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Biomedical subjects

K Sterzik

Publications and source records attributed to K Sterzik.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1990

Enhancement of mononuclear cell oxidative burst by early post-transfer sera from human patients after unsuccessful embryo transfer.

Early pregnancy sera were earlier shown to modulate T lymphocyte rosetting with sheep erythrocytes. We set out to investigate whether early pregnancy sera also modulate the state of activation of another immunologically relevant cell type, the monocyte. As an index of monocyte activation, we measured phorbol ester-triggered oxidative burst activity by a highly sensitive chemiluminescence method. Contrary to our expectations, incubation of mononuclear cells with sera taken early after embryo transfer from patients with a successfully developing pregnancy had no effect. Unexpectedly, such sera from patients from a control group of patients in whom no pregnancy developed after embryo transfer caused enhancement of mononuclear cell chemiluminescence. Stimulatory activity of these sera appeared between days 4 and 6 and was maximal between days 7 and 9 post embryo transfer. Whether this phenomenon is causally related to, or represents a consequence of the failure of embryo transfer, can currently not be decided.

Chaperonin 10↗
PubMed1989

[LH episodes in high performance sports].

For the elucidation of hypothalamic factors, which predominantly cause exercise-amenorrhea 10 untrained and 6 trained volunteers were experimentally tested during 6 hours of rest (R) and 2 hours long distance run (E). The exercise exerted several physical and metabolic demands, leading to increment of LH pulse frequently mainly in trained women (interpulse-interval IPI, R: 104 +/- 50, E: 78.8 +/- 33), due to unaltered beta-endorphin (R: 6.4 +/- 2, E: 6.5 +/- 1.5) and augmented norepinephrine (R: 462 +/- 275, E: 1267 +/- 773 pg/ml). In untrained subjects LH pulses decreased in frequency, as a consequence of increased beta-E and NE (R: 6 +/- 3, E: 12.2 +/- 7.4 pg/ml) (R: 432 +/- 208, E: 947 +/- 473).

Adult↗
PubMed1989

The effects of prolonged opioidergic blockade on LH pulsatile secretion during the menstrual cycle.

Although considerable evidence points towards a pivotal role for the endogenous opioid peptides (EOP) in the neuroendocrine regulation of GnRH-LH secretion, the effects of prolonged opioidergic blockade on LH pulsatile activity during the menstrual cycle have not been thoroughly investigated. Accordingly, 10 women in the early follicular phase (EFP, days 3 and 4), 10 women in the late follicular phase (LFP, days 9 to 13) and 7 women in the midluteal phase (MLP, days 6 to 8 after LH surge) were studied on two consecutive days before and during opioidergic blockade imposed by an opiate receptor antagonist, naloxone. Blood samples were obtained at 15 min intervals for 8 h during saline (150 mmol/l at 50 ml/h) or naloxone (30 micrograms/kg/h) infusions. Furthermore, sequential 24-h infusions of saline or naloxone (30 micrograms/kg/h) were performed in 6 other women (two each in the EFP, LFP, and MLP). LH hormone series were analyzed for significant pulses by the Cluster pulse algorithm. While 8-h naloxone infusions did not change any of the LH pulse characteristics (frequency, amplitude, transverse mean, duration) in the EFP, they elevated significantly (p less than 0.05) the LH pulse frequencies, pulse amplitudes and transverse mean levels in the LFP. In the MLP, the LH pulse amplitudes were significantly (p less than 0.05) increased, but pulse frequencies and transverse mean levels remained unchanged. While the 24-h naloxone infusions did not alter any of the pulse characteristics in the EFP, they elicited a robust increase in LH pulsatile activity in the LFP, composed of a progressive rise in LH pulse amplitudes and transverse mean levels.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Serum specific protein 1 and beta-human chorionic gonadotropin concentrations in patients with suspected ectopic pregnancies.

