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Biomedical subjects

O Djahanbakhch

Publications and source records attributed to O Djahanbakhch.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

Fallopian tube ciliary beat frequency in relation to the stage of menstrual cycle and anatomical site.

BACKGROUND: The cyclical changes in ciliary structure and motion within the human Fallopian tube are well documented. Previous investigators have studied ciliary beat frequency (CBF) in relation to menstrual cycle and anatomical site, but with conflicting results. METHODS: Using a technique that records variations in light intensity, we have studied the changes in CBF in relation to the menstrual cycle and anatomical site. Fallopian tubes were collected from 26 women who underwent hysterectomy for benign conditions. Menstrual history, hormone profile and endometrial biopsy results were used to determine the stage of the cycle. Fourteen women were in the proliferative phase, and 12 women in the secretory phase. RESULTS: Mean CBF for all subjects was 5.3 plus minus 0.2 Hz. There was no significant difference in CBF in relation to anatomical site. In the fimbrial region the ciliary beat was faster in the secretory (5.8 plus minus 0.3 Hz) as compared with the proliferative phase (4.9 plus minus 0.2 Hz), P < 0.02. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible that this increase in fimbrial CBF may contribute to ovum retrieval and transport after ovulation. However, the reproductive significance of the changes in CBF in relation to the menstrual cycle needs further investigation.

Cilia↗
PubMed2002

Effect of angiotensin II on ion transport across human Fallopian tube epithelial cells in vitro.

Angiotensin II type 1 receptors have been identified in Fallopian tube epithelia. Polarized confluent human Fallopian tube epithelial cell cultures were used under short-circuit conditions to study the actions of angiotensin II on electrogenic ion transport. The results demonstrate that angiotensin II increases baseline short-circuit current, implying a net transport of negatively charged ions from a basal to apical direction. This effect was inhibited by the selective angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist losartan. The effects of angiotensin II on short-circuit current were rapid in onset, brief in duration, and although less than those achieved with ATP, similar in amplitude to those described for other epithelia with angiotensin II. These findings reflect a significant retention of function for these cells in monolayer culture. Immunohistochemistry using the antibody 6313/G2, which is directed against a specific sequence in the extracellular domain of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor, confirmed that the receptor was retained in cultured cells. The results indicate that angiotensin II plays a role in regulating the composition of Fallopian tube secretions.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

The effect of cAMP on ion transport in Fallopian tube epithelial cells in vitro.

The coupled movement of ions and water across epithelia determines the composition and volume of fluid present in the lumen of organs. The second messenger cAMP is important in effecting electrolyte and water transport in many transporting epithelia; however, its role in Fallopian tube transport is uncertain. We have conducted electrophysiological studies on Fallopian tube epithelial cell monolayers in Ussing chambers and have demonstrated that exogenously added cAMP and agents that generate its intracellular production results in an increase in short-circuit current consistent with the transport of net electrical charge from a basal to mucosal direction. In contrast to the known effects of ATP in this tissue, the increase in short-circuit current was not explicable in terms of electrogenic chloride secretion as it was not affected by the chloride channel inhibitors, 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2-disulphonic acid 1 mmol/l (SITS) and frusemide. Instead the current was reduced by the sodium channel inhibitor, amiloride, and was therefore, in part, explicable in terms of electrogenic Na+ absorption. These findings will enhance our understanding of the physiological mechanisms responsible for human Fallopian tubal fluid formation and composition.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed2000

Importance of sperm-to-epithelial cell contact for the capacitation of human spermatozoa in fallopian tube epithelial cell cocultures.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanisms involved in the stimulatory effect of fallopian tube epithelial cell coculture on sperm movement characteristics. DESIGN: Human spermatozoa were cultured with human fallopian tube epithelial cell monolayers. A microporous membrane was used to prevent sperm-to-epithelial cell contact. Sperm movement characteristics were measured at 4 and 24 hours. SETTING: University hospital and fertility center. PATIENT(S): Voluntary donors. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Movement characteristics of human spermatozoa. RESULT(S): Fallopian tube epithelial cell coculture increased sperm motility, curvilinear velocity, amplitude of lateral head displacement, and hyperactivated motility, mainly at 24 hours, compared with controls. These stimulatory effects were inhibited when a microporous membrane prevented cell-to-cell contact between sperm and fallopian tube epithelial cells. CONCLUSION(S): Physical contact between sperm and epithelial cells in coculture systems seems to be the main factor in stimulating sperm movement characteristics, and this could be the main mechanism of in vivo sperm capacitation.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Comparison of the growth patterns and morphological characteristics of mechanically and enzymatically isolated fallopian tube epithelial cells.

