bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Platelet-Activating Factor in Glucose Uptake and Utilization of Different Tissues
Authors: Ottlakán A.
Published: April 2003

The purpose of the present study was to elucidate the role of platelet-activating factor (PAF) in influencing the glucose metabolism of selected rat tissues. The in vivo glucose utilization rate in different tissues assessed by the 2-deoxyglucose tracer technique was determined 80 min following the intravenous injection of human serum albumin in saline or intravenous administration of a known amount (130 ng/100 g BW) of PAF. PAF administration resulted in significant hyperglycemia (8.89 ± 0.29 mmol/l) and increased the in vivo glucose utilization rate by the polymorphonuclear leukocytes (435%), monocytes (218%), liver (58%), lung (53%), intestine (52%) and spleen (51%). Owing to the accentuated hyperglycemia the metabolic clearance rate (MCR) for glucose was also calculated; this rate is an indicator of the avidity of tissues for this metabolite. There were significantly elevated MCR values in the polymorphonuclear leukocytes (211%), monocytes (229%), spleen (79%), intestine (71%) and liver (67%). These findings indicate that tissue glucose metabolism is deeply affected by the administration of PAF and according to data obtained it is thought that this mediator may also be involved in the upregulation of host defense-related cellular functions.
Effect of Albendazole Sulfoxide Solution on the Scolices and the Hepatobiliary System
Authors: Erzurumlu K. , Hokelek M. , Baris S. , Sahin M. , Birinci A. , Amanvermez R. , Tac K.
Published: April 2003

The use of scolocidal solutions in the hepatobiliary system may result in caustic sclerosing cholangitis. In this study, the effectivenes of a biological metabolite of albendazole, albendazole sulfoxide, on scolices and the hepatobiliary system was evaluated. In the in vitro study, it was found that 100 µg/ml albendazole sulfoxide solution had strong scolocidal effect in 15 min. In the in vivo study, two experimental groups, each consisting of 8 rabbits aged 3–4 months and weighing 2,500 ± 250 g, 100 µg/ml albendazole sulfoxide and normal saline were given into the biliary tract. ALP, GGT, SGOT and SGPT values on days 7, 30 and 60 were not found to be significantly increased compared to preoperative values. Total bilirubin values were high in the working group 7 and 30 days postoperatively and on day 30 in the control group, returning back to normal levels on day 60 in both groups. Histopathological evaluation of the liver parenchyma and the biliary system on day 60 revealed no differences between the groups. Consequently, albendazole sulfoxide solution may be used intraoperatively for scolocidal purposes.
Effect of Early Postoperative Enteral Feeding on the Healing of Colonic Anastomoses in Rats
Authors: Demetriades H. , Botsios D. , Kazantzidou D. , Sakkas L. , Tsalis K. , Manos K. , Dadoukis I.
Published: April 2003

This experimental study compares the effects of early postoperative administration of three enteral diets of different compositions on the healing of colonic anastomoses. Sixty Wistar rats were subjected to colonic anastomoses. Following surgery, the rats were randomly allocated to four groups of 15 each. The rats in control group A received an electrolyte and glucose solution, the rats in group B received a complete balanced nutrition, in group C a complete balanced nutrition supplemented with fiber and in group D an isocaloric specialized elemental nutrition enriched with glutamine. The rats were sacrificed on day 7 following operation. Rupture of the anastomosis was higher in rats of the control group compared to the other three groups. Adhesion formation was more extensive in group A in comparison to the other three groups. The anastomotic bursting pressures were statistically significantly higher in groups C and D compared to the other two groups (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between group C and D (p > 0.05) while a statistically significant difference was noted between group B and group A (p < 0.05). Histological examination showed more profound inflammatory reaction in group A compared to the other three groups. There was also a statistically significant difference between group B and groups C and D while inflammatory reaction was of no statistically significant difference between group C and group D. Healing of the anastomoses was statistically significantly impaired in group A compared to the other three groups. There was no statistically significant difference between group C and group D while a statistically significant difference was found between group B and groups C and D. In conclusion, early postoperative enteral feeding improves healing of experimental colonic anastomoses in rats. This effect was more evident when fiber-supplemented diets or diets enriched with glutamine were administered.
Mitochondrial Injuries in Rat Lungs Preserved for 17 h: An Ultrastructural Study
Authors: Ueda M. , Kosaka S. , Hirata T. , Fukuse T. , Suzuki Y. , Hitomi S. , Wada H.
Published: April 2003

Mitochondria of the small vasculature endothelial cells were examined in preserved rat lungs before and after reperfusion, and the ultrastructural changes were correlated with pulmonary function after reperfusion. Rat lungs were flushed with perfusate and prostaglandin E1 and divided into five groups (n = 5 in each group): group A, normal control group; group B, University of Wisconsin solution; group C, Euro-Collins solution; group D, ET-Kyoto solution, and group E, new ET-Kyoto solution. After preservation at 4°C for 17 h, the left lungs were reperfused at 37°C for 60 min. Tissue was sampled and mitochondria of the small vasculature endothelial cells were ultrastructurally analyzed by transmission electron microscopy before and after reperfusion. The ultrastructure of the mitochondria was well maintained in groups A, B and E before and after reperfusion. In group C, the number of severely degenerated mitochondria in the sectional area of 100 μm2 before reperfusion was 18.0 ± 3.9, which was significantly larger than in the other groups (p < 0.01), and the total number of mitochondria significantly decreased with reperfusion (from 24.8 ± 3.5 to 8.2 ± 2.4, p < 0.05). In group C, the shunt fraction, mean pulmonary arterial pressure and the wet-dry ratio of the lung tissue after reperfusion C were significantly higher than in the other groups (p < 0.05; 76.3 ± 1.5%, 54.8 ± 4.2 mm Hg, and 20.6 ± 2.5, respectively). A positive correlation was found between the percentage of the mitochondrial degeneration before reperfusion and the physiological parameters after reperfusion. Mitochondrial damage associated with cold ischemia is probably involved in lung injury caused by cold preservation and reperfusion.
Prevention of Anastomotic Tumour Take by On-Table Colon Washout with Povidone-Iodine
Authors: Basha G. , Penninckx F. , Mebis J. , Geboes K. , Yap P.
Published: April 2003

