bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oestradiol Stimulates the Release of AVP and GnRH from the Ewe HypothalamusIn Vitro1
Authors: Ghuman SPS , Prabhakar S , Smith RF , Dobson H 
Published: September 2006

ContentsOestradiol (E2) sensitizes the stress and reproductive axesin vivo. Our current aim is to investigate whether E2directly influences hypothalamic AVP and GnRH releasein vitro. Within 10 min of ewe killing, saggital midline hypothalamic slices (from the anterior preoptic area to mediobasal hypothalamus, 2 mm thick, two per sheep) were dissected, placed in oxygenated MEM‐αat 4°C and within next 2 h were singly perifused at 37°C with oxygenated MEM‐α(pH 7.4; flow rate 150 μl/min) alone (vehicle; n = 15), with low (6 pg/ml; n = 14) or high E2(24 pg/ml; n = 13). After 5 h equilibration, 10 min fractions were collected for 3 h with exposure to 100 mmKCl for 10 min within the last hour. Concentrations of AVP and GnRH were measured by RIA. Baselines for AVP and GnRH were 7.0 ± 1.1 and 17.4 ± 0.8 pg/ml respectively. Basal values with low E2were similar to vehicle for AVP (7.5 ± 1.2 pg/ml) and GnRH (17.5 ± 1.1 pg/ml). However, high E2increased basal AVP (11.7 ± 1.4 pg/ml; p < 0.05) and GnRH (23.7 ± 1.4 pg/ml; p < 0.05). After KCl, AVP and GnRH respectively, increased (p < 0.05) to 25.6 ± 7.5 and 38.2 ± 5.6 (vehicle), 26.3 ± 7.5 and 23.6 ± 2.1 (low E2) and 24.1 ± 5.4 and 41.3 ± 6.6 pg/ml (high E2). After KCl, maximum values of AVP occurred at 20 and GnRH at 30 min. In conclusion, high E2concentration augments AVP and GnRH release by direct action on the ewe hypothalamus.
Successful Timing of Ovulation Using Deslorelin (Ovuplant®) is Labour‐saving in Mares Aimed for Single AI with Frozen Semen
Authors: Hemberg E. , Lundeheim N. , Einarsson S 
Published: September 2006

ContentsTo minimize the number of matings/inseminations, controlled ovulation has been practised since a long time ago. A potent short‐term implant, releasing the GnRH analogue deslorelin (Ovuplant®) has been used in Australia and North America for several years for hastening the ovulation time in mares, but the product is not registered on the European market. This study was aimed to investigate: (1) ovulation time in mares implanted with Ovuplant when the largest follicle was 42 mm or more in size, (2) repeatability of ovulation time in successive oestruses when treated with Ovuplant, (3) pregnancy rate after single insemination with frozen–thawed semen near ovulation. This study included 11 mares, and altogether 17 timed ovulations. Follicular growth and ovulation were determined by palpation per rectum and by ultrasonography in the morning (at 7:00 hours) every second day until observation of a follicle of at least 42 mm in diameter. Then the mares were re‐examined in the afternoon (at 19:00 hours), and an Ovuplant was inserted in the mucosa of the vulva. For detection of ovulation, the mares were palpated and ultrasounded repeatedly from 36–42 h after the insert. The mares were inseminated with frozen–thawed semen once at ovulation. All mares ovulated at 36–48 h after treatment and 94% at 38–42 h after treatment. The six mares that were treated at two oestruses ovulated at 39.9 and 39.7 h, respectively. Five of 11 mares (45.4%), inseminated with frozen–thawed semen at the first oestrous cycle were pregnant day 14–16 after ovulation. Using this protocol, there is no need of palpation/ultrasonography during night hours, and examination at 36 and 41 h after implantation might be enough for estimation of ovulation time.