To determine the predictive value of serum specific protein 1 (SP1) and beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy, blood was sampled from 82 patients referred for suspected early extrauterine pregnancies. Serum concentrations of SP1 and beta-hCG were determined by EIA and RIA. All patients with early pregnancies had detectable SP1 and beta-hCG levels. An intrauterine pregnancy was found in six patients, and an ectopic pregnancy was confirmed by surgical explorations in 32 of these women. The remaining 40 women had other non-pregnancy related complaints. In all pregnant patients, the beta-hCG RIA and SP EIA determinations were also found positive. This study demonstrates the high predictive value of serum SP1 and beta-hCG determinations with an acceptable sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of suspected early ectopic pregnancies. In addition, the practicability and the easy performance of the enzymoimmunometric SP1 determination renders this test superior over the radioimmunoassay for beta-hCG determination.

Chorionic Gonadotropin↗
PubMed1989

Doppler sonographic findings and their correlation with implantation in an in vitro fertilization program.

In 45 women from an in vitro fertilization (IVF) program, the uterine and ovarian blood flows were investigated by vaginal Doppler sonography. The resistance index was used to evaluate the blood pattern. When comparing the patients who became pregnant after embryo transfer (ET [group I, n = 12]) with those who did not conceive (group II, n = 33), it is evident that in group I the vascular resistance of the uterine arteries is significantly lower on the day of follicular aspiration. No differences could be detected in the ovarian vessels. The data obtained so far suggest that the receptivity of the endometrium is a crucial factor for successful implantation. In the final analysis, this can be appraised not only on the basis of morphological but also of hemodynamic parameters.

Embryo Implantation↗
PubMed1989

Contribution to the physiology and pathology of endometrial receptivity: the determination of protein patterns in human uterine secretions.

In this study, the uterine protein patterns of greater than 200 patients of the sterility treatment programme of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Ulm were analysed by the technique of uterine secretion electrophoresis (USE) of minute quantities. These analyses reveal three protein patterns, typical for the equivalent phases of the menstrual cycle: intermediate phase-, proliferative phase- and secretory phase. There appear up to 63 protein bands, most of which represent proteins less than 68 kd. Those separation areas below 68kd show characteristic 'families' of protein bands, which typically constitute the three phase patterns. As a result of our study, a secretory phase pattern lasting 10 days is demonstrated, suggesting a remarkably long 'receptive phase' for the initiation of implantation. The fully expressed secretory phase pattern appears from day 15 to day 25 of the ideal menstrual cycle (28 days length). The 'implantation window' of the endometrium seems to remain open for a surprisingly long period of time. This insight sheds light on the success of embryo transfer after IVF when the cleavage stage embryo arrives in the uterine cavity several days earlier than after normal fertilization. Such early exposure to the uterine milieu nevertheless does not preclude implantation.

Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel↗
PubMed1989

A new variation of in-vitro fertilization: intravaginal culture of human oocytes and cleavage stages.

In this study, we present further experiences with the intravaginal culture (IVC) of oocytes and cleavage stages. IVC is a new technique for in-vitro fertilization, its principle consisting of fertilization of oocytes in an air-free plastic capsule which is placed into the maternal vagina. In a total of 45 patients, 22 were treated by IVC and 23 by a conventional in-vitro fertilization technique (IVF). The pregnancy rates for IVC and IVF amounted to 22.7% (5/22) and 17.4% (4/23), respectively. Our results indicate that IVC is a valuable new method for treatment of special cases of sterility. Furthermore, extracorporal stress factors such as light and low temperature can be minimized by IVC. We also consider the psychological factor for the patients as very important since the mother can actively participate in the early development of the conceptus.

Cells, Cultured↗
PubMed1989

[The acridine orange test. A new parameter in assessing the fertilizing capacity of spermatozoa].

Simultaneously with in vitro fertilization (IVF), the acridine orange (AO) test was performed on 51 patients according to the method of Tejada et al. This test allows a differentiation of spermatozoa with intact (double-stranded) and denatured (single-sanded) DNA. A significant relationship was demonstrated between the percentage of green-fluorescing (intact) sperm and the results of IVF. For both, the groups with (n = 40) and without (n = 11) fertilization of human eggs, a positive correlation was found between AO-test and sperm motility, and AO-test and normal sperm morphology.

