SECRETION OF PROGESTERONE DURING GESTATION IN THE RAT

1978 ◽  
Vol 79 (2) ◽  
pp. 179-190 ◽  
Author(s):  
MRINAL K. SANYAL

The concentrations of progesterone and 5α-pregnane-3,20-dione in ovarian and uterine venous plasma and in the systemic circulation were measured during gestation in the rat. The steroids were quantified by radioimmunoassay after separation on silicic acid microcolumns with the solvent system hexane: ethyl acetate (5: 2, v/v). The concentration of progesterone in the systemic circulation was highest on days 3–4 and 13–17 of pregnancy; throughout gestation, the concentration of 5α-pregnane-3,20-dione was low in relation to that of progesterone and showed no marked changes as gestation proceeded. The level of progesterone in ovarian venous effluent was 10–20 times higher than that in the uterine vein and 20–50 times greater than that in the systemic circulation. The rate of secretion of progesterone by the ovary was highest during days 13–17 of gestation and ovariectomy during this period markedly reduced the levels of progesterone in the peripheral circulation. The concentration of progesterone in the uterine venous effluent was raised compared with the concentration in plasma from the abdominal aorta, especially on days 7 and 9 of pregnancy. These results suggest that, in vivo, the rat placenta synthesizes small amounts of progesterone and secretes it into the maternal circulation. The ovary is the primary source of progesterone during pregnancy and the placental contribution is of secondary importance. Although 4-ene-5α-reductase enzyme(s) is present in the ovary and placenta, significant quantities of the reduced progestin 5α-pregnane-3,20-dione are not secreted into the systemic circulation during gestation in the rat.

1984 ◽  
Vol 103 (2) ◽  
pp. 179-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. L. Hurden ◽  
D. B. Gower ◽  
F. A. Harrison

ABSTRACT Three mature Large White boars were anaesthetized and received [7(n)-3H]pregnenolone by continuous infusion into right and left spermatic arteries for up to 180 min. Spermatic venous blood flow was measured by separate timed collections of completely diverted outflow from each testis and blood not sampled was returned to the peripheral circulation. The total radioactivity in plasma from each testis increased markedly during the first 60 min of infusion to reach a plateau from 80 to 180 min. Radiolabelling of 5α-androst-16-en-3-one, 5α-androst-16-en-3β-ol and -3α-ol showed similar patterns with ratios of mean radioactivity of 5:3:1 respectively between 80 and 180 min. In comparison, the amounts of tritiated 4,16-androstadien-3-one formed were very small. The radiolabelling of testosterone and 4-androstenedione occurred more rapidly than that of the 16-androstenes and reached maxima by 30 min. However the amounts were only one-fifth (testosterone) and one-tenth (4-androstenedione) those of the combined quantities of tritiated 16-androstenes. Addition of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) to the infusate to one testis in each animal (so that 5000 i.u. hCG were delivered in 15–20 min) produced no change in the outputs of radiolabelled steroids although radioimmunoassay of spermatic venous plasma in samples from the third experiment showed a transient increase in the concentration of 4-androstene-3,17-dione during the hCG infusion. It is suggested the lack of response to hCG could be produced by saturation and down regulation of binding sites by the very high local concentrations of hCG. J. Endocr. (1984) 103, 179–186


Reproduction ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 153 (6) ◽  
pp. 835-845 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mancy Tong ◽  
Qi Chen ◽  
Joanna L James ◽  
Michelle R Wise ◽  
Peter R Stone ◽  
...  

Throughout human gestation, the placenta extrudes vast quantities of extracellular vesicles (EVs) of different sizes into the maternal circulation. Although multinucleated macro-vesicles are known to become trapped in the maternal lungs and do not enter the peripheral circulation, the maternal organs and cells that smaller placental micro-vesicles interact with in vivo remain unknown. This study aimed to characterise the interaction between placental micro-vesicles and endothelial cells in vitro and to elucidate which organs placental micro-vesicles localise to in vivo. Placental macro- and micro-vesicles were isolated from cultured human first trimester placental explants by sequential centrifugation and exposed to human microvascular endothelial cells for up to 72 h. In vivo, placental macro- and micro-vesicles were administered to both non-pregnant and pregnant CD1 mice, and after two or 30 min or 24 h, organs were imaged on an IVIS Kinetic Imager. Placental EVs rapidly interacted with endothelial cells via phagocytic and clathrin-mediated endocytic processes in vitro, with over 60% of maximal interaction being achieved by 30 min of exposure. In vivo, placental macro-vesicles were localised exclusively to the lungs regardless of time of exposure, whereas micro-vesicles were localised to the lungs, liver and kidneys, with different distribution patterns depending on the length of exposure and whether the mouse was pregnant or not. The fact that placental EVs can rapidly interact with endothelial cells and localise to different organs in vivo supports that different size fractions of placental EVs are likely to have different downstream effects on foeto–maternal communication.


