Masatoshi Yamaguchi

6-Keto prostaglandin F1α, thromboxane B2, and 13,14-dihydro-15-keto prostaglandin F concentrations of normotensive and preeclamptic patients during pregnancy, delivery, and the postpartum period

Plasma 6-keto prostaglandin F1 alpha, 13,14-dihydro-15-keto prostaglandin F, and thromboxane B2 levels were measured in normotensive and preeclamptic patients during pregnancy and the postpartum period. From 30 to 40 weeks of gestation, 6-keto prostaglandin F1 alpha levels of preeclamptic patients were significantly lower than those of normotensive women; 13,14-dihydro-15-keto prostaglandin F and thromboxane B2 concentrations in preeclamptic patients did not significantly differ from those of the normotensive group. At delivery, 6-keto prostaglandin F1 alpha levels of maternal and umbilical venous plasma of preeclamptic women were also significantly lower than those of normotensive women. In the postpartum period these three prostanoids were not significantly different in normotensive women compared to preeclamptic women, with clinical preeclamptic symptoms soon disappearing in most of our patients. From the results, it seems that prostacyclin plays an important role in preeclampsia.

Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA in brain damage induced by lipopolysaccharide and intermittent hypoxia-ischemia in neonatal rats.

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and intermittent hypoxia–ischemia (HI) on brain damage in neonatal rats.

Endothelin-1 and big endothelin-1 increase in human endometrium during menstruation

OBJECTIVES Although the physiologic and pathologic roles of endothelin-1 in reproduction have been investigated, little is known about human uterine tissue levels. We studied the levels of immunoreactive endothelin-1 and immunoreactive big endothelin-1 in human endometrium and myometrium during each menstrual phase. STUDY DESIGN Materials were obtained at hysterectomy (endometrium, n = 33; myometrium, n = 27). We measured immunoreactive endothelin-1 and immunoreactive big endothelin-1 by radioimmunoassay and performed an immunohistochemical study of the tissue. Data were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS We detected larger amounts of immunoreactive endothelin-1 and immunoreactive big endothelin-1 in the endometrium than in the myometrium throughout the menstrual, proliferative, and secretory phases. Endometrial immunoreactive endothelin-1 and immunoreactive endothelin-1 were significantly increased in the menstrual phase (endothelin-1 68.8 +/- 23.3 pg/mg protein, n = 5, p < 0.005; big endothelin-1 45.2 +/- 5.7 pg/mg protein, n = 5, p < 0.003) compared with the other phases (endothelin-1 30.7 +/- 9.5 and 30.5 +/- 14.0 pg/mg protein; big endothelin-1 19.9 +/- 6.7 and 24.1 +/- 7.4 pg/mg protein). Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that the endometrial stromal cells were positive for antiendothelin monoclonal antibody only in the premenstrual and menstrual phases. CONCLUSION Levels of immunoreactive endothelin-1 and immunoreactive big endothelin-1 are different in each type of uterine tissue and in each phase of the menstrual cycle. These changes may indicate some role of endothelin-1 in menstruation.

Prolactin in severe toxemia of pregnancy

Plasma PRL levels were measured in 111 normal pregnant women and in 21 patients with severe toxemia of pregnancy. Twelve of 21 patients with severe toxemia of pregnancy showed high PRL levels in zone A (greater than mean value + 1 S.D. of PRL values in normal pregnancy). These 12 were significantly lower (P less than 0.02) in the Ccre rate, at 70.2 +/- 19.2 ml/min, than 5 toxemia patients (101.4 +/- 26.7 ml/min) in zone B (mean + 1 S.D. approximately mean) and 4 toxemia patients (110.0 +/- 35.3 ml/ml) in zone C (mean approximately mean -1 S.D.). Also, BUN, proteinuria and uric acid levels in zone A patients were higher than in those in zone B and C. However, no correlation was found between PRL levels and mean diastolic and systolic blood pressure. These results suggest that high PRL concentrations in toxemia of pregnancy may be associated with renal dysfunction.

