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Biomedical subjects

C L Cook

Publications and source records attributed to C L Cook.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1995

A prospective study on the association between red hair color and endometriosis in infertile patients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if red-haired infertile women have an increased prevalence of endometriosis. DESIGN: Prospective, nonblinded. SETTING: Large, metropolitan, private hospital, associated with a university. Subspeciality care provided by reproductive endocrinologists. PATIENTS: One hundred forty-three consecutive women undergoing laparoscopy or laparotomy for infertility. INTERVENTIONS: Laser ablation of any endometriosis present. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Presence of endometriosis. RESULTS: Of 143 women entered into the study, 12 had natural red hair. The ages of these women ranged between 23 and 41 years. Ten of 12 (83%) of the red-haired women were found to have endometriosis compared with 55 of 131 (42%) of nonredheads. By statistical analysis, the 95% confidence intervals for the presence of endometriosis in redheads was 55% to 100% versus 34% to 51% for nonredheads. CONCLUSION: The results suggest an association between the occurrence of natural red hair and those factors that lead to the development of endometriosis.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Substance P in peritoneal fluid.

Substance P is a neuropeptide that has been identified in the ovary, fallopian tube, uterus, and vagina and in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis in both an animal model and human ovaries. We sought to determine if substance P is present in peritoneal fluid and, if so, whether it correlated with the cause of infertility. Its presence was determined by radioimmunoassay in the peritoneal fluid of 66 patients undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy for clinical indications related to infertility. Total volume of peritoneal fluid and cycle day were recorded; patients were evaluated in groups according to diagnosis: endometriosis (n = 24), pelvic adhesions (n = 18), and normal controls (n = 24). The level of substance P (mean +/- SEM) was 122 +/- 19 pg/ml for endometriosis and 130 +/- 19 pg/ml for pelvic adhesions. These values were not significantly different from the normal controls (130 +/- 25 pg/ml). There was no significant difference in levels between follicular and luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. We conclude that substance P is present normally in peritoneal fluid and that its levels are not affected by pelvic endometriosis or adhesions.

Ascitic Fluid↗
PubMed1990

Alteration of 5-HT uptake by plasma fractions in the premenstrual syndrome.

The effects of plasma and an aqueous plasma fraction from patients with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and control subjects on the uptake of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in washed human platelets and rat forebrain synaptosomes were studied. Pre- and postmenstrual samples of unextracted plasma from the control group significantly enhanced platelet uptake of 5-HT. In contrast, an aqueous fraction following extraction of the plasma with organic solvents caused a dose-dependent decrease of 5-HT uptake. Plasma obtained from patients with PMS caused less stimulation of 5-HT uptake compared to plasma from the control group. The aqueous fraction of premenstrual plasma from patients tended to inhibit 5-HT uptake to a greater extent than a similar plasma fraction from controls. The inhibition of 5-HT uptake was associated with an increase in Km. Aqueous plasma fractions from both groups also inhibited 5-HT uptake in brain synaptosomes. However, there were no significant differences between groups. The results of the platelet study suggest that there may be quantitative differences in the plasma concentration of endogenous factors that affect 5-HT uptake between patients with PMS and control subjects and that such differences may explain the previously reported alteration of platelet 5-HT uptake and content associated with PMS symptoms.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Light and electron microscope immunocytochemical localization of 5- and 12-lipoxygenases and cyclooxygenase enzymes in human granulosa cells from preovulatory follicles.

Cellular and subcellular distribution of 5- and 12-lipoxygenases and cyclooxygenase enzymes were investigated in human granulosa cells from preovulatory follicles using light and electron microscope immunocytochemistry. The results demonstrated that all three enzymes are present in granulosa cells but not in minor contaminating red blood cells. While the distribution of cyclooxygenase and 12-lipoxygenase was relatively uniform among the granulosa cells, 5-lipoxygenase was not uniformly distributed among these cells. All three enzymes are present in microvillus plasma membranes, rough endoplasmic reticulum, cytoplasm, nuclear membranes and chromatin. In summary, 5- and 12-lipoxygenases and cyclooxygenase enzymes, which catalyze the transformation of arachidonic acid into different eicosanoids, are present in several subcellular organelles including nuclei of granulosa cells from preovulatory follicles.