1986 ◽  
Vol 55 (02) ◽  
pp. 222-227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roslyn A Brandon ◽  
J A G Emmett ◽  
M J Eadie ◽  
A C W Curran ◽  
I H Bunce

SummaryIn a random cross-over design, six healthy consenting adult volunteers were given on separate occasions single doses of 300-650 mg of 3 different formulations of enteric-coated aspirin. Over various intervals for 48-54 h following dosage, plasma aspirin and salicylate concentrations were measured together with percentage inhibition of platelet aggregation activated by threshold concentrations of sodium arachidonate alone and combined with ADP and collagen. In all subjects each formulation delivered measurable quantities of aspirin to the peripheral circulation, the unchanged drug being detected at various times up to and including 28 h after dosage. Moreover, low aspirin concentrations were found to co-exist with unimpaired platelet aggregation. All 3 formulations yielded statistically significant (P <0.01) inhibition of platelet aggregation activated both by arachidonate and by the combination of aggregants when tested 24-29 and 48-54 h after dosage; there were no significant differences (P >0.05) between the 3 formulations in this regard. Two different patterns of delivery of unchanged aspirin to the systemic circulation from these enteric-coated formulations were apparent. These patterns may be important when considering which aspirin formulation might be most appropriate in chronic use for an antiplatelet effect. None of the enteric-coated formulations used in this study may be optimal in this regard.


1994 ◽  
Vol 72 (06) ◽  
pp. 942-946 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raffaele Landolfi ◽  
Erica De Candia ◽  
Bianca Rocca ◽  
Giovanni Ciabattoni ◽  
Armando Antinori ◽  
...  

SummarySeveral “in vitro” and “in vivo” studies indicate that heparin administration may affect platelet function. In this study we investigated the effects of prophylactic heparin on thromboxane (Tx)A2 biosynthesis “in vivo”, as assessed by the urinary excretion of major enzymatic metabolites 11-dehydro-TxB2 and 2,3-dinor-TxB2. Twenty-four patients who were candidates for cholecystectomy because of uncomplicated lithiasis were randomly assigned to receive placebo, unfractionated heparin, low molecular weight heparin or unfractionaed heparin plus 100 mg aspirin. Measurements of daily excretion of Tx metabolites were performed before and during the treatment. In the groups assigned to placebo and to low molecular weight heparin there was no statistically significant modification of Tx metabolite excretion while patients receiving unfractionated heparin had a significant increase of both metabolites (11-dehydro-TxB2: 3844 ± 1388 vs 2092 ±777, p <0.05; 2,3-dinor-TxB2: 2737 ± 808 vs 1535 ± 771 pg/mg creatinine, p <0.05). In patients randomized to receive low-dose aspirin plus unfractionated heparin the excretion of the two metabolites was largely suppressed thus suggesting that platelets are the primary source of enhanced thromboxane biosynthesis associated with heparin administration. These data indicate that unfractionated heparin causes platelet activation “in vivo” and suggest that the use of low molecular weight heparin may avoid this complication.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (9) ◽  
pp. 1523-1530
Author(s):  
Murat Dabak ◽  
Durrin O. Dabak ◽  
Tuncay Kuloglu ◽  
Ersoy Baydar ◽  
Hakan Bulut ◽  
...  

