Surgical correction of anomalous origin of right pulmonary artery from aorta in a four day old neonate

A two day old neonate presented with cyanosis. The echocardiogram was misinterpreted as showing transposition of the great arteries. Cardiac catheterisation was performed the next day and showed anomalous origin of the right pulmonary artery from the aorta. Surgical correction at the age of 4 days was successful. At the age of nine months the patient was symptom free with "normal" cardiac anatomy. This patient is the youngest case to have successful correction of this anomaly. The initial misinterpretation of the echocardiogram could have had serious consequences if balloon atrial septostomy had been attempted.

Dihydrotestosterone and 3 alpha-androstanediol dynamics in the normal, involuted, and hyperplastic canine prostate

Perfusion of canine prostatic tissue with [1, 2-3H] 5 alpha-androstane-3 alpha, 17 beta-diol and [4-14C] dihydrotestosterone and the measurement of the isotopic concentrations at the steady state were used to calculate the metabolic dynamics of these steroids by prostatic tissue obtained from normal, castrated or androgen-treated dogs. From the results it was concluded that: Entry of both steroids into the tissue was similar, and no saturation was observed with increasing concentrations of these androgens in the perfusion medium. In contrast, the entry of both steroids was reduced when the perfusion buffer was replaced with diluted plasma. Dihydrotestosterone in prostatic tissue was present in a diffusible form, whereas 3 alpha,17 beta-androstanediol was not. The conversion of 3 alpha, 17 beta-androstanediol to dihydrotestosterone was always higher than the conversion of dihydrotestosterone to 3 alpha, 17 beta-androstanediol; thus, the oxidative pathway was favored. The entry and uptake of both androgens was greatly reduced in those prostates excised from castrated dogs. The uptake of dihydrotestosterone by normal prostatic tissue was 3- to 6-fold higher than the uptake of 3 alpha, 17 beta-androstanediol. However, higher intratissular concentrations of dihydrotestosterone were obtained by increasing the concentration of 3 alpha, 17 beta-androstanediol perfused over that observed by increasing the concentration of dihydrotestosterone perfused. In the hyperplastic tissue, the entry, uptake and metabolism of the two androgens were similar to those observed in the normal gland, but their intratissular concentrations were found to be higher.

Surgical correction of isolated persistent left superior vena cava draining to left atrium in a neonate

A one day old baby who presented with cyanosis was later shown to have an isolated persistent left superior vena cava draining into the left atrium with hypoplastic right superior vena cava. This extremely rare anomaly was diagnosed by cardiac catheterisation at one week. Surgical correction at two weeks, by anastomosis of the innominate vein to the right atrium and by ligation of the left superior vena cava at its junction with the left atrium, was successful. This patient is the youngest case in which successful surgical correction of this isolated anomaly has been reported.

Preparation and properties of antibodies doubly labeled with tritium and fluorescein

A method was developed to prepare doubly labeled antibodies whereby fluorescein-labeled antibodies were reacted with N-[ethyl-2-3H]ethylmaleimide. This tritiated conjugate exhibited the same immunoreactivity as the non-derivatized fluorescein-labeled antibody. This method provides a marker for immunocytochemical studies which takes advantage of the rapidity of fluorescent tracing combined with the stability and precision of the radioautography technique.

The purification of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid sulfotransferase of the hamster epididymis

The purification of a hydroxysteroid sulfotransferase from the cytosolic fraction of the hamster epididymis is described using ammonium sulfate precipitation, gel filtration and PAP agarose affinity chromatography. A purification of 360-fold was achieved and resulted in the isolation of one major protein as evidenced by HPLC and SDS gel-electrophoresis. The "native" enzyme is a dimer of mol. wt 106,000 and is composed of subunits having the same molecular weight.

The assay and partial characterization of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid sulfotransferase of the hamster epididymis

Using a partially purified enzyme preparation obtained from hamster epididymis, a simple assay has been developed to measure the sulfurylation of dehydroisoandrosterone (DHA) and desmosterol in the presence of 3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phospho[35S]sulfate [( 35S]PAPS). After stopping the enzymatic reaction with methanol and KCl, the 35S-labelled steroid sulfates are readily extracted into an organic phase. Optimal conditions for the sulfurylation of the two steroids were compared; optimum pH is 8.7 for DHA and 9.8 for desmosterol. Sulfoconjugation of desmosterol increases with magnesium concentrations up to 6 mM, while 40 mM concentrations of the divalent ion are required for the optimal sulfurylation of DHA. Maximum sulfurylation of these steroids requires the presence of 15 mM cysteine. Michaelis-Menten kinetics are observed with DHA which has an apparent Km of 32 microM, while desmosterol inhibits sulfotransferase activity at high concentrations. Saturation of the enzyme with PAPS results in an allosteric behaviour. Only the 3 beta-hydroxyl function of the steroid nucleus appears to be an appropriate sulfate acceptor for the epididymal hydroxysteroid sulfotransferase.

