Search for lepton flavour violation in the eμ continuum with the ATLAS detector in [Formula: see text]pp collisions at the LHC

This paper presents a search for the t-channel exchange of an R-parity violating scalar top quark ([Formula: see text]) in the e±μ∓ continuum using 2.1 fb-1 of data collected by the ATLAS detector in [Formula: see text]pp collisions at the Large Hadron Collider. Data are found to be consistent with the expectation from the Standard Model backgrounds. Limits on R-parity-violating couplings at 95 % C.L. are calculated as a function of the scalar top mass ([Formula: see text]). The upper limits on the production cross section for pp→eμX, through the t-channel exchange of a scalar top quark, ranges from 170 fb for [Formula: see text] to 30 fb for [Formula: see text].

Measurement of the ZZ production cross section and limits on anomalous neutral triple gauge couplings in proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s] = 7 TeV with the ATLAS detector

A measurement of the ZZ production cross section in proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s] = 7 TeV using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1.02 fb(-1) recorded by the ATLAS experiment at the LHC is presented. Twelve events containing two Z boson candidates decaying to electrons and/or muons are observed, with an expected background of 0.3 ± 0.3(stat)(-0.3)(+0.4)(syst) events. The cross section measured in a phase-space region with good detector acceptance and for dilepton masses within the range 66 to 116 GeV is σ(ZZ → ℓ+ ℓ- ℓ+ ℓ-)(fid) = 19.4(-5.2)(+6.3)(stat)(-0.7)(+0.9)(syst) ± 0.7(lumi) fb. The resulting total cross section for on-shell ZZ production, σ(ZZ)(tot) = 8.5(-2.3)(+2.7)(stat)(-0.3)(+0.4)(syst) ± 0.3(lumi) pb, is consistent with the standard model expectation of 6.5(-0.2)(+0.3) pb calculated at the next-to-leading order in QCD. Limits on anomalous neutral triple gauge boson couplings are derived.

Alternative Approaches To Target the COX-2 Pathway To Reduce Breast Cancer Metastasis

Background: The cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme is highly expressed in breast cancer and is associated with a poorer prognosis. Past efforts have focused on targeting the COX-2 enzyme with pharmacologic COX-2 inhibitors including celecoxib and rofecoxib. Recent safety concerns have led us to test the hypothesis that targeting downstream members of the COX-2 pathway will be more efficacious and safer. The principle COX-2 product in tumors is prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) which mediates cellular effects by binding to four distinct G-protein-coupled receptors designated EP1, EP2, EP3 and EP4.Materials and Methods: Using pharmacologic and genetic approaches and a preclinical model of metastatic, triple-negative (ER, PR, Her-2 negative) breast cancer, we have examined the role of EP4 and EP1 in malignant behavior. We determined the effect of antagonizing either EP1 or EP4 with the pharmacologic antagonists AH23848, ONO-AE3-208 or SC19220 on metastatic ability of line 66.1 or line 410.4 mammary tumor cells injected into syngeneic Balb/cByJ female mice and compared efficacy of receptor antagonists to either a COX-2 inhibitor (celecoxib) or a dual COX-1/COX-2 inhibitor (indomethacin). We also reduced the expression of either receptor by tranducing tumor cells with specific shRNAs and determined the effect of EP gene silencing on metastatic potential. Using mice with specific deletions of immune effector cells, we also examined the role of host immunity in controlling tumor metastasis.Results: Inhibition of EP4 receptor signaling with the selective EP4 antagonists AH23848 or ONO-AE3-208 limits breast cancer metastasis to the same degree as achieved with a COX inhibitor. Likewise, gene silencing of EP4 with a vector expressing EP4 siRNA also limits metastatic capacity. The therapeutic effect of EP4 blockade is compromised in mice lacking functional Natural Killer cells and NK-mediated lysis of mammary tumor cells is enhanced in the presence of EP4 antagonists. Conversely, blocking EP1 with either the pharmacologic antagonist SC19220 or by gene-silencing promotes tumor metastasis. The expansion of tumors implanted into the mammary fat pad was not affected by modulating EP expression levels, indicating that EP1 functions as a suppressor of metastasis. Interestingly, breast tumors from African-American women express significantly less EP1 than tumors from Caucasian women, suggesting that EP1 could contribute to breast cancer disparities. Ongoing studies are evaluating the relationship of EP expression to long term survival.Discussion: These data support the hypothesis that therapeutic targeting of EP4 may be an alternative approach to the use of COX inhibitors to limit metastatic disease. The mechanism of metastasis control is likely to involve activation of Natural Killer cells. Shifting the balance towards activation of the metastasis suppressor EP1 could be an additional means to reduce breast cancer metastasis.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 6140.