The presence of organic material in the intestinal lumen is reported to interfere with the efficacy of cancericidals when used in low concentrations to prevent anastomotic recurrence in colorectal cancer surgery. We aimed at investigating the efficacy of intra-operative whole-colon washout using povidone-iodine in an experimental model of anastomotic tumour growth. A large inoculum of highly ‘tumorigenic’ carcinoma cells was instilled in the colonic lumen of Fischer rats. The whole-colon water washout was intended to remove the luminal organic material. This was followed by irrigation of increasing concentrations of povidone-iodine up to 5% with or without additional incubation for 10–20 min. Five animals died after 30 min incubation with povidone-iodine 5%. Tumour take was observed in all control animals including after irrigation with physiological saline. Increasing the povidone-iodine concentration from 1 to 5% reduced the rate of tumour take, but not significantly. The anastomotic tumour growth was significantly reduced after tumour cell inoculation followed by whole-colon lavage and luminal incubation for 20 min with povidone-iodine 5%. Application of intra-operative whole-colon washout to remove the luminal ‘organic material’ followed by luminal application of povidone-iodine 5% for a sufficient incubation time could reduce the risk of anastomotic recurrence in colorectal cancer surgery.
A New Technique for Oral Endotracheal Airway Access in Rabbits under Fluoroscopic Control: An Easy Way for Drug Administration in Chronic Experiments
Authors: Kersjes W. , Hildebrandt G. , Schunk K. , König R. , Berlis A. , Schild H.
Published: April 2003

Endotracheal drug administration plays an important role in rabbit models of pulmonary injury and lung disease. However, anatomical features of the oral fissure and pharynx of rabbits make orotracheal intubation a difficult task with a high failure rate. We developed a new technique for airway access in rabbits under fluoroscopic control using a balloon catheter. The procedure consists of four major steps: (1) a shortened 5-french vertebralis catheter is placed into the mesopharynx just above the epiglottic valve, (2) through the catheter lumen a guidewire is carefully moved across the epiglottis and inserted into the trachea, (3) the vertebralis catheter is replaced by a balloon catheter that subsequently is introduced into the tracheal tree over the guidewire, and (4) with the balloon catheter in the right position the guidewire is removed and the balloon is inflated so that finally the drug can be delivered. This procedure was performed in 55 New Zealand White rabbits under general anesthesia with ketamine/xylazine. In all 55 cases the procedure was performed successfully without any major complications and within a reasonably short time period. Removal of the catheter and awakening of the animals were uneventful. The described technique is a simple and safe method for airway access in rabbits and can be useful in chronic experiments for endotracheal drug administration.
Successful Autotransplantation of Microvessel Fragments into the Rat Heart
Authors: Nakano M. , Nakajima Y. , Kudo S. , Tsuchida Y. , Nakamura H. , Fukuda O.
Published: April 2003

We examined whether microvessel fragments (Mvf), autologously transplanted with myofibroblasts (Mf) into the heart, could survive and form connections to the host’s coronary microcirculation. Neither achievement has been reported before in the heart. Mvf and Mf were prepared from Sprague-Dawley rat epididymal fat pads. A mixture of Mvf (labeled with the fluorescent probe DiI-acetylated low-density lipoprotein, DiI-Ac-LDL) and Mf was injected into the superficial myocardium under general anesthesia. Rats (n = 5 in each group) were killed on postoperative days 7, 14, 21, 42 and 49, and India ink was perfused through the coronary arteries. Frozen sections of the injected area were examined under fluorescence and light microscopes. Some DiI-Ac-LDL-labeled Mvf survived in each group, and India ink was present in the lumina of microvessels coincident with DiI-Ac-LDL-labeled autotransplanted Mvf. Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed mild inflammatory reactions followed by some fibrosis at the injection sites. These findings indicate that autotransplanted Mvf can survive for at least 49 days, and that patent microvascular anastomoses can form between them and the host’s coronary microvessels. Possibly, autotransplantation of Mvf could lead to the development of a new collateral microcirculation, a phenomenon especially important in the ischemic heart.
Effects of Suramin on Anastomotic Colon Tumors in a Rat Model
Authors: Lauwers P. , Hubens G. , Hendriks J. , Vermeulen P. , Schuerwegh A. , Stevens W.J. , De Clerck L.S. , Dirix L. , van Marck E. , Hubens A. , Eyskens E.
Published: April 2003

