[Receptor internalization and nuclear translocation involved in intracellular signal transduction].
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Animals↗
Biomedical subjects
T C Li
Publications and source records attributed to T C Li.
Changes in nuclear morphology in the human endometrial glandular epithelium in women with unexplained infertility.
In the light and electron microscopical study reported here, we documented the structure of the nucleus, nucleolus and nuclear channel system (NCS) in the uterine glandular epithelium in both fertile and infertile women during the early luteal phase. Nuclear volume was found to be larger in the infertile group at day 5 after the luteinizing hormone surge (LH+5) compared to day-matched fertile subjects. A two-way analysis of variance performed on nucleolar volume data from fertile and infertile women biopsied on days LH+5, +5, and +6 revealed a significant effect of condition but no effect of day or interaction. Nucleolar volume decreased from day LH+2 to day LH+6 in the fertile group, the sharpest decrease occurring between day LH+3 and day LH+4. The largest mean volume of the NCS was found at day LH+5 in the fertile group and day LH+6 in the infertile group. The results suggest a delay in the development of this organelle in the infertile women. The present study has documented alterations in the nuclei of uterine glandular cells from infertile patients. In these infertile women, there is also a delayed elaboration of the secretory apparatus and this delay correlates well with the delayed/reduced expression of a luteal-specific glyco-protein.
Analysis of Variance↗
Post-operative adhesions after laparoscopic electrosurgical treatment for polycystic ovarian syndrome with the application of Interceed to one ovary: a prospective randomized controlled study.
In this prospective, randomized, controlled clinical study, 21 women underwent a second-look laparoscopy 2-11 weeks after standardized laparoscopic electrosurgical treatment for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Following bilateral ovarian treatment, one ovary was randomly chosen to have Interceed applied to its surface using a specially designed applicator, with the other ovary serving as a control. Peri-adnexal adhesions of significant extent and severity developed in 57% of the women and 38% of the adnexa. The incidence of adhesions on the Interceed-treated side was 43%, while on the control side it was 33%. In addition, the extent and severity of the adhesions appeared to be similar on the Interceed-treated and control side. However, larger numbers would be required to determine statistically the effects of Interceed on de-novo adhesion formation after laparoscopic electrosurgical treatment of PCOS, as described here.
Adult↗
The production of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) by human endometrial cells in culture.
The production of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) by cultured human endometrial epithelial and stromal cells prepared from endometrium obtained at different stages in the menstrual cycle has been investigated. TNF-alpha was not detectable in the supernatants of stromal cell cultures prepared from endometrial tissue obtained at any time in the menstrual cycle. TNF-alpha production by endometrial epithelial cells in culture varied depending on the time in the cycle at which the endometrial tissue was taken. Cells prepared from tissue obtained during the late proliferative phase of the cycle produced more TNF-alpha than those prepared from tissue obtained at other times in the cycle. In addition, a small increase in TNF-alpha production was seen by cells prepared from tissue obtained during the mid-secretory phase of the cycle. Interleukin 1 (IL-1) (1.4-140 pmol/l) caused a dose-dependent increase in TNF-alpha production by cells prepared from both proliferative and secretory endometrium. Maximum IL-1-stimulated increases in TNF-alpha production were similar in cells from both proliferative and secretory endometrium and typically reached from four to 10 times basal values. High doses of progesterone, either alone or in the presence of oestradiol, also affected TNF-alpha production by epithelial cells. TNF-alpha production by cells prepared from proliferative endometrium was increased by progesterone. In contrast, TNF-alpha production by cells prepared from secretory endometrium was decreased in the presence of progesterone. The effects of steroids on TNF-alpha production were less marked than that of IL-1, with values increasing or decreasing to a maximum of three times the basal value. Placental protein 14 (PP14) (0.18 and 1.8 nmol/l) also increased TNF-alpha production by cells prepared from proliferative tissue, but had no effect on its production by cells prepared from secretory endometrium. PP14-stimulated TNF-alpha levels typically only reached a maximum of two times basal values.
Cells, Cultured↗
Large-scale DRB and DQB1 oligonucleotide typing for the NMDP registry: progress report from year 2.
DNA typing of HLA class II alleles of the DRB1/3/4/5 and DQB1 loci using sequence-specific oligonucleotide probes and polymerase chain reaction amplified DNA has been used for the large-scale typing of donors for the National Marrow Donor Program unrelated donor registry. The results of quality control analysis for the second year of the project (10/1/939/30/94) show the typing continues to be highly accurate, specific, and reliable. The average percent of correctly classified HLA oligotypes (groups of alleles defined by a hybridization pattern with a panel of sequence-specific oligonucleotide probes) based on 9,244 DRB1 and 7,244 DQB1 assignments was 99.8% (range 99.4%100.0%) for DRB1/DRB3/DRB4/DRB5 and 99.8% (range 99.6%100.0%) for DQB1. This level of accuracy is particularly remarkable because the 4,636 DRB quality control samples were tested blindly and could not be distinguished from 57,580 donor samples tested at the same time by the laboratories.
