bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expressions of VEGF and its receptors in rat corpus luteum during interferon alpha administration in early and pseudopregnancy
Authors: Celik‐Ozenci Ciler , Akkoyunlu Gokhan , Korgun Emin Turkay , Savas Burhan , Demir Ramazan 
Published: February 2004

AbstractIt is accepted that angiogenesis plays an important role in the development of the corpus luteum (CL) and is probably necessary for normal lutein cell function. A number of drugs currently being tested in clinical trials as possible angiogenesis inhibitors were not originally developed with the intention of suppressing tumor angiogenesis. Interferon alpha (IFN‐α) is one of the notable examples of such ‘accidental angiogenesis inhibitors’ and daily administration of IFN‐α is known to suppress tumor growth, tumor vascularization, and down‐regulation of various growth factors. We investigated the effects of IFN‐α treatment on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and its receptors KDR and Flt‐1, and CD34 in CL during the first week of pseudopregnancy and pregnancy in hormonally induced rat ovaries by immunohistochemistry and Western blot techniques. Basal body temperatures of the drug‐treated rats, as an indicator of treatment effect, were determined daily and were increased significantly when compared to controls (38.03 ± 0.18 vs. 36.6 ± 0.1°C), respectively. The effect of IFN‐α treatment was minimal when the entire week was evaluated, however, the expression of VEGF decreased at 3rd, 5th, and 7th days of both pregnancy and pseudopregnancy, when compared to the 1st day, whereas there was not a such alteration in the untreated rats regarding these days. The daily subcutaneous administrations of 672.500 U IFN‐α2b had minimal effects on the expressions of VEGF, and its two receptors KDR and Flt‐1 in either pregnant or pseudopregnant corpora lutea utilizing HSCORE. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 67: 414–423, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) expression during induced luteolysis in the bovine corpus luteum
Authors: Neuvians Tanja P. , Berisha Bajram , Schams Dieter 
Published: February 2004

AbstractAngiogenic factors, like vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and their receptors, are strongly regulated during the development of bovine corpus luteum (CL). The aim of this study was to investigate real‐time changes of these factors in luteal tissue of cows (n = 4–5 per group) in the mid‐luteal phase (day 8–12) after intramuscular injection of the PGF2α‐analog Cloprostenol. Before (control) and 2, 4, 12, 48, and 64 hr after prostaglandin (PG) injection, CL were collected by transvaginal ovariectomy. RT‐PCR for VEGF, VEGF‐receptor type 1 (VEGF‐R1), VEGF‐R2, acidic FGF (FGF‐1), basic FGF (FGF‐2), and FGF‐receptor (FGF‐R) was performed. Additionally, the protein concentration for VEGF was determined. The mRNA expression of VEGF and its two receptors (VEGF‐R1 and ‐R2) was significantly downregulated during structural luteolysis (after 12 hr). VEGF protein concentration already significantly declined 2 hr after PGF2α. Surprisingly FGF‐1 and FGF‐2 were significantly and maximally upregulated during functional luteolysis (until 12 hr). Furthermore, FGF‐R mRNA was significantly upregulated at 2 hr after PGF2α, when compared with the control group. During structural luteolysis, the expression of FGFs and their receptors was not significantly different from control, except FGF‐2 mRNA, which was downregulated at 64 hr. We conclude that the cessation of VEGF‐support for the CL plays a role during structural luteolysis, whereas FGFs seem to have a major impact on functional luteolysis. The possible role of these growth factors could be a transient counter‐regulation of luteolysis, but also an involvement in preventing inflammatory reactions during luteal regression. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 67: 389–395, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Polycystin‐2 associates with the polycystin‐1 homolog, suREJ3, and localizes to the acrosomal region of sea urchin spermatozoa
Authors: Neill Anna T. , Moy Gary W. , Vacquier Victor D. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractPolycystin‐2, the protein mutated in type 2 autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, is an integral transmembrane protein with nonselective cation channel activity. Here we report on the sea urchin sperm homolog of polycystin‐2 (suPC2). Like other polycystin‐2 family members, suPC2 is a six‐pass transmembrane protein containing C‐terminal cytoplasmic EF hand and coiled‐coil domains. The protein localizes exclusively to the plasma membrane over the sperm acrosomal vesicle. This localization coincides with the previously reported localization of the sea urchin PC1 homolog, suREJ3. Co‐immunoprecipitation shows that suPC2 and suREJ3 are associated in the membrane. The location of suPC2 sug‐gests that it may function as a cation channel mediating the sperm acrosome reaction. The low cation selectivity of PC2 channels would explain data indicating that Na+ and Ca2+ may enter sea urchin sperm through the same channel during the acrosome reaction. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 67: 472–477, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bovine sperm capacitation: assessment of phosphodiesterase activity and intracellular alkalinization on capacitation‐associated protein tyrosine phosphorylation
