Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), immunostaining and flow cytometric DNA analysis of renal cell carcinoma

Nuclear PCNA immunoreactivity is found in the proliferating compartment of normal and tumor cells. The purpose of the present study was to examine immunohistochemical staining of PCNA in renal cell carcinoma and its relationship to tumor grading, flow cytometric DNA analysis and prognosis. The resected kidneys from 81 patients with renal cell carcinoma were used. Anti-PCNA monoclonal antibody was applied to paraffin sections to identify proliferating cells by the SAB technique. The proportion of PCNA-positive cells to negative cells was determined by counting the tumor cells stained by PCNA at 400x magnification and expressed as percentage of positive cells. In parallel with the PCNA immunostaining DNA flow cytometry was performed, using the cell suspension prepared from paraffin sections and stained with propidium iodide. 79 tumors were evaluable for PCNA immunohistochemistry and 54 tumors for DNA flow cytometry. Immunohistochemically, there was no significant difference in percentage of PCNA-positive cells between tumor grades G 1 and G 2 (1.4 +/- 1.3% in G 1 and 1.6 +/- 1.4% in G 2), while G 3 tumors contained high percentage of PCNA positive cells, the mean value being 7.6 +/- 5.3%. The percentage of PCNA-positive tumor cells was found to be correlated with histological grading of tumor and also with the S+G2+M phase fraction and the S phase fraction measured by flow cytometry (p < 0.01). The mean percentage of PCNA-positive tumor cells was higher in aneuploid tumors than in diploid tumors. There was no significant relationship between the percentage of PCNA positive cells and tumor staging. Sixty-one cases were available for survival analysis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Assessment of Chlamydia trachomatis-specific IgA and IgG serum antibodies in genitourinary Chlamydia trachomatis infection--comparative study between HITAZYME and IPAzyme

We assessed the C. trachomatis antibody assay kit HITAZYME (Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd.) using clinical specimens. This kit is based on an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) which utilized purified Chlamydia trachomatis outer membrane antigen as the solid phase antigen. Twenty-nine untreated male urethritis patients, 816 pregnant housewives, 188 cervicitis patients, and 76 pelvic inflammatory disease patients were tested. Agreement between the HITAZYME test and antigen detection in infected area was assessed, and a comparison was made with IPAzyme (a commercially available indirect immunoperoxidase assay kit). 1) Summary of HITAZYME and IPAzyme IgA: Agreement between the two assays was relatively good, i.e., 82.6% (916/1109). However, 5.5% (61/1109) were HITAZYME (-), IPAzyme (+), and 11.9% (132/1109) were HITAZYME (+), IPAzyme (-). Thus, in quite a few cases the results did not agree. IgG: Agreement between the two assays was 73.7% (817/1109). Agreement was relatively low, 24.4% (271/1109) were HITAZYME (-), IPAzyme (+). 2) In the cases of disagreement, more specific Western blot analysis was performed to check the reactivity of the anti-C. trachomatis antibody. When IgA was used, agreement between HITAZYME and Western blot analysis was 69.6% (16/23), and agreement between IPAzyme and Western blot analysis was 30.4% (7/23), whereas when IgG was used, agreement between HITAZYME and Western blot analysis was 80.0% (12/15), and agreement between IPAzyme and Western blot analysis was 20.0% (3/15). There was significantly greater agreement with HITAZYME than with IPAzyme. In other words, HITAZYME had greater specificity when reacted with C. trachomatis antigen than IPAzyme. 3) The IgA antibody-positive rate in antigen (+) cases (male urethritis: 72.7%, pregnant housewives: 65.7%, cervicitis: 70.3%, pelvic inflammatory disease: 70.0%) was significantly (p < 0.01) higher than in antigen (-) cases (male urethritis: 16.7%, pregnant housewives: 13.6%, cervicitis: 22.6%, pelvic inflammatory disease: 30.4%). Therefore, IgA antibody can serve as a suitable indicator for active infection. 4) The IgG antibody-positive rate in antigen (-) female cases was 15.5% using HITAZYME and significantly (p < 0.01) lower than with IPAzyme. HITAZYME had greater specificity than IPAzyme. In conclusion, HITAZYME has relatively good sensitivity and specificity. Moreover, since it is an EIA assay, it allows objective evaluation of results. It permits processing of a large number of specimens because it is easy to perform. Thus, HITAZYME is a superior antibody assay for C. trachomatis. It can be used when antigen tests are difficult to perform. It is strongly anticipated that HITAZYME will be able to be used clinically as a screening test.

Gap junction of stratum granulosum cells of mouse follicles: immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy

The gap junction (GJ) of stratum granulosum cells was investigated in growing and mature follicles of the mouse by means of light- and electron-microscopic immunohistochemistry, freeze-fracturing and deep-etching methods. GJ increased in number and size in concert with the progress of follicular maturation and decreased rapidly in the preovulatory mature follicle. GJ membrane showed invagination, most remarkably at 5 h after hCG injection, within the cytoplasm of the granulosum cell. Two types of internalization seemed possible, annular internalization and highly convoluted tubular invagination, both by an actin-mediated mechanism. At least, a part of the internalized GJ membrane seemed to be degraded by a certain lysosomal enzyme (s). Connexin43 (derived from rat cardiac muscle GJ) was indicated to be a constituent of GJ protein in the mouse stratum granulosum cell. There was no GJ particle coexisting with tight junctional strands; by contrast, a formation plaque appeared quite often on granulosum cells at various stages. Such a plaque is presumed to represent a precursor structure of the new GJ of these cells. So far examined, however, the formation plaque failed to show positive reaction against anti-Cx43 antibody.