Geochemistry of soil around a fluoride contaminated area in Nayagarh District, Orissa, India: factor analytical appraisal

Fluoride contamination in soil was studied in the vicinity of a hot spring in Nayagarh district of Orissa. Both bulk soil from 0 to 30 cm depth and profile soils from 0 to 90 cm depth were analyzed for total fluoride (F(t)) and 0.01 M CaCl(2) extractable fluoride (F(ca)), major elements, pH, EC and Organic Carbon (OC). High concentrations of both F(t) and F(ca) were observed in the area surrounding the hot spring and the village of Singhpur. Principal factor analysis (PFA) on the parameters of the bulk soils suggests that two major chemical processes due to three factors, control the soil geochemistry of the area. Factor-1 contributes 37.11% of the total variance and is strongly loaded with Al, Si, Fe, F(t)and F(ca), and explains the fluoride enrichment of the soil, whereas the second and the third factors contribute 16.6 and 12.2%, respectively and explain the controlling process of carbonate precipitation and soil alkalinity. Multiple regression analysis of the scores of the factors was performed to derive a fluoride contamination index in soil. The magnitude of the factor effect on the contamination index follows the order of Factor-1 > Factor-2 > Factor-3. The spatial distribution of the contamination index is used to classify the area into highly contaminated, moderately contaminated and uncontaminated zones.

Frequency-dependent prey-selection of predacious water bugs on Armigeres subalbatus immatures

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

The predatory behaviour with reference to the frequency-dependent prey-selection of the water bugs Sphaerodema annulatum Fabricius and S. rusticum Fabricius was studied in the laboratory using the IV instar larvae and pupae of Armigeres subalbatus as prey to ascertain their efficacy as predator of mosquito immatures.

METHODS

Field collected adult morphs of the water bugs were allowed to predate on larvae and pupae provided in different ratios and densities as per the model of Greenwood and Elton' for a fixed time period. The data obtained on their predation rate were analysed with respect to the model parameters, lnV--the frequency independent component and b--the frequency dependent component of selection.

RESULTS

It was found that the prey-selection was dependent on the relative numbers of prey available, favouring apostatic selection. The b values and lnV values for S. annulatum were 0.54 +/- 0.01 and 0.92 +/- 1.04 respectively whereas the corresponding values for S. rusticum were 0.71 +/- 0.03 and 0.17 +/- 1.57 respectively.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION

The selection of preys by the water bugs was dependent on the relative number of the prey forms and thus they are expected to predate on the form more abundant in a heterogeneous prey population and adversely affect the adult emergence.

Predatory efficiency of the water bug Sphaerodema annulatum on mosquito larvae (Culex quinquefasciatus) and its effect on the adult emergence

The daily number of IV instar larva of Culex quinquefasciatus killed, rate of pupation and adult emergence was noted in presence of the predatory water bug Sphaerodema annulatum for a period of seven consecutive days, experimentally, in the laboratory. The rate of IV instar larva killed by the water bugs on an average was 65.17 per day. The rate of pupation ranged between 7.6 and 48 in control while in presence of water bugs it ranged between 6 and 35. The rate of adult emergence in control experiments varied between 1.4 and 4.8 per day, which was reduced to only 0.4-28.8 per day in case of the water bugs. The results clearly indicate that the water bugs on its way of predation reduces the rate of pupation and adult emergence of Cx. quinquefasciatus significantly which calls for an extensive field trials.

Increased cyclooxygenase-2 (cox-2) expression and activity in a murine model of metastatic breast cancer