Quantification of cytosolic steroid receptors in secretory and non-secretory epithelial cells of the canine prostate

Radiolabelled methyltrienolone, dihydrotestosterone and estradiol were used as ligands to identify and quantify androgen and estrogen receptors in freshly dispersed cells from the canine prostate. Soluble extracts (cytosols) were obtained from secretory and non-secretory epithelial cells separated on the basis of their density in Percoll gradients. For both cell types, as well as for the whole prostate, Scatchard plot analyses were linear and showed a single class of high affinity binding sites: Kd values of 3.6 +/- 2.2 X 10(-9) M and 3.0 +/- 1.2 X 10(-10) M were measured for the androgen and estrogen receptors, respectively. The number of binding sites for the cytosolic androgen receptor, expressed per mg of protein or per mg of DNA, was 2.4- to 6.7-fold higher in the non-secretory cells compared to the secretory cells. However, these two cell types contained a similar number of specific sites for the estrogens. The specificities of the androgen and estrogen receptors were shown to be identical for the two cell types: the binding of [3H]R1881 was strongly inhibited by unlabelled R1881, 5 alpha-androstane-3 alpha, 17 beta-diol and dihydrotestosterone, while 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta, 17 beta-diol, estradiol and estrone did not displace bound R1881. The addition of triamcinolone acetonide did not alter the binding of R1881 in extracts of either cell type or in the whole prostate. The binding of [3H]estradiol to the estrogen receptor was highly specific since a strong displacement was only observed with estradiol (83%).

Distribution of steroid sulfotransferase in the male hamster reproductive tract

Steroid sulfotransferase activity has been assayed in cytosol extracts obtained from the male hamster reproductive tract. Dehydroisoandrosterone and desmosterol were used as substrates in the presence of phosphoadenosine phosphosulfate-35S as sulfate donor. No significant sulfotransferase activity was found in the testis. In the epididymis, a severalfold increase in activity was found in the tissue from the caput to the caudal regions. A lower but significant activity was detected in the vas deferens. The enzyme appears to be secreted into the luminal fluid while little activity is associated with the spermatozoa. This increase in activity along the epididymis is undoubtedly responsible for the accumulation of sterol sulfates reported previously. In view of the fact that sterol sulfates are potent and specific inhibitors of acrosin, as reported for the porcine and confirmed herein for hamster acrosin, the epididymal production of steroid and sterol sulfates may represent a protective mechanism against the premature release of proteolytic activity within the male reproductive tract.

Semen selenium and human fertility

Selenium (Se) was measured in the semen of 125 men from couples consulting for infertility. A mean concentration of 71.3 +/- 29.7 ng/ml of semen was found, with a range of 7 to 230 ng/ml. More than 85% of the Se is in the seminal plasma. There was a significant positive correlation between sperm count and semen Se. Sperm motility was maximal at semen Se levels ranging between 50 and 69 ng/ml; above and below this range, motility was decreased and the incidence of asthenospermia was high. This result suggests an optimal range for semen Se. A follow-up of 4.5 to 5 years after the initial assay of Se revealed that low semen Se levels (less than or equal to 35 ng/ml) were associated with male infertility. A Se level between approximately 40 and 70 ng/ml was optimal for reproductive performance (high pregnancy rate and low abortion rate). Semen Se levels greater than or equal to 80 ng/ml were associated with a high abortion rate and signs of ovarian dysfunction in the partner (both partners usually have the same diet and environmental exposure). These results attest to the role of Se in human reproduction, a well-established fact in several animal species. The semen Se level appears to be a useful indicator of Se status versus reproductive function. Further studies are warranted concerning the general aspects of metabolism and mechanism of action of Se in infertile couples before any therapeutic modification of intake of this element can be contemplated.

