Menstrual stage-specific expression of epidermal growth factor and transforming growth factor-alpha in human oviduct epithelium and their role in early embryogenesis.

We studied the expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-alpha in human oviduct epithelium at various menstrual stages. Immunohistochemical stainings using anti-EGF and anti-TGF alpha antibodies showed a specific staining in ampullary oviduct epithelium at late follicular and luteal stages, but the stainings were very weak at early follicular stage. Quantitative reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction, using beta-actin messenger RNA as an internal standard, revealed the menstrual stage-specific expression of EGF and TGF alpha gene transcripts: relative amounts of EGF and TGF alpha messenger RNA to those of beta-actin were 1.

Effects of thyrotropin-releasing hormone and phorbol ester on dopamine release from dispersed rat tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic neurons.

We have investigated the intracellular mechanisms underlying thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)-mediated [3H]dopamine ([3H]DA) release from dispersed rat tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic (TIDA) neurons. The specific binding of [3H]Me-TRH to these cells is characterized by a single, high-affinity binding site (Kd = 1.2 nM) with a Bmax value of 178 fmol/mg protein.

No inhibitory effects of danazol estrogen production by ovaries of hypophysectomized rats stimulated by gonadotropins.

The effects of danazol on estrogen production by rat ovaries were investigated. Hypophysectomized immature female rats were injected daily with 2.5 or 5 IU of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMS) and simultaneously daily given vehicle only or danazol (100 mg/kg body weight) for 14 days.

Intraventricular administration of histidyl-proline-diketopiperazine [Cyclo(His-Pro)] suppresses prolactin secretion and synthesis: a possible role of Cyclo(His-Pro) as dopamine uptake blocker in rat hypothalamus.

Histidyl-proline-diketopiperazine [Cyclo (His-Pro) (CHP)] was discovered to be one of the metabolites of TRH. To understand the specific role of CHP in rat hypothalamic dopamine neurons, we examined the in vivo effects of intraventricular (icv) infusion of CHP on the release and synthesis of PRL in the rat pituitary and the 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC)/dopamine ratio in the rat hypothalamus. We also examined the in vitro effects of CHP on the release of [3H]dopamine from dispersed tuberoinfundibular dopamine neurons, [3H]dopamine reuptake in hypothalamic membrane fractions, and PRL release from rat pituitary cultured cells.

The novel natural product YM-26567-1 [(+)-trans-4-(3-dodecanoyl-2,4,6- trihydroxyphenyl)-7-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)chroman]: a competitive inhibitor of group II phospholipase A2.

(+)-trans-4-(3-dodecanoyl-2,4,6-trihydroxyphenyl)-7-hydroxy-2-(4- hydroxyphenyl)chroman (YM-26567-1), a novel natural product isolated from the fruit of Horsfieldia amygdaline, dose-dependently inhibited group II phospholipase A2 (PLA2) prepared from rabbit platelet with an IC50 value of 6.7 microM (4.6-9.

No inhibitory effects of gestrinone and medroxyprogesterone acetate on the estrogen production by ovaries of hypophysectomized rats stimulated by gonadotropins.

The in vivo effects of gestrinone (R2323) and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) on the estrogen production by rat ovaries were investigated. Hypophysectomized immature female rats treated with 2.5 or 5 IU of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMS) were daily given vehicle only, gestrinone (0.

Immunohistochemical evidence that rat FSH cells contain beta II-subspecies of protein kinase C.

Immunocytochemical double-staining analysis revealed that in the rat anterior pituitary 86% of cells containing the beta II-subspecies of protein kinase C also contained follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and that 22% of these FSH cells expressed the beta II-subspecies. These findings suggest a close relationship between the beta II-subspecies of protein kinase C and FSH regulation.

[Ultrastructural observation of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in eosinophilic pneumonia].

To investigate the morphological changes of local eosinophils in the lungs, we observed the ultrastructure of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from patients with eosinophilic pneumonia. We also measured the BALF concentration of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) as an index of the activation of eosinophils. The eosinophils in BALF from patients with eosinophilic pneumonia showed various ultrastructural changes compared to eosinophils in BALF of the control patient.

[Roles of calcium ion in reproductive physiology].

Physiological role and importance of calcium ion has been investigated based on the study of the mechanism of muscle contraction. Furthermore, calcium ion has been proved to have a wide variety of biological roles in hormonal secretion, cell proliferation and reproduction as well as in muscle contraction. In this lecture, I would like to show a method to measure intracellular calcium ion concentrations ([Ca2+]i) and to give a general information about the roles of calcium ion to induce various cell activities.

In vitro and in vivo activities of SCE-2787, a new parenteral cephalosporin with a broad antibacterial spectrum.

SCE-2787, a new cephalosporin having a condensed azolium moiety in the 3 position and an aminothiadiazolyl group in the 7 beta side chain, was evaluated for its in vitro and in vivo activities in comparison with those of ceftazidime, flomoxef, cefpirome, and E1040. Against methicillin-susceptible strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, SCE-2787 was more active than ceftazidime and E1040 and was as active as flomoxef and cefpirome, with MICs for 90% of strains tested (MIC90s) being 1.56 micrograms/ml or less.