Arachidonate 12-Lipoxygenase↗
PubMed1990

Follicular fluid Lidocaine levels during transvaginal oocyte retrieval.

Lidocaine has been shown to have adverse effects on mouse oocyte fertilization and embryo development. We have demonstrated the presence of pharmacologic levels of lidocaine in human serum and follicular fluid obtained during ultrasound guided transvaginal oocyte retrieval. The significance of this finding is unclear, as four of the eight patients studied became pregnant, including the patient with the highest follicular fluid lidocaine levels. Further evaluation of the effect of lidocaine on human embryos is warranted.

Anesthesia, Local↗
PubMed1989

Capillary hemangioma of the vagina and urethra in a child: response to short-term steroid therapy.

Short-term oral steroid therapy was used to treat a capillary hemangioma of the vagina and urethra in a young child. After 8 weeks of prednisolone therapy (40 mg every other day decreasing to 2.5 mg every other day), vaginal bleeding has not recurred. At 2 years and 8 months, the patient presented with severe hematuria. Visualization revealed hemangioma within the bladder, but the urethra and vagina were normal by cystoscopy and vaginoscopy, respectively. After cauterization of a single bleeding point, the patient again received prednisolone. She has had no hematuria for 4 months. Steroid therapy should be considered for the management of genitourinary hemangiomas.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed1988

Alteration of platelet serotonergic mechanisms and monoamine oxidase activity in premenstrual syndrome.

Platelet uptake and content of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity, and plasma free and total tryptophan levels were determined in patients diagnosed with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and in control subjects. The Vmax of 5-HT uptake and 5-HT content in platelets of PMS patients were significantly decreased during the premenstrual phase (cycle days -9 to -1) compared to control subjects. Platelet MAO activity was significantly lower postmenstrually (cycle days 5-9) in PMS patients compared to the premenstrual phase. There were no differences in plasma free and total tryptophan levels between PMS patients and control subjects during either interval. As platelets are believed to be a peripheral model for central serotonergic neurons, the results suggest that PMS symptomatology may be related to alterations in serotonergic neuronal mechanisms.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Levels of epidermal growth factor binding in third-trimester and term human placentas: elevated binding in term placentas of male fetuses.

Specific binding of iodine 125-labeled epidermal growth factor was measured in membrane homogenates of third-trimester and term human placentas of male and female fetuses. All placentas (n = 35) generated curvilinear Scatchard plots, and all placentas had similar equilibrium dissociation constants for both high-affinity (210 pmol/L) and low-affinity (830 pmol/L) binding sites. Mean maximum number of available binding sites of term placentas from male fetuses (330 +/- 110 fmol/mg protein; n = 11) was significantly higher (p less than 0.001) than that of female fetuses (170 +/- 80 fmol/mg protein, n = 13). Occupation of epidermal growth factor receptors by endogenous epidermal growth factor could not account for the difference in levels of epidermal growth factor binding. Kendall's rank order correlation test demonstrated a significant positive correlation of the gestational age in weeks with the maximum number of epidermal growth factor receptors in placentas from male fetuses (p less than 0.002; T = 0.527; n = 17) and female fetuses (p less than 0.01; T = 0.404; n = 18). These results indicate that there is a sexual dimorphism in the level of epidermal growth factor receptors in placentas of male and female fetuses during the third trimester and that the level of epidermal growth factor receptors increases during the third trimester for placentas of both male and female fetuses.

Epidermal Growth Factor↗
PubMed1987

Sperm processing and intrauterine insemination for oligospermia.