5 Alpha-reductase and 3 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activities in isolated canine prostatic epithelial cells

Kinetic parameters of two enzymes, 5 alpha-reductase and 3 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, have been calculated for freshly isolated canine prostatic epithelial cells separated into secretory and non-secretory cells on the basis of their density in Percoll gradients. For 5 alpha-reductase, a Km value of 3 X 10(-6) M was obtained in both epithelial cell types, and similar Vmax values of 1.7 X 10(-12) and 1.9 X 10(-12) moles of dihydrotestosterone formed/min/10(6) cells (P greater than 0.50) were calculated in secretory and non-secretory cells, respectively. The Km of 3 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (dihydrotestosterone----3 alpha-androstanediol) varied between 2.2 and 2.8 X 10(-6) M (P greater than 0.50) with respective Vmax's of 9 and 24 X 10(-12) moles of 3 alpha-androstanediol formed/min/10(6) cells (P less than 0.005) in secretory and non-secretory cells. For the reverse reaction, that is the transformation of 3 alpha-androstanediol to dihydrotestosterone, the Km's obtained were 0.4 and 0.5 X 10(-6) M (P greater than 0.50) with Vmax's of 14 and 19 X 10(-12) moles of dihydrotestosterone formed/min/10(6) cells (P less than 0.50) in secretory and non-secretory cells, respectively. Vmax values for 3 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase are 10-fold higher than the ones for 5 alpha-reductase. Moreover, Km values for the reaction 3 alpha-androstanediol----DHT are 5-fold lower than those calculated for the reverse reaction and for 5 alpha-reductase. This could explain why the major metabolic pathway in the canine prostate gland is the conversion of 3 alpha-androstanediol to dihydrotestosterone.

Elevated secretion of androstenedione in a patient with a Leydig cell tumour

In this study, we report the case of a 48-year old man with a well-encapsulated Leydig cell tumour, azoospermia, decreased libido and impotence. The basal peripheral blood levels of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, 5 alpha-androstane-3 alpha,17 beta-diol and oestradiol were normal and oestrone was moderately increased. In contrast, androstenedione was extremely elevated at 521 ng/dl (normal: 88 +/- 60 ng/dl). Upon hCG stimulation, plasma testosterone increased 2.1-fold while androstenedione increased 1.4-fold. Plasma LH and FSH were also elevated and their response to LRH was exaggerated. At the time of surgery the levels of androstenedione in the spermatic vein plasma, as well as in the testicular tumour were elevated. In contrast, testosterone levels in the spermatic vein blood were decreased indicating a partial deficiency of 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in the tumoural tissue. A follow-up study revealed that the contralateral testis did not respond to hCG although the sex steroid concentrations in the peripheral plasma were within normal limits. Plasma gonadotrophins remained elevated. These results demonstrate that this Leydig cell tumour secreted high amounts of androstenedione into the blood and that the contralateral testis exhibited an impaired androgenic function.

Nonsteroidal serum factors involved in the regulation of the proliferation of canine prostatic epithelial cells in culture

Canine prostatic epithelial cells were cultured in primary monolayers in order to define those factors that induce a proliferative response at the cellular level. Cultures were performed in a serum-free medium or in a medium supplemented either with fetal bovine serum or dog serum in the presence or absence of several sex steroids (androstenedione, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, 3 alpha- and 3 beta-androstanediols, epitestosterone, epidihydrotestosterone, estrone, estradiol, and progesterone). Cell proliferation was observed in the absence of serum and exogenous steroids. The rate of cell division was serum dependent and steroid independent. Pretreatment of sera with charcoal had no effect on their mitogenic activities. Cells maintained in an endocrine milieu prior to tissue dispersion and throughout the whole procedure proliferate to the same extent as those deprived of hormones, whether free of serum or added supplements. The addition of insulin (2 micrograms/ml), dog prolactin (up to 25 ng/ml) and zinc (10(-8) to 10(-2) M) in a serum-free medium did not induce cell responsiveness to steroids. Dihydrotestosterone, 3 alpha-androstanediol, and estradiol alone or in combinations known to induce the growth of the canine prostate in vivo were ineffective in vitro. The proliferative responses to sera were time and concentration dependent, and dog serum was more potent than fetal bovine serum. Thus, humoral factors other than steroids, prolactin, insulin, or zinc may be of importance in the activation of epithelial cells involved in the development of prostatic hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma.