Elevated prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) production is a common feature of human malignancies. This activity has often been attributed to increased metabolic activity of the cyclooxygenase enzymes, although a direct comparison of these 2 parameters i.e., prostaglandin production and cox protein expression, is rarely performed in the same malignant tissue. Using a murine model of metastatic breast cancer, we show that PGE(2) levels are positively correlated with increased tumorigenic and metastatic potential. Because prostaglandin synthesis is a product of 2 isoforms of the cyclooxygenase enzyme, we examined the expression and activity of both isoforms. All tumor cell lines examined, regardless of phenotype, express both cox-1 and cox-2 proteins in vitro. In contrast to the uniform cox-2 expression in vitro, only tumors resulting from the transplantation of metastatic cell lines express cox-2 in vivo. Cox-1 is detected in both metastatic and nonmetastatic tumors. Thus, this is the first evidence that, in the tumor milieu, cox-2 expression can be regulated differently in metastatic vs. nonmetastatic lesions. Examination of PGE(2) synthesis in vitro reveals that nearly complete inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis occurs in the presence of either indomethacin, which inhibits both isoforms, or NS398, which is selective for the cox-2 isoform. Thus, even though cell lines express both isoforms, the majority of the prostaglandin synthesis stems from the activity of the inducible, cox-2 isoform. Likewise, cell growth is inhibited by both indomethacin and NS398 in a dose-dependent manner, albeit at higher drug concentrations than required to ablate PGE(2) synthesis. Despite the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis, the cox-2 enzyme levels (protein and mRNA) were increased by either indomethacin or NS398.

Expression of the chemokines IP-10 and Mig in IL-10 transduced tumors

Several laboratories have reported marked tumor inhibition when the cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) is overexpressed as a transgene in a variety of tumor cells. To identify critical effector molecules, we compared the expression of the chemokine crg-2, the murine homolog of human inducible protein 10 (human IP-10) in murine mammary tumors derived from the transplantation of six IL-10 expressing clones of tumor cell line 66.1, parental 66.1, or 66-neo-cells. We observed increased levels of IP-10 mRNA in all IL-10-expressing tumors examined in comparison to 66-neo. IP-10 mRNA was not detected in parental 66.1 tumors. The closely related chemokine Mig (monokine induced by interferon-gamma [IFN-gamma]) was also induced in all IL-10-expressing tumors. Studies of cultured tumor cells in vitro show that mammary epithelial tumor cells, in the absence of host elements, can express IP-10 and Mig in response to induction with either lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or IFN-gamma alone. The combination of LPS plus IFN-gamma resulted in even greater induction of IP-10 RNA. The kinetics of induction differ somewhat for the two chemokines, with IP-10 showing slower induction and less rapid decline. Because both Mig and IP-10 are chemotactic for tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, we examined the presence of CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes in these tumors. Consistent with the upregulation of Mig and IP-10, we saw significantly increased numbers of CD8+ cells and a lesser increase in CD4+ cells in tumors with elevated levels of both chemokines.

Essential role of nitric oxide and interferon-gamma for tumor immunotherapy with interleukin-10

Several laboratories have reported anti-tumor activity for high levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10) expressed as a transgene or administered as recombinant protein. The authors have reported a positive correlation for nitric oxide production and anti-tumor activity of IL-10 in a murine model of breast cancer. In the current study, they sought evidence of a mechanistic role for nitric oxide in IL-10-mediated tumor growth inhibition. They wanted to determine whether pharmacologic inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity reverses the therapeutic effect of IL-10. Administration of either of two NOS inhibitors, aminoguanidine (AG) or L-lysine,N6-1-iminoethyl-dihydrochloride, appears to abrogate in part the tumor growth inhibition observed when IL-10 is overexpressed as a transgene in two murine mammary tumor cell lines. Nitric oxide levels were assessed at the tumor site by measuring nitrosylated heme levels by electron spin resonance spectroscopy. Nitric oxide hemoglobin levels were lower in tumors from aminoguanidine-treated mice, indicating that effective inhibition of nitric oxide production occurred at the tumor site. Previous investigations showed that the inducible form of NOS protein (iNOS), but not constitutive NOS, was expressed at higher levels in IL-10-expressing tumors. Because iNOS is regulated at the transcriptional level, the authors compared iNOS mRNA levels in IL-10 and control tumors. Northern analysis revealed strong iNOS message expression in all six IL-10-expressing tumors examined, whereas message was faintly detected in parental or 66-neo tumors. The inducible form of NOS is responsive to induction by interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). The role of IFN-gamma in IL-10-mediated tumor inhibition and iNOS mRNA induction was determined. When tumors were transplanted to IFN-gamma mutant mice, the tumor-inhibitory activity of IL-10 was lost. Furthermore, iNOS mRNA was no longer induced in the absence of host expression of IFN-gamma. These data indicate that nitric oxide contributes to the anti-tumor activity of IL-10 and that expression of iNOS in this context depends on IFN-gamma.

