Development of a highly sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for bisphenol A in serum

4,4'-Isopropylidenediphenol, bisphenol A (BPA), was derivatized to BPA-carboxymethylether (BPA-CME), BPA-carboxypropylether (BPA-CPE) and BPA-carboxybutylether (BPA-CBE), and then linked to bovine serum albumin (BSA). The BPA-BSA conjugates were injected into female New Zealand White rabbits, which then generated six kinds of polyclonal antibodies. In addition, BPA and bisphenol B (BPB)-enzyme conjugates were derivatized to BPA-CME, BPA-CPE, BPA-CBE, BPA-carboxyphenylether (CPhE) and BPB-CPE, and then linked to horseradish peroxidase (HRP). An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed and the specificity of the antibodies was confirmed by comparison with pre-immune serum and by competitive assays using different dilutions of BPA standards. Although anti-BPA antibodies cross-reacted with BPB by more than 13.6% at all dilutions used, cross-reaction with phthalates and phenols occurred only less than 0.1%. The combination with the highest sensitivity was obtained using anti-BPA-CME-BSA antibody and BPA-CPhE-HRP conjugate. ELISA successfully detected BPA in human serum at concentrations as low as 0.3 ng mL(-1), and over a measurable range of 0.3-100 ng mL(-1). Recovery tests were carried out by adding BPA to three kinds of human serum, and ranged from 89.7 to 97.3%, from 85.4 to 94.9% and from 81.9 to 97.4%, respectively. The correlation between the results from ELISA and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for BPA in spiked serum was r2 = 0.990, indicating that the proposed method is a potential tool for screening a large number of human serum samples.

Plasma calcium and calcitonin levels in eels fed a high calcium solution or transferred to seawater

To examine the physiological role of calcitonin (CT) in calcium homeostasis of teleosts, we compared calcium and CT levels in freshwater eels fed a high calcium-consomme solution (Ca2+: 1.25 M; 1 ml/100 g body wt) into the stomach (Experiment I), and in freshwater eels transferred from freshwater to seawater (Experiment II). In experiment I, plasma calcium and CT levels in the high calcium-treated eels rapidly increased (calcium: 2.63 mM at 0 h to 8. 50 mM at 3 h; CT: below detection level at 0 h to 1118.2 pg/ml at 3 h). Plasma calcium and CT levels in the control eels remained below detection level during the 3 h of the experiment. In experiment II, the plasma CT levels did not increase, although the plasma calcium levels increased from 3.23 mM at 0 h to 4.10 mM at 8 h. Therefore, in eels, we demonstrate a correlation between plasma CT and plasma calcium raised by dietary calcium in the consomme form, but it does not participate in the initial processes of seawater adaptation.

Calcitonin cells in the intestine of goldfish and a comparison of the number of cells among saline-fed, soup-fed, or high Ca soup-fed fishes

Calcitonin-immunoreactive cells were found in the intestine of goldfish. These cells were distributed mainly in the anterior part of the intestine, dispersed in the intestinal epithelium. The nucleus was located in the basal portion of the serosal side, and the cytoplasm was elongated to the luminal side. From the anterior part of the intestine, cDNA fragments with the same nucleotide sequence as that of the goldfish calcitonin gene were amplified by RT-PCR method. After administration of one of three kinds of solutions (saline, consommé soup, or high Ca consommé soup) into the digestive tract of the goldfish, the number of those cells was the largest in the consommé group at 6 h after ingestion, although blood Ca levels were the highest in the high Ca consommé group. The function of calcitonin cells in the intestine may be to restrain the acute absorption of nutrients and not to control blood Ca levels.

Development of a time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay (TR-FIA) for testosterone: measurement of serum testosterone concentrations after testosterone treatment in the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

A sensitive time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay (TR-FIA) for testosterone was developed, and the assay system was used for measuring serum testosterone concentrations in rainbow trout. Testosterone-3-(O-carboxymethyl)oxime-bovine serum albumin (T-3-CMO-BSA) was immobilized by physical adsorption to the wells of microtiter plates. A competitive assay using two antibodies was performed among T-3-CMO-BSA in the solid-phase, unknown amounts of testosterone, testosterone antibodies, and europium labeled secondary antibodies, followed by measurements using a time-resolved fluorometer (DELFIA system). The TR-FIA had a sensitivity of 0.075 pg/50 microliters sample (1.5 pg/ml), and the range of the assay system was between 1.5 pg/ml and 25 ng/ml. The intra- and interassay coefficients of variation for the testosterone TR-FIA were satisfactorily low, and were between 1.62 and 6.38% and 2.96 and 8.29%, respectively. The assay system was applied to measure the serum testosterone concentrations after an injection of testosterone dissolved in saline, propyleneglycol, or coconut oil. Among the three solvents, the coconut oil group showed continuously high serum testosterone level. In contrast, the saline and propyleneglycol groups had maximum concentrations 24 hr after the injection, but their levels were significantly lower than that of the coconut oil group. The testosterone TR-FIA method is sensitive, repeatable, and is as accurate as conventional RIAs. It is very good for measuring serum testosterone concentrations.

