Expression of steroid receptors in intact rat uterus, mammary gland, and liver treated with selective estrogen receptor modulators and conjugated equine estrogens

WOS: 000236068000006PubMed: 16510375The aim of the present Study was to determine the effects of conjugated equine estrogens (CEE) and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERM) (tamoxifen [TAM] and raloxifene [RALI) on the expression of steroid receptors-estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR)-in intact rat uterus, mammary gland, and liver. A total of 24 female rats weighing 250 to 300 g were randomized into 4 groups. Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 were respectively given conjugated equine estrogen, tamoxifen, raloxifene, and vehicle for a 28-day period. ER and PR expression was detected in tissues of the uterus, mammary gland, and liver. Uterine wet weight and serum estradiol levels were established for all groups. No statistical difference was observed between groups in the ER expression of mammary gland and liver and in the PR expression of uterus, mammary gland, and liver, but differences were noted in serum estradiol levels and uterine ER expression. Serum estradiol levels were lower in the TAM-treated group; differences between the TAM-treated group and the other groups were statistically important (P<.05). Uterine ER expression was greater in the CEE-treated group; differences between the CEE-treated group and the TAM- and RAL-treated groups were statistically important (P<.05). CEE or SERM versus vehicle treatment in controls did not seem to result in statistically important differences in ER and PR expression in intact rat uterus, mammary gland, and liver. Only ER expression in the uterus was found to be greater in the CEE-treated group than in SERM-treated groups

Light and electron microscope examination of the effects of methotrexate on the endosalpinx

WOS: 000229276900016PubMed: 15866094Objective: To examine the effects of increasing doses of methotrexate (Mtx) on the fallopian tubes. Study design: The study was carried out on 24 female rats (Albino Wistar type, 250-300 g). The rats were randomly divided into four groups of six. Different doses of Mtx were given to the rats by i.p. injection: 1 mg/kg to those in group 1, 5 mg/kg in group 2 and 10 mg/kg in group 3. Rats in group 4 received injections of physiological serum only and were treated as the control group. Ten days after the injection, the fallopian tubes of the rats were removed for examination separately by light and electron microscopy (EM) for comparison. Results: Light microscopy showed that in group I the surface epithelial cells were normal and the lamina propria was infiltrated by numerous inflammatory cells with a prevalence of polymorphonuclear leucocytes. Findings in groups 2 and 3 were similar: the lamina propria was infiltrated with granulocytes in one specimen from each of the two groups, and granulocytes were also observed among epithelial cells. In the control group all surface structures were found to be in a normal condition. Electron microscopy showed cilial loss in the epithelial cells and central crystolysis in mitochondria in all group I specimens. Findings in groups 2 and 3 were similar. The cytoplasm of the epithelial cells seemed to be dense, there was prominent crystolysis (crystalloid formation) in the mitochondria, and vacuolisation (vacuole formation) in the cytoplasm seemed to be augmented. Cilial loss was prominent, and the basal membrane was irregular. Epithelial cell nuclei were in disorder. Lipid granules were observed extensively in epithelial cells. Eosinophils seemed to be dominant in connective tissues below the epithelium. In all control group specimens the epithelium seemed to be normal with all organelles in place; the condition of intercellular junctions, ciliated epithelium and all mitochondria also seemed to be normal, and the basal membrane was observed to be in order. Conclusion: In view of these findings, we conclude that the ultrastructural derangements resulting from administration of Mtx in doses in excess of I mg/kg can cause a reduction in the surface epithelium's ability to make rhythmic lashing movements and can impair the patency of the fallopian tubes. All these disturbances could be involved to some degree in the causation of infertility and recurrent ectopic pregnancy. Therefore, the dosage of Mtx should be limited to use of the lowest effective dose to avoid these adverse effects. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved

Role of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes on nicotine's enhancing effect on electrical field stimulation elicited contractile responses in rabbit urine bladder.

