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At least 973 records · Page 54Linked to original sources
PubMed2004

NF-kappaB activation at implantation window of the mouse uterus.

PROBLEM: Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) is one candidate transcriptional modulator, which might regulate many kinds of molecules that play sequential roles at implantation in the endometrium. However, temporal and spatial activation of NF-kappaB at implantation window is unknown. METHODS: Activation of NF-kappaB in the mouse uterus was determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Localization of p50 and p65, components of NF-kappaB, was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: NF-kappaB was activated in the proestrus and estrus phases in non-pregnant uterus. In the pregnant uterus, NF-kappaB was activated after day 1.5 post-coitum, and the activation continued during implantation period. The immunoreactivities of p50 and p65 were mainly localized in endometrial epithelium, and were weaker in endometrial stroma cells. CONCLUSION: NF-kappaB activity is dynamically regulated during the sexual cycle as well as during the implantation period in the endometrium, where the biochemical interaction between mother and conceptus first occurs.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Relationships between orientation of the blastocyst during implantation, position of the chorioallantoic placenta, and vascularization of the uterus in the noctilionoid bats Carollia perspicillata and Noctilio sp.

In most eutherian mammals, the inner cell mass (ICM) of the blastocyst assumes an almost constantly specific orientation to the uterus at the time of implantation, and this is usually correlated with subsequent positioning of the fetal membranes and chorioallantoic placenta. Although these relationships tend to be conserved between closely related species, this is not the case in the noctilionoid bats. In Carollia perspicillata, which has a simplex uterus, the ICM of the single blastocyst becomes oriented towards the uterotubal junction on the side of ovulation, and the discoidal placenta develops in a fundic position. In Noctilio sp., which have partially bicornuate uteri, the ICM becomes oriented instead towards an endometrial ridge that runs along the antimesometrial to lateral side of the gravid horn. As development proceeds, however, the blastocyst rotates almost 180 degrees, and the discoidal placenta eventually assumes a mesometrial to lateral position. In these species, implantation and subsequent development of the discoidal placenta clearly seem to be targeting major maternal vessels supplying the uterus, rather than exhibiting a consistent pattern of orientation relative to its mesenteric attachments. This permits their chorioallantoic placentae to develop a dual maternal blood supply that may be essential for the development of relatively large, precocious infants.

Allantois↗
PubMed2001

Changes in the weight, collagen concentration and content of the uterus and cervix of the ewe during pregnancy.

The dry and wet weights of the uterus (caruncular and intercaruncular areas) and cervix were measured in non-pregnant (n = 5) and pregnant (n = 25) ewes post mortem; for the latter, five were obtained for each of the 5 months of gestation. The total collagen tissue content was measured in both areas of the uterus and cervix by hydroxyproline analysis and image analysis of Haematoxylin-Van Gieson stained tissue sections. Both wet and dry uterine weights increased significantly with gestational age (P < 0.001). The water content of uterine and cervical tissue remained constant, at between 83 per cent to 85 per cent and 76 per cent to 80 per cent, respectively. There was a close correlation between the two methods used to determine the collagen content (r = 0.96, P < 0.001), and between the increasing weight of the uterus during pregnancy and the total collagen content of tissues (r = 0.97, P < 0.001). At all stages, the total collagen content of the cervix [mean (SEM) 96.2 (5.4) mg g(-1)] was significantly greater (P < 0.001) than that of the caruncular mean [mean (SEM) 24.3 (1.4) mg g(-1)], and the intercaruncular areas [mean (SEM) 29.0 (1.0) mg g(-1)]. The changes in uterine and cervical weights and collagen content of the tissues were similar to those reported in other related species.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Strangulation of the duodenum by the uterus during late pregnancy in two cows.