[Enzyme labeling methods and it's specificities]

Enzyme labeled antigen for use in ELISA of Hapten (steroids, prostanoid, carbohydrate, nucleic acid, peptide, herbicide, insecticide and antibiotic) have usually been prepared by condensation of carboxy group of hapten with amino groups of lysine residue in enzyme. The horseradish peroxidase (HRP) is best suitable as labeling enzyme, therefore it is small molecular, and substrate turnover is much higher compared to the other enzymes. The mixed anhydride and carbodiimide methods have mainly been used the preparation of hapten conjugate BSA, but not satisfactory for enzyme labeling. The N-hydroxysuccinimide ester (NHS: active ester) method is satisfactory with respect to reproducibility and sensitivity. The sensitivity is related to the bridging phenomenon: One of the disadvantages of the homologous labels is that the antibody shows an affinity not only for the Hapten but also for the bridge which connects the Hapten to carrier protein. We have developed a sensitive bridge heterologous EIA for progesterone (P) using geometrical isomers of P-3 (E/Z) (O-carboxymethyl) oxime-N-hydroxysuccinimide esters [ef Ab of P-3 (E) CMO-BSA/P-3 (Z) CMO-HRP]3). The sensitivity of heterologous proved to be higher than a homologous EIA or a conventional RIA. It seem like that a 1:1 steroid-enzyme conjugate is suitable for obtaining a high sensitivity. The avidin-biotin (AB) system provides great versatility, since by conjugation with an appropriate label, the AB assay can be used with any chosen detector. Furthermore, IgG can be labels with biotin without significantly influencing their immunological activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Covalent coupling of a steroid to microwell plates for use in a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

The covalent coupling of a model steroid, 17 alpha-hydroxypregnenolone, to the wells of the microtiter plate, CovaLink NH, for use in a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay is described. This plate has secondary amino groups bound to its surface. A carboxylated derivative of the steroid was coupled to the amino group to form an amide bond in a single step using a water-soluble carbodiimide, 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide (10 mM) as coupling reagent in the presence of N-hydroxysuccinimide (1 mM). After carrying out a competitive immune reaction, antibodies bound to immobilized steroids were estimated by means of a second antibody-enzyme conjugate. The non-specific background was reduced with blocking agents which did not interfere with the immune reaction between antibodies and the steroids coupled to the plastic surface. The following two procedures were effective for this purpose: pretreatment of wells with 0.01% Tween 20 solution followed by 0.5% bovine serum albumin in phosphate buffered saline, and addition of 0.01% Tween 20 to the assay buffer. With this method, the preparation of steroid-enzyme conjugates is unnecessary and optimization of conditions for ELISA procedures can be achieved in a simple manner.

Analysis of urinary protein by immunoblot method using unconcentrated urine in preeclampsia

In order to investigate the renal change in preeclampsia, molecular weight and specific protein analyses in unconcentrated urine were performed by the immunoblot method. Urine samples were taken from 34 preeclamptic cases (pure type), including 20 severe cases. Polypeptide profiles of urine consisted of four patterns: low MW (L) pattern (tubular damage), high MW (H) pattern (glomerular damage), high and low MW (HL) pattern, and middle MW (M) pattern. The incidences of the HL, H, L, and M patterns were 26.5%, 14.7%, 11.8%, and 47.1%, respectively. The HL pattern was found more frequently in severe proteinuria than in mild proteinuria. High incidences of the HL and H patterns were found in the hypertensive group. Larger amounts of IgM, fibronectin, IgG, and beta 2 microglobulin in urine were confirmed using specific antibodies. Our results suggest that the immunoblot method makes it possible to differentiate glomerular and tubular damages and to evaluate the severity of renal damage in preeclampsia using unconcentrated urine.

Calcitonin-immunoreactive cells are present in the brains of some cyclostomes

In the brains of four species of cyclostomes (two species each of lampreys and hagfishes), immunoreactive calcitonin-producing cells (iCT cells) were located immunohistochemically by the peroxidase-antiperoxidase method using anti-salmon calcitonin antiserum. In the case of both the adults and the ammocoetes of the brook lamprey (Lampetra reissneri) which lives in freshwater throughout its life, iCT cells were found in two distinct areas: in the pars ventralis hypothalami of the diencephalon and in the torus semicircularis of the mesencephalon. The iCT cells in the diencephalon are classified as bipolar nerve cells, and those in the mesencephalon are classified as multipolar nerve cells. In both the anadromous and catadromous arctic lamprey (Lampetra japonica), iCT cells were present only in the diencephalon, and those were bipolar nerve cells. There seemed to be no differences in the numbers and the immunostainability of the iCT cells, despite the different environments inhabited by the lampreys. In the hagfishes (Eptatretus burgeir and Paramyxine atami) that inhabit seawater throughout their lives, iCT cells were also found only in the diencephalon, although they were very few in number and exhibited poor immunostainability.

Cells showing immunoreactivity for calcitonin or calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the central nervous system of some invertebrates

In the central nervous system of some species of several invertebrate phyla, including land planarians (Platyhelminthes), ribbon worms (Nemertina), slugs (Mollusca), polychaetes, earthworms and leeches (Annelida), pill bugs (Arthropoda), and beard worms (Pogonophora), salmon calcitonin-immunoreactive cells and rat calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-immunoreactive cells were found by immunohistochemistry. These immunoreactive cells were located in the region surrounding the neuropile, although the sizes of the cells varied according to species. Some of them were round or polygonal and regarded as apolar nerve cells because of their lack of cytoplasmic processes, whereas others were spindle-shaped or elongated, being comparable with unipolar nerve cells because of extension of their cytoplasmic processes in the direction of the neuropile. In some cases, it was noted that the cytoplasmic processes had complicated branches or formed loop-like structures at their ends. These observations suggest that a calcitonin-like or CGRP-like substance is extensively present in invertebrates as well as vertebrates.

Ontogeny of the response of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis to maternal immobilization stress in rats

In this study we investigated the response of the rat fetal hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to an acute maternal stress in late gestation. On day 20 of gestation, pregnant rats were exposed to forced immobilization stress for up to 60 min. In mothers, a significant increase in plasma ACTH and corticosterone(B) was observed at 20 and 60 min. The ACTH content in the maternal pituitary decreased significantly at 60 min. Fetal blood pH was decreased by the maternal stress, showing a hypoxic condition of the fetus. Fetal plasma ACTH increased transiently at 20 min. Fetal plasma B increased at 20 and 60 min. ACTH in the fetal pituitary and the placenta did not show marked changes due to the maternal stress. Pregnant rats on day 18-21 of gestation were subjected to a 20 min maternal stress. In the basal condition without stress, fetal plasma ACTH and B showed parallel ontogenic patterns, having a peak value on day 19 of gestation. Fetal plasma ACTH as well as plasma B were increased significantly by the maternal stress at all points evaluated. These results indicate that fetal hypoxia is important in stress transmission to the fetal HPA axis in this type of maternal stress, and the fetal HPA axis responds to the stress as early as day 18 of gestation.

