Association between clinical and IVF laboratory parameters and miscarriage after single euploid embryo transfers.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to investigate which factors, excluding embryo aneuploidies, are associated with miscarriage in patients who have undergone a single euploid blastocyst transfer. METHODS: Retrospective, observational and multicenter study with 2832 patients undergoing preimplantational genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A) due to repeated implantation failure, recurrent pregnancy loss, advanced maternal age or severe male factor were transferred one single euploid embryo. RESULTS: One of the main findings was a significant relationship between body mass index (BMI) and miscarriage rates (13.4% in underweight women, 12.1% in normal weight, 14.5% in overweight, and 19.2% in obese women, odds ratio [OD] 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.07 p = 0.006). Endometrial thickness (OD 0.65; 95%, 0.52-0.77 p = 0.04) and type of endometrial preparation (natural cycle or hormone replacement cycle) (OD 0.77; 95%, 0.52-0.77, p = 0.04) were also associated with miscarriage rates. CONCLUSIONS: BMI was strongly associated to miscarriage rates. We also observed a weaker association with endometrial thickness and with the type of endometrial preparation (natural cycle or hormone replacement cycle). None of the other studied variables (biopsy day, maternal and male age, duration of infertility, cycle length, previous miscarriages, previous live births, previous In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) cycles, endometrial pattern and/or diagnosis) were associated with miscarriage rates.

Functionality of Bread and Beverage Added with Brosimum alicastrum Sw. Seed Flour on the Nutritional and Health Status of the Elderly.

Physiological changes in elderly individuals (EI) can contribute to nutritional deterioration and comorbidities that reduce their quality of life. Factors such as diet can modulate some of these effects. The aim was to evaluate the functionality of foods added with Brosimum alicastrum Sw. seed flour in EI. EI (n = 23) living in nursing home conditions agreed to participate. A control stage was carried out (30 days) and subsequently, an intervention stage (30 days) was realized in which a muffin and a beverage, designed for EI, were added to the participants' their usual diet. In both stages, anthropometric parameters, body composition, nutritional status, dietary intake, sarcopenic status, cognitive and affective states, biometric parameters, and total phenolic compounds (TPC), and antioxidant capacity in foods and plasma of EI were determined. The results showed that the consumption of the foods improved the energy intake and preserved the muscle reserves of the EI. The EI gained body weight (+1.1 kg), increased their protein (+18.6 g/day; 1.5 g/kg BW/day), dietary fiber (+13.4 g/day), iron (+4.4 mg/day), zinc (+1.8 mg/day), folic acid (+83.4 µg/day) consumption while reducing their cholesterol (-66 mg/day) and sodium (-319.5 mg/day) consumption. LDL-C lipoproteins reduced (14.8%) and urea (33.1%) and BUN (33.3%) increased. The TPC increased (7.8%) in the plasma, particularly in women (10.7%). The foods improve the EI nutritional status, and this has a cardiovascular protective effect that can benefit the health of the EI.

Effect of salinity on the synthesis and concentration of glycine betaine in osmoregulatory tissues from juvenile shrimps Litopenaeus vannamei.

In marine animals, glycine betaine is one of the main osmolytes accumulated under osmotic stress conditions; nevertheless, in penaeids, shrimps little is known about the pathways involved in glycine betaine biosynthesis. In animal cells, glycine betaine is synthesized by the enzyme betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (BADH). We herein investigated the salinity effect on the synthesis and concentration of glycine betaine on white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. Shrimps were subjected to 10, 20, 35, 40, 50, and 60 ppt salinity conditions for seven days. BADH activity increased in hepatopancreas and gills of shrimps subjected to salinities above 35 ppt salinity. In muscle, the BADH activity decreased at 35 ppt salinity. In hepatopancreas from shrimps subjected to 50 and 60 ppt salinities, BADH activity increased 1.1 and 1.7-fold. At 60 ppt salinity, BADH activity increased 1.5-fold respect to 35 ppt in gills. Glycine betaine concentration increased in hepatopancreas, gills, muscle, and hemolymph in shrimps subjected to salinities above 35 ppt. Glycine betaine concentration also increased at 20 ppt salinity, while at 10 ppt, not detected significant differences. The catch of glycine betaine from hemolymph by the cell likely is carried out to avoid protein denaturalization. Ammonia concentration in the aquarium's water only increased at salinities of 20 ppt and 10 ppt (1.1-fold relative to 35 ppt). Our data demonstrated that in L. vannamei, salinity regulates BADH activity and glycine betaine content in a tissue-specific manner.