Background: Extrarenal 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-D) locally produced by immune cells plays crucial roles in the regulation of the immune system. However, in vivo status of extrarenal 1,25-D and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-D) in acute inflammatory conditions are unknown. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the extrarenal 1,25-D level in circulation in bilaterally nephrectomized rats, induced by low-dose lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Methods: Renal 1,25-D synthesis was terminated through bilateral nephrectomy in rats. The rats received intraperitoneal LPS (50 μg/kg BW) three times and the experiment was ended 24 hours after nephrectomy. Serum 1,25-D, 25-D, calcium, phosphorus, intact parathyroid hormone, and calcitonin levels were measured and immunohistochemistry was applied to detect the sources of extrarenal 1,25- D synthesis. Results: Circulatory 1,25-D concentration remarkably increased in both LPS-treated and non-treated bilaterally nephrectomized rats. Elevated circulatory 1,25-D did not have hypercalcemic endocrinal effects. The increased 1,25-D level also resulted in a concurrent rapid and dramatic depletion of circulatory 25-D. Conclusions: Extrarenal 1,25-D could enter into the systemic circulation and, therefore, might have systemic effects besides its autocrine and paracrine functions.


Foods ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 6
Author(s):  
Carlos Pineda-Vadillo ◽  
Françoise Nau ◽  
Catherine Guérin-Dubiard ◽  
Claire Bourlieu ◽  
Francesco Capozzi ◽  
...  

The aim of the present study was to determine to what extent the food matrix could affect the release of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) during digestion and its incorporation into systemic circulation. In this aim, three DHA-enriched egg products having the same composition but different structure were developed: omelet, hard-boiled egg, and mousse. Then, nine pigs fitted with T-shape cannulas at duodenal level and a jugular venous catheter were fed with the DHA-enriched egg products, and duodenal effluents and plasma were collected throughout the postprandial period. Results highlighted an undeniable effect of the food matrix on digestion parameters and DHA bioavailability. The transit of DHA and protein through the duodenum was faster after the ingestion of the mousse than after the ingestion of the omelet and hard-boiled egg. While most of the DHA and protein ingested under the form of mousse had already passed through the duodenum 4.5 h after its ingestion, significantly higher quantities were still present in the case of the omelet and hard-boiled egg. In terms of bioavailability, the omelet was the most efficient vector for delivering DHA into systemic circulation. It supplied 56% and 120% more DHA than the hard-boiled egg and the mousse, respectively.


2006 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 671-677 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Mabry ◽  
Kathleen Brasky ◽  
Robert Geiger ◽  
Ricardo Carrion ◽  
Gene B. Hubbard ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Several strategies that target anthrax toxin are being developed as therapies for infection by Bacillus anthracis. Although the action of the tripartite anthrax toxin has been extensively studied in vitro, relatively little is known about the presence of toxins during an infection in vivo. We developed a series of sensitive sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for detection of both the protective antigen (PA) and lethal factor (LF) components of the anthrax exotoxin in serum. The assays utilize as capture agents an engineered high-affinity antibody to PA, a soluble form of the extracellular domain of the anthrax toxin receptor (ANTXR2/CMG2), or PA itself. Sandwich immunoassays were used to detect and quantify PA and LF in animals infected with the Ames or Vollum strains of anthrax spores. PA and LF were detected before and after signs of toxemia were observed, with increasing levels reported in the late stages of the infection. These results represent the detection of free PA and LF by ELISA in the systemic circulation of two animal models exposed to either of the two fully virulent strains of anthrax. Simple anthrax toxin detection ELISAs could prove useful in the evaluation of potential therapies and possibly as a clinical diagnostic to complement other strategies for the rapid identification of B. anthracis infection.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1833
Author(s):  
Shannon Morgan McCabe ◽  
Ningning Zhao

Manganese (Mn) is a trace nutrient necessary for life but becomes neurotoxic at high concentrations in the brain. The brain is a “privileged” organ that is separated from systemic blood circulation mainly by two barriers. Endothelial cells within the brain form tight junctions and act as the blood–brain barrier (BBB), which physically separates circulating blood from the brain parenchyma. Between the blood and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is the choroid plexus (CP), which is a tissue that acts as the blood–CSF barrier (BCB). Pharmaceuticals, proteins, and metals in the systemic circulation are unable to reach the brain and spinal cord unless transported through either of the two brain barriers. The BBB and the BCB consist of tightly connected cells that fulfill the critical role of neuroprotection and control the exchange of materials between the brain environment and blood circulation. Many recent publications provide insights into Mn transport in vivo or in cell models. In this review, we will focus on the current research regarding Mn metabolism in the brain and discuss the potential roles of the BBB and BCB in maintaining brain Mn homeostasis.


