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Meakin AS, Cuffe JSM, Darby JRT, Morrison JL, Clifton VL. Let's Talk about Placental Sex, Baby: Understanding Mechanisms That Drive Female- and Male-Specific Fetal Growth and Developmental Outcomes. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:6386. [PMID: 34203717 PMCID: PMC8232290 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well understood that sex differences exist between females and males even before they are born. These sex-dependent differences may contribute to altered growth and developmental outcomes for the fetus. Based on our initial observations in the human placenta, we hypothesised that the male prioritises growth pathways in order to maximise growth through to adulthood, thereby ensuring the greatest chance of reproductive success. However, this male-specific "evolutionary advantage" likely contributes to males being less adaptable to shifts in the in-utero environment, which then places them at a greater risk for intrauterine morbidities or mortality. Comparatively, females are more adaptable to changes in the in-utero environment at the cost of growth, which may reduce their risk of poor perinatal outcomes. The mechanisms that drive these sex-specific adaptations to a change in the in-utero environment remain unclear, but an increasing body of evidence within the field of developmental biology would suggest that alterations to placental function, as well as the feto-placental hormonal milieu, is an important contributing factor. Herein, we have addressed the current knowledge regarding sex-specific intrauterine growth differences and have examined how certain pregnancy complications may alter these female- and male-specific adaptations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley S. Meakin
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; (A.S.M.); (J.R.T.D.); (J.L.M.)
| | - James S. M. Cuffe
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Jack R. T. Darby
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; (A.S.M.); (J.R.T.D.); (J.L.M.)
| | - Janna L. Morrison
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; (A.S.M.); (J.R.T.D.); (J.L.M.)
| | - Vicki L. Clifton
- Mater Medical Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
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Silasi M, You Y, Simpson S, Kaislasuo J, Pal L, Guller S, Peng G, Ramhorst R, Grasso E, Etemad S, Durosier S, Aldo P, Mor G. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin modulates CXCL10 Expression through Histone Methylation in human decidua. Sci Rep 2020; 10:5785. [PMID: 32238853 PMCID: PMC7113245 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62593-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The process of implantation, trophoblast invasion and placentation demand continuous adaptation and modifications between the trophoblast (embryonic) and the decidua (maternal). Within the decidua, the maternal immune system undergoes continued changes, as the pregnancy progress, in terms of the cell population, phenotype and production of immune factors, cytokines and chemokines. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is one of the earliest hormones produced by the blastocyst and has potent immune modulatory effects, especially in relation to T cells. We hypothesized that trophoblast-derived hCG modulates the immune population present at the maternal fetal interface by modifying the cytokine profile produced by the stromal/decidual cells. Using in vitro models from decidual samples we demonstrate that hCG inhibits CXCL10 expression by inducing H3K27me3 histone methylation, which binds to Region 4 of the CXCL10 promoter, thereby suppressing its expression. hCG-induced histone methylation is mediated through EZH2, a functional member of the PRC2 complex. Regulation of CXCL10 expression has a major impact on the capacity of endometrial stromal cells to recruit CD8 cells. We demonstrate the existence of a cross talk between the placenta (hCG) and the decidua (CXCL10) in the control of immune cell recruitment. Alterations in this immune regulatory function, such as during infection, will have detrimental effects on the success of the pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Silasi
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yuan You
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, New Haven, CT, USA
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Samantha Simpson
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Janina Kaislasuo
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and the Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Lubna Pal
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Seth Guller
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Gang Peng
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Rosanna Ramhorst
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, University of Buenos Aires School of Sciences, IQUIBICEN-CONICET (National Research Council), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Esteban Grasso
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, University of Buenos Aires School of Sciences, IQUIBICEN-CONICET (National Research Council), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Shervin Etemad
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sandy Durosier
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Paulomi Aldo
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Gil Mor
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, New Haven, CT, USA.
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.