This study set out to compare the growth patterns and morphological characteristics of human fallopian tube epithelial cells isolated: (1) mechanically; and (2) enzymatically. Cells were cultured in medium supplemented with fetal bovine serum and antibiotics and their epithelial nature was established by immunocytochemistry for cytokeratins. Primary cultures were polygonal in shape with centrally located nuclei, irrespective of the isolation method. Cells isolated enzymatically exhibited a higher growth rate, but the survival rate was poor after more than 2-3 passages. Mechanical isolation gave a lower yield of cells, but had a higher survival rate when sub-cultured, even beyond 8 passages. Thus, mechanically isolated cells might be useful for longer term cultures, whereas enzymatically isolated cells are best only for short-term work.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

The pineal and extra-pineal origins of 5-sulphatoxy N-acetyl-serotonin in humans.

In humans 6-sulphatoxy melatonin (SaMT) is the principal metabolite of endogenous and exogenous melatonin. 5-sulphatoxy N-acetyl-serotonin (SNAS) is a minor metabolite of exogenous melatonin, but it has not been established whether the levels of endogenous SNAS in plasma derives principally from endogenous melatonin. We have developed the first radioimmunoassay (RIA) for SNAS and used it (together with RIAs for melatonin and SaMT) to determine whether endogenous SNAS derives from endogenous melatonin or from platelet serotonin. Our results show a) the values of endogenous SNAS, unlike endogenous SaMT, increased with blood collection procedures that increased the values of serotonin, b) the values of endogenous SNAS in urine or in platelet-poor plasma were approximately the same as those of endogenous SaMT, but, unlike SaMT, did not show a diurnal rhythm, and c) we confirmed that SNAS was a minor metabolite of orally ingested melatonin. Thus, our conclusion is that SNAS is a minor metabolite of exogenous melatonin, but is not a significant metabolite of endogenous melatonin. In all probability, endogenous SNAS is principally the metabolite of platelet serotonin.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1998

The effect of ovarian steroids on epithelial ciliary beat frequency in the human Fallopian tube.

Using a method that detects variations in light intensity we have studied the effect of ovarian steroids on human Fallopian tube epithelial ciliary beat frequency in vitro. We have found that baseline ciliary beat frequency averages between 5-6 Hz. Cilia from ampullary segments of the Fallopian tube beat significantly faster (5.4 Hz+/-0.2) than those from fimbrial segments (4.8 Hz+/-0.2). There was no significant difference in baseline ciliary beat frequency at any other anatomical site in the Fallopian tube. Incubation with progesterone (10 micromol/l) suppresses human Fallopian tube epithelial ciliary beat frequency by 40-50%. This inhibition was observed at similar magnitudes in all Fallopian tubes studied irrespective of anatomical site. Progesterone-induced reductions in ciliary beat frequency were concentration dependent and prevented by the progesterone receptor antagonist mifepristone (RU486). Oestradiol alone (10 micromol/l) had no effect on ciliary beat frequency at any anatomical site in the Fallopian tube but did prevent the reduction in ciliary beat frequency seen with progesterone when tissues were incubated with these two steroids together.

Cilia↗
PubMed1998

Elevated nocturnal melatonin is a consequence of gonadotropin-releasing hormone deficiency in women with hypothalamic amenorrhea.