Effects of Mating on Plasma Concentrations of Testosterone, Cortisol, Oestrone Sulphate and 15‐Ketodihydro‐PGF2α in Stallions
Authors: Villani M , Cairoli F , Kindahl H , Galeati G , Faustini M , Carluccio A , Veronesi MC 
Published: September 2006

ContentsVery little information is available regarding the physiological mechanisms involved in the normal sexual activity in the stallion and, in particular, the endocrine control of reproduction is still not clearly understood. This experiment was designed to determine the short‐term effect of sexual stimulation on plasma concentrations of testosterone, cortisol, oestrone sulphate and 15‐ketodihydro‐PGF2α in stallions. Semen samples were collected from 10 lighthorse stallions of proven fertility using a Missouri model artificial vagina. At the same time, blood samples were collected from the jugular vein with heparinized tubes, 20 and 10 min before oestrous mare exposure, at exposure and 10, 20, 30 min after dismounting. Testosterone concentrations showed a sharp rise 10 min after mating (p < 0.001), reached a plateau, and then showed a further increase 30 min after mating (p < 0.001). Cortisol concentrations increased 10 min after mating (p < 0.001) and remained at high levels in the subsequent samples taken. A peak of oestrone sulphate was observed 10 min after mating (p < 0.001). 15‐Ketodihydro‐PGF2α concentrations decreased rapidly at the moment of the exposure of the stallions to an oestrous mare (p < 0.05), returned to pre‐mating concentrations and then decreased again 30 min after mating (p < 0.05).
Effects of Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone Administration on the Pituitary‐Ovarian Axis in Anoestrous vs Ovariectomized Bitches
Authors: Buijtels JJCWM , Beijerink NJ , Kooistra HS , Dieleman SJ , Okkens AC 
Published: September 2006

ContentsThe aim of this study was to determine the effects of gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) administration on the plasma concentrations of reproductive hormones in intact and ovariectomized (OVX) bitches. Therefore, blood samples were collected at multiple times before and after the administration of 10 μg/kg GnRH (Fertagyl®) for the determination of the plasma concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH), oestradiol, progesterone and testosterone in six anoestrus and in six OVX bitches. The mean plasma LH concentrations before and 60 min after GnRH administration were significantly lower in the anoestrous bitches than in the OVX bitches. In both groups GnRH administration resulted in a significant increase in the plasma LH concentration. The highest plasma LH concentrations were found at 10 min after GnRH administration and these values did not differ significantly between the two groups. Only in the anoestrous bitches a significant increase in plasma oestradiol concentrations was found after GnRH administration and these values were significantly higher than those in the OVX bitches. The plasma concentrations of progesterone and testosterone were low (close to or below the limit of quantitation) both before and after GnRH administration and the differences between anoestrous and OVX bitches were not significant. It can be concluded that (i) basal plasma LH concentration is significantly higher in OVX bitches than in anoestrous bitches, (ii) plasma LH concentration increases after GnRH administration in both anoestrous and OVX bitches, (iii) GnRH administration causes a significant rise in plasma oestradiol concentration only if ovarian tissue is present and (iv) measurement of plasma progesterone and testosterone concentrations before and after GnRH administration does not aid in distinguishing between anoestrous and OVX bitches. The results of this study may provide a basis for the diagnosis of remnant ovarian tissue and verification of neuter status in the bitch.
Role of Tumour Necrosis Factor α in Stimulation of Prostaglandins F2α and E2 Release by Cultured Porcine Endometrial Cells
Authors: Blitek A , Ziecik AJ 
Published: September 2006

ContentsThe present studies were undertaken to examine the effect of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) α on prostaglandins (PGs) F2α and E2 release by cultured porcine endometrial cells harvested on days 13–16 after oestrus in comparison to stimulation with oxytocin (OT) and luteinizing hormone (LH). A time‐dependent effect of TNFα (10 ng/ml) on PGF2α release was observed in stromal and luminal epithelial cells. Moreover, TNFα increased PGF2α secretion from both endometrial cell types with effective concentrations of 1 (p < 0.05), 10 and 50 ng/ml (p < 0.01). The effect of TNFα (10 ng/ml) on endometrial PGF2α and PGE2 release was compared with OT (100 nmol/l) and LH (100 ng/ml). All factors affected PGF2α secretion from stromal cells, however, the stimulation tended to be more potent after OT and LH (p < 0.01) than after TNFα (p < 0.05) treatment. In epithelial cells, only TNFα was able to stimulate PGF2α release (p < 0.001). PGE2 secretion from stromal cells increased after incubation with TNFα and OT (p < 0.05). Only LH stimulated PGE2 release from epithelium (p < 0.001), and its action was very effective when compared with TNFα or OT (p < 0.01). Summarizing, TNFα induces both PGs secretion from cultured porcine endometrium, but preferentially stimulates PGF2α release from luminal epithelial cells. Therefore, similarly to OT and LH, TNFα may be considered as a potential modulator of endometrial PGF2α production during luteolysis in the pig.