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Wang Y, Ge F, Li X, Ni C, Wu K, Zheng W, Chen Y, Lian Q, Ge RS. Propofol Inhibits Androgen Production in Rat Immature Leydig Cells. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:760. [PMID: 31333471 PMCID: PMC6624235 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Propofol is a widely used anesthetic. Whether propofol inhibits androgen production by rat Leydig cells and the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The objective of the current study was to examine the effects of propofol exposure to rat primary immature Leydig cells and to define propofol-induced inhibition of steroidogenic enzymes in both rat and human testes in vitro. Methods: Immature Leydig cells were purified from 35-day-old male Sprague–Dawley rats and were exposed to propofol for 3 h. The androgen production by Leydig cells under basal, luteinizing hormone, 8bromo-cAMP, and steroid-substrate stimulated conditions and gene expression of Leydig cells after exposure to propofol were measured. Immature Leydig cells were treated with propofol for 3 h and switched to propofol-free medium for additional 3 and 9 h to test whether propofol-induced inhibition is reversible. 3H-Steroids were used to evaluate the direct action of propofol on cytochrome P450 cholesterol side chain cleavage (CYP11A1), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD3B), cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (CYP17A1), and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 3 (HSD17B3) activities in rat and human testes in vitro. Results: Propofol significantly lowered luteinizing hormone and 8bromo-cAMP stimulated androgen production by Leydig cells after 3-h exposure. Further investigation showed that propofol down-regulated the expression of Cyp11a1 and Cyp17a1 and their proteins at 5 and 50 µM, although it up-regulated Lhcgr expression at 50 µM. Propofol significantly suppressed phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and induced ROS production in immature Leydig cells at 5 and 50 µM. Propofol significantly induced apoptosis of immature Leydig cells at 50 µM. Propofol specifically inhibited rat and human testis HSD3B activities in vitro. The half maximal inhibitory concentrations of propofol for rat and human HSD3B enzymes were 1.011 ± 0.065 and 3.498 ± 0.067 µM, respectively. The mode of action of propofol of inhibiting HSD3B was competitive when pregnenolone was added. At 50 µM, propofol did not directly inhibit rat and human testis CYP11A1, CYP17A1, and HSD17B3 activities in vitro. Conclusion: Propofol inhibits androgen production via both directly inhibiting HSD3B activity and down-regulating Cyp11a1 and Cyp17a1 expression in Leydig cells. Suppression of steroidogenic enzymes is presumably associated with the lower production of androgen by Leydig cells after propofol treatment. However, propofol-induced inhibition on androgen production is reversible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Fei Ge
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaoheng Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chaobo Ni
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Keyang Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wenwen Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Qingquan Lian
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ren-Shan Ge
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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Tapia-Pizarro A, Archiles S, Argandoña F, Valencia C, Zavaleta K, Cecilia Johnson M, González-Ramos R, Devoto L. hCG activates Epac-Erk1/2 signaling regulating Progesterone Receptor expression and function in human endometrial stromal cells. Mol Hum Reprod 2018; 23:393-405. [PMID: 28333280 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gax015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION How does hCG signal in human endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) and what is its role in regulating ESC function? SUMMARY ANSWER hCG signaling in ESCs activates the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (Erk1/2) pathway through exchange protein activated by cyclic AMP (cAMP) (Epac) and transiently increases progesterone receptor (PR) transcript and protein expression and its transcriptional function. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY hCG is one of the earliest embryo-derived secreted signals in the endometrium, which abundantly expresses LH/hCG receptors. hCG signals through cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) in gonadal cells, but in endometrial epithelial cells, hCG induces Erk1/2 activation independent of the cAMP/PKA pathway. Few data exist concerning the signal transduction pathways triggered by hCG in ESCs and their role in regulation of ESC function. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This is an in vitro study comprising patients undergoing benign gynecological surgery (n = 46). