Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “AMNION”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 559 records · Page 31Linked to original sources

The relative abundance of type 1 to type 2 cyclo-oxygenase mRNA in human amnion at term.

The onset of labor in humans is associated with an increase in prostaglandin production. One of the key steps is the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandin E2 by cyclo-oxygenase (Cox). Cox has been found to exist as two distinct genes, Cox-1 and Cox-2. We have used RT-PCR to study the relative abundance of mRNA from each Cox gene in amnion at term. Quantitation of PCR efficiency indicated an approximate 100 fold excess of Cox-2 messenger RNA over that for Cox-1. These data point to the importance of Cox-2 in the increased prostaglandin synthesis associated with labor. Further studies should therefore focus on the control mechanisms for Cox-2.

Amnion↗

Characterization of adriamycin-induced G2 arrest and its abrogation by caffeine in FL-amnion cells with or without p53.

We investigated the effect of Adriamycin on FL-amnion (FL) cells. After treatment with the drug, the cells arrested at G2, but we did not detect an increase in the p21 levels. We established a p53-deficient derivative of these cells, in which G2 arrest also occurred after treatment with Adriamycin, suggesting that the arrest we observed in these cells is independent of the p53 pathway. Low doses of Adriamycin (100-200 ng/ml) induced G2 arrest, while late S-phase arrest was observed at high doses (500-1000 ng/ml) in both FL and p53-deficient FL cells. Accumulation of cyclin B1 was detected only in cells arrested at G2, and not in those arrested at S phase, suggesting that the S-phase checkpoint functioned efficiently even in p53-deficient FL cells. In both cell lines, caffeine-induced activation of CDC2 kinase was detected only in cells arrested at G2 and CDC2 kinase-activated cells died exhibiting features of apoptosis. CDC2 kinase activation was inhibited by cycloheximide. Furthermore, cycloheximide inhibited activation of CDK2:cyclin A, which normally precedes CDC2 kinase activation in caffeine-treated cells. These results suggest that p53 and p21 do not have special roles in the S- and G2-phase checkpoints and that CDK2:cyclin A could be the target of the G2-phase DNA damage checkpoint.

Amnion↗

Evidence for uptake2-mediated O-methylation of noradrenaline in the human amnion FL cell-line.

The uptake and metabolism of 3H-noradrenaline has been examined in the FL cell-line derived originally from human amnion. Cell cultures metabolised 3H-noradrenaline (1.0 mumol/l) to 3H-normetanephrine and, to a lesser extent, to metabolites (not distinguished) of the O-methylated deaminated fraction; primary deaminated metabolites were not detected. 3H-normetanephrine formation a) was not saturable in the noradrenaline concentration range 0.2-150 mumol/l, b) was decreased to 20%-30% of control levels by uptake2 inhibitors (O-methylisoprenaline, 20 and 100 mumol/l; cimetidine, 10 mumol/l; hydrocortisone, 200 mumol/l) and c), was almost insensitive to uptake1 inhibitors (cocaine, 30 mumol/l; desipramine, 3 mumol/l). Uptake of noradrenaline was manifested after 30 minutes as a 6-fold increase in the cell content of the amine following inhibition of catechol-O-methyl transferase, either alone or in conjunction with inhibition of monoamine oxidase. Uptake was decreased maximally to 40% of control levels by O-methylisoprenaline. IC50 values for inhibition of the O-methylisoprenaline-sensitive component of uptake were (in mumol/l): corticosterone (0.3), papaverine (1.1), O-methylisoprenaline (3.0), cimetidine (6.0), (-)noradrenaline (460), and tetraethylammonium (2230). Except for the last agent, for which a comparative value is not available, the IC50's are in good agreement with those for inhibition of uptake2 in the Caki-1 cell-line reported by other investigators. The component of uptake resistant to O-methylisoprenaline was depressed by papaverine (a 50% decrease at 50 mumol/l), but was not affected by the other uptake2 inhibitors or by cocaine (30 mumol/l).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amnion↗

Human amnion membrane matrix as a substratum for axonal regeneration in the central nervous system.

