Role of estrogens and epidermal growth factor in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)

Estrogen (E) and epidermal growth factors (EGF) receptors were assayed in the liver of nine patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Total E and nuclear E receptors were decreased significantly in neoplastic tissue as compared to the levels found in surrounding nonneoplastic tissue. The EGF receptor was decreased also in neoplastic tissue. On the basis of binding data, a decrease in the number but not in affinity of both the E and EGF receptors was found. © 1991 Plenum Publishing Corporation

Passive immunization with an antibody to the beta-subunit of ovine luteinizing hormone as a method of early abortion--a feasibility study in monkeys (Macaca radiata)

Antiserum to the beta-subunit of ovine luteinizing hormone (oLH-beta) raised in monkeys (Macaca radiata) has been tested by a variety of criteria both in vivo and in vitro to establish its ability to neutralize oLH, hLH, and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Passive administration of this antiserum caused inhibition of ovulation and termination of pregnancy in recipient monkeys as indicated by premature vaginal bleeding and a significant reduction in serum progesterone and estrogen levels. The results suggest that antiserum raised in monkeys against oLH-beta can neutralize monkey LH as well as monkey CG

Electron-vibration coupling and its effects on optical and electronic properties of single molecules

The thesis is devoted to theoretical investigations of electron-vibration coupling and its effects on optical and electronic properties of single molecules, especially for molecules confined between metallic electrodes. A density-matrix approach has been developed to describe the photon emission of single molecules confined in the scanning tunneling microscope (STM). With this new method electronic excitations induced by both the tunneling electron and the localized surface plasmon (LSP) can be treated on an equal footing. Model calculations for porphyrin derivatives have successfully reproduced and explained the experimentally observed unusual variation of the photon emission spectra. The method has also been extended to study the STM induced fluorescence and phosphorescence of C60 molecules in combination with the first principles calculations. In particularly, the non-Condon vibronic couplings have been exclusively included in the calculations. The experimental spectra have been nicely reproduced by our calculations, which also enable us to identify the unique spectral fingerprint and origin of the measured spectra. The observed rich spectral features have been finally correctly assigned. The electron transport properties of molecular junctions with bipyridine isomers have been studied in the sequential tunneling (SET) regime by assuming that the molecules are weakly coupled to metallic electrodes. It is shown that the strong electron-vibration coupling in the 2, 2’-bipyridine molecule and the 4,4’-bipyridine molecule can lead to observable Franck-Condon blockade. Taking advantage of such novel effect, a gate-controlled conductance switch with ideal on-off ratio has been proposed for a molecular junction with the 4, 4’-bipyridine molecule. The effect of the electron-vibration coupling on one-photon and two-photon absorption spectra of green fluorescent protein (GFP) has been systematically examined. The hydroxybenzylidene-2, 3-dimethylimidazolinone molecule in the deprotonated anion state (HBDI−) is used to model the fluorescence chromophore of the GFP. Both Condon and non-Condon vibronic couplings have been considered in the calculations. The calculated spectra are in good agreement with the available experimental spectra. It confirms the notion that the observed blue-shift of the two-photon absorption spectrum with respect to its one-photon absorption counterpart is caused by the non-Condon vibronic coupling. All the calculations are carried out with our own software package, DynaVib. It is capable of modeling a variety of vibrational-resolved spectroscopies, such as absorption, emission, and resonant Raman scattering (RRS) spectra. In our package, the Duschinsky rotation and non-Condon effect have been fully taken into account. Both time-independent and time-dependent approaches have been implemented, allowing to simulate the spectra of very large molecules.QC 20130520</p

Effect of oestradiol on mouse uterine epithelial cell tumour necrosis factor-α release is mediated through uterine stromal cells

Oestradiol-17β (Oe(2)) stimulates uterine epithelial cell proliferation and is critical for normal uterine differentiation and secretory function. Oe(2) can act directly on the epithelium via the epithelial oestrogen receptor (OR) or indirectly via the OR-positive underlying stroma. A primary role for epithelial–stromal interactions has been established for mediating steroid hormone action in the uterus. This study was undertaken to determine the mode of Oe(2) action in regulating epithelial cell cytokine release in the uterus. Mouse uterine epithelial and stromal cells were isolated and cultured separately. Transepithelial resistance (TER) was monitored with an EVOM voltohmmeter to determine monolayer polarity and integrity. Epithelial cells grown alone or in coculture with stromal cells were treated with Oe(2). Supernatants collected were assayed for transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) by bioassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. While Oe(2) treatment of epithelial cells led to a significant decrease in TER, the amount of TNF-α released was not altered. However, when epithelial cells were cocultured with stromal cells and treated with Oe(2), apical TNF-α release was significantly decreased, compared to cells not treated with hormone. As determined by oestrogen receptor antagonist studies, Oe(2) primed epithelial cells for the action of the stromal paracrine factor(s). In contrast, TGF-β release by epithelial cells was not affected by Oe(2) when grown alone or in the presence of stromal cells. These studies indicate that Oe(2) has both direct and indirect effects on the uterine epithelium. While epithelial monolayer integrity is directly influenced by Oe(2), TNF-α release in response to Oe(2) is dependent on the presence of stromal cells, indicating that paracrine communication is necessary for steroid regulation of some but not all cytokines

Thymic Malignancy In A Breast Cancer Patient - Is There An Association With Anti-Estrogenic Effects Of Tamoxifen?

WoSScopu