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Endometrial samples were collected from normal cycling women during the mid-secretory phase for ESCs isolation. The study conducted in an academic research laboratory within a tertiary-care hospital. The activation of the Erk1/2 signal transduction pathway elicited by hCG was evaluated in ESC. Signaling pathway inhibitors were used to examine the roles of PKA, PI3K, PKC, adenylyl cyclase and Epac on the hCG-stimulated up-regulation of phospho-Erk1/2 (pErk1/2). Erk1/2 phosphorylation was determined by immunoblot. siRNA targeting Epac was used to investigate the molecular mechanisms. To assess the role of Erk1/2 signaling induced by hCG on ESC function, gene expression regulation was examined by immunofluorescence and real-time quantitative PCR. The role of PR on the regulation of transcript levels was studied using progesterone and the PR antagonist RU486. All experiments were conducted using at least three different cell culture preparations in triplicate. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Addition of hCG to ESCs in vitro induced the phosphorylation of Erk1/2 through cAMP accumulation. Such induction could not be blocked by inhibitors for PKA, PKC and PI3K. Epac inhibition and knockdown with siRNA prevented pErk1/2 induction by hCG. ESCs stimulated with hCG for up to 72 h showed a significant increase in PR mRNA and immunofluorescent label at 48 h only; an effect that was abrogated with the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitor UO126. In addition, the hCG-activated Erk1/2 pathway significantly decreased the mRNA levels for secreted frizzled-related protein 4 (SFRP4) at 24 h, whereas it increased those for homeobox A10 (HOXA10) at 48 h (P = 0.041 and P = 0.022 versus control, respectively). Prolactin mRNA levels were not significantly modified. HOXA10 mRNA up-regulation by hCG was not enhanced by co-stimulation with progesterone; however, it was completely abolished in the presence of RU486 (P = 0.036 hCG versus hCG + RU486). LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This is an in vitro study utilizing stromal cell cultures from human endometrial tissues. Furthermore, results obtained should also be confirmed in vivo in the context of the whole human endometrial tissue and hormonal milieu. The in vitro experiments using hCG have been conducted without other hormones/factors that may also modulate the ESCs response to hCG. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS We have determined that hCG induces the PR through the Erk1/2 pathway in ESCs which may render them more sensitive to progesterone, increasing our understanding about the effects of hCG at the embryo-maternal interface. The activation of such a pathway in the context of the hormonal milieu during the window of implantation might contribute to a successful dialog between the embryo and the uterus, leading to appropriate endometrial function. Defective hCG signaling in the endometrial stromal tissue may lead to an incomplete uterine response, compromising embryo implantation and early pregnancy. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the National Fund for Scientific and Technological Development, Government of Chile (FONDECYT) grants 11100443 and 1140614 (A.T.-P.). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Tapia-Pizarro
- Institute of Maternal and Child Research (IDIMI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Av. Sta. Rosa 1234, 2do piso, Santiago 8360160, Chile
| | - Sebastián Archiles
- Institute of Maternal and Child Research (IDIMI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Av. Sta. Rosa 1234, 2do piso, Santiago 8360160, Chile
| | - Felipe Argandoña
- Institute of Maternal and Child Research (IDIMI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Av. Sta. Rosa 1234, 2do piso, Santiago 8360160, Chile
| | - Cecilia Valencia
- Institute of Maternal and Child Research (IDIMI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Av. Sta. Rosa 1234, 2do piso, Santiago 8360160, Chile
| | - Keyla Zavaleta
- Institute of Maternal and Child Research (IDIMI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Av. Sta. Rosa 1234, 2do piso, Santiago 8360160, Chile
| | - M Cecilia Johnson
- Institute of Maternal and Child Research (IDIMI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Av. Sta. Rosa 1234, 2do piso, Santiago 8360160, Chile
| | - Reinaldo González-Ramos
- Institute of Maternal and Child Research (IDIMI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Av. Sta. Rosa 1234, 2do piso, Santiago 8360160, Chile
| | - Luigi Devoto
- Institute of Maternal and Child Research (IDIMI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Av. Sta. Rosa 1234, 2do piso, Santiago 8360160, Chile
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Finley J. Oocyte activation and latent HIV-1 reactivation: AMPK as a common mechanism of action linking the beginnings of life and the potential eradication of HIV-1. Med Hypotheses 2016; 93:34-47. [PMID: 27372854 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2016.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