Background: The development of antiangiogenic drugs offers new promise in the treatment of malignancy. Suramin has been reported to inhibit tumor growth by blocking angiogenesis and has been used in clinical trials. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of suramin on colonic anastomotic tumors in the rat. Methods: (a) Colonic anastomotic tumor was induced in 120 WAG/RIJ rats. Half of the animals were given 100 mg/kg of suramin intraperitoneally at the time of tumor induction. Rats were sacrified after 2, 4 and 8 weeks; tumor take and tumor weight were evaluated. (b) The number of red blood cell clusters per ×400 field was counted in each tumor. (c) A lymphocyte transformation test was performed in four groups of animals, 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after tumor implantation and/or suramin administration. Results: (a) A significant enhancement of tumor growth was observed in the suramin-treated animals. (b) This was accompanied by a significant increase in functional blood vessels. (c) Suramin-treated rats had markedly decreased lymphocyte stimulation, pointing to a possible immunosuppressive effect. Conclusions: The growth of an anastomotic colon tumor is rather enhanced by a single intraperitoneal administration of 100 mg/kg suramin in the rat, possibly by an unexpected immunosuppressive effect.
Prevention of Reactive Oxygen-Induced Endothelial Cell Injury by Blocking Its Process
Authors: Shimura H. , Yamaguchi M. , Kuzume M. , Matsumiya A. , Matsumoto T. , Sakai H. , Hatakeyama T. , Nakano H. , Kumada K. , Midorikawa T. , Yoshizawa Y. , Sanada Y. , Ohata H. , Sakagami H. , Takeda M.
Published: April 2003

Endothelial cell (EC) injury induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) was investigated and effects of Ca2+ channel blockers, agents which elevate intracellular cAMP levels ([cAMP]i), and protein kinase inhibitors on H2O2-induced EC injury were analyzed using human umbilical vein EC cultures. Exposure to H2O2 increased intracellular Ca2+ levels and decreased [cAMP]i. Ca2+ channel blockers, [cAMP]i-elevating agents, and protein kinase inhibitors significantly inhibited H2O2-induced EC injury. Data suggest that H2O2-induced EC injury is mediated by extracellular Ca2+ influx, intracellular cAMP efflux, and intracellular signaling, each of which is blocked by Ca2+ channel blockers, [cAMP]i-elevating agents, or protein kinase inhibitors. It is suggested that ischemia/reperfusion injury induced by ROS may be prevented by Ca2+ channel blockers, [cAMP]i-elevating agents, and protein kinase inhibitors.
Effects of Re-Arterialization on Early Graft Function and Regeneration in the Rat Model of Heterotopic Auxiliary Liver Transplantation
Authors: Fan Y.-D. , Praet M. , Vanzieleghem B. , Vanwynsberghe D. , Stoop D. , Leroux-Roels G. , Delanghe J. , de Hemptinne B.
Published: April 2003

In the rat model of heterotopic auxiliary liver transplantation, graft re-arterialization may influence the outcome of inter-liver competition. This was investigated in the current study using two transplanted groups with or without graft re-arterialization. Immediately after reperfusion, the re-arterialized grafts showed significantly higher bile flow rate and bilirubin excretion than the grafts without re-arterialization. DNA synthesis rate was also increased more drastically in the re-arterialized group following the transplantation. Without re-arterialization, the rats developed more pronounced cytolysis and cholestasis. Among the long-term survivors, all healthy re-arterialized grafts regenerated, whereas 5/6 non-re-arterialized grafts atrophied. These data demonstrate that the re-arterialization increases graft survival by improving early hepatic function, enhancing regenerative response and preventing post-transplant biliary complications in this rat model.
In situ Perfusion of the Liver Enhances the Efficiency of Retrovirus-Mediated Gene Transfer to Hepatocytes
Authors: Tomori H. , Shiraishi M. , Muto Y.
Published: April 2003

To increase the efficiency of retrovirus-mediated gene transfer targeting an individual’s liver in vivo, the liver was perfused in situ with the retrovirus vector during hepatic cold ischemia. Four weeks prior to gene transfer, the spleen was transpositioned to the left subcutaneous position to develop a portosplenic shunt, which was performed in order to prevent intestinal congestion during hepatic ischemia. Traditional retrovirus vectors (1 × 105 CFU/ml) which encode genes for the Escherichia coli β-galactosidase (LacZ) were used in this study. Twenty-four hours after partial hepatectomy (70%), the remnant liver was surgically isolated, perfused with 1 ml of vector solution through the portal vein, and kept in contact with the vector for 30 min under cold ischemia (group 1). Hepatic ischemia could thus be performed without any intestinal congestion, due to the preestablished portosystemic shunt. In group 2, the liver was perfused with 1 ml of vector solution through the portal vein without in situ perfusion of the liver. Animals were sacrificed 1, 3, 7 and 28 days after gene transfer. In X-gal staining, the transferred LacZ was detected positive in 10–15% of the hepatocytes only in group 1, 3 days after gene transfer. Graft histology and a liver function test showed no difference between both groups 24 h after gene transfer. In conclusion, in situ perfusion of the liver greatly enhanced the efficacy of retrovirus-mediated gene transfer, targeting an individual’s liver in vivo.
Cytokine Modulation in Experimental Endotoxemia: Characterization of an ex vivo Whole Blood Model
Authors: Wang J.E. , Solberg R. , Okkenhaug Cecilie , Jørgensen P.F. , Krohn C.D. , Aasen A.O.
Published: April 2003