Human placental steroid sulfatase: purification and properties

Steroid sulfatase is recovered quantitatively from the 105,000 g h supernatant of human placental microsomes extracted with Triton X-100. The solubilized enzyme has been purified using conventional techniques. Throughout the purification procedure, steroid sulfatase appears to be heterogeneous as evidenced by certain, but not all, criteria. Following polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate, the final preparation exhibits a major component and varying amounts of two minor ones. Antibodies raised in rabbits with the heterogeneous immunogen give rise to a single precipitation line when the native enzyme is analyzed by double immunodiffusion or by immunoelectrophoresis. In addition, using aged preparations of microsomes and immunoaffinity techniques, steroid sulfatase activity was found to be associated with the fastest migrating minor component. This finding would suggest that the apparent heterogeneity of purified steroid sulfatase is linked to degradation processes occurring within the microsomal preparations. Steroid sulfatase has a Stokes radius of 56 A, a sedimentation coefficient of 4.85 +/- 0.15S (in Triton-containing buffers) and binds 1.3 g of Triton X-100-per g of protein. The molecular weight of the Triton-protein complex was calculated to be 166,000 in which the glycoprotein portion contribution is about 43% (72,000). In contrast, the apparent molecular weight of the major polypeptide determined on calibrated SDS-gels is 62,000. The purified enzyme exhibits two pH optima with cholesterol sulfate as substrate, an acidic one at pH 5.0 and a second one at pH 7.5. The Km values for cholesterol sulfate, dehydroandrosterone sulfate and p-nitrophenylsulfate were 5.26, 14 and 1,320 microM, respectively.

Induction of acid phosphatase synthesis in canine prostatic epithelial cells in vitro

The increase in acid phosphatase (AP) activity in cultured canine prostatic epithelial cells was investigated as a biochemical marker of in vitro cellular differentiation. The enzyme was studied in secretory and non-secretory epithelial cell populations obtained from control and cycloheximide-treated cultures over a period of 3 weeks and compared to the AP present in tissue and cellular extracts from normal canine prostates. The progressive increase in AP activity with the duration of culture was strongly inhibited by cycloheximide in both cell populations. The degree of inhibition was more pronounced late in the culture when AP activity increased at a faster rate in secretory cells. Cycloheximide inhibited protein biosynthesis by 70-80% as evidenced by a reduction in the incorporation of amino acids into acid-insoluble material. However, the specific activities of AP in the cellular extracts were similar in control and cycloheximide-treated cultures and increased sharply by 3-4-fold in the secretory cells after 12 days of culture. When extracts derived from control and cycloheximide-treated cells of various duration were submitted to electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gels (PAGE), a unique pattern of three bands of AP activity with Rf values of 0.18, 0.27 and 0.38 was obtained. In controls the AP activity in the band with an Rf of 0.18 increased preferentially during the culture period and was more important quantitatively in secretory cells. In cycloheximide-treated cultures the increase of AP activity associated with the band with an Rf of 0.18 was more strongly inhibited. The addition of tartrate to the staining mixture inhibited all three bands of AP activity. Similar results were obtained when extracts derived from freshly dispersed cells as well as from normal canine prostatic tissue were submitted to PAGE; the AP activity was resolved into 3 bands with Rf values of 0.15-0.18, 0.23-0.27 and 0.33-0.38; all three bands were inhibited by the addition of tartrate and the first band was predominant. Thus, the increase in AP activity in prostatic epithelial cells in a culture medium supplemented with serum and deprived of sex steroids is due to the de novo synthesis of a major form of the enzyme by the secretory cells.

The target sizes of the in situ and solubilized forms of human placental steroid sulfatase as measured by radiation inactivation

Whole microsomal membrane preparations and Triton X-100-solubilized human placental steroid sulfatase were subjected to radiation inactivation analysis using gamma rays from a 60Co irradiator in order to assess the size of the physiological form of the enzyme. The data indicate that the enzyme exists as a monomer of molecular weight 78600 in Triton-containing buffers and as a polymer of molecular weight 533000 within the microsomal membrane.

Sex steroid concentrations in plasma from the canine deferential vein

Sex steroid concentrations in plasma collected from the canine deferential vein were measured, after separation, by radioimmunoassay. The concentrations found were compared with those in the peripheral plasma. The mean concentrations of androstenedione, testosterone, 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone, 5 alpha-androstane-3 alpha, 17 beta-diol, 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta, 17 beta-diol and oestradiol-17 beta were 13.2, 14.7, 8.9, 4.6, 8.0 and 7.5 fold higher respectively in plasma from the deferential vein than in peripheral plasma. A close anatomical relationship was found between the vasa deferentia, the deferential vein and the peripheral plasma as well as between the deferential vein and the prostate gland. These findings emphasize and extend earlier conclusions that high levels of sex steroids present in the deferential vein could have a local influence on the growth of the prostate.