In all mammalian species studied to date, the initiation of oocyte activation is orchestrated through alterations in intracellular calcium (Ca(2+)) signaling. Upon sperm binding to the oocyte plasma membrane, a sperm-associated phospholipase C (PLC) isoform, PLC zeta (PLCζ), is released into the oocyte cytoplasm. PLCζ hydrolyzes phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) to produce diacylglycerol (DAG), which activates protein kinase C (PKC), and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3), which induces the release of Ca(2+) from endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca(2+) stores. Subsequent Ca(2+) oscillations are generated that drive oocyte activation to completion. Ca(2+) ionophores such as ionomycin have been successfully used to induce artificial human oocyte activation, facilitating fertilization during intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedures. Early studies have also demonstrated that the PKC activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) acts synergistically with Ca(2+) ionophores to induce parthenogenetic activation of mouse oocytes. Interestingly, the Ca(2+)-induced signaling cascade characterizing sperm or chemically-induced oocyte activation, i.e. the "shock and live" approach, bears a striking resemblance to the reactivation of latently infected HIV-1 viral reservoirs via the so called "shock and kill" approach, a method currently being pursued to eradicate HIV-1 from infected individuals. PMA and ionomycin combined, used as positive controls in HIV-1 latency reversal studies, have been shown to be extremely efficient in reactivating latent HIV-1 in CD4(+) memory T cells by inducing T cell activation. Similar to oocyte activation, T cell activation by PMA and ionomycin induces an increase in intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations and activation of DAG, PKC, and downstream Ca(2+)-dependent signaling pathways necessary for proviral transcription. Interestingly, AMPK, a master regulator of cell metabolism that is activated thorough the induction of cellular stress (e.g. increase in Ca(2+) concentration, reactive oxygen species generation, increase in AMP/ATP ratio) is essential for oocyte maturation, T cell activation, and mitochondrial function. In addition to the AMPK kinase LKB1, CaMKK2, a Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent kinase that also activates AMPK, is present in and activated on T cell activation and is also present in mouse oocytes and persists until the zygote and two-cell stages. It is our hypothesis that AMPK activation represents a central node linking T cell activation-induced latent HIV-1 reactivation and both physiological and artificial oocyte activation. We further propose the novel observation that various compounds that have been shown to reactivate latent HIV-1 (e.g. PMA, ionomycin, metformin, bryostatin, resveratrol, etc.) or activate oocytes (PMA, ionomycin, ethanol, puromycin, etc.) either alone or in combination likely do so via stress-induced activation of AMPK.
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So KH, Kodithuwakku SP, Kottawatta KS, Li RH, Chiu PC, Cheung AN, Ng EH, Yeung WS, Lee KF. Human chorionic gonadotropin stimulates spheroid attachment on fallopian tube epithelial cells through the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway and down-regulation of olfactomedin-1. Fertil Steril 2015; 104:474-82. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Revised: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Buckberry S, Bianco-Miotto T, Bent SJ, Dekker GA, Roberts CT. Integrative transcriptome meta-analysis reveals widespread sex-biased gene expression at the human fetal-maternal interface. Mol Hum Reprod 2014; 20:810-9. [PMID: 24867328 PMCID: PMC4106635 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gau035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2014] [Revised: 04/23/2014] [Accepted: 05/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
As males and females share highly similar genomes, the regulation of many sexually dimorphic traits is constrained to occur through sex-biased gene regulation. There is strong evidence that human males and females differ in terms of growth and development in utero and that these divergent growth strategies appear to place males at increased risk when in sub-optimal conditions. Since the placenta is the interface of maternal-fetal exchange throughout pregnancy, these developmental differences are most likely orchestrated by differential placental function. To date, progress in this field has been hampered by a lack of genome-wide information on sex differences in placental gene expression. Therefore, our motivation in this study was to characterize sex-biased gene expression in the human placenta. We obtained gene expression data for >300 non-pathological placenta samples from 11 microarray datasets and applied mapping-based array probe re-annotation and inverse-variance meta-analysis methods which showed that >140 genes (false discovery rate (FDR) <0.05) are differentially expressed between male and female placentae. A majority of these genes (>60%) are autosomal, many of which are involved in high-level regulatory processes such as gene transcription, cell growth and proliferation and hormonal function. Of particular interest, we detected higher female expression from all seven genes in the LHB-CGB cluster, which includes genes involved in placental development, the maintenance of pregnancy and maternal immune tolerance of the conceptus. These results demonstrate that sex-biased gene expression in the normal human placenta occurs across the genome and includes genes that are central to growth, development and the maintenance of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Buckberry
