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Biomedical subjects

B Lunenfeld

Publications and source records attributed to B Lunenfeld.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed1987

ATP content in human semen and sperm quality.

Five semen characteristics (count, motility, normal forms, bovine cervical mucus penetration, and ATP) were evaluated in patients attending the infertility clinic. Multiple regression analysis indicated that the only characteristic independently affecting ATP concentration was sperm count, whereas motility and percent normal forms had no additional contribution to ATP level. Penetration into bovine cervical mucus did not depend on ATP levels. Comparison of semen characteristics in the same group between patients who have impregnated their wives and those who have not indicated that with respect to count, motility, morphology, and ATP the only sperm characteristic independently predicting fertility was motility. ATP measurements have limited value in the evaluation of semen quality.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1987

Effect of washing and suspension on penetration of human sperm into bovine cervical mucus.

The in vitro penetration ability of human sperm into bovine cervical mucus after washing and suspension of the sperm in Earl's medium was compared with that of untreated sperm. The extent of penetration was found to be significantly lower in sperm washed and suspended in Earl's medium than in the unwashed sperm (p less than 0.0001); it increased to some extent on resuspension of the washed sperm in the seminal plasma but still remained significantly lower than that of intact sperm (p less than 0.009). The introduction of caffeine into the Earl's medium resulted in an increased penetration of the washed sperm into bovine cervical mucus, but this was still significantly lower than the penetration of the unwashed sample (p less than 0.02). The data point to the effectiveness of the seminal plasma as a medium facilitating sperm penetration through bovine cervical mucus.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Abolishment of the positive feedback mechanism: a criterion for temporary medical hypophysectomy by LH-RH agonist.

The hypothalamic pituitary axis was studied in patients with an abnormal pattern of gonadotropin release during chronic treatment with LH-RH agonist. Two patients had PCOD and the third demonstrated the early luteinization phenomenon. Following a well-defined gonadotropin rise with initiation of LH-RH treatment, no further response was noted. Stabilization of the LH:FSH ratio in PCOD patients was noted after 4 weeks of treatment. Administration of both native LH-RH (100 micrograms) and intravenous pulsatile LH-RH did not evoke any rise in LH. In addition to the above LH-RH challenges, the positive feedback was examined by administration of estradiol benzoate (EB). The study demonstrated that, although the pituitary did not respond to any LH-RH challenge, it may still respond by a rise in LH following EB administration. Both functions of the hypothalamic pituitary axis should be examined in order to determine the state of medical hypophysectomy.

Administration, Intranasal↗
PubMed1987

Total estradiol and progesterone receptor levels and DNA concentrations in human endometrium with nonuniform postovulatory delay of maturation.

Total estradiol and progesterone receptor levels and DNA concentrations were measured in endometria of four women with nonuniform postovulatory delayed maturation of the epithelium. All four women underwent curettage on Days 21 to 23 of their cycle. The results in these women were compared with results obtained from a control group of women with histologically normal cyclic endometrium. In three women with corpus luteum defect, total estradiol and progesterone receptor levels and DNA concentrations were in the range of midcycle or early secretory normal (control) endometria. In one patient with a normally functioning corpus luteum, the above parameters were similar to those found in the late secretory phase of controls. Summation of the results of the present study along with those previously reported in endometria of women, both with uniform and nonuniform delayed maturation, indicate the possibility of endometrial postacceptorial progesterone defect, which may either be secondary to corpus luteum defect or a result of primary endometrial defect.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Estrogen receptor binding material in blood of patients after clomiphene citrate administration: determination by a radioreceptor assay.

The aim of the current study was to assess whether clomiphene citrate (CC) and/or active metabolites are present at presumed time of ovulation, nidation, or steroid-sensitive organogenesis, in serum of patients receiving CC for induction of ovulation. A radioreceptor assay, based on competitive replacement of 3H-estradiol on the rat uterus estrogen receptor, by ligands present in serum of patients after CC administration, was developed. Ligands reached maximal concentration 4 to 5 hours after a single dose of CC was administered, and declined with a half-life of 4.5 to 10 hours. In patients receiving CC on day 5 to day 9 in the cycle, ligands are still present on day 14 in the cycle and in some patients on day 22 of the cycle, but no ligands were detected 60 days after CC treatment.

Amenorrhea↗
PubMed1986

Physical-chemical properties of the estrogen receptor released by deoxyribonuclease I.