Interleukin-10 gene transfer activates interferon-gamma and the interferon-gamma-inducible genes Gbp-1/Mag-1 and Mig-1 in mammary tumors

Expression of IL-10 as a transgene inhibits murine mammary tumor growth and metastasis. Using differential display methodology, we sought genes whose expression was modulated by IL-10. We compared mRNA isolated from parental murine mammary 66.1 tumors, as well as tumors derived from neo(r)-transfected cells and 6 different IL-10-expressing cell lines. We identified 2 cDNA products that were up-regulated in all 6 IL-10-expressing tumors in comparison to parental and 66-neo tumors. One cDNA corresponds to the murine guanylate-binding protein gene Gbp-1/Mag-1. The other cDNA corresponds to the chemokine Mig-1 (monokine induced by IFN-gamma). Both genes were originally identified in IFN-gamma-activated macrophages or macrophage cell lines. We now report that cultured mammary epithelial tumor cell lines also express both genes in response to treatment with IFN-gamma and LPS. Furthermore, IFN-gamma mRNA is elevated in IL-10-expressing tumors in comparison with parental or neo-transfected tumors. Thus, high-level expression of IL-10 as a transgene results in activation rather than suppression of IFN-gamma as well as 2 IFN-gamma-inducible genes. Up-regulation of host IFN-gamma is critical to anti-tumor activity since IL-10 no longer inhibits tumor growth in hosts with a deletion in the IFN-gamma gene. Additionally, Gbp-1/Mag-1 and Mig-1 gene induction no longer occur in IFN-gamma mutant mice.

IL-10 gene transfer to intracranial 9L glioma: tumor inhibition and cooperation with IL-2

This study examines the effects of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and combination IL-10 + IL-2 gene transfer on experimental brain tumor growth in vivo. 9L gliosarcoma cells were engineered to stably express murine IL-10 (9L-IL-10 cells) and implanted subcutaneously or to the caudate/putamen of syngeneic rats. The growth of tumors expressing IL-10 was substantially reduced compared to that of control tumors (p < 0.05). Intracranial tumors expressing IL-10 and IL-2 were established by co-implanting 9L-IL-10 cells with endothelial cells engineered to express IL-2. At 14 days post-implantation, tumors expressing IL-10 + IL-2 were 99% smaller than control-transfected tumors (p < 0.0001). This extent of anti-tumor effect could not be achieved by expression of IL-10 or IL-2 alone within tumors. Neither IL-10 nor a combination of IL-10 + IL-2 gene delivery inhibited tumor growth in severe combined immunodeficient (SCID-Beige) mice (p > 0.05). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that IL-10 + IL-2 gene delivery markedly increased T-cell infiltration within the striatum ipsilateral to tumor cell implantation. These findings establish that IL-10 expression, particularly in combination with IL-2 expression, can have significant immune-dependent anti-tumor actions within intracranial gliomas.

Interleukin-10 gene transfer inhibits murine mammary tumors and elevates nitric oxide

Transfection of cDNA for IL-10 into line 66.1 murine mammary tumor cells results in marked suppression of tumor growth and metastasis. Others have reported that nitric oxide has potent antitumor activity and IL-10 is known to regulate the inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expressed in macrophages. We identified nitric oxide production in mammary tumors as indicated by electron paramagnetic resonance detection of nitric oxide-hemoglobin (NO-Hb). IL-10 expression resulted in elevated levels of NO-Hb in mammary tumors. Immunohistochemical examination of mammary tumors for iNOS protein revealed few positively staining cells in parental or control neo-transfected tumors but strong iNOS staining in all IL-10 transfected tumors, consistent with the NO-Hb data. To determine if mammary epithelial tumor cells themselves, express nitric oxide synthase activity, cultured tumor cells were treated with pro-inflammatory cytokines and nitrite accumulation was assessed in the conditioned medium. All IL-10 producing cell lines accumulated uM concentrations of nitrite in response to short term (24 hr) cytokine stimulation. Cells not expressing IL-10 (parental and neo-transfectants) accumulated no nitrite under similar culture conditions. After longer stimulation (48 hr), parental and 66-neo cells accumulated lower amounts of nitrite. IL-10 gene transfer is associated with increased iNOS protein expression and enzymatic activity detected both in vitro and in vivo. Our findings suggest that the antimetastatic and antitumor activity of IL-10 is related to enhanced production of nitric oxide.