Luteolytic effect of the antiprogestin and antiglucocorticoid agent RU486 in rats

Ovarian cells of pregnant rats were cultured with synthetic progestins (R5020, R2323), dexamethasone and RU486. Progesterone and 20 alpha-hydroxy-pregn-4-en-3-one (20 alpha-dihydroprogesterone) in the medium were measured by specific radioimmunoassay. Both R5020 and R2323 increased concentrations of these intrinsic progestins. RU486 decreased concentrations of progesterone, however, the addition of R5020 or R2323 counteracted this action. Immature hypophysectomized rats treated with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMS) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) were administered with RU486; the serum levels of progesterone and 20 alpha-dihydroprogesterone tended to decrease. R5020 and R2323 inhibited the effect of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD), whereas RU486 did not. Inhibition of the cholesterol side chain cleavage enzyme (CSCC) by RU486 was more marked than that by R5020 or R2323. These results show that RU486 decreases progesterone synthesis in cultured ovarian cells. A part of the mechanism may involve an inhibition of CSCC.

The effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on progestin secretion and cyclic AMP synthesis in cultured luteal cells from pregnant rats

It is reported that steroid synthesis in ovarian cells is affected by epidermal growth factor (EGF). We cultured luteal cells from pregnant rats for 2 days with or without EGF, followed by incubation of the cells with or without stimulants (hCG, forskolin and dibutyryl cyclic AMP) for 5 hours. The levels of progesterone, 20 alpha-hydroxy-pregn-4-en-3-one (20 alpha-dihydroprogesterone) and cyclic AMP (cAMP) in the media were assayed. EGF had no effect on the basal levels of progesterone, 20 alpha-dihydroprogesterone and cAMP, but it suppressed these levels which were increased by the stimulants. We investigated binding capacity of [125I]-EGF to ovarian tissue of pregnant rats. Ovarian tissue had specific binding sites for EGF. The maximum number of binding sites was 2.38 fmol/mg tissue and the Kd value was 0.547 nM. It was indicated that EGF modified the reactivity of luteal cells to stimulants; counteracting the tropic effect of gonadotropins. It was shown that this effect of EGF might be exerted through its receptor in luteal cells.

Sex-specific effects on the fetal neuroendocrine system during acute stress in late pregnancy of rat and the influence of a simultaneous treatment by tyrosine

It is well-known that prenatal chronic intermittent stress affects the reproductive system of both sexes. Investigating the effects of an acute maternal stress on the fetal neuroendocrine system, parameters such as hypothalamic catecholamines. CRF, GRF, LH-RH, beta-endorphin, hypophysial beta-endorphin and beta-LPH as well as plasma LH, corticosterone and androstenedione were measured. Pregnant rats of Wistar strain were exposed to restraint stress at day 22 of gestation or to forced immobilization at day 20 of gestation, respectively, and were sacrificed before stress and 10, 30, 60, and 120 min after starting stress. A decrease of fetal hypothalamic catecholamines and an increase of LH-RH content of the hypothalamus as well as of plasma catecholamines were observed under stress on day 22 of gestation. On day 20 of gestation hypothalamic beta-endorphin was depleted in male and unchanged in female fetuses under stress. A depletion of hypothalamic CRF was observed in male fetuses, whereas female fetuses showed an increase of hypothalamic CRF. An increase of GRF was found in fetuses of both sexes. Pituitary opioid content increased in fetuses of both sexes initially, but was depleted secondarily in male fetuses. The LH plasma level was markedly reduced in male, the corticosterone level was elevated in fetuses of both sexes as well as the androstenedione level in female fetuses. A simultaneous treatment of mother animals with tyrosine--a catecholamine precursor--prevented the depletion of hypothalamic and pituitary beta-endorphin as well as in part the reduction of plasma LH levels in male fetuses. Hypothalamic GRF content does not increase under tyrosine treatment in male fetuses, whereas in female fetuses the stress-induced increase of GRF content was rather pronounced under tyrosine than attenuated. These results indicate that fetal hypothalamic neurotransmitters and neurohormones (such as LH-RH, CRF, GRF and opioids) are involved in changing circulating hypophysial and adrenal hormones in fetuses exposed to maternal stress in late pregnancy, whereby sex-specific different pathways might be effective in fetal stress processing. The prenatal administration of tyrosine prevented at least in part--those neurohormonal changes which are affecting the sex-specific brain differentiation.

Contragestive effects of the antigestagenic agent, RU486, in rats and rabbits

The contragestive effects of the antiprogesterone RU486 in pregnant rats and rabbits were investigated. Administrations of increasing doses of RU486 in intact or castrated pregnant rats induced abortion in a dose dependent manner. RU486 had less effect when administered on the 16th day of gestation. Antiestrogens (tamoxifen, clomiphene citrate), an inhibition of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (epostane) showed a synergistic effect when used in combination with RU486. A decrease in serum progesterone levels was observed after RU486 administration. A larger dose of RU486 was necessary to induce abortion in pregnant rabbits compared to rats. The maximum blood concentration was greater and the area under the plasma level curve was larger in rats than in rabbits following administration of RU486.