The physical-chemical properties of the nuclear estrogen receptor released by DNase I were characterized. Nuclei were isolated from MCF-7 cells previously exposed to 10-nM-[3H]estradiol. The parameters determined were: sedimentation coefficients (S) on a sucrose gradient, Stokes radii (Rs) by gel filtration on a Sephadex G-200 column and the binding ability to a DNA-cellulose column. The molecular weights (Mr) and frictional ratios (f/fo) were calculated from the S and Rs values. The properties of the receptor released by DNase I obtained from Worthington were compared to the properties of the receptor released by DNase I obtained from Sigma. Digestion with DNase I (Worthington) excised a receptor form which could be solubilized from nuclei by EDTA. This form sedimented at 5.2S with a Rs = 7.08 nm and a calculated Mr = 152.000. About 40% of this receptor form bound to a DNA-cellulose column. 0.4 M KCl dissociated this receptor form into a smaller form sedimenting at 4.2S with Rs = 4.64 nm and a calculated Mr = 80.000. The properties of the receptor solubilized by micrococcal nuclease followed by DNase I (Worthington) digestion were identical to the properties of the DNase I (Worthington) released receptor. Digestion with DNase I (Sigma) released a 3.2S receptor form, which diffused through the nuclear membrane and a 4-5S form which could be extracted from nuclei by EDTA. The 3.2S receptor had a Rs = 2.41 nm, a calculated Mr = 32.000 and less than 5% of it bound to a DNA-cellulose column. Digestion with micrococcal nuclease followed by DNase I (Sigma) solubilized a receptor form with identical properties to the 3.2S receptor. These results suggest that DNase I (Worthington) released a receptor form still associated with some molecules, probably chromatin proteins, which complexed it to DNA, while DNase I (Sigma) released the estradiol binding fragment of the receptor (meroreceptor) as a result of a proteolytic activity present in this preparation.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Characterization of the progesterone receptor solubilized by micrococcal nuclease and DNase I digestion.

In order to investigate the functional organization of the progesterone receptor in chromatin we characterized the physical-chemical properties of the receptor bound chromatin fragments released by micrococcal nuclease and DNase I digestion. The crude nuclear fraction was isolated from T 47 D cells, previously exposed to 0.1 microM [3H]ORG 2058. The parameters determined in low and high salt concentrated buffers were: sedimentation coefficients (S) on a sucrose gradient, Stokes radii (Rs) by gel filtration on a Sephadex G-200 column and the binding abilities to a DNA-cellulose column. The molecular weights (Mr) and frictional ratios (f/fo) were calculated from the S and Rs values. Micrococcal nuclease digestion solubilized a receptor form sedimenting as a single peak at 4.4 S with a Rs = 7.78 nm and an estimated Mr = 144,000. About 53% of the applied receptor bound to a DNA-cellulose column could be eluted by high salt concentrated buffer. 0.4 M KCl dissociated this receptor form into a smaller receptor sedimenting at 3.3 S with Rs = 5.53 nm and a calculated Mr = 76,000. A similar receptor form was extracted by 0.6 M KCl from the undigested crude nuclear fraction. DNase I digestion solubilized a receptor form sedimenting at 3.3 S with a Rs = 6.87 nm and a calculated Mr = 94,000. About 26% of the applied receptor bound to a DNA-cellulose column could be eluted by high salt concentrated buffer. Dissociation of this receptor form by 0.4 M KCl resulted in a receptor sedimenting at 2.8 S with a Rs = 6.53 nm and an estimated Mr = 76,000. These results suggest: The progesterone receptor in chromatin is associated with several molecules probably proteins which complexed it to DNA. Some of these molecules still associated with the progesterone receptor could be released by nucleases digestion. Micrococcal nuclease releases a larger portion of these molecules than those release by DNase I.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Characterization of the nuclear progesterone receptor in human uterine leiomyoma.

Progesterone binding components were characterized and measured in the 0.4 M KCl nuclear extract of Premarin-primed human leiomyoma (LM) following progesterone injection (n = 5) using [3H]R5020 as the ligand. The receptor character of the binding was demonstrated by: high specificity for progesterone and R5020 binding, high saturable affinity (Kd approximately 2.5 nM) for R5020, sedimentation coefficient in high salt concentration (approximately 3 S), change of distribution of the receptor after progesterone administration, i.e. an increase in the nuclear and decrease in the cytosolic receptor levels. Similar results were demonstrated in the corresponding myometria and endometria. The characteristics of the nuclear progesterone receptor in all three tissues of the test group were similar to those of the cytosolic progesterone receptor in the test group and in the control group (no treatment before operation, n = 5). These results indicate that the nuclear progesterone receptor in human uterine LM shares similar characteristics to those of the myometrium and endometrium.