The success of IVF has led to the adaptation of IVF sperm processing methods for WIUI. When WIUI is used for treating oligoasthenospermia, there is a theoretical advantage because an isolated population of only the most motile, capacitated sperm are placed directly into the wife's uterus. The cervix and its mucus are bypassed, which may provide a mechanical or biochemical advantage for semen from subfertile males. Removal of seminal plasma (and prostaglandins contained therein) prevents the painful uterine contractions that can occur when raw semen is placed directly into the uterine cavity. The disadvantages of WIUI are related to its expense, problems with precise timing of ovulation, and the frustration that can occur when inseminating personnel are not available whenever ovulation occurs on weekends or holidays. Only truly committed couples who will try WIUI for multiple cycles should be selected for this method of infertility treatment. Although male-factor infertility currently is one of the main indications for WIUI, the widely variable pregnancy rates reported with WIUI leave some doubt regarding its ultimate role in the treatment of this condition. Our own preliminary results with WIUI for treatment of asthenospermia, oligoasthenospermia, and "cervical factor" infertility are encouraging, although the numbers of patients are small. We anticipate that with further refinement of methods of sperm processing and with the newer improved methods of home monitoring of ovulation, these results may improve. Factors that determine pregnancy rates of WIUI for the treatment of oligoasthenospermia are numerous. The degree of oligospermia and/or asthenospermia, the cooperation and persistence of the couple through the required cycles of WIUI (drop-out rate), the method and meticulousness of sperm processing, the accuracy of monitoring ovulation, the availability of insemination personnel whenever ovulation occurs (even on weekends and holidays), and possibly the duration of infertility will all play a role in the ultimate success of WIUI programs. Couples selecting WIUI must be aware that it does not now offer a high pregnancy rate when used for treatment of male-factor infertility. The apparent increased pregnancy rate of WIUI compared with other methods of AIH may have resulted from modern methods of monitoring ovulation. Studies have not yet been performed to show whether comparable pregnancy rates would be obtained if similar methods of monitoring ovulation were used with cervicovaginal methods of AIH. We believe the only clear indication for WIUI now is an abnormal sperm-cervical mucus interaction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Female↗
PubMed1986

Pregnancy prophylaxis: parenteral postcoital estrogen.

A two-dose regimen of intravenous conjugated estrogen as a postcoital interceptive was studied retrospectively. One hundred eighteen women who presented themselves at the Louisville General Hospital emergency room with a history of involuntary intercourse received 50 mg of intravenous conjugated estrogen at the conclusion of their initial medical evaluation and a second 50-mg injection approximately 24 hours later. Three pregnancies occurred among the 92 women who were seen again 30 days or more after treatment. These women reported other episodes of unprotected intercourse in the treatment cycle. Twenty-six of the women treated were lost to follow-up. Complaints of side effects were uncommon. In this series, intravenous conjugated estrogen appears to have been acceptable management for women who had been raped if no other unprotected intercourse had taken place in the treatment cycle.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

Topography of human placental receptors for epidermal growth factor.

These studies were undertaken to determine whether term human placental microvillus plasma membranes, which are exposed to maternal blood, and basolateral plasma membranes, which are in close proximity to fetal blood capillaries, contain receptors for epidermal growth factor (EGF). These two highly purified membranes bound 125I-EGF with similar affinity (apparent dissociation constants, 0.07-0.12 nM, but the total number of available receptors was greater in microvillus (8.2 pmol/mg protein) compared to basolateral (4.9 pmol/mg protein) plasma membranes. Detailed characterization of 125I-EGF binding to these membranes revealed numerous similarities as well as differences. The two membranes contained two major (155 and 140 kDa) and at least three minor (115, 175, and 210 kDa) specific 125I-EGF binding proteins. The 115-kDa protein was only found in basolateral plasma membranes. The 155-kDa protein was predominantly labeled in microvillus, whereas the 140-kDa protein was labeled predominantly in basolateral plasma membranes. The addition of protease inhibitors did not alter the multiple 125I-EGF binding proteins pattern found in these membranes. EGF stimulated phosphorylation of 140- and 155-kDa proteins in both microvillus and basolateral plasma membranes. However, the 155-kDa protein was phosphorylated to a greater extent in microvillus, whereas both 140- and 155-kDa proteins were phosphorylated equally in basolateral plasma membranes. Light and electron microscope autoradiographic studies revealed that 125I-EGF preferentially associated with microvillus plasma membranes. The data demonstrates the presence of EGF receptors in outer cell membranes of syncytiotrophoblasts and suggests that maternal EGF may influence syncytiotrophoblast function by binding to receptors in microvillus plasma membranes, while fetal EGF may also influence syncytiotrophoblast function but via receptors in basolateral plasma membranes.