Two Swiss Braunvieh cows in late pregnancy underwent surgery because of a rare form of ileus due to strangulation of the duodenum at its caudal flexure by the gravid uterus. The whole uterus had passed through a gap between the mesoduodenum and duodenum and with increasing weight had led to strangulation of the duodenum. This was possible since the mesoduodenum and both walls of the greater omentum adjacent to its caudal edge were not connected with the duodenum, probably due to a congenital inhibitory malformation. A transsection and an end-to-end anastomosis of the duodenum were necessary in both cases since it was impossible to retract the gravid uterus through the defect. Postoperative recovering was uneventful in both cows, which were discharged after seven and five days respectively and calved normally about two months later.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗
PubMed2003

The extracorporeal perfusion of swine uterus as an experimental model: the effect of oxytocic drugs.

The objective of this study was to establish an experimental model for extracorporeal perfusion of swine uterus. In order to validate this model, we examined some biochemical parameters and determined the effect of oxytocic drugs (Oxytoxin, Prostaglandin E (2)) on extracorporeal perfused swine uteri. Thirty swine uteri were perfused with Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate-glucose buffer for a period up to eleven hours with the aim to preserve a viable organ, which should be responsive to hormones. The intrauterine pressure was recorded after administration of various concentrations of oxytocin and prostaglandin E (2). Perfusate pH, perfusate lactate, partial oxygen and carbon dioxide tensions, oxygen saturation, and hydrogencarbonate levels in the perfusate, all indicators of tissue ischemia or cell necrosis, showed good preservation of the organ for up to seven hours. We examined the relation of intrauterine pressure to oxytocin and prostaglandin E (2). Both were able to induce contractions of the uterus, whereas prostaglandin E (2) produced rhythmical contractions of smaller amplitude and a higher frequency. We could demonstrate that our perfusion system was able to preserve the swine uterus in a functional condition appropriate for the study of physiological questions.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Incarceration of the retroverted uterus at term gestation.

Incarceration of the retroverted uterus is a rare complication of pregnancy and rarely persists until term. The diagnosis is extremely difficult to make and a cesarean section should be performed in such cases. A 33-year-old Japanese woman was admitted at 40 weeks gestation for evaluation of preeclampsia. Vaginal examination revealed that the uterine cervix could hardly be visualized, although the fetal head was impacted in the pelvis. These findings suggested incarceration of the retroverted uterus. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed and clarified the exact anatomical relationship and confirmed the diagnosis. She therefore underwent a cesarean section and a male infant weighing 3552 g was delivered with Apgar scores of 9 and 10 at 1 and 5 minutes, respectively. At surgery she was found to have an adhesion between the uterus and the pouch of Douglas. MRI is a useful tool in correctly making the diagnosis of uterine incarceration and facilitates preparation for a cesarean section.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

[The value of MRT in the diagnosis of benign and malignant tumors of the uterus].

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging gains a more and more important role in the diagnostic assessment of the female pelvis. The free selection of the imaging plane is of particular importance for the visualization of the uterus, and the high soft-tissue contrast presently offers the best possibilities for assessment of the zonal anatomy of the uterus. Advances in coil technology and the use of time-saving pulse sequences that, in addition, yield high-resolution images (e.g., fast spin-echo sequences) have made MR imaging a reliable diagnostic modality with a high image quality. There is no doubt that ultrasound continues to be the most widely used imaging modality besides the clinical examination. However, ultrasound is not only limited by high interexaminer variation but also by an insufficient tissue characterization and, above all, the lacking possibility of staging malignancies. Computed tomography has turned out to be inefficient in determining the local tumor stage due to its poor soft-tissue contrast and should thus only be used in advanced tumor stages. MR imaging, on the other hand, excellently depicts the morphologic details of the female pelvis and helps in the assessment of both benign and malignant masses of the uterus and has the highest diagnostic value in staging malignancies. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that MR imaging is also cost-effective as a pretherapeutic modality in cervical cancer.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

[Lipomas of the uterus: rare tumors of this site--case report].

Benign tumours of the uterus except leiomyomas are rare. We report on two lipomas of the uterus. It is a remarkable fact that uterus lipomas can mimic sarcomas. One of our patients was also suspected of having a sarcoma because of rapid progression of tumour size and abdominal pain.