Alleles↗
MUC1 as a cell surface and secretory component of endometrial epithelium: reduced levels in recurrent miscarriage.
The mucin MUC1 is a large, highly glycosylated, hormonally regulated product of endometrial glandular and luminal epithelium with both cell surface-associated and secreted isoforms. The abundance of mRNA coding for MUC1 increases about sixfold from the proliferative to the early secretory phase (Hey et al., J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 78:337-342, 1994). Immunohistochemical studies show intracellular deposits accumulating in the early secretory phase followed by the release of MUC1 into gland lumens. The apical surface of luminal epithelium is strongly immunopositive in the early secretory phase. We have used a two site ELISA to measure MUC1 in uterine flushings as a function of time after the luteinising hormone (LH) peak. Low levels of secretory MUC1 are observed before day LH+7, while values on days LH+7-LH+13 are much higher. Using semi-quantitative immunohistochemical methods we have shown that in women suffering recurrent spontaneous miscarriage, mid secretory phase levels of MUC1 core protein and mucin-associated glycans are reduced (Serle et al., Fertil. Steril. 62:989-996, 1994). Similarly, lower core protein levels are observed in uterine flushings after day LH+7 in these women. Reduced epithelial secretory function and a resultant change in uterine fluid composition are features of endometrium from recurrent miscarriage patients.
Abortion, Habitual↗
[Strychnine/glycine cytoprotective receptor].
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Animals↗
Physical barriers in adhesion prevention.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate physical barriers in adhesion prevention. STUDY DESIGN: Literature search. RESULTS: Although numerous adjuvants have been used to prevent or reduce postoperative adhesions, they are by no means a panacea, and research on new synthetic adhesion barriers continues. CONCLUSION: Preliminary data from animal studies indicate that biocompatible, absorbable gel barriers are safe and effective. These agents are easy to apply and readily conform to irregular tissue shapes without fixation. We await the results of future clinical studies.
Biocompatible Materials↗
[Endothelin-stimulated proliferation of thoracic artery smooth muscle cells involves activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase].
Endothelin (ET) is a potent vasoconstrictor whose responses are mediated through a common G-protein coupled receptor. So far little is known concerning its potential mitogenic capacity. In the present study, experiments were conducted to determine the role of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation in the rabbit thoracic artery smooth muscle cells (VSMC) in response to stimulation by ET-1. It was found that ET-1 produced concentration- and time-dependent increases in 3H-TdR incorporation and in MAPK activity of these cells. All the increases were inhibited by protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors, such as Staurosporine (STP) and H-7 and by ETA receptor antagonist BQ123, but not by specific tyrosine kinase inhibitor Herbimycin A (Herb). Pre-treatment with PKC activator PMA (phorbol myristate acetate) for 24 h (PKC downregulation) significantly attenuated ET-1-induced MAPK activation. These results indicate that: (1) ET-1-stimulated proliferation of VSMC involves the activation of MAPK and (2) ET-1-induced MAPK activation is mediated through ETA receptor and PKC.
Animals↗
[Mitogen-activated protein kinase involved in intracellular signal transduction].
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Animals↗
Inter-observer variability at laparoscopic assessment of pelvic adhesions.
A total of 25 women undergoing videolaparoscopy and a dye test to investigate pelvic adhesions and infertility were evaluated to determine whether applying a score system to pelvic adhesions was reproducible, and its place in determining prognosis or management. The surgeon performing the laparoscopies scored each case using the American Fertility Society (AFS) system, gave an estimate of the likely prognosis from microsurgery and recorded a recommended management [surgery or in-vitro fertilization (IVF)]. The video images and histories were independently reviewed by two other surgeons experienced in tubal surgery, who also scored each case and recorded prognosis from surgery and recommended management. Several differences in adhesion scores for each case were noted. Agreement was present between surgeons regarding estimated prognosis for microsurgery and also in recommending management, particularly when prognosis was considered poor and IVF was recommended. Despite some reproducibility, the AFS score system did not predict outcome or management decisions. However, the surgeons' fundamental impression of the state of the pelvis and recommendation for either surgery or IVF were more consistent and reproducible. Any future proposed system for adhesion classification will need to account for, and be predictive of, the decreasing number of patients for whom surgery (rather than IVF) is the preferred management.
