Effect of ceramide analogs on interleukin-1alpha-induced production of prostaglandin E2 by amnion-derived (WISH) cells.

Background: Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is reportedly synthesized in the amnion, and its levels are increased during labor. Our objective was to measure the level of PGE2 induced by interleukin (IL)-1alpha following treatment with ceramide analogs in amnion-derived cells.

Methods: Amnion-derived (WISH) cells were cultured and stimulated by IL-1alpha, IL-1 receptor antagonist (ra), C2-ceramide and C6-ceramide.

Delayed puberty associated with hyperprolactinemia caused by pituitary microadenoma.

Primary amenorrhea caused by the hyperprolactinemia is a rare condition characterized by the onset of thelarche and pubarche at appropriate ages but arrest of pubertal development before menarche. Hyperprolactinemia might be found in a few women with primary amenorrhea, yet relevant experience has apparently not been reported. We report a 16-year-old patient with hyperprolactinemia caused by a pituitary microadenoma.

Effects of interferon-gamma on secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor by endometrial stromal cells.

Problem: The aim of this study was to clarify the physiological effects of interferon (IFN)-gamma on secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by endometrial stromal (ES) cells.

Method Of Study: ES cells were obtained from human uterine endometrium by enzymic digestion and filtration. The effects of IFN-gamma on production of VEGF by ES cells were examined by analyzing VEGF mRNA expression with Northern blotting analysis and by assaying VEGF protein.