Circulating levels of GH-releasing hormone and GH during human pregnancy

1990 ◽  
Vol 125 (1) ◽  
pp. 161-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Mazlan ◽  
C. Spence-Jones ◽  
T. Chard ◽  
J. Landon ◽  
C. McLean
Keyword(s):  
Cord Blood ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Placental Lactogen ◽  
Immunoradiometric Assay ◽  
Plasma Samples ◽  
Releasing Hormone ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Circulating Levels

ABSTRACT To study the potential role of GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) in maintaining circulating levels of GH during pregnancy, 302 maternal plasma samples were collected from non-fasted subjects at various stages of pregnancy and assayed for GHRH using a 'two-site' immunoradiometric assay. The GH and placental lactogen levels were also determined. In addition, maternal plasma samples taken during labour, amniotic fluid and cord blood were also assayed for these hormones. Maternal plasma GHRH levels were similar to non-pregnant levels throughout gestation despite fluctuations in GH values which were always higher than non-pregnant levels. There was no significant difference between GHRH levels in maternal plasma and cord blood although high GH levels were observed in the latter. These findings suggest that peripheral GHRH levels do not play an important role in maintaining circulating GH levels during pregnancy. Journal of Endocrinology (1990) 125, 161–167

Preliminary Studies on Bemitradine-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Female Rats

1991 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 511-523 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Levin ◽  
D. Semler ◽  
S. Gad ◽  
E. Burton ◽  
G. Walsh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Potential Role ◽  
The Other ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Separate Experiment ◽  
Direct Effects ◽  
Primary Metabolite ◽  
T Wave ◽  
Mixed Function Oxidases ◽  
Circulating Levels

The mechanism of bemitradine (SC-33643) cardiotoxicity in female rats was investigated in the set of preliminary experiments reported here. Specifically, the involvement of bemitradine metabolites and the potential role of adrenal epinephrine release were examined. Desethylbemi-tradine (the primary metabolite of bemitradine) was shown to be cardiotoxic at oral dosages greater than 300 mg/kg for 7 days. In a separate experiment, a major metabolite (bemitradine glycol) unique to the rat was not cardiotoxic at dosages up to 600 mg/kg for 7 days. Treatment of rats with SKF 525-A enhanced the lethality and the cardiotoxicity of bemitradine. In contrast, prior treatments of rats with phenobarbital resulted in decreased cardiotoxicity of both bemitradine and desethylbemitradine (a bemitradine metabolite presumably further metabolized by the microsomal mixed function oxidases). In other independent experiments, bemitradine-induced cardiotoxicity was shown to be accompanied by adrenal damage and decreases in adrenal epinephrine. Propranolol (a β-antagonist) treatment protected rats against cardiotoxicity. Bemitradine also had a direct effect on the heart, as evidenced in an experiment in which bemitradine caused dose-related increases in the T-wave of the rat ECG complex. These data suggest that (1) both bemitradine and desethylbemitradine may be responsible for the cardiotoxicity, and the other downstream metabolites are not and (2) cardiotoxicity may be due to the combination of direct effects of bemitradine on the rat heart and the bemitradine-mediated release of adrenal epinephrine (a known cardiotoxin at high circulating levels).

scholarly journals Sheep gut passage and survival of Mediterranean shrub seeds

2005 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pablo Manzano ◽  
Juan E. Malo ◽  
Begoña Peco
Keyword(s):  
Potential Role ◽  
Central Spain ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Retama Sphaerocarpa ◽  
Gut Passage ◽  
Lavandula Stoechas ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Ecological Importance ◽  
Viable Seeds

Although viable seeds of Mediterranean dry-fruited shrubs are found in herbivore dung, the ecological importance of this observation is still not well understood. We analysed seed retrieval percentages, defecation time and germinability after sheep gut passage for the five most common shrub species of an area in central Spain (Retama sphaerocarpa, Cytisus scoparius, Halimium umbellatum subsp. viscosum, Cistus ladanifer and Lavandula stoechas subsp. pedunculata). Five ewes were fed seeds, and their dung was collected regularly during the following week. Seeds were hand-sorted from dung subsamples and tested for germinability. The defecated seeds were clustered in time, with a majority retrieved in the 24–40 h period, although over 1% of the seeds were retained in the gut for more than 72 h. Data suggested a possible link between seed size and retrieval, with medium-sized seeds less damaged (16–23%) than larger and smaller seeds (10–12%), although only a small number of species were studied. Germination results showed an increased percentage of germination after gut passage for H. umbellatum (x2 test, P<0.05) and a marginally significant difference for C. scoparius (P<0.1). Soft-seeded L. stoechas did not germinate after gut passage. The results indicate a potential role of herbivore endozoochory for the long-distance dispersal of dry-fruited shrubs and their potential colonization of distant sites.