A new model was developed to study cytokine regulation and modulation in whole blood ex vivo. The model is characterized by stable leukocyte counts and high leukocyte viability throughout the experimental period. Oxygen consumption per time decreased slowly, whereas carbon dioxide partial pressure increased accordingly throughout the experiment. In this model, the anti-inflammatory effects of recombinant human (rh) interleukin (IL)-4, rhIL-10 and rhIL-13 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated (10 ng/ml) leukocytes were examined and compared by measuring their ability to inhibit the release and mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α, IL-6 and IL-1β. rhIL-10 potently inhibited the release of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in a potent and dose-dependent manner, but did not influence the mRNA levels of these cytokines in CD14-positive cells. Also, rhIL-4 and rhIL-13 inhibited the release of IL-6 and IL-1β in a potent and dose-dependent manner, however, stronger maximal inhibition of IL-1β (85%) than of IL-6 (60%) was obtained. In contrast, rhIL-4 and rhIL-13 seemed to have both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on plasma values of TNF-α. The effects of 10 ng/ml LPS showed to be signalling through the CD14 receptor, since blood treated with a monoclonal anti-CD14 antibody did not produce any TNF-α. The whole blood model described in this study is in our opinion a useful tool for investigating immunomodulating effects on a mixed white blood cell population.
Sulindac Inhibits Growth of Rat Colon Carcinoma by Inducing Apoptosis
Authors: Masunaga R. , Kohno H. , Kumar Dhar D. , Kotoh T. , Tachibana M. , Kubota H. , Nagasue N.
Published: April 2003

Sulindac possesses an inhibitory effect on colorectal cancer development. Rat colon cancer cells, ACL-15, inoculated subcutaneously in F344 rats were used. Sulindac was administered at 8 mg/kg twice daily for 7 consecutive days. Sulindac group and control group were compared regarding tumor volume and body weight. At sacrifice, the tumors were collected and examined for tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, apoptotic index, and microvessel density. The tumor volume in the sulindac group was significantly smaller than that in the control group. Body weight, microvessel density, and tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte score were not significantly different between the two groups. The apoptotic index was significantly higher in the sulindac group than in the control group. Sulindac inhibited tumor growth by inducing apoptosis. These findings may be helpful in designing new treatment strategies in colorectal cancer patients.
A New Model for the Induction of Tumours in the Forestomach of Rats by N-Methyl-N-Nitrosourea
Authors: García-González María Asunción , Morandeira María José , Ucar A. , Morandeira J.R.
Published: April 2003

Background and Aim: Experimental carcinogenesis models provide a useful tool in the study of the aetiopathogenesis and treatment of gastric cancer. We developed a model based on the administration of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (NMU) in Wistar rats for the induction of maximal yield of gastric carcinomas with a short latency period, and being exclusively localized at the gastric level. Methods: A gastric antiperistaltic fistula was performed in 90 Wistar rats classified into eight different groups. Fifteen days after surgery 5, 10, 15 or 20 mg of NMU/100 g were administered through the fistula once a week for a 3- to 5-week period. Before the administration of NMU, a pyloric blockade was made in order to obtain a temporary isolation of the stomach. At 20 weeks, animals were sacrificed and organs were removed for histological study. Results: All rats treated with 15 mg NMU/100 g once a week for 5 weeks, after pyloric blockade maintained for 1 h, developed well-differentiated carcinomas in the forestomach. Carcinomas were multiple in 11% of cases and appeared with papillomatous lesions in 33% of rats. No tumours were observed in any other organs. In the other groups, no gastric carcinomas were diagnosed. Conclusion: The high incidence of carcinomas in the forestomach, the absence of tumours in other organs and the short latency period represent valuable criteria for the use of our model in chemotherapeutic investigations, as well as in the study of cancer evolution without interferences caused by tumour development in other organs.
Pregnancy and Delivery after Annular Detachment of the Uterine Cervix
Authors: Nasr Ahmed
Published: April 2003

Spontaneous annular detachment of the uterine cervix during labour is a rarely encountered obstetric complication that may pass unrecognized. The aetiological factors involved in its development remain incompletely understood. In this report, a case of a 40-year-old multiparous woman in whom annular detachment of the cervix passed completely unnoticed in the course of a spontaneous vaginal delivery to become evident, for the first time, during subsequent delivery is presented. Intriguingly, pelvic examination revealed an absent portio vaginalis of the cervix; the external cervical os was replaced by a small fibrosed opening. Fertility was well preserved, despite marked cervical fibrosis. A transverse lower segment caesarean section with tubal sterilization was carried out. The postoperative course was uneventful and likewise, the course of the puerperium was benign.
Predictive Value of Amniotic Fluid Volume Measurements on Perinatal Outcome
Authors: Ergün Ali , Atay Vedat , Pabuçcu Recai , Başer İskender , Duru Namιk Kemal , Tokaç Gökalp
Published: April 2003

Amniotic fluid volumes were measured in 1,659 pregnant women to determine the predictive value of these measurements on perinatal outcome. All cases were evaluated by other tests of fetal well-being. 128 cases were oligohydramniotic, and 1,531 cases were normal. In all cases, several parameters were assayed, e.g. fetal distress, way of delivery, meconium in amniotic fluid, Apgar score, transfer to pediatric clinics and early-late neonatal complications. The results of the perinatal evaluation of oligohydramnios were as follows: assessing fetal distress: specificity 94.2%, sensitivity 18.4%, positive predictive value 35.9%, negative predictive value 86.7% and accuracy 82.8%, and assessing low Apgar score the values were 93.0, 21.3, 95.9 and 89.5%, respectively. As a result, measurement of the amniotic fluid volume is an important parameter predicting perinatal outcome, and its predictive value increases if it is combined with other fetal well-being tests with different end points.
Estrogen and Progesterone Receptors of Adenomyosis in Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Tamoxifen
Authors: Cohen Ilan , Shapira Jeremiah , Beyth Yoram , Bernheim Joelle , Tepper Ronnie , Cordoba Mario , Altaras Marco M.
Published: April 2003

