Search results for "Oocytes"

Voltage dependence of L-arginine transport by hCAT-2A and hCAT-2B expressed in oocytes from Xenopus laevis.

2000

Membrane potential and currents were investigated with the two-electrode voltage-clamp technique in Xenopus laevisoocytes expressing hCAT-2A or hCAT-2B, the splice variants of the human cationic amino acid transporter hCAT-2. Both hCAT-2A- and hCAT-2B-expressing oocytes exhibited a negative extracellularl-arginine concentration ([l-Arg]o)-sensitive membrane potential, additive to the K+diffusion potential, when cells were incubated in Leibovitz medium (containing 1.45 mM l-Arg and 0.25 mM l-lysine). The two carrier proteins produced inward and outward currents, which were dependent on the l-Arg gradient and membrane potential. Ion substitution experiments showed that the hCAT-induced curren…

Arginine-rich peptides are blockers of VR-1 channels with analgesic activity

2000

Vanilloid receptors (VRs) play a fundamental role in the transduction of peripheral tissue injury and/or inflammation responses. Molecules that antagonize VR channel activity may act as selective and potent analgesics. We report that synthetic arginine-rich hexapeptides block heterologously expressed VR-1 channels with submicromolar efficacy in a weak voltage-dependent manner, consistent with a binding site located near/at the entryway of the aqueous pore. Dynorphins, natural arginine-rich peptides, also blocked VR-1 activity with micromolar affinity. Notably, synthetic and natural arginine-rich peptides attenuated the ocular irritation produced by topical capsaicin application onto the eye…

The influence of smoke volatiles on sexual maturation and juvenile hormone biosynthesis in the black army cutworm, Actebia fennica (Lepidoptera: Noct…

2000

0965-1748 (Print) Journal Article Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Outbreaks of the black army cutworm, Actebia fennica, are associated with recently burned sites, where larvae feed on early successional plants. In the present paper we show that smoke volatiles stimulate juvenile hormone biosynthesis in virgin females, resulting in a more rapid rate of oocyte maturation and a significant advance in the age of first calling (the release of the sex pheromone) compared to control females. The ecological implications of this physiological effect are discussed.

Interference of L-arginine analogues with L-arginine transport mediated by the y+ carrier hCAT-2B.

1997

The inducible human cationic amino acid transporter hCAT-2B was expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, and this system was used to test the effect of several NO synthase (NOS) inhibitors and/or L-arginine analogues on L-arginine transport by this y+ carrier. L-NG-Methyl-L-arginine (L-NMA), asymmetrical L-NG, NG-dimethyl-L-arginine (L-ADMA), L-N5-(1-iminoethyl)-ornithine (L-NIO), L-NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA), and L-NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) all inhibited the inducible NOS II extracted from RAW 264.7 macrophages induced with bacterial lipopolysaccharide. L-NMA, L-ADMA, and L-NIO also competed with L-arginine for transport by hCAT-2B, whereas L-NNA and L-NAME did not. The two L-…

Identification and characterisation of the dopamine receptor II from the cat flea Ctenocephalides felis (CfDopRII)

2006

International audience; G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent a protein family with a wide range of functions. Approximately 30% of human drug targets are GPCRs, illustrating their pharmaceutical relevance. In contrast, the knowledge about invertebrate GPCRs is limited and is mainly restricted to model organisms like Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans. Especially in ectoparasites like ticks and fleas, only few GPCRs are characterised. From the cat flea Ctenocephalides felis, a relevant parasite of cats and dogs, no GPCRs are known so far. Thus, we performed a bioinformatic analysis of available insect GPCR sequences from the honeybee Apis mellifera, the mosquito Anop…

Maternal Oct-4 is a potential key regulator of the developmental competence of mouse oocytes

2008

Abstract Background The maternal contribution of transcripts and proteins supplied to the zygote is crucial for the progression from a gametic to an embryonic control of preimplantation development. Here we compared the transcriptional profiles of two types of mouse MII oocytes, one which is developmentally competent (MIISN oocyte), the other that ceases development at the 2-cell stage (MIINSN oocyte), with the aim of identifying genes and gene expression networks whose misregulated expression would contribute to a reduced developmental competence. Results We report that: 1) the transcription factor Oct-4 is absent in MIINSN oocytes, accounting for 2) the down-regulation of Stella, a matern…

Fertility and breast cancer: A literature review of counseling, preservation options and outcomes.

2021

Fertility preservation is an important issue in breast cancer patients undergoing oncological treatment. Fertility counseling is a crucial need given the physical and psychological stress experienced by patients. Cryopreservation of mature oocytes is currently the standard fertility-preserving procedure. Other options such as ovarian tissue preservation or gonadal protection during chemotherapy are still experimental, but have proven effectiveness. Prompt referral to a fertility unit is highly recommended in order to ensure quality of care. In this article, we focus on the different strategies to preserve fertility in breast cancer patients, assessing also the safety of pregnancy and breast…

Vitrification of Immature Porcine Oocytes: Effects of Lipid Droplets, Temperature, Cytoskeleton, and Addition and Removal of Cryoprotectant

1998

Three experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of single-step and stepwise exposure to and removal of cryoprotectant, of temperature, and of a cytoskeletal relaxant on the development of germinal vesicle porcine oocytes to the M-II stage. In experiment I, noncooled cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were treated using single-step/stepwise exposure to ethylene glycol (EG) and removal at 23 or 42 degrees C. Stepwise exposure to EG and dilution at 42 degrees C were found to have a positive effect on the COC developmental rate. In experiment II, also without cooling, COCs were treated with Cytochalasin B at 42 degrees C using single-step and stepwise protocols of exposure to and remov…

New perspectives in medically assisted procreation.

2008

Vitrification of human mature oocytes in clinical practice.

2009

Oocyte cryopreservation has long been the focus of unsuccessful efforts to perfect its clinical application. Lately, vitrification has been shown to provide high degrees of success by different research groups. This review attempts to address the efficiency of oocyte vitrification in clinical practice through an analysis of reports of IVF cycles in which embryo transfers have been conducted with vitrified metaphase-II human oocytes.