- The Robinson Research Institute, School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
| | - Tina Bianco-Miotto
- The Robinson Research Institute, School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia School of Agriculture Food & Wine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
| | - Stephen J Bent
- The Robinson Research Institute, School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
| | - Gustaaf A Dekker
- The Robinson Research Institute, School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia Lyell McEwin Hospital, Elizabeth Vale, SA 5112, Australia
| | - Claire T Roberts
- The Robinson Research Institute, School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
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Peng WC, de Lau W, Forneris F, Granneman JCM, Huch M, Clevers H, Gros P. Structure of stem cell growth factor R-spondin 1 in complex with the ectodomain of its receptor LGR5. Cell Rep 2014; 3:1885-92. [PMID: 23809763 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2013.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2013] [Accepted: 06/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptors 4-6 (LGR4-LGR6) are receptors for R-spondins, potent Wnt agonists that exert profound trophic effects on Wnt-driven stem cells compartments. We present crystal structures of a signaling-competent fragment of R-spondin 1 (Rspo1) at a resolution of 2.0 Å and its complex with the LGR5 ectodomain at a resolution of 3.2 Å. Ecto-LGR5 binds Rspo1 at its concave leucine-rich-repeat (LRR) surface, forming a dimeric 2:2 complex. Fully conserved residues on LGR4-LGR6 explain promiscuous binding of R-spondins. A phenylalanine clamp formed by Rspo1 Phe106 and Phe110 pinches Ala190 of LGR5 and is critical for binding. Mutations related to congenital anonychia reduce signaling, but not binding of Rspo1 to LGR5. Furthermore, antibody binding to the extended loop of the C-terminal LRR cap of LGR5 activates signaling in a ligand-independent manner. Thus, our data reveal binding of R-spondins to conserved sites on LGR4-LGR6 and, in analogy to FSHR and related receptors, suggest a direct signaling role for LGR4-LGR6 in addition to its formation of Wnt receptor and coreceptor complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weng Chuan Peng
- Crystal and Structural Chemistry, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Brouillet S, Hoffmann P, Chauvet S, Salomon A, Chamboredon S, Sergent F, Benharouga M, Feige JJ, Alfaidy N. Revisiting the role of hCG: new regulation of the angiogenic factor EG-VEGF and its receptors. Cell Mol Life Sci 2012; 69:1537-50. [PMID: 22138749 PMCID: PMC11115148 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-011-0889-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2011] [Revised: 11/02/2011] [Accepted: 11/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Endocrine gland-derived vascular endothelial growth factor (EG-VEGF) is an angiogenic factor reported to be specific for endocrine tissues, including the placenta. Its biological activity is mediated via two G protein-coupled receptors, prokineticin receptor 1 (PROKR1) and prokineticin receptor 2 (PROKR2). We have recently shown that (i) EG-VEGF expression peaks between the 8th and 11th weeks of gestation, (ii) its mRNA and protein levels are up-regulated by hypoxia, (iii) EG-VEGF is a negative regulator of trophoblast invasion and (iv) its circulating levels are increased in preeclampsia (PE), the most threatening pathology of pregnancy. Here, we investigated the regulation of the expression of EG-VEGF and its receptors by hCG, a key pregnancy hormone that is also deregulated in PE. During the first trimester of pregnancy, hCG and EG-VEGF exhibit the same pattern of expression, suggesting that EG-VEGF is potentially regulated by hCG. Both placental explants (PEX) and primary cultures of trophoblasts from the first trimester of pregnancy were used to investigate this hypothesis. Our results show that (i) LHCGR, the hCG receptor, is expressed both in cyto- and syncytiotrophoblasts, (ii) hCG increases EG-VEGF, PROKR1 and PROKR2 mRNA and protein expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner, (iii) hCG increases the release of EG-VEGF from PEX conditioned media, (iv) hCG effects are transcriptional and post-transcriptional and (v) the hCG effects are mediated by cAMP via cAMP response elements present in the EG-VEGF promoter region. Altogether, these results demonstrate a new role for hCG in the regulation of EG-VEGF and its receptors, an emerging regulatory system in placental development.
