Digestive tract measurements and histological adaptation in broiler lines divergently selected for digestive efficiency.

Two lines of broilers divergently selected for a high (D+) or a low (D-) AME(n) on a wheat-based diet were studied for morphological and histological characteristics of the digestive tract. A total of 630 birds of both lines were slaughtered after a 23-d feeding period. Digestive tract morphology and intestinal histology were investigated on a total of 24 birds to describe the consequences of divergent selection.

EGF mediates calcium-activated chloride channel activation in the human bronchial epithelial cell line 16HBE14o-: involvement of tyrosine kinase p60c-src.

Particulate atmospheric pollutants interact with the human airway epithelium, which releases cytokines, chemokines, and EGF receptor (EGFR) ligands leading to proinflammatory responses. There is little information concerning the short-term effects of EGFR activation by extracellular ligands on ionic regulation of airway surface lining fluids. We identified in the membrane of human epithelial bronchial cells (16HBE14o(-) line) an endogenous calcium- and voltage-dependent, outwardly rectifying small-conductance chloride channel (CACC), and we examined the effects of EGF on CACC activity.

Automatic detection of microaneurysms in color fundus images.

This paper addresses the automatic detection of microaneurysms in color fundus images, which plays a key role in computer assisted diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy, a serious and frequent eye disease. The algorithm can be divided into four steps. The first step consists in image enhancement, shade correction and image normalization of the green channel.

Oxidant stress stimulates Ca2+-activated chloride channels in the apical activated membrane of cultured nonciliated human nasal epithelial cells.

Respiratory tissues can be damaged by the exposure of airway epithelial cells to reactive oxygen species that generate oxidative stress. We studied the effects of the hydroxyl radical *OH, for which there is no natural intra- or extracellular scavenger, on a Ca(2+)-activated chloride channel (CACC) that participates in Cl(-) secretion in the apical membrane of airway epithelial cells. We identified and characterized CACC in cell-attached and in inside-out excised membrane patches from the apical membrane of cultured nonciliated human nasal epithelial cells.

Effects of hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals on the cytosolic side of a non-selective cation channel in the cultured human bronchial epithelial cell line 16HBE14o-.

Respiratory tissues can be damaged by the exposure of airway epithelial cells to reactive oxygen species (ROS) that generate an oxidative stress. We studied the effects of the hydroxyl radical *OH, for which there is no natural intra- or extracellular scavenger, on a Ca2+-activated, non-selective cation channel (NSC(Ca)) which might participate in the transepithelial Na+ fluxes involved in the maintenance of the cytosolic [Na+] ([Na+]i). We identified and characterized NSC(Ca) in inside-out excised membrane patches from cells of the human bronchial cell line 16HBE14o- and exposed the cytoplasmic side of NSC(Ca) to H2O2 or *OH created in front of the patch pipette.

Protection from cytotoxic effects induced by the nitrogen mustard mechlorethamine on human bronchial epithelial cells in vitro.

The present study was undertaken to find potent molecules against the toxicity of nitrogen mustard mechlorethamine (HN2) on respiratory epithelial cells, using a human bronchial epithelial cell line (16HBE14o-) as an in vitro model. The compounds examined included inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), sulfhydryl-group donors as nucleophiles, and iron chelators and inhibitors of lipid peroxidation as antioxidants. Their effectiveness was determined upon observance of metabolic dysfunction induced by HN2 following a 4-h exposure, using (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction and ATP-level assays as indicators.

Effects of hydroxyl radicals on outwardly rectifying chloride channels in a cultured human bronchial cell line (16HBE14o-).

Respiratory pathologies can result from the exposure of airway epithelial cells to oxidative stress. We studied the effects of the hydroxyl radical *OH, for which there is no natural intra- or extracellular scavenger, on an outwardly rectifying chloride channel (ORCC). In the human bronchial cell line 16HBE14o-, the cytoplasmic side of ORCC in inside-out excised membrane patches was exposed to *OH created by simultaneously superfusing Fe2+ and H2O2 in front of the patch-pipette.

Effects of extracellular environment on the osmotic signal transduction involved in activation of motility of carp spermatozoa.

