Shigehisa Tsumagari

Sphingosine 1‐phosphate induces the production of glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor and cellular proliferation in astrocytes

Sphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P) is a platelet‐derived bioactive sphingolipid that evokes a variety of biological responses. To understand the role of S1P in the central nervous system, we have examined the effect of S1P on the production of glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and growth regulation of cortical astrocytes from rat embryo. Moreover, we examined the possibility that the expression of GDNF is regulated differently in cultured astrocytes from the stroke‐prone spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHRSP) than in those from Wistar kyoto rats (WKY). The mRNA expression was quantitated by RT‐PCR based on the fluorescent TaqMan methodology. A new instrument capable of measuring fluorescence in real time was used to quantify gene amplification in astrocytes. GDNF protein was investigated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. S1P induced the expression of GDNF mRNA and the production of GDNF protein in a dose‐dependent manner in WKY astrocytes. Moreover, S1P increased cell numbers and induced the proliferation of astrocytes. In addition, the level of mRNA expression and protein production of GDNF was significantly lower in SHRSP than WKY astrocytes following exposure to S1P. These findings revealed that S1P augments GDNF protein production and cellular growth in astrocytes. Also, our results indicate that production in SHRSP astrocytes was attenuated in response to S1P compared with that observed in WKY. We conclude that S1P specifically triggers a cascade of events that regulate the production of GDNF and cell growth in astrocytes. Our results also suggest that the reduced expression of GDNF caused by S1P is a factor in the stroke proneness of SHRSP. GLIA 41:199–206, 2003.

Differential regulation of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) mRNA expression during hypoxia and reoxygenation in astrocytes isolated from stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) plays several important roles in the survival and recovery of mature neurons during ischemia. We examined the possibility that the expression of GDNF mRNA and the release of GDNF protein are regulated differentially in cultured astrocytes from the stroke‐prone spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHRSP) compared with those from Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) during hypoxia and reoxygenation (H/R) and after exposure to glutamate and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The mRNA expression was quantitated by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) based on the fluorescent TaqMan methodology. A new instrument capable of measuring fluorescence in real‐time was used to quantify gene amplification in astrocytes. GDNF protein was investigated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). GDNF mRNA expression and GDNF protein release at normoxia were greater in SHRSP than in WKY astrocytes. During H/R, however, the mRNA expression and protein release tended to be reduced in SHRSP compared with WKY. Glutamate and H2O2 induced the expression of GDNF mRNA and the release of GDNF protein in both WKY and SHRSP in a dose‐dependent manner. Levels of GDNF mRNA and protein in SHRSP were significantly lower than in WKY. These findings indicate that GDNF production in SHRSP astrocytes was low in response to H/R, glutamate, and H2O2, compared with that observed in WKY. We conclude that the attenuated production of GDNF in astrocytes is involved in neuronal vulnerability in SHRSP during H/R, as GDNF production, which is stimulated by glutamate and H2O2, is closely related to the protective effect against H/R‐mediated neurotoxicity. GLIA 37:1–7, 2002.

Immunohistochemical Study of Steroidogenic Enzymes in the Ovary and Placenta During Pregnancy in the Dog

Using the immunohistochemical technique, we attempted to identify the source of secretion of steroid hormones between the mid‐ and late‐terms of gestation in dogs by investigating steroid converting enzymes such as cholesterol side‐chain cleavage enzyme (SCC), 3 β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/isomerase (3 β‐HSD), 17 α‐hydroxylase/C17, 20lyase (c17), and aromatase in the ovaries and placenta. Aromatase positive cells were slightly confirmed in luteal cells in the mid‐term of gestation (day 40), whereas, in the late‐stage (day 50 and 60), the number of aromatase positive cells had increased. However, the oestrogen precursor (c‐17 positive cells), could barely be identified in the marginal regions of the corpora lutea (CL) and completely disappeared in the late‐stage of gestation. The androgen precursors, convertase SCC and 3 β‐HSD, were confirmed in all regions of the CL during the mid‐stage of gestation (day 40), showing particularly strong cell reactions in the marginal region of the CL. Yet, these positive reactions of SCC and 3 β‐HSD in the marginal region of the CL disappeared in the late‐stage of gestation. Moreover, it was discovered that the number of SCC and 3 β‐HSD positive cells had decreased in all regions of the CL. None of the enzymes were detected in the placenta. The above results indicated that the source of oestrogen secretion in pregnant dogs is considered to be the CL, and that, compared with the mid‐stage of gestation, there was an increased number of oestrogen synthesizing cells within the CL in the late‐stage. However, the biosynthetic site of oestrogen precursors from the luteal cells during the late‐stage of gestation is still unknown.

Three‐dimensional Reconstruction of the Equine Ovary

The equine ovary has a very unique structure in terms of its extreme large size, the presence of the ovulation fossa and the inverted location of its cortex and medulla. In the previous study, it was recognized that the application of three‐dimensional internal structure microscopy (3D‐ISM) to observe the mare ovary is very effective. Three‐dimensional reconstruction of serially sliced images made by 3D‐ISM was successful in this study with the aid of the sophisticated image processing technique. The rotation of the reconstructed ovary has been carried out with and without the application of the transparency technique in the ovarian stromal region. The spatial localization of follicles and corpus luteum was clearly visualized by rotating the reconstructed image of the ovary. The extraction of the images of follicles and corpus luteum was also available and gave a quantifiable understanding of their structure.