Neofobia alimentaria y trastornos de conducta alimentaria: Impacto en la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea de universitarios españoles / Food neophobia and eating disorders: Impact on adherence to the Mediterranean diet of Spanish university students

RESUMEN Este estudio evaluó la actitud de los universitarios murcianos hacia los nuevos alimentos y su relación con la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea, el riesgo de alteraciones de la conducta alimentaria y su asociación con la masa corporal. Participaron estudiantes de la Universidad de Murcia a los cuales se realizaron mediciones antropométricas, peso y talla, para estimar el índice de masa corporal y se estableció su condición nutricional, y se aplicaron las encuestas para identificación de trastornos de conducta alimentaria y neofobia alimentaria. Participaron un total de 300 universitarios con un promedio de edad de 21.3 años. Sólo el 14% de las mujeres y 35% de los hombres presentaron exceso de peso. Un 44% presentan buena adherencia a la dieta mediterránea. La Neofobia fue ligeramente mayor en mujeres que en hombres. Entre los resultados se identificó que existen más conductas de trastornos de conducta alimentaria (15.5%) que neofobia (11.5%), impactando negativamente a la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea. Los universitarios de la Región de Murcia, presentan una puntuación en trastorno de la conducta alimentaria inferior a la reportada por otros autores, no existiendo diferencias significativas entre esta y el sexo, la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea o el IMC.

ABSTRACT The study was designed to evaluate the attitude of Spanish undergraduates towards new foods and its impact on adherence to the Mediterranean diet, risk of altered eating behavior and its association with body mass. Undergraduates of the University of Murcia were invited to participate. Anthropometry (weight and height) was measured to estimate body mass and nutritional status and surveys were administered to identify eating disorders and food neophobia. A total of 300 undergraduates participated, with a mean age of 21.3 years. Only 14% of the women and 35% of the men were overweight; 44% had good adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Neophobia is slightly higher in females than males. We observed more eating disorder behaviors (15.5%) compared to food neophobia (11.5%) and that both negatively impacted the adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Undergraduates from the Murcia Region, reported an eating disorder values lower than that reported by other authors. No significant differences were found between this and sex, adherence to the Mediterranean diet or BMI.

Cloning and molecular characterization of the betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase involved in the biosynthesis of glycine betaine in white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei).

The enzyme betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (BADH) catalyzes the irreversible oxidation of betaine aldehyde to glycine betaine (GB), a very efficient osmolyte accumulated during osmotic stress. In this study, we determined the nucleotide sequence of the cDNA for the BADH from the white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (LvBADH). The cDNA was 1882 bp long, with a complete open reading frame of 1524 bp, encoding 507 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 54.15 kDa and a pI of 5.4. The predicted LvBADH amino acid sequence shares a high degree of identity with marine invertebrate BADHs. Catalytic residues (C-298, E-264 and N-167) and the decapeptide VTLELGGKSP involved in nucleotide binding and highly conserved in BADHs were identified in the amino acid sequence. Phylogenetic analyses classified LvBADH in a clade that includes ALDH9 sequences from marine invertebrates. Molecular modeling of LvBADH revealed that the protein has amino acid residues and sequence motifs essential for the function of the ALDH9 family of enzymes. LvBADH modeling showed three potential monovalent cation binding sites, one site is located in an intra-subunit cavity; other in an inter-subunit cavity and a third in a central-cavity of the protein. The results show that LvBADH shares a high degree of identity with BADH sequences from marine invertebrates and enzymes that belong to the ALDH9 family. Our findings suggest that the LvBADH has molecular mechanisms of regulation similar to those of other BADHs belonging to the ALDH9 family, and that BADH might be playing a role in the osmoregulation capacity of L. vannamei.