Authors: Galantino‐Homer Hannah L. , Florman Harvey M. , Storey Bayard T. , Dobrinski Ina , Kopf Gregory S. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractMammalian sperm capacitation is the obligatory maturational process leading to the development of the fertilization‐competent state. Heparin is known to be a unique species‐specific inducer of bovine sperm capacitation in vitro and glucose a unique inhibitor of this induction. Heparin‐induced capacitation of bovine sperm has been shown to correlate with protein kinase A (PKA)‐dependent protein tyrosine phosphorylation driven by an increase in intracellular cAMP. This study examines the possible roles of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity and intracellular alkalinization on bovine sperm capacitation and the protein tyrosine phosphorylation associated with it. Measurement of whole cell PDE kinetics during capacitation reveals neither a substantial change with heparin nor one with glucose: PDE activity is effectively constitutive in maintaining intracellular cAMP levels during capacitation. In contrast to a transient increase in intracellular pH, a sustained increase in medium pH by switching from 5% CO2/95% air incubation to 1% CO2/99% air incubation over 4 hr in the absence of heparin resulted in an increase in protein tyrosine phosphorylation and in the extent of induced acrosome reaction comparable to that observed following heparin‐induced capacitation in 5% CO2. These results suggest that increased bicarbonate‐dependent adenylyl cyclase activity, driven by alkalinization, increases intracellular cAMP and so increases PKA activity mediating protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Quantitative analysis of the lactic acid production rate by bovine sperm glycolysis accounts fully for intracellular acidification sufficient to offset heparin‐induced alkalinization, thus inhibiting capacitation. The mechanism by which heparin uniquely induces intracellular alkalinization in bovine sperm leading to capacitation remains obscure, inviting future investigation. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 67: 487–500, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Functionally distinctive testicular cell lines of zebrafish to support male germ cell development
Authors: Kurita Kayoko , Sakai Noriyoshi 
Published: February 2004

AbstractHere we describe two testicular cell lines of zebrafish with distinct functions to support the development of male germ cells. Twelve cell lines were established by single‐colony isolation from tumor‐like testis‐derived ZtA6 cells, and the features characteristic of Sertoli cells such as phagocytic activity and transcription both of their specific genes, sox9a and Wilms' tumor suppressor WT1, and of the vas gene of germ cells were analyzed in the lines. Six lines exhibited these three characteristics of Sertoli cells. Despite the single‐colony isolation, low levels of vas expression were detected in three lines. Two lines, ZtA6‐2 and ZtA6‐12, showed almost the same characteristics as Sertoli cells, but exhibited distinctive features when male germ cells were cocultured with each line as feeders. The in vitro fertilization by the culture of germ cells with ZtA6‐12 produced more embryos than that with ZtA6‐2. In contrast, ZtA6‐2 gave rise to large clumps of germ cells after a 12‐day culture, while ZtA6‐12 still produced only small clumps. Expression of vas, strongly expressed in spermatogonia and premeiotic spermatocytes, was prolonged in the culture with ZtA6‐2, while it reduced in that with ZtA6‐12. Compared with the previous results obtained on the original ZtA6 cells, these results suggested that the function of the ZtA6‐2 cells was directed to stimulate the proliferation of spermatogonia, and ZtA6‐12 to stimulate the differentiation into sperm. These cell lines will facilitate investigation of Sertoli cell molecules that contribute to the proliferation and differentiation of spermatogonia, and the longer culture time of male germ cells by using these lines successively. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 67: 430–438, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Subzero water transport characteristics of boar spermatozoa confirm observed optimal cooling rates
Authors: Devireddy R.V. , Fahrig B. , Godke R.A. , Leibo S.P. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractIncomplete understanding of the water transport parameters (reference membrane permeability,Lpg, and activation energy,ELp) during freezing in the presence of extracellular ice and cryoprotective agents (CPAs) is one of the main limiting factors in reconciling the difference between the numerically predicted value and the experimentally determined optimal rates of freezing in boar (and in general mammalian) gametes. In the present study, a shape‐independent differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) technique was used to measure the water transport during freezing of boar spermatozoa. Water transport data during freezing of boar sperm cell suspensions were obtained at cooling rates of 5 and 20°C/min in the presence of extracellular ice and 6% (v/v) glycerol. Using previously published values, the boar sperm cell was modeled as a cylinder of length 80.1 μm and a radius of 0.31 μm with an osmotically inactive cell volume,Vb, of 0.6Vo, whereVois the isotonic cell volume. By fitting a model of water transport to the experimentally obtained data, the best‐fit water transport parameters (LpgandELp) were determined. The “combined‐best‐fit” parameters at 5 and 20°C/min for boar spermatozoa in the presence of extracellular ice are:Lpg = 3.6 × 10−15m3/N · s (0.02 μm/min‐atm) andELp = 122.5 kJ/mole (29.3 kcal/mole) (R2= 0.99); and the corresponding parameters in the presence of extracellular ice and glycerol are:Lpg[cpa] = 0.90 × 10−15m3/N · s (0.005 μm/min‐atm) andELp[cpa] = 75.7 kJ/mole (18.1 kcal/mole) (R2 = 0.99). The water transport parameters obtained in the present study are significantly different from previously published parameters for boar and other mammalian spermatozoa obtained at suprazero temperatures and at subzero temperatures in the absence of extracellular ice. The theoretically predicted optimal rates of freezing using the new parameters (∼30°C/min) are in close agreement with previously published but experimentally determined optimal cooling rates. This analysis reconciles a long‐standing difference between theoretically predicted and experimentally determined optimal cooling rates for boar spermatozoa. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 67: 446–457, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Polycystins: what polycystic kidney disease tells us about sperm