Cell Nucleus↗
PubMed1986

Characterization of the nuclear progesterone receptor in normal Premarin-primed post-menopausal endometrium.

Nuclear progesterone receptors (RPN) were characterised in a 0.4 M KCl nuclear extract of Premarin-primed normal post-menopausal human endometrium after progesterone injection using [3H]R5020 as a ligand. The receptor character of the binding was demonstrated by the following findings: the high specificity for progesterone binding; the high saturable affinity (dissociation constant approx. 2.5 nM) for R5020; the sedimentation coefficient at high salt concentration (approx. 3 S); and the change in distribution of the RP following progesterone administration. These results indicate that normal post-menopausal human endometrium retains the property of translocation (2-step model) or nuclear activation and retention (nuclear receptor model) of the RP if it is exposed to the appropriate oestrogenic and progestational hormonal milieu.

Cell Nucleus↗
PubMed1986

Effect of progesterone injection on progesterone receptor levels and distribution in untreated and short-term Premarin-primed pre-menopausal and post-menopausal endometrium.

Cytosolic and nuclear progesterone receptors (RPC, RPN) were measured in post-menopausal endometria, using [3H]R5020 as the radioligand, and the findings compared with those in pre-menopausal endometria. Total RP levels (RPC + RPN) in post-menopausal endometria were low, i.e. less than 2000 fmol/mg DNA. A 7-11 day course of Premarin (conjugated equine oestrogen) treatment in post-menopausal subjects resulted in RP levels in 11818 +/- 3008 fmol/mg DNA, which were higher than those in proliferative, mid-cycle and Premarin-primed pre-menopausal endometria. Progesterone injection 1-3 h before tissue collection resulted in a change in the distribution of the RP in both premenopausal and post-menopausal Premarin-primed endometria and pre-menopausal proliferative and mid-cycle endometria. Following the progesterone injection RPN levels increased to 57 +/- 9% of the total as compared with 23 +/- 8% in endometrial samples from women who received no progesterone.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Male to female ratio after gonadotropin-induced ovulation.

Two hundred fifty-six children were born in 195 births from 176 women that conceived after human menopausal gonadotropin/human chorionic gonadotropin (hMG/hCG)-induced ovulation. The secondary sex ratio was 50% male to 50% female births, which is not statistically different from the Israeli or Occidental population. The same trend was observed for single births and for twins. Thus, the data presented do not support the reports of increased numbers of female infants in those conceived after induction of ovulation. Factors that are expected to have been shown to affect sex ratio: maternal age at delivery, total number of ampules of hMG/hCG administered in the conceptional cycle, urinary estrogen levels on the day of hCG injection, degree of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, and time of insemination in relation to the basal body temperature rise were found to be insignificant. Thus, the hypothesis that a local hormonal environment (gonadotropin or estrogen levels) during hMG/hCG treatment possibly affects sex selection was not confirmed.

Body Temperature↗
PubMed1986

Characterization and assay of the nuclear and cytosolic progesterone (P) receptors in Premarin-primed human endometrium and myometrium after single-dose P administration.

Progesterone receptors (RP) were characterized and measured in the 0.4 M KCl nuclear extract and in the cytosol of 7 to 11 days Premarin (Premarin, Ayerst Laboratories, New York, NY) primed human endometrium and myometrium with [3H]R5020 as the ligand. The test group comprised 12 women who received progesterone injection 1 to 3 hours before tissue collection; the control group numbered 10 women. Receptor characteristics in both the endometrium and the myometrium, in the nuclear extract and cytosol in the test group and in the cytosol in the control group, were similar and were demonstrated by (1) high specificity, (2) sedimentation constant of 4.7 to 6.5S in the cytosols and 2.8 to 3.9S in the nuclear extract, (3) saturable affinity with Kd of 2.2 to 3.5 nM and 1.9 to 3.3 nM, respectively. Total RP levels (nuclear extract and cytosol) ranged from 1030 to 13,270 and 1280 to 17,300 fmol/mg DNA, respectively, in the endometria of women in the test and control groups. In 13 of 14 women myometrial total RP levels were higher than in the endometrium. There was a significant difference in the distribution of the RP between the test and the control groups: 50% and 48% of the receptor were measured in the nuclear extract in the endometrium and myometrium, respectively, in the test group, compared with 25% and 21% in the control group (P less than 0.001).

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Drugs used in ovulation induction. Safety of patient and offspring.