Radioimmunoassay of 2-hydroxyesterone using antisera raised against antigenic complexes obtained by convenient methods

Antigenic complexes of 2-hydroxyestrone (2-OHE1) were obtained by Mannich reaction of 2-OHE1 and bovine serum albumin (BSA) and by coupling of 2-OHE1 1-glutathione thioether to BSA using glutaraldehyde. Antiserum raised against the antigen obtained by the Mannich reaction had high affinity (Kd = 3.8 x 10(9) M-1) and relatively high specificity; cross reactivities for estrone, 4-hydroxyestrone and 2-methoxyestrone were 2.1%, 10% and 1.5%, respectively. The other antiserum also had high affinity (4.5 x 10(9) M-1) but its cross reactivities for the above three steroids were more than 100%. Concentrations of 2-hydroxyestrone in human plasma were determined by radioimmunoassay with the more specific antiserum and Sephadex LH-20 chromatography to be less than a minimum detectable amount (less than 10 pg/ml) (men), 20.9 pg/ml (women, proliferation) and 26.0 pg/ml (women, periovulation).

Inhibition of rat ovarian 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD), 17 alpha-hydroxylase and 17,20 lyase by progestins and danazol

The site of action of synthetic progestins or danazol in the treatment of endometriosis is considered to be mainly the hypothalamo-pituitary level, but the direct action to the uterine endometrium and the ovary is also suggested. We investigated the effect of these synthetic steroids to rat ovarian steroidogenic enzymes. The effect of norethisterone, levonorgestrel, danazol, gestrinone, desogestrel and 3-keto-desogestrel was studied in vitro. The sources of the enzymes were prepared from ovaries of immature rats treated either with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMS) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) for 3 beta-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD), or with PMS for 17 alpha-hydroxylase and 17,20 lyase. The substrates used were pregnenolone (P5) for 3 beta-HSD, progesterone (P4) for 17 alpha-hydroxylase, and 17 alpha-hydroxy-progesterone (17 alpha-OH-P4) for 17,20 lyase. The substrates were incubated with the enzyme sources and coenzymes, and the products formed were measured. All the steroids inhibited 3 beta-HSD, and the inhibition by gestrinone (Ki = 3.0 microM) and 3-keto-desogestrel (17.5 microM) was particularly marked. Only desogestrel (Ki = 30.3 microM) and danazol (168 microM) inhibited 17 alpha-hydroxylase. All the steroids inhibited 17,20 lyase, and the inhibition by desogestrel (Ki = 0.70 microM), danazol (0.80 microM), and gestrinone (30 microM) was particularly marked.

The inhibitory effect of synthetic steroids on proestrous gonadotropin release in the rat

This study was performed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of synthetic steroids on the hypothalamo-pituitary axis. Six synthetic steroids, used for contraception or other gynecologic indications, were injected to female rats on diestrus 2 (2 mg/kg, sc), and the animals were sacrificed in the afternoon of proestrus. Serum levels of LH, FSH and progesterone, the pituitary contents of LH and FSH, and LH-RH in the median eminence were measured by radioimmunoassays. Among the synthetic steroids tested in this study, norethisterone, d-norgestrel, 3-keto-desogestrel and gestrinone completely blocked the gonadotropin surge on proestrus, showing stronger antigonadotropic activity than progesterone. Desogestrel did not affect proestrous gonadotropin release at this dose. The suppressive effect of danazol could be seen only in a larger dose (20 mg/kg). These findings reconfirmed previously reported results, which demonstrated that the hypothalamo-pituitary complex was a major site of action of these steroids.

Steroid hormone receptors in the uterus and ovary of immature rats treated with gonadotropins

We administered either saline (group A) or 10 IU of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMS; groups B and C) to female immature rats. Fifty-three hours later, the rats were injected with saline (groups A and B) or 30 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG; group C). The rats were decapitated 17 h after the last treatment, and the serum levels of progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) were measured by specific radioimmunoassays (RIA). The receptor levels of progesterone (PR) and estrogen (ER) in the uterus and ovaries were measured and the dissociation constant (Kd) of PR was obtained. The highest serum level of P4 was found in group C and that of E2 in group B. Cytosol levels of PR and ER in the uterus and ovary of the group B were the highest. It was indicated that the PMS treated-group (B), which had developing follicles in the ovary and the high serum level of E2, showed the highest concentration of ER and PR in both the ovary and the uterus. In the PMS and hCG-treated group (C), the uterine and ovarian steroid receptors decreased probably because of the luteinization and the high serum level of P4. The Kd uterine PR value was less than that of ovarian PR.

Development of a direct microplate enzyme immunoassay for the determination of pregnanediol-3 alpha-glucuronide in urine

A sensitive direct enzyme immunoassay for urine pregnanediol-3 alpha-glucuronide was developed. The assay system involves the use of an antiserum against pregnanediol-3 alpha-glucuronide and an enzyme-labelled antigen chemically prepared by linking beta-D-galactosidase to 20 alpha-hydroxy-5 beta-pregnane 3(O-carboxymethyl)oxime. Free from antibody-bound antigen was separated by a solid-phase double antibody method, using a microplate coupled with goat anti-rabbit gamma-globulin. This solid-phase enzyme immunoassay for urine pregnanediol-3 alpha-glucuronide was validated in terms of specificity, accuracy and sensitivity. When urine samples were assayed for pregnanediol-3 alpha-glucuronide, the results obtained by the solid phase enzyme immunoassay and conventional radioimmunoassay methods agreed well (n = 30, r = 0.922). This assay system has an advantage over radioimmunoassay, because it does not require the use of radioisotopes. The procedure of this method is very simple, since it does not require purification steps of the biological samples.

