Trout ovulatory proteins: site of synthesis, regulation, and possible biological function

The mRNA transcripts for trout ovulatory proteins (TOPs) are dramatically up-regulated at the time of ovulation. Previous studies indicated that TOPs were produced by the ovaries and were also present in the coelomic fluid that bathes ovulated eggs. In the present study, Western analysis indicated that TOPs were not present in the coelomic fluid prior to ovulation and therefore must be secreted into the coelomic fluid in large quantities during and after ovulation. Using in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry, TOP mRNA and proteins were localized to the granulosa cell layer of the postovulatory follicle. A whole-follicle in vitro incubation system was used to look at the effects of various mediators on TOP mRNA and protein levels. Results of several different secondary messenger agonists suggest that TOPs are regulated through a G protein-mediated pathway that does not involve cAMP but may involve the activation of protein kinase C. Other agonists that had significant effects on TOP RNA and/or protein included transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha), serine proteases, corticosteroids, bacterial lipopolysaccharide, and the nitric oxide generator SNAP ([+/-]-S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine). Overall, while several compounds caused significant effects, none were able to reproduce the increase in TOP RNA and protein that occurs in vivo, suggesting that the natural mediator of TOPs may still be untested, or that a combination of mediators may be involved. Finally, coelomic fluid inhibited the growth of the Gram negative bacterium, P. aeruginosa, and this inhibition was lost following immunoprecipitation of TOPs. This suggests that one function of TOPs may be to protect ovulated eggs from bacterial infection.

Dietary caffeine, fluid intake and urinary incontinence in older rural women

Forty-one women completed the first phase (self-monitoring) of the Behavioral Management for Continence (BMC) intervention, while working with a nurse during home visits to reduce involuntary urine loss as part of the parent study involving older, rural women living at home. A decrease in dietary caffeine intake and an increase in fluid intake were most frequently recommended. The relationship between a decrease in the amount of dietary caffeine consumed and fewer daytime episodes of involuntary urine loss approached significance -P = 0.0744- whereas an increase in the average amount of fluid intake was significantly related to an increase in the average volume of urine voided -P = 0.0479- and not to involuntary urine loss.

Trout ovulatory proteins are partially responsible for the anti-proteolytic activity found in trout coelomic fluid

After ovulation in salmonids, the eggs are held in the peritoneal cavity and bathed in coelomic fluid. Using a chromogenic peptide substrate, the anti-protease activity of brook trout coelomic fluid was measured. Trypsin, chymotrypsin, and pancreatic elastase activities were significantly inhibited by coelomic fluid containing 5.0, 10.0, and 25.0 microgram of total protein, respectively. Using subtractive cDNA cloning, we have previously characterized a set of ovarian proteins called TOPs (trout ovulatory proteins) that are secreted into the coelomic fluid after ovulation. TOPs are most homologous to mammalian antileukoprotease, a heat- and acid-stable serine protease inhibitor. On the basis of this homology, we hypothesized that the anti-trypsin activity observed in the coelomic fluid was related to the presence of TOPs. In the present study, this hypothesis was supported by the acid- and heat-stability of the anti-trypsin activity present in coelomic fluid. Coelomic fluid could be heated to 50 degrees C or treated at a pH less than 5.2 without a significant decrease in the inhibitory activity. Further, coelomic fluid from which TOPs were immunoprecipitated had significantly less anti-trypsin activity than nonimmunoprecipitated controls. We propose that TOP proteins are uniquely produced by the ovary and secreted into the coelomic fluid to act as protease inhibitors following ovulation.

Reproductive genetic services in rural Oklahoma

The system of reproductive care as it relates to genetic services for women in rural Oklahoma is addressed. Description of reproductive services and genetic reproductive services for rural women is described and barriers to accessing reproductive genetic care are identified. The barriers and any progress that has been made in breaking these barriers will be described under four general categories: (1) financial barriers; (2) system capacity barriers; (3) organizational practices and atmosphere of services, and (4) cultural, personal and other system barriers.

Dominantly inherited childhood gigantism resembling Sotos' syndrome

Excessive growth in infancy and onset of puberty at age four was observed in a boy with features resembling Sotos syndrome. Early development of secondary sexual characteristics and advanced osseous maturation were observed. The family history was significant; excessive weight gain tended to occur in female family members in association with rapid growth in infancy and childhood. A delayed insulin response to glucose was observed in both mother and sister, and diabetes developed during his mother's gestation. These observations suggest that undetermined factors associated with excessive growth may be inherited as a dominant trait with variable expression.

A clinical comparison of the effect on the gingiva of the Prophy-Jet and the rubber cup and paste techniques

This clinical trial compared the effect on the gingiva of the Prophy-Jet and the rubber cup and paste techniques of stain and supragingival plaque removal. Twenty-one human subjects with healthy gingiva or slight gingivitis participated. A split mouth design was used. The Prophy-Jet caused a statistically significant increase (P less than 0.05) in gingival irritation immediately posttreatment, but the differences were not deemed clinically significant. There were no statistically significant (P less than 0.05) or clinically significant differences in the effect on the gingiva between the two techniques at 7 and 21 days posttreatment. There was no lasting difference in gingival trauma between the two methods of stain and supragingival plaque removal in subjects with healthy gingiva or slight gingivitis.

Genetic expression of Wilson's disease in cell culture: a diagnostic marker

Wilson's disease fibroblasts have an elevated intracellular copper concentration as compared to cultured control cells. A decreased ratio of copper to protein was observed in cytoplasmic protein (or proteins) having a molecular weight greater than or equal to 30,000 in Wilson's disease cells. The results of this culture study indicate its potential importance in the early unequivocal diagnosis of this disorder.