ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of endothelins (ET) 1, 2 and 3 on isolated isthmic segments of the human oviduct at the luteal phase of menstrual cycle. Fallopian tubes were taken from 21 patients and the isthmic segments were mounted in an organ bath longitudinally. Tension of the isolated preparations was recorded with an isometric transducer. ET-1 and ET-2 triggered concentration-dependent tonic contractions of the isolated isthmic segment and inhibited rhythmic activity, while ET-3 caused no effect. Furthermore, the selective ET(A) antagonist BQ-123 and the selective ET(B) antagonist BQ-788 inhibited the ET-1 effects on both tone and spontaneous rhythmic contractions. These results suggested that during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, both ET(A) and ET(B) receptors participate in contractile effects of endothelins on isthmic segment of fallopian tubes, probably regulating the length of time the oocyte remains in the oviduct ampulla.
Subject(s)
Luteal Phase/physiology , Receptor, Endothelin A/metabolism , Receptor, Endothelin B/metabolism , Adult , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Endothelin-1/administration & dosage , Endothelin-1/metabolism , Endothelin-1/pharmacology , Endothelin-2/administration & dosage , Endothelin-2/metabolism , Endothelin-2/pharmacology , Endothelin-3/administration & dosage , Endothelin-3/metabolism , Endothelin-3/pharmacology , Fallopian Tubes/drug effects , Fallopian Tubes/physiology , Female , Humans , In Vitro Techniques , Middle Aged , Muscle Contraction/drug effects , Muscle Contraction/physiology , Oocytes/metabolism , Time FactorsABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The aim of this prospective study was to determine serum levels and tissue expression of CA125, CA 15-3, p53, HER-2 and nm23 tumor markers, which are used in the detection and follow up of patients with ovarian carcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 19 patients with malignant and benign ovarian tumors were included in this study. Serum levels of CA125, CA 15-3 and p53 tumor markers were detected in preoperative and postoperative blood samples using ELISA technique. Tissue expression of p53, HER-2 and nm23 were examined using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: All serum tumor markers were elevated in patients with ovarian carcinoma. Serum level of CA 15-3 was increased in patients with ovarian carcinoma (median 48.33 U/ml, normal range 0-36), while it was normal in patients with benign ovarian tumors (median 20.67 U/ml; p >0.05). CA125 serum values were strikingly increased in ovarian carcinoma (median 264.16 IU/ml, normal range 0-35) and benign ovarian tumors (median 119.59 IU/ml; p <0.05). Serum levels of p53 in patients with ovarian carcinoma were increased (median 0.69 U/ml, normal range 0-0.50) compared to patients with benign tumors (0.32 U/ml; p <0.05). Histological HER-2 overexpression was detected in 7 cases, including 4 with strong (score 3+ and 2+) and 3 with weak or no HER-2 expression (score 1+ and 0) in ovarian carcinoma tissue; in benign tumors HER-2 overexpression was detected in 1 case (p >0.05). Strong overexpression of p53 was detected in 3 cases with malignant and none with benign tumors (p >0.05); and strong overexpression of nm23 was detected in 5 cases with malignant and 2 with benign tumors (p >0.05). CONCLUSION: Serum levels of CA125, CA 15-3 and p53 are strikingly increased, as well as the expression of HER-2 and p53 in carcinomatous tissue. Detection and analysis of multiple tumor-specific markers in serum and tissue can give useful clinical information for the management of ovarian carcinoma and can also improve the sensitivity and specificity of these markers.
Subject(s)
Biomarkers, Tumor , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic , Ovarian Neoplasms , Biomarkers, Tumor/analysis , Biomarkers, Tumor/blood , CA-125 Antigen/blood , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay , Female , Humans , Immunohistochemistry , Mucin-1/blood , NM23 Nucleoside Diphosphate Kinases , Nucleoside-Diphosphate Kinase/analysis , Ovarian Neoplasms/blood , Ovarian Neoplasms/chemistry , Ovarian Neoplasms/genetics , Ovarian Neoplasms/pathology , Prognosis , Prospective Studies , Receptor, ErbB-2/analysis , Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/analysis , Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/blood , Up-RegulationABSTRACT
Antibody content against rabbit red blood cells (anti-RaRBC) in murine sera of different strains (Swiss, CBA, C57BL/6, AKR, BALB/c) and activity of complement alternative pathway (AP) were investigated. In contrast to the CBA and C57BL/6, random-bred Swiss strain and inbred BALB/c and AKR strains are good producers of these natural antibodies. There is no correlation between AP activity and anti-RaRBC content. Isolated human anti-RaRBC antibodies, IgM and IgG classes, lead to the enhancement of APhu and APmo activity, contrary to the murine anti-RaRBC which belong solely to IgM class, and do not express this capability.