Age-related changes in serum 17-hydroxypregnenolone and 17-hydroxypregnenolone sulfate concentrations in human infancy and childhood

In order to clarify some of the developmental processes of the human adrenal cortex or steroidogenesis in infancy and childhood, serum concentrations of 17-hydroxypregnenolone, 17-hydroxypregnenolone sulfate and 17-hydroxyprogesterone were measured by means of a combined radioimmunoassay method, and the age-related changes in these steroids were also examined. The actual ranges of serum concentrations of 17-hydroxypregnenolone, 17-hydroxypregnenolone sulfate and 17-hydroxyprogesterone in umbilical cord blood were 27.1-80.5, 1,560-5,030 and 53.3-304 nmol/l, respectively. These values subsequently decreased to nadirs of 0.95-2.09 nmol/l of 17-hydroxypregnenolone in subjects 1 to 2 years old, 0.93-7.03 nmool/l of 17-hydroxypregnenolone sulfate in subjects 3 to 6 years old and 0.18-0.78 nmol/l of 17-hydroxyprogesterone in subjects 1 to 2 years old, respectively, and they were followed by gradual increases to the adult levels. This study thus revealed the age-related changes in 17-hydroxypregnenolone and its sulfate concentrations in infancy and childhood and indicated that, in the process in which the adrenal cortex was differentiated to the definitive form, the decrease in the activity of steroid sulfotransferase in infancy and childhood occurred more slowly than the increase in that of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase.

Serum 17-hydroxypregnenolone and 17-hydroxypregnenolone sulfate concentrations in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency

Serum concentrations of 17-hydroxypregnenolone, 17-hydroxypregnenolone sulfate and 17-hydroxyprogesterone were measured simultaneously in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency, using a combined radioimmunoassay method. All these precursor steroids were found to be markedly elevated in the sera of untreated patients with a salt-losing form of the disease, whereas, in untreated patients with a simple virilizing form, only the concentration of unconjugated steroids was increased and the 17-hydroxypregnenolone sulfate concentration remained within the normal range. Among the patients with a salt-losing form under maintenance therapy, these steroids were all still significantly increased in those on insufficient control, whereas only 17-hydroxyprogesterone was significantly but slightly increased in those on adequate control. Although the mechanism whereby the serum 17-hydroxypregnenolone sulfate concentration is not increased in the untreated simple virilizers is unknown, both a milder degree of 21-hydroxylase deficiency and a role of 17-hydroxypregnenolone sulfate in adrenal steroid production as a kind of supplier are suggested as possible explanations, especially in the neonatal period and early infancy. Thus, this study showed the serum concentrations of 17-hydroxypregnenolone and its sulfate together with 17-hydroxyprogesterone in patients with 21-hydroxylase deficiency in various conditions.

A sensitive bridge heterologous enzyme immunoassay of progesterone using geometrical isomers

A sensitive bridge heterologous enzyme immunoassay of progesterone using geometrical isomers of progesterone 3(O-carboxymethyl)oxime(E/Z) was developed. Isomers were separated by synthesis of N-hydroxysuccinimide esters. Progesterone 3(Z)(O-carboxymethyl)oxime N-hydroxysuccinimide ester bound with beta-galactosidase in an appropriate molar ratio provided a conjugate suitable for an enzyme immunoassay. The antiserum was raised in rabbits by immunizing the animals with the progesterone 3(E)(O-carboxymethyl)oxime-bovine serum albumin conjugate. This bridge heterologous enzyme immunoassay proved to have sufficient sensitivity equivalent to radioimmunoassay and excellent specificity.

Localization and distribution of unconjugated steroid hormones in normal placenta at term

The localization and distribution of unconjugated oestrone, oestradiol-17 beta, oestriol and progesterone were studied in normal term placentae, using subcellular fractionation and indirect immunofluorescence techniques. Radioimmunoassay of these steroids in each subcellular fraction showed that they were detectable mainly in the cytosol fraction. The efficiency of fixatives for retaining steroids in placental tissue during immunohistochemical procedures was studied in order to validate the present experimental techniques. As compared with other fixatives, glutaraldehyde solution produced minimal leakage of steroid hormones from placental tissue. Using an indirect immunofluorescence technique oestrone, oestriol and progesterone were detectable in the cytoplasm of villous syncytiotrophoblast of fixed term placentae.

[Age-related changes of serum 17 alpha-hydroxypregnenolone and 17 alpha-hydroxypregnenolone sulfate concentrations in infancy and childhood]

In order to clarify a part of the developmental processes of the human adrenal cortex or steroidgenesis in infancy and childhood, serum concentrations of 17 alpha-hydroxypregnenolone (17-OH-delta 5 P), 17 alpha-hydroxypregnenolone-3-sulfate (17-OH-delta 5 P-S) and 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OH-delta 4 P) were measured using a combined radioimmunoassay method previously reported, and age-related changes of these steroids were evaluated. In addition to the serum concentrations, a ratio of 17-OH-delta 5 P-S to 17-OH-delta 5 P (S/delta 5 P ratio) and that of 17-OH-delta 4 P to 17-OH-delta 5 P (delta 4 P/delta 5 P ratio) were also estimated as the indices of the activities of steroid sulfokinase (SK) and 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD), respectively. Serum 17-OH-delta 5 P, 17-OH-delta 5 P-S and 17-OH-delta 4 P concentrations in umbilical cord blood were 13.5 +/- 6.02 (Mean +/- SD) ng/ml, 965 +/- 363 ng/ml and 46.3 +/- 21.1 ng/ml, respectively. These values decreased consecutively to the nadirs which were 0.47 +/- 0.16 ng/ml in subjects 1 to 2 years old, 1.26 +/- 0.82 ng/ml in subjects 3 to 6 years old and 0.17 +/- 0.007 ng/ml in subjects 3 to 4 months old, respectively, and they were followed by gradual increases up to the adult levels. S/delta 5 P ratio also showed the same profile.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Involvement of gonadotrophin and steroid hormones in spermiation in the amago salmon, Oncorhynchus rhodurus, and goldfish, Carassius auratus

