes without this tissue. Microphthalmos was not observed. Histologically, in the eyes with transparent lenses, the posterior lens capsule covered with a hyaloid vascular system became very thin but only a few lens fibre cells just inside the capsule had swelled. In the lens of the mature cataract or even with initial changes, the lens capsules ruptured. Electron microscopic examination showed that the persistent hyaloid vascular system was tissue consisting of capillary and mesenchymal cells. These observations suggest that the persistent hyaloid vascular system is a necessary but not sole factor for age-related cataract formation in SAM-P/9, and that other age-related factors probably have a role.

Electrical measurement of the water content of the stratum corneum in vivo and in vitro under various conditions: comparison between skin surface hygrometer and corneometer in evaluation of the skin surface hydration state

Two commercially available electrical instruments which evaluate the hydration state of the skin surface were compared in in vitro and in vivo experiments. The skin surface hygrometer (Skicon-200) employs high-frequency conductance, whereas the corneometer (CM 420, CM 820) uses electrical capacitance to determine the level of hydration. In a simulation model of in vivo stratum corneum (SC), the high frequency conductance device showed a much closer correlation with the hydration state of the surface SC (r = 0.99) than the capacitance device (r = 0.79), suggesting that the former can accurately assess the hydration dynamics of SC, particularly that due to the accumulation of easily releasable secondary bound water and free water. Both devices were insensitive to changes of hydration taking place in deeper viable skin tissues, e.g. the accumulated tissue fluids in suction blisters. Although the capacitance device correlated poorly with the hydration dynamics in normal SC, its sensitivity to changes occurring in extremely dry skin, such as scaly psoriatic lesions, suggests its measurements characteristics at an extremely low state of hydration, consisting of mostly bound water, such as noted in pathologic SC.

Characterization of wild type and mutant chicken gizzard alpha calponin expressed in E. coli

Calponin is a thin filament-associated protein that is implicated in the regulation and maintenance of smooth muscle contraction. Molecular cloning of chicken gizzard calponin indicated the presence of two isoforms, alpha and beta, the expression of the alpha-isoform being uniformly more abundant in various smooth muscle tissues [Takahashi, K. & Nadal-Ginard, B. (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 13284-13288]. For the long-range goal of understanding of the structure and function of calponin, we have started bacterial expression and site-directed mutagenesis of alpha calponin. The amino acid composition and N-terminal sequence of the recombinant alpha calponin were found to be identical to those deduced from its nucleotide sequence. Recombinant alpha calponin is capable of binding to calmodulin, troponin C, tropomyosin, and actin, and of inhibiting skeletal muscle acto-subfragment-1 ATPase activity. A mutant alpha calponin with a replacement in the putative inhibitory region (residues 146-171) has impaired ability to inhibit the acto-subfragment-1 ATPase activity, suggesting that this region of calponin may be involved in the modulation of the actin-myosin interactions.

Dietary fish oil alters rat milk composition and liver and brain fatty acid composition of fetal and neonatal rats

This study was performed to determine the effects of dietary fish oil rich in docosahexaenoic acid [22:6(n-3)] on the milk composition of maternal rats and tissue fatty acid composition of fetal and neonatal rats. The fatty acid composition of dam's milk was affected by the dietary fat. The level of 22: 6(n-3) in the milk of dams fed the fish oil-containing diet was severalfold higher than that of dams fed the diet that did not contain fish oil, and the levels of 22: 6(n-3) in the phospholipids of the livers and brains of fetuses and pups of the fish oil-fed group were higher than those in fetuses and pups of the group that did not receive fish oil. These findings suggest that a high level of 22:6(n-3) in the livers and brains of fetal and neonatal rats can be achieved by intake of fish oil by the dams.

Appearance of haptoglobin in serum from cows at parturition

Haptoglobin (Hp) concentrations were evaluated in 42 cow sera at around parturition by single radial immunodiffusion using anti-cow Hp rabbit serum. At parturition, Hp was detected in 31 of 42 cows. The detection rate (74%) was significantly higher than those before (0-10%) and after parturition (5-21%). At parturition, serum concentrations of cortisol and non-esterified fatty acids were significantly higher than those before and after parturition. A significantly lower concentration of serum triglycerides at parturition, compared to the values before parturition, was also observed. From these results, Hp is considered to be associated with fatty liver development of cows, because fatty liver particularly occurs in the peripartum period.

