Search results for "Animal"

MUCI, glycans and the cell-surface barrier to embryo implantation

2001

As it approaches the maternal surface, the attaching embryo encounters the epithelial glycocalyx, which contains the mucin, MUC1. A high density of MUC1 at the cell surface can inhibit cell adhesion. This raises the possibility of the existence of a uterine barrier to implantation that might allow maternal rejection of poorer quality embryos. To investigate the mechanism of implantation, human embryos were incubated with endometrial epithelial monolayers. Hatched blastocysts were found to attach readily to the epithelial surface. MUC1 was lost from epithelial cells beneath and near to the attached embryo, while normal expression persisted in neighbouring cells.

2017

Purpose It is generally accepted that using a video laryngoscope is associated with an improved visualization of the glottis. However, correctly placing the endotracheal tube might be challenging. Channeled video laryngoscopic blades have an endotracheal tube already pre-loaded, allowing to advance the tube once the glottis is visualized. We hypothesized that use of a channel blade with pre-loaded endotracheal tube results in a faster intubation, compared to a curved Macintosh blade video laryngoscope. Methods After ethical approval and informed consent, patients were randomized to receive endotracheal Intubation with either the King Vision® video laryngoscope with curved blade (control) or…

Prognostic Value of Charlson Comorbidity Index at 30 Days and 1 Year After Acute Myocardial Infarction

2004

Introduction and objectives. The Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), an indicator of comorbidity, has been used as an adjusting variable in multivariate models. Because of its prognostic value per se for cardiovascular complications after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), we sought to determine the predictive value of the CCI for allcause mortality and recurrent AMI 30 days and 1 year after the index event. Patients and method. We analyzed 1035 consecutive patients admitted with the diagnosis of AMI (ST elevation=508 and non-ST elevation=527). The composite endpoint was determined after 30 days (13.9%) and 1 year (26.3%) of follow-up. The CCI was calculated on admission, and other variables …

Regulation by oestrogens of tachykinin NK3 receptor expression in the rat uterus.

1997

The expression of the tachykinin NK3 receptor and its regulation by ovarian steroids were analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in uteri from ovariectomized rats. A single transcript corresponding to the 325-bp product expected for the tachykinin NK3 receptor was detected in uteri from olive oil-treated (control) ovariectomized rats. The level of tachykinin NK3 receptor mRNA in progesterone-treated animals was similar to that observed in uteri from control ones. Tachykinin NK3 receptor mRNA levels were significantly smaller in uteri from oestrogen-treated ovariectomized rats, with approximately a 32-fold decrease. These findings suggest that oestrogen, but not…

Vitellogenesis inhibition in Oncopeltus fasciatus females (Heteroptera: Lygaeidae) exposed to cadmium

2005

Abstract Newly moulted females of the insect Oncopeltus fasciatus were exposed to cadmium (Cd) dissolved in the drinking water (50–400 mg l −1 Cd) for 5 days. Cd exposure delayed ovarian maturation and inhibited egg production. Exposure to Cd, moreover, decreased hemolymph levels of the two major vitellogenin polypeptides of O. fasciatus , VG1 and VG2, in a concentration-dependent way, probably by a reduction in their synthesis. The ovarian levels of VG1 and VG2 were also decreased in Cd-exposed females. It was next investigated whether Cd effects might be a consequence of the endocrine disruption of vitellogenin synthesis, which is controlled by juvenile hormone (JH). JH replacement therap…

The toxic and lethal effects of the trehalase inhibitor trehazolin in locusts are caused by hypoglycaemia

2003

SUMMARY The main blood sugar of locusts is trehalose, which is hydrolysed to two glucose units by trehalase. Homogenates of locust flight muscles are rich in trehalase activity, which is bound to membranes. A minor fraction of trehalase is in an overt form while the remainder is latent, i.e. active only after impairing membrane integrity. Trehazolin, an antibiotic pseudosaccharide,inhibits locust flight muscle trehalase with apparent Ki-and EC50 values of 10–8 mol l–1and 10–7 mol l–1, respectively. Trehazolin is insecticidal: 50 μg injected into locusts completely and selectively blocked the overt form of muscle trehalase (with little effect on latent activity) and killed 50% of the insects…

Abnormal development of pacinian corpuscles in double trkB;trkC knockout mice.

2006

Pacinian corpuscles depend on either Aalpha or Abeta nerve fibers of the large- and intermediate-sized sensory neurons for the development and maintenance of the structural integrity. These neurons express TrkB and TrkC, two members of the family of signal transducing neurotrophin receptors, and mice lacking TrkB and TrkC lost specific neurons and the sensory corpuscles connected to them. The impact of single or double targeted mutations in trkB and trkC genes in the development of Pacinian corpuscles was investigated in 25-day-old mice using immunohistochemistry and ultrastructural techniques. Single mutations on trkB or trkC genes were without effect on the structure and S100 protein expr…

MECHANISMS OF TENSION DEVELOPMENT INDUCED BY MONENSIN IN GUINEA-PIG AORTA : EFFECTS OF VERAPAMIL, OUABAIN, PRAZOSIN AND GLIBENCLAMIDE

1993

The influence of monensin (10 µmol/L) alone and in the presence of verapamil (3 µmol/L) or ouabain (1 mmol) and prazosin (1 µmol/L) or glibenclamide (10 µmol/L) were studied on the muscle tension of guinea pig aorta. Changes in tissue sodium, potassium and calcium ion contents of the aortic muscle produced by monensin in the presence of prazosin were evaluated. Monensin in normal Tyrode's solution containing prazosin caused an increase in the resting tension followed by a decrease and returned to normal values. Verapamil reduced the muscle tension induced by monensin. After ouabain, monensin induced sustained increase in the resting tension. Glibenclamide partially reversed the relaxant pha…

Ovicidal Activity of Maternally Applied Ecdysteroids in the Large Milkweed Bug (Heteroptera: Lygaeidae)

1982

Exogenous ecdysteroids (ecdysone, 20-hydroxyecdysone and makisterone A) administered to reproducing females of Oncopelus fasciatus (Dallas) reduced egg hatch drastically. The ovicidal activity apparently stemmed from ecdysteroids—unchanged hormone or metabolites—transferred from mother into oocyte. Different stages of embryogenesis were affected. Makisterone A, the predominant ecdysteroid in normal embryos, is by far the most effective ecdysteroid.

Presence of thyroid hormones in ascidian larvae and their involvement in metamorphosis

2001

In this study we investigated the presence and localization of thyroxine in Ciona intestinalis larvae and its involvement in metamorphosis. To date, the mechanisms regulating the metamorphosis of ascidians remain largely unknown. In vivo treatment of swimming larvae with exogenous L-thyroxine and thiourea, and in vitro experiments utilizing high performance liquid chromatography, radioimmunoassay, and immunoperoxidase staining demonstrate the presence of thyroxine at the larval stage. This suggests that this hormone may participate in the control of metamorphosis and thus play a different role from that observed in adults.