scholarly journals Detection of Chromosome 21-encoded mRNA of Placental Origin in Maternal Plasma

2003 ◽  
Vol 49 (9) ◽  
pp. 1445-1449 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cees B M Oudejans ◽  
Attie T J J Go ◽  
Allerdien Visser ◽  
Monique A M Mulders ◽  
Bart A Westerman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Down Syndrome ◽  
Placental Tissue ◽  
Rna Isolation ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Chromosome 21 ◽  
Placental Lactogen ◽  
Plasma Samples ◽  
Human Placental Lactogen ◽  
Dnase Treatment

Abstract Background: mRNA of placental origin (i.e., human placental lactogen and β-human chorionic gonadotropin) has been demonstrated to be easily detectable in maternal plasma. We tested whether detection of chromosome 21-encoded mRNA of placental origin is possible in maternal plasma obtained during the first trimester. Methods: Plasma samples were obtained from pregnant women between weeks 9–13 of pregnancy. RNA was isolated from 800 or 1600 μL of plasma by silica-based affinity isolation and, after on-column DNase treatment, was subjected to two-step, one-tube reverse transcription-PCR with gene specific primers. Results: Three chromosome 21-encoded genes located within the Down syndrome critical region with overexpression in trisomy 21 placentas were screened for expression in early placental tissue to select their potential use for RNA based plasma screening. One of the chromosome 21-encoded genes (LOC90625) showed strong expression in first trimester placenta similar to CSH1 (human placental lactogen) and was selected for plasma analysis. The RNA isolation assay was validated with CSH1 mRNA, which could be detected in the plasma of all women tested in weeks 9–13 of pregnancy. RNA from the chromosome 21-encoded, placentally expressed gene, LOC90625, was present in maternal first-trimester plasma and could be detected in 60% of maternal plasma samples when 800 μL of plasma was used and in 100% of samples when 1600 μL of plasma was used. Conclusion: The detection of chromosome 21-encoded mRNA of placental origin in maternal plasma during the first trimester may allow development of plasma-RNA-based strategies for prenatal prediction of Down syndrome. LOC90625 is a candidate gene for this purpose.

N-terminal pro-C-type natriuretic peptide, but not C-type natriuretic peptide, is greatly elevated in the fetal circulation

2004 ◽  
Vol 106 (5) ◽  
pp. 535-540 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy C. R. PRICKETT ◽  
Risto J. KAAJA ◽  
M. Gary NICHOLLS ◽  
Eric A. ESPINER ◽  
A. Mark RICHARDS ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cord Blood ◽  
Natriuretic Peptide ◽  
Umbilical Cord ◽  
Umbilical Cord Blood ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Fetal Tissues ◽  
Cord Plasma ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Gestational Group

We have identified recently a new peptide, NT-proCNP(1–50) (N-terminal pro-C-type natriuretic peptide), in the circulation of humans and sheep. A previous report of an elevated fetal–maternal gradient in immunoreactive CNP raised the possibility that processing and metabolism of proCNP may differ in maternal and fetal tissues. We therefore collected matching peripheral maternal and umbilical cord plasma samples at delivery from women with normotensive and pre-eclamptic pregnancies to investigate the presence and concentrations of CNP and NT-proCNP using HPLC and RIA. Plasma concentrations of NT-proCNP in normotensive umbilical cord plasma were 10-fold higher than maternal venous levels (246±17 compared with 24.3±1.8 pmol/l; P<0.001) and much higher than corresponding levels of CNP (3.6±0.4 compared with 1.8±0.3 pmol/l in the fetal and maternal plasma respectively; P<0.001). Although there was no significant difference between normotensive and pre-eclamptic plasma CNP concentrations in either maternal or umbilical cord blood, NT-proCNP showed a significant statistical interaction (F=5.8, P=0.025) between the source (maternal or fetal) and gestational group (normotensive or pre-eclamptic). Maternal NT-proCNP levels were raised in the pre-eclampsia group, whereas the converse was observed in umbilical cord blood. In conclusion, the greatly elevated ratio of NT-proCNP/CNP in fetal compared with maternal plasma suggests that synthesis, as well as clearance, of CNP (but not NT-proCNP clearance) are markedly increased in fetal tissues.