Interleukin-10 inhibits tumor metastasis, downregulates MHC class I, and enhances NK lysis

We have engineered highly aggressive murine mammary tumor cell line 410.4 to express interleukin-10 (IL-10) and compared the behavior in vivo of these cells to parental 410.4 and 410.4 transfected with the control plasmid (410.4-neo). Transplantation of parental 410.4 and 410.4-neo tumor cells to syngeneic mice resulted in progressive growth and death from pulmonary metastases. In contrast, both subcutaneous growth and metastatic disease were completely inhibited by IL-10 expression. We had shown previously that the antimetastatic activity of IL-10 is expressed in T-cell-deficient mice but is lost when NK activity is suppressed. This study confirms that IL-10 is dependent on NK activity, since no therapeutic effect is seen in C.B-17/IcrCrl-SCID/Beige mice which lack T, B, and NK cell function. We compared the sensitivity to NK lysis of four IL-10-expressing clones with 410.4 and 410.4-neo and found that IL-10 expression resulted in enhanced NK lysis of all four clones. Furthermore, IL-10 expression was correlated with decreased surface expression of MHC class I Kd, Ld, and Dd. Pretreatment of IL-10-expressing cell lines with IFN-gamma reversed the class I downregulation and reduced the sensitivity of these cells to NK lysis. Taken together, these studies in vitro and in vivo are consistent with a mechanism by which IL-10 expression downregulates class I expression, leading to enhanced NK lysis of tumor cells, resulting in control of metastatic disease.

Expression of the RET/PTC fusion gene as a marker for papillary carcinoma in Hashimoto's thyroiditis

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an inflammatory disease of the thyroid gland with autoimmune etiology. Patients afflicted with Hashimoto's have a higher risk of thyroid malignancies such as papillary thyroid carcinoma. In the present study, we investigated the frequency of papillary thyroid carcinoma specific genes in patients diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease. The newly identified oncogenes RET/PTC1 and RET/PTC3 provide useful and specific markers of the early stages of papillary carcinoma as they are highly specific for malignant cells. Using a sensitive and specific reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay, we found messenger RNA (mRNA) expression for the RET/PTC1 and RET/PTC3 oncogenes in 95% of the Hashimoto's patients studied. All Hashimoto's patients presenting without histopathologic evidence of papillary thyroid cancer showed molecular genetic evidence of cancer. These data suggest that multiple, independent occult tumors exist in these patients at high frequency.

Antimetastatic and antitumor activities of interleukin 10 in a murine model of breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Interleukin 10 (IL-10) is a potent immunoregulatory cytokine. It inhibits some cell functions, including T-helper (Th1) cell activity (i.e., interleukin 2 and interferon gamma production), and stimulates other functions such as a natural killer (NK) activity. In mice, IL-10 suppresses tumorigenicity in a xenograft system using a nonmetastasizing hamster cell line.

PURPOSE

We evaluated the antitumor and antimetastatic properties of IL-10 in syngeneic immunocompetent and immunocompromised murine hosts.

METHODS

Using the plasmids pBMGneo and pBMGneo.IL-10, we transfected the highly malignant murine mammary tumor cell lines 410.4 and 66.1 (transfectants designated as 410.4-IL10 and 66.1-IL10, respectively) to stably express IL-10 (2-100 U IL-10/2.5 x 10(5) cells per 48 hours). Tumorigenic and metastatic activities of the parent and transfected cells w ere measured in immunocompetent, syngeneic BALB/cByJ mice as well as in immunocompromised C.B-17/IcrCrl-SCID/Beige mice.

RESULTS

Tumor growth was completely inhibited following inoculations of 5 x 10(6)410.4-IL10 cells in immunocompetent, syngeneic BALB/cByJ mice. This inoculum contains 100 times the minimum cell number required for 100% tumor incidence. In contrast, tumor growth following the inoculation of parental 410.4 or 410.4-neo cells was progressive, resulting in death of animals from pulmonary metastases at days 40-50 and transplantation. The tumorigenicity of 66.1-IL-10, compared with that of its parent cell line, was also significantly abrogated by IL-10 expression. Furthermore, in immunocompetent mice, the metastatic potential of both 410.4-IL10 and 66.1-IL10 was also completely inhibited. In immunocompromised C.B-17/IcrCrl-SCID/BR or C.B-17/IcrCrl-SCID/Beige mice, subcutaneous implants of 410.4-IL10 grew progressively, but growth was inhibited significantly in comparison to that produced by the parental 410.4 or 410.4-neo cells. In spite of the more limited efficacy of IL-10 against tumor growth in immunocompromised mice, spontaneous metastasis of 410.4-IL10 cells in C.B-17/IcrCrl-SCID/BR mice was inhibited by 90%. When NK activity was suppressed by asialoGM1 ganglioside antibody in BALB/cByJ mice or in C.B-17/IcrCrl-SCID/Beige mice, the antimetastatic effect of IL-10 was lost.

