Regulation of luteinizing hormone receptor in hippocampal neurons following different long-lasting treatments of castrated adult rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different Luteinizing hormone (LH) and steroid hormones levels on LH receptor (LHR) expression in the hippocampal cells. Rats (24 males and 24 females) were assigned to four groups: one control and three experimental [gonadectomy (GDX), gonadectomy + gonadotropin releasing hormone analogue (GDX+GnRHa) and GDX+GnRHa+estradiol (E2) or testosterone (T)] independently for each gender. All experimental rats were gonadectomized; then GnRHa was administrated to GDX+GnRHa group, and GnRHa plus steroid hormone to GDX+GnRHa+E2 or T group in both genders for four-month. LHR mRNA expression and its protein level in hippocampal cells were measured using QRT-PCR and Western blotting. Quantification of mRNA revealed a decrease in LHR transcripts level in GDX+GnRHa group of females. A significant change was observed between GDX groups and GDX+GnRHa+E2 or T versus GDX+GnRHa group in females. High levels of LH decreased significantly the immature isoform of LHR in GDX group compared to control group in both genders, but low LH concentrations in GDX+GnRHa group induced immature LHR isoform production only in females. Therefore increased LH concentration induces production of incomplete LHR transcripts in hippocampal cells and decreases immature LHR at the protein level. This implies that LH decreases the efficiency of translation through either producing non-functional LHR molecules or preventing their translation.

Influence of nitric oxide on in vitro growth, survival, steroidogenesis, and apoptosis of follicle stimulating hormone stimulated buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) preantral follicles

Effect of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a nitric oxide (NO) donor, on in vitro survival, growth, steroidogenesis, and apoptosis of buffalo preantral follicles (PFs) was investigated. PFs (200~250 microm) were isolated by micro-dissection and cultured in 0 (control), 10(-3), 10(-5), 10(-7), and 10(-9) M SNP. To examine the reversible effect of SNP, PFs were cultured with 10(-5) M SNP + 1 mM Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) or 1.0 microg hemoglobin (Hb). The results showed that greater concentrations of SNP (10(-3), 10(-5), 10(-7) M) inhibited (p < 0.05) FSH-induced survival, growth, antrum formation, estradiol production, and oocyte apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. However, a lower dose of SNP (10(-9) M) significantly stimulated (p < 0.05) the survival, growth, antrum formation, follicular oocyte maturation, and stimulated progesterone secretion compared to the control. A combination of SNP + L-NAME promoted the inhibitor effect of SNP while a SNP + Hb combination reversed this effect. Nitrate and nitrite concentrations in the culture medium increased (p < 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner according to SNP concentration in the culture medium. At higher concentrations, SNP had a cytotoxic effect leading to follicular oocyte apoptosis whereas lower concentrations have stimulatory effects. In conclusion, NO exerts a dual effect on its development of buffalo PFs depending on the concentration in the culture medium.

Sitios de acción inhibitoria de la prolactina sobre la síntesis de estradiol inducida por la hormona folículo estimulante en las células de la granulosa / Sites of prolactin inhibition on gonadotropin-induced estrogen production in cultured rat granulosa cells

En este estudio se investigaron los sitios probables de la acción inhibitoria de prolactina (Prl) sobre la esteroidogénesis ovárica inducida por la hormona folículo estimulante (FSH). Para esta finalidad se estudió la capacidad de cultivos primarios de células de la granulosa de la rata de sintetizar estradiol y AMPc bajo la estimulación con FSH o de activadores de la vía dependiente de AMPc en presencia de Prl humana. La participación de otros sistemas de transducción de señal como los dependientes de PKC y proteínas Gi en los mecanismos de acción inhibitoria de la Prl fue también investigada utilizando inhibidores de estos sistemas como la calfostina C y la toxina pertusis. Los resultados demostraron la habilidad de la Prl de alterar la esteroidogénesis previa y posterior a la generación de AMPc, muy probablemente por mecanismos que involucran la activación de la subunidad catalítica de la adenilato ciclasa, así como a través de interactuar con sistemas de transducción de señal dependientes de PKC y proteínas sensibles a la toxina pertusis. Nuestros resultados sugieren un mecanismo de interacción entre receptores acoplados a proteínas G con aquéllos acoplados a cinasas de tirosinas mediado muy probablemente por vías de señalización dependientes de proteínas Gi.