Cell Membrane↗
PubMed1984

Leishmanial differentiation in vitro: induction of heat shock proteins.

During temperature-induced in vitro differentiation from the promastigote to the amastigote form of the parasitic protozoan Leishmania mexicana, seven actively synthesized proteins were identified. These proteins corresponded precisely in molecular weight to the well-known heat shock proteins seen in species such as Drosophila. The minimal DNA synthesis observed in the differentiating parasites indicated that little cell division occurs during this process. The absence of RNA synthesis during early temperature-induced differentiation suggests that the leishmanial heat shock proteins are post-transcriptionally regulated. Heat shock proteins may play an adaptive role in the transition of Leishmania from arthropod to mammalian host.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Induction of luteal phase defect with clomiphene citrate.

The effect of clomiphene citrate and progesterone on luteal function in infertile women was studied. Endometrial biopsies were performed in 103 women immediately prior to menstruation. Group 1 (n = 62) had secretory endometrium with a histologic lag time of greater than or equal to 48 hours with respect to the subsequent menses, that is, luteal phase defect. Group 2 (n = 10) had normal histologic characteristics of the secretory phase. Group 3 (n = 31) had anovulatory endometrium. The last group was subdivided into those with polycystic ovary syndrome (n = 9) and those without the characteristic gonadotropin pattern of polycystic ovary syndrome (n = 22). Clomiphene citrate at doses of 50 to 250 mg daily for 5 days was administered for induction of ovulation, timing of ovulation, or treatment of luteal phase defect. An endometrial biopsy was obtained after three ovulatory treatment cycles. Only one fourth of the women with prior luteal phase defect had normalization of the biopsy specimen with clomiphene citrate, while one half of those treated with progesterone had normal specimens. Half of the normally ovulating women had induction of a luteal phase defect with clomiphene citrate. Only women with polycystic ovary syndrome had consistently well-timed endometrial histologic features with clomiphene citrate therapy. Despite successful induction of ovulation, 16 of the other 22 previously anovulatory women had endometrial histologic findings compatible with luteal phase defect. Increasing the clomiphene citrate dosage was unsuccessful in improving endometrial maturation. These results suggest that the use of clomiphene citrate may be associated with a high rate of luteal phase defect induction, except among women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Clomiphene citrate, even at high doses, appears to be ineffective therapy for luteal phase defect.

Anovulation↗
PubMed1984

Teaching laparoscopic sterilization.

First-year obstetrics-and-gynecology residents participated in the attempted sterilization of 411 women by either Falope Ring application (FRA) or bipolar electrocoagulation (LTC). Ability to complete the procedure, as well as intraoperative and immediate postoperative complication rates, was reviewed. Characteristics that predisposed women to complications were assessed. Complications were more common in 165 women who underwent sterilization with FRA than in those who had LTC. Two FRA patients (0.9%) required laparotomy because of bleeding. In addition, failure to establish a pneumoperitoneum led to a minilaparotomy in one case. Nineteen FRA women (11.5%) experienced minor complications. The only major complications with the use of LTC were the need for minilaparotomy in two women in whom a pneumoperitoneum could not be established. Minor complications occurred in 4 of 227 LTC cases (1.8%). Current or past patient characteristics did not influence outcome except in the cases of failure to establish a pneumoperitoneum; those women were significantly heavier than others in this series. Limited experience in the instruction of FRA may have contributed to the higher complication rate and to the greater number of problems complicating sterilization with FRA as compared to LTC.

Electrocoagulation↗