Effect of an aromatase inhibitor in human follicular fluid on DNA synthesis of granulosa cells, theca cells, and follicles

An aromatase inhibitor was identified in human follicular fluid. We sought to examine the effects of this inhibitor on granulosa cells, theca cells, a mixture of granulosa and theca cells, and follicles. Granulosa cells, theca cells, the mixture of granulosa and theca cells, and follicles were incubated with [3H]-thymidine and aromatase inhibitor at 37 degrees C for 40 h in Ham F-10 medium. The radioactivities of acid-soluble fractions were counted. Aromatase inhibitor markedly inhibited the DNA synthesis of granulosa cells and follicles, but it did not inhibit the mixture of granulosa and theca cells. This suggested that aromatase inhibitor was a factor in the follicle paracrine system and acted mainly on granulosa cells.

Role of the extracellular Ca2+ on the intracellular Ca2+ changes in fertilized and activated mouse oocytes

Changes in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in fertilized mouse oocytes were measured using the calcium-sensitive dye, fura-2. After fertilization, an initial long-lasting [Ca2+]i increase was followed by a periodic [Ca2+]i increase. The periodic increase in [Ca2+]i persisted for 1 to 3 h and all fertilized oocytes extruded the second polar body within 4 h. The mean interval of periodic [Ca2+]i increase was 470 +/- 180 s (mean +/- SD). The frequency of the periodic [Ca2+]i increase depended on the extracellular calcium concentration. Verapamil and nifedipine inhibited the periodic [Ca2+]i increase. Sixty-five per cent of tested cells extruded the second polar body within 90 min of exposure to 7% ethanol. In these activated oocytes, the long-lasting [Ca2+]i increase was observed. However, no cells showed a repetitive increase in [Ca2+]i. Both release of calcium from intracellular stores and influx of extracellular calcium contribute to the increase in [Ca2+]i induced by ethanol. We conclude that the extrusion of the second polar body requires an increase in [Ca2+]i above a certain threshold level and the mobilization of calcium of both the intracellular and extracellular space in mouse oocytes.

Aberrant expression of the p53 tumor suppressor gene in adult T-cell leukemia and HTLV-I-infected cells

By immunoprecipitation analysis, enhanced p53 expression was detected in 3 of 4 adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) cell lines, 1 of 3 HTLV-I-infected cell lines and 1 of 5 fresh ATL samples, compared with phytohemagglutinin-stimulated peripheral blood lymphocytes. Among these 5 high expressers, p53 missense mutations were indicated in 2 ATL cell lines and 1 fresh ATL sample by extensive p53 cDNA and genomic DNA polymerase chain reaction single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis. No mutation was found throughout the entire coding region of the remaining 2 high expressers (1 ATL and 1 HTLV-I-infected cell lines) and low expressers of p53 (2 HTLV-I-infected cell lines). Tax oncoprotein expression was found in these 2 high p53 expressers in which p53 mutation was not present, but not in low p53 expressers or cells carrying this mutation. The levels of p53 mRNA were similar among the samples regardless of p53 levels. Posttranscriptional mechanisms other than missense mutation would thus appear to increase p53 in the Tax-expressing cells but not in cells containing undetectable levels of Tax. No complex formation between p53 and Tax was observed.

Aging changes in the alignment of chromosomes after human chorionic gonadotropin stimulation may be a possible cause of decreased fertility in mice

The relation between the alignment of chromosomes in the aged oocyte and its capacities of fertilization and development of oocytes was examined. More embryos in the condition of insemination at 12 and 16 h after human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) however grew into two and more cell stages than those in the insemination of 20, 24 and 28 h. Some embryos in the group of insemination at 12, 16 and 20 h after hCG injection had grown into the blastocyst stage. The embryos inseminated 24 h after hCG and later had shown no further development. Twelve hours after hCG injection, 67% of oocytes have chromosomes on a straight line (A), and 29% have chromosomes scattered in one group (B). Three percent of oocytes have them separated toward both spindle ends (C) and 2% of oocytes have no chromosomes (D). At 16 h after hCG, the alignments of chromosomes are almost the same as that of 12 h after hCG injection. At 20 h after hCG, the most common alignment of chromosomes was scattered in a small group. The alignment of chromosomes of most oocytes was splitting at 24 and 28 h after hCG injection. Thus the oocytes with the chromosome alignment of A or B can be fertilized and developed into the blastocyst stage. The alignment of A and B lasts only about 8 h after ovulation, and the time was extremely restricted for oocytes to develop normally.