Adenomyosis is an ectopic endometrial tissue located in the myometrium. It has been reported to develop at a higher rate among postmenopausal breast cancer patients on tamoxifen (TAM) treatment than in untreated patients. It has also been reported to be stimulated by estrogen. Assessing receptor levels in adenomyotic tissue may indicate the adenomyotic cell’s potential to interact with TAM. In the present study the estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) were analyzed by an immunohistochemical technique in adenomyotic and the corresponding endometrial tissues of 14 postmenopausal breast cancer patients treated with TAM and in 15 healthy postmenopausal patients who served as controls. All TAM-treated patients had normal postmenopausal serum estradiol levels. Overall the ER and PR contents in adenomyotic tissue (42.9 and 71.4%) and in the endometriotic tissue (64.3 and 78.6%) obtained from the study patients were similar to those obtained from the control group (adenomyosis, ER and PR = 46.7 and 86.7%; endometrium, ER and PR = 40 and 73.3%; p = NS). In the study group, the ER content was lower in the adenomyotic (42.9%) than in the endometriotic tissue (64.3%). No correlation was found between the duration of TAM therapy, the TAM dosage level or the ER or PR content in the adenomyotic or endometrial tissues. The finding of a relatively low ER content in the adenomyotic tissue than in the endometriotic tissue in postmenopausal TAM-treated patients without endogenous estrogens, similar to that observed in healthy premenopausal women, may be attributed to the estrogen-like effect of TAM.
Ovulation Induction andBreast Cancer
Authors: Seçkin N.C. , Turhan N.Ö. , Dilmen G.
Published: April 2003

The use of ovulation-inducing agents in the treatment of infertility is increasing [1, 2], and there has been considerable concern that follicular stimulation may potentially increase the risk of epithelial ovarian cancer [1, 3]. Also, it is suggested that hormonal alterations associated with the use of ovulation-inducing agents may influence breast cancer risk [2]. Nevertheless, it is surprising that until now there has never been any controlled study.
Sexual Difference in Early Fetal Crown-Rump Length versus Gestational Age in Pregnancies Arising from in vitro Fertilization
Authors: Tezuka Naohiro , Banzai Michio , Sato Satoshi , Saito Hidekazu , Hiroi Masahiko
Published: April 2003

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of fetal sex on the crown-rump length (CRL) derived from pregnancies resulting from in vitro fertilization without the uncertain conception dating in the first trimester. With ultrasonography, we performed 334 and 353 examinations, on 88 male and 102 female fetuses, respectively. The relationship between gestational age and fetal CRL was explored with regression analysis: male CRL (mm) = 1.13 × gestational age (days) – 47.39 (r = 0.97), female CRL = 1.11 × gestational age – 46.44 (r = 0.97). These regression lines were mutually included in the 95% confidence intervals for each other. Our results indicate no statistically significant difference in the CRL between the two sexes, being supportive of using the identical fetal CRL criterion regardless of fetal sex for gestational age assessment with ultrasonography in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Balloon Catheter for Induction of Labor in Nulliparous Women with Prelabor Rupture of the Membranes at Term
Authors: Wolff Kerstin , Swahn Marja-Liisa , Westgren Magnus
Published: April 2003

The balloon catheter method has been described as an effective method for cervical ripening hitherto used exclusively before rupture of the membranes. We found it of interest to perform a pilot study of the balloon catheter method after rupture of the membranes. In 18 nulliparous women, with an unripe cervix (Bishop score ≤5) 48 h after prelabor rupture of the membranes at term, cervical ripening was performed using a 26-gauge balloon catheter. Seventy six percent of these women delivered vaginally. Clinical and neonatal outcome data did not differ as compared with term pregnant women who entered labor spontaneously or had a ripe cervix (Bishop score >5) and labor induced with ocytocin within 48 h after prelabor rupture of the membranes. Despite visualization of a pool of amniotic fluid in the vagina on speculum examination on admission, there was a high proportion of patients with an intact forebag observed during the birth process. This preliminary report indicates that the balloon catheter method might be a well-tolerated, safe, and effective method for induction of labor after rupture of the membranes at term.
Endothelial Cell Markers and Fibrinopeptide A to D-Dimer Ratio as a Measure of Coagulation and Fibrinolysis Balance in Normal Pregnancy
Authors: Bellart J. , Gilabert R. , Miralles R.M. , Monasterio J. , Cabero L.
Published: April 2003

Objective: Changes in hemostatic system were evaluated in healthy pregnant women. Methods: Blood was sampled in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters of gestation, during delivery and 3 days postpartum and plasma factors were measured using commercial tests. Results: Thrombin-antithrombin III complexes, fibrinopeptide A and D-dimer were higher during pregnancy. The endothelial cell markers, fibronectin and tissue factor, remained within the normal reference values in the healthy nonpregnant population. This result suggests no endothelial injury and shows no activation of extrinsic coagulation pathway during pregnancy. The balance coagulation/fibrinolysy is maintained during pregnancy and delivery, as shown by the ratio fibrinopeptide A/D-dimer, however, a tendency towards coagulation process is developed in the early puerperium.
Immunohistochemical Analysis of the Interhemal Membrane of the Elephant Shrew
Authors: Cutler Jed B. , Dumas Alain , Wynn Ralph M.
Published: April 2003