Elevated nocturnal melatonin is found in women with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH), but it is not known whether this is implicated in the etiology of their GnRH deficiency. It is unlikely that nocturnal melatonin can be implicated in the etiology of the GnRH deficiency of Kallmann's syndrome (KS), because this condition is caused by defective neuronal migration in embryonic life. We therefore measured nocturnal melatonin in women with IHH and KS to determine whether it was elevated in one or both conditions and thereby to determine whether it was implicated as cause or consequence of GnRH deficiency. Four women with IHH, 3 women with KS, and 7 individually matched (age and body size) controls were recruited. Frequent day- and nighttime samples were taken for LH pulsatility studies. All patients showed absent or diminished LH pulsatility, compared with their respective controls. Samples were also taken over 24 h for melatonin and 6-sulphatoxymelatonin (the principle metabolite of melatonin and an independent marker of its secretion). Melatonin and 6-sulphatoxymelatonin levels were elevated in 6 of 7 patients (compared with their matched controls) and were significantly elevated in the KS group (compared with their controls). The finding of elevated nocturnal melatonin (and its metabolite) in GnRH-deficient women with KS (as well as IHH) suggests that nocturnal melatonin is elevated as a consequence of GnRH deficiency, irrespective of its etiology.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Radioimmunoassay of bound and free melatonin in plasma.

We describe a nonextraction procedure, and two extraction procedures, for RIA of melatonin in human plasma. All procedures showed a diurnal rhythm of melatonin in human subjects, with interindividual differences greater than interprocedure differences. However, further investigations demonstrated considerable variability of recovery in the nonextraction procedure, suggesting a variability of binding proteins between samples. Combining recovery and dialysis experiments in the extraction procedures, we demonstrated that chloroform was unable to extract albumin-bound melatonin from a human serum albumin solution but, paradoxically, was able to extract bound and free melatonin from a plasma sample. The methanol extraction procedure extracted free and bound melatonin from all sources. These results indicate that albumin binding can substantially affect the RIA procedures. We conclude that assays should be validated against free and bound melatonin and that the two forms should be independently investigated when assessing bioactivity.

Circadian Rhythm↗
PubMed1997

Tissue renin-angiotensin systems and reproduction.

The continued acquisition of information on the distribution of expression of components of the renin-angiotensin system shows that it has functions in the tissues that are quite unrelated to its systemic actions. In particular, both type 1 and type 2 angiotensin receptors are found in many tissues of the reproductive system of both sexes. In addition, the widespread occurrence of (pro)renin, angiotensin converting enzyme and angiotensinogen suggests that the generation of angiotensin II within the tissues occurs at sites close to its sites of action. The data suggest that angiotensin II operates as an important paracrine agent with profoundly significant roles in several functions of the reproductive system, and in fertility.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors↗
PubMed1997

Human Fallopian tube epithelial cell co-culture increases fertilization rates in male factor infertility but not in tubal or unexplained infertility.

In order to investigate the effect of human Fallopian tube epithelial cell co-culture on fertilization and cleavage rates in tubal, male and unexplained infertility, oocytes collected from 91 patients were randomized to wells containing Fallopian tube epithelial cell monolayers or conventional culture medium, and inseminated with spermatozoa. Fertilization and cleavage were assessed at 18 and 52 h, respectively. Co-culture significantly increased the fertilization rates over the control values in male infertility (41.67 versus 23.43%, P = 0.00005), but not in tubal infertility (69.33 versus 67.93%) or unexplained infertility (65.93 versus 54.36%). Cleavage rates were not different in co-culture and conventional in-vitro fertilization systems in any of the infertility subgroups. The number of blastomeres was significantly higher in the co-culture group on the day of embryo transfer (3.63 +/- 1.12 versus 3.04 +/- 1.26, P < 0.001). Pregnancy rates were similar in all infertility subgroups. There was no significant association between the number of co-cultured embryos transferred and the pregnancy, abortion and multiple pregnancy rates. It was concluded that human Fallopian tube epithelial cell co-culture clearly improves fertilization rates in male infertility but not in tubal or unexplained infertility. Improved fertilization rates in co-culture may be due to positive effect of co-culture on impaired sperm function.