Midline malignant B-cell lymphoma with leukemic transformation

This article presents a case of lethal midline granuloma on the palate of a 44-year-old woman, which had been identified histologically as B-cell lymphoma with leukemic transformation in the terminal stages. At the first visit, physical and laboratory examinations showed no remarkable findings except for a necrotizing ulcer of the palate, and the biopsy specimens only showed massive inflammatory cell infiltration and necrosis of the granulation tissue. There was a short-term resolution after treatment with cyclophosphamide and prednisolone, but the disease reactivated and the necrotic ulcerative lesion progressively advanced into the nasal cavity. Specimens from the third biopsy exhibited histologic features that were consistent with malignant lymphoma of the diffuse, mixed B-cell type. Chemotherapy with the regimen of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone was adopted but was interrupted after a short time because of bone marrow suppression. Subsequently, large numbers of enlarged abnormal lymphocytes with a few vacuoles in the cytoplasm appeared in the circulating blood, indicating leukemic transformation of the midline lymphoma. The patient died on the seventh day after the initiation of chemotherapy. In the presentation of this case, the authors mention clinically important matters regarding midline lethal lymphoma and briefly discuss the pathophysiology and pathogenesis.

Factors promoting embryo implantation in in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer

The low implantation rate after embryo transfer (ET) is the most important problem to be solved in in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET). Various factors which may affect embryo implantation in the endometrium have been examined. In this study, the influence of the timing of luteinization on the establishment of pregnancy was investigated. Follicle stimulation was performed by luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist, human menopausal gonadotropin and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). hCG was injected on the day when the mean diameter of two follicles exceeded 16 mm, and 36 h after the injection the oocyte was retrieved. Progesterone (P4) supplement was started on the day of ovum retrieval (50 mg), followed by 30 mg for 14 days. The patients were divided into three groups: (1) the pregnant patients (n = 20: group Pre); (2) the nonpregnant patients without bleeding during P4 injection (n = 35; group N), and (3) the nonpregnant patients with bleeding during P4 injection (n = 30; group B). The number of follicles that developed, endometrial thickness, the day of operation, the number of oocytes harvested, the number of good quality oocytes, the number of oocytes fertilized, the number of embryos transferred, estradiol (E2) and P4 levels, and the E2/P4 ratio were examined. The endometrial thickness of group Pre (10.9 +/- 0.6 mm; mean +/- SEM) on the day of hCG injection was significantly (p less than 0.05) greater than that of groups N (9.0 +/- 0.4 mm) and B (9.2 +/- 0.3 mm).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Decreased natural killer cell activity in women with endometriosis

Natural killer (NK) cell activity is characterized by the spontaneous capacity of lymphoid cells derived from nonimmunized hosts to recognize and lyse certain tumor cell lines, virus-infected cells and transplanted tumor cell lines. Endometriosis is characterized by implantation and proliferation of autologous ectopic tissue in the pelvic cavity. Therefore, we focused on examining NK cell activity in women with endometriosis. NK cell activity in peripheral blood from women with endometriosis was lower than in women without endometriosis. On the basis of this finding, we analyzed also the effect of peripheral sera of women with endometriosis on NK cell activity. In the presence of peripheral sera of women with endometriosis, NK cell activity was significantly suppressed as compared with the sera of women without endometriosis. The suppressive effect of sera of women with endometriosis on NK cell activity showed dose-dependent curves. These studies provide the speculation that natural immunity mediated by NK cells may modulate the development of endometrial implants.

Immunoelectron microscopic identification of asialo GM1-positive cells in adult rat liver

For the electron microscopic identification of asialo GM1-positive cells, fresh-frozen sections fixed with cold acetone and PLP-fixed vibratome sections of adult rat livers were prepared immunocytochemically using the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method. Asialo GM1-positive cells were located mainly in the sinusoids, and rarely in Glisson's sheath and portal veins. In the sinusoids, most pit cells, showing the ultrastructural characteristics of large granular lymphocytes (LGL), were positive for asialo GM1 but a few pit cells were asialo GM1-negative. There were several, morphological differences between asialo GM1-positive and -negative pit cells. The asialo GM1-negative pit cells were smaller and had less-developed cell organelles and fewer dense granules, suggesting a more immature stage of development. Almost all the monocytes, segmented neutrophils and eosinophils, and small or large lymphocytes in the sinusoids also showed positive reaction for asialo GM1. In Glisson's sheath, in addition to pit cells and lymphocytes, mast cells were also positive for asialo GM1. In contrast, fixed cells such as liver parenchymal cells, endothelial cells, Kupffer cells and Ito cells within the liver lobules, as well as biliary epithelial cells, smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells and pericytes in Glisson's sheath were all negative for asialo GM1. Thus, cell surface asialo GM1 expression is not specific for pit cells (LGL) in the rat liver.

Effects of clomiphene citrate on serum hormone levels and endometrial thickness in an in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer program

Hormonal alterations and pregnancy rates were compared between the clomiphene citrate (CC)-hMG combination cycle and the hMG cycle alone in an in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer program. In the CC-hMG cycle, the numbers of follicles developed, oocytes recovered and embryos transferred were higher than those in the hMG cycle (p less than 0.01, p less than 0.01 and p less than 0.05, respectively). Pregnancy rates of the CC-hMG cycle (6.7%/operation, 7.1%/embryo transfer), however, were lower than those of the hMG cycle (25%/operation, 31.6%/embryo transfer). PRL levels in the hMG cycle increased according to estradiol levels. In the CC-hMG cycle, CC might inhibit estradiol-induced hyperprolactinemia and the increase was lower even if the estradiol level was much higher than that of the hMG cycle until day 2. On day 4, the PRL level in the CC-hMG cycle further increased. The thickness of endometrium on day -2 in the hMG cycle alone was much thicker than that in the CC-hMG cycle (9.8 +/- 0.4 vs. 6.8 +/- 0.4 mm, mean +/- SEM).