Effects of intraperitoneal injections of chum salmon gonadotrophin (SGA) and various steroid hormones (17 alpha, 20 beta-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one; 17 alpha,20 beta-diOHprog, 17 alpha-hydroxy-progesterone, testosterone, 11-ketotestosterone) on the induction of in vivo spermiation were examined in nonspermiating amago salmon (Oncorhynchus rhodurus) and goldfish (Carassius auratus). A single injection of SGA to amago salmon and two successive injections to goldfish induced strong spermiation responses. Similarly two successive injections of 17 alpha,20 beta-diOHprog caused precocious spermiation in both species; however, the response to 17 alpha,20 beta-diOHprog was of lesser magnitude than that to SGA. The spermiation response of goldfish to 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone was similar to that of 17 alpha,20 beta-diOHprog. Neither testosterone nor 11-ketotestosterone were effective in inducing spermiation in amago salmon, but these steroids were found to be slightly effective in goldfish. Effects of a single injection of SGA on changes in serum levels of 17 alpha,20 beta-diOHprog and 11-ketotestosterone were also examined in nonspermiating amago salmon. Serum levels of 17 alpha,20 beta-diOHprog dramatically increased after treatment and peaked on Day 2 and thereafter declined quickly. Similarly, 11-ketotestosterone peaked on Day 2, but the levels remained high throughout the experimental period. Considered together, these findings are consistent with the suggestion that 17 alpha, 20 beta-diOHprog is involved in the process of spermiation in teleosts. It is further suggested that this hormone is a testicular steroidal mediator of gonadotrophin-induced spermiation in amago salmon.

A new radioimmunoassay for serum 16 alpha-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione with specific antiserum

A radioimmunoassay system for serum 16 alpha-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione was developed with the use of rabbit antiserum against 16 alpha-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione-3-(O-carboxymethyl)oxime which was conjugated with bovine serum albumin. The antiserum was highly specific for 16 alpha-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione, with cross reactions to other steroids being less than 0.8% except for androst-4-ene-3,17-dione(3.4% cross reaction). Use of LH-20 column chromatography, however, clearly separated these two steroids. Pregnancy sera were measured with this assay system after an addition of labelled internal standard, extraction and separation by column chromatography. The lower limit of detection for 16 alpha-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione was 2 pg/tube. The mean recovery rate of the added standard was 98.3 +/- 8.8% (mean +/- SE). Intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation were 8.6% (n = 6) and 12.1% (n = 7), respectively.

[A combined radioimmunoassay method for the determination of 17 alpha-hydroxypregnenolone, 17 alpha-hydroxypregnenolone sulfate and 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone in human blood]

It is well recognized that in the fetal adrenal cortex, 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD) activity is lower and in fetal tissues, steroid sulfokinase (SK) is higher than in the adult. In order to clarify a part of the development processes of the adrenal cortex or steroidgenesis in humans, a combined radioimmunoassay (RIA) method to estimate serum 17 alpha-hydroxypregnenolone (17-OH-delta 5 P), 17 alpha-hydroxypregnenolone sulfate (17-OH-delta 5 P-S) and 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OH-delta 4P) was devised. The method consisted of the following procedures: 1) diethyl ether extraction and chromatographic separation of unconjugated steroids (17-OH-delta 5P and 17-OH-delta 4P), 2) enzymatic hydrolysis of 17-OH-delta 5P-S using the residue of diethyl ether extraction for a material, 3) diethyl ether extraction and chromatographic purification of hydrolyzed 17-OH-delta 5P-S, and 4) RIAs for 17-OH-delta 5-P to estimate 17-OH-delta 5P and 17-OH-delta 5P-S concentration, and for 17-OH-delta 4P. Extracted 17-OH-delta 5P was well separated from 17-OH-delta 4P by Sephadex LH-20 microcolumn chromatography, using a benzene/methanol = 95/5 (v/v) solvent as a mobile phase. Several procedures for hydrolysis or solvolysis of 17-OH-delta 5P-S were compared using available tritiated delta 5-3 beta-hydroxysteroids including dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA), DHA sulfate (DHA-S) and 17-OH-delta 5P, and it was found that the most suitable method was an enzymatic hydrolysis by arylsulfatase from Helix Pomatia in an appropriate condition in which the percent hydrolysis was 92.9 +/- 1.2 (mean +/- SEM)%. The final percent recoveries were 88.7 +/- 1.2% in 17-OH-delta 4P, 90.7 +/- 1.4% in 17-OH-delta 5P and 78.1 +/- 2.1% in 17-OH-delta 5P-S, respectively. A suitable antiserum and its final dilution titer for RIA of 17-OH-delta 5P (hydrolyzed 17-OH-delta 5P-S also) was 1:12,000 dilution of anti-17-OH-delta 5P-3-succinate-BSA serum. An anti-7-oxo-17-OH-delta 5P-7-carboxymethyloxime-BSA serum was considered to be unsuitable for the measurement of hydrolyzed 17-OH-delta 5-P-S, presumably because of a significant cross-reactivity with a large amount of unknown steroid sulfates simultaneously hydrolyzed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Relationship between the anti-inflammatory effects and intrapleural accumulations of anti-inflammatory drugs in rats carrageenin pleurisy