The placenta of the elephant shrew, an African insectivore, was examined histochemically to resolve the controversy surrounding the nature of its interhemal membrane. Immunohistochemistry suggests that trophoblast abuts the maternal blood spaces, and evidence of maternal capillary basement membrane is lacking. The mature placenta of these species is thus hemochorial. Earlier developmental stages would require examination to rule out the possibility of a preceding endotheliochorial condition.
Chemical Assay of Iron in Ovarian Cysts: A New Diagnostic Method to Evaluate Endometriotic Cysts
Authors: Iizuka Mari , Igarashi Masao , Abe Yumiko , Ibuki Yoshito , Koyasu Yasuki , Ikuma Kenichiro
Published: April 2003

CA-125 is abundantly secreted from ovarian endometriotic cysts, but is not specific to endometriosis. In order to develop a new, more specific diagnostic marker for endometriosis, the iron concentrations in various ovarian cysts were assayed. The ovarian cysts were punctured and the contents aspirated laparoscopically, laparotomically, or transvaginally. The iron concentration in the ovarian cystic fluid was assayed using a spectrophotometer after protein precipitations and chromogen treatment. The iron concentrations in ovarian cysts were 69.5 ± 10.4 µmol/l in serous cystadenomas, 73.5 ± 29.3 in mucinous cystadenomas, 65.4 ± 12.4 in dermoid cysts, and 92.5 ± 18.2 µmol/l in adenocarcinomas. On the other hand, high iron concentrations were demonstrated in endometriotic cysts (1,749.6 ± 41.5 µmol/l), a lutein cyst (1,393.8), hemorrhagic corpus luteum (1,957.5) and endometrioid adenocarcinomas (1,860.9 ± 157.9 µmol/l). Cytological smear tests of the contents as well as histological examination allowed differential diagnosis between endometriosis and endometrioid adenocarcinoma. In conclusion, assay of the ovarian cystic iron concentration is a useful diagnostic tool for the evaluation of ovarian endometriotic cysts.
Low in vitro Thyrotropic Activity of a Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Molecule in the First Trimester during Pregnancy
Authors: Yamada Hideto , Furuta Itsuko , Kato Emi H. , Fujimoto Seiichiro
Published: April 2003

Rat thyroid cell strain FRTL-5 is widely used to analyze thyroid stimulators, and responds to purified hCG with increased cyclic AMP production. The aim of this study was to determine the in vitro thyrotropic activity of an immunological hCG molecule according to gestational age during normal pregnancy using the FRTL-5 cell culture system. Sera were collected from 7 normal nonpregnant control and a total of 72 normal pregnant women. Seventy-two pregnant women consisted of 40 women in the first trimester (7–14 weeks’ gestational age (GW) (group I)), 16 women in the second trimester (15–28 GW, group II), and 16 women in the third trimester (29–40 GW, group III). Concentrations of serum hCG and FT4 of group I were higher than those of groups II and III (p < 0.001). In the in vitro assay, the supernatants were subjected to radioimmunoassay for cAMP. In order to analyze in vitro thyrotropic activity of an immunological hCG molecule, cAMP accumulation rate expressed as cAMP accumulation (nM) divided by maternal serum concentration of hCG (IU/ml) was determined in all three groups. By regression analyses, a statistically significant positive correlation was observed between serum hCG concentration and cAMP accumulation in group I (r = 0.399; p < 0.05), group II (r = 0.915; p < 0.0001) and group III (r = 0.671; p < 0.01). cAMP accumulation rate in group I (0.355 ± 0.022, mean ± SE) was significantly low when compared with group II (0.508 ± 0.051) (p < 0.01) and group III (0.556 ± 0.063) (p < 0.001). Thus, it was found for the first time that the in vitro thyrotropic activity of an immunological hCG molecule in the first trimester was lower than those of the second and the third trimesters. In terms of the in vitro thyrotropic activity, an immunological hCG molecule in the first trimester differs from that of the later trimesters.
Risk of Preeclampsia in Relation to Elaidic Acid (Trans Fatty Acid) in Maternal Erythrocytes
Authors: Williams Michelle A. , King Irena B. , Sorensen Tanya K. , Zingheim Rosalee W. , Troyer Barbara L. , Zebelman Arthur M. , Luthy David A.
Published: April 2003

Objective: Trans fatty acids, formed by the partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils, are associated with increases in plasma concentrations of cholesterol, triglyceride, lipoprotein (a), and coronary heart disease risk. Trans fatty acids may also increase platelet aggregation and alter eicosanoid biosynthesis. We studied the relation between maternal dietary intake of trans fatty acids and risk of preeclampsia. Methods: Maternal intake of elaidic acid, one of the most abundant dietary trans fatty acids and other fatty acids were estimated using gas-liquid chromatography on erythrocytes from 22 women with preeclampsia and 40 normotensive controls. Fatty acids were expressed as the percentage of total fatty acids in erythrocytes. Logistic regression procedures were used to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Results: Mean levels of elaidic acid were 28% higher among preeclamptics (0.43 ± 0.12) as compared with controls (0.31 ± 0.12; p < 0.001). After adjusting for confounding factors, women with the highest levels of elaidic acid (median = 0.47) were 7.4 times (odds ratio = 7.4; 95% confidence interval 1.4–39.7) more likely to have had their pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia as compared with those women with the lowest levels (median 0.24). Risk of preeclampsia appeared to increase with increasing levels of elaidic acid (p value for linear trend = 0.05). Conclusion: These cross-sectional data suggest that diets high in elaidic acid may be associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia. This hypothesis should be examined in larger longitudinal studies.
Different Coexisting Gynecological and Endometrial Pathologies in Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Tamoxifen
Authors: Cohen Ilan , Beyth Yoram , Bernheim Joelle , Shapira Jeremiah , Cordoba Mario , Aviram Rami , Figer Arie , Yigael Dror , Altaras Marco M.
Published: April 2003