Authors: Kierszenbaum Abraham L. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractExperimental evidence indicates that the membrane‐associated proteins polycystin‐1 and polycystin‐2 operate as a receptor‐calcium channel complex that regulates signaling pathways essential for modulation of renal tubulogenesis. Polycystic kidney disease is characterized by defective renal tubular structure and results from mutations in either PKD1 or PKD2 genes. Recent data suggest that polycystin‐1 and polycystin‐2 might localize to primary cilium in principal cells of renal collecting tubules and are thought to act as mechanosensors of fluid flow and contents. Ciliary bending by fluid flow or mechanical stimulation induce Ca2+ release from intracellular stores, presumably to modulate ion influx in response to tubular fluid flow. Polycystins are also emerging as playing a significant role in sperm development and function. Drosophila polycystin‐2 is associated with the head and tail of mature sperm. Targeted disruption of the PKD2 homolog results in nearly complete male sterility without disrupting spermatogenesis. Mutant sperm are motile but are unable to reach the female storage organs (seminal receptacles and spermathecae). The sea urchin polycystin‐1‐equivalent suPC2 colocalizes with the polycystin‐1 homolog REJ3 to the plasma membrane over the acrosomal vesicle. This localization site suggests that the suPC2‐REJ3 complex may function as a cation channel mediating acrosome reaction when sperm contact the jelly layer surrounding the egg at fertilization. Future studies leading to the identification of specific ligands for polycystins, including the signaling pathways, might define the puzzling relationship between renal tubular morphogenesis and sperm development and function. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 67: 385–388, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Newborn screening for fragile X syndrome
Authors: Bailey Donald B. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractNewborn screening for fragile X syndrome (FXS) is technically possible, and in the relatively near future accurate and inexpensive screening technologies are likely to be available. When that happens, will America's public health system adopt newborn screening for fragile X syndrome? This article addresses this issue by first placing screening for FXS in the context of the history and current status of newborn screening policy and practice. Lack of a proven medical treatment may stand as a barrier to newborn screening, but strong arguments can be made that early intervention provides important services for identified newborns and their families. Furthermore, other arguments could be used to justify newborn screening, including informed reproductive risk, medically necessary information, and consumer demand. Fragile X syndrome is offered as a prototype for many of the issues that will face society as more genetic disorders are discovered and new technologies for screening are developed. MRDD Research Reviews 2004;10:3–10. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Attention and language in fragile X
Authors: Cornish Kim , Sudhalter Vicki , Turk Jeremy 
Published: February 2004

AbstractFragile X syndrome (FXS) is a well‐recognized cause of mental retardation and developmental delay in males. Alongside the well‐documented clinical characteristics of the condition, recent advances in technology and methodology have begun to define FXS at a number of different levels: genetic, brain structure and function, cognition, and behavior. This article suggests that the FXS phenotype is not merely a juxtaposition of spared and impaired functions but rather may be characterized by an inhibitory control deficit that interferes with the individual's ability to modulate output causing perseverative responding across various skill areas. It is further suggested that an inability to modulate arousal may be at least one cause for the inhibitory control deficit that typifies the FXS phenotype. The approach to understanding atypical development outlined here holds exciting promise for future research in FXS and other developmental disorders. MRDD Research Reviews 2004;10:11–16. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The neuroanatomy and neuroendocrinology of fragile X syndrome
Authors: Hessl David , Rivera Susan M. , Reiss Allan L. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractFragile X syndrome (FXS), caused by a single gene mutation on the X chromosome, offers a unique opportunity for investigation of gene–brain–behavior relationships. Recent advances in molecular genetics, human brain imaging, and behavioral studies have started to unravel the complex pathways leading to the cognitive, psychiatric, and physical features that are unique to this syndrome. In this article, we summarize studies focused on the neuroanatomy and neuroendocrinology of FXS. A review of structural imaging studies of individuals with the full mutation shows that several brain regions are enlarged, including the hippocampus, amygdala, caudate nucleus, and thalamus, even after controlling for overall brain volume. These regions mediate several cognitive and behavioral functions known to be aberrant in FXS such as memory and learning, information and sensory processing, and social and emotional behavior. Two regions, the cerebellar