We studied the sites of prolactin inhibition upon FSH induced ovarian steroidogenesis and the ability of prolactin (Prl) to inhibit the synthesis of estradiol and cAMP accumulation under the stimulation of FSH or cAMP dependent activators. The participation of other signal pathways such as PKC and Gi proteins on the inhibitory actions of Prl was also investigated using calfostine C andpertusis toxin as inhibitors. Results showed a dose dependent prolactin decrease in FSH-induced estradiol and cAMP production prior and after the generation of the cyclic nucleotide by a mechanism involving the catalytic subunit of adenyl cyclase and/or through activation of PKC or by the interaction with pertusin toxin sensitive G proteins. Our results suggest a mechanism by which G protein coupled receptors are linked with those coupled with tyrosine kinase through the involvement of a Gi protein mediated mechanism.

Effects of IL 6 on steroidogenesis of human granulosa cells in vitro

Recent studies suggest that in addition to gonadotropins, immunological factors, such as cytokines play an important role in production of steroid hormones. The purpose of this study was to examine effects of IL-6 on basal and FSH stimulated secretions of estradiol and progesterone in the presence of androstendione by human granulosa cells [GC] in vitro. Graunlosa cells were harvested at the time of follicular aspiration after ovarian hyperstimulation according to standard protocols with hMG from patients undergoing IVFET. The cells [2 X 10[4] viable cells per well] were cultured with HAM and # 101; s F-10 without any supplements [control] or increasing concentrations of recombinant human [rh] IL-6, [8,16,32,64,128 pg/ml] added in the absence or presence of FSH [96 IU/ml]. Media were collected after 24,48,72 and 96 hours at a 24h interval and estradiol and progesterone levels were measured by an enzyme immunoassay [EIA] with automated system. Results of this study showed that leuteinized GC in the absence of FSH and the presence of androgen was able to produce estradiol and progesterone in vitro. This production was significantly increased in the presence of FSH. Basal and FSH stimulated productions of estradiol were significantly [P < 0.05] inhibited by increasing amounts of IL-6. Although this inhibitory effect on basal production of progesterone was not significant. IL-6 in a dose-dependent manner significantly [P < 0.05] inhibited FSH stimulated production of progesterone by GC. These results suggest that IL-6 may play an important role in the production of estradiol and progesterone and any disorders in level of IL-6 may cause estradiol and progesterone release disturbances

Human granulosa cells in vitro: characteristics of growth, morphology and influence of some cytokines on steroidogenesis.

Granulosa cells (GCs) were characterised morphologically by light and electron microscopy. The steroidogenic capability of GCs in vitro was estimated by radioimmunoassay (RIA): oestradiol (E2), progesterone (P) and androstenedione (A) secreted into the culture medium were measured. The influence of several culture media and anchorage of the cell either to plastic vessels (monolayer) or to collagen fibrils (in gel) were studied. As the various culture media were assayed with regard to their suitability for IVF, it was found that Ham's F10 is quite satisfactory (in agreement with other observations on embryo cultures). A chemically defined medium BM 86 was found to be inadequate. In addition to the two cell types which are known, a third cell type which can perform efficient aromatisation (E2 production) in vitro is characterised here. The influence of cytokines/growth factors (GF) like insulin-like GF (IGF-1), epidermal GF (EGF), platelet-derived GF (PDGF) and fibroblast GF (FGF) on steroidogenesis was tested either alone or with human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). Except for oestradiol (E2) from early GCs, hCG generally stimulated progesterone (P) and E2 secretion. EGF by itself enhanced the secretion of P but not of E2. EGF did not affect hCG stimulation of P, but reduced that of E2. In contrast, in pre-ovulatory GCs IGF-I reduced the stimulatory effect of hCG on both E2 and P. In early GCs IGF-I potentiated hCG stimulation of P. In early GCs, neither hCG nor IGF-I nor a combination of IGF-I with hCG had any effect on E2 production.