Molecular characterization and organ-specific expression of the gene that encodes betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase from the white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei in response to osmotic stress.

Crustaceans overcome osmotic disturbances by regulating their intracellular concentration of ions and osmolytes. Glycine betaine (GB), an osmolyte accumulated in response to hyperosmotic stress, is synthesized by betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (BADH EC 1.2.1.8) through the oxidation of betaine aldehyde. A partial BADH cDNA sequence from the white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei was obtained and its organ-specific expression during osmotic stress (low and high salinity) was evaluated. The partial BADH cDNA sequence (LvBADH) is 1103bp long and encodes an open reading frame for 217 protein residues. The amino acid sequence of LvBADH is related to that of other BADHs, TMABA-DH and ALDH9 from invertebrate and vertebrate homologues, and includes the essential domains of their function and regulation. LvBADH activity and mRNA expression were detected in the gills, hepatopancreas and muscle with the highest levels in the hepatopancreas. LvBADH mRNA expression increased 2-3-fold in the hepatopancreas and gills after 7days of osmotic variation (25 and 40ppt). In contrast, LvBADH mRNA expression in muscle decreased 4-fold and 15-fold after 7days at low and high salinity, respectively. The results indicate that LvBADH is ubiquitously expressed, but its levels are organ-specific and regulated by osmotic stress, and that LvBADH is involved in the cellular response of crustaceans to variations in environmental salinity.

Neofobia alimentaria: impacto sobre los hábitos alimentarios y aceptación de alimentos saludables en usuarios de comedores escolares / Food neophobia: impact on food habits and acceptance of healthy foods in schoolchildren

Introducción: En los niños la neofobia puede afectar las elecciones alimentarias y limitar la variedad de la dieta así como afectar la aceptación sensorial de nuevos alimentos. Objetivo: Identificar el impacto de la neofobia alimentaria en los hábitos alimentarios y preferencias de alimentos saludables en usuarios de comedores escolares en la ciudad de Murcia. Materiales y Métodos: Participaron 242 escolares de segundo y tercer ciclo de educación primaria, de 8-12 años, con estratificación por sexo y ciclo escolar. Se aplicó una encuesta de hábitos y preferencias alimentarias, neofobia alimentaria y aceptación de alimentos de consumo habitual en el comedor. Además se realizó una prueba sensorial y se midió el consumo de ensaladas y frutas en el comedor, mediante el método de pesada. Resultados: La prevalencia de neofobia fue de 16%, sin diferencia entre sexos, ciclo escolar, tiempo del uso del comedor, origen de los padres y tener sobrepeso o bajo peso. La neofobia se asoció a un detrimento en el consumo de verduras y frutas, el gusto por las legumbres y menor consumo de cereales y sus derivados en el desayuno y a menor preferencia de frutas, verduras y hortalizas (p<0.05). A mayor nivel de neofobia menor fue la aceptación otorgada a alimentos como pollo y lentejas (p<0.05), ensaladas, fruta y guisos (p<0.001). La neofobia no afectó la aceptación hedónica de frutas y ensaladas consumidas en el comedor escolar. Conclusiones: Es necesario integrar esta información a los involucrados a fin de garantizar una mejoría en el consumo de alimentos saludables (AU)

Introduction: In children, food neophobia may affect food choices and limit the variety of the diet as well as affect the sensory acceptance of new foods. Objective: To identify the impact of food neophobia in food habits and preferences of healthy food in school canteens users in the city of Murcia. Materials and Methods: A total of 242 children in the second and third cycle of primary education (8-12 years), were included, stratified by sex and school year. A survey of habits and food preferences, food neophobia and acceptance of foods commonly consumed in the dining room was applied. In addition, a sensory test was conducted and the consumption of salads and fruits in the room was measured by the weighing method. Results: The prevalence of neophobia was 16%, without difference by sex, academic year, time to use service, parental origin and being overweight or underweight. Food neophobia was associated with a detrimental effect on the consumption of vegetables and fruit, the taste for vegetables and lower consumption of cereals and cereal at breakfast and preferably less fruit and vegetables (p<0.05). A higher level of neophobia less acceptance was given to foods like chicken and lentils (p<0.05), fruit, salads and legumes (p<0.001). Food neophobia did not affect the hedonic acceptance of fruit and salads consumed in the cafeteria. Conclusions: It is necessary to integrate this information to stakeholders to ensure an improvement in the consumption of healthy foods (AU)

Dopamine receptor 2 activation inhibits ovarian vascular endothelial growth factor secretion in an ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) animal model: implications for treatment of OHSS with dopamine receptor 2 agonists.