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MESH Headings
- Base Sequence
- Cells, Cultured
- Chorionic Gonadotropin/metabolism
- Chorionic Gonadotropin/pharmacology
- DNA Primers/genetics
- Female
- Gene Expression/drug effects
- Humans
- In Vitro Techniques
- Models, Biological
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Placenta/drug effects
- Placenta/metabolism
- Placentation
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy Trimester, First
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/genetics
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism
- Receptors, LH/metabolism
- Receptors, Peptide/genetics
- Receptors, Peptide/metabolism
- Trophoblasts/drug effects
- Trophoblasts/metabolism
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, Endocrine-Gland-Derived/genetics
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, Endocrine-Gland-Derived/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- S Brouillet
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 1036, Laboratoire Biologie du Cancer et de l'Infection, Grenoble, France
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Marino GI, Castro-Parodi M, Dietrich V, Damiano AE. High levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) correlate with increased aquaporin-9 (AQP9) expression in explants from human preeclamptic placenta. Reprod Sci 2010; 17:444-53. [PMID: 20220109 DOI: 10.1177/1933719110361385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Trophoblastic abnormalities have a central role in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia, and some placental hormones, such as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), could affect the placental function. Here, we hypothesized that the elevated serum levels of hCG may be involved in the increased aquaporin-9 (AQP9) protein expression in preeclamptic placentas via adenosine 3('),5(')-cyclic phosphate (cAMP) pathways. Normal placental explants were cultured with different concentrations of recombinant hCG or 8-Br-cAMP, a potent analogue of cAMP. We evaluated AQP9 protein expression and localization. After both treatments, we localized AQP9 in the apical membrane of syncytiotrophoblast and in the cytoplasm. We also observed a concentration-dependent effect on AQP9 protein expression. In addition, water uptake increased 1.6-fold in explants treated with hCG. Our results suggest that hCG may increase AQP9 protein expression and functionality via cAMP pathways. Although, in preeclamptic placentas high levels of hCG may upregulate AQP9 protein expression, AQP9 functionality was reduced possibly by other factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela I Marino
- Laboratorio de Canales iónicos-Neurofisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas A. Lanari, Universidad de Buenos Aires-CONICET, Argentina
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Banerjee P, Sapru K, Strakova Z, Fazleabas AT. Chorionic gonadotropin regulates prostaglandin E synthase via a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-extracellular regulatory kinase pathway in a human endometrial epithelial cell line: implications for endometrial responses for embryo implantation. Endocrinology 2009; 150:4326-37. [PMID: 19556419 PMCID: PMC2736085 DOI: 10.1210/en.2009-0394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2009] [Accepted: 06/12/2009] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Successful implantation necessitates modulation of the uterine environment by the embryo for a specific period of time during the menstrual cycle. Infusion of chorionic gonadotropin (CG) into the oviducts of baboons to mimic embryo transit induces a myriad of morphological, biochemical, and molecular changes in the endometrium. Endometrial epithelial cells from both baboons and humans when stimulated by CG in vitro, activates a cAMP-independent MAPK pathway leading to prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) synthesis. This study shows that in the human endometrial cell line, HES, CG, acting via its G-protein coupled receptor, phosphorylates protein kinase B, c-Raf, and ERK1/2 in a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-dependent manner. Furthermore, ERK1/2 phosphorylation is independent of the signaling paradigms of Galpha(s), Galpha(I), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) transactivation, typical of gonadal cells, indicating an alternative signaling pattern in the endometrium. After phosphorylation by CG, ERK1/2 translocates to the nucleus in a time-dependent manner. Downstream of ERK1/2, CG activates the nuclear transcription factor, Elk1, also in a PI3K-MAPK-dependent manner. Lastly, we show that in HES cells, this pathway regulates the expression of the microsomal enzyme PGE(2) synthase (mPTGES), a terminal prostanoid synthase responsible for PGE(2) synthesis. CG regulates the mPTGES promoter and also induces mPTGES synthesis in HES cells via the PI3K-ERK1/2 pathway. We suggest that this alternative PI3K-ERK-Elk pathway activated by CG regulates prostaglandin production by the endometrial epithelium and serves as an early trigger to prepare the endometrium for implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prajna Banerjee
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA
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12