Adnexal Diseases↗
The production of placental protein 14 by human uterine tubal epithelial cells in culture.
Cells prepared from the mucosal layer obtained from the fimbrial, proximal ampullary and distal ampullary regions of the human uterine (Fallopian) tube have been grown in monolayer culture. Immunocytochemistry with anti-cytokeratin, anti-vimentin or anti-CD 45 antibodies indicated that the overwhelming number of cells were epithelial in nature and were free of fibroblasts and leukocytes. Basal and steroid-stimulated placental protein 14 (PP14) production was investigated in tissue obtained from nine patients undergoing hysterectomy, by addition of oestradiol and/or progesterone to confluent cultures. Basal PP14 production varied considerably between experiments, probably due to differences between individuals from whom the tissue had been obtained. However, there was no difference in basal PP14 production by cells prepared from the fimbrial, proximal ampullary and distal ampullary parts of the tube obtained from the same patient. When total PP14 production by cells obtained from an individual uterine tube was pooled both progesterone and oestradiol significantly (P < 0.05) stimulated the production of PP14 but the effect of progesterone either alone or in the presence of oestradiol was numerically greater than that of oestradiol alone. Considering PP14 production by cells prepared from the different regions of the tube showed that cells from the fimbrial region were more responsive to steroid stimulation than cells prepared from either the proximal or the distal ampullary regions. All combinations of hormonal supplementation stimulated PP14 production by cells from the fimbrial region on all days measured (P < 0.05 - P < 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Cells, Cultured↗
MUC1 in secretory phase endometrium: expression in precisely dated biopsies and flushings from normal and recurrent miscarriage patients.
MUC1 is a cell-surface and secretory product of endometrial epithelium. Immunohistochemical studies carried out using two different antibodies to the mucin-type tandem repeat region of MUC1 indicate a cell-surface location in proliferative phase glands, with intracellular deposits accumulating in the early secretory phase. Commencing 3-4 days after the luteinizing hormone (LH) peak and continuing into the late secretory phase, secretory MUC1 appears in gland lumens. Uterine flushings were collected as a function of time after the LH peak and were analysed using a two-site enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for MUC1. Low but measurable concentrations were observed up to day 7, while on days 7-13 much higher values were obtained. In women suffering from recurrent spontaneous miscarriage, the concentration of MUC1 in flushings was significantly lower than in the controls on day LH + 10. Lower values were observed on days 7 and 13. Reduced epithelial secretory function and a resultant change in uterine fluid composition are features of endometrium from recurrent miscarriage patients.
Abortion, Habitual↗
The measurement of CA 125 and placental protein 14 in uterine flushings in women with recurrent miscarriage; relation to endometrial morphology.
The concentrations of CA 125 and placental protein 14 (PP14) were measured in uterine flushings obtained throughout the luteal phase of the cycle from eight normal fertile women. The concentrations of both proteins increased in a similar pattern throughout the luteal phase of the cycle, with the most dramatic increase occurring 6 days after their luteinizing hormone surge (day LH +6). However, a greater variation in CA 125 concentrations was seen compared to that seen for PP14. The concentrations were compared to those obtained on day LH +7 of the cycle from a group (n = 35) of women with recurrent miscarriage. The ranges in concentration of PP14 and CA 125 in the flushings of fertile and recurrent miscarriage patients were very similar. However, a greater proportion of women with recurrent miscarriage (55%) had low concentrations (< 5 ng/ml) of PP14 than in the control group (12.5%) and the concentrations of PP14 in the uterine flushings were significantly less (P < 0.05) in women with recurrent miscarriage compared to the normal fertile group. There was no significant difference in the concentration of CA 125 in the uterine flushings between the two groups. Histological observation of the endometrial biopsy samples from recurrent miscarriage patients gave menstrual cycle datings that ranged from day LH +2.5 to LH +6.5 with retarded endometrium (< day LH +5) in 12 of 35 (34%) patients. Of these 12 patients, 10 (83%) had low PP14 concentrations and six (50%) had low CA 125 concentrations in their uterine flushings. In the recurrent miscarriage patients with histologically normal (> or = day LH +5) endometrial development, 10 out of 23 (43%) also had low PP14 concentrations and 8 out of 23 (35%) had low CA 125 in their uterine flushings. The results suggest that PP14 is better than CA 125 as a marker for endometrial function in this group of women. In some cases (52%) the low concentrations of PP14 in the uterine flushings could be explained by retarded endometrial development but for the others the reduction in PP14 concentration in the uterine flushing was not associated with retardation of endometrial development.