Acridine Orange↗
PubMed1988

In vitro fertilization: the degree of endometrial insufficiency varies with the type of ovarian stimulation.

Fifty-eight patients in an in vitro fertilization program who did not have embryo transfers had endometrial biopsies performed on the second day after ovulation. The patients had been stimulated with clomiphene citrate (CC) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) (group I); with CC, human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG), and hCG (group II), or with hMG and hCG (group III). Only 17 patients (30%) showed a normal luteal phase histology. The remaining 41 patients (70%) showed variety of endometrial abnormalities. Patients stimulated with hMG and hCG (group III) had a normal luteal phase at a significantly higher rate (48% versus 16%). Women below the age of 35 had a significantly higher rate of normal luteal phase histology than women older than 35 years. The study establishes abnormal endometrial histology as a possible cause of the low pregnancy rate of in vitro fertilization. The degree of endometrial histologic abnormality varies considerably with the type of ovarian stimulation used.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

[In vitro fertilization: a comparison with results of the hamster ova penetration test (HOPT)].

The hamster ova penetration test (HOPT) was performed in 82 patients simultaneously with in vitro fertilization of homologous oocytes (IVF). A penetration rate of greater than 20% of inseminated ova was considered to represent a positive test result. The results of HOPT correlated completely with the IVF in all couples with male factor sterility. In couples with female sterility only and in couples with a combination of female and male factors HOPT was falsely negative in 22 and 20% respectively. Despite a negative HOPT in vitro fertilization with formation of two pronuclei 12 to 18 hours after insemination occurred in these patients. Obviously, the interpretation of HOPT is dependent upon the definition of the cut-off point (in our case 20%). Our results support the opinion that there should be no exclusion from an IVF programme based only on a negative HOPT. It appears that any penetration rate greater than 0% should be considered as a sign of potential fertility.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

[Experiences and successes with intravaginal fertilization and culture of human oocytes].

We present in this study our first experience with intravaginal culture (IVC) of human oocytes as a modified technique for in-vitro fertilization. Up to 4 oocytes and washed, pre-incubated spermatozoa (final concentration: 0.1-0.2 x 10(5)/ml) are pipetted into a plastic capsule. The capsule is closed, avoiding any air inclusion. It is placed into the maternal vagina for up to 50 hours, held in place by a diaphragm. The first 15 patients treated by IVC achieved a fertilization rate of 58% (35/60). Following transfer of the cleavage stages, 3 intact clinical pregnancies were established: 2 in the group with tubal sterility factors and 1 in the group of patients with endometriosis. In the group with andrological causes of sterility, one beta-hCG-positive reaction was detected. However, no intact clinical pregnancy was achieved. Our preliminary results show IVC to be a promising alternative in particular cases of sterility treatment. In contrast to the conventional technique, IVC minimizes exposure of gametes to factors which may affect their early development, such as light or low temperature. Furthermore, there is an important psychological factor to be considered, as the patient actively participates in the incubation period of in-vitro fertilization.

Embryo Transfer↗
PubMed1988

[Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis in routine clinical practice: increased sensitivity of cell culture in comparison with the microimmunofluorescence test].