We simultaneously determined the time course of the anti-exudative effects of three types of anti-inflammatory drug and their concentrations in serum and pleural exudate in carrageenin-induced pleurisy in rats. Dexamethasone (DM, steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, 0.1 mg/kg, p.o.) in spite of the gradual decline of DM concentration in the pleural exudate with time and its actual loss at 16 h after carrageenin, showed an anti-exudative effect throughout the period of testing after carrageenin which was more marked in the relatively late phase than in the relatively early phase. Mepirizole (MP, non-acidic, non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug, 100 mg/kg, p.o.) showed an anti-exudative effect only at 3 h after carrageenin and not thereafter, although MP concentration in exudate was the same between 3 and 6 h after carrageenin and then declined gradually. Ketoprofen (KP, acidic, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, 1 mg/kg, p.o.) showed an anti-exudative effect for 6 h after carrageenin and not thereafter, while KP concentration in exudate reached the peak at 3 h after carrageenin and then declined with time. However, at the relatively late phase (10 h after carrageenin) the twice administration of KP resulted in an increase in its exudate concentration enough to show an anti-inflammatory effect, but did not result in any more anti-exudative effect than the single administration of KP. Therefore, these differences in the anti-exudative effects of three types of anti-inflammatory drug can not be explained by the change in their concentrations in the inflamed tissue, but may reflect the difference in their intrinsic anti-inflammatory activities. The anti-inflammatory drugs accumulated in the inflamed pleural cavity independently of their ability to bind to plasma proteins, because the ratio of concentrations of three types of drug in exudate to those in serum were similar in spite of marked differences in protein binding capacities among these drugs.

Radioimmunoassay of diethylstilbestrol in plasma of patients with prostatic carcinoma

A method for the radioimmunoassay of diethylstilbestrol (DES) was established and it was used to measure the plasma concentration of DES in patients with prostatic carcinoma receiving intravenous drip infusion of 500 mg of diethylstilbestrol diphosphate (DES-DP). The sensitivity of this assay system was 40 pg per tube, with a recovery of 98%. The cross reactivity of the anti-DES antibody with estradiol, testosterone, and ethynylestradiol was less than 0.01% of DES, and that with DES-DP was 0.7%. In patients with prostatic carcinoma, plasma DES concentration at 6 and 24 hr after was declined to 10.2% and 4.4% of the level at the termination of intravenous administration of DES-DP, respectively; however, the concentration in patients with renal dysfunction was higher than that in ones with normal renal function.

Meiosis-inhibiting effects in vivo of antiserum to progesterone on follicular ova in immature rats treated with gonadotropins

Effects of the neutralization of endogenous progesterone with rabbit antiserum to progesterone (anti-progesterone) on germinal vesicle breakdown of ova in follicles of small (less than 125 micrometers), intermediate (125-250 micrometers) and large (greater than 250 micrometers) diameter were examined by a quantitative histological technique. Immature rats were treated with 5 IU pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin (PMS) then with 10 IU human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Administration of anti-progesterone together with hCG 6 h later significantly decreased the incidence of germinal vesicle breakdown of ova in the large follicles, but not in the intermediate ones. This treatment did not affect the proportion of intermediate to large follicles in the population. Replacement with progesterone 1 h after the simultaneous injection of hCG and anti-progesterone partly reversed the reduced incidence of meiosis. An injection of rabbit antiserum to estrone, in addition to the replacement with progesterone 1 h after the simultaneous injections of hCG and anti-progesterone, restored the incidence of meiosis to a value comparable to the values found for control rats treated sequentially with PMS and hCG. We concluded that the hCG-induced preovulatory rise in progesterone has a limited but definite stimulatory effect on the resumption of meiosis in the ova of large follicles and that it mediates the meiosis-inducing action of hCG.

Plasma 17 alpha, 20 beta-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one levels during sexual maturation of amago salmon (Oncorhynchus rhodurus): correlation with plasma gonadotropin and in vitro production by ovarian follicles

Plasma gonadotropin (GtH) and 17 alpha, 20 beta-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (17 alpha, 20 beta-diOH-prog) levels were assessed by radioimmunoassay during the sexual maturation of female amago salmon (Oncorhynchus rhodurus). Both GtH and 17 alpha, 20 beta-diOHprog levels were low in vitellogenic females (June to September) and in those with full-grown immature oocytes and were elevated in mature and ovulated females to 40 ng/ml for GtH and 50-70 ng/ml for 17 alpha, 20 beta-diOHprog. In vitro production of 17 alpha, 20 beta-diOHprog by ovarian follicles and its stimulation by partially purified chinook salmon gonadotropin (SG-G100) was examined monthly using 18 hr incubations. In June and July, levels were too low to detect (less than 30 pg/ml) in media from all treatment groups. In August and September, SG-G100 at a concentration of 1 microgram/ml stimulated low levels of production (0.2-0.3 ng/ml). Full-grown, immature follicles in October showed a dose-response production of 17 alpha, 20 beta-diOHprog, averaging over 10 ng/ml when incubated with 1 microgram/ml SG-G100. Postovulatory follicles (1-2 days after ovulation) produced large amounts of 17 alpha, 20 beta-diOHprog, averaging over 100 ng/ml with 1 microgram/ml SG-G100. These results are discussed in relation to previous work on amago salmon and other species and together indicate that 17 alpha, 20 beta-diOHprog is the major steroid responsible for oocyte maturation in amago salmon, produced as the follicular mediator of gonadotropin.

17 alpha,20 beta-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one: plasma levels during sexual maturation and in vitro production by the testes of amago salmon (Oncorhynchus rhodurus) and rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri)

The present study investigated seasonal changes in plasma 17 alpha,20 beta-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (17 alpha,20 beta-diOHprog) levels in precociously mature and fully grown mature male amago salmon (Oncorhynchus rhodurus) and in vitro 17 alpha,20 beta-diOHprog production by the testes of amago salmon and rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) in response to chum salmon gonadotropin. Plasma 17 alpha,20 beta-diOHprog levels were very low from June to September, and rapidly increased in October at the beginning of the spawning season in both precociously mature and fully grown mature male amago salmon. High levels of 17 alpha,20 beta-diOHprog were maintained during the period of active spermiation in precociously mature males, and quickly declined in mid-November. Incubation of testicular fragments from spermiating rainbow trout with chum salmon gonadotropin or 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone resulted in a highly significant increase in 17 alpha,20 beta-diOHprog levels in the incubation medium. The chum salmon gonadotropin was also effective in stimulating 17 alpha,20 beta-diOHprog production by testicular fragments obtained from amago salmon after the breeding season. These findings are discussed in relation to the possible involvement of 17 alpha,20 beta-diOHprog in spermiation of salmonids.