This study aims to investigate the contribution of presynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) sub-types to nicotine-induced enhancement in electrical field stimulation (EFS) EFS-mediated contractile responses in rabbit urine bladder smooth muscle preparations

Role of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes on nicotine's enhancing effect on electrical field stimulation elicited contractile responses in rabbit urine bladder

SARIOGLU, YUSUF/0000-0002-9227-365XWOS: 000380260000030PubMed: 27160140OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the contribution of presynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) sub-types to nicotine-induced enhancement in electrical field stimulation (EFS) EFS-mediated contractile responses in rabbit urine bladder smooth muscle preparations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rabbit urine bladder smooth muscle strips were placed in organ baths containing 20 ml of an aerated Krebs-Henseleit solution, and contractions were recorded using isometric force displacement transducers. Following the acquisition of control EFS (60 V, 8 Hz, 1 ms) responses, nicotine was added to the bath at a 3x10(-5) M concentration, and EFS responses were obtained. The effect of nAChR antagonists on nicotine-induced augmentation in EFS-mediated responses was investigated in the presence of hexamethonium, dihydro-beta-erythroidine, mecamy-lamine, and alpha-bungarotoxin. RESULTS: Tetrodotoxin (TTX; 10(-6) M) completely blocked EFS-induced contractile responses in smooth muscle strips. Similarly, Atropine (10(-6) M), when administered with alpha,beta-methylene adenosine triphosphate (alpha,beta-methylene-ATP) (10(-5) M), completely blocked EFS responses. Nicotine significantly enhanced EFS-mediated contractile responses (23.67% +/- 1.75). Nicotine-induced increases in EFS responses were largely inhibited by hexamethonium, mecamylamine, and dihydro-beta-erythroidine, whereas alpha-bungarotoxin only partly inhibited these enhancements. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that EFS-induced neurogenic contractions in rabbit urine bladder smooth muscle strips are mediated by purinergic and cholinergic transmissions, and the alpha 4 beta 2, alpha 3 beta 4, and alpha 7 sub-types of nAChRs contribute to the enhancement effect of nicotine on EFS-induced contractile responses.Gazi University Unit of Scientific Research ProjectsGazi University [01/2006-17]This work was supported by the Gazi University Unit of Scientific Research Projects (Project number: 01/2006-17)

Migraine mutations impair hippocampal learning despite enhanced long-term potentiation.

To explain cognitive and memory difficulties observed in some familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM) patients, we examined hippocampal neurotransmission and plasticity in knock-in mice expressing theFHMtype 1 (FHM1) R192Q gain-of function mutation in the CACNA1A gene that encodes the

Role of ischemic modified albumin in the early diagnosis of increased intracranial pressure and brain death

AIM: Increased intracranial pressure following trauma and subsequent possible development of brain death are important factors for morbidity and mortality due to ischemic changes. We aimed to establish the role of ischemic modified albumin (IMA) in the early diagnosis of the process, starting with increased intracranial pressure and ending with brain death. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen Wistar-Albino rats were divided into three groups; control (CG, n = 6), increased intracranial pressure (ICPG, n = 6), and brain death (BDG, n = 6). Intracranial pressure elevation and brain death were constituted with the inflation of a balloon of a Fogarty catheter in the epidural space. In all three groups, blood samples were drawn before the procedure, and at minutes 150 and 240 for IMA and malondialdehyde (MDA) analysis. RESULTS: Serum IMA levels at 150 and 240 minutes were higher in ICPG than in CG (p < 0.05). IMA levels were similar in ICPG and BDG. Serum MDA levels at 150 and 240 minutes increased in ICPG and BDG groups compared to CG (p < 0.05). MDA levels were similar in ICP and BD groups. CONCLUSION: IMA should be considered as a biochemical parameter in the process starting from increased intracranial pressure elevation and ending at brain death (Tab. 3, Fig. 5, Ref 31). Text in PDF www.elis.sk

Enhanced Subcortical Spreading Depression in Familial Hemiplegic Migraine Type 1 Mutant Mice

Paroxysmal Cerebral Disorder

Supply-demand mismatch transients in susceptible peri-infarct hot zones explain the origins of spreading injury depolarizations

SummaryPeri-infarct depolarizations (PIDs) are seemingly spontaneous spreading depression-like waves that negatively impact tissue outcome in both experimental and human stroke. Factors triggering PIDs are unknown. Here, we show that somatosensory activation of peri-infarct cortex triggers PIDs when the activated cortex is within a critical range of ischemia. We show that the mechanism involves increased oxygen utilization within the activated cortex, worsening the supply-demand mismatch. We support the concept by clinical data showing that mismatch predisposes stroke patients to PIDs as well. Conversely, transient worsening of mismatch by episodic hypoxemia or hypotension also reproducibly triggers PIDs. Therefore, PIDs are triggered upon supply-demand mismatch transients in metastable peri-infarct hot zones due to increased demand or reduced supply. Based on the data, we propose that minimizing sensory stimulation and hypoxic or hypotensive transients in stroke and brain injury would reduce PID incidence and their adverse impact on outcome.Video Abstrac