OBJECTIVE: To explore whether a dopamine receptor 2 agonist (D2-ag) can prevent ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in a rat model by decreasing ovarian vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production. DESIGN: Experimental study in an OHSS animal model. SETTING: University-affiliated infertility center. PATIENT(S): Immature Wistar rats. INTERVENTION(S): Immature rats were stimulated with gonadotropins to mimic OHSS and treated with a D2-ag and/or D2-antagonists (D2-ant). Vascular permeability (VP) was measured at the endpoint, and ovaries were collected to assess the effects of these drugs on VEGF production. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): VP was estimated by measuring the peritoneal extravasation of a previously injected dye. Ovarian VEGF mRNA expression and VEGF protein levels were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blots, respectively. RESULT(S): The D2-ag exerted a reduction in VP that was associated with a drastic decrease in VEGF protein production in OHSS rat ovaries. The effects of this D2-ag on VP and VEGF protein levels were partially reversed by concomitant administration of a D2-ant. Ovarian VEGF mRNA expression levels were unaffected by these drugs in OHSS rats. CONCLUSION(S): D2-ags prevent increased VP in OHSS rats by decreasing ovarian VEGF production, very likely through a D2-mediated post-transcriptional mechanism. Given the dose-dependent inhibitory effect of D2-ags on ovarian VEGF production reported herein, we infer that current OHSS therapies used in humans may be improved by increasing the intraovarian concentration of D2-ags in these patients.

[Food neophobia: impact on food habits and acceptance of healthy foods in schoolchildren]. / Neofobia alimentaria: impacto sobre los hábitos alimentarios y aceptación de alimentos saludables en usuarios de comedores escolares.

INTRODUCTION: In children, food neophobia may affect food choices and limit the variety of the diet as well as affect the sensory acceptance of new foods. OBJECTIVE: To identify the impact of food neophobia in food habits and preferences of healthy food in school canteens users in the city of Murcia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 242 children in the second and third cycle of primary education (8-12 years), were included, stratified by sex and school year. A survey of habits and food preferences, food neophobia and acceptance of foods commonly consumed in the dining room was applied. In addition, a sensory test was conducted and the consumption of salads and fruits in the room was measured by the weighing method. RESULTS: The prevalence of neophobia was 16%, without difference by sex, academic year, time to use service, parental origin and being overweight or underweight. Food neophobia was associated with a detrimental effect on the consumption of vegetables and fruit, the taste for vegetables and lower consumption of cereals and cereal at breakfast and preferably less fruit and vegetables (p<0.05). A higher level of neophobia less acceptance was given to foods like chicken and lentils (p<0.05), fruit, salads and legumes (p<0.001). Food neophobia did not affect the hedonic acceptance of fruit and salads consumed in the cafeteria. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to integrate this information to stakeholders to ensure an improvement in the consumption of healthy foods.

Introducción: En los niños la neofobia puede afectar las elecciones alimentarias y limitar la variedad de la dieta así como afectar la aceptación sensorial de nuevos alimentos. Objetivo: Identificar el impacto de la neofobia alimentaria en los hábitos alimentarios y preferencias de alimentos saludables en usuarios de comedores escolares en la ciudad de Murcia. Materiales y Métodos: Participaron 242 escolares de segundo y tercer ciclo de educación primaria, de 8-12 años, con estratificación por sexo y ciclo escolar. Se aplicó una encuesta de hábitos y preferencias alimentarias, neofobia alimentaria y aceptación de alimentos de consumo habitual en el comedor. Además se realizó una prueba sensorial y se midió el consumo de ensaladas y frutas en el comedor, mediante el método de pesada. Resultados: La prevalencia de neofobia fue de 16%, sin diferencia entre sexos, ciclo escolar, tiempo del uso del comedor, origen de los padres y tener sobrepeso o bajo peso. La neofobia se asoció a un detrimento en el consumo de verduras y frutas, el gusto por las legumbres y menor consumo de cereales y sus derivados en el desayuno y a menor preferencia de frutas, verduras y hortalizas (p.