CONCENTRATIONS OF PLACENTAL LACTOGEN IN CHRONICALLY CATHETERIZED EWES AND FETUSES IN LATE PREGNANCY

1980 ◽  
Vol 85 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. TAYLOR ◽  
G. JENKIN ◽  
J. S. ROBINSON ◽  
G. D. THORBURN ◽  
H. FRIESEN ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Circadian Rhythm ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Fetal Weight ◽  
Placental Lactogen ◽  
Plasma Samples ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Difference

SUMMARY The concentration of ovine placental lactogen (oPL) was measured by radioimmunoassay in plasma samples from chronically catheterized ewes and their fetuses from day 110 of gestation to term (about day 145). Concentrations of oPL in the plasma of the mother and fetus were raised after surgery, and remained raised for 3–5 days after the operation. Concentrations of oPL were greatest in the fetus at days 120–124 of gestation, and then declined until delivery. Mean concentrations of oPL in the fetus in late pregnancy for single, twin and triplet pregnancies were 101±6 (s.e.m.), 100±11 and 117±59 ng/ml respectively and were not significantly different. Mean concentrations of oPL in the mother in late pregnancy for single, twin and triplet pregnancies were 718±227, 1387±160 and 1510±459 ng/ml respectively; the difference between these means was significant (P <0·05). Peak concentrations were noted at days 130–139 of gestation after which concentrations fell and were significantly lower on the day of delivery (P <0·01). Concentrations of oPL in the mother showed no circadian rhythm. The mean concentrations of oPL in maternal plasma during late pregnancy was significantly correlated to the combined fetal weight at birth (r = 0·624, P <0·01).

Plasma corticotropin-releasing hormone, β-endorphin and cortisol inter-relationships during human pregnancy

1993 ◽  
Vol 128 (4) ◽  
pp. 339-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eng-Cheng Chan ◽  
Roger Smith ◽  
Terry Lewin ◽  
Max W Brinsmead ◽  
Hong-Ping Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cord Blood ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Corticotropin Releasing Hormone ◽  
Third Trimester ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Releasing Hormone ◽  
Human Pregnancy ◽  
The Third ◽  
Dynamic Relationships

To investigate the dynamic relationships among corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), β-endorphin (βEP), cortisol and obstetric events during pregnancy, blood samples were collected from 193 women at 28 weeks, 38 weeks, during labour and on the second postnatal day. Cord blood at delivery was also obtained. We found that: (1) Maternal plasma CRH, βEP and cortisol rose from 28 to 38 weeks. (2) During the third trimester maternal plasma CRH and βEP were correlated (r=0.30, p<0.001). (3) During labour, no correlations were found among maternal plasma CRH, βEP and cortisol. (4) Maternal CRH at labour and the duration of labour were not correlated. (5) Maternal plasma CRH tended to be higher in women who delivered early (more than seven days prior to estimated date of confinement [EDC]) relative to those who were on time (within seven days' EDC) or late (greater than seven days after EDC). (6) CRH in maternal plasma at labour and cord blood were correlated (r = 0.29, p<0.05) as were maternal and fetal βEP (r=0.43, p<0.001). (7) Fetal obstetric difficulty was correlated with fetal βEP (r=0.54, p<0.001). Our findings support the hypothesis that maternal plasma CRH regulates maternal βEP during the third trimester, but other factors are involved during labour and in response to maternal obstetric stress.

scholarly journals The Potential Role of Wedololactone in Treating Particle-induced Osteolysis _A Mouse Calvarial Model