Effects of Breed on Follicular Dynamics and Oestradiol Secretion during the Follicular Phase in Sheep
Authors: Gonzalez‐Añover P , Encinas T , Veiga‐Lopez A , Ammoun I , Contreras I , Ros JM , Ariznavarreta C , Tresguerres JAF , Gonzalez‐Bulnes A 
Published: September 2006

ContentsCurrent study evaluates effects from breed and management background on follicular dynamics and endocrine output during the follicular phase of sheep oestrous cycle. Follicular phases were synchronized with three cloprostenol doses, 10 days apart, in three groups of 10 females of different non‐prolific Spanish breeds (Manchega, Rubia del Molar and Negra de Colmenar). Development of all follicles reaching antral diameters ≥2 mm was assessed by daily transrectal ultrasonographies, whereas follicular function was evaluated by measurement of plasma oestradiol concentrations. All the ovulatory follicles were present at induced luteolysis in Manchega sheep, while a 93.7% were detected in Rubia del Molar and Negra de Colmenar ewes. The mean size of these ovulatory follicles was similar between breeds at 0 h, but their growth rates were higher in Manchega ewes, reaching a larger size at oestrous detection than in Negra de Colmenar and Rubia del Molar sheep (p < 0.05). Conversely, the oestradiol levels increased with time in Rubia del Molar and Negra de Colmenar (p < 0.05); whilst remained stable in Manchega females. However, the patterns of follicular turnover were similar between breeds. These results indicate that, though differences in follicular size and size distribution, patterns of follicular turnover in sheep are affected neither by the breed nor by the background of management and selection.
Acyl Ghrelin and Metabolic Hormones in Pregnant and Lactating Sows
Authors: Govoni N , Parmeggiani A , Galeati G , Penazzi P , De Iasio R , Pagotto U , Pasquali R , Tamanini C , Seren E 
Published: September 2006

ContentsGhrelin, the endogenous ligand of the growth hormone (GH) secretagogue receptor, is considered a pleiotropic regulator involved in a large array of functions, including control of energy balance, regulation of food intake and, more recently, modulation of the reproductive axis. The present study was aimed at determining the changes in plasma concentrations of acyl‐ghrelin in pregnant and lactating sows, with special emphasis on the relationship with the levels of GH, leptin, non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and insulin‐like growth factor (IGF‐1). Blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture from 22 multiparous sow 30, 60 and 90 days after artificial insemination, 7 and 21 days after farrowing and at first oestrus post‐weaning. Plasma concentrations of acyl‐ghrelin, leptin, GH and IGF‐1 were quantified by validated radioimmunoassay; NEFA were determined using a colorimetric procedure. Plasma acyl ghrelin levels were highest at 30 days of pregnancy and decreased thereafter and during lactation. At the beginning of lactation, GH, IGF‐1 and NEFA concentrations significantly increased, while a significant reduction occurred in leptin. In conclusion, ghrelin concentrations in sow maternal circulation does not seem to play an important role in maintaining circulating GH levels during lactation; moreover, ghrelin is not associated with leptin, NEFA and IGF‐1 levels.
Cryopreservation of Sheep Primordial Follicles
Authors: Amorim CA , Rondina D , Lucci CM , Giorgetti A , De Figueiredo JR , Gonçalves PBD 
Published: September 2006

ContentsThe aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of 1 M dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO), ethylene glycol (EG), propylene glycol (PROH) and glycerol (GLY) to cryopreserve primordial follicles. The first evaluation was performed soon after cryopreservation and the second evaluation after 4 days of in vitro culture, using the cryoprotectants that allowed the higher results (higher follicular survival rate) after cryopreservation. The results after follicular isolation (control) and cryopreservation using 1 M DMSO, EG, PROH and GLY showed that the mean number (± SEM) of live follicles per millilitre was 3204 (100%) ± 319.27, 2798 (87%) ± 239.14, 2492 (78%) ± 345.8, 448 (14%) ± 46.3 and 208 (7%) ± 75.26, respectively. Higher follicular survival was reported when DMSO and EG were used. Control follicles and follicles cryopreserved with these two cryoprotectants were cultured and the percentage of follicular survival was 55% (control), 42% (EG) and 34% (DMSO). Similar results were found between control and follicles cryopreserved with EG. In conclusion, 1 M EG is the most effective cryoprotectant to preserve primordial follicles isolated from ovaries of sheep.
Epidemiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease in Tehran, Iran
Authors: Ehsani Mohammad J , Maleki Iradj , Mohammadzadeh Fatemeh , Mashayekh Ameneh 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Epidemiological studies have indicated an increase in the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease in Western countries; however, there is a lack of information about its prevalence in Iran. The aim of this study was to measure gastroesophageal reflux disease prevalence in a representative sample of the Tehran population in 1999.Methods:  In a cross‐sectional study, 700 people, with a male : female ratio of 1:1, were selected by stratified randomization based on the probability of 20% prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease and 3% error. They were divided equally into seven age groups. Heartburn and acid regurgitation were considered as the most common symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease. The severity and frequency of heartburn and the role of personal habits in the appearance of this symptom were determined. The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease in samples was measured, and its actual prevalence in society was estimated.Results:  Of 700 people, 350 were male and 350 were female. The major symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease were observed in 278 (39.7%) people. The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease of smokers was twice that of non‐smokers.Conclusions:  Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a serious and unresolved problem in Western countries, and its increasing prevalence correlates with an increasing prevalence of adenocarcinoma of distal esophagus. The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease appears to be increasing in Iran also; therefore, it is recommended that major attention be paid to this disease.
Clinical outcome of rumination syndrome in adults without psychiatric illness: A prospective study
Authors: Lee Hyuk , Rhee Poong‐Lyul , Park Eun‐Ha , Kim Jeong Hwan , Son Hee Jung , Kim Jae J , Rhee Jong Chul 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackground and Aim:  This prospective study was conducted to characterize the clinical features of adult rumination syndrome, in the absence of psychiatric illness, by applying newly modified clinical criteria, and to elucidate factors influencing outcomes after treatment.Methods:  Twenty‐one adult patients diagnosed with rumination syndrome at a tertiary referral center over a 2‐year period were enrolled in the study. All patients received supportive psychotherapy and medical treatment. Changes in symptom parameters were analyzed using a pretreatment and a post‐treatment questionnaire. Patients were classified into three groups according to symptomatic outcome: improved group, sustained group and aggravated group.Results:  The duration of treatment was longer in the improved group than in the sustained or aggravated groups (P = 0.018). Esophageal manometry testing demonstrated non‐transmitted contractions of the esophageal body in 10 patients (47.6%) and low amplitude contractions in eight patients (38.1%). Mean lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure was 9.8 ± 2.6 mmHg. Baseline LES pressure in the improved group was higher than in the other groups (P = 0.001). Ambulatory 24‐h esophageal pH monitoring showed pathological acid reflux in six patients (28.6%). All pathological acid reflux occurred in post‐rumination periods. Scintigraphic testing of gastric emptying revealed that the mean retention rate at 120 min was 34.2 ± 2.5% of initial contents, and delayed emptying was noted in three patients (14.3%).Conclusions:  Rumination syndrome is often accompanied by heterogeneous conditions such as postprandial gastroesophageal reflux, various abnormalities in esophageal manometric tests and delayed gastric emptying. Medical treatment and supportive psychotherapy can be effective in otherwise normal adult patients, especially in patients who comply with long durations of treatment and who demonstrate higher baseline LES pressures.
Role of meal carbohydrate content for the imbalance of plasma amino acids in patients with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Schulte‐Frohlinde Ewert , Wagenpfeil Stefan , Willis Johanna , Lersch Christian , Eckel Florian , Schmid Roland , Schusdziarra Volker 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Imbalance of circulating branched chain amino acids (BCAA) versus aromatic amino acids (AAA) and hyperinsulinemia are common metabolic alterations in patients with liver cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to characterize the effect of the carbohydrate component of a protein‐rich mixed meal on postprandial plasma concentrations of 21 amino acids, insulin and C‐peptide in patients with compensated liver cirrhosis. Furthermore, the effect of a dietary intervention on the metabolic alterations in cirrhotic patients was examined.Methods:  Eighteen patients with cirrhosis and 12 healthy volunteers received a protein‐rich meal (pork filet 200 g) with or without carbohydrates (bread 50 g, glucose 20 g). A subgroup of four cirrhotic patients received an isoenergetic (117 kJ/kg bw) carbohydrate‐enriched (60%) and ‐restricted (20%) diet for 7 days each.Results:  In the cirrhotic patients, basal plasma insulin and C‐peptide concentrations were significantly elevated. The ingestion of a protein‐rich meal without additional carbohydrates led to a significantly greater increase of insulin and C‐peptide in the cirrhotic patients compared to controls. Postprandial increases of leucine and isoleucine were reduced, whereas those of phenylalanine were higher in cirrhotic patients. The addition of carbohydrates led to higher insulin and C‐peptide plasma concentrations in cirrhotic patients. Postprandial BCAA increases were more impaired in the cirrhotic group after additional carbohydrate ingestion (46%vs 82%). After the carbohydrate‐restricted diet for 7 days BCAA plasma levels increased but the BCAA/AAA ratio remained unaltered.Conclusions:  The carbohydrate content of a meal enhances reduction of BCAA plasma concentrations in clinically stable cirrhotic patients. An imbalanced BCAA/AAA ratio cannot be avoided by a carbohydrate‐reduced diet alone, supporting mandatory BCAA supplementation.