Human granulosa cells in vitro: influence of GnRH/GnRH-agonist on steroidogenesis and on IVF outcome.

Steroidogenic activities of the granulosa cells (GCs) from 84 IVF trials were evaluated with respect to a set of ovarian stimulation regimens. Oestradiol (E2) synthesis of the GCs in vitro (obtained at oocyte retrieval) was compared to the maximal serum E2 levels of the same patients at induction of ovulation. Three stimulation regimens were employed: human post-menopausal gonadotrophin (hMG) alone; hMG accompanied by daily doses of a gonadotrophin releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a); hMG preceded by a single depot application of the GnRH-a. Plots of E2 synthesis in vitro against serum E2 levels indicated that the GnRH-a directly inhibited E2 synthesis in the granulosa cells. This was confirmed in vitro by adding the agonist to the culture medium: both progesterone (P) and E2 syntheses were reduced in the presence of GnRH-a. Despite this drawback, the success of in vitro fertilization (IVF), as gauged by pregnancies achieved, was best for the group which received the GnRH-a as a single depot dose during the previous menstrual cycle, prior to the commence of stimulation. This success is attributed to the lower incidence of cancellations because of premature leuteinizing hormone (LH) surges which happen sometimes during ovarian stimulation. The implications of a direct influence of GnRH-a on E2 synthesis need to be further investigated.

Interferencia endometrial de los estrógenos sintéticos en la regulación de la fertilidad / Endometrial interference of synthesis estrogens in fertility regulation

Inicialmente la actividad antiovulatoria de algunos preparados estrógeno/progestacional, era la acción requerida para controlar la fertilidad. A la fecha se ha conseguido una notable reducción en la dosis de ambos componentes hormonales, ofreciendo menos efectos colaterales, con una eficacia anticonceptiva aceptable. Actualmente se dispone de una variedad de esas combinaciones, en donde el estrógeno sintético concentra de 80 a 20 µg/tableta y la prescripción se inicia o el 1er. día o el 5o. día del ciclo menstrual. Al analizar el plasma y el endometrio simultáneamente obtenida de usuarias crónicas que incluían en la tableta dosis de 30 o 50 µg del estrógeno sintético, se observó un perfil de 17B-estradiol como el de la maduración folicular de los ciclos ovulatorios sólo en las mujeres que tomaban la dosis más baja. Sin embargo, este fenómeno de ciclicidad no se obtuvo a nivel local; paralelamente la progesterona circulante en ambos grupos nunca fue > 5.0 ng/ml. La observación indica que se debe buscar un periodo crítico local durante el ciclo menstrual ovulatorio, con mucho menores dosis hormonales para controlar la fertilidad

Stud male protection of implantation in food-deprived mice: evaluation of status of ovarian hormones

A falha de implantaçäo em camundongos recém-inseminados induzida por privaçäo alimentar de 48 horas, iniciada às 9 horas no quarto dia após o coito, é evitada pela exposiçäo aos machos. Na presente investigaçäo, estudou-se o efeito da privaçäo alimentar, bem como a influência da presença dos machos durante a privaçäo alimentar nos esteróides ovarianos. Estudos radioimunológicos revelaram que estradiol e testosterona näo foram alterados significativamente nas fêmeas privadas de alimento, independente da presença ou ausência do macho, o que foi comparável ao visto em fêmeas sem privaçäo alimentar. No entanto, o nível sérico de progesterona nas fêmeas privadas foi significativamente reduzido. Por outro lado, näo houve reduçäo no nível de progesterona nas fêmeas privadas de alimento quando em presença dos machos, como ocorreu nas fêmeas controles, i.e., sem jejum. Os resultados suportam a hipótese de que a liberaçäo de prolactina hipofisária, com conseqüente diminuiçäo no desenvolvimento de corpo lúteo funcional, seja o fator endócrino primário na falha de implantaçäo em camundongos com estresse nutricional. Além disso, estes resultados indicam que a presença dos machos contrapöe o fator acima nas fêmeas privadas de alimento.