Embryonic heart rates: development in early first trimester and clinical evaluation

One hundred and forty-three women in the early first trimester of gestation were examined 364 times using transvaginal sonography, and the development of embryonic heart rate was studied. In each case gestational age was revised retrospectively by either recorded basal body temperature or ultrasound crown-rump length dating between 9 and 10 weeks. Embryonic cardiac activity could be detected as early as 37 days of gestation. In 133 continuing pregnancies, embryonic heart rate rose from an average of 97.7 beats per min at 36-38 days to 174.7 beats per min at 60-62 days. A significant correlation was seen between gestational age and embryonic heart rate (p less than 0.001). The regression equation for heart rate was as follows: heart rate = 3.850 x gestational age (days) -54.64 (r = 0.908, n = 347), in short, embryonic heart rate continued to rise about 4 beats per min every day until 8 weeks of gestation. In this series, 10 pregnancies resulted in spontaneous abortion in the first trimester, and all of them showed relative bradycardia. Embryonic heart rate measurements in 8 of them were below the 95% prediction intervals for normal heart rate plotted against gestational age. This study suggests that embryonic heart rate measurement by ultrasound may be a new method for dating early first trimester, and that first trimester bradycardia may be associated with a poor prognosis for the pregnancy.

Distribution pattern of acridine orange chromatin interaction products in rat glioma C6 cells at different phases of the cell cycle

The purpose of the present study was to examine the distribution pattern of electron-dense acridine orange (AO) chromatin interaction products in rat glioma C6 cells at different phases of the cell cycle. For synchronization in the early S-phase the cells in logarithmic growth were treated with 3 micrograms/ml aphidicolin, a specific inhibitor of DNA polymerase alpha and then cultured in normal medium. For synchronization in the M-phase the cells cultured with aphidicolin and then returned to normal medium were treated with 0.05 micrograms/ml colcemid. Histoautoradiographic analysis of the C6 cells using the pulse chase method demonstrated approximately 16 h of cell cycle time and about 6.5 h of S-phase. Ultracytochemically, AO chromatin interaction products were found in all phases of the cell cycle except for the mitotic phase, namely in G1, S, and G2. The highest percentage of AO chromatin interaction products was observed in the early S-phase and the lowest in the G2 phase. The mean number of AO chromatin interaction products per nuclear area increased in the course of S-phase parallel with an increase of 3H-uridine uptake during the S-phase. The results show a characteristic distribution pattern of AO label specific for each of the four stages of the cell cycle, however, the significance of the coincident RNA synthetic activity remains to be elucidated.

Turner's syndrome--review of the literature with reference to a successful pregnancy outcome

A 30-year-old Japanese female with Turner's syndrome had become pregnant and delivered a normal male infant by cesarean section. Her menarche was at age 14, and secondary sex characteristics developed normally. She had some features of Turner's syndrome, and cytogenetic studies from peripheral blood lymphocytes and several tissues revealed only 45,XO karyotype without evidence of mosaicism. To our knowledge, she is only the thirteenth case of monosomy X to achieve pregnancy. A review of the literature indicates a high incidence of fetal wastage and increased chromosomal errors in the offspring of women with a 45,XO cell line with or without mosaicism.

Involvement of prolactin in the control of follicular maturation

This study was designed to explore the role of prolactin (PRL) in the modulation of follicular growth and steroidogenesis. An ovarian perifusion technique was used to determine the effect of PRL on steroid production by ovarian tissue. Immature female rats were injected with 5 IU pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin to induce follicular maturation. After 40 h rats were killed, ovaries removed, and follicles dissected out. Follicles were divided into two groups (small, less than or equal to 4 mm; large, greater than or equal to 5 mm in diameter), cut into fine fragments, and perifused for 6 in the presence or absence of ovine PRL (100 or 1,000 ng/ml). In the group of small follicles, either of the PRL doses reduced the ability of follicular tissues to convert androgen to estrogen. HCG-induced production of progesterone by small follicles was also suppressed by higher doses of PRL. On the other hand, in the group of large follicles, PRL showed no effects on the aromatization and progesterone release by the follicular fragments. These results suggest that the small immature follicle is more sensitive to the inhibitory action of PRL on steroidogenesis and folliculogenesis. Thus it is possible that PRL may have a modulatory role in follicular growth and maturation and, consequently, in the selection of ovulatory follicle.

[Combination chemotherapy of ovarian cancer with cisplatinum, aclarubicin and tegafur]

Two hundred fifty-nine patients with ovarian cancers were treated with the combination of CDDP, aclarubicin and tegafur. Ninety-seven of them had macroscopic diseases during the combination chemotherapy, and the overall anti-tumor response rate (CR + PR) for these patients was 54.6%. It was 60.0% for the 80 cases with epithelial ovarian cancer among them. The median survival time for the antitumor responders was 18 months, against 7 months for the non-responders and 18 months for 103 patients with advanced ovarian cancer (stage III-IV).