vermis, important for a variety of cognitive tasks and regulation of motor behavior, and the superior temporal gyrus, involved in processing complex auditory stimuli, are reported to be reduced in size relative to controls. Functional imaging, typically limited to females, has emphasized that individuals with FXS do not adequately recruit brain regions that are normally utilized by unaffected individuals to carry out various cognitive tasks, such as arithmetic processing or visual memory tasks. Finally, we review a number of neuroendocrine studies implicating hypothalamic dysfunction in FXS, including abnormal activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. These studies may help to explain the abnormal stress responses, sleep abnormalities, and physical growth patterns commonly seen in affected individuals. In the future, innovative longitudinal studies to investigate development of neurobiologic and behavioral features over time, and ultimately empirical testing of pharmacological, behavioral, and even molecular genetic interventions using MRI are likely to yield significant positive changes in the lives of persons with FXS, as well as increase our understanding of the development of psychiatric and learning problems in the general population. MRDD Research Reviews 2004;10:17–24. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fragile X‐associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS)
Authors: Hagerman Paul J. , Hagerman Randi J. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractCarriers of fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) premutation alleles (55 to 200 CGG repeats) are generally spared the more serious neurodevelopmental problems associated with the full‐mutation carriers (>200 repeats) of fragile X syndrome. However, some adult male premutation carriers (55–200 repeats) develop a neurological syndrome involving intention tremor, ataxia, dementia, parkinsonism, and autonomic dysfunction. In excess of one‐third of male premutation carriers over 50 years of age develop the fragile X‐associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). FXTAS also represents a new form of inclusion disease, with eosinophilic intranuclear inclusions found throughout the brain in both neurons and astrocytes. Because FXTAS appears to be relatively specific to male premutation carriers, who are known to possess elevated levels of FMR1 mRNA, the neuropathology may arise as a consequence of a toxic gain‐of‐function of the mRNA itself, although this proposal requires additional direct testing. One of the critical needs at present is a better estimate for the prevalence of this disorder, because FXTAS is likely to be underdiagnosed in the adult movement disorders clinics. MRDD Research Reviews 2004;10:25–30. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Phenotypic variation and FMRP levels in fragile X
Authors: Loesch Danuta Z. , Huggins Richard M. , Hagerman Randi J. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractData on the relationships between cognitive and physical phenotypes, and a deficit of fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene‐specific protein product, FMRP, are presented and discussed in context with earlier findings. The previously unpublished results obtained, using standard procedures of regression and correlations, showed highly significant associations in males between FMRP levels and the Wechsler summary and subtest scores and in females between these levels and the full‐scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ), verbal and performance IQ, and some Wechsler subtest scores. The published results based on data from 144 extended families with fragile X, recruited from Australia and the United States within a collaborative NIH‐supported project, were obtained using robust modification of maximum likelihood in pedigrees. The results indicated that processing speed, short‐term memory, and the ability to control attention, especially in the context of regulating goal‐directed behavior, may be primarily affected by the FMRP depletion. The effect of this depletion on physical phenotype was also demonstrated, especially on body and head height and extensibility of finger joints. It is recommended that further studies should rely on more accurate measures of FMRP levels, and use of larger samples, to overcome extensive variability in the data. MRDD Research Reviews 2004;10:31–41. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Psychopharmacology in fragile X syndrome—Present and future
Authors: Berry‐Kravis Elizabeth , Potanos Kristina 
Published: February 2004

AbstractIn addition to cognitive disability, fragile X syndrome (FXS) is associated with behavioral problems that are often functionally limiting. There are few controlled trials to guide treatment; however, available information does suggest that medications can be quite helpful for a number of categories of behavioral disturbance in FXS. Specifically, stimulants appear to be quite useful for management of distractibility, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior; antidepressants help with anxiety, obsessive‐compulsive behaviors and mood dysregulation; and antipsychotics can reduce aggression. These medications are supportive and help minimize dysfunctional behaviors and maximize functioning. As more is learned about the neural functions of FMRP, medications in the future will be expected to target specific synaptic mechanisms dysregulated in FXS brain and thus ameliorate the cognitive deficit with resultant behavioral improvements. This article summarizes knowledge about effectiveness and approaches to management of currently available psychopharmacology for behavior in FXS and discusses early leads to future treatments for cognition. MRDD Research Reviews 2004;10:42–48. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.