Control of human luteal steroidogenesis.

The human corpus luteum (CL) undergoes a dynamic cycle of differentiation, steroid hormone production and regression during the course of non-fertile cycles. In humans and other primates, luteal steroidogenesis is absolutely dependent on pituitary-derived LH. However, changes in LH and LH receptor expression do not explain the marked decline in progesterone production at the end of the luteal phase.

Expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein in the human corpus luteum throughout the luteal phase.

The expression of the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) in the human corpus luteum (CL) was examined throughout the luteal phase. The primary 1.6-kb StAR transcript was in greater abundance in early (3.

Amplification of inflammation in emphysema and its association with latent adenoviral infection.

This study examines the hypothesis that the cigarette smoke-induced inflammatory process is amplified in severe emphysema and explores the association of this response with latent adenoviral infection. Lung tissue from patients with similar smoking histories and either no (n = 7), mild (n = 7), or severe emphysema (n = 7) was obtained by lung resection. Numbers of polymorphonuclear cells (PMN), macrophages, B cells, CD4, CD8 lymphocytes, and eosinophils present in tissue and airspaces and of epithelial cells expressing adenoviral E1A protein were determined using quantitative techniques.

Hormonal profile, endometrial histology and ovarian ultrasound assessment during 1 year of nomegestrol acetate implant (Uniplant).

The present study assesses the endocrinological, endometrial histology and vaginal ultrasound profiles of nomegestrol acetate subdermal implant users at varying times after insertion. Follicle stimulatory hormone, luteinizing hormone, oestradiol, progesterone, vaginal ultrasound assessment of the ovaries and the histological dating of the endometrium were serially assessed for a period of 50 days immediately after the insertion, and after at 6 months and 12 months of use. The endocrinological results of this prospective observational clinical trial indicated that 75% of the cycles across the study period in Uniplant users were anovulatory, 63% showing development of a persistent non-luteinized follicle.

Localization of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) and IGF-I receptor expression in human corpora lutea: role on estradiol secretion.

Objective: To determine whether insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) and its receptors are expressed by human corpus luteum (CL) and to establish the effect of IGF-I on E2 biosynthesis in human luteal cell cultures.

Design: Middle corpora lutea were obtained from women undergoing surgical sterilization. The tissue was frozen for binding and in situ studies or dispersed for cell cultures.