Tamoxifen administration to postmenopausal women has been described as being associated with various endometrial and other gynecological pathologies. However, different coexisting gynecological pathologies in such patients have not yet been described. In the present study, we assessed the histopathological conditions diagnosed in endometrium, myometrium, and ovaries of 28 postmenopausal breast cancer patients who were treated with tamoxifen (study group) and compared the findings to those obtained from 14 similar patients without tamoxifen treatment (control group I) and from 28 age-matched healthy postmenopausal controls (control group II). All specimens were removed by total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for various indications. The overall incidence of two or more different coexisting gynecological pathologies was significantly higher among the study group (92.9%) than in control group I or in control group II (42.9 and 50%, respectively; p = 0.0001). There was no significant statistical difference between the control groups. Overall endometrial (and endometrial-like) origin of pathological conditions was significantly more common in the study group (92.6%) than in control group I (50%; p = 0.00072) and control group II (32.1%; p = 0.0000), while there was no significant difference between the latter two groups. These findings suggest that there might be an association between postmenopausal tamoxifen exposure and the development of such different coexisting or specific single gynecological pathologies originating from the endometrium.
Endosalpingiosis: Clinical Presentation and Follow-Up
Authors: Laufer Marc R. , Heerema Amy E. , Parsons Kathrine E. , Barbieri Robert L.
Published: April 2003

Objective: To define the clinical presentation and follow-up of women found to have endosalpingiosis. Methods: Subjects included for retrospective study were identified as having had a pathologic diagnosis of endosalpingiosis. Those subjects without coinciding pathologic diagnosis of endometriosis were then identified; their clinical charts were reviewed for information regarding the clinical presentation, surgical findings, therapeutic management, and clinical follow-up. Results: Review of 1,648 pathologic reports from Children’s Hospital, Boston and 380 reports from Brigham and Women’s Hospital identified 18 subjects with endosalpingiosis without pathologic evidence of endometriosis. Two clinical scenarios were identified, and designated Groups I and II. Group I consisted of 15 patients presenting with pelvic pain, and Group II consisted of 3 patients presenting with infertility, pancreatic cancer, and an abdominal abscess. Follow-up was obtained for 8 of the 15 patients in Group I for an average of 17 months, none of whom were pain-free off medications (oral contraceptives, danazol, or GnRH agonist), and 3 (38%) have required additional surgery (6, 10 or 12 months after the initial surgery) at which time all were found to have endometriosis. Follow-up was obtainable for the patient with infertility in Group II for 5 months, with no complaint of pelvic pain. Conclusions: We report 18 patients with endosalpingiosis without confounding endometriosis. The clinical presentation is one of either pelvic pain or that of an incidental finding; the clinical course and response of those with pain is similar to that of endometriosis.
A Cystocele May Compensate for Latent Stress Incontinence by Stretching the Vaginal Hammock
Authors: Papa Petros P.E.
Published: April 2003

Aims: To examine why anatomical correction of a cystocele may cause stress incontinence in a patient with no prior history of this condition. Methods: The study group consisted of 5 patients, aged 45–63 years, with stress incontinence induced by supporting a cystocele with a pessary. The patients were otherwise continent. Testing was performed in a semirecumbent sitting position under perineal ultrasound control. The patients were asked to strain and cough before and after supporting the bladder neck with both sponge-holding forceps and a ring pessary. Results: In all 5 patients, urine loss on stress was noted with bladder base support by forceps and pessary insertion. With both, asymmetrical downward stretching of the vagina and bladder base was observed. When the cystocele was allowed to balloon outwards, the asymmetrical pattern converted to a symmetrical ‘funnelling’ of the anterior and posterior walls of bladder neck. Conclusion: This study appears to support the hypothesis that, in addition to urethral narrowing, a ballooning cystocele may restore urethral closure by removing laxity from the vaginal hammock. Correction of a cystocele may cause incontinence by removing a fortuitous, but abnormal compensatory mechanism.
Regional Localization of Immunoreactive c-fos and Prolactin in Human Endometrium during the Normal Menstrual Cycle
Authors: Reis Fernando M. , Ribeiro Maria Fávia M. , Spritzer Poli Mara
Published: April 2003

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the cyclic changes and regional localization of immunoreactive c-fos and prolactin (PRL) in the human endometrium, using immunohistochemistry. Immunoreactive PRL was found in the epithelium of 9.1% of the proliferative specimens and in 55.6% of the secretory specimens (p < 0.05, Fisher’s exact test). In the endometrial stroma, immunoreactive PRL was present in 9.1 and 66.7% of the proliferative and secretory samples, respectively (p < 0.01). Immunoreactive c-fos predominated in the stroma and was identified in 54.5% of the specimens in the proliferative phase, but in only 7.1% of those in the secretory phase (p < 0.05). The progesterone/estradiol ratio was lower in the patients expressing immunoreactive c-fos (median = 13.1 ng/ml) compared to those who did not (median = 84.5 ng/ml, p < 0.05). We conclude that immunoreactive c-fos is found mostly in stromal cells during the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle, and is sharply reduced during the secretory phase, when the endometrium is under progesterone stimulation – attested by PRL production.
Nucleolar Organizer Regions in Differentiated Preneoplastic and Neoplastic Endometrial Lesions
Authors: Terlikowski Sławomir , Lenczewski Andrzej , Sulkowski Stanisław , Kulikowski Marek
Published: April 2003