Atrial and brain natriuretic peptides enhance dopamine accumulation in cultured rat hypothalamic cells including dopaminergic neurons.

Dopamine accumulation in hypothalamic cells by atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) was analyzed using newborn rat hypothalamic cells in culture. Both ANP and BNP caused a dose-dependent increase in [3H]-dopamine accumulation in the cells. ANP increased [3H]-dopamine accumulation significantly within 20 min.

Activin A increases cytosolic free calcium concentration in rat pituitary somatotropes.

The effect of activin A on the cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in normal rat pituitary cells was examined using a calcium sensitive fluorescent dye, indo 1 AM, and a digital imaging fluorescent microscope system. The cells showing an increase in [Ca2+]i in response to activin A were then characterized by comparison with cells responding to growth hormone releasing hormone (GRH), thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH), corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), and gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) in monolayer cultures of normal rat pituitary cells. Activin A increased [Ca2+]i in some cells in a mixed population of normal rat pituitary cells.

Relationship of age at menarche and subsequent fertility.

We investigated retrospectively the relationship between the age at menarche and reproductive ability in 2278 married women. Those who had a pregnancy experienced menarche at a mean age (+/- SEM) of 13.7 +/- 0.

Studies on condensed-heterocyclic azolium cephalosporins. V. Synthesis and antibacterial activity of 3-(condensed-triazolo-pyridinium, -pyrimidinium, and -pyridazinium)-methyl cephalosporins.

As a part of our studies on cephalosporins bearing condensed-heterocyclic azolium methyl groups at the 3 position in the cephalosporin nucleus, we describe here the synthesis and antibacterial activity of 7 beta-[2-(2-aminothiazol-4-yl)2(Z)-methoxyiminoacetamido] cephalosporins (1-16, 7 beta-[2-(2-amino-5-chlorothiazol-4-yl)-2(Z)- methoxyiminoacetamido] cephalosporins (17,18) and 7 beta-[2-(5-amino- 1,2,4-thiadiazol-3-yl)-2(Z)-methoxyiminoacetamido) cephalosporins (19-23) containing a variety of condensed-heterocyclic triazolium methyl groups at the 3 position in the cephalosporin nucleus. These cephalosporins exhibited potent antibacterial activity, and it appears that condensed-heterocyclic triazolium as well as condensed-heterocyclic imidazolium rings are effective moieties for improving antibacterial activity and the spectrum of activity. Among the cephalosporins tested, 7 beta-[2-(2-aminothiazol-4-yl)-2(Z)-methoxyiminoacetamido]-3-(5- methyl[1,2,3]triazolo-[1,5-alpha]pyridinium-1-yl)methyl-3-cephem-4- carboxylate (9) and 7 beta-[2-(2-aminothiazol-4-yl)-2(Z)-methoxyiminoacetamido]-3-(6- methoxy[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-alpha]pyridinium-1-yl)methyl-3-cephem-4- carboxylate (11) showed good antibacterial activity.

Studies on condensed-heterocyclic azolium cephalosporins. IV. Synthesis and antibacterial activity of 7 beta-[2-(5-amino-1,2,4-thiadiazol-3-yl)-2(Z)- alkoxyiminoacetamido]-3-(condensed-heterocyclic azolium)methyl cephalosporins including SCE-2787.

The synthesis and in vitro antibacterial activity of 7 beta-[2-(5-amino-1,2,4-thiadiazol-3-yl)-2(Z)-alkoxyiminoacetami do] cephalosporins bearing various condensed-heterocyclic azolium groups at the 3 position in the cephalosporin nucleus are described. The thiadiazolyl cephalosporins showed good antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and the MICs of the thiadiazolyl cephalosporins against Pseudomonas aeruginosa was more potent than that of the corresponding 7 beta-[2-(2-aminothiazol-4-yl)-2(Z)-alkoxyiminoacetamido]-3- (condensed-heterocyclic azolium)methyl cephalosporins. Also, the thiadiazolyl cephalosporins bearing (imidazo[1,2-b]-pyridazinium-1-yl)methyl groups at the 3 position showed antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Studies on condensed-heterocyclic azolium cephalosporins. III. Synthesis and antibacterial activity of 7 beta-[2-(2-amino-5-substituted-thiazol-4-yl)-2 (Z)-alkoxyiminoacetamido]-3-(condensed-heterocyclic azolium)methyl-3-cephem-4- carboxylates.

As a part of our research on the synthesis of cephalosporins bearing condensed-heterocyclic azolium groups at the 3 position in the cephalosporin nucleus, we describe herein the synthesis of 7 beta-[2-(2-amino-5-halogeno-, methylthio-, methylsulfinyl-, methylsulfonyl- and sulfothiazol-4-yl)-2(Z)-alkoxyiminoacetamido] cephalosporins and their antibacterial activity. Among the compounds prepared, 7 beta-[2-(2-amino-5-chlorothiazol-4-yl)-2(Z)- methoxyiminoacetamido]-3-(imidazo[1,5-a]-pyridinium-1-yl)methyl-3-cephem -4-carboxylate (14) showed good antibacterial activity against both Staphylococcus aureus including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, whereas the antibacterial activity against other Gram-negative bacteria was a slightly lower than that of 7 beta-[2-(2-aminothiazol-4-yl)-2(Z)-methoxyiminoacetamido]-3-(im ida zo [1,2-a]pyridinium (I-1) and imidazo[1,5-a]pyridinium (I-4)-1-yl)methyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylates.