CONCLUSIONS

These data show for the first time that IL-10 is a potent antimetastatic agent that is effective in immunocompromised hosts. This effect thus appears to be relatively independent of T-cell function but is dependent on NK activity. In contrast, the inhibitory effect of IL-10 on tumorigenicity relies on T-cell function.

IMPLICATIONS

Based on the recent observation of others that IL-10 has little toxicity when administered systemically to human volunteers and also on the findings of this study that it has antitumor and antimetastitic properties in mice, possible use of IL-10 in the treatment of human metastatic cancers deserves consideration.

Sublethal oxidative stress inhibits tumor cell adhesion and enhances experimental metastasis of murine mammary carcinoma

We have postulated that murine mammary tumor progression is fueled, in part, by tumor-associated macrophages that deliver sub-lethal oxidative stress to tumor cells. In the present study, we determined whether oxidative stress would affect murine mammary tumor cell attachment to laminin and fibronectin, critical functions in the metastatic process. Sublethal oxidative stress generated by exposure of cells to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, 1-1000 microM/L) inhibited tumor cell attachment to immobilized laminin or fibronectin. This oxidant effect was blocked in the presence of catalase which removes H2O2. The inhibitory effect on attachment was rapid, with significant inhibition occurring at 5 min; total inhibition was achieved at 60 min with 1 mM H2O2. The oxidative stress effect was partially reversible at 20 h post-treatment and occurred at concentrations of H2O2 that do not adversely affect cell viability or growth. Pretreatment of tumor cells with H2O2 or hypoxanthanine and xanthine oxidase (to generate superoxide radical and H2O2) prior to intravenous injection, enhanced experimental lung tumor colony formation. The enhancement of experimental metastatic potential with enzyme-generated oxidative stress was completely reversed by catalase; the H2O2-mediated enhancement was only partially reversed with catalase. Thus, treatments that inhibit tumor cell attachment to extracellular matrix proteins in vitro enhance experimental metastasis in vivo.

Normal thrombin binding leads to greater fibrinogen binding and increased platelet aggregation in spontaneously hypertensive rats

This study was conducted to determine the mechanisms of increased platelet reactivity to thrombin in hypertension. Thrombin induced significantly greater platelet aggregation in spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) than in normotensive (Wistar Kyoto, WKY) rats. Fibrinogen and thrombin binding to platelets was determined using [125I]-fibrinogen and [125I]-thrombin respectively. Increased platelet aggregation in SHR correlated with thrombin-induced greater binding of fibrinogen to SHR than to WKY platelets. However, the number of thrombin receptors (binding sites/platelet) in WKY (19,500 +/- 3,000) and SHR (23,100 +/- 3,000) as well as thrombin dissociation constants were statistically similar in WKY (1.17 +/- 0.2 microM) and SHR (1.62 +/- 0.27 microM) platelets. Fura 2/AM, a fluorescent calcium indicator, loaded platelets were used to quantify the platelet ionized calcium ([Ca2+]i). The [Ca2+]i in unstimulated SHR and WKY platelets was essentially the same. In a calcium poor medium, thrombin-induced a 35% greater increase in [Ca2+]i in SHR than in WKY platelets. These data, taken together with our earlier observations that thrombin induces a significantly greater hydrolysis of phosphoinositide (Thromb. Res. 49, 5-21, 1988), lead us to suggest that thrombin-induced increased generation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and diacylglycerol induces greater fibrinogen binding and consequently increased aggregation in SHR than WKY platelets. The finding that the thrombin binding isotherms are similar in WKY and SHR platelets suggests that increased platelet sensitivity to thrombin in hypertension may be due to altered signal transduction and not due to changes in the number or affinity of thrombin receptors.

Distribution of serum selenium, copper, and zinc in normal human pregnancy

The distribution of the serum levels of selenium, zinc, and copper in human pregnancy at various gestational ages were determined from two ethnically and geographically different populations (Rosebud Indian Reservation and southeastern South Dakota) of 410 normal subjects. As gestation age increased, there was a significant increase and a slight decrease in the mean levels of copper and zinc, respectively. No change in the levels of selenium was observed. Significantly higher levels of both pregnancy and non-pregnancy serum copper were observed in the Rosebud population compared to that in southeastern South Dakota, possibly due to the significantly higher level of copper in the Rosebud water. No differences were observed in the zinc or selenium levels between the two populations. Serial measurements of these trace metals during the third trimester of pregnancy were performed on 18 subjects, and supported the trends described for copper and selenium. No decrease in zinc was observed in the individual subjects.