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Maymó JL, Pérez Pérez A, Sánchez-Margalet V, Dueñas JL, Calvo JC, Varone CL. Up-regulation of placental leptin by human chorionic gonadotropin. Endocrinology 2009; 150:304-13. [PMID: 18787032 DOI: 10.1210/en.2008-0522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Leptin, the 16,000 molecular weight protein product of the obese gene, was originally considered as an adipocyte-derived signaling molecule for the central control of metabolism. However, leptin has been suggested to be involved in other functions during pregnancy, particularly in placenta, in which it was found to be expressed. In the present work, we have found that recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) added to BeWo choriocarcinoma cell line showed a stimulatory effect on endogenous leptin expression, when analyzed by Western blot. This effect was time and dose dependent. Maximal effect was achieved at hCG 100 IU/ml. Moreover, hCG treatment enhanced leptin promoter activity up to 12.9 times, evaluated by transient transfection with a plasmid construction containing different promoter regions and the reporter gene luciferase. This effect was dose dependent and evidenced with all the promoter regions analyzed, regardless of length. Similar results were obtained with placental explants, thus indicating physiological relevance. Because hCG signal transduction usually involves cAMP signaling, this pathway was analyzed. Contrarily, we found that dibutyryl cAMP counteracted hCG effect on leptin expression. Furthermore, cotransfection with the catalytic subunit of PKA and/or the transcription factor cAMP response element binding protein repressed leptin expression. Thereafter we determined that hCG effect could be partially blocked by pharmacologic inhibition of MAPK pathway with 50 microM PD98059 but not by the inhibition of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway with 0.1 microm wortmannin. Moreover, hCG treatment promoted MAPK kinase and ERK1/ERK2 phosphorylation in placental cells. Finally, cotransfection with a dominant-negative mutant of MAPK blocked the hCG-mediated activation of leptin expression. In conclusion, we provide some evidence suggesting that hCG induces leptin expression in trophoblastic cells probably involving the MAPK signal transduction pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julieta L Maymó
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidas de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Becker J, Walz A, Daube S, Keck C, Pietrowski D. Distinct responses of human granulosa lutein cells after hCG or LH stimulation in a spheroidal cell culture system. Mol Reprod Dev 2007; 74:1312-6. [PMID: 17290424 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The growth and development of the corpus luteum (CL) is regulated by gonadotropic hormones. It is formed by granulosa cells (GCs), theca cells, and endothelial cells, and is the primary source of circulating progesterone. During early pregnancy only human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) but not luteinizing hormone (LH) extends the life span of the CL, although hCG and LH interact with the same receptor and have similar actions on the CL. In this study a recently by our group established spheroidal GC culture assay served as a model of CL development on which we compared the actions of the gonadotropic hormones LH and hCG. To find out which signal pathways take part in the hormonal regulation of GC we stimulated GC-spheroids with modulators of protein kinases A and C dependent signaling cascades and determined their impact on sprout forming activity in GC. Our results indicate that PKA-dependent signaling pathways play a major role in mediating the hormonal-induced signaling cascades leading to sprouting in GC. Furthermore, this study strongly indicates that the different effects of hCG and LH in the maintenance of the CL may be reasoned in different signal transduction pathways triggered by hCG or LH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Becker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Freiburg Medical School, Freiburg, Germany
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Tashiro H, Katabuchi H, Begum M, Li X, Nitta M, Ohtake H, Okamura H. Roles of luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptor in anchorage-dependent and -independent growth in human ovarian surface epithelial cell lines. Cancer Sci 2003; 94:953-9. [PMID: 14611671 PMCID: PMC11160306 DOI: 10.1111/j.1349-7006.2003.tb01384.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2003] [Revised: 09/18/2003] [Accepted: 09/22/2003] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian carcinomas are thought to arise from cells of ovarian surface epithelium (OSE) covering the free surface of the human ovary. Two immortalized human cell lines, OSE2a (non-tumorigenic) and OSE2b-2 (tumorigenic), were previously established from normal OSE cells of a reproductive-age patient. In the present study, we found that expression of luteinizing hormone (LH)/chorionic gonadotropin (CG) receptor (LH/CGR) is present in OSE2a cells and absent in OSE2b-2 cells. In OSE2a cells, a low concentration (10(3) mIU/ml) of CG enhanced anchorage-dependent growth via up-regulation of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1), whereas a high concentration (10(5) mIU/ml) of CG induced anchorage-independent growth and down-regulation of IGF1 expression. To investigate involvement of other genes in LH/CGR-related tumorigenicity, we compared cDNA expression arrays of OSE2a and OSE2b-2 cells, and found that the following genes had lower expression in OSE2b-2 than in OSE2a: integrin beta 1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM1), and Waf1/Cip1. Subsequent semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction using OSE2a cells showed that expression of integrin beta 1 was down-regulated by a high concentration (10(5) mIU/ml) of CG. These results suggest that LH/CGR affects anchorage-dependent and -independent growth by mediating up- and down-regulation of IGF1 and integrin beta 1. Repetitive and excessive activation of LH/CGR may cause genetic alteration of its signal transduction pathway, resulting in stimulation of growth of OSE cells, initiation of ovarian carcinogenesis, and cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hironori Tashiro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kumamoto University School of Medicine, Kumumoto City, Kumamoto 860-8556