The mechanism by which a hypo-osmotic shock activates motility of carp spermatozoa was studied. The direct role of osmolality at the axoneme was investigated after demembranation of spermatozoa with Triton X-100 and reactivation in various ionic or anionic solutions containing Mg-ATP: demembranated spermatozoa remain motile in solutions of osmolality up to 550 mOsm kg-1 while non-demembranated spermatozoa are immotile when osmolality rises above 250 mOsm kg-1 with the same salt solutions as well as in non-ionic solutions. Suspension in hypo-osmotic saline solutions triggered the swelling of native carp spermatozoa.

Role of free L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine in post-gonadal maturation of mammalian spermatozoa.

Spermatozoa are produced in the testis and undergo post-gonadal modifications in the epididymis to acquire fertilizing ability. In epididymal plasma, high-molecular-weight proteins and such small molecules as free-L carnitine convert the gametes into "competent' and functional cells. This review summarizes the knowledge pertaining to L-carnitine and the significance of free L-carnitine uptake into the mature spermatozoa of mammals.

Changes in flagellar movement of rat spermatozoa along the length of the epididymis: manual and computer-aided image analysis.

The different patterns of motility of rat spermatozoa during epididymal transit were studied in vitro using high-speed videomicroscopy. The sperm images were analysed after manual tracing as well as with a computer imaging system. The present work is the first which reports both the swimming path of the sperm head and the characteristics of flagellation in this species.

Morphological and kinetic changes of carp (Cyprinus carpio) spermatozoa after initiation of motility in distilled water.

Studies on the flagellar movement of carp spermatozoa induced by dilution in distilled water allowed us to describe a sequence of early, rapid morphological and kinetic changes which begin at the very tip of the flagellum. They cause the progressive folding of the axoneme which ends stuck to the head within 90-120 seconds after the initiation of motility. However, the axonemal machinery remains functional as the folding can be reversed after transfer back into a high osmolality medium and partially folded flagella were able to propagate efficient waves along the non-folded proximal portion of the axoneme.

In vitro exposure of rabbit tracheal epithelium to SO(2): Effects on morphology and ciliary beating.

The aim of this in vitro study was to characterize the direct effects of short-term exposure to low concentrations of sulfur dioxide (SO(2)) on both the morphology and the physiology of rabbit tracheal primary cultures. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies revealed that ciliated cells exposed for 1 hr to 10 ppm or 30 ppm SO(2) exhibited aggregated cilia. Transmission electron microscopy revealed numerous swollen mitochondria in cells exposed to 30 ppm SO(2) for 1 hr.

Relationship between sperm ATP content and motility of carp spermatozoa.

Carp spermatozoa are immotile in seminal plasma or in saline solution of high osmolality (> 400 mosmol kg-1). These 'quiescent' spermatozoa initiate a progressive forward motility when transferred in freshwater or in saline solution with low osmolality (< 160 mosmol kg-1). In this study we investigated 'in vitro' the relationship between sperm ATP content (measured by bioluminescence) and sperm motility (analysed by videomicroscopy).

Uptake and release of free L-carnitine by boar epididymal spermatozoa in vitro and subsequent acetylation rate.

In the male reproductive tract, very high concentrations (mmol l-1) of free L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine are found in the epididymides, seminal plasma and spermatozoa. It has been reported that the uptake of free L-carnitine by spermatozoa might be related to the epididymal maturation of the sperm membrane, since a greater uptake was found by caput than by cauda spermatozoa in vitro. However, the free L-carnitine concentrations estimated inside the gametes were never greater than those of the surrounding medium.

Reversible intracellular ATP changes in intact rat spermatozoa and effects on flagellar sperm movement.

The initiation of motility and modification of energy metabolism of rat caudal epididymal spermatozoa can be induced by dilution in a saline medium. We have investigated in these cells the relationships between the energy reserve (sperm ATP content measured by bioluminescence) and flagellar movement (high speed videomicrography, 200 frames/sec). A steady state was observed in sperm ATP content, progressive velocity (Vp) and flagellar beat frequency (F) with sperm dilution in a medium with glucose, lactate, pyruvate and acetate substrates after 30 minutes of incubation.