Adult↗
PubMed1981

Zinc and magnesium in the uterus of the pregnant and pseudopregnant mouse and the effects of Mg2+ ions on uterine alkaline phosphatase.

The levels of zinc and magnesium in the mouse uterus during early pregnancy and pseudopregnancy were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy techniques. The total zinc and magnesium content of the uterus increased between days 5 and 12 of pregnancy and between days 5 and 9 of content of the pseudopregnancy when decidual cells were present. However, the metals were not accumulated at a rate sufficient to match increases in uterine weight and constant concentrations (micrograms of metals per gram wet weight ot tissue) were not maintained over the various reproductive stages studied. The accumulation of the metals was associated with the presence of decidual cells, and non-decidualized horns of pseudopregnant mice failed to increase their total content of zinc and magnesium between days 5 and 9. The magnesium content of each uterus was usually between 5- and 13-fold greater than the total zinc content. mg2+ in low concentration (0-2mM) stimulated both the pyrophosphatase and orthophosphatase activities of purified preparations of the mouse uterine metalloenzyme, alkaline phosphatase. Higher concentrations (up to 8 mM) of the cation decreased pyrophosphatase activity but did not alter orthophosphatase activity. Mg/+ was more effective, however, in increasing the orthophosphatase activity of the enzyme and its stimulating effects in this case were greater in carbonate-bicarbonate buffer than in glycine-NaOH buffer. Mg2+ did not significantly influence apparent Km values or the response of the enzyme to changes in temperature. Zn2+, however, was required to maintain the stability of alkaline phosphatase apoenzyme preparations. It was concluded that during normal pregnancy and pseudopregnancy zinc and magnesium would always be present in amounts considerably greater than those required to saturate alkaline phosphatase for full catalytic activity. Thus, while the metals exert major effects on the activity and stability of the enzyme in vitro, they may not be major factors involved in the in utero regulation of the enzyme during early pregnancy.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗
PubMed2004

Gene expression analysis of the pro-oestrous-stage rat uterus reveals neuroligin 2 as a novel steroid-regulated gene.

In the present study, differential gene expression in the uteri of ovariectomised (OVX) and pro-oestrous rats (OVX v. pro-oestrus pair) was investigated using cDNA expression array analysis. Differential uterine gene expression in OVX rats and progesterone (P(4))-injected OVX rats (OVX v. OVX + P(4) pair) was also examined. The uterine gene expression profiles of these two sets of animals were also compared for the effects of P(4) treatment. RNA samples were extracted from uterine tissues and reverse transcribed in the presence of [alpha(32)P]-dATP. Membrane sets of rat arrays were hybridised with cDNA probe sets. Northern blot analysis was used to validate the relative gene expression patterns obtained from the cDNA array. Of the 1176 cDNAs examined, 23 genes showed significant (>two-fold) changes in expression in the OVX v. pro-oestrus pair. Twenty of these genes were upregulated during pro-oestrus compared with their expression in the OVX rat uterus. In the OVX v. OVX + P(4) pair, 22 genes showed significant (>two-fold) changes in gene expression. Twenty of these genes were upregulated in the OVX + P(4) animals. The genes for nuclear factor I-XI, afadin, neuroligin 2, semaphorin Z, calpain 4, cyclase-associated protein homologue, thymosin beta-4X and p8 were significantly upregulated in the uteri of the pro-oestrus and OVX + P(4) rats of both experimental pairs compared with the OVX rat uteri. These genes appear to be under the control of P(4). One of the most interesting findings of the present study is the unexpected and marked expression of the neuroligin 2 gene in the rat uterus. This gene is expressed at high levels in the central nervous system and acts as a nerve cell adhesion factor. According to Northern blot analysis, neuroligin 2 gene expression was higher during the pro-oestrus and metoestrus stages than during the oestrus and dioestrus stages of the oestrous cycle. In addition, neuroligin 2 mRNA levels were increased by both 17beta-oestradiol (E(2)) and P(4), although P(4) administration upregulated gene expression to a greater extent than injection of E(2). These results indicate that neuroligin 2 gene expression in the rat uterus is under the control of both E(2) and P(4), which are secreted periodically during the oestrous cycle.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Some biological activities of cronolone and medroxyprogesterone acetate in the uterus of the sheep, mouse and rabbit.