The development of porcine zona pellucida using monoclonal antibodies: I. Immunochemistry and light microscopy

We established three monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) against the zonae pellucidae (ZP) of porcine oocytes, named STA-1, STA-2, and STA-3, and eventually we determined that they all reacted with the isolated ZP. Based on Western blotting without 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME), STA-1 reacted with the 80,000-110,000 Mr component, STA-2 with the 42,000-63,000 Mr component, and STA-3 with the 40,000-80,000 Mr component of ZP. We immunohistochemically specified the components of porcine ZP reactive with the three Mabs during the course of follicular development. Each Mab reacted with both the ZP and the interfollicular cell space (IFCS). One ZP component, reactive with STA-2 and STA-3, was first produced in the primordial follicle and was not found at the cumulus follicle stage, which corresponds to the stage of large antral follicles more than 5 mm in diameter. Another ZP component, reactive with STA-1, was not produced until the secondary follicle stage, and was never found at the antral follicle stage. These results suggest that each ZP component is produced and secreted at a specific stage or stages of folliculogenesis.

The development of porcine zona pellucida using monoclonal antibodies: II. Electron microscopy

Following our previous study on the immunohistochemistry of porcine zonae pellucidae (ZP), we undertook the present study to localize the components of the ZP with immunoelectron microscopy, using three types of anti-porcine-ZP monoclonal antibodies (Mabs), named STA-1, STA-2, and STA-3. Some organelles of the oocyte were seen to react with STA-2 and STA-3 prior to ZP formation. As soon as a follicle began to mature, STA-2 and STA-3 reacted with the perinuclear space and the endoplasmic reticular membrane of the oocyte. The follicle first reacted with STA-1 at the secondary follicle stage. At this stage, the positive reaction involved the follicular cell layer as well as the oocyte and ZP. Positive reaction was scattered within and limited to the interfollicular cell space and was never found in the cytoplasm of follicular cells. At the antral follicle stage, the oocyte was surrounded by a thick, electron-dense ZP. A strong reaction was observed in the outer layer, but no significant reaction occurred in the inner layer. The convex and ragged outer margin of the ZP was characterized by the strongest reaction.

The measurement of hyaluronidase activity in human spermatozoa by substrate slide assay and its clinical application

Acrosomal hyaluronidase activity of individual sperm can be detected by a halo formation around the sperm head on hyaluronic acid substrate slides. The following results were obtained by this method in clinical practice. A significant correlation was found between hyaluronidase activity and sperm concentration in male infertility. Hyaluronidase activity increased as the concentration of sperm increased, and the least hyaluronidase activity was determined at less than 10 X 10(6)/ml. The group with more than 40% motility had a higher hyaluronidase activity than other groups with poor motility. Although there was no significant correlation between hyaluronidase and cumulus dispersion and fertilization rates in immature oocytes, there was an excellent correlation in mature oocytes in human in vitro fertilization. These findings suggest that a newly developed assay will be useful for evaluating sperm fertilizing capacity.

Further evidence that prolactin controls the prepubertal sexual development in the female rat

To assess the role of prolactin (PRL) in the puberty onset and the ovarian aromatase activity, hyper- and hypoprolactinemic conditions were induced by treating chronically prepubertal female rats with PRL and bromocriptine, respectively. Injection of rat PRL (5 micrograms, twice daily) from day 20 onward advanced the day of vaginal opening. By contrast, the suppression of PRL release by bromocriptine, which was provided in the drinking water at a concentration of 40 micrograms/ml, caused a significant delay in the age of occurrence of vaginal opening. This bromocriptine-induced delayed puberty was prevented by the concomitant administration of exogenous PRL, suggesting that the effect of bromocriptine is exerted through its suppressive effect on the endogenous PRL release. The in vitro release of estradiol by the ovaries from 30-day-old rats treated with PRL was found to be higher than that from the control animals, when the ovaries were perifused for 6 h with an excess of androstenedione. On the other hand, the ovaries perifused in the presence of androgen produced less estradiol in the bromocriptine-treated rats than in their controls. It appears, therefore, that PRL is more likely related to the aromatase activity in the maturing ovary. These results suggest that PRL may be one of the factors that regulate the timing of puberty onset by influencing the aromatase activity in the ovary.

45,XO/46,X,dic(Yq) mosaicism in Turner's phenotype with endodermal sinus tumor of the ovary

A case of a endodermal sinus tumor of the ovary in a patient with 45,XO/46,X,dic(Y) mosaicism is reported because of the rarity of the karyotype and condition. A 15-year-old girl was admitted to Yamagata University Hospital because of constipation for several days. Physical examination showed webbing of the neck, cubitus valgus and short stature. Her abdomen was bulging. Chromosomal analysis showed 45,XO/46,X,dic(Yq) mosaicism in karyotype. alpha-Fetoprotein and CA-125 in the serum were high. A left ovarian tumor was found by laparotomy; however, the right ovary was a streak gonad and the uterus was hypoplastic. An endodermal sinus tumor was diagnosed by a pathologist. After operation, cisplatin-vinblastin-bleomycin chemotherapy was instituted and the tumor marker went down. This patient is still healthy and under observation at the outpatient clinic.