Data on the safety of agents used to induce ovulation in women are presented, with a special reference to the normality of children at birth and puberty. No overall increase in anomalies has been found after the use of clomiphene citrate. This drug has been given up to day 35 of pregnancy, and its safety in these circumstances requires further analysis. More studies will also be needed on offspring as they pass through puberty, to ensure there are no defects in their Müllerian system. No increase in anomalies has been noted after the use of human menopausal gonadotrophins (HMG). The onset of menstrual rhythms and other parameters in the offspring appear to be normal. No increase in various cancers has been identified following the use of clomiphene or HMG, although most treated women have yet to enter the high risk years.

Chorionic Gonadotropin↗
PubMed1986

Decreased ratio of total progesterone to total estradiol receptor levels in endometria of women with adult dysfunctional uterine bleeding.

Total estradiol and progesterone receptor levels (TRE2, TRP) were measured in endometria of women with adult dysfunctional uterine bleeding (n = 2) and compared to those of controls. The women in both groups were comparable with respect to age, history, light and electron microscopic endometrial morphology and dating; plasma levels of LH, FSH, estradiol and progesterone were similar in both groups. A wide range of TRE2 and TRP levels was measured in both groups; however, the levels of the ratio of TRP/TRE2 for each case were significantly lower in 18 of the 22 women with adult dysfunctional uterine bleeding and were in the range of the controls in the remaining 4. Possible explanations for these findings are presented.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Progesterone receptor levels and distribution in different phases of the menstrual cycle and in estrogen-primed postmenopausal endometrium.

Progesterone receptor levels were measured in the cytosol and in the 0.4 M KCl nuclear extract of normal cyclic endometria in 49 women, classified into four categories: proliferative, midcycle, secretory, and estrogen-primed (four to 11 days); [3H]R5020 was used as a ligand. The women in each category were further subdivided into test and control groups; the women in the test group received a progesterone injection one to three hours before tissue collection. Both the nuclear progesterone receptor levels and the portion of the progesterone receptor in the nuclear extract were significantly higher in the test than in the control groups; among the test groups in the four categories, however, these changes were significantly smaller in women in the secretory category than in the other three categories. These results indicate that the progesterone receptor activation-translocation dynamics in human endometrium are dependent upon the hormonal status of the woman.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Subtle abnormalities in follicular development and hormonal profile in women with unexplained infertility.

A prospective study of six unselected couples diagnosed as having unexplained infertility was done. In three of six patients, subtle abnormalities in follicular development were detected. In the first case poor follicular growth was observed. There was a premature small rise of luteinizing hormone (LH) with subsequent low levels of estradiol (E2) in the late follicular phase and unusual wide LH peak. This was followed by low progesterone levels in the luteal phase. In the second case follicular growth was abrupted by premature LH surge. This surge was triggered by early rise of E2 level while the follicle was still small in size. In the third case luteinized unruptured follicle syndrome was diagnosed, on ultrasound examination. All of the abnormalities were repetitive.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Characterization of the 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4-OHTAM) bound estrogen receptor of MCF-7 cells solubilized by micrococcal nuclease.

In order to get an insight into the molecular mechanism of antiestrogen action at the chromatin level, we characterized the physical-chemical properties of the chromatin fragments released by micrococcal nuclease digestion of nuclei isolated from MCF-7 cells previously exposed to [3H]4-OHTAM. The [3H]4-OHTAM bound solubilized fragments were characterized in a low ionic strength buffer and in a high ionic strength buffer without and with urea. The following parameters were determined: sedimentation coefficients (S) on a sucrose gradient, Stokes radii (Rs) by gel filtration on a Sephadex G-200 column and the binding ability to a DNA-cellulose column. The molecular weights (Mr) and frictional ratios (f/fo) were calculated from the S and Rs values. Following mild nuclease digestion, the solubilized [3H]4-OHTAM bound receptor sedimented as an abundant 6-7 S form and a less abundant approximately 12 S species. Increasing the extensiveness of digestion resulted in one receptor form sedimenting at 5.2 S, Rs = 7.25 nm and Mr = 155,000. About 45% of the applied receptor bound to a DNA-cellulose column could be eluted by a high salt concentrated buffer. Dissociation of the micrococcal nuclease solubilized receptor in 0.4 M KCl resulted in a smaller receptor form with a 4.9 S, Rs = 5.87 nm and Mr = 119,000. Further dissociation in the presence of 3 M urea resulted in a receptor with a 3.5 S, Rs = 5.78 nm and Mr = 83,000. These results suggested that the antiestrogen bound estrogen receptor in chromatin, is associated with a tightly bound protein component and with an additional less tightly bound protein, complexes with DNA.

Breast Neoplasms↗