Fertilizing capacity and sperm antibodies in vasovasostomized men

In order to explain the discrepancy between the patency rate (80%) and the pregnancy rate (46%) in a series of vasovasostomies, attention was focused on a group of patients who became normospermic. The mean age at vasectomy, the duration of vasobstruction, and the parameters of semen analysis were not different for those couples who achieved a pregnancy (n = 8), compared with those couples without pregnancy (n = 7). In the group with pregnancy, six of the eight patients had low titers of serum agglutinins (absent to 1:32), and the fertilizing capacity of their spermatozoa was normal. None had immobilizing antibodies. In the group without pregnancy, six of the seven patients had elevated serum agglutinins (greater than 1:256), and four had agglutinating antibodies in their seminal plasma as well as serum immobilizing antibodies. The spermatozoa of seven patients failed to fertilize zona-free hamster ova. It is concluded that a loss of fertilizing ability of the spermatozoa due to sperm antibodies is an important cause of infertility in vasovasostomized men.

Nucleolar specific acidic phosphoprotein C23 is highly methylated

Protein C23 (Mr = 110,000; pI, 5.5) is the major phosphoprotein in the nucleolus of Novikoff hepatoma cells and comprises 9.5% of the total nucleolar protein. In addition to being highly phosphorylated (1.2 mol % of phosphoserine), it is also highly methylated. Protein C23 contains 1.3 mol % of NG,NG-dimethylarginine and a trace of NG-monomethylarginine.

Androgen levels in the lipid of the canine vas deferens and peripheral plasma

Radioimmunoassays were used for the measurement of several androgens in canine plasma and in the liquid of the vas deferens. Large variations in the plasma concentrations of androstenedione, testosterone and 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone occurred during a period of 24 h, but there was no evidence of a circadian rhythm. The ratios of the androgen concentration in the liquid of the vas deferens compared with that in the peripheral plasma were: androstenedione, 4.6; testosterone, 1.9; 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone, 13.6; 5 alpha-androstane-3 alpha, 17 beta-diol, 17.0; 5 alpha-diol, 22.4. These high levels of androgens in the liquid of the vas deferens could play a role in the development of prostatic hypertrophy.

Sites of in vivo extraction and interconversion of estrone and estradiol in the dog

The interconversion and extraction of estrone and estradiol-17beta across and within different tissues or areas have been studied in the dog by the constant infusion technique. The results were calculated estradiol obtained from afferent and efferent blood and tissues at equilibrium. From these results it is concluded that: (1) there is no significant difference between metabolic clearance rates of estrone and estradiol, (2) blood transfer constants indicates a higher conversion of estradiol to estrone than of estrone to estradiol, (3) the transtissue interconversion favors the formation of estrone while the intratissue interconversion favors the formation of estradiol, (4) no interconversion of the two estrogens is observed in adipose tissue, (5) the extraction of estradiol entering a tissue was lower than the extraction of estradiol formed in these tissues, (6) calculation of the tissue metabolic clearance rates show that 63% of the total metabolism of estrone and estradiol, respectively, occurs in the splanchnic bed, and (7) the contribution of each tissues to the total interconversion of estrone and estradiol show that more than 90% of this interconversion occurs extrahepatically.

Fluorometry of selenium in serum or urine

This fluorometric procedure for determining selenium in human serum or urine is sensitive (requiring only 0.4 mL of sample), accurate, simple, and can be performed on several samples concurrently. Using this technique, we found a mean selenium concentration in the serum of normal Canadian men of 142.9 (SD 16.1) micrograms/L. The mean urinary excretion rate was 124.5 (SD 76.0) micrograms/day.

Fluorometry of selenium in serum or urine

This fluorometric procedure for determining selenium in human serum or urine is sensitive (requiring only 0.4 mL of sample), accurate, simple, and can be performed on several samples concurrently. Using this technique, we found a mean selenium concentration in the serum of normal Canadian men of 142.9 (SD 16.1) micrograms/L. The mean urinary excretion rate was 124.5 (SD 76.0) micrograms/day.