Estrogen-binding protein in blood and follicular fluid, and its biochemical properties in human females

Testosterone-estradiol binding globulin (TeBG) has been known to have specific binding to estradiol (E2) in blood, however an unknown binding protein having higher affinity to E2 than TeBG is thought to exist in blood. Therefore blood serum and follicular fluid were collected in normal females. Ammonium sulfate precipitation showed different maximum bound ratio between E2BP and TeBG. Concanavalin A (Con-A) Sepharose adsorption analysis showed that the Con-A-bound phase demonstrated estradiol-binding protein (E2BP). Isoelectric focusing showed TeBG in pH 4.9 and E2BP in pH 3.9. The substance giving the peak at pH 3.9 has a high affinity to dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and E2, but the substance with peak at pH 4.9 shows a high affinity to 5-dihydrotestosterone and testosterone. E2BP changed concomitantly with total E2 in blood in the menstrual cycle, but in follicular fluid E2BP was found only in small amounts. It consisted of two components, one protein with low affinity binding and the other with high affinity binding. These results suggest that E2BP exists as a specifically bound fraction to E2, while TeBG, as a nonspecifically bound fraction to E2, is not directly involved in the E2-related biological function.

Inhibition of in vitro fertilization by a monoclonal antibody reacting with the zona pellucida of the oviductal egg but not with that of the ovarian egg of the golden hamster

A glycoprotein designated ZP-0 is secreted from the epithelial cells of the oviduct and is bound to the zonae pellucidae (ZPe) of the oviductal eggs. We have previously established a monoclonal antibody reacting with ZP-0, termed AZPO-8. In the present study, we have examined the effect of AZPO-8 on in vitro fertilization in the hamster. Treatment of the oviductal eggs with AZPO-8 at concentrations of more than 100 micrograms/ml resulted in: (1) the formation of "zona precipitation" on the outer region of the ZP; (2) inhibition of sperm binding to ZP; (3) the acquisition of resistance to protease treatment. Fertilization was inhibited by AZPO-8 in a dose-dependent manner. These results indicate that a monoclonal antibody (MoAb) to an additional component of ZP derived from the oviduct shows an inhibitory effect on fertilization in vitro.

Skeletal muscle blood flow, metabolism and morphology in chronic congestive heart failure and effects of short- and long-term angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition

Blood flow to skeletal muscle during exercise is limited in patients with chronic congestive heart failure compared with normal persons. This may, in part, be attributed to the inability of the vessels to dilate adequately. In addition, an abnormal skeletal muscle metabolism with oxidative capacity can be demonstrated in patients with chronic congestive heart failure. The latter may partially explain why vasodilators and inotropes that improve central hemodynamics, global leg perfusion or skeletal muscle blood flow during exercise do not increase oxygen uptake by working muscle after acute drug administration. Furthermore, increases in blood flow to skeletal muscle may be redistributed to inactive or less oxygen-dependent muscle fibers. Although acute angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition usually neither exerts substantial improvement in exercise hemodynamics nor interferes with leg perfusion during exercise, skeletal muscle blood flow and oxygen uptake gradually increases with long-term angiotensin-converting enzyme therapy, leading to improved systemic oxygen consumption and exercise tolerance. Several factors, such as reduction in plasma and vascular angiotensin II and sympathetic nervous activity, increased prostaglandin levels and renal function may contribute to this beneficial long-term effect.

A monoclonal antibody reacting with the zona pellucida of the oviductal egg but not with that of the ovarian egg of the golden hamster

A monoclonal antibody (mAb) designated AZPO-8 was produced by hybridizing a mouse myeloma with spleen cells from BALB/c mice immunized with materials obtained from the hamster oviduct. With an immunofluorescence test, AZPO-8 reacted with the zona pellucida (ZP) of ovulated eggs in the oviduct (ZP-OVI) but not with the zona pellucida of eggs in the ovary (ZP-OVA). Using indirect enzyme immunostaining, this mAb reacted with epithelial cells of the oviduct, the uterus (especially the cervical epithelium) and the gastric mucosa, but not with other hamster tissues examined. The reactivity of antigen-positive tissues was abrogated by pretreatment of the tissues with periodic acid. Western blotting analysis revealed that AZPO-8 reacted with substances of broad molecular weight range, and the strongest reactivity was detected at a molecular weight of approximately 200,000 in both cases when extract of ZP-OVI or the hamster oviduct was applied on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) gel. AZPO-8 showed strong hemagglutination activity only to group A human red blood cells. These results indicated that (1) ZP-OVI had an antigen that was not detected on ZP-OVA, (2) ZP-OVI and the oviduct shared the same antigenicity, and (3) the antigenic determinant reactive with the mAb might be carbohydrate in nature. A possible role of this antigen in fertilization was discussed.