Utility of endoscopic ultrasound in the diagnosis of aberrant right subclavian artery
Authors: Yusuf Tony E , Levy Michael J , Wiersema Maurits J , Clain Jonathan E , Harewood Gavin C , Rajan Elizabeth , Topazian Mark D , Wang Kenneth K 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackground and Aims:  Aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) is the most common congenital anomaly of the aortic arch occurring in 0.4–2.0% of the general population. Instead of arising from the brachiocephalic artery, the ARSA arises as the last branch from the aortic arch. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of ARSA in patients undergoing upper endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and to describe the EUS characteristics of ARSA.Methods:  A retrospective review was conducted of 7513 upper EUS exams performed from 1 July 2000 to 1 February 2005.Results:  In total, 27 (0.36%, 95% CI 0.22–0.50%) of 7513 patients undergoing upper EUS were found to have an ARSA (10 male, 17 female; mean age 58 years, range 23–81 years). Of the 27 patients, 16 had only radial EUS, 10 had radial and linear EUS, and one had only linear EUS. In all 26 patients who underwent radial imaging, a well‐defined, anechoic tubular structure was seen originating from the aortic arch and passing between the esophagus and spine. In all 11 patients undergoing linear imaging, the abnormal anatomy was detected and the vascular nature confirmed by Doppler. In one patient, both radial and linear imaging identified unsuspected aneurismal dilatation of the ARSA; a rare condition referred to as Kommerell’s diverticulum (KD). None of the other 26 patients had symptoms to suggest an ARSA. Of the 14 patients who had computed tomography (CT) prior to EUS, only four were initially reported to have ARSA. However, later review of the CT scans verified an ARSA in all 14 patients. Of the two patients who underwent a barium swallow, only one had findings suggestive of ARSA.Conclusions:  This report highlights the utility of both radial and linear EUS imaging in identifying previously unsuspected ARSA and associated anomalies. This report also suggests the need for careful review of the CT in patients suspected of having ARSA due to the frequent failure of radiologists to identify, or report, this anomaly when particular focus is not given.
No mutation was found in the alpha‐subunit of the mitochondrial tri‐functional protein in one patient with severe acute fatty liver of pregnancy and her relatives
Authors: Kong Xiao‐Fei , Zhang Xin‐Xin , Yu Ying‐Yan , Shi Qing , La Duan‐Duan , Zhu‐Ge Chuan‐De , Deng Lin , Gong Qi‐Ming , Shen Bai‐Yong , Peng Cheng‐Hong , Li Hong‐Wei 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) is a serious hepatic disorder and a devastating late gestational complication associated with substantial maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Several studies have demonstrated a strong association between AFLP in the mother and fetal deficiency of the enzyme long‐chain L‐3 hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase (LCHAD). LCHAD resides in the α‐subunit of the mitochondrial tri‐functional protein and catalyzes the third step in the β‐oxidation of fatty acids in the mitochondria. The aim of this study was to determine in one patient with severe AFLP who survived liver transplantation, if the infant or her parents would bear the common or rare mutation of the LCHAD gene.Methods:  Genomic DNA was extracted from the patient with severe AFLP and her daughter and parents. Exon 15 of LCHAD was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and analyzed by restricted fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) with Pst‐I. The whole coding region of LCHAD cDNA of all subjects was amplified and sequenced for the potential rare mutation.Results:  None of the subjects had the G1528C mutation in the LCHAD gene. None of the subjects had mutation in the whole coding region of LCHAD or rare polymorphisms.Conclusions:  Although this study was limited to one proband and her relatives, our observations suggest that there might be diverse etiological factors in China contributing to AFLP other than the frequently reported mutation in the LCHAD, and the metabolic basis for AFLP may be more heterogeneous than previously believed.