Intraventricular administration of thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH) suppresses prolactin secretion and synthesis: a possible involvement of dopamine release by TRH from rat hypothalamus.

The administration of thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH) causes a variety of dopamine-related biological events. To understand the specific role of TRH on rat hypothalamic dopamine neurones, we examined the in-vivo effects of intraventricular (i.c.

[A case of gold lung with positive lymphocyte stimulation test to gold, using bronchoalveolar lymphocytes].

Gold lung, a gold-induced pneumonitis, is considered to be caused by hypersensitivity reaction to gold. We performed lymphocyte stimulation test (LST) to determine the response to gold, using lymphocytes obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) from a patient with gold lung. A 57-year-old man was admitted with progressive shortness of breath following a skin eruption.

Binding sites for interleukin-6 in the anterior pituitary gland.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) binding site in the rat anterior pituitary gland was characterized using radioiodinated human recombinant (hr) IL-6. Results showed that the anterior pituitary gland contained 170 binding sites per cell of a single class with a dissociation constant of 2.7 x 10(-9) M.

Triplet pregnancy involving complete hydatidiform mole and two fetuses: genetic analysis by deoxyribonucleic acid fingerprint.

A case of a triplet pregnancy involving a dizygous twin pregnancy and a complete hydatidiform mole after therapy with human menopausal gonadotropin and human chorionic gonadotropin is reported. Two female fetuses, two placentas in one mass with two amnions and two chorions, and a tumor mass with a grapelike appearance were spontaneously delivered at 19 weeks of gestation. The deoxyribonucleic acid fingerprints of the two placentas and tumor tissue were compared with those of the parents.

Regulation of intracellular Mg2+ by superoxide in amnion cells.

Changes of intracellular free Mg2+ concentration ([Mg2+]i) in human amnion cells induced by superoxide anion were determined using a highly Mg(2+)-sensitive fluorescent dye Mg(2+)-fura2 or Mg(2+)-indol. Superoxide anion, produced by addition of xanthine oxidase to hypoxanthine, induced decrease of [Mg2+]i. The decrease was significantly inhibited by an anion channel blocker, 4,4'diisothiocyano-2,2' disulfonic acid stilbene (DIDS).

Finite-element analysis of the rotor/stator contact in a ring-type ultrasonic motor.

A way to understand mechanical characteristics of an ultrasonic motor is presented. First, the vibration mode of a stator is calculated using a finite-element method (FEM) code. The path of the elliptic motion of the stator's teeth is obtained.

Hysteroscopic assessment of midsecretory-phase endometrium, with special reference to the luteal-phase defect.

To investigate the functional aspects of secretory-phase endometrium, hysteroscopy was performed in 61 patients for in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET), and 50 women for infertility evaluation. All women had normal ovulatory cycles. The hysteroscopic assessment of secretory-phase endometrium was made by characterizing the glandular openings (GO) and vasculature.

Relationship between dietary, serum, and tissue levels of carotenoids.

A study was undertaken to assess the utility of the buccal scrape technique for measuring tissue levels of carotenoids in short-term intervention trials and epidemiologic studies. In 14 healthy volunteers a good correlation was found between serum beta-carotene levels and recent dietary intake of beta-carotene as estimated from measured food records. Supplementation with 30 mg/day of beta-carotene for 1 week resulted in a sixfold increase in average serum levels, while serum lycopene concentrations remained constant.

Studies on condensed-heterocyclic azolium cephalosporins. II. Synthesis and antibacterial activity of 7 beta-[2-(2-aminothiazol-4-yl)-2(Z)-alkoxyiminoacetamido]-3-(condensed- heterocyclic azolium)methyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylates.

From our series of studies on cephalosporins bearing condensed-heterocyclic azolium methyl groups at the 3 position in the cephalosporin nucleus, we describe here the synthesis and antibacterial activity of 7 beta-[2-(2-aminothiazol-4-yl)-2(Z)-alkoxyiminoacetamido]ceph alosporins containing imidazo[1,5-a]pyridinium, imidazo[1,2-b]pyridazinium, imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidinium, imidazo[1,2-c]pyrimidinium, and pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridinium methyl groups at the 3 position. Among the cephalosporins tested, 7 beta-[2-(2-aminothiazol-4-yl)-2(Z)-methoxyiminoacetamido]-3- (imidazo[1,5-a]pyridinium-2-yl) (1), (imidazo[1,2-b]pyridazinium-1-yl) (2), and (pyrazolo[1,5-a]-pyridinium-1-yl) (3)methyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylates showed potent antibacterial activity and broad antibacterial spectrum. The antibacterial activity of these cephalosporins (1 approximately 3) was superior to that of ceftazidime (CAZ).