Localization of cholesteryl sulfate in human spermatozoa in support of a hypothesis for the mechanism of capacitation

Cholesteryl sulfate is a normal constituent of human spermatozoa. The in vitro uptake of tritiated cholesteryl sulfate resulted in the labeling of all spermatozoa as demonstrated by light-microscope radioautography. The binding of the sterol sulfate was localized mainly in the head and midpiece. Radioautography at the level of the electron microscope revealed that the sterol sulfate is localized on the plasma membrane, mostly in the region of the acrosome. Further proof of this localization was obtained by selective dissolution of the plasma membrane and acrosome of the spermatozoa with low concentrations of Triton X-100. This treatment resulted in the simultaneous removal of tritiated cholesteryl sulfate bound to the spermatozoa. A hypothesis is presented concerning the role of cholesteryl sulfate as a membrane stabilizer and enzyme inhibitor during the maturation of spermatozoa in the epididymis. According to this hypothesis, the cleavage of the sulfate moiety within the female reproductive tract triggers a cascade of events leading to sperm capacitation and fertilization.

Proliferation and differentiation of canine prostatic epithelial cells in culture

When cultured in monolayers, non-secretory epithelial cells from canine prostates actively synthesize DNA, RNA and proteins; subsequently, mitotic figures and an increase in cell number are observed. During this culture period, cell size and acid phosphatase activity remain constant. As the culture proceeds, these cells mature into secretory cells as evidenced by a gradual shift in their density in Percoll gradients to the density of secretory cells and by an increase in the cellular content of acid phosphatase. During maturation, the size of the non-secretory cells increases and their morphology changes and becomes similar to that of the secretory cells. When a homogeneous population of secretory cells is cultured, DNA synthesis is minimal and few mitotic figures may be observed while cell number and cell density remain constant. Early in the culture period, their size increases and by 2 weeks their acid phosphatase activity is 2--3-fold higher than that of the non-secretory cells. Thus, upon culture, the non-secretory epithelial cells enter and proceed through the cell cycle with evidence of DNA synthesis and mitosis. Those cells leaving the cycle undergo maturation into secretory cells which further differentiate with the concomitant appearance of acid phosphatase activity. This model will be useful to study prostatic hyperplasia and hypertrophy and the control mechanisms involved in these phenomena.

Steroid sulfotransferase in hamster epididymis

Steroid sulfotransferase activity is present in the cytosol fraction of hamster epididymis. The activity of this enzyme is increased by magnesium ion. Cysteine is essential to assure optimal activity. Adenosine-3'-phosphate-5'-phosphosulfate is required as sulfate donor and an apparent Km of 62 microM was calculated. Inhibition studies suggest that this enzyme preferentially catalyzes the sulfurylation of the 3 beta-hydroxyl group of delta 5-steroids. An unusual feature of the enzyme is a pH optimum at pH 10.

The cellular origin of the zona pellucida antigen in the human and hamster

The origin of the zona pellucida in follicles at different stages of maturation was studied in the hamster and human by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy using a specific anti-hamster zona pellucida serum. The earliest detection of the zona pellucida material occurred in the ooplasm of oocytes in primordial follicles. In primary follicles, the fluorescence was localized at the periphery of the oocyte. In secondary and in mature follicles a deposition of fluorescent material was visualized on the inner and outer regions of the zona pellucida. Follicular cells, other than the oocyte, failed to exhibit a fluorescent reaction with the antizona pellucida serum. It is concluded that the oocyte is an important source of the antigenic material of the zona pellucida of hamster and human ova.

Characterization of canine prostatic cells from normal and hyperplastic glands

Secretory and non-secretory epithelial cells and fibroblasts obtained from normal and hyperplastic canine prostate glands and from prostates of 6-week castrated dogs are cultured in monolayers. Prostatic fibroblasts are grown in non-selective culture medium and found at densities of 1.040-1.045 g/ml in Percoll gradients. Enriched populations of each epithelial cell type area obtained by varying the duration of the culture combined with the use of selective MEM D-Val mixture. When separated by centrifugation in Percoll density gradients, the secretory cells (high A.P.) are found at densities of 1.02-1.03 g/ml whereas the non-secretory cells (low A.P.) have densities of 1.05-1.06 g/ml. Both epithelial cell types are present in the normal and hyperplastic glands at the time of explantation. There is no correlation between the prostatic weight and the proportion of each cell type present in the tissue. On the basis of cell density in Percoll gradients and A.P. activity, those prostates with a high percentage of non-secretory epithelial cells yield better attachment and overall cultures than glands consisting mainly of secretory cells. Our results strongly suggest that non-secretory cells are precursors of the secretory type. In addition, the cells involved in the aging process of the culture are the secretory epithelial cells.

Surgical treatment of congenital pulmonary stenosis due to dysplastic leaflets and small valve anulus

Seven cases of pulmonary valve stenosis due to congenital dysplasia of the valvular apparatus have been corrected by patch-graft enlargement of the right ventricular outflow tract. The six surviving patients (85%) are now leading normal lives with good exercise tolerance. The satisfactory right ventricular performance, manifested by these subjects after the operation and in the long-term follow-up, supports the validity of the procedure in the presence of a normal right ventricle and tricuspid valve.