A multifactorial pregnancy outcome index

In the present study pregnancy outcome is defined as a combination of seven relatively independent factors. Outcome scores were assigned to each subject on the basis of the number of pregnancy and labor-related factors that were satisfied. An outcome index of seven indicated an excellent outcome, and an index value of zero indicated the poorest outcome. Clinical data for 821 subjects, including a selected sample of 102 high-risk patients, were recorded using the Hollister Record System forms. The contribution of each of these factors to the overall outcome was estimated by statistical analysis of all data from the 821 subjects. Validation of this multifactor index of pregnancy outcome was obtained by correlation analysis with established factors such as the number of previous term pregnancies, live births, abortions, and present preexisting risk factors. In addition, retrospective analyses relating pregnancy outcome index with maternal serum unconjugated estriol, zinc, and copper obtained from 102 high-risk patients, revealed that copper level at all third trimester gestations was systematically and significantly related to outcome level while no such relationship emerged from comparisons with estriol and zinc. Good and poor outcomes were related to low and high copper values, respectively. The results of this exploratory study suggest that maternal serum copper levels may be an alternative predictor of pregnancy outcome.

Salivary unconjugated estriol levels in normal third trimester pregnancy - direct correlation with serum levels

A radioimmunoassay for salivary unconjugated estriol concentration during the third trimester of normal pregnancy is described. The performance characteristics of the method were established by determining the non-specific binding, the blank value of the endogenous estriol free ("stripped") saliva, the recovery experiment and intra- and interassay coefficient of the variations. The corresponding serum samples were also analyzed by the same method. An excellent correlation was found between salivary and serum estriol concentrations.

Individualized cosinor assessment of circadian hormonal variation in third trimester human pregnancy

Two clinically healthy pregnant women were studied in a single 24-h span during the third trimester. Blood drawn every 20 min was assayed for cortisol (F), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), estriol (E3), and prolactin (PRL). Blood drawn hourly was assayed for progesterone (P), human placental lactogen (HPL) and 15alpha-hydroxyestriol (E4). Breast temperature (BT) was continuously monitored. Single cosinor analysis demonstrated statistically significant circadian rhythms for plasma concentrations of F, DHEA-S, and BT for both subjects, and of E3 for one subject. Statistically significant circadian rhythms in plasma concentrations of P, HPL, E4 or PRL could not be demonstrated in our third trimester subjects. However, analysis of data from subjects sampled at earlier gestational ages revealed highly significant PRL circadian rhythms. These results suggest that plasma concentrations of PRL show a progressive decrease in circadian amplitude despite a progressive increase in mesor with advancing gestational age. Frequent sampling and cosinor data analysis permit identification of circadian rhythms in BT. The use of BT as a potential marker for rhythms in plasma concentration of certain hormones awaits further scrutiny. The demonstration of several circadian endocrine rhythms in individual subjects in the third trimester of human pregnancy facilitates the usefulness of such marker rhythms.

Comparison of serum unconjugated estriol and estetrol in normal and complicated pregnancies

It has been reported that determinations of maternal serum unconjugated estriol (E3) and estetrol (E4) concentrations provide clinicians with more or less identical information on fetal status. If this is true, then theoretically the levels of E3 should be equally correlated with those of E4 in all conditions of pregnancy. To resolve this question, a study of the relationship between E3 and E4 was performed before labor in normal and complicated pregnancies. In normal pregnancy, they were highly correlated (r = .683, P less than .0001); in complicated cases, they were still correlated, but at a lower level (r = .522, P less than .003). To determine the effect of labor on this correlation, E3 and E4 levels were measured in normal subjects during labor as well as in the corresponding fetuses. The correlations between material E3 and E4, maternal and fetal E4, maternal and fetal E3, and fetal E3 and E4 were highly significant. A similar study with complicated pregnancies, however, indicated no such correlation except between fetal E3 and E4. In addition, day-to-day variability of serial measurements of E3 and E4 on an individual basis was determined in normal and diabetic subjects. The variability was qualitatively determined graphically and quantitatively determined algorithmically. The results of calculated individual variabilities indicated that the variability of E4 was less than that of E3 in most cases. It is therefore concluded that complications in pregnancy and the onset of labor have some effect on E3-E4 correlations, and that measurement of E4 has an additional advantage due to less variability.