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yung-Chang Lu ◽  
Ting-Kuo Chang ◽  
Tzu-Chiao Lin ◽  
Shu-Ting Yeh ◽  
Hsu-Wei Fang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Potential Role ◽  
Histological Analysis ◽  
Total Joint Replacement ◽  
Disease Model ◽  
Potential Treatment ◽  
Micro Ct ◽  
Mineral Density ◽  
Clinical Complications ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Background: Osteolysis is one of the most prevalent clinical complications of total joint replacement (TJR). Wedelolactone (WDL) is a coumestan compound derived from the Wedelia chinensis plant and has been demonstrated to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to investigate the use of WDL as a potential treatment for reducing the risk of particle-induced osteolysis using a well-established particle-induced mice calvarial disease model. Methods: Thirty-two C57BL/6J mice were randomized into four groups: sham, polystyrene particles (PS), PS particles with WDL treatment for 4 weeks (WDL 4w) and PS particles with WDL treatment for 8 weeks (WDL 8w). Micro-CT was used to quantitatively analyze the bone mass. Osteoclast numbers were also measured from histological analysis. Results: The results showed that bone mineral density was significantly higher in the WDL 8w group than in the PS group (p < 0.05), and both the WDL 4 and WDL 8w groups had lower osteoclast numbers (p < 0.05). No significant difference in osteoclast number was found between the WDL 4w and WDL 8w groups. Conclusions: These results support the use of WDL as a herbal medicine for reducing the severity of particle-induced osteolysis after TJR.

scholarly journals Role of Preoperative Calcium and Vitamin D Therapy to prevent Post-thyroidectomy Hypocalcemia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sunghwan suh ◽  
Ju Won Seok ◽  
Keunyoung Kim ◽  
Mi Kyoung Park ◽  
Kyoungjune Pak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
English Language ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Symptomatic Hypocalcemia

Abstract Purpose: Postsurgical hypocalcemia is the most common and troublesome consequence of thyroidectomy. We investigated the potential role of routine calcium or vitamin D supplementation in preventing postsurgical hypocalcemia. Materials and Methods: We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE for English-language publications using the keywords “calcium”, “vitamin D”, and “thyroid cancer”. The primary outcome was any postoperative hypocalcemia, and the secondary outcome was symptomatic hypocalcemia. Results: Four studies that included 381 patients were eligible for this meta-analysis. The random-effects model showed no significant difference in the occurrence of hypocalcemia between calcium/vitamin D treatment and placebo/no treatment. The occurrence of symptomatic hypocalcemia was lower in patients with calcium/vitamin D treatment. In combined results, preoperative calcium and vitamin D supplementation was associated with a reduced incidence of symptomatic hypocalcemia.Conclusion: We support the use of preoperative calcium and vitamin D supplementation in conjunction with routine postsurgical supplementation for patients after total thyroidectomy.

scholarly journals HDL-C and non-HDL-C levels are associated with anthropometric and biochemical parameters

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Maria Barbalho ◽  
Ricardo José Tofano ◽  
Marcela Bueno de Oliveira ◽  
Karina Rodrigues Quesada ◽  
Mariana Ricci Barion ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biochemical Parameters ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Clinical Intervention ◽  
Atherogenic Indices ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Atheroma Plaque ◽  
Intervention Trials

Abstract Background Dyslipidemias are associated with atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. Recently, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-c) has emerged as a new target for assessment and prediction of risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and is closely associated with atheroma plaque progression. Objectives To evaluate associations between HDL-c and non-HDL-c levels and anthropometric and biochemical parameters and with the Castelli risk indexes I and II. Methods 300 randomly selected people were subdivided into two groups: patients with normal values for non-HDL-c and patients with altered values for non-HDL-c. These parameters were analyzed for associations with glycemia, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-c), Castelli Index I (CI-I), Castelli Index II (CI-II), waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI) and presence of metabolic syndrome (MS). Results Glycemia, TC, TG, LDL-c, CI-I, CI-II, WC and BMI were all significantly different between subjects with normal and altered values of HDL-c and non-HDL-c. TC and WC both exhibited significantly higher values among patients with abnormal non-HDL-c when compared to patients with abnormal HDL-c. A significant difference was observed in occurrence of MS among patients with altered values of HDL-c and non-HDL-c. Conclusions Our results show that both HDL-c and non-HDL-c are associated with insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, atherogenic indices, and obesity. There is therefore a need for randomized clinical intervention trials examining the potential role of non-HDL-c as a possible primary therapeutic target.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document