Association of insulin-like growth-factor-I-induced DNA synthesis with phosphorylation and nuclear exclusion of p53 in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells

Human breast cancer MCF-7 cells, growth-arrested by serum starvation, were stimulated with recombinant human insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). An increase in DNA synthesis was induced 20 hr later, which was as effective as that induced by serum. The increase in DNA synthesis was significantly inhibited either by antibody to the IGF-I receptor or by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, methyl-2,5-dihydroxycinnamate (2,5-MeC). The IGF-I-induced DNA synthesis coincided with an elevated level of phosphorylation of p53 on tyrosine and an alteration in the subcellular distribution of the protein from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Whereas the increases in DNA synthesis and p53 phosphorylation were inhibited by antibody to the IGF-I receptor and by 2,5-Mec, the nuclear exclusion of p53 was prevented by the antibody and also, although not significantly, by 2,5-Mec. The results suggest that growth stimulation of MCF-7 cells by IGF-I is accompanied by tyrosine phosphorylation and nuclear exclusion of p53.

Widespread distribution of free D-aspartate in rat periphery

We have identified and quantified free D-aspartate in adult rat peripheral organs using gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric and high-performance liquid chromatographic techniques. The level of free D-aspartate was highest in the adrenal, testis, spleen and pituitary, followed by the thymus, lung, ovary, placenta, pancreas and heart, and below the detection limit in the kidney, liver, brain, muscle and serum. These data provide the first evidence that a high level of free D-aspartate widely occurs in the adult rat periphery and suggest that the D-amino acid may be an endogenous substrate for D-aspartate oxidase.

Vascular smooth muscle actions and receptor interactions of 8-iso-prostaglandin E2, an E2-isoprostane

8-iso-PGE2, an E2-isoprostane, decreased GFR and RPF dose-dependently in rats, but with lesser potency than 8-epi-PGF2 alpha, an F2-isoprostane. This effect was abolished by SQ29,548. 8-iso-PGE2 displaced [3H]SQ29,548 or [125I]BOP binding in aortic smooth muscle cells with the affinity rank order of SQ29,548 > = I-BOP > U46,619 > 8-iso-PGE2 > PGF2 alpha, while it activated phospholipase C with a potency greater than those of I-BOP or U46,619 and lesser than that of 8-epi-PGF2 alpha. We concluded that 8-iso-PGE2 is a renal vasoconstrictor linked to phosphoinositide metabolism. Its vascular smooth muscle contractile actions are likely mediated through activation of putative thromboxane A2 receptor-like "isoprostane receptors."

Omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, reduces the secretion, synthesis and gene expression of pepsinogen in the rat stomach

Omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, dose-dependently inhibited pepsinogen secretion as well as acid secretion in the rat glandular stomach. The reduction in the secretion was rapid and was followed by a decrease in the mRNA levels. The inhibitory effect of omeprazole on pepsinogen secretion and its effect on the mRNA level showed similar dose-response relationship, suggesting that pepsinogen secretion and the gene expression are regulated coordinately. Consistent with the reduction in the mRNA levels, protein synthesis was reduced. However, intracellular stores of pepsinogen increased in pepsinogen-producing cells, indicating that the inhibitory effect of omeprazole on pepsinogen secretion is greater than on its synthesis. Reducing the secretion, synthesis and gene expression of pepsinogen, omeprazole has a potent effect on pepsinogen-producing cells in vivo, as well as on parietal cells, in the rat glandular stomach.

Role of the large extracellular domain of metabotropic glutamate receptors in agonist selectivity determination

Metabotropic glutamate receptors consist of at least six different subtypes termed mGluR1-mGluR6. They belong to the family of G protein-coupled receptors and commonly possess an unusually large extracellular domain preceding the seven transmembrane segments. mGluR1 and mGluR2 show similar affinities for L-glutamate but distinct patterns in their responsiveness to quisqualate and trans-1-amino-1,3-cyclopentane-dicarboxylate (tACPD). To assign structural determinants for the different agonist selectivities, we constructed a series of chimeric receptors at the extracellular domains of mGluR1 and mGluR2 and determined their agonist selectivities by measuring their electrophysiological responses to L-glutamate, quisqualate, and tACPD in Xenopus oocytes. Replacement of the extracellular domain up to about one-half of the amino-terminal extracellular domain of mGluR1 with the corresponding portion of mGluR2 generated a pattern of the agonist selectivity characteristic of mGluR2. The acquirement of this property in agonist selectivity was further indicated by the selective responses of these chimeric receptors to an mGluR2-specific agonist, (2S,1'R,2'R,3'R)-2-(2,3-dicarboxycyclopropyl)glycine. This investigation demonstrates that the extracellular domain of mGluR is critical in determining agonist selectivity and that the mode of determination of agonist selectivity of mGluR is different from that of other G protein-coupled receptors for small molecule transmitters.