Blastomeres↗
PubMed1997

Placental protein 14 production by human Fallopian tube epithelial cells in vitro.

We studied the in-vitro secretory function of non-polarized and polarized cultured Fallopian tube epithelial cells by measurement of the placental protein 14 (PP14) secretion in primary cultures and subcultures from Fallopian tubes obtained from eight premenopausal women in different phases of the ovarian cycle. Primary cultures were established in minimal essential medium in Earle's salts supplemented with fetal bovine serum and the cells were subcultured for six passages, in the polarized cell cultures, the cells being seeded on an extracellular matrix system. Cell freezing was carried out using 10% dimethyl sulphoxide. PP14 secretion into the culture media was measured by a radioimmunoassay using 125I-PP14 as label and rabbit anti-human PP14 serum. There was a large amount of PP14 secretion into the culture media in primary cultures, the secretion decreasing considerably after subculture 1. PP14 secretion after subculture 2 was not different from the control values. Polarized and non-polarized cells secreted similar amounts of PP14 and frozen-thawed cells did not appear to secrete PP14. Epithelial cells from Fallopian tubes obtained at different phases of the ovarian cycle did not appear to show any difference in PP14 secretion rates. Our data suggest that the in-vitro secretion of PP14 by human Fallopian tube epithelial cells is adversely affected by cell ageing and freezing.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Angiotensin II stimulates sperm motility.

The physiological factors which induce and maintain mammalian sperm maturation and motility generally remain unclear, although several agents are known to be involved. We recently described the application of immunocytochemical and immunoblotting methods to identify the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor in the tails of ejaculated rat and human sperm, and gave evidence to show that angiotensin II may promote sperm motility. These data are extended here by the application of a computerised sperm tracking system (the Hobson Sperm Tracker) to demonstrate that AII has actions on specific motility parameters, including curvilinear velocity, straight line velocity, and amplitude of lateral head movement. Since local tissue renin-angiotensin systems are present in both male and female tracts, the data suggest that angiotensin II has a role in the maintenance of sperm function and fertility.

Angiotensin I↗
PubMed1996

Evidence for the Bauman variant in Kallmann's syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Idiopathic hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (IHH) is a condition of gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) deficiency. IHH associated with anosmia is Kallmann's syndrome. A variant has been described by Bauman where a patient with Kallmann's syndrome apparently regained normal hypothalamo-pituitary function 2 years after the initial diagnosis. GnRH secretory activity can be assessed by measuring LH pulsatility. Our objective was to define the pattern of LH pulsatility in men with IHH and Kallmann's syndrome compared with those of normal controls, and to determine whether there is evidence for a Bauman variant of Kallmann's syndrome. DESIGN: Patients with IHH and Kallmann's syndrome were recruited from the endocrine clinic. Long-term hormone replacement therapy was discontinued. LH pulsatility was determined. PATIENTS: Three men with IHH, 3 men with classical Kallmann's syndrome and 5 normal male volunteers. MEASUREMENTS: Baseline serum FSH, LH and testosterone. Intensive blood sampling every 10 minutes for serum LH from 1000 to 1600 h during the day and 2200 to 0400 h during the night to measure LH pulsatility. RESULTS: The volunteer group showed normal LH pulsatility. In the patient group, LH secretion was apulsatile in one, showed significantly diminished amplitude in four, and there was normal pulsatility in one patient which remained normal 5 months later. CONCLUSION: Three patients with idiopathic hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism and 2 with Kallmann's syndrome had variable degrees of GnRH deficiency. One patient with Kallmann's syndrome had apparently normal GnRH activity, which remained normal 5 months later. This patient appears to have the Bauman variant of Kallmann's syndrome.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Type 1 angiotensin II receptors in human endometrium.