Human Amnion Membrane Matrix (HAMM) was used as a substratum for the regeneration of neuronal axons in the central nervous system. A large piece of HAMM was bound to nitrocellulose paper (NCP) as a supporting material, and cut into small strips. Aspirative lesions of the fimbria-fornix were made in adult rats leaving a cavity separating the septum from the hippocampus. In the same operation a small piece of HAMM-NCP was placed into the cavity with one end abutting the axotomized septum and the other end abutting the denervated hippocampus. At times between 2 weeks and 3 months after surgery the brains of the animals were examined histologically for 1) host response to the implant; 2) maintenance of HAMM-NCP in the originally implanted orientation; 3) growth of acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-positive fibers on the HAMM; 4) growth of the AChE-positive fibers into the denervated hippocampus; and 5) non-neuronal cells on the HAMM. The NCP remained in place over the 3-month period. In most cases the HAMM and NCP remained apposed and caused no greater reaction in the brain beyond that created in response to the aspirative lesion alone. AChE-positive fibers grew out from the septum onto the HAMM by 2 weeks, and by 8 weeks more extensive growth was observed on the HAMM. By 8-weeks, AChE fibers could be clearly seen coming off the membrane and entering the host hippocampus. By double-labelling for the basement membrane side of the HAMM (using anti-human laminin antibodies) and for cholinergic fibers (using AChE histochemistry) in the same sections, it was possible to see fibers clearly growing on the laminin-positive side of the HAMM but little or no growth on the opposing laminin-negative stromal side. The most important variables for extensive growth appeared to be the accurate placement of the implant and the amount of time following the lesions. The placement of the matrix on NCP prior to implantation in the brain made it easier to orient the membrane between the septum and the hippocampus, and seemed to assist in maintaining the membrane in that orientation. The HAMM represents a useful, regeneration-promoting grafting material for central nervous system repair studies.

Acetylcholinesterase↗

Radiobiological effect of heparin in Swiss mice, human amnion cells and E. coli B/r irradiated with Co60 gamma-rays.

The radiobiological action of Heparin was investigated using the test systems E. Coli B/r, Human Amnion (HA) cells and Swiss mice. The Heparin treatment of these systems effected following changes in their response towards irradiation with Co60 gamma-rays: (a) more sensitization of E. coli B/r in hypoxic than in oxic condition, (b) no significant modification for HA cells in oxic condition but their sensitization under hypoxia, (c) larger recovery of anodic electrophoretic mobility of irradiated HA cells, (d) increased life span and smaller reduction in the splenic and thymus weights of irradiated Swiss mice. It seems, therefore, that Heparin, a natural molecule of animal world, possesses the potentiality to modify radiation response of living systems and may find useful application in radiation therapy.

Amnion↗

Multiple implantation of normal amnion into cattle with generalized glycogenosis type II.

One normal and two carrier calves, and two calves affected by generalized glycogenosis type II were given multiple transplants of normal bovine amnion inserted below the external oblique abdominal muscle in the flank. The interval between transplants was approximately 5 months. The amniotic tissue was not acutely rejected but a host versus graft reaction did occur. The level of acid alpha-glucosidase activity in the amniotic tissue fell rapidly but was still present 2 months after transplantation. Enzyme levels in blood or other tissues did not rise. Excess glycogen deposition and muscle damage occurred in the affected calves and appeared to progress at a rate similar to that in untreated affected animals. One of the affected animals died aged 16 months, which was the same age as the longest surviving non-treated animal in our herd. The other treated animal died aged 24 months.

Amnion↗

Evidence for the existence of hypothetical proteins in human bronchial epithelial, fibroblast, amnion, lymphocyte, mesothelial and kidney cell lines.

The human genome maybe limited to about 30000 genes whereas the human proteome may be represented by a rough estimate of one million proteins. A legion of proteins have been described and information about these structures are readily available in data banks. There remains, however, a large series of unknown or hypothetical proteins (HPs). Many of them have been predicted from nucleic acid sequences only and are therefore named predicted or HPs. Carrying out "protein hunting" by generating large maps of human cell lines, we aimed to find and identify HPs and provide an analytical tool thereof. Cell lysates from human bronchial epithelial, fibroblast, amnion, lymphocyte, mesothelial and kidney cell lines were prepared and proteins run on two-dimensional gel-electrophoresis (2DE) with in-gel digestion and mass spectrometrical analysis using the MALDI-TOF principle.16 HPs were found in these cell lines and some show cell-specific expressional patterns. HPs belong to several protein classes including structural, signaling, transcriptional/translational, chaperone-related and others. We furthermore provide analytical data i.e. pIs that were often different from predicted values in data banks.A list of HPs has been shown to really exist in several human cell lines thus contributing to knowledge on protein machineries and cascades. Observed and predicted pI values are given representing an analytical tool along with unambiguous identification of protein spots by mass spectrometry independent of antibody availability and specificity thus complementing established methods.