Dominancia cerebral en la industria maquiladora en Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, México / Brain dominance in the industry of Juarez city, México

El objetivo del estudio fue identificar modelos de pensamiento y habilidades en correspondencia al puesto y área laboral, mediante la evaluación del instrumento Herrmann de Dominancia Cerebral HBDI (Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument, 1989), en una planta industrial de Ciudad Juárez, Chih. Participaron 176 gerentes y personal administrativo mexicanos. Se describen estadísticos de cuatro categorías de dominancia en tres áreas laborales. Se encontraron puntuaciones elevadas en las categorías lógico-controlador para todas las áreas laborales respecto a las habilidades interpersonales-holísticas, lo cual corresponde al manejo de dominancia cerebral del hemisferio cortical superior. Con una varianza total explicada del 76 por ciento en factorial confirmatorio y fiabilidad aceptable de la escala (alfa=.657), el instrumento fue identificado como versátil, económico y de fácil evaluación, al servir adecuadamente para selección, promoción, desarrollo organizacional y comprensión del clima laboral.

The objective of the study was to identify models of thought and abilities in correspondence to the position and labor area by means of the evaluation of the instrument Herrmann de Cerebral Dominance HBDI (Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument, 1989), in an industrial plant of City Juarez, Chih. To 176 Mexican managers and administrative personnel participated. They describe themselves statistical of four categories of dominance in three labor areas. Were scores elevated in the categories logical-controller for all the labor areas with respect to the interpersonal-holistic abilities, which corresponds to the handling of cerebral dominance of the superior cortical hemisphere. With an explained total variance of confirming factorial 76 percent in and acceptable reliability of the scale (alpha=.657), the instrument was identified like versatile, economic and of easy evaluation when being used suitably for selection, promotion, organizational development and understanding of the labor climate.

Evidences for the existence of a low dopaminergic tone in polycystic ovarian syndrome: implications for OHSS development and treatment.

CONTEXT: The dopamine/dopamine receptor 2 (D2/Drd2) pathway modulates vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-dependent vascular permeability and angiogenesis in the ovary. Deregulation of the VEGF/VEGF receptor (VEGFR)-2 pathway leading to increased risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome has been described in the ovary of patients suffering from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to ascertain whether deregulation of the VEGF/VEGFR-2 might a least be partially due to abnormalities of the D2/Drd2 pathway in PCOS women. DESIGN: Dated, archived ovaries from PCOs and control group patients as well as human chorionic gonadotropin-stimulated luteinized granulosa cells form PCOS and non-PCOS oocyte patients were used. SETTING: The study was conducted at a private research center. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: PCOS and nonpolycystic ovarian patients and oocyte patients participated in the study. INTERVENTION(S): Human ovarian sections were stained against the Drd2 antibody. Human chorionic gonadotropin-stimulated luteinized granulosa cells (LGC) were cultured in the presence/absence and the Drd2 agonist cabergoline. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Drd2 and vascularized stained area in the theca layer of antral (< 8 mm) and luteinized follicles was quantified. VEGF, D2, and its related metabolites were measured in the supernatant of cultured LGC by ELISA and HPLC, respectively. VEGFR-2 and Drd2 expressed by LGC was quantified through an In-Cell ELISA. RESULTS: Decreased Drd2 expression and increased vascularization in the theca layer of antral and luteinized follicles of PCOS ovaries was observed. A lower dopamine production and reduced efficacy of cabergoline in inhibiting VEGF secretion was uncovered in LGC from PCOS. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased dopaminergic tone as well as deregulated Drd2 signaling might explain higher VEGF and vascularization leading to increased ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome risk in PCOS.

Immunolocalization of beclin 1, a bcl-2-binding, autophagy-related protein, in the human ovary: possible relation to life span of corpus luteum.