Fetal and maternal serum copper levels before and during labor in normal and complicated pregnancies

The effect of labor on maternal serum copper levels was determined in normal and complicated pregnancies. The mean value +/- SD (3.16 +/- 0.48 micrograms/ml) in 82 clinically normal subjects at term during labor was compared with that (2.22 +/- 0.49 micrograms/ml) obtained from 50 controls matched for gestational age who were not in labor. Similarly, the mean value in labor (3.56 +/- 0.46 micrograms/ml) in 25 subjects with a complicated pregnancy was compared with that (2.87 +/- 0.43 micrograms/ml) obtained from 25 similar subjects prior to labor. A statistically significant difference (P less than .001) was observed in both comparisons. Copper levels in the corresponding fetal serum from the subjects in labor (normal and complicated) were compared with those of the maternal serum samples. The mean value of fetal serum samples in mothers with complications was higher than that in normal mothers, but the difference was not statistically significant. This trend of a rise in serum copper level during labor was further confirmed by analysis of the same subject during and before labor in normal (12 subjects) and complicated pregnancies (9 subjects). Moreover, maternal serum estriol and estetrol levels were determined from the same samples in the 4 groups to find a possible relationship with the corresponding copper levels. No statistically significant correlation was noted. A possible explanation for the rise of the serum copper level with the onset of labor and its clinical implications are also discussed.

Sequential determination of serum human placental lactogen, estriol, and estetrol for assessment of fetal morbidity

Serial measurements were made of the concentrations of maternal serum human placental lactogen (hPL) (300 determinations), estriol (E3) (460 determinations), and estetrol (E4) (275 determinations) in normal human pregnancy during the third trimester period. Simultaneous determinations of serum hPL, E3, and E4 were also made sequentially on blood samples from 6 diabetic and 5 toxemic pregnant women to ascertain the relative usefulness of these parameters as indicators of fetal welfare. In uncomplicated diabetic patients controlled with insulin, all parameters increased with gestational age. In three pregnancies complicated by severe toxemia in which fetal distress progressed to intrauterine fetal death, both serum E3 and E4 levels decreased progressively, but E4 concentration started to decrease at least 1 day earlier than E3 prior to fetal death. In other women, the E4 levels appeared to drop or decrease significantly whereas the E3 levels remained almost unchanged. Daily hPL levels remained low in chronic fetal distress and, therefore, appeared to be of minimal value for predicting either intrauterine death or acute fetal distress. Therefore, serum E4 measurement seems to provide a more sensitive and reliable indicator of fetal morbidity than the measurement of serum E3 during toxemic pregnancies.

Production of antisera against contraceptive steroids

A four step synthesis of 6-(0-carboxymethyl) oximinoethynylestradiol is reported. This compound, 6-(0-carboxymethyl) oximinomestranol, the 3-(0-carboxymethyl) oximes of norethindrone and norgestrel and the 3-hemisuccinate of ethynylestradiol were synthesized and conjugated with bovine serum albumin. Rabbits were immunized at 3 dose levels of haptene (20, 66 and 200 nmoles) and eight weeks later with a booster containing 66 nmoles of haptene. The antibody titer and association constant of responding rabbits was nearly independent of dose although most antibody production occurred after the booster injection. Antibodies to mestranol crossreacted more than 100 percent with ethynylestradiol and to a small extent with norethindrone and norgestrel.

Radioimmunoassay of 15alpha-hydroxyestriol (estetrol) in pregnancy serum

A more specific antisera against 15alpha-hydroxyestriol (estetrol) was produced in rabbits by immunization with 6-oxoestetrol-6-carboxy-methyloximino-bovine serum albumin. The synthesis of estetrol tetraacetate was greatly improved. Characterization of estetrol antisera revealed that it is more specific than those formerly obtained. A simple method of extraction of estetrol with alcohol from serum with high recovery is described. A radioimmunoassay method for pregnancy serum is characterized in regard to its specificity, accuracy, sensitivity and precision. The method is able to measure as little as 50 pg/tube or 167 pg/ml of serum. The intraassay coefficient of variation is 7.8% and that for interassay including personnel variation is 14.2%. Accuracy of the method, as determined by the recovery of non-radioactive estetrol (1 ng/ml) added to non-pregnancy serum, is found to be 89 +/- 8 (SD)%, CV = 8.7%, without correction for experimental losses. One hundred twelve pregnancy sera were analysed; the values obtained from normal subjects in the third trimester ranged from 240-950 pg/ml. The values obtained by this method are somewhat lower than those reported previously, presumably due to the higher specificity of the antibody.