Hypouricemic effect of the novel xanthine oxidase inhibitor, TEI-6720, in rodents

We investigated the xanthine oxidase/xanthine dehydrogenase inhibitory activity and hypouricemic effect of a newly synthesized xanthine oxidase/xanthine dehydrogenase inhibitor, TEI-6720, 2-(3-cyano-4-isobutoxyphenyl)-4-methyl-5-thiazole-carboxylic acid, and compared its effects with those of allopurinol in rodents. TEI-6720 was found to inhibit bovine milk xanthine oxidase, and mouse liver and rat liver xanthine oxidase/xanthine dehydrogenase with IC50 values of 1.4, 1.8 and 2.2 nM, respectively. On bovine milk xanthine oxidase, TEI-6720 exhibited mixed-type inhibition and the Ki value was 0.7 nM. TEI-6720 displayed prolonged urate-lowering activity in normal mice and rats. We evaluated the hypouricemic effect of TEI-6720 on hyperuricemia induced by the uricase inhibitor, potassium oxonate (250 mg/kg s.c., 1 h before the test drugs), and measured the total molarity of both serum allantoin and urate in rats. Oral TEI-6720 and allopurinol had a hypouricemic effect 2 h after their administration to oxonate-pretreated rats with ED50 values of 1.5 and 5.0 mg/kg, respectively. Both compounds also reduced the combined molarity of uric acid and allantoin in rats. The ED50 values of TEI-6720 and allopurinol were 2.1 and 6.9 mg/kg p.o., respectively. These results suggest that TEI-6720 may be useful for the treatment of hyperuricemia.

[Molecular genetics of neurofibromatosis type 1]

The gene responsible for neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) encodes a protein similar to GTPase-activating protein (GAP) for the products of ras protooncogenes. Since NF1 protein possesses GAP-like activity, it is suggested that NF1 protein plays a role in the regulation of ras-mediated signal transduction. Impaired function of NF1 protein could therefore, lead to abnormal growth or differentiation of neural crest-derived cells in NF1 patients. Mutations of NF1 gene are also found in sporadic tumors not associated with NF1, supporting the hypothesis that NF1 gene acts as a tumor suppressor gene.

Evaluation of sperm fertilizing capacity using the determination of acrosome reaction

To evaluate the usefulness of the determination of acrosome reaction (AR) at 2 and 4 hours of incubation for predicting sperm fertilizing capacity in vitro, semen samples obtained from 45 partners of couples participating in the IVF (in vitro fertilization) program were examined. The population was divided into 2 groups, depending on the fertilization rate in the IVF program: Group A, with a good fertilizing capacity (> or = 50% fertilized oocytes); and Group B, with a poor fertilizing capacity (< 50% fertilized oocytes). The rate of acrosome reaction (%AR) was examined using the fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated Concanavalin A lectin method. The efficacy of this procedure was compared with that of the zona-free hamster oocyte human sperm penetration assay (SPA) and sperm characteristics (SC) that appear in routine semen analysis. The sensitivities in the test of AR, SPA and SC were 91%, 86% and 82%, respectively. However, their specificities were 83%, 48% and 43%, respectively. Therefore, the screening procedure using the determination of acrosome reaction might be a useful tool in predicting IVF results.

Effect of estradiol administration and subsequent nonfeeding on liver estrogen receptor, serum apolipoprotein B-100, and serum triglycerides concentrations in steers

Estradiol was administered to 3 steers (0.12 mg/kg of body weight/d for 14 consecutive days), followed by 2 days of nonfeeding (starvation). During estradiol administration, liver nuclear estrogen receptor and serum apolipoprotein B-100 (apoB-100), as well as serum triglycerides concentrations were increased, compared with values before administration. Starvation, together with interruption of estradiol administration, resulted in rapid decreases of the receptor, serum apoB-100, and serum triglycerides concentrations, and increase of nonesterified fatty acids concentration. Of the 3 steers, 2 had higher liver triglyceride content, compared with values before treatment. In the control group (3 steers that received vehicle alone, then starved similarly), these concentrations, except for serum nonesterified fatty acids and triglycerides concentrations after starvation, were not changed. In another experiment, serum apoB-100 concentration in dairy cows was significantly (P < 0.05) lower at parturition than values before and after parturition. These results indicate that estradiol may be involved in development of fatty liver in cattle.

