Masatsune Fukuoka

Changes in the Serum Levels of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and the Pulsatility Index of Uterine Arteries during Conservative Management of Retained Adherent Placenta

Objective: Our purpose was to assess the natural course of retained adherent placenta at term.

Severe congenital cytomegalovirus infection with fetal hydrops in a cytomegalovirus-seropositive healthy woman

We report the case of a woman whose two consecutive pregnancies resulted in intrauterine fetal death due to severe congenital cytomegalovirus infection. In both pregnancies, congenital cytomegalovirus infection was prenatally diagnosed on the basis of detection of cytomegalovirus DNA and specific IgM in cord blood. This case suggests that severe congenital cytomegalovirus infection can occur even in seropositive healthy women.

Spontaneous Resolution of a Postcesarean Arteriovenous Fistula of the Uterine Cervix : The Usefulness of Transvaginal Color Doppler Scanning

We encountered in a woman at the 28th day after cesarean delivery the transient appearance of a uterine cervical mass with a prominent blood flow, that was revealed to be an acquired arteriovenous fistula. The size and blood flow of the mass were monitored using transvaginal color Doppler scanning and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Based on these findings, the arteriovenous fistula was managed conservatively Without any adverse complications.

Solid mature teratoma of the ovary: Appearances at MR imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearances of a case with rare solid mature teratoma of the ovary is presented. The lesion was almost entirely solid with small cystic component. The solid tissue, consisting of bronchial cartilage, smooth muscle, glands, and epithelium, exhibited hypointense signal on T1-weighted image, relatively hyperintense signal on T2-weighted image, and reticular pattern of enhancement on the postcontrast scan. The presence of fatty tissue mixed with hair bundle, which did not exhibit a signal intensity of fatty tissue, was clearly indicated by chemical shift artifact within the cystic component.

Modulation of porcine granulosa cell functions by interleukin-1

Increasing evidence suggests that functions of the immune system and gonads are closely related with each other. In cultures of granulosa and luteal cells, macrophages have been shown to modulate steroidogenic functions. In this paper we present the modulatory effects of interleukin-1, a cytokine produced predominantly by activated macrophages, on gonadotropin-induced differentiation, as well as growth of cultured porcine granulosa cells.

Leptin as a novel placenta-derived hormone in humans

Summary These studies provide the first evidence for leptin as a novel placenta-derived hormone in humans, and suggests the physiologic and pathophysiologic significance of leptin in normal pregnancy and in pregnancies complicated with preeclampsia or gestational trophoblastic diseases. To elucidate the role of leptin in human pregnancy, further investigations on the following points are required. o 1. Mechanism of resistance to high plasma leptin levels during pregnancy has not been elucidated. Studies on down-regulation of leptin receptor and changes in the plasma concentrations of leptin binding protein, which is identical to soluble leptin receptor, Ob-Re, may provide an answer to this question. 2. Possible candidates of the biological significance of placenta-derived leptin in pregnancy may be; a) effects on maternal glucose and lipid metabolism, b) regulation of placental function, and c) effects on fetal growth and development. 3. Identification of distribution of leptin receptors in intra-uterine tissues is crucial to understand the role of placenta-derived leptin during pregnancy.

Growth Factor Modulation of Gonadotropin Action on Porcine Granulosa Cells

Ovarian functions are thought to be under the regulation of autocrine or paracrine control as well as endocrine control. Although the endocrine regulation of the ovary has been well described, little is known about the local intra-ovarian control. Considering that ovarian granulosa cells of developing follicles are confined to an isolated avascular environment and “cultured” in follicular fluid in vivo, substances concentrated in follicular fluid may play important roles in local intra-ovarian control.

Palliative urinary diversion in patients with advanced cervical cancer

An analysis of 25 palliative urinary diversions for advanced cervical cancer is presented. The median postoperative survival was 176 days and the mean was 329 days. Indication, methods of surgical procedure and duration of known disease did not strongly influence survival. The patients who were treated with radiation therapy after urinary diversion had a longer median survival. Renal function returned to normal in 7 of 9 azotemic patients. 41% of the patients left the hospital and this group subsequently spent 62% of their remaining survival at home. Guidelines for selection of the patients who might benefit from urinary diversion are discussed.