From evidence based on the use of specific receptor subtype antagonists, it has generally been assumed that human uterine tissue contains only type 2 (AT2) angiotensin II (AII) receptor subtype. Using a monoclonal antibody, 6313/G2, directed against a specific sequence in the extracellular domain of the type 1 AII receptor (AT1), in immunocytochemical studies, we show here that AT1 receptor is expressed in human endometrium. In particular, positive staining was seen in the endometrial glandular epithelium, and in the vascular endothelium, while the myometrium and endometrial stroma were negative. The most intense staining was observed during the late proliferative phase and less in the luteal phase. The ligand binding assay, using [125I]-angiotensin II, revealed high concentrations of AII receptors both in the endometrium and in the myometrium. Competition studies using losartan (AT1 specific) and CGP42112B (AT2 specific) showed that both AT1 and AT2 receptor subtypes were present in the endometrium, though only the AT2 receptor subtype was detected in the myometrium. Immunoblotting confirmed that the antibody 6313/G2 detected a single protein with a molecular weight of approximately 60 kDa. These data clearly demonstrate the presence of endometrial AT1 receptors whose expression appears to be under hormonal control.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Screening for Down's syndrome: experience in an inner city health district.

OBJECTIVE: To review the experience of Down's syndrome screening in an inner city health district. DESIGN: In this retrospective study the names of the women were obtained from the Regional Cytogenetic Laboratory and District Down's Syndrome Register. Antenatal notes of the mothers were studied. Maternal age during the affected pregnancy, screening test performed if any, gestational age at booking and at screening, screening test results, and pregnancy outcome were reviewed. SETTING: An inner city health district. POPULATION: Down's syndrome cases diagnosed prenatally and postnatally. INTERVENTIONS: None. RESULTS: Antenatal diagnosis of Down's syndrome was made in 15/45 women (33.3%); Edwards' syndrome was diagnosed antenatally in 2/5 women. Screening was not performed in eight women (17.8%) whose infants were affected by Down's Syndrome; it was also not performed in one woman whose baby was affected by Edwards' syndrome due to late presentation to the antenatal clinic or loss of the blood sample. Nineteen women (42.2%) with a Down's syndrome pregnancy and two women with a Edwards' syndrome pregnancy had had a negative screening test. Three women had had a positive screening test but declined amniocentesis. Among those who had a screening test, the overall detection rate of screening was 48.6% (18/37) for Down's syndrome and 50% (2/4) for Edwards' syndrome. The detection rates in different ethnic groups did not show significant difference. Four women chose not to have termination following diagnosis of Down's syndrome, giving a total reduction rate of 21%. CONCLUSION: Screening programmes for Down's syndrome have not yet resulted in a substantial reduction in the number of affected babies. In addition to trials at developing screening programmes with better detection rates, efforts should be made to improve the provision of the screening service and the quality of antenatal care in general with emphasis on early presentation and optimal understanding of the implications of the tests.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Angiotensin II receptors and angiotensin II stimulation of ciliary activity in human fallopian tube.

Using an antibody (6313/G2) directed against a specific sequence in the extracellular domain of the type 1 angiotensin II receptor (AT1), we demonstrated the presence of angiotensin II (AII) receptors in human fallopian tube. Immunoperoxidase staining for AT1 receptor showed positive staining in the epithelium of the tubal mucosa. The intensity of staining varied depending upon the hormonal status at the time of salpingectomy, being strongest in the proliferative phase of the ovarian cycle and weakest after menopause. Ligand binding assay confirmed that the AII receptor concentration was highest in the mucosa of fallopian tubes from premenopausal women. Mucosa from the ampullary segment had higher concentrations of AII receptor than the fimbrial and isthmic segments in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Displacement studies using specific AII receptor subtype antagonists showed that approximately 60% of the total activity could be displaced by CGP42112B (type 2 specific) and 40% by losartan (AT1 specific). Immunoblotting confirmed that the antibody detected a protein of approximately 60 kDa. Functional studies showed that AII had a stimulatory action on tubal ciliary beat frequency, but had no significant effect on myosalpingseal activity. This effect was achieved at nanomolar concentrations of AII; further increases in the AII concentration were without additional effect. The stimulatory effect of AII was inhibited by the specific AT1 antagonist losartan, whereas the type 2 antagonist, CGP42112B, had no effect. The data demonstrate that AII may play an important role in ovum transport and fertility.

Angiotensin II↗