Ovarian tissue homeostasis is maintained by highly regulated cyclic phases of cell proliferation/differentiation and programmed cell death. Compelling evidence indicates that both apoptotic and autophagic types of programmed cell death are involved in the regression of the corpus luteum (CL) in primate species. Beclin 1 is an autophagy-related protein that is involved in the inter-relationships between apoptosis and autophagy, through interaction with the anti-apoptotic protein bcl-2. We studied the presence and expression pattern of beclin 1 in the adult human ovary. In ovarian follicles, beclin 1 immunostaining was found in the theca layer, whereas granulosa cells were negative. After ovulation, beclin 1 immunostaining was present in both theca-lutein and granulosa-lutein areas. The expression of beclin 1 in granulosa-lutein cells was related to the functional and structural status of the CL, being strong at the early and mid luteal phases, barely detectable at the late luteal phase, and absent in granulosa-lutein cells in subsequent cycles. Our results indicated that beclin 1 expression was related to luteal cell survival rather than to cell death. Accordingly, persistent beclin 1 expression was found in granulosa-lutein cells under either physiological (i.e., CL of pregnancy) or pathological (irregularly regressing CL in climacteric women) conditions involving prolonged CL life span. Strong beclin 1 immunostaining was also found in ovarian androgen-producing cells (i.e., secondary interstitial and hilus cells). Our data thus suggest that beclin 1 plays important roles in the regulation of the life span of human CL and ovarian androgen-secreting cells, by maintaining autophagy at levels promoting cell survival rather than cell death.

Expression of KiSS-1 in rat oviduct: possible involvement in prevention of ectopic implantation?

The mammalian oviduct is a crucial site for essential postovulatory events in the female reproductive system. These events are, in part, accomplished by clear-cut oviductal segmentation, which helps to provide appropriate epithelial and fluid microenvironments. Early embryonic development and the timely transport of the embryo to the uterus must be promoted, but implantation within the oviduct itself must be avoided. Indeed, the rarity of extra-uterine pregnancies in laboratory animals strongly suggests that active mechanisms operate to prevent ectopic implantation. Kisspeptins, products of the KiSS-1 gene, have been proposed as physiological regulators of uterine implantation by limiting the invasion of the trophoblast into the maternal decidua. We describe here the patterns of expression of the KiSS-1 gene and of kisspeptin immunoreactivity (IR) in the rat oviduct. KiSS-1 mRNA is readily detectable in oviduct samples from all phases of the estrous cycle, whereas kisspeptin-IR is detected in rat oviduct with a regionalized pattern of distribution, viz., strong expression in the isthmus, faint signals in the proximal ampulla, and a lack of immunostaining in the fimbriated infundibulum and interstitial portion. When positive, IR has been localized at the adluminal surface and the cytoplasmic domain of secretory cells. Of note, KiSS-1 expression (at the mRNA and protein levels) shows cycle-related changes with peak expression in proestrus/estrus and lower levels at metestrus/diestrus. This knowledge of the regional- and cycle-specific pattern of expression of KiSS-1 in rat oviduct should open up the possibility of a physiological role of kisspeptins in the prevention of ectopic (tubal) implantation.

Microbead analysis of cell binding to immobilized lectin: an alternative to microarrays in the development of carbohydrate drugs and diagnostic tests.

Microarray technology is currently used in the development of carbohydrate drugs and diagnostic tests. Here we model an inexpensive alternative to microarrays using derivatized microbeads. In this model we examine the binding of mannose-rich yeast to microbeads derivatized with concanavalin A (Con A), a mannose-binding lectin, in the presence of 30 different sugars and 9 different pH conditions. We developed a listing of effective saccharide inhibitors of immobilized Con A based on 3901 replicates. We suggest that this is the most extensive saccharide inhibitor list ever developed for this lectin and it may be useful to use this listing to replace the less extensive lists that have been in the literature for decades. Information is also provided on pH effects on immobilized Con A binding based on 918 trials. Two assays to study binding, one which qualitatively scores more or less binding than control in thousands of replicate samples, and another that quantitatively evaluates binding by counting the number of cells bound to each bead, are also modeled here. We know of no previous studies that provide such extensive information on saccharide inhibition and pH effects on the binding of immobilized Con A. We suggest that this microbead approach, using beads derivatized with lectins or sugars, and the two simple assays presented here, can in some cases substitute for more expensive microarray technology in the development of carbohydrate drugs and diagnostic tests. If, for example, our model Saccharomyces cerevisiae was a pathogen, these studies show that it binds via cell surface mannose residues and drugs to prevent binding could be developed using the inhibitors of binding identified here. The beads could be also used in the development of diagnostic tests that identify the presence of the organism in blood samples, etc. in much the same way as microarray technology is being used today.