Cronolone (9 alpha-fluoro-11 beta-hydroxy-17 alpha-acetoxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione) is widely employed to regulate breeding activity in the ewe, but its biological activity in the uterus of this and most other species has not been studied. In this study several in vivo uterus-related activities of cronolone have been examined in the sheep, mouse and rabbit. In some experiments the corresponding activities of medroxyprogesterone acetate (6 alpha-methyl-17 alpha-acetoxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione, MAP) were also examined. Cronolone maintained pregnancy in ovariectomized ewes but not in ovariectomized mice and rabbits; it terminated pregnancy in some mice and in all rabbits that were receiving daily progesterone treatment. Cronolone could not sensitize the mouse uterus for the induction of the decidual-cell reaction or block the induction of such sensitivity by progesterone, but did support limited growth of the oil-stimulated horn after sensitization with progesterone. Cronolone induced uteroglobin secretion by rabbit endometrium. It was concluded that, whereas MAP is a potent progestogen in the sheep, mouse and rabbit, cronolone is a progestogen in the sheep and rabbit only. In the mouse and especially the rabbit, cronolone has other, non-progestational activities, which block pregnancy.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Localization of neutral endopeptidase in the ovine uterus and conceptus during the oestrous cycle and early pregnancy.

Neutral endopeptidase (NEP; EC 3.4.24.11), an enzyme which metabolizes several peptides (including oxytocin and endothelins) implicated in the control of uterine function, was found to be localized in the ovine uterus throughout the oestrous cycle and in the uterus and conceptus during early pregnancy, using immunohistochemical techniques. Positive NEP immunoreactivity was found in the endometrium principally in stromal cells, in the vasculature in endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells, and also weakly in some glandular epithelial cells. In a layer of stromal fibroblasts several cells in thickness underlying the luminal epithelium, staining was much weaker than that in the deeper stromal cells throughout the period examined. NEP staining was also present in smooth muscle cells of the myometrium at all times, and was most intense in the layer of cells adjacent to the endometrium. In the conceptus, NEP immunohistochemical staining was found in uninucleate cells, but not in binucleate trophoblast cells, in epithelial cells of the allantois and amnion, and in the heart and brain of the Day-20 embryo. In ovariectomized ewes treated with oestrogen or progesterone separately or remaining untreated, immunohistochemical staining of NEP was stronger when compared with intact ewes, in caruncular and intercaruncular stroma and epithelia, in glands, in the vasculature and in myometrium. The staining was less intense in all cell types in ewes receiving oestrogen plus progesterone. The expression of NEP and its specific regionalization within the uterus indicate a mechanism by which the availability of biologically important peptides involved in the regulation of the oestrous cycle and implantation, including oxytocin and endothelin, can be controlled by regulation of their metabolism.

Animals↗
PubMed1969

Role of chromatin in estrogen action in the uterus. II. Hormone-induced synthesis of nonhistone acidic proteins which restore histone-inhibited DNA-dependent RNA synthesis.

Nonhistone acidic proteins were isolated, by equilibrium density centrifugation in 4 M cesium chloride, from the chromatin isolated and purified from the uterus of the ovariectomized rat or from calf endometrium. Evidence is presented to show (1) that arginine-rich histones are more effective inhibitors of chromatin-directed RNA synthesis in vitor than lysine-rich histones, (2) that the nonhistone acidic proteins of chromatin do not inhibit the synthesis of RNA directed by chromatin in vitro, (3) that added nonhistone acidic chromatin proteins effect a restoration of histone-inhibited RNA synthesis directed by chromatin in vitro, and (4) that the synthesis of nonhistone acidic chromatin proteins is under estrogen control in the uterus, but not in the liver. It is concluded that a major feature of the early action of estrogen in the uterus of the ovariectomized rat is the stimulation of synthesis and the accumulation in the interphase chromosomes of nonhistone acidic proteins which counter the inhibitory effect of histone on transcription by RNA polymerase. Presumably this would permit more and perhaps a new synthesis of RNA programmed for transport to the cytoplasm.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Effect of estrogen upon cyclic ADP ribose metabolism: beta-estradiol stimulates ADP ribosyl cyclase in rat uterus.