Author(s):  
Lauren Chan

Introduction Fibrosis is a major contributor to chronic kidney disease (CKD), for which no effective clinical treatment exists. The primary source of fibrosis is the activation of fibroblasts to the myofibroblast state. Fibroblast-myofibroblast transition requires transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and its canonical Smad signaling pathway.   Purpose Recent findings suggest that mechanical stimuli affect fibroblast behavior. Nuclear localization of YAP/TAZ, closely associated mechanosensitive transcriptional co-factors, are regulated by substrate stiffness. As YAP/TAZ are Smad nuclear retention factors promoting TGF- β signaling, we hypothesized that YAP/TAZ inhibition could attenuate stiffness-mediated, TGF- β induced pro-fibrotic responses.   Methods Immunostaining and immunoblotting were used to analyze localization and activity of YAP/TAZ and Smad levels, respectively.   Results YAP/TAZ are in an active nuclear location in fibroblasts grown on stiff, fibrotic-like substrates (100kPa). In fibroblasts grown on soft substrates (2kPa), YAP/TAZ are primarily in an inactive cytosolic position. Cells grown on soft surfaces demonstrated strongly attenuated nuclear Smad 2/3 translocation and Smad-3 dependent transcription upon TGF-β stimulation, indicating impaired pro-fibrotic signaling. Verteporfin, a clinically approved drug with YAP inhibitory properties, was used to test the role of YAP/TAZ in reduced TGF-β signaling. Verteporfin reduced TGF-β-induced nuclear Smad2/3 accumulation and Smad3-mediated  transcription in fibroblasts grown on stiff surfaces. In vivo, Verteporfin significantly reduces markers of renal fibrosis.   Conclusions Soft, healthy kidney-like substrates inhibit, while stiff fibrotic-like substrates promote, pro-fibrotic TGF-β Smad signalling. Verteporfin inactivates the YAP/TAZ fibroblast mechanosensor, reduces stiffness-augmented fibroblast responses to TGF-β through blockade of Smad signalling, and may be a novel anti-fibrotic agent for CKD.


Circulation ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 130 (suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyun-Jai Cho ◽  
Hyun-Ju Cho ◽  
Yoo-Wook Kwon ◽  
Young-Bae Park ◽  
Hyo-Soo Kim

Background: We recently identified bone marrow (BM)-derived artery resident calcifying progenitor cells. Sca-1+PDGFRα- cells may possess bipotent (osteoblastic/osteoclastic) characteristics. However, the nature of progenitor cells remains elusive. Hypothesis: We investigated developmental hierarchy of progenitor cells and in vivo dynamics in atherosclerosis. Methods and Results: We harvested cells from BM and artery of C57 mice. In BM, Lin-CD29+Sca-1+PDGFRα- cells showed hematopoietic potential and differentiated into osteoclasts (OC). They also possessed mesenchymal stem cell property including osteoblastic (OB) differentiation, suggesting that Sca-1+PDGFRα- cells could be mesodermal progenitor cells. Interestingly, BM-derived artery-resident, clonal Sca-1+PDGFRα- cells maintained bipotency but lost hematopoietic nature. In contrast, Sca-1+PDGFRα+ cells in BM and artery only showed unipotency (OB). When we overexpressed or knocked down PDGFRα, there was no alteration in OB or OC differentiation of Sca-1+PDGFRα- cells and no effect on OB differentiation of Sca-1+PDGFRα+ cells, indicating PDGFRα as a surface marker but not a functional player. In hyperlipidemic ApoE-KO mice compared with control, Sca-1+PDGFRα- cells were less mobilized from BM to peripheral circulation and less infiltrated into atherosclerotic plaque, whereas Sca-1+PDGFRα+ cells were not significantly affected. Multiplex cytokine assay of serum and artery revealed that IL-1β was significantly increased and IL-5 was markedly decreased in atherosclerotic mice. IL-1β decreased the migration of Sca-1+PDGFRα- cells by 5 folds compared with TNFα, and IL-5 increased the migration as much as TNFα. But the migration of Sca-1+PDGFRα+ cells was not altered. These data indicate that atherosclerosis-related humoral factors mainly regulated mesodermal progenitor cells’ dynamics. Conclusion: We demonstrate that Sca-1+PDGFRα- cell is a mesodermal progenitor cell that possesses both hematopoietic and mesenchymal potentials. In atherogenesis, the mobilization and infiltration of Sca-1+PDGFRα- progenitor cells were regulated by IL-1β and IL-5. These data provide a novel mechanism regarding the role of bipotent progenitor cells in atherosclerosis.


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