Correlation between the follicular gonadotropin inhibitor and the maturity of the ovum-corona-cumulus complex

We assessed the correlation between the maturity of the ovum-corona-cumulus complex, the gonadotropin inhibitor in follicular fluids (FFs), and culture media derived from the granulosa cells of these follicles. FFs were obtained from patients (n = 20) stimulated with clomiphene citrate and human chorionic gonadotropin. The percentages of the inhibition of the ovarian weight augmentation (71.5% +/- 4.4%) and the number of ova (91.3% +/- 3.7%) in the mice given injections of FF from follicles containing mature ova and pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMS) were markedly greater when compared with those given FF from follicles containing immature ova and PMS (weight, 33.7% +/- 6.4%; ova, 60.8% +/- 5.8%). The immature granulosa cell culture media of days 4 to 6 and the mature cell media of days 1 to 3 greatly inhibited ovarian responses to gonadotropin (percent inhibition, immature, weight, 27.2% +/- 6.7%, ova, 48.1% +/- 13.2%; mature, weight, 42.9% +/- 9.2%, ova, 37.4% +/- 7.3%). It appears that mature follicles contain more gonadotropin inhibitor than immature follicles, that mature granulosa cells secrete the inhibitor more during days 1 to 3 of the culture than during days 4 to 6, and that immature cells secrete more during days 4 to 6 than during days 1 to 3.

Effects of methylnitrosourea on visualization of acridine orange binding to DNA in mouse lymphoma L-1210 cells

The purpose of this study is to examine effects of methylnitrosourea (MNU) on electron microscopic visualization of acridine orange (AO) binding to DNA in mouse lymphoma L-1210 cells and to demonstrate alteration of the euchromatin/heterochromatin ratio by morphometry. [3H] uridine uptake into RNA molecule is inhibited and percentage of AO positive cells is decreased to approximately 20% of that of the untreated control cells by treatment of the lymphoma cells with MNU. When the MNU-treated cells are cultured in the presence of 3-amino-benzamide, a specific inhibitor of poly(ADP-ribose) synthetase, the depression in RNA synthesis is prevented, and percentage of AO positive cells as well as numbers of AO chromatin interaction products per single cell nucleus are also completely recovered as compared to those in the untreated cells. In the MNU-treated cells the decreased number of AO positive cells coincides with a reduced [3H] uridine uptake as well as with a lowered euchromatin/heterochromatin ratio. The results suggest that visualization of AO chromatin interaction products in the proliferating cells is related not only to RNA synthesis in the cells, but also to the euchromatin/heterochromatin ratio.

Effects of actinomycin D on localization of acridine orange chromatin interaction complex in rat astrocytoma C6 cells

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of actinomycin D on localization of acridine orange (AO) binding to DNA in rat astrocytoma C6 cells and to discuss briefly the significance of AO chromatin interaction products. Actinomycin D markedly inhibited 3H-uridine incorporation into RNA and the percentage of AO positive cells was reduced to approximately 40% of that of the untreated control cells, whereas no distinct decrease of 3H-thymidine incorporation was induced by actinomycin D. Electron microscopic radioautography combined with the AO ultracytochemistry revealed that silver grains indicating binding of 3H-actinomycin D are located mostly over the euchromatin portion near the segregated nucleolus and heterochromatin and that no or only a few AO chromatin complex was found in nuclei labeled heavily with 3H-actinomycin D. These results of the present study together with the results of the previous studies seem to indicate that AO might selectively bind to active or derepressed DNA template sites for DNA dependent RNA polymerase in the euchromatin portion of the cell nucleus.

Rapid immunochemical assay of pregnanediol-3-glucuronide in urine and its clinical application

A rapid and simple technique for assessing ovulation and luteal function is needed in clinical practice. A sensitive immunoassay kit is presented here for clinical use. An immunoassay of pregnanediol-3-glucuronide (Pd-3G) in urine was established. The sensitivity of this assay was 0.4 mg/l of Pd-3G. The standard error range of the recovery test was within 0.8 mg/l, and the coefficients of variation of within-run and day-to-day precision test were within 4%. Cross reactions of various steroids were observed in free pregnanediol, pregnanetriol and progesterone, but their reactivity exhibited less than 4%. The Pd-3G/creatinine (mg/g) ratio was demonstrated as nearly constant over a 24-hour period. A significant rise of Pd-3G coincided with a luteinizing hormone surge and continued during the luteal phase in the ovulatory menstrual cycle. In an anovulatory cycle, Pd-3G was found to be under 4 mg/g creatinine. This Pd-3G direct-assay method could be widely used in infertility clinics.

[An immunochemical assay of pregnanediol 3-glucuronide in urine and its variation in the peri-ovulatory period]

A rapid, simple and sensitive immunochemical assay of pregnanediol 3-glucuronide (Pd-3G) in urine was established. The standard error range of the recovery test was within 0.8 microgram/ml, and the coefficient variation of the within run and day to day precision tests were within 4%. Cross reactivity of various steroids exhibited less than 4%. A significant rise of Pd-3G (mg)/creatinine (g) coincided with the LH surge and continued during the luteal phase in the ovulatory menstrual cycle. In an anovulatory cycle, Pd-3G was found to be under 4 mg/g. This Pd-3G direct assay method could be widely used for assessing ovulation and luteal function.