Cyclic ADP ribose (cADPR) has been shown to trigger Ca2+ release from intracellular stores through ryanodine receptor/channel. In our previous study we observed that all-trans-retinoic acid stimulates cADPR synthesis by ADP ribose cyclase (ADPR cyclase) in cultured epithelial cells. We have now investigated whether cADPR may play a signaling role in action of beta-estradiol (E2), an archetypal steroid superfamily hormone, upon its major target organ, uterus, in vivo. Administration of E2 to gonadectomized rats (0.2 mg/kg per day for 7 days) resulted in an approximately Delta + 300% increase of ADPR cyclase activity in extracts from uterus, but in liver, brain, or skeletal muscle ADPR cyclase was unchanged. Most of the E2-stimulated uterine ADPR cyclase was associated with membranes. The higher ADPR cyclase activity in response to E2 was due to the increase of VMAX without change in Km. Simultaneous administration of estrogen antagonist tamoxifen (8 mg/kg per day) with E2 (0.2 mg/kg per day) prevented an increase in ADPR cyclase. In uterine extracts from E2-treated rats, the rate of cADPR inactivation by cADPR hydrolase and the activity of NADase was increased, but to a much lesser degree than activity of ADPR cyclase. Our results indicate that E2, via action to its nuclear receptors in vivo, increases ADPR cyclase activity in uterus. We propose that some of the estrogen effects, and by extension the effects of other steroid superfamily hormones, upon specialized cellular functions and upon hormone-induced gene expression in target cells, are mediated by cADPR-Ca2+ release pathway.

ADP-ribosyl Cyclase↗
PubMed1998

Evidence of high expression of peptidylglycine alpha-amidating monooxygenase in the rat uterus: estrogen regulation.

In the present study, high levels of peptidylglycine alpha-amidating monooxygenase (PAM), which catalyzes the two-step formation of bioactive alpha-amidated peptides from their glycine-extended precursors, have been found in the uterus. Expression of PAM was evaluated in the uterus of intact cycling adult female rats and after experimental manipulation of the estrogen status of the rats. During the estrous cycle, PAM mRNA levels exhibited striking changes inversely related to the physiological variations of plasma estrogen levels. The levels of PAM transcripts changed markedly during the estrous cycle, reaching the highest levels at metestrus. There was a 15-fold increase in the abundance of PAM mRNA between metestrus and proestrus. Chronic treatment of ovariectomized rats with 17beta-estradiol decreased PAM mRNA levels to values comparable with those found in intact rats at proestrus. Progesterone was without effect on PAM mRNA levels, indicating that the effect was specific for estradiol. In situ hybridization studies were conducted to determine the tissue disposition and cell types expressing PAM. High levels of PAM mRNA were localized in the endometrium at the level of luminal and glandular cells. A weak signal was observed in stromal cells, and the myometrium cells were negative. 17beta-Estradiol treatment induced an overall decrease of the hybridization signal, as compared with ovariectomized rats. These results demonstrate the presence of high levels of PAM in the uterus and indicate that estrogens are involved in regulating the expression of the enzyme in this tissue. However, the present study provides no information regarding whether this regulation takes place at the level of transcription or influences mRNA stability.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Cellular and molecular responses of the uterus to embryo implantation can be elicited by locally applied growth factors.