Determination of optimal time for mating by artificial insemination with chilled semen using luteinizing hormone surge as an indicator in beagles

Artificial insemination (AI) was conducted using the second fraction of semen, which was collected from 15 male dogs, diluted to a total sperm count of 100x10(6) for each insemination with egg-yolk Tris (eyT) citrate acid buffer and incubated at 4 degrees C for 48 hours. Luteinizing hormone (LH) surge was detected to determine the optimal time for mating using canine LH assay kits. Artificial insemination using 100x10(6) sperm was performed on the fourth and sixth days or the fifth and seventh days after the LH surge. The conception rates were 33% (4/12) and 89% (8/9), respectively; the whelping rates also showed similar results. Serum LH and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations were measured in nine dogs, and the mean LH concentration (+/- standard deviation) at LH surge was 15.77+/-7.66 ng/ml. The time of the LH surge detected by the canine LH assay kit was very similar to that measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA).

Shrinkage in the horizontal dimensions of the vulva (vulvar shrinkage) as an indicator of standing heat in the beagle.

During the proestrous and estrous periods in 12 beagles, the following parameters were measured daily: the horizontal dimensions of the vulva, vaginal cytology, and serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and progesterone concentrations. Measurements of serum LH concentrations allowed for the identification of the LH surge and the optimal time for artificial insemination (AI). Nine out of the 12 beagles became pregnant through AI and completed a gestation. Shrinkage in the horizontal dimensions of the vulva (i.e., vulvar shrinkage) was primarily observed prior and subsequent to the LH surge. In six of the nine (66.7%) beagles that became pregnant, vulvar shrinkage was observed on the days in which the LH surge was confirmed, and the rate of vulvar shrinkage tended to be greater at higher serum LH concentrations. Further vulvar shrinkage was identified in all nine beagles within two days of the LH surge. An increase in the serum progesterone concentration was observed after the LH surge in each of the beagles that became pregnant, together with clinical signs of estrous behavior (i.e., standing heat) as well as a change in vulva condition from swollen to soft. This demonstrates that vulvar shrinkage is induced in response to the onset of the LH surge and that the LH surge can be predicted through the measurement of the horizontal dimensions of the vulva, vaginal cytology, and the assessment of serum progesterone concentrations in beagles.

Analysis of the equine ovarian structure during the first twelve months of life by three-dimensional internal structure microscopy.

A three-dimensional internal structure microscopy (3D-ISM) can clarify the anatomical arrangement of internal structures of equine ovaries. In this study, morphological changes of the equine ovary over the first 12 months of life were investigated by 3D-ISM in 59 fillies and by histological analysis in 2 fillies. The weight and volume of the paired ovaries initially decreased from 0 to 1 months to 2 to 3 months of age and then significantly increased at 8 to 12 months of age. The ovulation fossa was first observed around the 3rd month and became evident after the 6th month. The number of follicles with a diameter of ≥10 mm and the diameter of the largest follicle increased gradually after 6 months of age. On a volume basis, the medulla accounted for nearly 90% of the whole ovary at 0 to 1 months of age, but significantly decreased from 2 to 3 months of age. The volume of the cortex increased progressively after birth and reached approximately 60% of the total volume at 8 to 12 months of age. This significant development of the cortex coincided with the increased number and size of large follicles observed from 6 months of age. These results suggest that the development of the cortex plays a role in the maturation of the follicles and the equine ovary undergoes substantial morphological changes postnatally until puberty.

Association between liver failure and hepatic UDP-glucuronosyltransferase activity in dairy cows with follicular cysts

Uridine 5’-diphospho-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) liver activity was measured using estradiol-17β as a substrate in dairy cows with follicular cysts. The activity was significantly lower than that in dairy cows with normal estrous cycles (P<0.01). Liver disorders, such as fatty liver and hepatitis, were observed in half cows with follicular cysts, and liver UGT activity was lower than that in cows with normal estrus cycles. In addition, the liver UGT activity was significantly lower in dairy cows with follicular cysts without liver disorders than in dairy cows with normal estrous cycles. Therefore, the cows were divided into those with low, middle and high liver UGT activities, and liver disorder complication rates were investigated. The complication rate was significantly higher in the low- (78.1%) than in the middle- (22.2%) and high-level (8.3%) groups, suggesting that liver disorders are closely associated with the development of follicular cysts in dairy cows and that steroid hormone metabolism is delayed because of reduced liver UGT activity, resulting in follicular cyst formation. We conclude that reduced estradiol-17β glucuronidation in the liver and liver disorders are associated with follicular cyst occurrence in dairy cows.

Identification and characterization of ten polymorphic microsatellite loci in the red panda Ailurus fulgens

Ten polymorphic microsatellite loci were characterized from two genomic DNA-enriched libraries of the red panda (Ailurus fulgens). The number of observed alleles among 35 samples of red pandas ranged from five to 12. Observed and expected heterozygosities were 0.286–0.971 and 0.443–0.894, and the mean polymorphic information content was 0.712. All loci followed Hardy–Weinberg expectations except Aifu-14 and Aifu-16, which may due to the presence of inbreeding or null alleles. Three pairs of loci exhibited significant linkage disequilibrium after Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. These microsatellites would be useful to strengthen population management, genetic diversity exploration, and demographic history speculation of this species.

Semi-automated color segmentation from a biological cross-sectional image series: follicle segmentation from the equine ovary

This paper proposes a semi-automatic segmentation method for the 3D-ISM system, which enables the capture of a high-resolution full-color cross sectional image series of a biological sample. Our approach is based on region-based segmentation and an adaptive classification technique by using the Otsu method, so it can be applied to an object like biological tissue, which has different colors by location. As a result, we have achieved to develop the method to decrease the degree of manual operation required. This paper also shows experimental results of applying our method to visualize the internal structure of the equine ovary. We have confirmed the spatial arrangement inside the ovary, which had not been revealed so far.