Plasma estrone sulfate levels in postmenopausal women

Estrone sulfate levels were measured in the plasma of 63 postmenopausal women. The assay method involved prior extraction of the free estrogens, enzyme hydrolysis of the estrone sulfate with sulfatase and radioimmunoassay of the estrone liberated. The plasma levels ranged from 37 to 320 pg/ml (expressed as free estrone) with a mean value of 178 +/- 79 pg/ml. As observed in premenopause, estrone sulfate is quantitatively the most important circulating estrogen in postmenopausal women.

The binding of sterol sulfates to hamster spermatozoa

Spermatozoa obtained from the cauda epididymidis possess twice the ability to take up sterol sulfates in vitro when compared to sermatozoa obtained from the caput. This would suggest that a modification of the membrane composition of the spermatozoa occurs during passage through the epididymis. Free sterols are taken up in a similar pattern. Radioautographic studies reveal that, for sterol sulfates, this uptake occurs selectively in the regions of the head and mid-piece of the spermatozoa whereas the free sterols are distributed evenly throughout the length of the spermatozoa. The binding of sterol sulfates to spermatozoa appears to involve sites that are unsaturable. The possibility exists that sterol sulfates, previously implicated in membrane stabilization, may play a similar role in spermatozoa.

The pineal gland and stress: effect of pineal stalk section on the plasma corticosteroid response to cold in rabbits

To investigate the role of the pineal gland on plasma corticosteroid elevation during stress, a pineal stalk section was performed in rabbits implanted with a carotid cannula, while a comparable sham operation was carried out in a control group ( n = 8) similarly implanted. Six days after the surgery, the rabbits were exposed to a cold environment for 2 hr. Blood was withdrawn periodically throughout the 2 hr. of cold stress and for an additional 2 hr. after the rabbits were returned to their cages. Results show that plasma corticosteroids (cortisol + corticosterone) concentration in both groups rose during the cold exposure and gradually declined towards resting values after removal from the cold. The lesioned rabbits, however, exhibited an earlier and higher elevation in plasma corticosteroid levels in reaction to the cold. These observations suggest that the pineal stalk in normal animals influences the corticosteroid response to a stress in such a way as to increase the latency of its onset and decrease its amplitude. This effect is interpreted in the context of the general adaptation syndrome.

Metabolism of sex steroids in the human and canine vas deferens

The contribution of the vas deferens to the metabolism of steroids was investigated in the human and in the dog by perfusion experiments and in vitro incubation. Perfusion of testosterone or androstenedione through the canine vas deferens resulted in the formation of dihydrotestosterone; no significant formation of estrogens could be detected. When dihydrotestosterone was perfused, 3alpha- and 3beta-androstanediols were isolated. In vitro incubation experiments with human was deferencs have shown an active metabolism of androgens by this time and, therefore, confer a new role to the vas deferens in the male.

Properties of spermatozoa in relation to their elimination after vasectomy

Sperm disposal and the formation of sperm granulomas are two related critical aspects of vasectomy which have been studied in man and several animal models. Since mammalian spermatozoa present a keratinoid quality, a comparison was made of the resistance of human and rat spermatozoa. When exposed to dithiothreitol and sodium dodecyl sulfate, human sperm decondense readily while rat sperm resist decondensation for long periods of time. A cooperative effect in the rate of decondensation was observed for human sperm but not for rat sperm. Oxidation of sulfhydryl groups renders human spermatozoa as resistant as rat spermatozoa, indicating that disulfide crosslinks are involved in this resistance. Human spermatozoa constitute a heterogeneous population with respect to sulfhydryl group content, suggesting variations in the state of maturation and/or elimination. The sulfhydryl group content of rat epididymal spermatozoa was similar from one cell to another, suggesting little sperm reabsorption in the epididymis. Human and rat spermatozoa differ in size, resistance to decondensing agents, cooperative effect during decondensation, and content and localization of sulfhydryl groups; these differences can explain why vasectomized rats invariably develop huge granulomas while this side effect is not severe in vasectomized men.