The implantation of a blastocyst into a receptive uterus is associated with a series of events, namely the attachment reaction followed by decidualization of the stroma. Previous studies established that the gene encoding heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) is expressed in the luminal epithelium solely at the site of blastocyst apposition preceding the attachment reaction. We report here the expression during implantation of 21 genes encoding other signaling proteins, including those belonging to the Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), WNT, and Hedgehog (HH) pathways. We find that the attachment reaction is associated with a localized stromal induction of genes encoding BMP-2, FGF-2, and WNT-4. Despite efforts by many investigators, a simple in vitro model of implantation is not yet available to study either the hierarchy of the events triggered in the uterus by the embryo or the function of individual signaling proteins. We have therefore approached these questions by introducing beads loaded with purified factors into the receptive uterus. We show that beads soaked in HB-EGF or insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), but not other proteins, induce many of the same discrete local responses elicited by the blastocyst, including increased localized vascular permeability, decidualization, and expression of Bmp2 at the sites of the beads. By contrast, the expression domains of Indian hedgehog (Ihh), patched, and noggin become restricted as decidualization proceeds. Significantly, beads containing BMP-2 do not themselves elicit an implantation response but affect the spacing of implantation sites induced by blastocysts cotransferred with the beads.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

In vivo regulation of syndecan-3 expression in the rat uterus by 17 beta-estradiol.

The immature rat uterus has been extensively used as an in vivo model system to study the molecular mechanisms of steroid hormone actions. In this study, we demonstrated the regulated expression of syndecan-3 in the rat uterus by the steroid hormone 17 beta-estradiol. Administration of a single physiological dose of 17 beta-estradiol (40 microg/kg) to ovariectomized immature animals induced a rapid and transient increase in uterine syndecan-3 mRNA. Transcript levels reached a peak elevation of 3-fold above saline control tissues 4 h after hormone administration. Inhibition of message up-regulation by actinomycin D but not cycloheximide indicated a hormone response dependent on RNA transcription but not new protein synthesis. The estrogenic ligands estriol and tamoxifen were also effective at raising syndecan-3 mRNA levels; however, nonestrogenic ligands, including progesterone, 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone, and dexamethasone, failed to stimulate a change in mRNA levels. Hormone-induced changes in mRNA led to transient changes in syndecan-3 protein content and significant alteration in the temporal and spatial expression in endometrial epithelial cells. Collectively, these data show that the steroid hormone 17 beta-estradiol, regulates transcription of the syndecan-3 gene in the uterus via an estrogen receptor-dependent mechanism. This estrogen-regulated expression of syndecan-3 may play an important role in changes in tissue ultrastructure crucial for proper uterine growth.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Radiation damage to the uterus -- review of the effects of treatment of childhood cancer.

At the present time approximately 1 in 1000 young people aged between 16 and 35 years will have been cured of cancer in childhood and some of the treatment regimens used will have predictable effects on their future fertility prospects. In young women who have been exposed to radiotherapy below the diaphragm, the reproductive problems include the risk of ovarian failure and significantly impaired development of the uterus. The magnitude of the risk is related to the radiation field, total dose and fractionation schedule. Premature labour and low birth weight infants have been reported after flank abdominal radiotherapy. Female long-term survivors treated with total body irradiation and marrow transplantation are also at risk of ovarian follicular depletion and impaired uterine growth and blood flow, and of early pregnancy loss and premature labour if pregnancy is achieved. Despite standard oestrogen replacement, the uterus of these young girls is often reduced to 40% of normal adult size. Uterine volume correlates with the age at which radiation was received. Regrettably, it is likely that radiation damage to the uterine musculature and vasculature adversely affects prospects for pregnancy in these women. It has been demonstrated that, in women treated with total body irradiation, sex steroid replacement in physiological doses significantly increases uterine volume and endometrial thickness, as well as re-establishing uterine blood flow. However, it is not known whether standard regimens of oestrogen replacement therapy are sufficient to facilitate uterine growth in adolescent women treated with total body irradiation in childhood. Even if the uterus is able to respond to exogenous sex steroid stimulation, and appropriate assisted reproductive technologies are available, a successful pregnancy outcome is by no means ensured. The uterine factor remains a concern and women who are survivors of childhood cancer and their carers must recognize that these pregnancies will be at high risk.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