Amnion↗

The amnion in surgery, past and present.

The clinical application of the fetal membarnes has been under study for many years. An attempt is made to bring the reader up to date in this fascinating subject and to indicate practical employment of the membrane in modern medicine. The amnion and chorion are detailed separately where possible, particularly in the field of surgery.

Amnion↗

Immunocytochemical localization and messenger ribonucleic acid concentrations for human placental lactogen in amnion, chorion, decidua, and placenta.

Human placental lactogen is one of the major hormones secreted by the placental syncytiotrophoblast and detected in the maternal circulation. Other sources of this hormone in intrauterine tissues at term have been sought by means of immunohistochemistry and northern analysis. Avidin-biotin immunoperoxidase staining with a specific polyclonal antibody to human placental lactogen showed this hormone to be present in groups of cells at the interface between chorionic cytotrophoblast and decidua parietalis and in some cells of the basal plate in addition to the classic source, the syncytiotrophoblast. Hybridization of polyadenylic-(+)ribonucleic acid extracted from amnion, chorion, decidua parietalis, basal plate, and placental trophoblast with a radiolabeled 48 mer oligonucleotide and a 540 base pair complementary deoxyribonucleic acid probe to human placental lactogen showed the placental trophoblast to be the major source of human placental lactogen and the extravillous chorion and basal plate to be additional minor sources.

Amnion↗

Water permeability in the human amnion: pH regulation of the paracellular pathway.

Human amnion was mounted, immediately after delivery, as a diaphragm between two lucite chambers and the net transepithelial water movement (Jw) was recorded minute by minute. When Jw was plotted against the applied transepithelial hydrostatic pressure (fetal side positive), in the absence of any other gradient, a linear relationship was observed (Phydr = 0.32 +/- 0.05 cm/s, n = 10). A linear relationship was also found when Jw was measured in the presence of an osmotic gradient, generated by adding (to the maternal side) different concentrations of poly(ethylene glycol) (Mr approximately equal to 3600; reflexion coefficient (sigma) = 1; Posm = 0.015 +/- 0.001 cm/s, n = 10). When sucrose, a paracellular marker, was used as the osmotic probe, the observed sigma was 0.5. Medium acidification in the presence of bicarbonate reduced in the same proportion both the hydrostatic and osmotic permeabilities. The effect was fully reversible, but was not observed when bicarbonate was replaced by Tris. To test the comparative role of transcellular versus paracellular paths, Jw and the [14C]sucrose permeability (Psuc) were simultaneously recorded minute by minute, in the presence of an osmotic or an hydrostatic gradient. In both cases, the percentage reductions in Jw and Psuc induced by medium acidification were similar. Quantification of theoretical and observed values for Jw and Psuc strongly suggests that effects of pH on both the osmotic and hydrostatic flux reflect a modification of the paracellular path.

Amnion↗

Stimulation of prostaglandin E2 production in amnion cells in culture by a substance(s) in human fetal and adult urine.

A protein or protein-associated substance(s) in human fetal urine effects a 10- to 600-fold increase in prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis by human amnion cells maintained in monolayer culture; the increase in PGE2 synthesis is maximal by 12 h. Fetal urine did not cause a similar increase in PGE2 synthesis is maximal by 12 h. Fetal urine did not cause a similar increase in PGE2 synthesis in cells derived from other human tissues tested. A similar PGE2 synthesis-stimulatory activity is present in adult urine and the activity in adult urine is correlated inversely (p less than 0.001) with creatinine concentration. These findings are suggestive that a substance produced in, or excreted by, kidney acts to induce PGE2 synthesis in a tissue-specific manner.

Amnion↗

Isolation of laminin from human placental basement membranes: amnion, chorion and chorionic microvessels.