Efecto reductor de la lactona sesquiterpénica "Helenalina" y sus derivados metálicos en la formación del complejo estradiol receptor en tejido tumoral mamario / Reductive effect of sesquiterpenic lactone \"Helenaline\" and its metalic derivates in complex estradiol-receptor formation in breast tumoral tissue

Dentro de la terapia sistémica empleada para el tratamiento de cáncer mamario, ha sido extensamente utilizada la quimioterapia, la cual ha sido apoyada por muy diversos compuestos en cuanto a origen y composición química. Sin embargo, todos ellos, producen diversos efectos colaterales adeversos, dignos de tomarse en cuenta. Por este hecho, precisa estudiar nuevas posibilidades en donde el fármaco aplicado, actúa selectivamente sobre célula tumoral, sin lesionar tejido sano. Para su efecto, se estudió una gamma lactona llamada "Helenalina" y sus derivados metálicos He-Co, He-Hg y He-Cu, cuya composición química les permite reaccionar con residuos -SH presentes en el receptor de la célula tumoral, los cuales al intercalarse por una reacción previa, podría modificar su composición estructural y finalemente su afinidad por la hormona. Se investigó el efecto de inhibición para la formación del complejo estradiol-receptor en el citosol de tejido tumoral mamario empleando Helenalina a 12 n M y 126 n M, obteniéndose un efecto de inhibición de 14 por ciento y 56 por ciento respectivamente. Cuando se estudió He-Co, He-Hg y He-Cu este efecto se vió aumentado, obteniéndose 11 por ciento, 10.5 por ciento y 60 por ciento con 12 n m y 44.5 por ciento, 74.5 por ciento y 86 por ciento con 126 n M respectivamente

Estrógeno sulfotransferasa y estrógeno sulfatasa uterinas en la implantación embrionaria / Uterine estrogen sulfotransferase in embryo implantation

La relación estrógenos conjugados/no conjugados, asociada con procesos reproductivos, ha despertado el interés de estudiar el papel biológico y el control de la estrógeno sulfotransferasa y estrógeno sulfatasa que participan en la formación e hidrólisis de los estrógenos 3-sulfato, respectivamente. En este trabajo se determinó la actividad de las dos enzimas a través de la convesión recíproca de estrona sulfato-H3 y estrona-H3 en los sitios de implantación (SI) y áreas no implantadas (SNI) del útero de ratas durante el proceso de implantación embrionaria. En estos tejidos se observó un contraste en las actividades enzimáticas. En tanto que la sulfotransferasa en SI fue mayor que en SNI (0.205) pg vs. 0.144 pmola/mg proteína/h), la actividad de sulfatasa se presentó en forma inversa (1.470 y 1.977 pmolas/ mg proteína/h respectivamente). Estos resultados indican la presencia simultánea de ambas anzimas en el útero de rata y sugieren la existencia en SI de un mecanismo que regula la concentración local de estrógenos libres y sulfoconjugados en el que participan dichas enzimas

Fisiología ovárica postparto: gonadotropinas hipofisarias, estradiol y prolactina durante 12 meses a la resolución del embarazo / Post-partum ovarian physiology. Hypophysial gonadotropins, estradiol and prolactin during 12 months at pregnancy resolution

Se realizó un seguimiento por doce meses en una cohorte de 17 mujeres, a partir de la resolución del embarazo para tratar de valorar la asociación hiperprolactinemia lactacional/hormonas estimulante de folículo (FSH)/hormona luteinizante (LH) y reinicio de la actividad ovárica. El estudio se dividió en dos fases: Lactancia (Lac) y post-lactancia (post-Lac). En ambas etapas se tomaron muestras de sangre venosa periférica cada semana hasta la semana 52, para cuantificar: FSH, LH, prolactina (PRL) y estradiol (E-2). Durante Lac, las concentraciones periféricas del PRL, fueron significativamente mayores a Post-Lac; observándose una relación inversamente proporcional E-2/PRL a lo largo del seguimiento. No existieron cambios significativos para LH y FSH en ambas fases y las cifras se mantuvieron dentro de niveles fisiológicos. Al compararlas con un sujeto control no mostraron diferencias. Los coeficientes de correlación revelaron una asociación negativa entre PRL y los días que transcurrieron al postparto y positiva para E-2. Los hallazgos indican una función folicular, aparentemente independiente del estímulo gonadotrópico hipofisario