Abortion, Habitual↗
An analysis of the outcome of microsurgical and laparoscopic adhesiolysis for infertility.
We evaluated 81 women with adnexal adhesions and no male factor who underwent microsurgical (n = 59) and laparoscopic (n = 22) adhesiolysis for infertility. The cumulative conception rates for all 81 patients at 12 and 24 months were 41 and 44% respectively. The impact of the following variables on cumulative conception rates for all patients was examined: age, duration of infertility, type of infertility, ovulatory status, presence and stage of endometriosis, adhesion grade, adnexal status (bilateral or unilateral disease, unilateral tubal absence), history of previous surgery, history of pelvic inflammatory disease and treatment modality (microsurgical versus laparoscopic). The results of independent comparisons of subgroups within each of these variables may be biased because of the interrelationships between the variables. To overcome this problem, a stepwise Cox's proportional hazards regression analysis was employed. Our analysis showed that the single most significant variable influencing the cumulative conception rates was the duration of infertility (P < 0.005). For every additional year of infertility, the probability of pregnancy after adhesiolysis (microsurgical or laparoscopic) was reduced by approximately 20%. Cumulative conception rates at 12 and 24 months after microsurgical adhesiolysis were 36 and 40% respectively, while after laparoscopic adhesiolysis they were 57% at 12 and 24 months. When imbalances were adjusted between the two treatment groups, there was no statistically significant difference between the cumulative conception rates for microsurgical and laparoscopic adhesiolysis.
Adnexal Diseases↗
An analysis of the outcome of microsurgical and laparoscopic adhesiolysis for chronic pelvic pain.
We evaluated the outcome of microsurgical (n = 72) and laparoscopic (n = 51) adhesiolysis in women who complained of chronic pelvic pain. Adhesion severity was not significantly different between the two treatment groups. The influences of the following variables on the outcome of all 123 cases of adhesiolysis were examined: (i) surgical modality (microsurgical or laparoscopic), (ii) history of infertility, (iii) associated dyspareunia and (iv) aetiological factors of adhesive disease (endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease and previous laparotomy). To adjust for differences in follow-up intervals, overall and subgroup cumulative rates of pain persistence/recurrence were calculated and compared. To adjust for interrelationships between variables and to correct fo differences between the treatment groups, a proportional hazards regression analysis was employed. This analysis showed that the cumulative rate of pain persistance/recurrence at 24 months was not significantly different after microsurgical (44%) and laparoscopic (53%) adhesiolysis. From all the variables which were examined, the only one which appeared to influence the impact of surgical adhesiolysis for chronic pelvic pain was a history of previous laparotomy. A history of previous laparotomy was associated with approximately three times higher rates of pain persistence or recurrence. This effect did not depend on whether previous laparotomy was carried out for pain or for other indications. The most likely explanation for the failure of these patients who had a previous laparotomy to respond to surgery is that they intrinsically have a higher rate of adhesion formation and reformation. This can only be confirmed with a prospective study where all patients will undergo a second-look laparoscopy.
Adolescent↗
A light microscopical morphometric study of the luminal epithelium of human endometrium during the peri-implantation period.
Different aspects of the histology of luminal epithelial cells were examined quantitatively at the light microscopical level. For the first time, using a variety of morphometric indices, an attempt was made to quantify and compare the cellular events in a group of well defined fertile controls and infertile subjects during the peri-implantation period. The most striking observation was that the majority of the features examined, including all nuclear parameters and most cell dimensions, were similar and did not differ significantly between the fertile controls and the infertile subjects over the period of study. The coefficients of variation of most of the parameters investigated were similar and within a narrow range in both the fertile and infertile population, indicating little variation either between individuals at a particular stage or between subjects on different days. This low inter-subject variability may suggest that the cellular events which we have been able to quantify at the light microscope level in the uterine surface epithelium around the anticipated time of implantation are precisely regulated. Such precise regulation does not mean that changes do not occur in luminal epithelial cells during this time, but that those which do occur are well controlled and co-ordinated. Possible changes in biochemistry, physiology and ultrastructure of these cells remain to be determined.
Adult↗
Morphology of the human endometrium in the peri-implantation period.
Although the histology and ultrastructure of the human endometrium are well documented, it is clear that morphometry can reveal subtle changes in cellular biology, especially when combined with suitable sampling and dating of the specimen. These changes reflect functional events, such as protein secretion, which may be studied using the endometrial flushing technique. Although it is likely that further insights into the basic cell physiology of the reproductive tract will result from the use of appropriate in vitro models, the role of endometrial biopsy for clinical monitoring remains essential.
Cells, Cultured↗