The aim of the study was the quantitative assessment of nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) in the cells of preneoplastic and neoplastic endometrial lesions. Retrospective analysis included tissue material obtained from 87 patients with simple and complex hyperplasia with or without atypia and well-differentiated stage-I endometrial adenocarcinoma. Sections were made from routine paraffin blocks and stained with AgNO3. The mean number of AgNORs per cell was determined. The results obtained indicate that the evaluation of proliferative activity of cells expressed by AgNOR count can help in the distinction between atypical hyperplasia and well-differentiated adenocarcinoma, and thus can serve as a useful pathological criterion.
Endometrial Development Was Improved by Transdermal Estradiol in Patients Treated with Clomiphene Citrate
Authors: Shimoya K. , Tomiyama T. , Hashimoto K. , Moriyama A. , Kawamoto A. , Tokugawa Y. , Ohashi K. , Saji F. , Murata Y.
Published: April 2003

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of transdermal estrogen therapy on the endometrial thickness and serum hormone levels in anovulatory patients treated with clomiphene citrate (CC). There was a significant difference in endometrial thickness between the CC + transdermal estrogen group and the CC only group from day –2 to day +2. Serum estradiol (E2) levels in the CC + transdermal estrogen group were significantly higher than those in the CC only group on day –2 and day 0. Our results support that addition of transdermal E2 to the treatment protocol of the women treated with CC elicited a favorable response of the endometrium.
Evaluation of Serum ProlactinLevels in Patients with Endometriosisand Infertility
Authors: Gregoriou G. , Bakas P. , Vitoratos N. , Papadias K. , Goumas K. , Chryssicopoulos A. , Creatsas G.
Published: April 2003

The aim of this study was to clarify the significance of serum prolactin concentrations in patients with infertility and endometriosis. Forty patients with infertility and laparoscopically proven endometriosis were recruited into the study. Basal serum prolactin levels and prolactin levels after TRH administration were measured. The mean basal serum prolactin concentrations were 12.5, 16.5, 19.5, and 26.5 ng/ml and those after thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) administration were 88.3, 114.2, 125.3 and 138.8 ng/ml in patients with stages I, II, III and IV endometriosis, respectively. A statistically significant relationship was found between the basal serum prolactin levels as well as those after TRH injection and the stage of the endometriosis. The patients were divided in two groups. Group I consisted of 20 patients who did not receive any treatment, while group II consisted of 20 patients who were initially treated with GnRH analogues for 24 week and subsequently with several therapeutic schemes in order to improve their fecundity. The pregnancy rate was not different between the two groups. The patients, however, who did not become pregnant had higher serum prolactin concentrations after TRH administration as compared to those who conceived. We conclude that occult hyperprolactinemia may be a cause of infertility in patients with endometriosis.
Prolactin Is an Autocrine or Paracrine Growth Factor for Human Myometrial and Leiomyoma Cells
Authors: Nowak R.A. , Mora S. , Diehl T. , Rhoades A.R. , Stewart E.A.
Published: April 2003

Objective: To test the hypothesis that prolactin (PRL) acts as a mitogenic growth factor for human leiomyoma and myometrial cells. Methods: To test this hypothesis, we performed three different types of experiments. First, we assessed whether exogenous PRL acted as a mitogen for cultured uterine smooth muscle cells. Second, we examined the role of endogenous PRL by assessing the cell number after exposure of the cultures to a neutralizing antibody to PRL. Finally, we examined both fresh tissues and cultured cells for expression of the PRL receptor messenger ribonucleic acid using the techniques of reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and Southern blotting. Results: A significant suppression in cell number was seen after 5 days of culture for leiomyoma cells but not for myometrial cells after treatment with exogenous PRL. Both cell types showed a significant decrease in cell number after treatment with anti-PRL antibody. A 893-bp segment consistent with the cytoplasmic domain of the long form of the PRL receptor was amplified from both fresh and cultured tissues and confirmed by Southern blotting and sequencing. Conclusions: PRL appears to be an autocrine or paracrine growth factor for both leiomyoma and myometrial cells. However, there are some differences between tissues in their sensitivity to this growth factor.
Changes of β-1,4-Galactosyltransferase with the Development of Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Kubushiro Kaneyuki , Ma Jun , Fukuchi Takeshi , Banno Kouji , Muramatsu Yuko , Tsukazaki Katsumi , Nozawa Shiro
Published: April 2003

To elucidate the mechanism of the type 2 carbohydrate chain accompanying the development of endometrial cancer, we studied the expression of β-1,4-galactosyltransferase (β-1,4GT) in normal endometrial and endometrial cancer tissues. An immunohistochemical study revealed that β-1,4GT was diffusely positive in the cytoplasm of endometrial cancer cells, and that the level of its expression was increased compared with that in normal endometrium. Also, β-1,4GT mRNA corresponding to 4.7 kb was very low in normal endometrium, while an intense signal was detected in endometrial cancer. Our results suggest that the increase of β-1,4GT contributes to the expression of the type 2 carbohydrate chain in endometrial cancer.