Effect of prostaglandin E1 on preservation injury of canine liver grafts preserved in UW solution

This study investigated whether prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) could reduce hepatic injury to the liver graft caused by harvesting and 24-h preservation in University of Wisconsin (UW) solution in a canine model. The PGE1-treated group was intravenously administered 0.5 microgram/kg per minute of PGE1 for 30 min before harvesting, as well as a concentration of 1 mg/l PGE1 in the washout and UW solutions. In both the PGE1-treated and the control group, all recipients survived for 1 week or more after transplantation. Arterial ketone body ratio (AKBR) remained over 1.0 in the early postoperative period. The PGE1 group showed significant reductions in guanase, GOT, and LDH during the early postoperative period compared to the untreated control group. Histological examination disclosed partial mitochondrial swelling, hepatocyte vacuolation, and necrosis in the control group, while such abnormalities were rarely seen in the PGE1 group. These results suggest that PGE1 can effectively reduce hepatic injury to liver grafts preserved in UW solution prior to transplantation.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone stimulates phospholipase C but not protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation in plasma membrane from human epithelial ovarian cancer

In view of advances in treatment of certain hormone-dependent cancers with analogues of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH), this study was undertaken to establish the signal transduction events interacting with Gn-RH receptor in a cell-free system prepared from human ovarian mucinous cystadenocarcinoma samples. A high affinity specific binding (Kd=8 x 10-9 M) of [3H] Gn-RH was demonstrated in two from two plasma membrane preparations. Gn-RH showed no effects on the rate of protein phosphorylation from [gamma-32P] adenosine triphosphate in the plasma membrane preparations. On the other hand, incubation of plasma membrane isolated form [3H]inositol-labeled specimens with Gn-RH in the presence of guanosine thiotriphosphate resulted in the rapid production of inositol phosphates. The Gn-RH effects was concentration-dependent, and half-maximal activation occurred with 1-3 nm Gn-RH. The Gn-RH-stimulated membrane event was observed in all plasma membrane isolations tested, but not in those from uterine endometrial carcinoma of a given case. These results provide the first direct evidence that Gn-RH receptor is coupled to phosphoinositide hydrolysis but not to certain membrane protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation in ovarian carcinoma plasma membrane. Though the functional role of this event in human ovarian cancer is still obscure, it might be part of a possible point of attack for therapeutic approaches using Gn-RH analogues in this malignancy.

Homologous desensitization of serotonin 5-HT2 receptor-stimulated intracellular calcium mobilization in C6BU-1 glioma cells via a mechanism involving a calmodulin pathway

Serotonin 5-HT2 receptor-mediated intracellular Ca2+ mobilization was investigated in rat glioma C6BU-1 cells. The receptors became desensitized after previous exposure to 5-HT in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. The desensitization of 5-HT2 receptor-mediated intracellular signaling appeared to be homologous because previous exposure to 5-HT did not alter the response to other transmitters such as thrombin or isoproterenol and because previous exposure to thrombin or isoproterenol did not diminish the response to 5-HT. The desensitization induced by pretreatment with 5-HT was potently prevented by the naphthalenesulfonamide derivative W-7, a calmodulin antagonist, when it was cosupplied with 5-HT. Furthermore, the preventive effect of W-7 was greater than that of W-5, a weak analogue of W-7, and than that of H-7, a nonselective inhibitor of protein kinases. These results suggest that 5-HT2 receptor-mediated Ca2+ mobilization can be desensitized homologously after prolonged exposure to 5-HT in a calmodulin-dependent manner in rat glioma C6BU-1 cells.

Presence of gonadotropin-releasing hormone and its messenger ribonucleic acid in human ovarian epithelial carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone messenger ribonucleic acid and the presence of gonadotropin-releasing hormone in human ovarian carcinoma known to have gonadotropin-releasing hormone binding sites and to be affected by gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog.

STUDY DESIGN

Human ovarian carcinomas surgically removed and human ovarian carcinoma cell lines were examined. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone was determined by a radioimmunoassay and a bioassay. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone messenger ribonucleic acid was determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction using oligonucleotide primers synthesized according to the published human gonadotropin-releasing hormone sequence.

RESULTS

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone was shown to be present in extracts of ovarian mucinous cystadenocarcinoma sample (0.8 +/- 0.12 pg/mg of protein) and ovarian adenocarcinoma cell line SK-OV3 (0.92 +/- 0.17 pg/mg of protein) but not in the normal ovary and placenta. Two of two extract samples from individual cases evoked dose-dependent phosphoinositide breakdown in rat granulosa cells similar to that caused by authentic gonadotropin-releasing hormone. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone messenger ribonucleic acid was detected in two of two mucinous cystadenocarcinoma specimens, one of one serous cystadenocarcinoma, and SK-OV3 cells but not in the dysgerminoma, mucinous cystadenoma, and normal ovary and placenta.

CONCLUSION

The demonstration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone and its messenger ribonucleic acid raises the possibility that gonadotropin-releasing hormone may play an autocrine regulatory role in the growth of ovarian carcinoma.