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Srisuparp S, Strakova Z, Brudney A, Mukherjee S, Reierstad S, Hunzicker-Dunn M, Fazleabas AT. Signal transduction pathways activated by chorionic gonadotropin in the primate endometrial epithelial cells. Biol Reprod 2003; 68:457-64. [PMID: 12533408 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.102.007625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful implantation requires synergism between the developing embryo and the receptive endometrium. In the baboon, infusion of chorionic gonadotropin (CG) modulates both morphology and physiology of the epithelial and stromal cells of the receptive endometrium. This study explored the signal transduction pathways activated by CG in endometrial epithelial cells from baboon (BE) and human (HES). Incubations of BE and HES cells with CG did not significantly alter adenylyl cyclase activity or increase intracellular cAMP when compared with Chinese hamster ovarian cells stably transfected with the full-length human CG/luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor (CHO-LH cells). However, in BE and HES cells, CG induced the phosphorylation of several proteins, among them, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK 1/2). Phosphorylation of ERK 1/2 in uterine epithelial cells was protein kinase A (PKA) independent. This novel signaling pathway is functional because, in response to CG stimulation, prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) was released into the media and increased significantly 2 h following CG stimulation. CG-stimulated PGE(2) synthesis in epithelial cells was inhibited by a specific mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK 1/2) inhibitor, PD 98059. In conclusion, immediate signal transduction pathways induced by CG in endometrial epithelial cells are cAMP independent and stimulate phosphorylation of ERK 1/2 via a MEK 1/2 pathway, leading to an increase in PGE(2) release as the possible result of cyclooxygenase-2 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santha Srisuparp
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60212-7313, USA
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Srisuparp S, Strakova Z, Fazleabas AT. The role of chorionic gonadotropin (CG) in blastocyst implantation. Arch Med Res 2001; 32:627-34. [PMID: 11750740 DOI: 10.1016/s0188-4409(01)00330-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Implantation is a complex spatio-temporal interaction between the genotypically different embryo and the mother. Success of this event requires the synchronization of development and effective biochemical communications from both sides. Chorionic gonadotropin (CG), which is a major embryonic signal in the primate, is a glycoprotein hormone synthesized and secreted by the trophoblast. Various isoforms exist in plasma, urine, and blastocyst culture medium, a result of posttranslational modifications. The exponential secretion of CG and its long circulatory half-life extends the life span of corpus luteum to maintain the supply of progesterone during the first 6-8 weeks of pregnancy. To study the direct effects of CG in the uterus, we used the baboon (Papio anubis) as a non-human primate model. In vivo stimulation with CG during the window of uterine receptivity results in further morphologic and biochemical modifications of the receptive endometrium. These are characterized by the plaque reaction in the luminal epithelium, an increase in glycodelin expression and secretion by the glandular epithelium, and the differentiation of subepithelial stromal fibroblasts characterized by expression of the alpha smooth muscle actin (alpha SMA). Pretreatment with progesterone receptor antagonist (PRa) completely or partially inhibits these effects. The signal transduction pathway activated by CG in primate endometrial epithelial cells involves the protein kinase A (PKA)-independent phosphorylation of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK 1/2). This alternate signal transduction pathway may prevent CG Receptor (R) downregulation at the implantation site and enhance epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation. Thus, our results suggest that CG plays an important role in implantation in addition to its luteotrophic role.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Srisuparp
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612-7313, USA
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Narotsky MG, Best DS, Guidici DL, Cooper RL. Strain comparisons of atrazine-induced pregnancy loss in the rat. Reprod Toxicol 2001; 15:61-9. [PMID: 11137379 DOI: 10.1016/s0890-6238(00)00111-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Atrazine was administered by gavage, in 1% methylcellulose, to F344 Sprague-Dawley (SD), and Long Evans (LE) rats at 0, 25, 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg/day on gestation days 6 through 10. The dams were allowed to deliver and litters were examined postnatally. The F344 strain was the most sensitive to atrazine's effects on pregnancy, showing full-litter resorption (FLR) at >/=50 mg/kg. In surviving F344 litters, prenatal loss was increased at 200 mg/kg. In SD and LE rats, FLR occurred only at 200 mg/kg. Delayed parturition was seen at >/=100 mg/kg in F344 and SD rats. Regarding maternal toxicity, the SD dams were the most sensitive, with weight loss at >/=25 mg/kg. When 200 mg/kg was administered to F344 rats on days 11 through 15 (after the LH-dependent period of pregnancy), no FLR was seen. These findings suggest that atrazine-induced FLR is maternally mediated, and consistent with loss of LH support of the corpora lutea.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Narotsky
- Reproductive Toxicology Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, US Environmental Protection Agency, 27711, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
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