ABSTRACT
Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) is a cytokine with pleiotropic effects, modulating cell growth, differentiation, and synthesis of various substances. Recent demonstration of TNF-alpha mRNA and protein in the uteroplacental unit suggests that this cytokine may be involved in the development of the embryo. To determine whether the embryo itself binds TNF-alpha, mouse blastocyst outgrowths and human first trimester villous trophoblast were analysed for TNF-alpha binding. Our experiments revealed that binding of TNF-alpha could be specifically detected on the trophectoderm of the outgrowing mouse embryos. They also show a complete disappearance of the colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1) receptor that occurs shortly after the binding of TNF-alpha by the trophectoderm. In human first trimester villous trophoblast, TNF-alpha binding was found to be predominantly detectable on the syncytiotrophoblast and to a lesser extent on the cytotrophoblastic cells. Binding was not observed on adjacent embryonic or maternal cells. Our results further support the idea that TNF-alpha as well as other cytokines may modulate early embryonic development and implantation.
Subject(s)
Embryo Implantation , Trophoblasts/metabolism , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism , Animals , Autoradiography , Blastocyst/metabolism , Down-Regulation , Female , Flow Cytometry , Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect , Humans , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Mice, Inbred DBA , Molecular Weight , Pregnancy , Receptor, Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor/metabolism , Recombinant Proteins/metabolismABSTRACT
Five women with ovarian failure who repeatedly failed to conceive following embryo transfer from donated eggs underwent endometrial development investigation. One endometrial biopsy was obtained on cycle days 19, 21, and 23 during three consecutive artificially induced cycles. All five patients had only early secretory changes on days 19 and 21. Histological evaluation on cycle day 23 revealed various developmental stages: two women had "in-phase" endometrium, two patients had adequately developed stroma but significantly retarded glandular maturation, and one women showed no progress. The histological findings were conclusive for a significant maturation delay and an impaired endometrial receptivity. There was a lack of correlation between the peripheral hormonal blood levels and the endometrial maturation.
Subject(s)
Abortion, Spontaneous/blood , Embryo Implantation , Embryo Transfer , Endometrium/pathology , Estradiol/blood , Primary Ovarian Insufficiency/complications , Progesterone/blood , Abortion, Spontaneous/etiology , Abortion, Spontaneous/physiopathology , Adult , Estrogens, Conjugated (USP)/therapeutic use , Female , Humans , Pregnancy , Primary Ovarian Insufficiency/blood , Progesterone/administration & dosage , Progesterone/therapeutic useSubject(s)
Dinoprostone/adverse effects , Embolism, Amniotic Fluid/chemically induced , Adult , Female , Humans , Labor, Induced , Pregnancy , Pregnancy OutcomeABSTRACT
Computers are becoming increasingly common in sports applications particularly since the development of the low-cost microcomputer. They have numerous roles to play but can be identified as a major mechanism for easing the burden associated with data gathering and information processing. This information in turn can be used for developing a greater knowledge and understanding of sport. After tracing a brief history of the computer in sport, this paper considers specific areas of application covering sports research, competitive sport, sport and recreation management, education in sport, and the sport and leisure industry. In each of these areas examples are used to illustrate the variety of applications in which the computer has been used successfully and the benefits which have resulted from its use.