Effects of aphidicolin and alpha-amanitin on visualization of acridine orange binding to DNA in rat astrocytoma C6 cells

The purpose of this study was to examine effects of aphidicolin and alpha-amanitin on visualization of acridine orange (AO) binding to DNA in rat astrocytoma C6 cells and to discuss briefly the significance of AO chromatin interaction products. Aphidicolin inhibited DNA synthesis but percentage of AO positive cells was approximately 60% of that of the untreated control cells. alpha-Amanitin caused a slight inhibition of RNA synthesis and 3H-uridine incorporation in the treated cells was about 64% of that of the untreated cells, whereas a distinct decrease of the number of AO positive cell nuclei was observed. The results suggest that activity of RNA polymerase II and mRNA synthesis is mainly concerned in visualization of AO chromatin interaction products.

Electron microscopic localization of acridine orange binding to DNA within rat astrocytoma C6 cells

Combination of autoradiography and ultracytochemical acridine orange method in rat astrocytoma C6 cells is described. Electron microscopic examination revealed that AO binds to DNA exclusively within the euchromatin portion of the cell nucleus. X-ray microanalysis showed that AO reaction products contain lead, uranium, and osmium. These heavy metals seem to contribute to electron density of the AO reaction products. The percentage of AO positive cells was 51.8 +/- 1.9%, whereas average labeling index of C6 cells incubated with 3H-thymidine for 30 minutes was 25.6 +/- 1.7%. About 82% of 3H-thymidine-labeled cell nuclei were AO positive and the remaining 18% were free of AO reaction products. On the other hand, about 27% of AO positive cells were not labeled with 3H-thymidine. However, most of C6 cell nuclei with active 3H-uridine incorporation showed AO chromatin reaction products. The results suggest that visualization of AO chromatin reaction products might be related to RNA synthesis rather than DNA synthesis in the cell nuclei.

Electron microscopic localization of acridine orange binding to DNA within various human brain tumor cells

The ultracytochemical acridine orange (AO) method has been employed to demonstrate DNA template activity within untreated human brain tumors. A total of 16 biopsies from brain tumors removed for frozen section examination were investigated. Ultrastructural examination revealed that AO binds to DNA exclusively within the extended euchromatin portion of the cell nucleus of brain tumors. The percentage of AO positive cells varied from 6.0 to 48.6% in various types of brain tumors. A few AO reaction products were visible in the nuclei of the endothelial cells and in the pericytes of the capillaries within neoplastic tissue. The present results suggested that untreated human brain tumors exhibit de-repression of DNA template normally repressed in the adult state. This altered DNA templates may be related to abnormal cell proliferation and differentiation diverted from the normal state.

Distribution pattern of DNA template activity in the developing cerebellar cortex in rats and its alteration after transplacental administration of ethylnitrosourea

The ultracytochemical acridine orange(AO) method has been employed to demonstrate DNA template activity in the developing cerebellar cortex in rats and its alteration after transplacental administration of ethylnitrosourea (ENU). Electron microscopic studies revealed that AO binds to DNA exclusively within the active extended euchromatin portion of the cell nucleus of the proliferating external granular layer. No or only a few AO reaction products were visible in the non-proliferating cell nuclei of the internal granular layer and of Purkinje cells. With increasing cellular differentiation of granule cells in the cerebellar cortex the number of AO positive cells as well as the number of AO reaction products per cell showed a progressive decrease. A single i.p. injection of 50 mg/kg of ENU in rats on day 15 to 21 of gestation resulted in occasional cell damage to the proliferating external granule cells of developing cerebellar cortex at 4 and 7 days after birth. Damaged cells of the external granular layer were found to have no or only a small number of AO reaction products in their nuclei. In further development from 14 to 28 days the cerebellar cortex of offspring from ENU-treated mother showed no abnormality and exhibited no definite alteration in distribution pattern of AO reaction products.

Maturation of negative and positive estrogen feedback in the prepubertal female rat

The development of estrogen feedback system on gonadotropin release during sexual maturation in female rats was studied. Animals (Wistar strain rats) were divided into 6 groups according to their ages; 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 days. Both LH and FSH levels in serum increased significantly in response to ovariectomy in all age-groups studied when measured one week postoperatively, though in the rats aged 10-15 days the increase in FSH following castration was only slight. In rats older than 25 days, the postcastration gonadotropin rise, calculated as a percent increase from the basal figure, decreased gradually with increasing age. Ovariectomized rats injected with estradiol benzoate (EB, 5 micrograms/100 g BW) showed significantly lower levels of both LH and FSH than those in castrated controls. However, the inhibitory action of EB on postcastration gonadotropin output was found to be relatively less effective in rats older than 25 days. Ovariectomized rats primed with EB were again injected with a 2nd dose of EB (5 micrograms/100 g BW) at noon 3 days after priming. The 2nd EB injection induced a significant rise in LH 6 h later in 30- and 35-day-old, though not in younger, animals. On the other hand, the FSH response to EB was markedly enhanced during days 15-25 of age. These results indicate that the estrogen negative feedback action on gonadotropin release is already operating in female rats at a very early age, and that the brain sensitivity to estrogen decreases slightly during the late prepubertal phase.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)