Recently, direct immunofluorescence staining has been reported as a new tool for detection of Chlamydia trachomatis. This assay is based on monoclonal antibodies directed against a protein present in all serological variations of Chlamydia known to date. In order to evaluate whether immunofluorescence staining could substitute for the time-consuming, expensive tissue culture technique, urethral and cervical swabs of 131 patients treated for sterility were examined for infection with Chlamydia by both methods. The tissue culture technique, based on cultivation of Chlamydia in mammalian cells, was regarded as 100% sensitive and specific. Employing this method, we demonstrated infection with Chlamydia in 20 patients (15.3%). Colonization of both, cervix and urethra was found in 11.5%, whereas solitary colonization of cervix and urethra was found in 2.3 and 1.5% respectively. However, the immunofluorescence assay applied ("Micro-Trak", Syva Company) showed positive results in only 6 out of 20 cases as determined by tissue culture, thus yielding a sensitivity of 30%. Out of 111 patients with negative results in the tissue culture, 108 were detected by immunofluorescence staining, amounting to a specificity of 97.3%. With special regard to the low sensitivity of the direct immunofluorescence assay, our results indicate a superior, yet unequalled role of the tissue culture technique for detection of Chlamydia trachomatis.

Bacteriological Techniques↗
PubMed1988

Cytogenetics of unfertilized human oocytes.

During an in-vitro fertilization programme 150 oocytes from 62 women with a mean age of 31 years (range 24-39) remained unfertilized. Successful chromosome analysis was carried out on 96 oocytes by Q-banding: 59 (61.5%) oocytes bore a normal haploid complement, 8 (8.3%) were diploid and 3 (3.1%) tetraploid. In 26 (27.1%) oocytes aneuploidy was observed; these included 9 (9.4%) nullisomic, 5 (5.2%) double nullisomic, 4 (4.2%) triple nullisomic and 2 (2.1%) disomic oocytes. The remaining 54 (36.0%) oocytes could not be evaluated. A nearly uniform rate of aneuploidy was found for unfertilized oocytes among different donor age groups.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Colposcopy is superior to cytology for the detection of early genital human papillomavirus infection.

Of 2232 women with no cytologic evidence of intraepithelial neoplasia, 250 (11.2%) were positive for human papillomavirus deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) by filter in situ hybridization. In 150 of those human papillomavirus-positive patients, an adequate colposcopic examination of the cervix was possible; human papillomavirus infection was diagnosed in 104 women (70%). Cervical cytology showed evidence of human papillomavirus infection in only 23 patients (15%). The following colposcopic features were most common: acetowhite epithelium (29%), punctuation (18%), acetowhite spikes (17%), and mosaicism (9%). Colposcopy was essentially normal in 27%. In 64 hysterectomized patients, vaginal colposcopy showed evidence of human papillomavirus infection in 38 women (59%). Vaginal cytology showed signs of human papillomavirus infection in only 9% (N = 6). Acetowhite spikes were seen in 52%, acetowhite epithelium in 5%, punctuation in 3%, and normal findings in 40%. Histologic examination of 25 biopsy specimens (cervical, N = 15; vaginal, N = 10) showed mainly a lack of glycogenation, acanthosis, and elongation of rete pegs. Koilocytosis and dyskeratosis were seen only in a few cases as rare foci, hence the negative cytology. We conclude that colposcopy is far more sensitive than cytology for the detection of cervical and vaginal human papillomavirus infection.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Ultrastructure of human preovulatory granulosa cells in follicular fluid aspirates.

The ultrastructure of preovulatory granulosa cells may be distinct in follicles containing competent as opposed to non-competent oocytes. To test this assumption, granulosa cells were looked for in 36 follicular fluid aspirates from 8 patients taking part in an in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer program. Granulosa cells were absent from 16 aspirates and present in 20. Both aspirate types contained oocytes able to develop in culture. Granulosa cells were subdivided into three developmental stages. Stage 1 (5% of aspirates) showed proliferating cells, while stage 2 (60% of aspirates) and 3 (35% of aspirates) cells were in the preluteinization stage. These cells were recognizable by their number of lipid droplets and differentiated according to possession of a rough (stage 2) or smooth (stage 3) endoplasmic reticulum. Luteinization did not occur in these cells. All stages displayed desmosomes, gap junctions, and annular junctions. The structure of Call-Exner bodies and of fibrin deposits were unexpected findings. Our study indicates that there is no correlation between the previously used morphological parameters of granulosa cells and oocyte maturity.

Adult↗