Hyuganatsu Orange (Citrus tamurana Hort. Ex Tanaka) Contains a Water Soluble Substance That Suppresses Bone Loss in Ovariectomized Rats

We investigated whether Hyuganatsu orange (Citrus tamurana Hort. ex Tanaka) contains water and acetic-acid soluble substances that increase bone mineral density (BMD) in ovariectomized rats. In in vivo study, femoral BMD can significantly increased. In in vitro study, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) positive cells significantly decreased. We speculate that Hyuganatsu orange contains biologically active substances other than hesperidin that increase BMD.

Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (L-α-lecithin) stimulates phospholipase A2 activity in human amnion

Abstract In order to investigate the mechanism of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC, L-α-lecithin) stimulation of the prostaglandin E (PGE) production of the amniotic membrane, effects of DPPC (50–800 μ g/ml) on phospholipase A2 (PLA2), phospholipase C (PLC), PG endoperoxide synthase, and PGE synthase activities of human amniotic membrane were studied. Only PLA2 activity was increased by DPPC, suggesting that lecithin, the major surfactant component, increases the PGE production of the amniotic membrane by activating PLA2.

Prostaglandin production by human myometrium, uterine cervix and leiomyoma

In order to investigate prostacyclin production by human myometrium, uterine cervix and leiomyoma, slices of each tissue were incubated. The 6-keto prostaglandin F1 alpha concentration of the incubation medium was measured by radioimmunoassay. The serosal and endometrial sides of myometrium produce 6-keto prostaglandin F1 alpha, with no significant difference in production between the two sides. The 6-keto PGF1 alpha production of leiomyoma was significantly higher than that of myometrium. Our results suggest that human myometrium and leiomyoma produce prostacyclin regardless of vascularization.

6-keto prostaglandin F1α, thromboxane B2 and 13,14,dihydro-15-keto prostaglandin F levels in maternal and fetal plasma

In order to investigate the physiological roles of prostaglandins during pregnancy, delivery and the postpartum period, the plasma concentration of 6-keto prostaglandin F1 alpha (6-keto PGF1 alpha), a stable metabolite of prostacyclin, thromboxane B2 (TXB2), a stable metabolite of thromboxane A2, and 13,14-dihydro-15-keto prostaglandin F(PGFM) were measured by specific radioimmunoassay. In addition, at delivery, plasma 6-keto PGF1 alpha and PGFM concentration were measured in maternal, umbilical arterial and venous plasma. 6-Keto PGF1 alpha, TXB2 and PGFM levels did not change during pregnancy. 6-Keto PGF1 alpha level at delivery was somewhat higher than during pregnancy but not significantly so. PGFM level was significantly higher than during pregnancy. Umbilical arterial 6-keto PGF1 alpha concentration was significantly higher than umbilical venous or maternal plasma at delivery. Umbilical venous 6-keto PGF1 alpha level was somewhat higher than that of maternal plasma but the increase was not significant. There was no significant difference between umbilical arterial and venous concentrations of PGFM, but maternal PGFM level was significantly higher than that of fetal plasma. In the postpartum period, PGFM and TXB2 concentrations were significantly higher than before delivery. However 6-keto PGF1 alpha level in the postpartum period did not significantly differ from before delivery. The results of this study may indicate high prostacyclin production by the fetus and that PGF and TXA2 concentration change in the postpartum period.

PCS/MVA syndrome caused by an Alu insertion in the BUB1B gene

We report a case of premature chromatid separation/mosaic variegated aneuploidy syndrome identified by microcephaly on fetal ultrasound and confirmed by cytogenetic analysis of amniotic fluid. Initial mutational analysis of the entire coding region of the BUB1B gene failed to identify any causative mutations. However, further analysis revealed a known compound heterozygous mutation in the upstream region of this gene and a novel Alu insertion mutation in the intron.

Genetic diagnosis and genetic counseling for androgen-insensitivity syndrome: a report of three cases.

In order to verify androgen‐insensitivity syndrome (AIS) for three individuals and their mothers, genetic diagnosis was performed after genetic counseling.