Differential expression patterns of Wnt and beta-catenin/TCF target genes in the uterus of immature female rats exposed to 17alpha-ethynyl estradiol.

To characterize the effects of an estrogen receptor (ER) agonist on the gene expressions in the uterus, immature female rats were administered once orally with 17alpha-ethynyl estradiol (EE, 3 mug/kg), a potent ER agonist. We focused on four categories of sex steroid hormone receptor genes: well-known estrogen target genes, Wnt genes, and beta-catenin/T-cell factor (TCF) target genes. ERalpha, ERbeta, progesterone receptor, and androgen receptor mRNAs were all downregulated at 24 and/or 48 h after EE administration.

Detection of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase messenger RNA using a peptide nucleic acid probe in paraffin-embedded archival specimens.

Although the human genome project has been completed, the functions of many genes remain undetermined. In situ hybridization (ISH) is a key method for identifying cells in which a given messenger RNA is transcribed. Paraffin-embedded specimens remain precious materials for research, but preservation of high-quality RNA in these specimens is not expected unless ample caution was taken during fixation.

Novel surrogate end-point biomarker to evaluate agents for use in the chemoprevention of reactive oxygen species-associated cancer.

Cancer chemoprevention is the use of chemical agents to inhibit, delay or reverse carcinogenesis. We established a novel method to evaluate agents for use in the chemoprevention of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-associated cancer. Induction of renal cell carcinoma in rats by ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA) is an established model of ROS-associated cancer.

Spaciotemporal alteration of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine levels in cardiomyocytes after myocardial infarction in rats.

Temporary or persistent heart failure is one of the major complications after myocardial infarction (MI). In order to elucidate the pathogenesis of MI, we studied the spaciotemporal alteration of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels in cardiomyocytes in a rat model of ligation of the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery. The lethality in this model was 18%.

Specific allelic loss of p16 (INK4A) tumor suppressor gene after weeks of iron-mediated oxidative damage during rat renal carcinogenesis.

Oxidative tissue damage has been shown to be associated with carcinogenesis. In human cancers p16(INK4A) is one of the most frequently mutated tumor suppressor genes. The present study used the ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA)-induced rat renal carcinogenesis model to determine whether oxidative damage can cause specific allelic loss of p16 (INK4A).