Laminin components were solubilized from basement membranes of amnion, chorion and chorionic microvessels of human placenta without prior protease digestion. These structures, after isolation, were initially processed in a sonicator bath containing a solution of Triton X-100, EDTA and 2M NaCl and the laminins extracted sequentially with 0.5M NaCl, 8 M urea, and 8 M urea + 2% 2-mercaptoethanol + 2% SDS. A high molecular weight (appr. 1 x 10(6)) complex containing laminins was purified by gel filtration on a Sepharose CL-2B column. This complex migrated as a single band on gel electrophoresis before reduction but resolved, after reduction, into four major laminin components, laminin A (350,000 M.W.), laminin M (240,000 M.W.) and laminins B1 and B2 (195,000 and 185,000 M.W.). Laminin M is a new molecular species of this protein.

Amino Acids↗

Mechanism of interferon action. Inhibition of vesicular stomatitis virus in human amnion U cells by cloned human leukocyte interferon.

The effects of a subsaturating, long treatment (24 h) dose of a highly purified cloned subspecies of human leukocyte interferon (IFN-alpha A) on vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) primary macromolecular synthesis in tsG41-infected human amnion U cells were examined. IFN-alpha A, under these conditions, was found to inhibit primary VSV protein synthesis ten-fold while producing no detectable effect on the amount or integrity of primary viral message transcripts. There was no selective reduction by IFN-alpha A of the VSV G or M proteins.

Amnion↗

beta-N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase isoenzymes from human amnionic membranes.

Two beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase isoenzymes (A and B) have been identified and purified from amnionic fetal membrane. The final specific activity of A and B isoenzymes increased 225- and 185-fold respectively by a purification scheme, which included a lyophilized extract, chromatofocusing on PBE 94, pH range 5.5 to 4.0, and affinity chromatography on p-aminophenyl-2-acetamido-2-deoxy-1-thio-beta-D-glucopyranoside covalently linked to Sepharose-4B. Different electrophoretic mobility, thermostability and different thiol group modifications of the two isoenzymes were found. Acetate was a more effective competitive inhibitor than were iodoacetamide, N-acetylglucosamine and N-acetylgalactosamine more than glucosamine and galactosamine, confirming a specific 'acetamido receptor site' for both the isoenzymes.

Acetylglucosaminidase↗

Evidence for coordinated phosphorylation of keratins and vimentin during mitosis in transformed human amnion cells. Phosphate turnover of modified proteins.

Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (IEF) analysis of short-term [32P]orthophosphate-labelled intermediate-sized filament proteins (keratins and vimentin) from transformed mitotic amnion cells (AMA), have shown that these proteins are modified coordinately and that the half life of the phosphate is about 13 min for the keratins and 11 min for vimentin. These results support the notion that the preferential modification of intermediate-sized filament proteins during mitosis may play a role in modulating filament associations with organelles and other cellular structures.

Amnion↗

Human amnion epithelial cells assemble tenascins and three fibronectin isoforms in the extracellular matrix.

Monoclonal antibodies (MAb) were used to show that cultured human amnion epithelial (HuA) cells produce tenascins (Tn) and isoforms of cellular fibronectin (cFn). Tn polypeptides of M(r) 280,000 and 190,000, assembled into extracellular matrix (ECM) but not secreted into the culture medium by HuA cells, were electrophoretically similar to those produced by human fibroblasts as revealed with domain-specific MAbs. The results suggested that most Fn produced by HuA cells contained the extradomain (ED) A and an oncofetal domain but only a minor fraction EDB. In immunofluorescence Tn and Fn were seen in different cytoplasmic granules upon monensin-induced intracellular accumulation. Tn appeared to be deposited in the ECM in colocalization with Fn but distinctly slower. The present results show that cultured normal human epithelial cells synthesize Tn and three isoforms of cFn and secrete them by using different cytoplasmic pathways.

Alternative Splicing↗

Enzyme histochemical patterns in the normal human amnion: amniotic histochemical patterns.

The histochemical distribution of 14 enzymes in the human amnion at term are described. Adenosine triphosphatase, 5'-nucleotidase, acid phosphatase and nonspecific esterase show continuous gradations of enzyme activity. Cells with intense activity are prominent in acid phosphatase and nonspecific esterase preparations. A distinct subpopulation of amniotic cells can be defined by their alkaline phosphatase activity. The possible correlations with morphological studies are discussed.

Amnion↗