Immature rats show ovulatory defects similar to those in adult rats lacking prostaglandin and progesterone actions.

Gonadotropin-primed immature rats (GPIR) constitute a widely used model for the study of ovulation. Although the equivalence between the ovulatory process in immature and adult rats is generally assumed, the morphological and functional characteristics of ovulation in immature rats have been scarcely considered. We describe herein the morphological aspects of the ovulatory process in GPIR and their response to classical ovulation inhibitors, such as the inhibitor of prostaglandin (PG) synthesis indomethacin (INDO) and a progesterone (P) receptor (PR) antagonist (RU486). Immature Wistar rats were primed with equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) at 21, 23 or 25 days of age, injected with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) 48 h later, and sacrificed 16 h after hCG treatment, to assess follicle rupture and ovulation. Surprisingly, GPIR showed age-related ovulatory defects close similar to those in adult rats lacking P and PG actions. Rats primed with eCG at 21 or 23 days of age showed abnormally ruptured corpora lutea in which the cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) was trapped or had been released to the ovarian interstitum, invading the ovarian stroma and blood and lymphatic vessels. Supplementation of immature rats with exogenous P and/or PG of the E series did not significantly inhibit abnormal follicle rupture. Otherwise, ovulatory defects were practically absent in rats primed with eCG at 25 days of age. GPIR treated with INDO showed the same ovulatory alterations than vehicle-treated ones, although affecting to a higher proportion of follicles. Blocking P actions with RU486 increased the number of COC trapped inside corpora lutea and decreased ovulation. The presence of ovulatory defects in GPIR, suggests that the capacity of the immature ovary to undergo the coordinate changes leading to effective ovulation is not fully established in Wistar rats primed with eCG before 25 days of age.

Differential effects of RU486 and indomethacin on follicle rupture during the ovulatory process in the rat.

Ovulation (i.e., the release of mature oocytes from the ovary) requires spatially targeted follicle rupture at the apex. Both progesterone and prostaglandins play key roles in the ovulatory process. We have studied follicle rupture and ovulation in adult cycling rats treated with a progesterone receptor antagonist (RU486), an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis (indomethacin, IM), or both. All rats were treated with LHRH antagonist on the morning (0900 h) of proestrus to inhibit endogenous gonadotropins and with 10 microg of ovine LH (oLH) at 1700 h in proestrus to induce ovulation. Animals were treated from metestrus to proestrus with 2 mg/day of RU486 or vehicle (olive oil) and on the morning of proestrus (1200 h) with 1 mg of IM or vehicle (olive oil). Some rats treated with vehicle or RU486 were killed on the morning of proestrus to assess preovulatory follicle development. The remaining rats were killed on the morning of estrus to study follicle rupture and ovulation. In vehicle-treated rats, oLH induced ovulation in 98% of follicles. In IM-treated rats, spatial targeting of follicle rupture was disrupted. Most oocytes were released to the ovarian interstitium (50%) or to the periovarian space (39%), and a smaller percentage (11%) of oocytes remained trapped inside the luteinized follicle. RU486-treated rats showed, on the morning of estrus, unruptured luteinized follicles. Only occasionally (2.8%), the oocytes were released to the periovarian space. IM treatment induced follicle rupture in RU486-treated rats, and 25% of oocytes were released to the ovarian interstitium. However, the number of oocytes released to the periovarian space (i.e., ovulated) was not increased by IM treatment in rats lacking progesterone actions. Overall, these data indicate that RU486 and IM have opposite effects on follicle rupture and suggest that both progesterone and prostaglandins are necessary for the spatial targeting of follicle rupture at the apex.