Catalase activity in human spermatozoa and seminal plasma.

Catalase activity was determined in human semen by measuring the oxygen burst with a Clark electrode, after H2O2 addition. Significant catalase activities (mean +/- SD) were found in migrated, motile spermatozoa (44 +/- 17 nmoles O2/min/10(8) cells) and in seminal plasma of normozoospermic men (129 +/- 59 nmoles O2/min/ml). It has been demonstrated that seminal catalase originated from prostate; however, its activity was not correlated with the usual prostatic markers (such as citric acid and zinc).

In-vitro processing of sperm with autoantibodies and in-vitro fertilization results.

In-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer were carried out in twenty infertile couples with significant levels of anti-sperm antibodies on the ejaculated spermatozoa. Over 21 cycles (15 couples), 95 mature oocytes were collected and inseminated with spermatozoa obtained by swim-up migration after rapid dilution and washing of the ejaculates. An overall fertilization rate of 38.

In-vitro processing of sperm with autoantibodies: analysis of sperm populations.

Ejaculates from 51 infertile men with significant levels of anti-sperm antibodies were submitted to processing in vitro in order to increase the number of antibody-free spermatozoa. Rapid removal and washing of spermatozoa from antibody-containing seminal fluid resulted in a variable decrease in IgG and/or IgA binding; only IgG binding was significantly reduced. Those spermatozoa were allowed to swim-up into an overlaying medium to select those with the best progression.

[Acetylcarnitine and spermatozoa: relationship with epididymal maturation and motility in the boar and man ].

The level of carnitine and acetylcarnitine in spermatozoa of boar epididymal origin and of human ejaculates was demonstrated. In the epididymal fluid of boars, the concentration of carnitine (nmol/mg protein) began to increase from 20 in the distal caput to rise progressively to 700 in the distal cauda. By contrast, the carnitine content of spermatozoa only started to increase in the proximal cauda where the concentration of carnitine in the fluid was 200-300 nmol/mg protein, then gradually increased in spermatozoa from more distal sites.

The distribution of carnitine and acetylcarnitine in the epididymis and epididymal spermatozoa of the boar.

In the epididymal fluid of boars, the concentration of carnitine (nmol/mg protein) began to increase from 20 in the distal caput, then rose progressively to 700 in the distal cauda. By contrast, the carnitine content of spermatozoa only started to increase in the proximal cauda where the concentration of carnitine in the fluid was 200-300 nmol/mg protein then gradually increased in spermatozoa from more distal sites. The increase in the acetylcarnitine content of spermatozoa paralleled that of the carnitine amount and represented 50% of the total carnitine (carnitine + acetylcarnitine).

Sperm factors related to failure of human in-vitro fertilization.

Two groups of men were retrospectively selected according to their observed success in in-vitro fertilization. Seminal and post-migration sperm samples from a low fertilization rate group (less than or equal to 33% cleaved embryos) have been compared to results obtained from a high fertilization rate group (greater than or equal to 66%). It was found that a low mean value of the amplitude of lateral sperm head displacement and an increased percentage of abnormal acrosomes were related to in-vitro fertilization failure.

Semen abnormalities in patients with viral hepatitis B.

Semen parameters of 10 acute hepatitis and 5 chronic carriers were studies. The most common alterations were necrospermia (62% of the patients), teratospermia with irregular shape of the heads (46%), asthenospermia (36%), small volume (33%), and oligospermia (27%). The possible mechanisms of such anomalies are discussed.

Morphological factors influencing the penetration of human sperm into cervical mucus in vitro.

The efficiency of cervical mucus in filtering out single, multiple and associated abnormalities of human spermatozoa was determined. Twenty semen samples which gave a normal in vitro cervical mucus penetration test (CMPT) were analysed before and after migration using a detailed classification system (13 categories). The % of normal forms was significantly increased in cervical mucus (59.

The effects of centrifugation, various synthetic media and temperature on the motility and vitality of human spermatozoa.

The influence of various technical procedures and diluent media upon human spermatozoa has been tested in vitro. The percentage and velocity of motile spermatozoa were measured objectively using laser Doppler velocimetry. Vitality was determined by fluorescent staining.