Co-operation of progesterone and prostaglandins in ovulation induced by human chorionic gonadotrophin in immature rats primed with pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin

Serial injections of a mixture of prostaglandin (PG) E2 and F2 alpha 0, 2, 4, and 6 h after simultaneous injection of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) and indomethacin incompletely restored the ovulation that would have been blocked by indomethacin in immature rats treated with pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin followed by hCG. Serial injections of another mixture of PGE2 and PGF2 alpha 6, 8, 10 and 12 h after simultaneous injection of hCG and indomethacin similarly reversed, in part, the inhibitory effects of indomethacin on hCG-induced ovulation. In contrast, serial injections of the mixtures of PGE2 and PGF2 alpha 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 h after simultaneous injection of hCG and indomethacin completely restored the indomethacin-blocked ovulation, suggesting that the prostaglandins mediate the action of hCG on ovulation both in the earlier and later stages of the preovulatory process. Six hours after simultaneous injection of hCG and indomethacin serial injections of a mixture of PGE2 and PGF2 alpha reproduced the acute and temporary increase in concentrations of progesterone and testosterone in plasma which would have been abolished by indomethacin. Progesterone given concurrently with hCG and indomethacin partially antagonized the inhibitory action of indomethacin on ovulation. Serial injections of a mixture of PGE2 and PGF2 alpha 6, 8, 10 and 12 h after concurrent administration of progesterone with hCG and indomethacin completely restored the indomethacin-blocked ovulation, suggesting that progesterone can substitute the action of prostaglandins injected serially in the first half of the preovulatory process. It was concluded that the co-operation of progesterone in the earlier stage and of prostaglandins in the later stage of the preovulatory interval is required to mediate the action of hCG on ovulation.

[A simple method for radioimmunoassay of total estrogen in urine]

A simple and rapid radioimmunoassay (RIA) without extraction or purification was developed for Total Estrogen (conjugated and unconjugated estrogen) in urine from normal men and nonpregnant women. Antiserum used to RIA was produced by immunizing rabbits with estriol-16 alpha-glucuronide (E3-16-G)-BSA conjugates. Antiserum to E3-16-G.BSA significantly cross-reacted with E1 (100%), E2 (100%), E3 (100%), E3-16-G (100%), AND E3-17-G (100%) and did not react with other conjugated estrogen in urine. Urinary estrogen glucuronides and sulfates were gently hydrolyzed by beta-glucuronidase from Helix pomatia juice for 2hr (48 degrees C) without inhibition, and hydrolysis urine was directly applied to RIA. The results obtained from this direct method correlated well with the chromatographic purificating method, the extracting method and the Brawn-Kambegawa method (colorimetric method). This direct method is very useful for clinical application.

[A progesterone-dependent step in HCG-induced ovulation in immature rats (author's transl)]

The effect of antiserum to progesterone on follicular rupture during the ovulatory process was studied. Mean number of ova shed following treatment of immature rats sequentially with PMS and hCG was reduced in a dose-dependent manner by simultaneous injection with increasing doses of antiserum to progesterone. When the animal received 1.2 ml of the antiserum, hCG-induced ovulation was blocked completely. To be effective, antiserum treatment had to be within 6 h of hCG treatment; antiserum given 9 h after hCG was ineffective. Progesterone restored' the antiserum blocked ovulation completely or incompletely when administered intravenously within 6 h of treatment with hCG. The first 6 h was shown to be a progesterone-dependent step in the ovulatory process in this experimental system.

Chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay of dehydroepiandrosterone and its sulfate using peroxidase as label

We report a highly sensitive enzyme immunoassay for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate (DHEA-S) using horseradish peroxidase as the label enzyme. Separation of free and bound DHEA-peroxidase conjugate was by insolubilized antibody, prepared by coupling purified IgG of goat anti-rabbit IgG serum with Sepharose 4B or a polystyrene tube. The enzyme activity was measured by the chemiluminescence reaction using luminol and hydrogen peroxide as substrate. The faint chemiluminescence was measured by a photon counter. The sensitivity was 25 pg/assay tube for DHEA and 100 pg/assay tube for DHEA-S. Upon comparison, results obtained by radioimmunoassay and this method showed good agreement ; r = 0.86 for free DHEA, r = 0.92 for acid-hydrolyzed DHEA-S and r = 0.91 for solvolyzed DHEA-S. The present method is applicable in the routine determination of DHEA and DHEA-S in biological fluid.

[The determination of unconjugated estrone, estradiol, estriol and estetrol in serum or amniotic fluid by high performance liquid chromatography with an amperometric detector (author's transl)]

A simultaneous microdetermination of unconjugated estrone, estradiol, estriol and estetrol in serum or amniotic fluid by High Performance Liquid Chromatography with an Amperometric Detector is described. Steroids in serum or amniotic fluid were extracted with 10 volumes of ethyl ether, and then ether extract was evaporated to dryness under N2 gas. After defatting with a mixture of 50% methanol/n-hexane, the methanol phase was evaporated to dryness under N2 gas. The residue was applied to microcolumn packed with 2 ml volume of Sephadex LH-20 in the eluting solvent benzene/methanol (85:15). Fractions contained estrone and estradiol; estriol and estetrol were collected and then evaporated to dryness under N2 gas. The sample solution was applied to HPLC using a reverse phase ODS column and acetonitrile: 0.1M KH2 PO4 47:53 for estrone and estradiol fraction, and 30:70 for estriol and estetrol fraction as a mobile phase, respectively. The fraction of each estrogen was separated completely within a 20 minute period. The limit of detection of estrone, estradiol, estriol and estetrol was 50 pg, respectively.