5alpha-Cholesta-7,24-dien-3beta-ol as a major sterol of the male hamster reproductive tract

Marked variations in the 3beta-hydroxysterol content of hamster spermatozoa were observed as they progress through the epididymis. Cholesterol is the major sterol of caputal spermatozoa while the concentration of precursors of cholesterol was higher than that of cholesterol in caudal spermatozoa. One of these precursors has been identified as desmosterol. A second sterol has now been identified as 5alpha-cholestra-7,24-dien-3beta-ol by GLC-MS and by NMR. Its concentration is approximately 3-fold higher than that of cholesterol. This 3beta-hydroxysterol is also found in epididymal tissue.

Solubilization and partial purification of steroid sulfatase of human placenta

Steroid sulfatase of human placenta has been solubilized by treatment of the microsomal fraction with an amphoteric surface active agent, Miranol H2M and ultrasound. Criteria of solubility include non-sedimentation of the activity following centrifugation at 160,000 x g, its retention on Sepharose 6B and a single peak of activity after polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Enzyme activity was located in the same gel fractions for the two substrates tested; cholesterol sulfate and dehydroisoandrosterone sulfate. The addition of dithiothreitol was found necessary to maintain the stability of the enzyme indicating the presence of sulfhydryl groups in the molecule. A molecular weight of approximately 330,000 has been estimated from the elution volume of the enzyme system on a column of Sepharose 6B. It is believed that this protein represents a sulfatase enzyme complex composed of subunits with different specificities. From kinetic studies, a Km of 6.2 x 10(-5)M for the cleavage of dehydroisoandrosterone sulfate and a Km of 2 x 10(-6)M for the cleavage of cholesterol sulfate have been calculated.

Coarctation of aorta with special reference to infants. Long-term results of operation in 126 cases

A review of 126 cases of coarctation of the aorta confirms the need for surgical resection in infants with intractable congestive cardiac failure. The high association with additional cardiovascular abnormalities in patients presenting in early infancy contributes significantly to the mortality. Patients with large ventricular septal defects and coarctation of the aorta are at risk and may require pulmonary artery banding at the time of resection of the aortic coarctation. Long-term complications included restenosis (18 cases) and persistent hypertension (10 cases). In order to prevent persistent hypertension, it is suggested that elective resection of the coarctation be done at 1 year of age.

Cholesteryl sulfate and sterol sulfatase in the human reproductive tract

Cholesteryl sulfate is a component of human seminal plasma (avg. 445 mug%) and spermatozoa (15 mug/10 (9) cells) and represents more than 85% of the sterol sulfate fraction. This conjugate is avidly bound by spermatozoa when compared to other steroids or steroid sulfates. Autoradiographic localization of CS associated with the spermatozoa revealed a greater accumulation of the radioactivity in the acrosomal region in many, but not all, of those cells examined. Semen is not a site of metabolism of the sterol sulfate but the enzyme, sterol sulfatase, is present in the human female reproductive tract. This cleavage enzyme was detected in Graafian follicles and the activity in the endometrium was ten-fold that found in the Fallopian tube. These findings lead to the proposal that cholesteryl sulfate, an amphipathic molecule ideally suited for interaction with membrane components and implicated in erythrocyte membrane stabilization, may be involved in membrane modifications of the spermatozoa during the process of fertilization.

Change of blood group from A2 to Ax in a child with congenital abnormalities

A blood group change from A2 to Ax is described in a boy who had Fallot's tetralogy, oesophageal atresia, and a tracheo-oesophageal fistula. The change of blood group created a transfusion problem. The unusual serology is discussed.

Cholesterol sulfate. II. Studies on its metabolism and possible function in canine blood

Previous in vitro studies to evaluate the possible role of cholesterol sulfate in the stabilization of the human erythrocyte membrane have been extended to the dog in vivo. Thus, following the injection of labelled cholesterol sulfate, a large fraction of the administered sterol conjugate is taken up by the membrane of the canine erythrocyte. Peak membrane levels were obtained within 30-60 min. Measurement of radioactivity associated with the plasma and red cell fractions in serial samples allowed the calculation of the half-life of cholesterol sulfate in each fraction. From the data obtained from the plasma of four dogs, the half-life was calculated to 5.8 plus or minus 0.9 h. The half-life of chlesterol sulfate associated with the erythrocyte membrane was calculated to be 6.7 plus or minus 1.2 h. In addition, following the intravenous administration of 0.2-0.7 mg of cholesterol sulfate/kg of body weight and withdrawal of serial blood samples, a significant diminution in the degree of hemolysis was observed when the red cells were exposed to hypotonic saline solutions. Maximal stabilization effects were observed at approx. 6-7 h after the administration of the sterol conjugate. Hemolytic properties returned to normal at approx. 24 h following the injection.