Modulation of Endocannabinoid-Binding Receptors in Human Neuroblastoma Cells by Tunicamycin.

Endocannabinoid (eCB)-binding receptors can be modulated by several ligands and membrane environment, yet the effect of glycosylation remains to be assessed. In this study, we used human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells to interrogate whether expression, cellular localization, and activity of eCB-binding receptors may depend on -linked glycosylation. Following treatment with tunicamycin (a specific inhibitor of -linked glycosylation) at the non-cytotoxic dose of 1 µg/mL, mRNA, protein levels and localization of eCB-binding receptors, as well as -acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) residues, were evaluated in SH-SY5Y cells by means of quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), and confocal microscopy, respectively.

Mancozeb affects mitochondrial activity, redox status and ATP production in mouse granulosa cells.

Background: Mancozeb (MZ) is a fungicide that belongs to the subclass of metal (Mn/Zn) ethylene-bis-dithiocarbamate pesticides. In mouse and human granulosa cells (GCs) exposed to MZ (0.01 μg/ml), morphological modifications and significant alterations of p53 expression level in comparison with control GCs were recorded.

Endocannabinoid signaling in mammalian ovary.

The role of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in mammalian reproduction is a rather active field of research, due to its potential exploitation to combat human infertility. Available data shows that the aberrant endocannabinoid signaling negatively affects embryo development, implantation and pregnancy. Although many efforts have been devoted to a better understanding of the ECS in these steps of female reproduction, very little is known about its role in regulating ovarian follicle development and production of mature oocytes.

Repeated ovarian stimulation does not affect the expression level of proteins involved in cell cycle control in mouse ovaries and fallopian tubes.

Purpose: To understand if repeated cycles (2-4 rounds) of gonadotropin stimulation could affect intracellular localization/content of proteins controlling cell cycle progression in mouse fallopian tubes (FT) and ovaries.

Methods: FT and ovaries of estrous mice (control) and of stimulated mice were analyzed to detect Oct-3/4, Sox-2, p53, β-catenin, pAKT and cyclin D1 localization/content. Spindles and chromosome alignment were analyzed in ovulated oocytes.

Ovarian toxicity: from environmental exposure to chemotherapy.

Unlike men, who have continuous spermatogenesis throughout most of their lifetime, women are born with a fixed supply of follicles, and this number progressively declines with age until the menopause. Beside age, the speed of follicle depletion can be regulated by genetic, hormonal and environmental influences. In the course of their lives, women are exposed to multiple chemicals and radiation sources that can increase the chance of developing permanent infertility and premature ovarian failure (POF).